WASHINGTON, D.C. - GE Aerospace announced the successful completion of another round of testing on its XA100 adaptive cycle engine. This engine technology promises a 30% greater range and improved thermal management compared to current fighter engines.

GE highlighted the importance of the gathered data, stating that it will directly benefit the US Air Force's Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program.

This program includes another adaptive engine, the XA102, which recently passed a design review and is now headed towards prototype testing. GE Aerospace believes the knowledge gained from the XA100, combined with digital design techniques, will allow the XA102 to deliver the necessary performance for future U.S. Air Force and Navy fighters.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/defense-engines/ge-aerospace-completes-next-series-testing-optimize-adaptive-engine

PARIS - Safran Helicopter Engines has secured a significant support contract with DRF Luftrettung, a leading European air rescue organization. The agreement focuses on providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for over 90 Arriel 2E engines that power DRF Luftrettung's H145 helicopter fleet.

This contract benefits DRF Luftrettung in two key ways: financial predictability and operational flexibility. Safran's SBH program offers predictable engine operating costs, allowing DRF Luftrettung to streamline their financial planning. Additionally, the program provides flexibility for scheduling both routine and unscheduled maintenance, potentially improving aircraft availability for critical missions.

For DRF Luftrettung, proven expertise is crucial. "We've relied on Safran for years," said Roman Morka, DRF Luftrettung's Chief Technology Officer. "Their experience and reliable services are essential for our life-saving operations." This contract strengthens Safran's SBH service, which already covers 50% of their engine flight hours.

DRF Luftrettung, a non-profit organization based in Germany, operates a vast fleet of helicopters and ambulance aircraft across 32 locations. They performed over 36,000 missions in 2023, including emergency rescue, intensive care patient transport, and medical repatriation flights.

Source: Safran
Associated URL: https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-signs-major-support-contract-drf-luftrettung-2024-04-30

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Working in conjunction with Augusta Regional Airport, the Augusta Economic Development Authority, and the state of Georgia, StandardAero is adding an 80,500-squre-foot hangar expansion at its Business Aviation MRO facility in Augusta, Georgia. Construction is planned to be completed in 2025.

"The new facility will add over 60 percent of new space to our existing footprint," said Chris Bodine, VP/GM of StandardAero's Augusta facility. "The current facility was built in the 1970s, when aircraft were a lot smaller. The new facility will allow us to support additional super mid-size to large-cabin aircraft for airframe and avionics, while also significantly expanding our engine shop to further support many of those aircraft."

"We are very thankful to the Augusta Airport, city of Augusta, and the state of Georgia for their generous outreach and support for building this new facility," said Tony Brancato, President of StandardAero Business Aviation. "The expansion will allow us to work on larger Dassault, Gulfstream, and Bombardier aircraft and also meet the rapidly growing MRO needs of HTF7000 series engine operators."

Augusta Regional Airport and the Augusta Economic Development Authority have secured a grant for site prep work and construction. Over a 10-year period, the state of Georgia will apply job tax credits for incremental employees added to the site, plus additional incentives.

Source: StandardAero