Tech Blog
EU proposes lower vehicle noise limits
The European Commission have recently published a new draft regulation on motor vehicle sound levels, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. In addition to limiting noise levels, the proposal would establish a new procedure for measuring noise emissions and new requirements on the minimum sound generated by electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The reduced noise limits would be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, applicable two years after the publication of the regulation, the noise limits applicable to heavy trucks would be reduced by 1 dB (A) to between 77 and 82 dB (A), dependent on engine power and drive configuration. The noise limits applicable to other types of vehicles would be reduced by 2 dB (A) to between 70 and 79 dB (A), dependent on vehicle type, GVWR, engine power, and drive configuration. In the second phase, applicable five years after the publication, the noise limits would be reduced by a further 2 dB (A) for all vehicle types.
Pratt & Whitney secures contract for F135 engine production
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Pratt & Whitney a contract not to exceed $1.12 billion for F135 production engines to power the F-35 Lightning II. P&W and the DOD reached a tentative agreement on key terms for the low rate initial production (LRIP) 5 contract that contains fixed-price and cost-plus incentive fee elements. A total of $358.6 million is being obligated at time of award, in addition to the $138.8 million obligated in 2011 for advanced acquisition materials. This LRIP contract includes production engines, spare parts, program management, engineering support for production, sustainment, and field support for the F135 engines. The engines in LRIP 5 will support the U.S. Services with main engine deliveries slated to begin in late 2012.
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The fifth lot of engines includes 21 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) engines for the U.S. Air Force; six carrier variant (CV) engines for the U.S. Navy; and three short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion systems (shown) for the U.S. Marine Corps.
AMETEK acquires Technical Manufacturing Corp.
AMETEK Inc. has acquired Technical Manufacturing Corp. (TMC), a provider of high-performance vibration isolation systems and optical test benches used to isolate highly sensitive instruments for the microelectronics, life sciences, photonics, and ultra-precision manufacturing industries. TMC, headquartered in Peabody, MA, joins AMETEK as part of the Ultra Precision Technologies division of AMETEK EIG. Ultra Precision Technologies is a pioneer in the development of ultra-precision measurement instruments and a global leader in ultra-precise machine tools and manufacturing systems for the semiconductor, photovoltaic, nanotechnology, military, defense, and ophthalmic lens markets. AMETEK EIG sells its instruments to the process and analytical, aerospace, power, and industrial markets worldwide.
NASA selects firms for Advanced Entry System Technology Development
NASA selected Airborne Systems North America of Santa Anna, CA; ILC Dover LP of Frederica, DE; and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. of Littleton, CO, to support agency inflatable aerodynamic decelerator research and development, including work on the Space Technology Program's Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) project. Inflatable aerodynamic decelerators are lightweight outer shells that slow and protect spacecraft as they enter planetary atmospheres. This technology allows increased payload mass, makes it possible to reach higher surface elevations for robotic and human exploration of solar system destinations, and improves cargo return capabilities from the International Space Station. Contractors will provide NASA with services for the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of project systems, including the thermal protection system and inflatable structures for aerocapture and direct entry applications. NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, will administer the contracts for the agency.
Magellan Aerospace to supply aluminum and titanium structural components
Magellan Aerospace (U.K.) Ltd. and GKN Aerospace signed a contract extension to deliver aluminum and titanium components from Magellan's Bournemouth and Chalfont St Peter divisions. This contract is projected to generate revenues in excess of £200 million through December 2017. The components are destined for GKN's Filton facility, which manufactures and assembles wing structures. To support this program, Magellan will make further investments in high-speed five-axis machining technology.
Embraer Defense and Security selects Hamilton Sundstrand for KC-390
Embraer Defense and Security selected Hamilton Sundstrand to supply the Electric Power Generating System for the new Embraer KC-390. The Embraer KC-390 is a twin-engine, medium-lift military transport aircraft, which Embraer Defense and Security is developing with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The aircraft is slated to enter service in 2016, with capability to transport up to 23 tons of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles, support equipment, and military personnel. The cargo aircraft is also designed for rapid configuration as a tanker. The KC-390 Electric Power Generating System, to be supplied by Hamilton Sundstrand's Electric Systems business, is based on the 90-kVA integrated drive generator currently used in a variety of military and commercial applications. The program value is projected to be approximately $100 million, over the life of the program.
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Hamilton Sundstrand will be supplying the Electric Power Generating System for the Embraer KC-390, set to enter service in 2016.
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