USA: Hawaii gathering focuses on Pacific F-35B deployment

From MC1 Phillip Pavlovich, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

In this file photo, a Sailor directs an F-35B Lightning II aboard USS America (LHA 6) during operational testing in November 2016. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Kyle Goldberg) >>

PEARL HARBOR - Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) co-hosted a Joint Strike Fighter Sustainment Summit alongside Marine Corps Forces, Pacific at COMPACFLT headquarters, June 27-28.

Attendees focused on planning and preparing the logistical support for the F-35B Lightning II first deployment scheduled to happen within the next year.

"The summit was primarily built to maximize communication, elevate problems, and arrive at solutions. This aircraft has a unique maintenance and support structure, and it is unlike any aviation weapon system presently in the Navy and Marine Corps inventories," said Rear Adm. John Palmer, U.S. Pacific Fleet's director of logistics, fleet supply and ordnance.

A variety of organizations participated, including representatives Lockheed Martin, who built the aircraft, Pratt and Whitney, who built the engine, Marine Corps Headquarters, Defense Logistics Agency, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific, Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic, Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific, and Military Sealift Command.

News Story: China Outfitting MA60 Military Variant With P&W Canada Engines

A Civilian Xian MA-60 (Image: Wiki Commons)

Wendell Minnick

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China’s commercial airliner MA60 is now being advertised as a military troop and cargo transport, according to a new product booklet furnished by the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp. (CATIC).

The manufacture, Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company, has been producing the aircraft since 1999. The commercial airliner is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW127J turboprop engines and other US and Canadian avionics and equipment.

The problem with building a military variant of the MA60 equipped with Canadian/US engines and avionics is that they have been banned for export to China for military use since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

AUS: Joint Strike Fighter program brings out best in Australian industry

An F-35A Under-Construction (File Photo)

A South Australian company has won two awards for manufacturing and business excellence as a key industry contributor to Australia’s biggest Defence project.

The Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Mal Brough, said Levett won the 2015 Business South Australia Export Award for manufacturing, noting the majority of the company’s exports are for the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

In the second major achievement in two months, Head of the Australian Joint Strike Fighter Program, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Deeble awarded Levett a commendation for its leadership, drive and performance in the Joint Strike Fighter program.

Minister Brough congratulated Levett and said the Joint Strike Fighter program was allowing Australian companies to demonstrate their value in global supply chains.

AUS: Defence Minister applauds JSF component contract

Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston has congratulated Adelaide-based Levett Engineering on the contract award announced by Pratt and Whitney for the manufacture of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) precision engine components.

Senator Johnston said the contract was another good example of how Australia’s engagement with the JSF Program had afforded Australian industry the ability to develop new capabilities and access new markets.

“With the global fleet of around 3,000 F-35s expected to be manufactured, this contract represents an important step for Levett Engineering. If Levett continues to meet required quality standards it will have the opportunity to secure up to US$200 million in revenue though the JSF production phase,” Senator Johnston said.