PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted their apprentice graduation today, celebrating 99 graduates during a ceremony at the shipyard. Each of these apprentice graduates have invested time in the classroom and shipyard to prepare them for a shipbuilding career with the company. 

Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, addressed the graduates providing words of encouragement for these new first-class shipbuilders. 

“Each of our graduates has a role to play and an important job to get done on behalf of millions of Americans,” Wilkinson said. “Together they form an elite and special team to do the work of the nation.” 

Enrollment for the apprentice program is competitive, and students work full-time while learning a craft through classes and on-the-job training. The prestigious workforce development program has produced more than 4,000 graduates since its inception in 1952 and currently has 700 students enrolled in the program, the highest enrollment since prior to the pandemic. 

Russel Sand Jr. received the 2023 Overall Apprentice of the Year Award, which recognizes the apprentice who has set a standard of excellence among their peers and has performed at the top of their class continuously. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-ingalls-shipbuilding-celebrates-apprentice-school-graduates-2024/. 

Sand has been with the company for four years and is currently a transportation rigger. When asked where his motivation came from to complete the four-year program, Sand said, “My fellow rigging apprentices were some of the best motivators, we all encouraged each other as we went through classes and rotated through crafts.” 

While in the apprentice program Sand learned about the various aspects of shipbuilding and gained a greater purpose for the work he does saying, “In a four-year span I have seen ships go from the keel to delivery, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Our purpose is to build some of the finest warships in the world, and I am proud of my decision to become an Ingalls shipbuilder.” 

The apprentice program offers a comprehensive three- to four-year curriculum with 15 registered Department of Labor apprentice programs for students to pursue. Apprentices earn competitive wages and receive a comprehensive benefit package upon entering the program. This allows apprentices to receive an education, build work ethic, gain experience and develop into world-class journeymen of their crafts.  
For more information about Ingalls Shipbuilding’s apprentice school visit https://hii.com/careers/ingalls-apprentice-school/. 

CHANDLER, AZ, March 14, 2024 – ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC (“ArmorWorks”), a portfolio company of Littlejohn Capital, LLC, announced today the acquisition of Fox Valley Metal-Tech, Incorporated (“Fox Valley”), a provider of complex, precision metal fabrications for use on naval ships, submarines, combat vessels, and other critical defense applications. 

Founded in 1989 and based in Green Bay, WI, Fox Valley specializes in complex metal fabrications primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”), as well as commercial industries. The company manufactures custom electrical enclosures and consoles, components and fabrications for military trailers, radar systems as well as watertight doors and hatches. Fox Valley actively supports leading defense industry companies, and its precision components and fabrications are incorporated on the latest naval platforms such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarine, amongst others. The company has a state-of-the-art 185,000 square foot facility that enables it to meet the highest of quality standards. For more information, visit www.fvmt.com. 

Kevin Dahlin, Chief Executive Officer of ArmorWorks, commented, “Fox Valley’s components meet the Navy’s stringent requirements, and combine unique fabrication, machining, precision welding, and painting/finishing capabilities to provide customers with a vertically-integrated manufacturing solution in compliance with the highest U.S. military standards. Fox Valley’s fabrications are trusted on high priority naval programs amid a historical fleet expansion, and we look forward to supplementing our existing business with the addition of Fox Valley’s superior products.” 

Angus Littlejohn III, President of Littlejohn Capital, said, “Fox Valley’s focus on mission-critical Naval systems instantly propels ArmorWorks into a broader segment of the DoD. The acquisition also adds impressive manufacturing capabilities in the Midwest expanding the geographic reach of ArmorWorks. Fox Valley is a trusted partner to the defense industry, and we are proud to add this company as an integral part of ArmorWorks as they continue to protect the military personnel who defend our country.” 

Steve Corbeille, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Valley, added, “Fox Valley has built its business and reputation over the past 25 years by developing products whose standards are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Fox Valley will continue to thrive and better serve its customers as part of a larger organization within ArmorWorks.” 

KAL Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Fox Valley. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MARCH 12, 2024 

Earlier today, the Milestone Decision Authority, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante, approved the Milestone C / Full-Rate Production (MSC/FRP) of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft with the signing of an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) after a meeting with the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB). 

The F-35 achieved this milestone after considering the results from the F-35 Combined Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report, System Development and Demonstration exit criteria, statutory/regulatory documentation compliance, future production strategy, and draft acquisition program baseline details. Proceeding to MSC/FRP requires control of the manufacturing process, acceptable performance and reliability, and the establishment of adequate sustainment and support systems. 

The DAB, which met on March 7, 2024, was chaired by Dr. LaPlante, and is the department’s senior-level forum for critical decisions concerning acquisition programs at the Department of Defense. 

“This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program,” LaPlante said. “This decision—backed by my colleagues in the Department—highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed. The F-35 Program is the premier system that drives interoperability with our allies and partners while contributing to the integrated deterrence component of our National Defense Strategy.” 

With this milestone, the program is now well positioned to efficiently produce and deliver the next generation of aircraft to meet the evolving needs of our services, partners, and FMS customers. 

“I am very proud of our team, and this is a huge accomplishment!” said Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, Director and Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. “The F-35 enterprise has made significant improvements over the last decade, and we will always be driven to continuously improve sustainability, interoperability, and lethality so warfighters have the capability needed to fight and win when called to do so. Moreover, the Program and our great people can now focus on the future of the F-35 instead of the past.” 

In September 2023, a key gateway for MS C/FRP was achieved when F-35 Runs for Score in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and initial trial validation were completed. 

“DOT&E conducted analysis of the results from Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Live Fire Test and Evaluation and delivered a comprehensive, combined report as required by statute to inform the Milestone C / Full Rate Production decision. DOT&E also provided a separate annex that assessed post-IOT&E Block 4 operational testing of the 30P06 and 30P07 software.” said Dr. Raymond D. O’Toole, Jr., Acting Director, Operational Test & Evaluation. “The Program is working to address DOT&E’s findings and recommendations contained in the report. One of DOT&E’s concerns is to continue to improve test infrastructure for support development and to ensure readiness to test of the upcoming Block 4 capabilities. This includes timely deliveries of the next iterations of F-35-In-A-Box for integration into the JSE.” 

Achieving MSC/FRP is important to the program, and it helps to validate the aircraft’s capabilities for present and future partners of the F-35 enterprise. 

To date, over 990 F-35 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. 

The F-35 offers multi-mission capability, including strategic attack, suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD), offensive/defensive counter air, anti-surface warfare, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and close air support. It brings stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability to enable access in contested environments and enhances situational awareness. 

Anaheim, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and Leonardo S.p.A., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate cooperation opportunities in the tiltrotor technology domain.  

As global leaders in designing, manufacturing, and supporting rotorcraft for commercial and military applications, Bell and Leonardo share a multi-decade history of industrial cooperation on both traditional helicopters as well as tiltrotor technology collaboration.  

The cooperative effort will begin in earnest with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study #5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support. 

“This cooperative effort between Bell and Leonardo reflects our shared vision that next generation rotorcraft will be influenced by the speed, range and maneuverability only tiltrotor technology can deliver,” said Lisa Atherton, president and CEO, Bell. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Leonardo as we continue to explore emerging vertical lift programs in Europe and the United States.” 

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said “We’re thrilled to evaluate new joint efforts for the next generation of rotorcraft technologies, based on our solid and shared view of the unique advantages of tiltrotors. Leonardo has always firmly endorsed tiltrotor technologies to meet evolving rotorcraft requirements, even more so as new needs emerge in the market.”  

Successful test showcases increased capabilities of upgraded AMRAAM-ER

ANDOYA, Norway (Feb. 27, 2024) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Armed Forces, successfully completed a flight test of an updated AMRAAM®-Extended Range missile variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The successful flight test showcases the increased capabilities of the upgraded AMRAAM-ER.

This latest AMRAAM-ER variant is a first-of-its-kind configuration incorporating the guidance section of the AIM-120 C-8. It also incorporates a more robust 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System, from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, branded the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, for which the Norwegian MoD has been a collaborative partner.

“Integrating this new technology into the AMRAAM-ER ensures the advanced capabilities of the surface-launched munition for many years to come,” said Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Agile software upgrades will continue to advance AMRAAM to stay ahead of evolving threats.” 

The testing included a test firing, during which the missile flew a preprogramed flight path to verify safe egress from the NASAMS launcher and missile performance.

The AMRAAM-ER is designed to be integrated with the NASAMS launcher for increased air defense protection, intercepting targets with increased range and altitude of a non-extended range AMRAAM.

NASAMS, a highly adaptable medium-range air defense solution, is jointly developed and produced by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Drawing on decades of experience, industrial cooperation, and significant investment made by all three parties, this new cooperative arrangement will grow the capabilities of NASAMS to ensure it keeps pace with ever-evolving complex threats.

East Camden, Ark. (Feb. 21, 2024) – R2S has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas. The facility will produce the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter missile to be used by U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. allies. 

R2S is a joint venture between Raytheon and Rafael Advanced Defense System. Raytheon is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business. 

This facility represents an investment of $63 million for R2S and will create up to 60 new jobs in the region. The R2S facility will build on RTX’s existing production capacity at the Highland Industrial Park. 

Company representatives joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state officials to announce the project in October 2023.  

“It’s an honor to join R2S for today’s groundbreaking, just as it was an honor to announce this project in October and meet with company representatives last summer at the Paris Air Show,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “This investment will be a boon for the local economy: $63 million and 60 new jobs. More than that, our world is a whole lot less secure than it used to be, and this facility makes our country safer. Thank you to all who made this announcement possible, and thank you to the team in Camden for helping our state stand out.”  

“Today, we mark a significant milestone in the Iron Dome program – one of the most important and advanced air defense systems in the world. The establishment of the new facility is the result of strong cooperation between Rafael and Raytheon, who joined forces about 18 years ago,” said Pini Yungman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Air & Missile Defense Division, Rafael. “We have built and maintained fruitful collaboration based on the shared vision of both companies, committed to the highest level of technological innovation. The United States is a true partner; and local production, which we have aspired to for many years, will strengthen the partnership while safeguarding the interests of all sides. I am confident that we are ready for further cooperation in the future aimed at ensuring the security of the citizens of Israel and America.” 

“R2S is pleased to announce today that it’s almost doubling the capital investment for the project here in Camden, Arkansas from $33 million to $63 million, and it may create up to 60 new jobs. This increase represents the commitment by both partners to support this critical project for the USMC and to our allies around the world that depend on a reliable air defense system,” said Annabel Flores, deputy president of Land & Air Defense Systems, Raytheon.  

Vienna, 20 February 2024 – Schiebel, together with Korean based defence solutions companies Hanwha Systems and UI Helicopter, has been awarded a contract by the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) for the development and delivery of the Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) CAMCOPTER S-300 Unmanned Air System (UAS), to be operated by the South Korean MOD. 

The contract was signed with Hanwha Systems for the supply of the S-300 for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions for the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps. 

The South Korean Navy has been a Schiebel customer for over 10 years, regularly carrying out maritime ISR operations with its CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS fleet. The changing geo-political situation and North Korean threat call for an expansion of their UAS fleet, adding larger and heavier UAS with greater capability. 

“We are extremely excited that the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps is building on its extensive experience and success with the S-100 by awarding Hanwha the contract for Schiebel’s new long-endurance, heavy-lift-capable UAS. The S-300 marks a major milestone in the company’s history,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. 

The STANAG-compliant and fully certifiable S-300 has an endurance of up to 24 hours and operates at an altitude of up to 21,000 feet, offering a persistent loiter capability for ISTAR operations. The heavy-lift UAS carries payloads of up to 250 kg, making it an ideal cargo delivery solution over long distances in complex and high altitude terrain. The versatility and flexibility of the S-300 also allows for the release of payloads such as dropping multiple sonar-buoys for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. 

To ensure maximum mission versatility and cost effectiveness, the heavy-lift-capable S-300 can be controlled by the same proven Ground Control Station used by the CAMCOPTER S-100. Schiebel’s ‘system of systems’ approach ensures the interoperability of its unmanned fleet for many years to come building on its experience derived from over 20 years of building a robust and proven VTOL core system. 

Schiebel recently announced the expansion of its Abu Dhabi facility extensively increasing its global footprint for the CAMCOPTER S-300. However, the new platform’s open architecture will also ensure it will be able to meet countries’ sovereignty and offset requirements. 

Release from RTX

Milestone moves program closer to detailed design review 

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., (Feb. 12, 2024) — Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has completed a critical assessment of its Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) offering with the U.S. Air Force, moving the program closer to completing its detailed design review. The team is now working towards ground testing of its NGAP prototype, referred to as XA103, which is expected to occur in the late 2020s. 

“We are embracing digital transformation with NGAP and changing the customer experience through the entire development process in order to rapidly and efficiently deliver these advanced adaptive engines,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines business. “This technology is critical to maintaining air superiority, which is why Pratt & Whitney has made significant investments in research and development and advanced manufacturing. Continued government funding for sixth-generation propulsion development must remain a high priority to support critical platform milestones and warfighter readiness.” 

The engine will enhance performance that is key to enabling future air dominance capabilities, which are needed to ensure the U.S. Air Force achieves air superiority and deters pacing challenges. 

NGAP technologies will provide advanced survivability, fuel efficiency, and robust power and thermal management. These are necessary to enable the required range, weapon and sensor capability, and persistence future air dominance platforms will require to meet evolving operational needs. 

Release from Insitu 

***** 

BINGEN, Wash., Dec. 12, 2023 – Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced today the first successful drop of inert GPS-guided Shryke munitions from the Integrator Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) in collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies.  

Shryke, developed by Corvid Technologies with L3Harris, is known for its multi-mission precision strike and versatility and is another option in a long line of highly sought-after strike capabilities that Insitu is offering to its customers. 

“We were able to demonstrate a low signature munition with a safe separation sensor, fuze, and warhead on Integrator,” said Kyle Bowen, Corvid Technologies Director of Business Development. “Integrator delivered the munitions within 1-2 meters of the target in each test flight. We couldn’t have asked for a more successful demonstration,” Bowen said.  

Integrator, a NATO Class 1 Small UAS (DoD Group 3 UAS) offers endurance of more than 24 hours and carries up to 40lb of payload capacity. Payload integrations are accommodated in the center CG bay, two wing trays, and two wing-mounted hardpoints. Integrator’s multi-payload capacity provides our customers the ability to carry multiple munitions and/or transition between kinetic and non-kinetic objectives as the mission requires. 

“The two rounds of munitions were seamlessly fitted into Integrator’s CG payload bay and several mission sorties were executed demonstrating advanced navigation, targeting, and payload delivery systems,” said Justin Pearce, Insitu Vice President of Programs, Engineering & Flight. “Pairing kinetics with Insitu’s proven endurance and range gives our customers flexibility in how they address a dynamic battlefield.” 

The Integrator was equipped with a MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) from L3Harris to provide safety-critical energetic systems initiation-on-command and to safely support the post-flight recovery of munitions still installed. 

“The ESAD was designed for applications that require a reliable arming and firing sequence with precise timing events, as well as vital personnel safety precautions,” said Steve Stasiak, General Manager, L3Harris Technologies. “We were able to validate this capability on Integrator and are very pleased with the way the ESAD configurations performed during the flight test.” 

Insitu continues to work with customers and industry partners in testing and integrating additional munition payloads.   

With three decades of experience, more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft manufactured to date, and more than 1.4 million operational flight hours, Insitu continues to deliver the most advanced capabilities available to our global customer base in more than 35 countries. Visit Insitu.com to learn more about the most capable, reliable, and combat-proven small tactical UAS on the market.  

Release from SAFE Boats 

***** 

Bremerton, Wash. — SAFE Boats International (SBI) is collaborating with Vita Power to bring electrification to the patrol boat market. The first objective of this partnership was to develop a 100% electric patrol boat that is a first-class solution and is both reliable and practical. Together, they have adapted one of SAFE Boats’ most proven hull designs – the 23’ Center Console – to be propelled by Vita Power’s V300 electric motor and battery package. Dubbed the “223e”, this concept provides a zero-emission solution for operators who are working long hours at lower speeds.  

Performance calculations with the 300HP electric motor predicts the 223e will maintain an operational battery life of 10 hours at 5 knots, one hour at cruise speed, and capable of a 34 knot sprint speed. Utilizing the Aqua superPower charger – from Vita’s sister company – the boat can recharge in one hour or less. Compared to an outboard-powered engine, the 223e is expected to save thousands in annual fuel and maintenance costs.  

The 223e offers the work boat and patrol boat market  a zero-emission option when long, high-speed runs are not required. SAFE Boats CEO, Richard Schwarz, remarks: “the SAFE/Vita collaboration is to develop electric boats that can be used for specific applications such as lake patrols and for harbormasters who are spending most of their time at low speeds in sensitive environments. As state regulations clamp down on emissions requirements, boat and engine manufactures are being pushed to develop innovative solutions to maintain compliance.” Schwarz adds that ”this SBI/Vita solution suits those ever-tightening requirements.” 

Vita Power is at the forefront of marine electric propulsion. Clive Johnson, CEO of Vita, states that “the 223e is the perfect size boat to offer first responders with the range and performance Vita has to offer in a durable workboat.” Johnson adds, “The Vita propulsion system is designed to offer a complete electrification solution for a broad range of marine applications from commercial vessels to superyacht tenders, and we are excited to be working with SAFE Boats to bring our technology to first responders and harbormasters here in the US. With local and state government bodies offering increasing support for businesses wanting to decarbonize their operations, the US and organizations like SAFE Boats are paving the way to a clean marine future.”