Page 35 - World Airnews September 2020 Edition

AIRLINES

FIRST QF-16 FULL SCALE

MODIFICATION

“Though the installation of the drone con-

version package is a relatively new venture for

team from Boeing and the US air us, our hope is to leverage cost efficiencies and

Aforce completed the fi rst QF-16 full- proficiencies benefiting both partners.”

scale aerial target to undergo conversion from Conversion of the F-16 A/C aircraft to the

a modification line in Arizona. unmanned QF-16 configuration requires

The aircraft was flown last month to Tyndall modification of the airframe and installation of

air force base, Florida, where it will be used major components.
autonomously in future weapons training The QF-16 performs both autonomous

operations. manoeuvres through autopilot and controlled

The 309th aerospace maintenance and manoeuvres through ground stations.
regeneration group located at Davis-Mon- “The partnership between Boeing and

than AFB in Tucson teamed with Boeing AMARG is crucial to expediting capability to

under a public-private partnership to create the warfighters,” said Craig DeMeester, Boeing
a second modification line to supplement QF-16 program manager.
ongoing QF-16 work at Boeing’s Cecil Field “It’s an example of great teamwork, and

site in Jacksonville, Florida. completing this first jet is just the beginning as

“The delivery of this first AMARG modified we have more deliveries planned this year and

QF-16 aerial target drone is a testimony of the well into next year.”

cooperative, synergistic relationship we had Boeing began converting retired F-16s into

hoped for when we created the private-public QF-16s in 2015. More than 120 aircraft are on

partnership with Boeing,” said col. Jennifer contract to be modified, with over 40 percent
Barnard commander of the 309th AMARG. delivered to date. Q
NEWS
MANUFACTURING
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

to deliver an affordable, capable and reliable

aircraft for the warfighter.
ell Textron has unveiled its new “The MTC is the next step in successfully
B140,000ft ² manufacturing technology deploying new manufacturing technologies
centre in Fort Worth, Texas. and processes into Bell’s future factories,” said
Glenn Isbell, vice president, rapid prototyping

The centre is an innovative space where Bell and manufacturing innovation.

will test and refine technologies and processes “These future factories working together
- demonstrating manufacturing readiness and with our teammates and suppliers will be

ability to successfully build and support Future designed to enable high-quality, high-rate
Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. production of the Bell V-280 Valor, Bell 360

The facility provides capabilities that span Invictus and other future aircraft.”

all of Bell’s core manufacturing of rotor and Digital connectivity and integration form the

drive systems, critical infrastructure and final backbone of the MTC. Every inch of the facility
assembly. will be monitored and controlled by a net-
Since establishing a footprint in North Texas work of IT, Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber
in 1951, Bell’s facilities have been a hub for security systems that manage the inflow and

new technology in aviation. Many milestones, outflow of materials, as well as the movement

including first flight of the XV-15, V-22, 609 and of activity throughout the factory.

407, took place in the DFW metroplex. By deploying a networked software infra-

Building FVL aircraft will require the right structure, the MTC will produce a digital twin

blend of investment in manufacturing technol- of itself that gives everyone a common operat-
ogy and a quality workforce, as well as strong ing picture of the building, the equipment and
partnerships with the state and community, the processes. Q
World Airnews | September 2020
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