To improve air traffic in more difficult conditions, experts at Thales Defense and Security Inc. are working on developing three Deployable Aircraft Instrument Landing Systems (D-ILS). Thales Defense is working on this project under a $14.1 million order with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base. Read more >>

Bell Helicopter has just announced the signing of a memorandum of Understanding with a leading company in the Romanian defense and aerospace industry, IAR- Ghimbav Basov Group. Being a global partner with IAR- Ghimbav Basov Group will ally the aircraft manufacturer with the industry leader in aeronautical structures and electrical work who happens to place a special emphasis on MRO capabilities for helicopters. IAR- Ghimbav Basov Group has been in operation for more than eight decades and is the first point of contact for support on the AH-1Z “Viper” attack helicopter when the Romanian government makes a decision. Read more >>

Thales and ATI have paired up in research to be able create a newer communication system for communication within the aircraft and with other sources. This project has been projected to make the UK one the leading aviation industries in the world which will enhance their communication with the cabin, passengers and the cockpit operators.  The initiation of the innovations of their software engineering, radio frequency technology, security, and digital and signal processing. With the production being increased due to this research it will create an approximate 145 high value jobs in the UK. Read more >>

According to the Avionics Magazine the FAA is to release their long-awaited Departure Clearance (DCL) Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower system to help facilitate aircraft communication. As of the ending of the year 2016 this long-awaited data communication system will be installed into 56 airport towers  The  device has been tested and installed to see its production in action on some aircrafts as of , Sept. 27, the agency demonstrated the use of Data Comm on a UPS Boeing 767 and United Airlines Boeing 777 at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.” One of the great applications the Data Comm offers is its ability to send “text messages” throughout the pilots and controllers. Many times, voice communication can be miss leading when not heard correctly either dispatching or receiving incoming airplanes. The Data communicators goal is to avoid confusion and have a readable message that will be a straight forward command upon receiving. Read more >>

The Ministry of Defense has just announced that they have taken delivery of the 30th upgraded Merlin Mk2 helicopter from aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Representatives from the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defense were joined by Lockheed Martin UK in a ceremony to commemorate the handover of the final airframe at Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, England. Over the past ten years the two companies have collaborated as a team in order to design, develop, and manufacture Merlin Mk2 as part of the Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme. With just a shade under $750 million, the contract for thirty Mk1 helicopters were upgraded to enhance and extend their life of operations with the Royal Navy. Read more >>