UM working on wonder material

There is a new material called Graphene lurking in research labs across the world that could change the way people live, and the University of Mississippi is at the forefront. Graphene has been hailed “the most exciting material of the 21st century,” according to an article in Time magazine, and scientists are just beginning to scratch its potential. Researchers at UM’s Nano Infrastructure Research Group within the School of Engineering are engaged with world scientists in research and development of the material and finding uses for defense, aerospace and civil environments. (Source: Hotty Totty.com 10/31/16)

Domestic airfare costs down

The average domestic airfare was $353 from April-through-June, down about 10 percent from the same period in 2015, according to the U.S. Transportation Department. The average is the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2010 (at $335). When adjusted for inflation, the $353 average is the lowest since the third quarter of 2009 (at $343). Critics of the airline industry point out that despite falling airfares, airlines continue to generate hefty revenues from passenger fees like back-checking and changing flights. Those fees add up quickly. The Airlines for America trade group for U.S. airlines contends that surveys show most passengers want a low fare and the choice of paying for extras. Also, competition from low-cost carriers – such as Spirit and Frontier - is helping keep prices down. (Source: LA Times 10/25/16)

Robotic surgery comes to Keesler

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Surgeons at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi are cutting a new path in military medicine by being the first AF medical facility to use one of the more advanced robotic surgery systems - da Vinci Xi - available today. Keesler Medical Center has acquired two of the surgical systems for surgeries, and the other for training. Additionally, Keesler’s Clinical Research Laboratory has set up a training facility, called the Institute for Defense Robotic Surgical Education, for surgeons to get robotic surgery credentials. The idea behind the training facility is to expand across the entire Defense Department. The training won’t be just for surgeons since nurses and technicians need robotic surgery training for their respective roles. (Source: Air Force Surgeon General 10/25/16) Gulf Coast Note: Naval Hospital Pensacola, Fla., general surgeons and urologists began training, under agreements with West Florida Hospital, several years ago in the use of da Vinci robotic surgeries.

Meridian may build trainer system

MCKINNEY, Texas - Raytheon plans to build the Ar Force's T-100 Integrated Air Training System in Meridian, Miss., pending service approval, the company said Oct. 25. A final assembly and check-out facility in Meridian would add to Raytheon's 30-year history of manufacturing in Mississippi. The Meridian facility would provide a mix of infrastructure, customer proximity, government support and a high-tech pool of workers, Raytheon said. The T-100 trainer is a next-generation system based on the Aermacchi M-346 aircraft and combines ground-based simulators with computerized classroom instruction. Raytheon has partnered with Leonardo-Finmeccanica, CAE USA and Honeywell Aerospace on this program. (Source: UPI 10/25/16)

Blue Angels to buzz Natchez

The Navy’s Blue Angels are scheduled to do a flyby over downtown Natchez, Miss., Thursday (Oct. 20) morning about 8:15 a.m. The Blues will be traveling from home in Pensacola, Fla., to an air show this weekend in Texas. The jets will likely fly over Main Street, dropping down to about 1,000 feet, and head toward the river. Tri-centennial Director Jennifer Ogden Combs said the Blue Angels are completing a flyover as a salute to Natchez during the city’s tri-centennial year. (Source: Natchez Democrat 10/18/16)

MS selects 1st ever military judge

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi National Guard appointed Col. Lee Thaggard as its first ever permanent military judge on Oct. 15. Thaggard has a private practice with a Meridian law firm. “I’m honored and humbled to be selected to represent the National Guard in this capacity as a military trial judge,” Thaggard said. Mississippi has had military judges appointed for brief periods or to preside over a specific case, but Thaggard is the first appointed to the position permanently. A military judge presides over the courtroom and determines sentences for service members accused of a crime under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. They cannot preside over civilian proceedings. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1987 through the AROTC at Mississippi State University, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment, in Tupelo upon graduation. He earned a Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1992 and was appointed as a major in the JAG Corps in 2003. (Source: 102nd Public Affairs Det Q 10/15/16)

GEA-Ellisville coatings work

DANBURY, Conn. – Praxair Surface Technologies Inc. and GE Aviation announced the formal creation of PG Technologies LLC, a joint venture. PST and its subsidiary will hold the majority interest with GEA and its subsidiary holding the remainder. PGT will focus on development, support and application of specialized coatings tailored for GEA’s and CFM International’s current and future engine models, including the GE9X and LEAP engines. CFMI is a 50-50 joint venture firm between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines of France. Coating operations for PGT will be based in Ellisville, Miss., Indianapolis, Ind., and Singapore. (Source: Business Wire 10/17/16)

Aero defense chain conference

The 2nd Annual Aerospace Defense Chain conference Oct. 28-29 in Arizona will focus on key components affecting the AD industry and future programs in seeking balance between customer demands, global market conditions, macroeconomic challenges and industry consolidation. The conference’s emphasis will be on forecasts and pursuing sustainable growth opportunities and new initiatives. Key issues include programs, market trends, innovation and technology. From the supply chain view, the conference will look at forecast, planning, consolidation, and productivity. The conference is supported by decision leaders within equipment manufacturers and suppliers that support the supply chain for the defense industry, program managers, business and corporate development and marketing executives, market analysts, investment bankers and financial institutions. (Source: Speed News 10/16)

AHI to exhibit at Cali conference

Airbus Helicopters Inc., the North American sales leader in law enforcement helicopters for more than a decade, will exhibit a California Highway Patrol H125 AStar at the 2016 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in San Diego on Oct. 16-18. The CHP operates 11 H125/AS350-series AStar aircraft. AHI produces the H125 at its facility in Columbus, Miss. (Source: Market Wired 10/12/16)

L-3 Vertex cleared for KC-10 work

L-3 Communication’s Vertex Aerospace unit at Madison, Miss., began providing logistics support services Sept. 27 for the Air Force’s KC-10 aerial refueling aircraft under a potential nine-year, $1.9 billion contract. Vertex Aerospace commenced work after the Government Accountability Office rejected a competitor’s protest. The Mississippi-based division will maintain and operate base supply, provide field service representatives and support maintenance for 59 KC-10s. The unit will also provide supply and field service representation to the aerial refueling system for the Netherland’s two KDC-10 aircraft. (Source: Executive Biz blog 10/12/16)

Robots invade Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Humphrey Coliseum at Mississippi State University was filled with robots Oct. 1 for the Best Robotics Competition. High school teams from across the state and parts of Tennessee came to show off their best work. Winners were to be rewarded for the best engineering notebook, best robot, and best overall award for their marketing presentations, said event coordinator, Dr. Vermitra White. The event was sponsored by MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering. Finalists will advance to the national competition hosted in Auburn, Ala. (Source: WCBI 10/01/16)