Latest news with #OPVs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cruz's HOVER Act: Black Hawks Get A High-Tech Copilot For Safer Skies
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is flying high with a new bill that hopes to update the technology used in the American military's helicopter fleet. With the long title of The Helicopter Operational Versatility and Enhanced Readiness Act, more quickly referred to as the HOVER Act, the legislation promises to turn the Army's tried-and-true Black Hawks into modern marvels that can fly with or without a human at the controls. Cruz said in a recent press release that the move is about 'peace through strength,' giving our troops the very best in cutting-edge technology. 'The HOVER Act allows the U.S. Army to modernize its fleet with such technology, boosting military readiness and American national security. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this bill to ensure our military remains the strongest and most effective in the world,' Cruz added. The HOVER Act authorizes the use of government funds to convert at least three Army Black Hawk helicopters into Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPVs), a fancy term for a helicopter that can fly itself or take instructions from a pilot in a format similar to Bluetooth. The OPV tech, already proven in aviation practices outside the military, aims to lighten the load on human pilots, reduce human error, and increase survivability rates during dangerous military missions. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas-6), a former helicopter pilot, is also sponsoring 'companion' legislation in the House. 'As a former helicopter pilot, I understand firsthand the demands and risks associated with complex missions in challenging environments. The HOVER Act is a step forward in aviation safety and mission effectiveness. By integrating Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) technology into Black Hawks, we will not only reduce pilot workload but also enhance situational awareness and increase survivability in high-risk conditions,' Ellzey said. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Army to run a two-year test drive – an operational experimentation program to evaluate how these OPVs perform in the real world. The Secretary will also have to report back to Congress within a year with progress, findings, and recommendations for OPV usage in the future. Some could argue the bill is a no-brainer. Modern combat zones are complex, fast-paced, and dangerous. Cutting-edge tech like OPVs could help pilots focus on their missions and, hopefully, reduce crash rates. Cruz and Ellzey aren't waiting around. They're betting that robotic copilot systems are the next big thing in keeping America's pilots safe in battle. The HOVER Act is about more than just tech updates for a few choppers; it's about ensuring the U.S. Army's helicopters are ready to face tomorrow's modern threats. As Ellzey put it, 'This legislation is about giving our pilots the tools they need to be successful. It gives them the ability to execute their missions safely and effectively and come home to their families.'
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Shin Yang's unit receives LOI from Home Affairs Ministry for completion offshore patrol vessels
KUALA LUMPUR: Shin Yang Group Bhd's (Shin Yang) wholly-owned subsidiary, Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint as a contractor for works on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Shin Yang said the LOI expresses the intention of the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint Shin Yang Shipyard as the contractor for the completion of the remaining works on OPV 2 and OPV 3 for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). "The issuance of the LOI is subject to further discussions and negotiations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Shin Yang Shipyard regarding specific terms of the proposed shipbuilding contract," it said. Shin Yang said the LOI does not constitute a legally binding commitment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and there is no certainty that a definitive contract will be awarded to Shin Yang Shipyard. "The potential shipbuilding contract, if awarded, is expected to contribute positively to the group's earnings and net assets for the duration of the project. "However, the exact financial impact can only be determined upon finalisation and execution of the definitive contract," it added. -- BERNAMA
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Shin Yang's unit receives LOI for offshore patrol vessel work
KUALA LUMPUR: Shin Yang Group Bhd 's (Shin Yang) wholly-owned subsidiary, Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint as a contractor for works on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Shin Yang said the LOI expresses the intention of the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint Shin Yang Shipyard as the contractor for the completion of the remaining works on OPV 2 and OPV 3 for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). "The issuance of the LOI is subject to further discussions and negotiations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Shin Yang Shipyard regarding specific terms of the proposed shipbuilding contract,' it said. Shin Yang said the LOI does not constitute a legally binding commitment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and there is no certainty that a definitive contract will be awarded to Shin Yang Shipyard. "The potential shipbuilding contract, if awarded, is expected to contribute positively to the group's earnings and net assets for the duration of the project. "However, the exact financial impact can only be determined upon finalisation and execution of the definitive contract,' it added. - Bernama
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Intense oil spill mitigation efforts launched by Coast Guard after Liberian cargo ship sank off Kerala coast
NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intensified surveillance and spill mitigation efforts and mobilised a specialised Pollution Response Vessel, in addition to two of its Offshore Patrol Vessels, after the environmental concerns, including the potential oil spill impact and drifting of debris and cargo emerged. The situation occurred after the Cargo Ship MV Elsa sank around 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala on Sunday. The ICG said on Monday that it has mobilised ICG Ship Samudra Prahari in addition to its two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), which remain on-site for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and pollution response. The coast guard is also using aerial sorties and specialised dispersal equipment, Ship Samudra Prahari, "a specialised Pollution Response Vessel carrying significant quantities of Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD), along with additional OPVs in PR configuration," said ICG. To ensure safety, all passing ships have been diverted, and mariners have been warned to navigate cautiously due to floating debris and potential navigation hazards. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched a full-scale pollution response operation following the sinking of the Liberian container vessel MV MSC ELSA 3, which went down on May 25, 2025, approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, Kerala. All its 24 crew were rescued by the Coast Guard and Navy.
Al Etihad
20-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Al Seer Marine awarded Dh47.6 million contract to deliver high-speed interceptor vessels
20 May 2025 13:48 ABU DHABI (WAM)Al Seer Marine (ASM), a frontrunner in advanced maritime solutions and a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), has secured a production agreement valued at Dh47.6 million to deliver high-speed interceptor vessels to Albwardy Damen (Damen Shipyards Sharjah – DSSh).Delivery will span 42 months, with the units slated for integration into offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). All vessels will be designed, built, and outfitted entirely in the UAE, in alignment with the country's 'Make it in the Emirates' industrialisation initiative.'The global OPV market is projected to grow from $38.1 billion in 2024 to $73.3 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.15 per cent, according to a recent report published via GlobeNewswire—positioning it as one of the highly profitable segments in the shipbuilding industry," said Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer added, "With our long-term strategic vision, we anticipated this trajectory early, driving targeted investments in our technologies, infrastructure, and engineering depth to establish the naval shipbuilding vertical as a core driver of our revenue growth, portfolio diversification, margin resilience, and long-term value creation for our investors.'The move comes in response to accelerating global and regional demand for OPVs, particularly in the Middle East, where maritime security and naval capability development have become national imperatives. In 2024, Al Seer Marine reported operational profits of Dh107 million on revenues exceeding Dh1.28 billion. The new production mandate is expected to enhance financial performance over the contract period and further strengthen the company's shift toward high-value, IP-driven manufacturing and defence export capabilities within the UAE
