Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

ST Engineering is no stranger to artificial intelligence (AI), according to Chua Jin Kiat, the head of International Defence Business and Market Development for the company. At a media briefing in Singapore on Sunday, he listed various ST products and services that have already benefited from the company’s proprietary algorithms, such as aircraft maintenance, unmanned aircraft systems, and internet video content analysis.
Covering 2,000 sq meters, the ST Engineering stand displays an extensive range of software and hardware, grouped around what the company terms three “clusters” –Commercial Aerospace, Defence, and Smart City. Three new developments are of particular interest to aerospace specialists.
A Passenger-To-Tanker (P2T) conversion of the Boeing 757 is underway, for aerial firefighting. That mission is not new, but Leon Tan, general manager of cabin interiors and engineering, told AIN that ST Engineering sees a gap in the market for a new airframe, to replace the many aging ones currently in service. The P2T will deliver well over 6,000 gallons of fire retardant or water through a gravity-fed system that is more optimized than current systems, according to the company. It says that Airbus airframes are also candidates for conversion.
The partner and launch customer for the P2T is Galactic Holdings, whose founding members are veterans of aerial firefighting operations. Conversion of the first one will start mid-year, and go into service next year.
Tan is also in charge of the AirFish, a Wing-In Ground Effect (WIG) craft with various potential applications, including marine tourism, ferry transport, logistics, and para-military. Over the years, several companies have tried and failed to get WIGs accepted commercially. StEngg is the latest, in partnership with WigetWorks, a local SME. The craft on display here is a smaller version of the eight-seater that is now undergoing trials.
Thirdly, Blue Spear is a fifth-generation jet-powered surface-to-surface missile (5G SSM) that STEngg is developing in partnership with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). It offers precision strike at ranges up to 180 miles, flying low-level at high subsonic speeds and carrying and high-explosive insensitive munition warhead. It has a datalink for inflight retargeting if necessary. Ground and ship-launched versions are available. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will add it to their frigates, but the first customer is Estonia.&nbsp;

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

ST Engineering Reaping Benefits of AI

Company makes use of proprietary algorithms for maintenance among other activities 

ST Engineering is no stranger to artificial intelligence.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

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Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

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Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Singapore Airshow 2024

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

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What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

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Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

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Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

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Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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