AVIONICS - MSC NewsWire

Rocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis

Rocket Lab has completed an internal review of data from its May 25 test flight of its Electron rocket. The review found the launch had to be terminated due to an independent contractor’s ground equipment issue, rather than an issue with the rocket. Rocket Lab’s investigation board has identified the root causes and corrective actions. The Federal Aviation Administration, the primary body responsible for licensing the launch, has overseen Rocket Lab’s comprehensive investigation and will review the findings. Rocket Lab’s engineers have spent the last two months working through an extensive fault tree analysis to ensure all factors that may…

Japan in talks with New Zealand for defense aircraft exports

TOKYO -- Japan is in negotiations with New Zealand to export the Self-Defense Forces' patrol and transport aircraft, in hopes of beating out U.S. and European competition to score its first large-scale arms contract. The deal will also involve the maintenance of the planes, and is potentially worth billions of dollars. Tokyo in September provided unclassified information on the P-1 maritime patrol plane and C-2 transporter, both developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, in response to Wellington's requests. Representatives from Japan's defense ministry and Kawasaki Heavy are in New Zealand for negotiations. Japan could come up with a proposal in the…

Rocket Lab Completes Major Technical Milestone Ahead of Test Launches

Rocket Lab today announced the flight qualification and acceptance of the first stage booster of the Electron launch vehicle. All primary components of the stage – including engines, vehicle structures, avionics and software systems - were designed, developed and tested in-house at Rocket Lab. “Rocket Lab has had a hugely successful year with qualification of all major vehicle systems, completion of Launch Complex 1 and considerable growth of our team and customer base,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO. “We will continue to test the vehicle extensively in the lead-up to commercial operations and are looking forward to beginning the…