A&D News from across the Product Lifecycle for Sept 10, 2024

Welcome to the first edition of the Let’s Get Defensive newsletter!

Each week, we dive into the latest Defense and Aerospace news, breaking down the key challenges and discussing innovative solutions to keep projects on track and ahead of the competition.

Expect deep insights into how AI, digital transformation, and the Critical Thread approach, across your Product Lifecycle are reshaping the defense landscape.

Whether you’re focused on engineering, virtual manufacturing, predictive maintenance, multi-domain operations, or the latest in aerospace innovation, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for practical takeaways and real-world applications to accelerate your initiatives.

Let's get to this week's show:

We explored several high-impact topics, focusing on:

• modernization efforts,
• the integration of advanced technologies, and
• the importance of predictive maintenance and AI.

Key discussions revolved around predictive maintenance for MRO in engine systems, modernization of military ships, and Mars missions.

Our guest, Lewis Breeding, shared valuable insights on the role of CAD management and model-based design in accelerating the product lifecycle for defense systems.

Top 3-5 Takeaways:

1. AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance for MRO:

Safran’s collaboration with Egypt on engine maintenance highlighted the importance of AI in predictive maintenance, enabling better integration of real-time data with MRO activities to prevent failures before they occur.

Predictive simulations and AI-based traceability can enhance safety and reduce operational downtime.

2. Modernizing Military Ships with AI and Config Management:

The USS Hy’s $177 million overhaul demonstrated the role of AI in configuration management and predictive analytics to manage data streams from mechanical, electrical, and combat systems. The challenge is maintaining data integrity and operational readiness during complex upgrades, and AI can help pinpoint potential failures ahead of time.

3. Mission Critical Systems and Data Integrity for Mars Exploration:

Rocket Lab and Blue Origin’s collaboration in Mars exploration underscored the integration challenges in mission-critical systems. AI and simulation tools are essential for ensuring that systems from different companies and technologies work seamlessly in space missions where there is zero tolerance for error.

4. AI for Multi-Domain Intelligence (ISR):

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s HADES program showcased the application of advanced sensing technologies in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). AI-driven predictive analytics and real-time data fusion were discussed as critical tools for maintaining top-level ISR capabilities over the long term.

5. Scalability and Safety in Modern Munitions:

With AeroVironment’s contract to supply switchblade loitering munitions, safety and scalability were key challenges identified. Andrew emphasized the importance of scaling the supply chain efficiently while ensuring real-time ISR system integration to prevent mission failures.

Last Week's Top Defense Headlines

Below, you’ll find quick 3-4 minute video discussions where we break down each headline, highlight the key challenges, and explore the innovative solutions shaping the future of the industry. Dive in and stay informed on the latest developments impacting your projects.

The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed an agreement to maintain Larzac engines in Egypt,

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - AOI.mp 4

marking a significant collaboration in aerospace and defense. This partnership allows AOI to become a licensed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO for short) provider for the Larzac engines, which are used in Alpha Jet aircraft. The new engine shop in Helwan will employ 30 skilled workers, reflecting AOI's commitment to developing a robust industrial base. This deal also highlights the importance of high-quality standards and certifications in manufacturing processes, ensuring reliability and safety in aerospace operations.?

Qinetiq has been awarded a ￡20 million contract to build a new anechoic chamber test facility for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - QinetQ.mp 4

This "silent hangar" will be located at the Boscombe Down site in Wiltshire and is set to be completed by 2026. The facility will simulate electromagnetic environments to test military equipment like helicopters, UAVs, and fighter jets against electronic warfare threats such as GPS jamming. This investment is part of a long-term partnership between Qinetiq and the MoD, emphasizing the importance of robust testing in military manufacturing to ensure the resilience and security of defense systems.?

The USS Halsey, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, is undergoing a two-year, $177 million overhaul by BAE Systems.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - BAE Systems.mp 4

Announced on August 28, 2024, the upgrade will take place in San Diego and is scheduled for completion by April 2026. The project aims to modernize the ship’s aging systems, improve structural integrity, and enhance combat capabilities. Key upgrades will focus on the ship’s hull, mechanical, electrical systems, weapon systems, and command technologies, extending the vessel's operational life and maintaining its effectiveness in naval operations.?

Rocket Lab's Mars mission has reached a significant milestone with its probes ready for launch on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - Rocket Lab.mp 4

The collaboration between Rocket Lab and Blue Origin marks a crucial step in Mars exploration, with the New Glenn rocket designed to carry substantial payloads necessary for the mission. This launch highlights the competitive space race between billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, each striving for space supremacy. The mission aims to advance our understanding of Mars by deploying probes equipped with advanced scientific instruments to study the planet.?

The U.S. Army has awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a contract to lead the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - Sierra Nevada.mp 4

This initiative aims to modernize the Army's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by integrating advanced sensing technologies onto Bombardier Global 6500 jets. The 12-year contract could reach up to $994.3 million and focuses on replacing the outdated turboprop ISR fleet with aircraft capable of flying higher, faster, and longer, enhancing the Army's ability to gather intelligence and maintain situational awareness in multi-domain operations.?

Cathay Pacific has identified a problem with Rolls-Royce engines on 15 of its Airbus A350 aircraft, following a component failure during takeoff from Hong Kong.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - Cathay Pacific.mp 4

The airline is replacing the faulty parts and expects to resume flights by Saturday. Singapore Airlines is also inspecting its Airbus A350s as a precaution, though it hasn't reported any impacts yet. The affected engines are Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 models. The news caused Rolls-Royce shares to drop, but they partially recovered after initial declines. An investigation by Hong Kong authorities and Rolls-Royce is ongoing. Andrew-- what quality control measures are in place during the manufacturing of these components to prevent defects, and how might RR improve these processes to ensure greater reliability in the future??

AeroVironment has been awarded a $990 million contract by the U.S. Army to supply Switchblade loitering munitions, which are essentially small, portable drones that can be used for precision strikes.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - AeroVironment.mp 4

These munitions are part of the Army’s initiative to enhance its infantry battalions' ability to hit fortified or moving targets from a distance, even without direct sight. The contract is managed by Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, and follows a previous contract from December 2023, with deliveries set to begin soon.?

Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) has signed an agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to upgrade the Bell 412 helicopters used by the Norwegian Armed Forces.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - Kongsberg.mp 4

The upgrades will enhance communication and navigation systems, ensuring these helicopters remain operational until a new fleet is introduced. The first stage of upgrades focuses on civilian communication solutions, while the second stage will address military communication needs. The initial upgraded helicopters are expected by summer 2025, with further modifications planned during routine maintenance to maintain operational availability. It would be interesting to know how KAMS plans to streamline the manufacturing and installation processes to minimize downtime for the fleet.?

Lithuania has received over 150 new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from Oshkosh Defense as part of a significant modernization effort of its armed forces.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! 09.mp 4

This delivery marks the second phase of an acquisition program initiated in 2019, aimed at enhancing Lithuania's military capabilities and interoperability with the U.S. armed forces. The JLTVs are designed for high mobility, crew protection, and versatile mission adaptability, making them a valuable asset in reconnaissance, artillery, and air support operations. By 2027, these vehicles will also be equipped with short-range air defense systems, further boosting Lithuania's defense capabilities in a challenging security environment.?

Hanwha Systems' venture, Flexell Space, is partnering with Airbus Defence and Space to develop advanced tandem solar cell modules for satellites.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: Let_s Get Defensive! - Hanwah Airbus.mp 4

These high-efficiency solar cells are designed for various satellite surfaces, enhancing power generation in space. This collaboration aims to innovate the aerospace sector by leveraging both companies' expertise in solar technology and space systems. As the demand for more efficient energy sources in satellite technology grows, how might this partnership influence future manufacturing processes for solar cells in space applications??

The Critical Thread Discussion

and this week, we dove into Design & Change Management in the A&D sector with our very own 20yr veteran, coming to us with plenty of experience across Boeing Defense, Northrop, Spirit, Sikorsky etc:

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DISCUSSION: The Critical Thread Show.mp 4

Thanks for joining, Andrew

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