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Aviation Systems News

11 Mar 2016

FME Earns LCS Supplier of the Year Award

Fairbanks Morse Engine (FME) announced it has been named the 2015 Lockheed Martin Missions Systems and Training Supplier of the year for Ship and Aviation Systems during its annual Supplier Summit, held in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. on March 10, 2016. The award honors FME for its product delivery and performance, technical support, and commitment to affordability, the company said. As an industry partner to Lockheed Martin, FME said it is committed to a strong and ongoing focus in the areas of continuous improvement and cost competitiveness to provide the solutions necessary to meet the U.S. Navy’s needs in support of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. “Receiving this award from Lockheed Martin is a great honor for Fairbanks Morse Engine.

02 Mar 2016

SUNY Maritime Welcomes Astronaut Alumnus Back to Earth

Scott Kelly on a Dec. 21, 2015 spacewalk (Photo: NASA)

Late last night, SUNY Maritime College alumnus Scott Kelly, ’87, felt Earth’s gravity for the first time in nearly a year. The astronaut safely landed in Kazakhstan after plummeting hundreds of miles to Earth from the International Space Station with Russian astronaut Mikhail Kornienko. The two have spent more than 11 months on the International Space Station to determine the effect of extended amounts of time in space on the human body. “All of us at SUNY Maritime are thrilled to have Scott back on Earth…

17 Nov 2015

Mackay Acquires CMC’s Marine Business

Mackay Communications, Inc. acquired CMC Electronics’ commercial marine business on October 30, 2015, from Canadian parent, Esterline, a supplier of aviation systems. Esterline divested their marine sector to concentrate efforts on its core aviation business. CMC Electronics’ maritime brand traces its roots to the Canadian Marconi Company (CMC); originally the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada. Mackay Communications’ Marine Division is a turnkey supplier of communications and maritime electronic solutions and global service. According to the company, its acquisition of CMC Electronics’ commercial marine business mutually compliments their product offerings…

31 Aug 2015

HMAS Canberra Initial Operational Capability

The Royal Australian Navy’s Amphibious Ship, HMAS Canberra, has completed a graduated operational test and trials program to achieve a key milestone towards Initial Operating Capability. The program included integration of landing craft as well as trials for both the crew, ship and aviation systems. The Navy’s S70B Seahawk, Army’s S70A Blackhawk and the joint MRH-90 Taipan helicopters have now all been evaluated for operations from the Canberra class ships. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, said the milestone meant that Canberra had successfully conducted the required training and evaluation to undertake specific Government directed operations.

11 May 2015

Austal Christens USNS Brunswick

Austal celebrated the christening of USNS Brunswick (JHSV 6) with a ceremony this morning at its shipyard in Mobile, Ala. USNS Brunswick is the sixth of 10 Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy as part of an overall 10-ship block-buy contract worth over $1.6 billion. JHSV 6, a 338-foot shallow draft aluminum catamaran, is a multi-mission, non-combatant transport vessel characterized by its high volume, high speed, and flexibility. It is the fourth ship to be named Brunswick after the seaport city located on the southeast coast of Georgia. The city of Brunswick played an important role during World War II as the site of a 435-acre shipyard that employed up to 16,000 workers at its peak. The yard produced 99 Liberty ships by the end of the war.

25 Mar 2015

USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) Completes Acceptance Trials

The USNS Trenton in action (photo courtesy of Austal)

Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) successfully completed Acceptance Trials (AT) on March 13, 2015 in the Gulf of Mexico. Austal, the Trenton's shipbuilder, today announced the completion of the trials, which are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship. This milestone achievement involved the performance of intense comprehensive tests by the Navy, which demonstrated the operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment. "We’re very pleased with how well Trenton performed…

13 Jan 2015

General Dynamics Enhancing US Navy Capabilities

General Dynamics Mission Systems makes its debut as General Dynamics' newest business unit at the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 27th National Symposium. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and General Dynamics C4 Systems combined to form General Dynamics Mission Systems on January 1, 2015. "This restructuring has allowed us to create a real powerhouse. We are stronger together and offer a more robust portfolio of products, services and solutions that help customers successfully execute their missions in today's dynamic environment," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. "Our exhibits at SNA highlight our collective capabilities from which the U.S. General Dynamics Mission Systems will deliver greater capability more efficiently.

12 Jan 2015

USNS Trenton JHSV 5 Christened

Photo courtesy of Austal

Austal christened USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) January 10 at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. USNS Trenton is the fifth of 10 Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy as part of an overall 10-ship block-buy contract worth over $1.6 billion. The 338-foot catamaran vessel was named Trenton by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, after the capital of the state of New Jersey and the site of George Washington's first military victory during the American Revolutionary War.

11 Jan 2015

USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) Christened

Austal christened USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) this morning at its state-of-the-art shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. USNS Trenton is the fifth of ten Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy as part of an overall 10-ship block-buy contract worth over $1.6 billion. The 338-foot catamaran vessel was named Trenton by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, after the capital of the state of New Jersey and the site of George Washington's first military victory during the American Revolutionary War. According to Secretary Mabus, “Trenton displays American values of community, perseverance and resourcefulness at their very best.

01 Oct 2014

Austal Launches Trenton (JHSV 5)

Trenton (JHSV 5). Photo courtesy of Austal USA

On September 30, 2014, Austal USA successfully completed the launch process of Trenton (JHSV 5) - the second Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) launched by Austal in 2014. This 103-meter high-speed catamaran represents the U.S. Department of Defense’s next generation multiuse platform. It is part of a 10-ship program worth more than $1.6 billion. The launch of Trenton was conducted in a multi-step process that involved having Berard Transportation transfer the ship from Assembly Bay 3 onto a Crowley deck barge, which was then towed to BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard.

16 Sep 2014

Austal Delivers Fourth JHSV to the US Navy

Photo courtesy of Austal USA

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of USNS Fall River (JHSV 4) from Austal USA yesterday, a week shy of six months from the date they took delivery of JHSV 3. This is the fourth Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) delivered to date for the JHSV Program which totals 10 ships at over $1.6 billion. Regarding the delivery, Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said, “Delivery of this ship to the Navy is the culmination of many hours of hard work and dedication by Austal USA’s incredible shipbuilding professionals, as well as our teammates from General Dynamics AIS and the Navy.

07 Aug 2014

Austal Launches Montgomery (LCS 8)

On August 6, 2014, Austal USA successfully completed the launch of the future USS Montgomery (LCS 8). The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. This vessel is the second of ten 127-meter Independence-variant LCS class ships Austal has been contracted to build for the U.S. Navy as prime contractor subsequent to a $3.5 billion block buy in 2010. Craig Perciavalle, Austal USA President, commented, “We are very proud to launch the ship named after the capital of Alabama, especially since the greatest shipbuilders made it happen right here in Mobile, Alabama”. Mr.

28 Jan 2014

Multi-mission, Dual Design, Single Focus Littoral Combat Ships

(Credit: PRNews Foto/Lockheed Martin)

Last month marked the launch of two new Littoral Combat Ships: Milwaukee (LCS 5) launched by Marinette Marine into the icy Menominee River; and Jackson (LCS 6) launched by Austal into the far warmer waters found off of southern Alabama. While the two LCS variants and shipyard climates are a world apart, this innovate U.S. Navy ship production program has the common goal of fortifying U.S. defense interests while spurring investment in the creation of two state-of-the-art ship production facilities. Mid-December in Marinette, Wis., can be described with one word: cold.

17 Jan 2014

Austal Launches USNS Fall River

JHSV 4 rolls out of Austal final assembly on Berard Transportation transporters onto a launch barge (photo: Austal)

On January 16, 2014, Austal USA successfully completed the launch process of the USNS Fall River (JHSV 4). Recently christened, this 103-meter high-speed catamaran represents the U.S. Department of Defense’s next generation multiuse platform. It is part of a 10-ship program, the funds for all of which have been appropriated, worth over $1.6 billion. The launch of USNS Fall River was conducted in a multistep process that involved having Berard Transportation transfer the ship from Assembly Bay 3 onto a deck barge, which was then towed to BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard.

14 Jan 2014

Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Millinocket Completes Acceptance Trials

USNS Millinocket: Photo courtesy of Austal

Shipbuilders, Austal USA say that this milestone achievement involved the performance of intense comprehensive tests by the Navy while underway, which demonstrated the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment. This is the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship, which is expected in late January 2014. As the U.S. Department of Defense’s multi-use platform, the 103-meter JHSV will provide rapid intra-theater deployment/transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies.

31 Dec 2013

Austal Launches JACKSON (LCS 6)

LCS hulss 4 and 6, dockside at Austal.

First of Austal’s ten-ship Littoral Combat Ship contract. On December 14, 2013, Austal USA successfully completed the launch of the future USS Jackson (LCS 6). The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. This vessel is the first of ten 127-meter Independence-variant LCS class ships Austal has been contracted to build for the U.S. Navy as prime contractor subsequent to a $3.5 billion block buy in 2010.

17 Sep 2013

Nationwide Survey Shows Need for Critical Infrastructure Investments

Jay Timmons, NAM President and CEO, discusses infrastructure survey results at the Port of Philadelphia. Also pictured, Port of Philadelphia Executive Director James McDermott (Left) and BAF Co-Chair and Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (Right). Please credit National Association of Manufacturers/David Bohrer.

Majority Say U.S. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons joined today with Building America’s Future (BAF) Co-Chair and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to unveil a new survey that highlights manufacturers’ concerns about America’s roads and bridges, transit and aviation systems and ports. According to the survey of more than 400 manufacturers, a majority believe American infrastructure is in fair or poor shape, while roads in particular are getting worse. There is strong agreement among participants that U.S.

22 May 2013

Austal-built JHSV 2 Completes Navy Acceptance Trials

JHSV 1 on Sea Trials: Photo courtesy of Austal

Joint High Speed Vessel 'USNS Choctaw County' (JHSV 2) has successfully completed Acceptance Trials in the Gulf of Mexico. This milestone achievement involved the performance of intense comprehensive tests by the Navy while underway, which demonstrated the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment. It was the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship, which is expected in June. This vessel is the second of ten JHSVs that Austal has been contracted by the Navy to build in its Mobile, Ala. shipyard.

03 Jan 2002

L-3 Communications Acquires PerkinElmer's Detection Systems

L-3 Communications has agreed to acquire the Detection Systems business of PerkinElmer, for approximately $100 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2002 and is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. Detection Systems is expected to be accretive to L-3's earnings in 2002. PerkinElmer's Detection Systems business offers X-ray screening for three major security applications: aviation systems for checked and oversized baggage, break bulk cargo and air freight; port and border applications including pallets, break bulk and air freight; and facility protection, such as parcels, mail and cargo.

26 Jun 2013

Austal Celebrates Keel Laying for U.S. Navy LCS

On June 25, 2013, Austal held a keel-laying ceremony for the fourth Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) – Montgomery (LCS 8). This is the second LCS of ten awarded by the Navy to Austal, as prime contractor, and the sixth keel laying ceremony celebrated by Austal, as prime, in less than three years. During that time Austal has grown tremendously, increasing by over 2,000 total employees, and doubling the size of the facility. Mary Blackshear Sessions, the ship’s sponsor, was present to weld her initials onto the keel plate as the Keel Authenticator.

28 Aug 2013

Coronado (LCS 4) Completes Navy Acceptance Trials

LCS 4: Photo credit Navy.mil on Facebook

This milestone achievement, say builders Austal, after trials in the Gulf of Mexico, involved the execution of intense comprehensive tests by the Navy while underway, which demonstrated the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment. Upon returning from trials, Craig Perciavalle, President of Austal USA, remarked, “The successful completion of acceptance trials for this vessel validates the quality and reliability of Austal’s shipbuilding know-how. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast…

29 May 2012

Cropper Named President of Cal Maritime

Thomas A. Cropper, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, was named president of California Maritime Academy.

The California State University Board of Trustees has named Thomas A. Cropper, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, as president of California Maritime Academy. "I am pleased and honored to be chosen as the next president of the California Maritime Academy, and look forward to working closely with the exceptional students, staff and faculty," said Cropper. Cropper was among the finalists for the position to succeed retiring President William B. Eisenhardt, who has served as president since 2001. He is expected to begin in his new role as president on July 1 following retirement from active duty.