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Aviation Week :: Lockheed Reveals Extended-Range Seahawk Concept Proposals
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

From: Harold Brattland <habrattland(a)arvig.net> Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 9:43 AM Check out this site https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/lockheed-reveals-exten… -- Lockheed Reveals Extended-Range Seahawk Concept Proposals Steve Trimble <https://aviationweek.com/author/steve-trimble> January 13, 2026 <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/20…> MH-60R Seahawk Credit: MixPix/Alamy Lockheed Martin is developing two concepts for greatly extending the range of the Sikorsky MH-60R/S Seahawk to offer to the U.S. Navy as alternatives to the crewed helicopter in the Future Vertical Lift-Maritime Strike (FVL-MS) family. The Advanced Single Main Rotor (A-SMR) concept proposes adding a hybrid-electric drivetrain to increase the range to 500 nm from the Seahawk’s current maximum of 220 nm. The Enhanced Single Main Rotor (E-SMR), by contrast, keeps the current drivetrain configuration and achieves greater range by reducing weight to add fuel. The E-SMR extends the maximum range to 280 nm. “We put together a number of options for the Navy,” Eric Schreiber, Lockheed’s director of business development for maritime systems, told Aviation Week on Jan. 12. The range data was displayed on a screen inside Lockheed’s Global Vision Center, which the company opened to journalists on the eve of the Surface Navy Association’s annual convention in Arlington, Virginia. Both concepts provide a path for Lockheed to replace the current Seahawk fleet if the Navy requires the crewed FVL-MS aircraft to fit inside the hangars of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The coaxial-rotor design of the high-speed and long-range Sikorsky X2 technology precludes fitting inside those hangars without major modifications. The Navy plans to replace the submarine-hunting and maritime-patrolling Seahawk fleet in the next decade with a family of crewed and uncrewed helicopters. <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public…> Steve Trimble <https://aviationweek.com/author/steve-trimble> Steve covers military aviation, missiles and space for the Aviation Week Network, based in Washington, DC.

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Trump Class Battleships Could Get Megawatt Lasers: Navy's Top Officer
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

https://www.twz.com/news-features/trump-class-battleships-could-get-megawatt -lasers-navys-top-officer CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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Latest from ISW on Iran
by Marc Liebman 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

https://understandingwar.org/research/middle-east/iran-update-january-13-20… Marc Liebman https://www.marcliebman.com https://www.facebook.com/marcliebmanauthor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sDoFQM5wupNaCeGIvKL1g Author of: Cherubs 2 Raider of the Scottish Coast Big Mother 40 Carronade Render Harmless Death of a Lady Forgotten Last Battles Inner Look For a Few Francs Moscow Airlift Predators The Simushir Island Incident Fight We Shall Flight of the Pawnee Failure to Fire Insidious Dragon The Red Star of Death Member of: The Author’s Guild Military Writers Society of America Association of Texas Authors North American Snowsport Journalists Association --

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Aviation Week :: Safety Experts Quantify Effect Of New Pilot Training Approach
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

From: Harold Brattland <habrattland(a)arvig.net> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 2:37 PM Check out this site https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/safety-experts… -- Safety Experts Quantify Effect Of New Pilot Training Approach Thierry Dubois <https://aviationweek.com/author/thierry-dubois> January 07, 2026 <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/20…> A fast-growing carrier has seen a strong reduction in runway safety events, such as landing outside the touchdown zone. Credit: CAE Aviation’s safety brainstorming since the 2000s has crystallized with the implementation of an evidence-based training methodology in the 2020s. While the approach has yet to be widely applied, it is showing measurable success. A graphic released by evidence-based training (EBT) service provider Salient shows runway safety events, such as landing outside the touchdown zone, are decreasing for an operator in Latin America. “We have worked with a rapidly growing carrier, operating with a high proportion of relatively inexperienced pilots,” Salient CEO Michael Varney says. “The operating environment is challenging, with demanding weather, terrain and airport infrastructure. The data reflects the outcomes observed after the first three years of EBT implementation.” * Evidence-based training cut runway safety events at a Latin American carrier fourfold in three years * The method helps pilots build up skills and confidence Two decades ago, experts began to recognize the limits of conventional recurrent simulator checks. They sought improvements through eliminating a punitive assessment culture and making simulator sessions more constructive. The experts also wanted to elevate nontechnical skills, such as teamwork and decision-making. In addition, they found ways to use evidence gathered in flight to help determine risks that instruction should prioritize. Hence the notion of risk-based training, which was renamed EBT because it sounded awkward to nonspecialists, Varney recalls. He led the creation of EBT in the framework of the International Air Transport Association and then the International Civil Aviation Organization in 2007-13. In practice, EBT encapsulates solutions to aviation problems. After the fatal crash of an Air France-operated Airbus A330 in 2009, safety experts intensified discussions about preparedness for unforeseen situations. The Toulouse-based Air and Space Academy organized a conference titled “Air Transport Pilots Facing the Unexpected” in 2011. Then in 2019, Jon Holbrook, a lead researcher at NASA, published “Human Performance Contributions to Safety in Commercial Aviation,” a paper that emphasized how pilots solve complex predicaments in flight. Training for the unexpected and encouraging pilots are major contributions of EBT to safety. Operators devise crew training programs with biannual simulated EBT sessions. After an evaluation phase, the instructor adapts the exercises according to what they saw—which competencies have become ingrained and which need to be reinforced—and creates a personalized instruction phase. Experts assess safety advancements by counting incidents (see graphic) and deviations. Salient sees operational efficiency and safety as two sides of the same coin and evaluates progress by filtering delay data to show delays that pilots can influence. “We can see how anticipation and operational decision-making affect performance,” Varney says. Analyzing operator data, Salient specialists see a substantial, favorable effect on delays. Proactive crews anticipate problems, plan contingencies and share information continuously—behavior that EBT is fostering. Such crews are better prepared to manage both expected and unexpected situations, Varney emphasizes. EBT reduces the surprise effect. “This limits the impact of adrenaline, which can undermine objective thinking and effective planning,” he says. Salient uses a self-efficacy scale in surveys for pilots. “Prior to training, pilots systematically indicate their personal objectives,” Varney explains. “After completing an EBT module, they report what they gained and confirm whether the instructor highlighted areas for further development.” Unlike traditional methods, EBT shifts the focus to building pilot confidence and developing skills from demonstrating instructor superiority. “The first step is earning pilot trust,” Varney says. “In this environment, pilots approach recurrent training with confidence, knowing instructors will support understanding and learning rather than judge errors.” Pilots are more likely to make errors in a simulator than in flight because they are encountering more scenarios that they need to address. In line operations, the plan is set and flown; in the simulator, the context shifts constantly, Varney notes. Understanding what crewmembers do well informs progress in safety. “We have supported operators in creating channels that allow pilots to share examples of effective performance,” Varney says. Building pilot confidence can support the training organization’s own effectiveness. “We ask pilots to reflect on a recent flight where conditions were more demanding,” Varney says. “These discussions provide insight into how learning is being transferred into real-world performance.” <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public…> Thierry Dubois <https://aviationweek.com/author/thierry-dubois> Thierry Dubois has specialized in aerospace journalism since 1997. An engineer in fluid dynamics from Toulouse-based Enseeiht, he covers the French commercial aviation, defense and space industries. His expertise extends to all things technology in Europe.

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Aviation Week :: Leonardo Joins Europe’s Next-Gen Rotorcraft Race With Tiltrotor Debut
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

From: Harold Brattland <habrattland(a)arvig.net> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:34 AM Check out this site https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/aircraft-propulsion/leonardo-joins-europ… -- Leonardo Joins Europe’s Next-Gen Rotorcraft Race With Tiltrotor Debut Tony Osborne <https://aviationweek.com/author/tony-osborne> January 06, 2026 <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/20…> The NGCTR-TD’s new V-tail and much larger engine and gearbox nacelles were noticeable during the first flight on Dec. 19. Credit: Leonardo Helicopters Even though the AW609 has not yet reached the market, Leonardo is embarking on the next stage of its tiltrotor journey. In December, the company achieved the long-awaited first flight of its Next-Generation Civil Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator (NGCTR-TD), a platform intended to validate leaps in performance and efficiency and shape Europe’s future commercial and military rotorcraft. * The NGCTR-TD will test a new approach to fly-by-wire controls * The platform is the first demonstrator on the European civil register The milestone took place at Leonardo’s facility at Cascina Costa near Milan on Dec. 19—11 years after NGCTR-TD development began, 17 months after initial ground tests started and 20 months after competitor Airbus completed the first flight of its Racer compound rotorcraft demonstrator. Development of both the NGCTR-TD and Racer was funded by the European Union’s Clean Sky 2 research and development initiative. Leonardo intends the aircraft to help derisk technologies for a larger commercial tiltrotor capable of carrying 25-30 people, which could pave the way to a new battlefield transport and naval rotorcraft. “Bringing this technology demonstrator to the air for the first time sets a major milestone on our path to provide a key contribution toward an even more advanced, effective and sustainable use of rotorcraft technologies in Europe,” Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Piero Cutillo said following the flight. Several of the NGCTR-TD’s design traits appeared on Leonardo and Bell’s proposed 16-metric-ton tiltrotor in concept studies presented for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability ( <https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/industry-concepts-refi…> AW&ST Nov. 24-Dec. 7, 2025, p. 26). For the demonstrator, engineers equipped a donor AW609 commercial tiltrotor airframe with several new technologies to raise their technology readiness levels. Among them is a new main wing architecture that provides more volume for fuel and features a large morphing trailing edge flap to reduce download from the proprotors during hover. The rotorcraft also uses a straight wing rather than the AW609’s slightly forward swept wing. Engineers adopted a fixed-engine, split-gearbox configuration like the one on Bell’s V-280 to drive the prop-rotors. A fixed-engine configuration reduces complexity and the need to certify an engine to operate at various tilt angles, as on the AW609 and the Bell-Boeing <https://aviationweek.com/term/boeing> V-22 Osprey, and broadens the engine options that can be used on a tiltrotor. However, this makes for a considerably bulkier nacelle. A V-280-like V-tail also helps reduce drag and improve aerodynamic stability. The NGCTR-TD will also test a new approach to fly-by-wire controls, moving from the federated architecture on the AW609 to a more modular and distributed system in which actuator control and verification is performed by electronic units close to the actuator rather than a central processing unit. This alleviates the need for heavy wiring, which reduces aircraft weight and complexity. The rotorcraft uses General Electric CT7 engines rather than the AW609’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6s, in part because of the CT7’s Full-Authority Digital Engine Control and frontal air intake. Leonardo is also familiar with the engine from programs such as the AW101 and AW189, as well as the NHIndustries NH90. Unlike the AW609 and Airbus’ Racer, the NGCTR is developed for single-pilot operations and features an ejection seat. The aircraft is also the first tiltrotor to be inducted on a European civil registration—I-NGTH. All AW609 development aircraft have U.S. N-numbers, reflecting the type’s heritage and continuing certification slog with the FAA. Development of the NGCTR-TD has been a pan-European effort, involving around 70 industry partners, research and academic centers in 14 countries. Several consortia were established for key components of the aircraft. The main wing was produced by the T-Wing consortium, which included the Italian Aerospace Research Centre, Germany’s IBK Innovation and Italy’s Magnaghi Aeronautica and Officine Meccaniche Irpine. The thermoplastic V-tail’s development through the Light Innovative Flying Tiltrotor Tail consortium was led by GKN’s Fokker and the Netherlands Aerospace Center. Some 200 hr. of flight testing are expected to follow. Although Leonardo has yet to outline test plans, company officials have talked about reaching speeds of 280 kt. Rotorcraft development used up EU funding, so flight testing will be performed on the company’s dime. The NGCTR-TD has some catching up to do, however—Airbus has achieved many of its initial aims with the Racer, which is expected to move into the second phase of flight testing with its new electric eco-mode system that shuts down and spools up one of the two engines during cruise. <https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public…> Tony Osborne <https://aviationweek.com/author/tony-osborne> Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines.

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Iran Under the Mullahs: Views in the Strategist
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2026/01/13/iran_under_the_mullahs_ views_in_the_strategist_1158336.html

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Landing Gear
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

https://x.com/timfarmer/status/2011078481099276374?s=20 CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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Well How about That!
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

https://x.com/AlexanderPayton/status/2010791046150541749?s=20 CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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The Speed-Obsessed Texas Wildcatter in Pole Position for Venezuela's Energy Riches
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/the-speed-obsessed-texas-wildcatter- in-pole-position-for-venezuelas-energy-riches-c0a13c66?st=iDazZV <https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/the-speed-obsessed-texas-wildcatter -in-pole-position-for-venezuelas-energy-riches-c0a13c66?st=iDazZV&reflink=de sktopwebshare_permalink> &reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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True value of Venezuela's oil
by Marc Liebman 11 Jan '26

11 Jan '26

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1424095435732733 This puts Trump’s strategy with Venezuela in perspective. Marc Liebman https://www.marcliebman.com https://www.facebook.com/marcliebmanauthor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sDoFQM5wupNaCeGIvKL1g Author of: Cherubs 2 Raider of the Scottish Coast Big Mother 40 Carronade Render Harmless Death of a Lady Forgotten Last Battles Inner Look For a Few Francs Moscow Airlift Predators The Simushir Island Incident Fight We Shall Flight of the Pawnee Failure to Fire Insidious Dragon The Red Star of Death Member of: The Author’s Guild Military Writers Society of America Association of Texas Authors North American Snowsport Journalists Association --

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