Boeing awarded $2.3 billion contract for additional Air Force KC-46A tanker aircraft

Boeing announced Tuesday it will build an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a “Lot 10 contract” awarded by the U.S. Air Force valued at $2.3 billion. One hundred fifty-three KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now on contract globally, providing advanced capability advantages for the joint force and allies.

With a supplier network of about 37,000 American workers employed by more than 650 businesses throughout more than 40 U.S. states, the combat-proven KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century.

From aerial refueling, cargo, passenger transportation, aeromedical evacuation and data connectivity at the tactical edge, the KC-46A Pegasus has already been called a “game changer” for its ability to transmit and exchange data, enabling rapid air mobility, global reach and Agile Combat Employment.

Earlier this year, the Air Force awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract, adding more advanced communications capabilities to enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness.

“In the current global environment, we continue to focus our investments on evolving the aircraft for the changing needs of the mission,” said Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 program manager.

To date, Boeing has delivered 76 KC-46As to the Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Lockheed Martin to demonstrate faster on-orbit satellite sensor calibration

A wideband Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) designed by Lockheed Martin is scheduled for launch next month that will help perform missions in space faster once a satellite is in orbit.

Based on an innovative, proprietary design, Lockheed Martin expects to calibrate this new ESA sensor in a fraction of the time it takes to operationalize traditional on-orbit sensors, which historically can take months to be powered on, fully calibrated and ready to perform their mission.

The ESA payload demonstrator will launch aboard an Alpha rocket by Firefly Aerospace.

“The ESA payload is built on a novel, scalable design, using highly reliable commercial parts for quick, mass-producibility,” Lockheed Martin said in a company press release. “For this demonstration, it was integrated on a Terran Orbital Nebula small satellite bus.”

The payload is nicknamed Tantrum, developed in Lockheed Martin Space’s Ignite organization.

“For this demonstration, Lockheed Martin has invested its own resources and is embracing more calculated risks from initial development through on-orbit operations to bring new technologies to the forefront of space faster and to keep our customers ahead of ready,” said Sonia Phares, vice president of Ignite at Lockheed Martin Space.

The payload demonstrator is expected to launch aboard Alpha in December.

Lockheed Martin also is producing several other self-funded technology demonstrator spacecraft, including Pony Express 2, which will further demonstrate mesh networking among satellites, and the Tactical Satellite, which will demonstrate on-orbit processing, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Army orders three Beechcraft King Air aircraft for Peru and Ecuador

Textron Aviation announced Tuesday it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., for three King Air 360 Extended Range (KA360ER) aircraft.

The three aircraft are part of a $100 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for special mission aircraft that include Cessna SkyCouriers, Cessna Caravans and Beechcraft King Air turboprops.

Two of the KA360ER aircraft are destined for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force and one for the Ecuadorian Naval Aviation.

Under the contract, Cessna SkyCourier, Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Beechcraft King Air 360 and Beechcraft King Air 260 turboprop aircraft will be sold in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The IDIQ contract allows for the acquisition of Textron Aviation aircraft over a five-year period.

“This IDIQ aligns with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent tasking memo directing improvement and acceleration of DOD’s institutional processes to execute FMS cases. It will provide highly capable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft that can be equipped with COTS releasable technology, and it will accelerate acquisition and contracting timelines from many months or years to weeks,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation. “We are honored the U.S. Army created this multiyear IDIQ contract with Textron Aviation, which provides the ability to rapidly procure COTS aircraft and modification for FMS allies and partner nations.”

All three of the initial King Air turboprops awarded will perform maritime patrol to enforce the sovereignty of Peru and Ecuador over their respective Exclusive Economic Zones.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX for Belize

In March, Textron announced it had delivered a special mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and BorderSecurity. This aircraft was also ordered under an FMS contract executed by the U.S. Army Contracting Command.

Who is ordering the new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 jet?

Textron Aviation announced Tuesday that Hahn Air has entered into a purchase agreement to be the European launch customer for the just-announced Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 jet.

The deal, signed during the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) event in Las Vegas, also includes a new Cessna Citation Latitude.

Both aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2026.

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 and Cessna Citation Latitude are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

Hahn Air has been a loyal Citation operator for nearly two decades. The new Citation Latitude and CJ3 Gen2 will replace Hahn Air’s existing Citation Latitude and CJ3+.

The new Citation CJ3 Gen2 is currently under development and is expected to enter service in the U.S. in 2025. Textron unveiled the aircraft during the NBAA-BACE event with a mockup at Henderson Executive Airport.

Textron also announced during the conference that North Carolina-based flyExclusive placed an order for the new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2.

Make Room for The Pilot

Designed with pilot input, the cockpit boasts a spacious 4.5 inches of extra legroom for the pilot. The Garmin G3000 avionics system features autothrottle technology and seamless connectivity for reduced workload and heightened situational awareness, as well as an optional Enhanced Vision System to provide improved clarity and optimized situational awareness.

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 will offer standard seating for nine passengers, with an option for eight passengers with additional storage. With a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers excellent range, payload and superior field performance to enable pilots to achieve a variety of missions in extensive conditions.

The Citation Latitude, with a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 kilometers) at high-speed cruise, is set apart from the competition by its combination of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft’s class-leading take-off field length of 3,580 feet provides operators with greater range out of short fields.

Skyservice purchase interests in Fontainebleau Aviation FBO locations

Leading aviation company Skyservice Business Aviation announced Thursday an agreement to purchase interests in the Fontainebleau Aviation fixed-based operator (FBO) at Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPA) and a new FBO at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) currently under development by Fontainebleau Aviation.

This investment, which remains subject to customary approvals for transactions of this type, will expand Skyservice's operations in South Florida and elevate the Fontainebleau luxury brand within the rapidly growing private and business aviation sectors.

"This is an exciting milestone for Skyservice as we extend our footprint and renowned capabilities to Florida, which has always been a top destination for our customers," says Skyservice President and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Murray. "Fontainebleau is an iconic brand that aligns perfectly with our values of service excellence, safety and exceptional amenities. We are differentiated by our world-class service offering across all business lines and our proven ability to deliver bespoke solutions to a highly discerning customer base as demand for private aviation travel in North America continues to grow. We are delighted to partner with Fontainebleau Aviation, which shares our commitment to continuously innovating and elevating our clients' experience above and beyond in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and potentially new premier locations together in the future."

Skyservice is one of the largest business aviation platforms in North America. With the addition of Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the company encompasses 12 airports across the continent, including Bend Municipal Airport and Redmond Municipal Airport in Oregon, Helena Regional Airport in Montana, King County-Boeing Field International Airport in Seattle, and Napa County Airport in California.

In Canada, Skyservice operates at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa, Calgary International Airport in Calgary, and Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver. Additionally, the company maintains two specialized facilities for heavy maintenance and avionics in Muskoka, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec.

The partnership also allows Skyservice and Fontainebleau Aviation to seize an expanded share of the growing business and private jet market. Established more than 30 years ago, Fontainebleau Aviation has consistently redefined luxury and service standards for travelers and operators, positioning itself as an industry leader in an era of rapid growth and innovation.

"We are excited to establish a partnership with Skyservice, starting with our marquee locations at two of the busiest airports for private aviation in the United States," says Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer. "Skyservice has a distinguished pedigree and reputation for excellence in the aviation industry and is the ideal steward and partner for the next phase of growth at OPF, FLL, and other locations in the United States as we focus on growing our portfolio of premier destinations and unique luxury experiences."

Both OPF and FLL represent two of the top 20 business aviation markets in the United States. The Fontainebleau Aviation FBO at OPF, the eighth-busiest U.S. airport near downtown Miami, provides premier services for business aviation travelers with approximately 350,000 square feet of hangar space, an executive terminal and office facilities. Fontainebleau Aviation's second location at FLL, the seventeenth-busiest U.S. airport, has commenced construction of 80,000 square feet of private hangars and approximately 35,000 square feet of world-class private terminal and executive office space.

Fontainebleau Aviation is a luxury services division of Fontainebleau Development, a company founded by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer and led by his partner Brett Mufson. The company is one of the country's premier real estate development and hospitality groups, with a diverse portfolio that includes properties in the hospitality, gaming, residential, retail, commercial, and luxury services sectors.

The company builds, owns, markets, and operates its properties, providing expertise in each stage of a project's life cycle with a relentless focus on delivering the best quality in everything they do.

Fontainebleau Development has established a diverse portfolio of premier assets such as Big Easy Casino, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa, Hilton Downtown Nashville, and numerous residential landmarks such as Turnberry Ocean Club, Turnberry Ocean Colony, Porto Vita, the Tresor and Sorrento towers at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

The company has also built nine residential towers in Las Vegas, including Turnberry Towers and Signature (in partnership with MGM Resorts International). It will open the 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas luxury resort and casino on Dec. 14.

Its luxury services division includes Fontainebleau Aviation, Turnberry Yacht Club & Marina, Turnberry Isle Country Club, and some of the highest-grossing and well-known nightlife, dining and health and wellness destinations in the world.

Textron unveils new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 jet

Textron Aviation has unveiled its newest Cessna Citation business jet in the company’s legendary lineup — the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2.

Unveiled on the eve of this week’s National Business Aviation Association - Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 raises the bar in the light jet market as the company’s most comprehensive Gen2 product announcement to date. NBAA-BACE attendees can view a mockup of the new Citation CJ3 Gen2 during the show at Henderson Executive Airport. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2025.

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

Cockpit enhancements

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 was designed with input from a Textron Aviation Customer Advisory Board, made up of owners, pilots and mechanics who know what makes the ultimate aircraft experience. “This feedback was key in every detailed enhancement in the aircraft, from cockpit to cabin,” Textron said in a company press release.

The aircraft offers a proven and trusted avionics system with the latest Garmin G3000 software and hardware, including:

·  Garmin Autothrottles to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection.

·  Optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) to provide improved clarity and optimized situational awareness.

·  Intuitive touchscreen interface.

·  GDL60 for aircraft connectivity, including remote transmission of flight plans, automatic database updates, as well as wireless transmission of aircraft diagnostic data.

One of the most notable changes in the cockpit is an added 4.5 inches of legroom for the pilot, allowing a comfortable and focused flight experience.

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 will offer standard seating for 10 passengers. With a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers excellent range, payload, and superior field performance to enable pilots to achieve a variety of missions in extensive conditions.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Like all Cessna and Beechcraft turbine products, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 will be able to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). All CJ3 Gen2 aircraft may be delivered with SAF onboard, and customers can refuel using SAF wherever available, including at the company’s Wichita Service Center.

The company is already seeing strong aircraft demand and is taking orders for the Citation CJ3 Gen2.

Army leadership talks transformation for future fights at AUSA Expo

A panel of U.S. Army leaders and defense contractor General Dynamics provided insight on Monday as to how the U.S. is using Russia’s war against Ukraine as a stepping stone to transform the Army for future fights.

The panel consisted of: The Honorable Douglas Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) and Army Acquisition Executive; Army Gen. James Rainey, Commanding General of United States Army Futures Command; and Firat Gezen, President of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The three spoke at a military form at the AUSA 2023 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The panel explained how the U.S. Army is keeping a watchful eye on the war in Ukraine and the new conflict in Israel.

“There's a war going on in the Ukraine, and a war started three days ago,” said Rainey. “We have a duty to be able to see what's happening, learn from that, and rapidly turn those observations into real capability in our formations. Not talking about combat development fast, but the ability to see something that exists and rapidly acquire it and inject that into our formations in a way that it turns into real capability.”

One capability the Army has focused on recently is the ability to counter attacks from a swarm of drones, and the development of a kamikaze drone, according to contract documents released in July and August.

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 focus on transforming, not just modernizing, is absolutely vital,” Bush said on Monday. “Equipment by itself does not transform the Army. We have to have trained soldiers, and everything else that goes with training, units that go to combat, is necessary.”

In the meantime, defense contractor General Dynamics has been ramping up the production of missiles and artillery shells to support Ukraine’s war with Russia.

“On the equipping side, we’ve moved out, providing Ukraine 1,000s of missiles, millions of artillery shells, hundred of armored vehicles, with more coming every day,” Bush said. “In terms of funding, that’s required the Army to get on contract, close to $25 billion in less than a year actually, to replace equipment that we’ve sent, or foreign military sales for Ukraine. Its been a big year.”

Bush added, “We are responding. America, the arsenal of democracy. We’re still the arsenal. We have to do it. We are leading the whole free world in this effort and American business.” One business leading the support toward Urkaine is General Dynamics.

General Dynamics is a global leader in defense technology, offering cutting-edge innovations in aviation, aerospace, land systems, maritime systems, and more. Its main component is a preferred partner in electric power, precision weapons, missile defense, and munitions.

With such a diverse portfolio, the company has been actively involved with Army modernization priorities since its inception. Back in 2017, Gezen said on Monday.

“With the Ukraine ramp up we were talking almost on a daily basis with our customers,” Gezen added. “Not only are we increasing capacity six-fold, we're also introducing modernized technology having a much better healthier industrial base after. We're also doing it in record speed.”

The annual AUSA meeting, hosted by the Association of the United States Army, continues this week on Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, D.C.