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The Microchip Revolution: Avionics at the Speed of Light in 2025

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

As 2025 approaches, the aviation industry stands on the cusp of a technological revolution fueled by the introduction of super-fast microchips. These advanced semiconductors are set to redefine avionics, delivering unprecedented processing power, efficiency, and reliability.

Faster, Smarter, Safer Avionics

Super-fast microchips, developed with cutting-edge nanotechnology, are enabling avionics systems to process complex data streams in real time. For pilots, this means quicker access to critical information, such as weather patterns, air traffic data, and engine performance metrics. Enhanced real-time analytics not only improve situational awareness but also facilitate faster decision-making, ensuring safer skies.

Enabling Next-Generation Autonomous Systems

One of the most transformative impacts of these microchips is their role in advancing autonomous flight systems. With superior processing power, aircraft equipped with these chips can execute intricate algorithms for navigation, collision avoidance, and landing with minimal human intervention. Autonomous capabilities are no longer confined to test programs but are becoming a mainstream reality for cargo and passenger flights alike.

Connectivity and the IoT Revolution

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining significant traction in aviation, with aircraft becoming highly connected ecosystems. Super-fast microchips underpin the seamless integration of avionics systems with ground control and cloud-based platforms. This

connectivity enhances predictive maintenance by analyzing performance data in real time, reducing downtime, and lowering operational costs.

Implications for Aircraft Values

As avionics systems evolve, the adoption of these microchips is already influencing aircraft valuations. Models equipped with next-gen avionics are seeing higher base values and lease rates, as airlines prioritize aircraft that promise enhanced performance and operational efficiency. Conversely, older aircraft with outdated systems face accelerated depreciation.

The Airbus A350-1000, already a leader in avionics innovation, is positioned to benefit substantially. Its state-of-the-art systems are compatible with next-generation microchip upgrades, enhancing its appeal to operators seeking cutting-edge performance and fuel efficiency.

Similarly, the Boeing 777X family, including the 777-9, stands to gain as its avionics suite incorporates high-speed processing capabilities, supporting its long-haul operations and pilot-assist systems. The 777X is a twin-engine, widebody, long-range jetliner that’s one of the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jets.

Narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) may also see increased demand, particularly among carriers requiring enhanced operational efficiency on medium-haul routes. These advancements are expected to attract premium lease rates as operators seek the economic advantages tied to enhanced avionics.

The A321XLR is a groundbreaking aircraft in the narrowbody segment, designed to serve routes traditionally dominated by widebody planes. The A321XLR offers a maximum range of approximately 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), significantly farther than its predecessor, the A321LR (Long Range), which has a range of about 4,000 nautical miles.

The extended range of the A321XLR enables airlines to operate long-haul routes previously inaccessible to narrowbody aircraft, such as transatlantic flights and routes connecting secondary cities. Accordingly, the technology in the cockpit of the A321XLR disproportionately benefits from ultra-sophisticated tech.

Older aircraft models with limited upgrade potential could face declining demand, exacerbating disparities in market valuations and highlighting the growing importance of technology in determining aircraft competitiveness.

With super-fast microchips redefining the capabilities of avionics, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for aviation, setting the stage for faster, smarter, and safer skies.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post The Microchip Revolution: Avionics at the Speed of Light in 2025 appeared first on Avionics International.

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Lilium Announces Buy-out Deal With American and European Investors – Dec. 24, 224, AIN

A group of European and American investors as the Mobile Lift Corporation agreed to acquire the assets of the German eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium, AIN reported. On Dec. 24 Lilium announced an agreement with Mobile Lift Corporation and confirmed on Dec. 20 it laid off all its employees. Mobile Lift is incorporated in Germany as a private company and in January it is expected to close on a transaction to acquire Lilium’s two German subsidiaries in early January. This came after the German legislature blocked an over $51 million loan guarantee for Lilium in October, spurring it to find new owners.

The post Lilium Announces Buy-out Deal With American and European Investors – Dec. 24, 224, AIN appeared first on Avionics International.

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BAE Systems and Airbus collaborate on sustainable aircraft technology

BAE Systems has signed an agreement with Airbus to provide the energy storage system for Airbus’ microhybridization demonstration project for commercial aircraft. The two companies will advance sustainable aviation by maturing and integrating electrification technologies that can reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.

BAE Systems will develop, test, and deliver energy storage packs for electric aircraft in the megawatt power class, offering two hundred-kilowatt-hour energy capacity to enhance energy efficiency and performance. The energy storage system will provide electric propulsion assist to the engine during various phases of flight.

As part of the agreement, BAE Systems will provide energy storage systems to Airbus for lab testing and system integration for hybridization technology demonstration.

“Our collaboration with Airbus will help future developments in air travel—advancing sustainable aviation with leading-edge energy management solutions,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems’ experience in flight-critical systems and vehicle electrification equips us to meet aerospace’s unique demands, allowing us to optimize performance, work towards more responsible aircraft operations, and address safe electric flight.”

BAE Systems has made investments in aircraft electrification and energy management, leveraging its expertise in safety-critical systems to mature technologies that meet energy storage system performance and certification requirements. The company’s technology is certifiable, fault-tolerant, and designed to address the highest levels of safety, including solutions for thermal runaway mitigation and containment.

The company has developed solutions to meet key challenges of energy storage in electric aviation, providing the optimum balance of energy and power for the next generation of aircraft. Its family of energy storage products offers a roadmap to 300 Wh/kg energy density using high-volume standard format cells. This gives aircraft a cost-effective and scalable upgrade path as battery technology matures.

BAE Systems’ experience developing and integrating electric power and propulsion systems goes back more than 25 years, while its expertise in developing flight-critical control systems for military and commercial aircraft spans more than four decades.

 Work on the energy storage system will be performed at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York.

 

The post BAE Systems and Airbus collaborate on sustainable aircraft technology appeared first on Avionics International.

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AFRL/F-35 Program Investing in New Digital Engineering Hardware

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, boards an F-35A Lightning II for his final flight on June 14th at Luke AFB, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, boards an F-35A Lightning II for his final flight on June 14th at Luke AFB, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, boards an F-35A Lightning II for his final flight on June 14th at Luke AFB, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the program office for the Lockheed Martin F-35 are investing in digital engineering to speed development, as AFRL hosts a ribbon cutting for the Micro-Electronics Digital Engineering Infrastructure on Thursday at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

AFRL’s DoD Supercomputing Resource Center is to house the new, advanced micro-electronics hardware.

The latter is part of a $70-million investment by the F-35 Joint Program Office and others in advanced, digital engineering, AFRL said.

“These upgrades are designed to accelerate the development of advanced technology and digital solutions to enhance warfighter readiness,” according to the lab. “AFRL’s partnerships with industry leaders have incorporated best commercial practices to significantly reduce development timelines and drive innovation. The upgraded infrastructure supports critical initiatives such as the F-35 program, Navy projects, DARPA and the Microelectronics Commons — a program managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense — as well as other Department of Defense projects.”

Faster development and fewer software setbacks look to be key for the F-35. The incoming Trump administration, backed by anti-manned fighter comments from top Trump adviser Elon Musk, may examine the F-35 program in-depth.

The fiscal 2025 defense authorization bill provides for a delay in the delivery of 20 of 68 F-35s in fiscal 2025 until the defense secretary submits a report on “certain corrective action plans and acquisition strategies that will improve research, development, testing, evaluation, production and sustainment issues and deficiencies identified across multiple areas within the F–35 program enterprise”.

The 48 F-35s authorized for delivery are 30 U.S. Air Force F-35As, nine U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs, and nine U.S. Navy F-35Cs.

The F-35 JPO has said that it wants to deliver a “fully combat capable” fighter next year with the Technology Refresh-3 software upgrade–the foundation for dozens of envisioned Block 4 weapons and sensors.

A significant part of the effort is rejuvenating laboratory capacity, and Lockheed Martin said that it will invest $350 million over five years in that capacity.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post AFRL/F-35 Program Investing in New Digital Engineering Hardware appeared first on Avionics International.

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COMAC’s Regional Expansion Fuels Competition with Industry Giants Boeing and Airbus

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

However, the prospect of a trade war between the U.S. and China under the new Trump regime could prove an impediment to COMAC’s imported technology.

China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in Q4 2024 opened an office in Hong Kong and signed a deal to support flight operations there. The launch of the Hong Kong Office closely followed the opening of COMAC’s Asia-Pacific office in Singapore.

The Hong Kong office is an important step in COMAC’s international ambitions, as the Shanghai-based planemaker tries to gain market share in the global passenger jet market. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China with its own civil aviation regulator.

COMAC’s Hong Kong expansion underscores how the globe’s two leading aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, will face a tough competitor in COMAC, the first China-based domestic manufacturer of passenger aircraft.

However, the incoming Trump administration has vowed to impose tariffs and get tough with China. The outbreak of a trade war could prove a headwind for COMAC.

The more successful COMAC becomes, the more likely that the West cuts off the technology for its aircraft.

In particular, if China decides to close the borders to imports of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the West could make COMAC’s flagship aircraft, the C919 and C909, impossible to build. Replicating their engines, avionics, and other systems would take much longer than it took to create the jets themselves, and would cost more, too.

John Persinos, the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos, the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News.

Indeed, avionics know-how is likely to prove a global battleground in any tit-for-tat tariff exchange between China and the U.S. in 2025 and beyond.

Editor’s Note: To watch a video presentation on this avionics-related topic, visit https://www.aircraftvaluenews.com/video/

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post COMAC’s Regional Expansion Fuels Competition with Industry Giants Boeing and Airbus appeared first on Avionics International.

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China’s Avionics Push: COMAC’s Challenge to Western Cockpit Technology

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) is rapidly advancing in avionics development as it seeks to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing. The avionics systems integrated into COMAC’s flagship aircraft, the C919, demonstrate the country’s ambition to develop cutting-edge technology that meets international standards while leveraging domestic production advantages.

The C919’s avionics suite, developed in collaboration with Western and Chinese firms, features advanced flight management systems, enhanced autopilot capabilities, and next-generation cockpit displays designed for improved pilot situational awareness. By incorporating digital technologies and open architecture, COMAC aims to offer airlines greater customization options while ensuring system scalability for future upgrades.

This strategy aligns with China’s broader push for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology. Recent geopolitical tensions and export restrictions have motivated COMAC to reduce reliance on Western suppliers for critical avionics components.

The company is increasingly partnering with Chinese firms, such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and China Electronics Technology Group (CETC) to develop indigenous systems, positioning itself as a key player in a market previously dominated by U.S. and European manufacturers.

AVIC and CETC are two major state-owned enterprises in China that play significant roles in the country’s aerospace and electronics industries.

AVIC is one of China’s largest state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerates, primarily focused on aircraft manufacturing, aviation systems, and military technology. It was founded in 1951 and is under the control of the Chinese government.

AVIC’s portfolio includes civil and military aircraft, aviation components, and related services. The company is involved in the design and production of both commercial and military aircraft, such as regional jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). AVIC is also engaged in aviation technology research, development, and manufacturing of avionics systems.

CETC is a Chinese state-owned enterprise primarily focused on electronics, information technology, and defense industries. Founded in 2002, CETC is one of China’s key players in the fields of telecommunications, radar systems, avionics, and electronic warfare.

CETC is involved in a wide range of technology sectors, including radar, satellite communications, aerospace electronics, and information systems. The company’s offerings extend to the development of technologies for military and civilian applications, including electronic components for aircraft, submarines, and satellites.

CETC develops critical electronics for China’s military aircraft, including radar and avionics systems for platforms such as the Chengdu J-10 fighter jet. It is also involved in the development of civil technologies like telecommunications equipment and electronic devices.

CETC is largely focused on the domestic market but is expanding its footprint in global electronics, particularly in countries within the Belt and Road Initiative. The company’s role in defense technology also positions it as an important entity in the geopolitical and defense sectors.

Both AVIC and CETC are central to China’s goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency in key industries, including aerospace, defense, and electronics. Their growth is part of China’s broader strategy to challenge global technological powers like the U.S. and European Union, particularly in sectors like aviation, defense, and high-tech manufacturing.

Financially, these developments are reshaping aircraft valuation and lease rates in the Asia-Pacific market. Aircraft lessors report growing interest from Chinese airlines in leasing the C919 due to its lower acquisition costs and favorable financing terms, often backed by Chinese state banks.

While the C919’s avionics may not yet match the sophistication of those in the A320neo or 737 MAX, the C919’s competitive pricing and support from Beijing are driving demand. Analysts predict that by 2025, the C919’s market share could rise to 10% in Asia, with ripple effects on global leasing dynamics.

However, challenges remain. Western carriers have been slow to adopt COMAC aircraft, citing concerns about certification, reliability, and long-term maintenance. While China is making significant progress in avionics innovation, it still lags behind Airbus and Boeing in areas like artificial intelligence integration and predictive maintenance capabilities. Overcoming these hurdles will be crucial if COMAC intends to expand beyond regional markets.

The geopolitical implications of China’s avionics ambitions are far-reaching. By fostering a competitive aerospace industry, Beijing aims to reduce its reliance on Western aviation technologies and secure a strategic foothold in global aviation.

For lessors and airlines, this dynamic presents both opportunities and risks. The emergence of COMAC and its avionics systems offers a more diversified supply chain but also raises questions about the long-term balance of power in the aerospace industry.

As COMAC continues to innovate and gain certification in key markets, its avionics developments will be a focal point in the evolving competition between East and West in the aviation sector.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post China’s Avionics Push: COMAC’s Challenge to Western Cockpit Technology appeared first on Avionics International.

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Autonomous Avionics: How the Airbus A350-1000 Is Setting New Standards in the Cockpit

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

The Airbus A350-1000 is spearheading the next frontier in avionics: autonomous flight capabilities. The aircraft’s cockpit is equipped with sophisticated systems that blend sensor fusion, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven decision-making, enabling significant automation in navigation, takeoff, and landing.

While full autonomy remains a long-term goal, the intermediate steps taken by Airbus are already influencing market dynamics. These advanced avionics systems reduce pilot workload, improve safety metrics, and optimize flight efficiency. The financial implications are profound.

Airlines using the A350-1000 report lower training costs for pilots and improved on-time performance, both of which positively impact operating margins.

For lessors, the A350-1000’s avionics are a selling point. With the global push for reduced carbon emissions, the A350-1000’s ability to execute highly efficient, AI-optimized flight paths is particularly appealing to airlines under pressure to meet sustainability targets. This has driven up the model’s base value by approximately 8% over the last two years and allowed lessors to secure favorable lease terms even in a competitive market.

However, these advancements also carry risks. The costs of maintaining such sophisticated avionics systems are higher, and technical failures could result in substantial operational disruptions. Despite this, demand for the A350-1000 remains robust, underscoring the industry’s confidence in the long-term viability of autonomous avionics.

The Airbus A350-1000 is a long-range, widebody aircraft that represents the pinnacle of modern aerospace engineering. It is the largest variant in the A350 family, offering a passenger capacity of up to 410 in a typical two-class configuration and a range of approximately 8,700 nautical miles. Its design, technology, and performance make it a game-changer for the aviation industry.

Key Features of the A350-1000
  • Advanced Materials

The A350-1000 is constructed using 53% composite materials, which reduce weight and enhance durability. These materials, combined with titanium and advanced aluminum alloys, improve fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance.

  • Efficient Engines

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000 delivers 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.

  • Aerodynamic Innovations

The aircraft features a state-of-the-art wing design with a high aspect ratio and adaptive winglets. These optimize lift-to-drag ratio and improve fuel efficiency, especially on ultra-long-haul routes.

  • Cutting-Edge Avionics

The A350-1000 boasts a sophisticated cockpit suite with intuitive controls, integrated systems, and a head-up display (HUD) to enhance pilot situational awareness.

  • Autonomy and Digital Connectivity

The A350-1000 is equipped with the Airbus Flight Operational Real-time Analysis (FORCE) system, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring. Its avionics also support research into autonomous flight technologies, positioning the aircraft as a testing platform for the future of aviation.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post Autonomous Avionics: How the Airbus A350-1000 Is Setting New Standards in the Cockpit appeared first on Avionics International.

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Next-Gen Flight Management Systems Are Reshaping Aircraft Values and Lease Rates

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

The accelerating emergence of next-generation FMS is exerting profound financial implications for the aircraft industry.

The accelerating emergence of next-generation FMS is exerting profound financial implications for the aircraft industry.

Recent advancements in Flight Management Systems (FMS) have revolutionized cockpit operations, `enhancing efficiency and safety while reshaping the financial dynamics of aircraft acquisition and leasing.

Next-gen FMS in aviation refers to the evolution of traditional flight management systems, incorporating advanced technology and enhanced capabilities to improve efficiency, safety, and adaptability in modern aircraft. These systems are designed to address the increasing complexity of air traffic management, operational demands, and the integration of cutting-edge avionics.

Key Features of Next-Gen FMS
Enhanced Navigation and Trajectory Management
  • Integration with Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) standards like RNAV (Area Navigation) and RNP (Required Navigation Performance).
  • 4D trajectory management, allowing precise control of position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and time for optimal flight path planning.
Real-Time Data Integration
  • Capability to receive and process real-time data, including weather updates, air traffic control (ATC) directives, and aircraft performance metrics.
  • Connection with satellite-based navigation systems like GPS, Galileo, and SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System).
Automation and Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine learning algorithms to optimize flight paths and fuel efficiency.
  • Predictive analytics for maintenance and performance monitoring.
User-Friendly Interfaces
  • Touchscreen-enabled interfaces for pilot interaction.
  • Intuitive menus and graphical displays for improved situational awareness.
Cybersecurity and Redundancy
  • Advanced protections against potential cyber threats.
  • Dual or triple redundancy systems to ensure reliability.
Eco-Efficiency
  • Features to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Optimized climb, cruise, and descent profiles.
Connectivity with Air Traffic Management (ATM):
  • Seamless integration with systems like NextGen (U.S.) and SESAR (Europe), which aim to modernize air traffic control.
  • Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Data Comm capabilities for real-time communication with ATC.
Applications of Next-Gen FMS:
  • Widely used in both commercial and military aviation.
  • Critical for new aircraft like the Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and upcoming autonomous or semi-autonomous systems.
  • Supporting initiatives for single-pilot operations and fully autonomous flights.

The next-gen FMS represents a leap forward in operational efficiency and safety, aligning with the global aviation industry’s push toward modernization and sustainability.

Major avionics companies are leading the charge, offering next-generation FMS equipped with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms capable of real-time optimization of flight paths, fuel usage, and weather navigation.

These advanced systems significantly reduce operating costs, a critical factor in the tight-margin world of commercial aviation. Airlines and lessors increasingly prioritize these upgrades, recognizing their value in reducing fuel consumption—currently the largest variable cost in aviation.

The integration of cutting-edge FMS is also reshaping aircraft valuation and lease rates. Aircraft equipped with these systems tend to command higher base values, as lessors can justify premium lease rates based on the cost savings such systems generate.

For narrowbody jets like the Airbus A320neo or Boeing 737 MAX, lessors report lease premiums of up to 10% for models fitted with state-of-the-art FMS.

However, challenges remain. Retrofitting older aircraft with modern FMS can be cost-prohibitive, often leaving them at a disadvantage in the leasing market. Consequently, airlines are increasingly opting for newer models, boosting demand for aircraft like the A321XLR, which come with these systems pre-installed.

As the aviation industry strives toward sustainability and cost-efficiency, the adoption of advanced FMS is becoming not just a technological leap but a financial necessity.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post Next-Gen Flight Management Systems Are Reshaping Aircraft Values and Lease Rates appeared first on Avionics International.

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Northrop Grumman To Modernize Marine Corps F/A-18 Data Links

AN/AAQ-28(v) LITENING targeting system pod. (Photo: Northrop Grumman.)

AN/AAQ-28(v) LITENING targeting system pod. (Photo: Northrop Grumman.)

AN/AAQ-28(v) LITENING targeting system pod. (Photo: Northrop Grumman.)

Northrop Grumman on Thursday announced the Marine Corps chose to use the company to modernize LITENING data links for its Boeing F/A-18 A-D Hornet aircraft.

This specifically means the company will provide Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) to the electro-optical/infrared­ (EO/IR) targeting pods. The company said the ATDL will facilitate faster transfer speeds for more rapid decision-making compared to previous waveforms.

Northrop Grumman noted the ATDL for the LITENING pod will be the first tactical aircraft data link to use the Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL) waveform, “which enables faster communications.”

ATDL will specifically replace the current Plug-and-Play II data link and can be added to any fourth generation or newer LITENING pods. It includes an updated processor, software-defined radio, wideband antenna and improved data recorder. The company said this includes G4, SE, LDP, Color and Large Aperture pod variants.

LITENING EO/IR targeting pods detect, acquire, identify and track targets at extended ranges. It facilitates missions including precision targeting, air superiority, close air support, surveillance and humanitarian assistance. The company boasted the pod’s modular design allows upgrades to keep up with mission needs. 

“LITENING’s high-definition sensors on the advanced EO/IR targeting pod gather critical information, enabling more rapid decision making. The ATDL enhancement is like upgrading to better Wi-Fi by building on LITENING’s already proven data links, making live feeds immediately available on the ground – a critical capability in our modern environment,” James Conroy, vice president for navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, said in a statement.

Northrop Grumman said it has thus far delivered more than 900 LITENING pods to U.S. and international customers combined.

The company also noted this update comes after previous LITENING data link integrations like the NET-T, that operates like a secure airborne Wi-Fi router, Mobile Ad-hoc Networks and Freedom 550 radios to connect multiple users across various aircraft generations and domains.

The ATDL two-way multi-band link will allow transmission of video, still images on metadata, with operators in the air and on the ground both looking at the same live video feed at the same time. 

In October, Northrop Grumman said the LITENING pod finished its initial flight testing on the newer Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, putting it through maneuvers representative of operational situations.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post Northrop Grumman To Modernize Marine Corps F/A-18 Data Links appeared first on Avionics International.

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Navy Picks SNC To Develop More Prototype Logistics Drones

The Sierra Nevada Corp.’s unmanned Voly Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. (Image: Sierra Nevada Corp.)

The Sierra Nevada Corp.’s unmanned Voly Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. (Image: Sierra Nevada Corp.)

The Sierra Nevada Corp.’s unmanned Voly Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. (Image: Sierra Nevada Corp.)

Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) on Dec. 5 said the Navy awarded it a prototype other transaction (OT) agreement to develop the technology to support autonomous unmanned air transport capability for naval logistics purposes.

Under this award, SNC will use its artificial intelligence systems with its Voly vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unnamed Aerial System (UAS) to help the Navy with its project to improve light cargo resupply capabilities via unmanned systems, the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program.

The program specifically looks to solve a Navy challenge in being able to deliver light cargo over long ocean distances to reduce the burden on manned aircraft.

SNC said it will help develop the technology to help support the Navy with an on-demand, autonomous, unmanned air transport delivery capability needed for the U.S. Navy’s fleet and Military Sealift Command (MSC).

“The autonomous movement of critical parts and supplies in distributed maritime operations increases operational readiness and warfighting capability of embarked ships or aircraft,” the company said.

The company boasted its Voly UAS is a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft with payload, range and endurance capabilities needed for multi-role operations. SNC underscored the aircraft can simultaneously carry cargo, additional fuel and sensors.

“SNC is proud to partner with the Navy to develop this critical game-changing technology. Our Voly solution with its long-haul capability, provides the technological advancements needed for safe and reliable resupply to geographically dispersed maritime environments,” Josh Walsh, SNC vice president of programs, said in a statement.

In 2020 the Navy said historic data showed warships often moved into partially or non-mission capable status due to logistics issues like electronics parts or assemblies that usually weigh under 50 pounds. Missions to deliver these kinds of parts are currently performed by H-60 helicopters or V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, but this review  spurred the service to look into using Group-3 size UAS.

At the time, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) had already acquired a Skyways Air Transportation Inc. drone for this Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS experimental cargo transport.

SNC argued its unmanned VTOL aircraft has significant advantages over other UAVs or conventional fixed-wing aircraft for this kind of mission: they can perform point takeoff and landing with minimal space requirements, feature redundant lift motors and avionics, increased maneuverability, and the ability to land after engine or other catastrophic failures.

The company said its part in the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program envisions Navy assets bringing large amounts of supplies to forward operating bases where fleets of unmanned aircraft can deliver needed parts to vessels in complicated maritime environments. This could help deliver the cargo to more widespread destinations.

“An unmanned resupply capability allows users to overcome the contested logistics challenges of the future and ensures forward-deployed units are stocked with parts and supplies needed for operations,” said Tim Harper, SNC vice president of business development. 

“The Voly hybrid UAS represents a new opportunity to completely disrupt how critical assets are delivered, by minimizing personnel and filling the gap where traditional delivery methods are unable to achieve the mission,” he continued.

Previously, in 2021 NAWCAD awarded PteroDynamics a contract to supply three of its VTOL drones for the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program.

The Voly originated as a drone made by the former company Volansi, which SNC acquired in 2022.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post Navy Picks SNC To Develop More Prototype Logistics Drones appeared first on Avionics International.

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