This week in Midweek Updates
Paramount ADGM files for Chapter 11 over arbitration dispute in the Middle East but global operations unaffected.
Specialist AAD briefing for military attachés.
Archer delivers first Midnight aircraft to the United States Air Force.
Piper M700™ Fury unpaved field certified.
Poland signs LOA for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Helicopters.
First Batch of EHang's EH216-S Delivered to Xishan Tourism and Completed Debut Passenger-Carrying Flights in Taiyuan.
ICON aircraft completes sale of company to SG Investment America.
Airbus to lead NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability concept study.
Sikorsky Completes Delivery of New Presidential Helicopters.
This week in history - Billy Fiske -American aviator and Olympic athlete, died as the first American pilot casualty of World War II during the Battle of Britain.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - SAAF Museum Pretoria Open Day 02.03.2024 Part 2 Statics and Displays
PARAMOUNT ADGM FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 OVER ARBITRATION DISPUTE IN THE MIDDLE EAST BUT GLOBAL OPERATIONS UNAFFECTED
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
UAE-based Paramount ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, United States, over a dispute initiated by a Middle Eastern defence company. Global aerospace and defence company Paramount has operations worldwide, but operations in South Africa and elsewhere will not be affected, the company has said.
Bloomberg reported that the company filed for bankruptcy on Thursday 15 August, listing assets of between $500 million and $1 billion and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a company to keep operating while it works out a plan to repay creditors. It appears the Chapter 11 filing relates to a solvent debt restructuring process.
Paramount Group Limited, a non-operating company licensed in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the United Arab Emirates, said in a statement on Thursday that a limited number of its non-operating entities voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States after an arbitration award issued in August 2024, stemming from a dispute initiated by an unnamed Middle Eastern company in 2022.
"The company believes the outcome of the arbitration to be incorrect, but the arbitration process means that the decision cannot be appealed. Additionally, Paramount was not permitted to pursue its counterclaims against the Middle Eastern company during the arbitration. These claims far exceed the amount awarded and can now be actively and aggressively pursued," the company said in a statement.
"Paramount's shareholders and management believe that the value of Paramount ADGM is significantly higher than the arbitration award. The decision to file for Chapter 11 is a critical step in protecting the substantial goodwill and value of Paramount, while allowing the company to pursue its legitimate claims against the Middle Eastern company in the US Federal Courts," Paramount added.
It said the Chapter 11 filing in the United States will not in any way impact other Paramount operations around the world, including South Africa. "Paramount remains fully committed to its customers, vendors, and employees. Business will continue as usual, with all projects and services proceeding without interruption."
The aerospace and defence company said relationships with its global vendors remain robust, and payments for goods and services from the operating entities outside of Chapter 11 will continue as normal. The company's employees, recognised as its greatest asset, will experience no changes to their jobs, salaries, or benefits during this process, it said.
South African company ADG Mobility ('ADGM'), part of the OTT Group of Companies, has clarified that it is not associated with Paramount. According to Dr Stefan Nell, Group Managing Director of the OTT Group of Companies and co-founder and CEO of ADG Mobility, ADGM has no association whatsoever with Paramount and did not file for bankruptcy. The term ADGM refers to 'Abu Dhabi Global Market' Free Zone where Paramount is located in the UAE, he stated.
SPECIALIST AAD BRIEFING FOR MILITARY ATTACHÉS
www.defenceweb.co.za
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) management roped in Defence Foreign Relations, the diplomatic arm of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), to give further impetus to next month's exhibition at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof in Centurion.
AAD The Military Attaché and Advisory Corps (MAAC) gathered earlier this week at the officer's mess across the road from the base for a briefing on, what an SA Soldier magazine reporter wrote, were developments made and "practical details" regarding the 18 to 22 September exhibition and air show. Many attachés attached to Embassies and High Commissions in South Africa are regulars at AAD with some expected to be on duty as escorts and - where needed translators - for senior officers from their home countries' defence forces.
Attachés were told AAD is an exhibition that consolidates a trade exhibition with education, technological innovation and interaction with the added bonus of an air show.
The briefing was part and parcel of Defence Foreign Relations' commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties in the Southern African region as well as continentally and internationally.
Defence and aerospace companies from Brazil (Embraer), France (Airbus), India (Brahmos Aerospace), Italy (Beretta and Leonardo SPA), Russia (Rosoboronexport), Turkey (Aselsan) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (TAG Dynamics) are some on the confirmed list of foreign exhibitors with just over a month before AAD 2024 opens its doors for business.
ARCHER DELIVERS FIRST MIDNIGHT AIRCRAFT TO THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Archer Aviation Inc. announced today it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the USAF to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142M
The delivery comes after the U.S. Department of Defence accepted Midnight's military airworthiness assessment, a critical approval that confirms Midnight's readiness for flight testing by AFWERX. This allows AFWERX to conduct government-directed testing of the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and validate operational and military-specific mission concepts.
A team of USAF personnel worked alongside Archer's flight test team to ramp up operations with Midnight at Salinas. Together, these teams executed simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights.
"This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation," said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. "Together, our goal is to prove Midnight's potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world's most advanced technology."
"Archer's Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities," said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. "We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission."
With its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, proprietary electric powertrain and low noise profile, Archer's Midnight aircraft is well-suited for military aviation operations.
Archer's Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a much safer, cost-effective and quieter alternative to existing internal combustion engine options. As such, it holds the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles.
PIPER M700™ FURY UNPAVED FIELD CERTIFIED
Piper Aircraft, Inc. recently announced that its flagship, the new M700 FURY, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for unpaved field operations. This significant milestone broadens the aircraft's overall operational capabilities.
"The FURY's performance was exceptional considering the FAA's rigorous testing requirements for unpaved field certification," stated Ron Gunnarson, VP of Sales, Marketing & Customer Support at Piper Aircraft. "The aircraft's robust design and construction quality ensured seamless operations in all test conditions. The certification process was also smooth with the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight test being completed in just one day."
Piper Aircraft is progressing with several M700 FURY international validations at both the aircraft level and for unimproved field operations. Those validations will similarly expand the versatility and utility of the Piper M700 FURY, reinforcing Piper's commitment to meeting the demanding operational environment needs of its global customer base. International deliveries will begin in Q3.
POLAND SIGNS LOA FOR 96 BOEING AH-64E APACHE HELICOPTERS
The Government of Poland has signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for 96 Boeing [NYSE: BA] AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, as part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter program.
"We are honoured the Government of Poland has placed their confidence in us," said Vince Logsdon, vice president, International Business Development for Boeing Defence, Space & Security. "The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland's operational capability and interoperability with the U.S., NATO and allied nations. We look forward to delivering this unmatched capability."
The Government of Poland has signed a Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, as part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter program.
The Government of Poland has signed a Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, as part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter program.
The LOA comes a week after the Polish Ministry of National Defence announced an offset agreement with Boeing. The agreement includes maintenance and support of the Polish Armed Forces fleet of Apache helicopters by Polish defence industry along with the establishment of training programs and supporting the development of a composite laboratory.
The offset projects aim to enhance the sustainment capabilities of the Polish defence industry, support creation of highly skilled jobs within this field, and facilitate technological advancements, leading to significant economic benefits.
"Poland's commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing's Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside of the United States," said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift.
Boeing has been building the AH-64 Apache for more than 40 years in Mesa, Arizona. The AH-64E is the most modern configuration of the Apache and combines a battle-tested design with transformational technologies to deliver an unmatched mix of performance and versatility. There are currently more than 1,290 Apaches operating worldwide, with sustainment and training support provided by Boeing Global Services.
The Government of Poland selected the AH-64E Apache for the Polish Armed Forces' new attack helicopter fleet in September 2022.
FIRST BATCH OF EHANG'S EH216-S DELIVERED TO XISHAN TOURISM AND COMPLETED DEBUT PASSENGER-CARRYING FLIGHTS IN TAIYUAN.
EHang Holdings Limited the world's leading urban air mobility ("UAM") technology platform company, announced that it has delivered the first batch of 10 units of EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft to Taiyuan Xishan Ecological Tourism Investment Construction Co., Ltd in the second quarter of this year, and completed debut passenger-carrying flights of EH216-S in Taiyuan, Shanxi on 28 July 2024.
Tao Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of Shanxi Provincial Committee and Secretary of Taiyuan Municipal Committee, along with other government officials, experts, scholars and enterprise representatives, attended the inaugural flight ceremony of EHang's pilotless passenger-carrying aircraft, a milestone for the development of Shanxi's low-altitude economy.
EHANG The ceremony took place at the Paddy Field Park in Taiyuan, where two units of EH216-S eVTOL aircraft took off simultaneously with four passengers onboard for an aerial view of the vast paddy fields. The flights showcased the potential of pilotless eVTOL in providing aerial sightseeing services in Taiyuan, and demonstrated the EH216-S's advantages in autonomous flying, cluster management, and safe and stable operations, earning both acknowledgement and praise from the guests and passengers.
During the event, EHang also showcased its VT-30 long-range pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL, the EH216-F for firefighting use, and the EH216-L for logistics use, demonstrating EHang's comprehensive eVTOL product portfolio and solutions for the low-altitude economy ecosystem.
Tao Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of Shanxi Provincial Committee and Secretary of Taiyuan Municipal Committee, discussed with Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, regarding air mobility solutions led by the EH216-S and VT-30 pilotless eVTOLs.
Shanxi is a national demonstration province for the development of general aviation industry, and the Shanxi Provincial Government issued the Measures to Accelerate the Development of the Low-Altitude Economy and the Construction of General Aviation Demonstration Province in May 2024. These measures facilitate regular low-altitude flights, subsidize short-range logistics and low-altitude tourism, and accelerate the development of general aviation infrastructure and operational service capabilities.
ICON AIRCRAFT COMPLETES SALE OF COMPANY TO SG INVESTMENT AMERICA
ICON Aircraft is pleased to announce the successful completion of its asset sale to SG Investment America. Substantially all assets of ICON Aircraft have been officially transferred, and the new company will continue to operate under the name ICON Aircraft.
Outgoing CEO Jerry Meyer expressed his gratitude for his tenure at ICON Aircraft, stating, "It has been an incredible honour to lead ICON Aircraft and work with the brightest and most passionate group of people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to every team member for their dedication and hard work. I wish them and the company nothing but success in this exciting new chapter."
Jason Huang, who joined the company in 2020 as President, will be leading the company through this transition period. He shared his enthusiasm for the future, saying, "I am thrilled to be guiding ICON Aircraft into its next phase of growth and development. Our focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and capitalizing on new opportunities that will drive the company forward. The future holds great promise for ICON, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together."
ICON Aircraft remains committed to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry. The company looks forward to continuing its legacy of producing high-quality aircraft and providing exceptional service to A5 Owners. Service and Flight Training operations in Tampa, FL and Vacaville, CA will continue as will operations with the more than 60 ICON Service and Training Partners across the U.S.
AIRBUS TO LEAD NATO NEXT GENERATION ROTORCRAFT CAPABILITY CONCEPT STUDY
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters to lead a concept study in the frame of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project under which the participants combine efforts to work on design, development and delivery of a medium multi-role helicopter. Airbus is partnering with RTX's Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses and MBDA for the 13-month study which will analyse two integrated concepts of next generation military rotorcraft.
"Taking part in this NATO study for the next generation of military rotorcraft offers a unique opportunity to leverage our experience working with the different European armed forces," said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. "Our goal, together with our highly skilled partners, is to develop a European solution, a concept that would fulfil both the needs of the NATO armed forces while also guaranteeing industrial sovereignty for our European nations and maintaining key engineering competencies," he added. "This project will be fully interoperable with other NATO means. With our experience in both civil and military helicopter design, we are convinced that we have the right cost effective, high performance, and operationally efficient solutions at Airbus Helicopters for the next generation of military rotorcraft."
AIRBUS NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy A. Cummings, said: "The launch of Concept Study #5 is a significant milestone for the NGRC concept stage activities, and demonstrates NSPA's dedication to meet the challenge of next generation medium lift for participating nations. The strategy to launch 3 parallel contracts awarded by competition delivers on our commitment to maximise industry expertise, opportunity and engagement in the programme, and will provide a broad range of potential concepts in the study results for our multinational customers."
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland and Italy are involved in the project via the different partner companies. Each partner will contribute to the study in its area of expertise: helicopter design, systems integration, connectivity, weapons and effectors, avionics and sensors. The study will focus on high performance rotorcraft. The concepts will be modular and multi-mission, and fully interoperable with NATO standards. with a high degree of connectivity and resilient communication system.
More than 140 armed forces worldwide place their trust in Airbus' helicopters, making Airbus one of the world's largest suppliers of advanced military rotorcraft. Its broad range of helicopters comprises dual platforms (like the combat proven H225M and the H145M) and specialised military helicopters like the Tiger and the NH90. Airbus also offers a broad range of unmanned systems and is developing the potential provided by manned-unmanned teaming. Airbus has a strong track record in federating European and global players to deliver ambitious projects such as the Next Generation Rotorcraft.
17 AUGUST 1940
Billy Fiske - American aviator and Olympic athlete, died as the first American pilot casualty of World War II during the Battle of Britain.
01A Born William Meade Lindsley Fiske III on 4 June 1911Fiske was an American combat fighter pilot and Olympic bobsledder. At the 1928 and 1932 Winter Olympics, he won gold as driver for the US bobsledding team, also acting as the American Olympic flagbearer in 1932.
Fiske undertook his flying training at No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Yatesbury, Wiltshire, before moving to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, for advanced flying training. As an American citizen, he "duly pledged his life and loyalty to the king, George VI, "and was formally admitted into the RAF. In his diary, a joyous Fiske wrote, "I believe I can lay claim to being the first U.S. citizen to join the RAF in England after the outbreak of hostilities."
When World War II broke out in 1939, Fiske travelled to the UK and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, claiming to be Canadian in order to be permitted to enlist. He would participate in the Battle of Britain, before being killed in action on 17 August 1940. After Jimmy Davies, Fiske was the second American-born pilot killed in action during World War II, but Fiske has the distinction of being the first American-citizen pilot to be killed in action during World War II.
His plaque was unveiled in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, London. The inscription reads: An American citizen who died that England might live.
USA, Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB/KLEB), Lebanon, NH: A Cessna R182 Skylane RG operated by the Upper Valley Flying Club Inc departed with the tow bar still attached to the nose gear, incurring a prop strike on landing.
France, near Jean-Gallet stadium, Chartres: After taking off from the nearby Chartres aerodrome, the pilot of a Wassmer reported an engine failure. He turned back to the aerodrome but couldn't reach the runway and made an emergency landing on field, near the aeroclub. He was seriously injured. He was alone on board, no one injured on the ground. The emergency services had to revive the pilot on the spot before taking him to the hospital, where he died of his severe injuries in the evening.
France, Harmonville, Vosges, Grand Es: A Dassault Rafale B and a C collided on their return from a refuelling in Germany. The wreckage of the Rafale B was found in the commune of Harmonville, Vosges, Grand Est. Both pilots perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft involved are two Rafales from Rafale Transformation Squadron (ETR), based at Saint-Dizier air base, with a total of three occupants on board, divided between a two-seater and a single-seater. Pilot search operations have been launched. One of the pilots from the Rafale C has been found and is unharmed. A pilot who ejected before the crash has been located. The lieutenant-colonel was injured but conscious. The other occupants (a lieutenant and a captain) a student pilot and his instructor died. For some unknown reason, the beacon was not activated. The densely wooded area did not make the search any easier. Stormy conditions on the return flight of the two Rafales have not been ruled out as an explanation for the collision.
France, off Le Lavandou : A Fouga CM170R Magister crashed in sea off Lavandou while flying a display during an airshow. The pilot perished and the aircraft was destroyed. Pilot Didier Berger (65) was a fighter pilot from 1980 to 1997, ending his career on the Mirage 2000N.
SAAF Museum Pretoria Open Day 02.03.2024 Part 2 Statics and Displays
