NOAA meets with industry to forecast replacement of WP-3D aircraft

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is shopping around to find a replacement for their aging WP-3D aircraft, also known as Hurricane Hunters.

According to a Special Notice document released Friday, the agency is offering an opportunity for interested parties to participate in a site visit at the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) in Lakeland, Fla. During the visit, contractors will view one of the two current Lockheed Martin WP-3D Hurricane Hunter aircraft. NOAA has plans to replace these two aircraft approaching their end of life and operations in 2030.

“While not an exact replacement of the WP-3D, the replacement aircraft will consist of many common systems, features, maintenance techniques, and support infrastructure, scientific and research objectives, weather radar capabilities, as well as many hardpoints modification needs,” NOAA said the Special Notice.

Since NOAA was established in 1970, the agency has operated aircraft to aid in the collection of earth observation data to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; collect data necessary for weather and water forecasts; and help conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

The industry site visits to view one of the aircraft are planned for Aug. 15 and 16.

“Aircraft availability is dependent on operational taskings during the indicated site visit dates,” NOAA said. “The WP-3D aircraft are currently scheduled to be at AOC during these dates indicated herein; however, they remain on standby for emergency taskings from the National Hurricane Center.”

NOAA made clear the site visit is intended for information purposes only, “questions regarding the aircraft will not be answered on-site and shall be submitted in writing.”

Cabo Verde Airlines aims to win back market share with 737 MAX jet

The Boeing Company and Cabo Verde Airlines recently celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX jet with a special event at its home base with officials and employees.

The delivery of the 737 MAX is part of the airline’s new “take-off” rebranding effort. The 737-8 will reconnect the Cape Verdean diaspora and boost tourism for the island nation from Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.

Cabo Verde Airlines CEO and President Sara Pires said the delivery is a significant moment for the airline.

“With the addition of the Boeing 737-8, we continue to expand our fleet to pre-pandemic levels,” Pires said in a Boeing press release. “The delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 737-8 allows us to meet the growing travel demand to our archipelago country at the crossroads of four continents.”

Cabo Verde Airlines connects four continents with non-stop flights from its hubs in Praia and Sal.

The 737 MAX airplane family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

Introduced by Boeing and Cabo Verde Airlines as the first 737 MAX aircraft for the airline, the plane has an interesting past according to an article on Airspace Africa.

Sixth Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft delivered to Saab for Swedish Air Force

Bombardier Defense recently celebrated the sixth delivery of a Global 6000 aircraft to Swedish defense supplier Saab. The aircraft will be transformed by Saab into an Airborne Early Warning and Control platform known as GlobalEye. Once Saab completes the transformation, the aircraft will join the Swedish Air Force.

Bringing together the best of Canadian and Swedish innovation, Saab’s GlobalEye program integrates its renowned radar, command, control, and communication systems into a multi-domain airborne surveillance solution using Bombardier’s Global 6000 aircraft. The highly efficient and agile Global family of aircraft is valued for its ultimate combination of speed, range, and endurance – making it the platform of choice for government defense needs worldwide.

“Our jets are internationally recognized as modern, go-to platforms by some of the world’s largest defense contractors, such as Saab,” said Jean-Christopher Gallagher, executive vice-president, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “The Global aircraft family represents the right-sized solution for multi-mission, surveillance, and VIP transport. Time and time again, it has met customers’ expectations for their most demanding mission needs. The Bombardier team is proud to associate its aircraft with strong partners to create next-generation defense solutions around the world.”

Bombardier Defense announced earlier this year a partnership with General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada to deliver the next-generation Multi-Mission and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft. The foundation for the aircraft will be a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. The proposed platform will meet the requirements published by the Government of Canada for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft program.

Second Gulfstream G800 jet performs a first test flight

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced Monday the company has successfully performed the first test flight of their second G800 aircraft.

The second Gulfstream G800 took off on Saturday, at 9:27 a.m., and flew for 3 hours and 26 minutes reaching a top speed of Mach 0.935.

The second G800 flew out of Gulfstream’s Savannah headquarters on a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel and marks a new phase in the G800’s path to certification and customer deliveries.

Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, said the flight test team continues to make advanced strides forward with the new jet.

“The G800 will bring the industry’s longest range to customers around the world, and we are seeing strong demand for this capability alongside the cabin comfort and quality Gulfstream is known for,” Burns said in a company press release.

The second G800 flight test aircraft is dedicated to environmental control systems, avionics and flight controls and builds on the more than 1,600 test points already accomplished by the first G800 flight test article.

“Thanks to the design philosophy behind our next-generation fleet, the G800 is also benefiting from the excellent progress we continue to make in the Gulfstream G700 flight test program,” Burns said.

The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles/14,816 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.90 and features class-leading fuel efficiency with its combination of the Gulfstream-designed advanced high-speed wing and winglet and all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas or three living areas with a crew compartment.

Army seeks drones with counter-swarm technologies

A recent report by Forbes.com says Russia is stepping up production of one of its most effective weapons in the war against Ukraine, the Lancet-3 loitering munition or kamikaze drone. The article also talks about Lancet having a new swarming attack version.

The Russian Defense Company ZALA Aero Group, which produces the Lancet Kamikaze Attack Drone is in the process of developing and testing a new variant of the drone. Known as Product-53, the new drone may have the capability to communicate with additional drones to attack specific targets in a drone swarm tactic.

U.S. Army seeks counter-swarm technologies

The U.S. Army’s Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) announced this week they are seeking sources and information to identify the cost and ability to support target procurement, preparation, and piloting of swarm attacks for ongoing and future JCO events.

The Army’s request for counter-swarm attack capabilities was announced in a Request For Information (RFI) document released Wednesday by Fort Belvoir.

“The JCO intends to conduct a demonstration in the 3rd Quarter, FY 2024 to observe current counter-swarm technologies," the Army said. "As part of the demonstration, the JCO will present Swarm Targets of no less than 20 but up to 50 individual aircraft (Group 1 and Group 2) at one time and no less than six Group 3 aircraft at one time.”

The Army made clear that the RFI released this week is for planning purposes, "and shall not be construed as a solicitation announcement, invitation for bids, request for proposals, request for quotes, or an indication that the government will contract for the items contained in this notice.”

The Army invites interested contractors to respond to the RFI by July 27. “Both large and small businesses are encouraged to respond,” the Army said in the RFI.

“Based on responses from this RFI, the government may release a solicitation or request for quotations in or around 4QFY23. The demonstration is projected to take place during 3QFY24.”

Residential and commercial builder stocks top the charts

Residential and commercial builder stocks are the top-ranking sector right now in the market. 

Let's take a look at the top stock in the sector DreamFinders Homes, Inc., and then a dividend play with Loma Negra CompañíaIndustrial Argentina Sociedad Anónima.

Dream Finders Homes Inc.

Founded in 2008, Dream Finders Homes, Inc., (NYSE: DFH) is based in Jacksonville, Fla.

The company builds and sells single-family entry-level, and first-time and second-time move-up homes. Their projects are placed across eight U.S. states, over 20 different markets, and close to 150 unique communities, with over 5,000 homes closed. Its communities are located in Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia.

Shares of DFH stock are up 116.02% over the last 52 weeks (July 18, 2022 to July 17, 2023). This year alone the stock is up 177.35%, closing Monday at $26.57 per share, up 2.27% for the day. DFH has a 52-week low of $8.17 and a high of $26.69.

During the company’s first quarter 2023 report in May, Dream Finders Homes CEO Patrick Zalupski addressed highlights and a plan moving forward.

“Net new orders in the first quarter, while down year over year, felt healthy and this demand persisted, with April net new orders increasing year over year,” Zalupski said. “Supply remains low in our markets, and we believe our high-quality locations offer some resiliency against potential headwinds in the economy. We are pleased with our modest progress in bringing down construction times, which ultimately will allow us to increase our inventory turns and maintain an industry-leading return on equity."

Zalupski concluded saying, “Although plenty of uncertainty remains for 2023, DFH is poised to deliver another solid year.”

Loma Negra Comp Indu Argentina Sociedad

Founded in 1926, Loma Negra (NYSE: LOMA) is a cement manufacturer, focusing on the production and commercialization of cement, masonry cement, aggregates, concrete, and lime. The company is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

During the first quarter of 2023, Loma Negra continued optimizing value for its shareholders, with a dividend payment of $19.5 million. Moreover, the company recently approved a second dividend payment.

Commenting on the financial and operating performance for the first quarter of 2023, Sergio Faifman, Loma Negra’s Chief Executive Officer, noted: 

“We started the year in a very good shape, with solid operating results and cash flow generation together with a very robust financial position. Despite the challenging macro scenario and the economic disorders, the cement demand remains strong, posting a 3.1% growth in spite of the high base of comparison, and Loma showed even higher growth figures. For the remainder of the year, we are cautiously optimistic that we will continue to see healthy dynamics in our markets although at slower rates as we approach the presidential elections.”

Shares of LOMA are up 41% over the last 52 weeks (July 18, 2022 to July 17, 2023). This year alone the stock is up 2.12%, closing Monday at $6.74 per share, down -0.15% for the day. LOMA has a 52-week low of $4.64 and a high of $7.95.

The company has paid five dividends since October 2020:

• 10/20/2020 - $0.26 per share
• 05/03/2022 - $0.38 per share
• 07/19/2022 - $0.69 per share
• 01/17/2023 - $0.17 per share
• 07/12/2023 - $0.46 per share

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stocks mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this post.