Aerospace and Defense Review : News

SiriusXM Fish Mapping delivers science-based fishing data to compatible TZtouch3s via the BBWX4 SiriusXM Satellite Weather receiver and Furuno's latest version 2.01 software. Furuno and SiriusXM has declared that the SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping service – designed to help saltwater anglers locate fish faster and alos save fuel – is now available on Furuno's NavNet TZtouch3 line of multi-function displays (MFDs). SiriusXM Fish Mapping delivers science-based fishing data to compatible TZtouch3s via the BBWX4 SiriusXM Satellite Weather receiver and Furuno's latest version 2.01 software. "We're excited to bring the amazing capabilities of SiriusXM Fish Mapping to our TZtouch3 customers," said Dean Kurutz, Senior VP of Sales, Marketing & Product Planning for Furuno USA. "Furuno's strong product line has always helped anglers get on the fish and catch them. Now, with the advanced data provided by Fish Mapping, captains will have the ability to locate ideal fishing grounds by targeting specific species and sea conditions, maximizing their time on the water and helping save time and fuel." "SiriusXM has been working with Furuno for over a decade to provide mariners with best-in-class weather and audio services," stated Dave Wasby, VP of Aviation, Marine, and Music for Business for SiriusXM. "We are very pleased Furuno customers can now also benefit from our Fish Mapping service, which looks great on the NavNet TZtouch3 displays and helps saltwater anglers identify where game fish are most likely to be biting." These Fish Mapping features give TZtouch3 anglers more details to help them find the best spots to fish faster, saving both time and fuel. Recreational anglers, competition anglers, and charter captains all appreciate the amount of actionable knowledge available on their MFD. Anglers who already have SiriusXM Weather and a BBWX4 will upgrade to the SiriusXM Fish Mapping service with ease. Consumers who do not already own a BBWX4 receiver would need to buy one and subscribe to it. A $100 rebate is currently available for purchasing a new BBWX4 and subscribing to SiriusXM Marine service. ...Read more

Metals used in aircraft production include aluminum, copper, steel, titanium, manganese, chromium, nickel, and others. Since these products are found all over the world, sourcing them can be challenging, and late delivery or poor quality can cause production schedules to be pushed back . Deloitte's 2020 report paints a complex image of the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry: Although the defense industry grew in 2019, commercial aviation suffered a temporary setback. In 2020, the defense sector grew as governments across the world were pressured to increase defense spending due to escalating security threats. This trend is projected to continue in 2021, with defense spending rising by 3 to 4 percent. Commercial aircraft demand is expected to recover from its recent decline this year and beyond, with an estimated 40,000 units produced over the next 20 years. Aerospace logistics and supply chain management will only become more difficult as aircraft suppliers struggle to keep up with demand, respond to industry developments, and fight for a larger share of the market. Now is the time for aerospace logistics and supply chain executives to plan themselves for their industry's anticipated growth — as well as to prepare for those anticipated challenges. Sourcing of Raw Material Metals used in aircraft production include aluminum, copper, steel, titanium, manganese, chromium, nickel, and others. Since these products are found all over the world, sourcing them can be challenging, and late delivery or poor quality can cause production schedules to be pushed back. Nonmetal raw materials (such as chemicals, rubber, wood, plastics, and textiles) complicate the procurement process even further. Aerospace procurement managers must weigh factors such as prices, inventory requirements, delivery schedules, transportation forms, and recent developments in international trade agreements when sourcing suppliers. For example, a post-Brexit UK might renegotiate trade deals with countries both within and outside the European Union, creating confusion for A&D players doing business there. Aerospace procurement directors must determine what makes the most sense not only now but also in the next ten years in order to position their companies for long-term success. Supply Disruption Inadequate supply — whether of raw materials or of the product itself — is always a concern in aerospace due to the virtually unlimited possible disruptions: inaccurate demand and pricing forecasting, political and geoenvironmental problems, design changes, and more. The most recent aircraft supply disruption has been triggered by an order backlog caused by the aforementioned production-related problems, as well as increased passenger traffic and the replacement of technologically obsolete aircraft. To avoid, or at least minimize supply disruption, a two-pronged approach is needed. Aerospace procurement directors can schedule monthly, quarterly, and annual acquisitions in the short term. Long-term, they can seek five- to ten-year contracts from primary and secondary aerospace suppliers. Aerospace procurement directors should also strive to establish good long-term relationships with their suppliers, which begins with understanding the supplier's business and ends with working together to review market dynamics and cost factors in order to mitigate inflation-related risks. See Also : Logistics Tech Startups ...Read more

Drone tethers are cables that link the drone to a power source. They can simply be used to secure the drone's hovering position or to keep it in place. Conductors, fiber optic cables, and BPL dual lines are also used in top industry tethers for dual-comm connections. Tethered drone technology was only recently adopted in the commercial sector in 2016. Many military experts now see technology as an essential component of potential bases. An unmanned aerial vehicle that is physically attached to a ground station is known as a tethered drone. A tethered drone system is made up of a base station/power station, a drone tether, and a drone that is attached to the power station through the tether. Ground Power Station Tethered drone stations may perform a variety of tasks while being run from a remote or rugged location. Their prime functions include: Converting power Providing power Allowing communications between the UAV and the GCS -ground control station Tether winch operations. Micro tether Drone tethers are cables that link the drone to a power source. They can simply be used to secure the drone's hovering position or to keep it in place. Conductors, fiber optic cables, and BPL dual lines are also used in top industry tethers for dual-comm connections. Tethered drones can be used for a variety of purposes, the most common of which are aerial surveillance and telecommunications. Due to the reliability of the cable links to the ground station, tethered UAVs are ideal for data collection, live video feed transmission, and telemetry as a type of experienced unmanned drone. Furthermore, tethered drones will hover at a high enough altitude to appear to be a normal drone. Tethered Drones in the Defense Industry Drones, in the form of radio-controlled monoplanes, have been used in military defense maneuvers since 1916. The introduction of tethered drones or tethered drone systems is the culmination of today's advances in military UAV technology. This technology is particularly well suited to border defense and the safety of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). Indeed, tethered drones can control the camp's perimeter and track enemy movements in most climates. As a result, as more military leaders learn more about this emerging technology and the strategic advantages it provides their warfighters, its application in situational awareness and force defense has become a requirement. Microdrones, mid-range reconnaissance drones, short-range reconnaissance drones, and long-range reconnaissance drones are the four types of military reconnaissance drones. Microdrones have recon capabilities, but their flight time and optical power are limited. Short-range reconnaissance drones are preferred by squads and platoon-sized military regiments for determining the enemy's strength, position, and tactical vulnerabilities – crucial information for determining the best course of action. see Also: Top Aerospace Technology Companies ...Read more