This article is based on an official press release from the Connecticut National Guard.

Connecticut Guard’s 1109th AVCRAD: A Critical Hub for Army Aviation Sustainment

In Groton, Connecticut, the 1109th Aviation Classification and Repair Depot (AVCRAD) continues to serve as a vital logistical artery for the U.S. Army’s rotary-wing fleet. According to an official release from the Connecticut National Guard, the facility, co-located with the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group (TASMG), provides specialized “sustainment-level” maintenance that extends far beyond standard field repairs.

As one of only four such National Guard facilities in the United States, the 1109th AVCRAD is responsible for supporting Army National Guard aviation assets across 14 Northeastern states and the District of Columbia. This regional responsibility encompasses approximately 325 helicopters stationed at 24 different facilities, ensuring that the fleet remains operational for both domestic disaster response and overseas deployment.

Defining Sustainment-Level Maintenance

To understand the significance of the Groton facility, it is necessary to distinguish between the two primary tiers of Army aviation maintenance: field level and sustainment level. While field units perform “on-system” repairs, such as replacing starters or fixing leaks to return aircraft to flight status quickly, the AVCRAD is tasked with “off-system” heavy lifting.

According to the National Guard, the 1109th AVCRAD is capable of stripping a helicopter down to the frame and rebuilding it to factory standards. This process involves complex tasks including:

• Complete engine and transmission overhauls.
• X-ray inspections of airframes to detect metal fatigue.
• Stripping and repainting entire aircraft.
• Manufacturing parts that are otherwise unavailable in the supply chain.

The facility services the Army’s core rotary platforms, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and AH-64 Apache. By performing these deep-level refurbishments, the depot ensures older airframes can continue to fly safely, bridging the gap between current operations and future fleet modernization.

Economic Impact and Strategic Value

The financial implications of the AVCRAD’s operations are substantial. Rather than purchasing new aircraft, which can cost tens of millions of dollars, the Department of Defense relies on depots like the 1109th to extend the service life of existing assets.

In a statement regarding the facility’s impact, 1st Sgt. Jarod Meekhoff, a Quality Control Inspector at the unit, highlighted the cost-efficiency of their mission:

“Refurbishing an aircraft saves the Department of Defense and, in turn, the U.S. taxpayer millions of dollars every year.”

1st Sgt. Jarod Meekhoff, Connecticut National Guard

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A notable example of this capability cited in reports involves the reconstruction of two CH-47 Chinook helicopters. These aircraft had been classified as “battle-damaged” following hard landings in Iraq and were grounded. Instead of scrapping the airframes, the AVCRAD team rebuilt them to factory specifications, saving the military the cost of procuring new heavy-lift helicopters, which can exceed $30 million per unit.

Innovation in Environmental Safety

Beyond mechanical repairs, the 1109th AVCRAD has been recognized for modernizing maintenance processes. The facility implemented the aviation industry’s first non-chromium-6-based coating and painting system. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen traditionally used in aerospace anti-corrosion coatings. By eliminating this hazardous material, the Groton facility has improved safety conditions for its workforce while reducing its environmental-impact.

AirPro News Analysis

The strategic placement of the 1109th AVCRAD in the Northeast offers a dual advantage. Domestically, it ensures that governors in the region have access to operational rotary-wing assets for emergency response, such as during hurricanes or floods, without relying solely on active-duty logistics chains that may be overextended.

Furthermore, the facility’s certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9110, position it to handle specialized contracts typically reserved for major defense contractors. As the U.S. Army looks toward Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms later in the decade, the technical expertise cultivated at depots like the 1109th will likely be essential for integrating new technologies while sustaining the enduring fleet of Black Hawks and Apaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 1109th AVCRAD and the TASMG?
The AVCRAD refers to the physical depot and facility capabilities, while the TASMG (Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group) refers to the personnel. While the facility is static in Groton, the TASMG soldiers are deployable and can form “Task Force AVCRAD” to provide theater-level maintenance in combat zones.

How many AVCRADs are there in the United States?
There are only four National Guard AVCRAD facilities nationwide. They are located in Connecticut, Mississippi, Missouri, and California.

Does the facility only employ soldiers?
No. The workforce at the 1109th is a mix of uniformed National Guard soldiers and highly skilled civilian contractors, many of whom are trained as certified airframe and powerplant mechanics.

Sources

• Connecticut National Guard

This article is based on an official press release from Mecadaq Group.

Mecadaq Group Acquires Echeverria and Lopez to Accelerate Aerospace Supply Chain Consolidation

Mecadaq Group, a specialist in high-precision aerospace manufacturing with operations in France and the United States, has announced the acquisitions of two strategic companies: Echeverria and Lopez. The announcement, made on January 21, 2026, marks the first major expansion for the group since the investment firm CAPZA became its majority shareholder in July 2025.

According to the company’s statement, these acquisitions are part of an aggressive “buy-and-build” strategy designed to consolidate the fragmented aerospace supply chain. By integrating these new entities, Mecadaq aims to diversify its capabilities beyond airframe manufacturing into interiors and engine maintenance. The group has set a financial target to achieve over €150 million in annual revenue by 2030.

Strategic Acquisitions: Echeverria and Lopez

The two acquired companies bring distinct specializations that broaden Mecadaq’s service portfolio and strengthen its local footprint in southwest France.

Echeverria: Expanding into Interiors

Located in Hendaye, France, Echeverria specializes in the precision machining and assembly of complex components for aircraft seats and cabins. This acquisition opens a new vertical for Mecadaq in the “Interiors” market. The company notes that Echeverria is a key supplier for Airbus Atlantic, providing structures for pilot seats and cabin frameworks.

Lopez: Establishing an MRO Division

The second acquisition, Lopez, is based in Tarnos, France, near Mecadaq’s headquarters. Lopez focuses on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter engines. Their capabilities include grinding, lapping, hydraulic testing, and compliance restoration for critical parts. According to Mecadaq, this move establishes a dedicated division for engine maintenance and reinforces the group’s relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines, a long-standing partner of Lopez.

Financial Backing and Long-Term Strategy

This expansion is fueled by Mecadaq’s new financial structure following the entry of CAPZA as the majority shareholder in mid-2025. The investment firm’s Flex Equity strategy replaced the previous backer, Activa Capital. Additionally, Mecadaq President Julien Dubecq and his management team have reinvested in the transaction, signaling a long-term commitment to the group’s growth.

“The aerospace supply chain remains highly fragmented. Mecadaq’s strategy is to act as a consolidator, acquiring smaller, specialized firms to increase ‘share of wallet’ with major OEMs.”

, Summary of Mecadaq Group Strategy

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The group’s ambition is to triple its size relative to its 2018-2020 baseline. To reach the €150 million revenue target by 2030, Mecadaq plans to pursue a mix of organic growth and further acquisitions across Europe and the United States.

AirPro News Analysis

The acquisition of Echeverria and Lopez highlights a critical trend in the aerospace sector: the consolidation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. As major OEMs like Airbus and Boeing ramp up production rates, smaller suppliers often face pressure to scale operations and maintain financial resilience. By absorbing specialized firms, mid-sized groups like Mecadaq can offer a more robust, multi-service value proposition,ranging from manufacturing to maintenance,thereby securing their positions as critical partners in the global supply chain.

Company Profile and Global Footprint

Headquartered in Tarnos, France, Mecadaq Group employs approximately 350 people (prior to these recent acquisitions). The company specializes in high-precision machining, including turning, milling, and gear shaping, for the aerospace and defense sectors.

Mecadaq operates a transatlantic model to serve major industrial hubs:

• France: Facilities in Tarnos, Marignier, Chanteloup-les-Vignes, Pessac, and now Hendaye.
• United States: A facility in Kirkland, Washington, strategically located near Boeing’s assembly lines.

The company’s client roster includes major industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran, Thales, and Spirit AeroSystems. Mecadaq produces parts for key commercial programs like the A320, B737, A350, and B787, as well as the Rafale defense program.

Sources

• Mecadaq Group

This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft Selects Comtronic GmbH for D328eco Overhead Panels

Deutsche Aircraft has officially announced the selection of Comtronic GmbH to supply the complete overhead panel for the D328eco cockpit. According to the company’s press release, this partnership marks a significant step in the development of the 40-seat regional turboprop, ensuring that the flight deck meets modern ergonomic and technical standards.

The agreement tasks Comtronic, a subsidiary of the French industrial group MAFELEC Team, with delivering a “turnkey” solution. This includes the design and manufacturing of illuminated panels, sub-panels, and custom control units tailored specifically for the D328eco’s avionics suite. The selection underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s focus on securing a robust, regional supply chain for its flagship program, which targets entry into service in late 2027.

Scope of the Partnership

Under the terms of the agreement, Comtronic GmbH will provide a comprehensive suite of cockpit interface solutions. Based in Schönau, Germany, the supplier brings nearly 50 years of aerospace experience to the project. The scope of supply involves advanced optical and photometric engineering designed to ensure uniform illumination and anti-glare performance, critical factors for pilot situational awareness.

The overhead panel is a vital component of the cockpit, housing controls for essential systems such as fuel, electrical power, and bleed air. Deutsche Aircraft notes that the new panels will be optimized for both day and night readability, integrating Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility where necessary.

Gilles Heinrich, President of the MAFELEC Team, commented on the collaboration in the official release:

“This contract reflects the strong alignment between our organizations and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for the aerospace industry.”

The components will undergo rigorous qualification testing to meet aerospace standards, including RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD requirements, ensuring they can withstand the vibration and temperature extremes inherent in regional flight operations.

Modernizing the D328 Platform

The D328eco is an advanced modernization of the legacy Dornier 328 platform. While it retains the proven aerodynamic characteristics of its predecessor, the new aircraft features a fuselage stretched by approximately two meters to accommodate 40 passengers. A key element of this modernization is the transition to a fully digital glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G5000 avionics suite.

Comtronic’s contribution is essential to this digital transition. While the avionics suite handles flight data and navigation, the overhead panel remains the physical interface for systems management. By integrating modern “Human-Machine Interface” (HMI) technology, the new panel is designed to reduce pilot cognitive load. This aligns with the aircraft’s broader operational goals, which include future single-pilot capability, although initial certification is planned for two pilots.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Supply Chain Localization
The selection of Comtronic GmbH highlights a strategic move by Deutsche Aircraft to insulate the D328eco program from global supply-chain volatility. By choosing a German supplier located in Schönau, the manufacturer shortens logistics chains and ensures closer engineering collaboration. In an era where aerospace production is frequently bottlenecked by parts shortages, relying on established regional partners like Comtronic, backed by the larger MAFELEC Team, reduces risk for the 2027 delivery timeline.

Bridging Legacy and Digital
Integrating a physical overhead panel with a digital Garmin G5000 suite represents a specific engineering challenge: blending tactile reliability with digital sophistication. We observe that this partnership emphasizes the industry’s focus on “tactile ergonomics.” Even in glass cockpits, pilots rely on physical switches for critical systems to build muscle memory. Comtronic’s expertise in high-uniformity lighting ensures that these physical controls remain distinct and readable, preventing mode confusion during complex operations.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

The D328eco is engineered to be a leader in sustainability for the regional sector. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, the aircraft is designed to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The efficiency of these engines, combined with the advanced cockpit systems, aims to lower operating costs and emissions compared to older regional jets and turboprops.

Comtronic’s panels contribute to this ecosystem by adhering to strict weight and power consumption standards, which are critical for maximizing the efficiency of the aircraft. The supplier’s ability to deliver NVIS-compatible lighting also suggests that Deutsche Aircraft is positioning the D328eco for versatility, potentially serving in special mission roles (such as search and rescue) in addition to commercial passenger transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop developed by Deutsche Aircraft. It is a modernized, sustainable version of the Dornier 328, featuring new engines, a stretched fuselage, and a digital cockpit.

Who is Comtronic GmbH?
Comtronic GmbH is a German aerospace supplier based in Schönau and a member of the French MAFELEC Team. They specialize in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, including illuminated panels and control units.

When will the D328eco enter service?
Deutsche Aircraft targets late 2027 for the D328eco’s entry into service (EIS).

Why is the overhead panel important?
The overhead panel contains physical controls for critical aircraft systems like fuel, hydraulics, and power. Its design impacts pilot workload, safety, and ease of operation, particularly in low-light or high-stress conditions.

Sources

• Deutsche Aircraft Press Release