STG Aerospace of the UK has secured another order for its WEPPS emergency lighting power system. Fijian airline Air Pacific is to install the system in six Boeings – three 737NGs, a 767-300ER and a pair of 747-400s.
WEPPS has also been selected by Jet Airways of India and Canadian charter operator CanJet, plus a number of other carriers. It promises significant cost savings by replacing the maintenance-intensive lithium ion batteries that currently power emergency lighting systems with longer-life, non-rechargeable lithium sulphur dioxide units and using wireless technology for daily minimum equipment list (MEL) checks.
STG reports that CanJet has saved even more than expected by installing WEPPS in its fleet of four Boeing 737s, cutting the time to recover the investment to less than a year. As well as cutting maintenance costs, the carrier has found that there is a ready market for the displaced previous-generation batteries and their charger packs. “The proceeds from selling the old equipment almost paid for the WEPPS installation,” says Gary Girard, president of STG’s North American operation.
The company has also received the largest order ever for its other product, the SafTGlo photoluminescent emergency floorpath marking system. Thai Airways has selected SafTGlo for all of its Airbus A300-600s and A330-300s and Boeing 747-400s - a total of 55 aircraft.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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