Wednesday, November 30, 2005
'Dhruv - a fail-safe chopper'
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited claims that its Dhruv is a 'fail-safe' chopper.
It justified the claim with the fact that despite a tail rotor failure at 5,000 feet, a Dhruv managed to land safely recently.
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Topol missile life could be extended
The service life of Russia's Topol intercontinental ballistic missile could be extended to 23 years.
The Topol currently has a service life of 20 years.
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Raytheon Delivers 2,000th Joint Standoff Weapon
Raytheon Company has delivered the 2,000th Joint Standoff Weapon. Raytheon is under contract to provide JSOW to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
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'Perfect storm' could reshape Air Force for years to come
Bob Largent, president of the Air Force Association, believes the U.S. Air Force is in the middle of what he calls a 'perfect storm.'
He insists the situation is not hopeless. There is hope, even optimism.
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Lockheed delivers helicopter plans
Lockheed Martin has delivered 2,500 pages of specifications and supporting documentation to the USAF for its combat search-and-rescue helicopter competition.
The contract is expected to be awarded in May.
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Korea-Israel defense talks open amid bids for AWACS contract
Rumours of South Korea choosing the IAI G550 as its airborne early warning system prompted the U.S. Ambassador to Korea a last-ditch plea on behalf of Boeing.
South Korea is expected to announce the winning bidder by as early as Dec. 10.
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Indonesia to Retract Jetfighters Components Held by U.S. Embargo
Indonesia wants to retrieve back some of its military jet components after United States lifted its military embargo.
The parts are in New Zealand, South Korea and United States.
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Air Force pilot praised for helping guide imperiled plane to safety
A USAF A-10 came to the rescue of a Piper Chieftain after the latter lost electrical power and became disoriented over the skies of Europe.
Maj. Peter Olson, an A-10 weapons tactics officer with the 52nd Fighter Wing, was on a routine training mission when air traffic controllers asked for help.
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European consortium pushes Typhoon for IAF contract
EADS made a last attempt to enter the Eurofighter into India's multirole fighter competition before the RFPs are issued.
Both the Eurofighter and Rafale was rejected last year as they were longer range and more expensive than what India wanted.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Invasion England
Flight International was granted exclusive access to see the RAF carry out a large scale helicopter exercise using simulators.
These exercises take place every two to three weeks at RAF Benson.
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Missile system ignites cancer detection
An Australian university lecturer is using fuzzy logic used in missile guidance to create a device capable of cancer detection.
The device will differentiate between benign and malignant human tissue in magnetic resonance images.
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RAF pilot 'victim of base crash'
An RAF Seaking pilot who was blamed for causing the crash of a Cessna plane is a forgotten victim, his wife said.
He has been confined to a desk job while cleared for flying last December. While an RAF board of inquiry and an Air Accident Investigation Branch investigation found no fault with the Seaking flight path. The government choose to give a £5m payout to settle out of court.
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RAAF launches light plane crash investigation
The RAAF is investigating into why a Beechcraft Bonaza crash-landed at its Edinburgh base, north of Adelaide on Monday.
The landing gear collapsed shortly after touching down.
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First Naval UAV squadron to be commissioned next year
The Indian Navy's first UAV squadron will be commissioned in Jan. 6 next year.
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Tanker duel moves to Middle East
Boeing and EADS are eyeing a competition to supply aerial tankers to the United Arab Emirates.
UAE wants to field a tanker in the next three to five years to support its F-16s and Mirages.
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Canada seeks new transport fleet
Canada's decision to seek 16 new tactical transport aircraft which are to be certificated before the contract is awarded effectively rules out the A400M.
The C-17 will be ruled out because of its price also.
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Malaysia - the big push
Malaysia plans to introduce a medium-range air defense system over the next five years.
China's KS-1/KS-1A is the current favourite. It may be supplemented by China's FN-6 or either the Igla or new Igla-S.
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UAE studies new roles for F-16E/Fs
UAE wants to add stand-off strike capability to the F-16E/Fs. This role is currently being carried out by its Mirage 2000-9s.
UAE air defence command assistant commander Brig Gen Ali Khadem Al Mansouri said the F-16s are intended primarily for air defence over their 30-year life.
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Indian Air Force, in war games, gives US a run
Observers are saying that during the recent
encounters between USAF F-16s and IAF Su-30MKIs, the Indians were the winners.
Capt. Martin Mentch, the first USAF F-16 pilot to meet the Su-30MKI, told a U.S. Air Force publication, AFPN that the MKI "is an amazing jet that has a lot of manoeuvrability."
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UAE scraps AEW plan
UAE has scrapped plans to acquire a fleet of AEW aircraft and is instead exploring options for an airborne intelligence and battlefield control capability.
The decision is a disappointment for Northrop Grumman who has been pushing to sell its E-2C in that market.
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£3.6bn carriers deal faces delay
Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier could be delayed by an extra-four years according to a new study.
The first ship may not be completed until 2014.
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US firms lobby India
U.S. firms are have been lobbying India individually and collectively under the US-India Business Council not to implement an offset policy.
India wants to have a policy with direct offsets worth 30% and technology transfers worth 90% for all future imports, in addition to co-production.
This could jeopardise plans to offer American fighters for India's 126 new fighters tender.
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Travelling manager (Free Registration)
The executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. and general manager of the F-35 joint strike fighter program has an office that he seldom use.
Tom Burbage spends many of his days, nights and weeks travelling to meet with officials of U.S. and foreign governments and military services.
So far this year, he has been away on travel for 150 days. About 90 days of that was outside the United States.
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Calif. Congressman Admits Taking Bribes
America's first ace during the Vietnam War has pleaded guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes.
He could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Feb. 27 on federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion.
The bribes are mostly from defense contractors for Cunningham to help steer defense contracts.
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Two F-16s to land this week in Islamabad, says report
Two F-16 fighter jets will be delivered to Pakistan this week while a P-3C has already been handed over.
Washington has agreed in July to deliver two refurbished F-16s to Pakistan.
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Lawmaker says ex-president masterminded Mirage procurement
Opposition lawmakers in Taiwan claims that ex President Lee Teng-hui masterminded the purchase of Mirage 2000s that included kickbacks.
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On the train
For the first time in a fighter development program, a single training program is being designed for all customers, regardless of service or nationality.
Lockheed Martin has to come up with a training system for three F-35 variants, three U.S. services and nine countries.
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Venezuela signs Spain arms deal
Spain has agreed to sell 10 C-295 transport planes and two CN-235 maritime patrol planes to Venezuela.
Washington had tried to block the deal last week.
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Protesters at Yokosuka rally against U.S. plans
Some 2,000 protesters marched from Yokosuka’s Daiei Mall to Yokosuka Chuo station to protest recently announced U.S. military plans.
But the major concern is the deployment of a nuclear carrier to replace USS Kitty Hawk in 2008.
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Hickam readies for C-17 arrival
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii is getting ready to start operations with the C-17 on Feb. 8.
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Snowbirds announce newest team members
Three pilots have officially became the newest members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
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DOD Nears Decision On Fate Of SBIRS-High
Pentagon is expected to decide next month whether the Space Based Infrared System-High (SBIRS-High) program will be restructured or canceled due to cost overruns.
Program costs have risen more than 25 percent.
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Maritime Decision
Malaysia plans to select the Fokker 50 or Raytheon Beech King Air 350ER for its maritime requirement.
It also plans to lease two aircraft by year-end for joint patrol obligations.
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F-16s to be modified for Chile sale
18 ex-Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16A/Bs will be heading for Chile after modernisation by Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed will have to remove strike and HARM capability to meet Washington's rules.
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Monday, November 28, 2005
Valions Roar from Al Asad, Return to Roosevelt
VFA-15 chose to continue combat operations at Al Asad, Iraq when its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt made a port call in Dubai.
They were hosted by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing while there.
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McConnell completes first refurbishment project
McConnell Air Force Base recently completed its first complete KC-135 Stratotanker refurbishment.
It takes approximately 30 days to refurbish an aircraft.
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Italian Army Aviation Gets NH-90 TTH by End Q2, 2006
NH-90 tactical transport helicopters will be delivered to the Italian Army at the end of Q2, 2006.
NH-90 TTL will replace some of the AB-205, 212 and 412s.
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IAF contract: Top officials of US firms to receive key document
Boeing and Lockheed Martin officials will be in India to receive the RFP documents for 126 fighters when they are issued in early December.
Boeing's Chris Chadwick, vice-president of the F/A-18 Super Hornet programme and managing director of Lockheed Martin, Royce L. Caplinger will collect the documents.
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Repaired chopper being returned to Nepal
One year after it made a 'hard landing', a Nepalese Dhruv is being return back after repairs.
The tail rotor pitch control had failed.
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Sunday, November 27, 2005
JSF Air Force version's cancellation would hurt Turkish fighter program
Turkish plan to modernize its Air Force with the F-35 will be jeopardize if the Air Force version is cancelled.
Turkey had hoped that competition between the F-35 and the Eurofighter could reap benefits in terms of price and local industry participation.
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Russian pilot responsible for fighter crash in Lithuania
A Russian Air Force commission found that Major Valery Troyanov was at fault for the Su-27 crash in Lithuania.
He had become disoriented during the flight, which led fuel starvation and engine failure. He was poorly prepared for the flight, lost orientation and showed negligence in an emergency.
His pilot ranking has been downgraded from first-class to second-class.
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RSAF's Apache helicopters expected home early next year
RSAF's AH-64D Apache attack helicopters is expected to be back in Singapore early next year.
Twelve more Apaches are expected to be delivered next year bring the total number to twenty.
Most probably they should be back just in time for display at Asian Aerospace.
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T-50 Trainer Debuts at Dubai Air Show
UAE plans to take a closer look at the T-50 after it finishes it appearance at the Dubai Air Show.
The T-50 will shift to an air force base and its flying capabilities will be assessed for two weeks.
It is said that UAE is willing to purchase 60 T-50s for pilot training.
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Russian Defense Minister Denies Plans to Deploy Military Base in Uzbekistan
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has officially denied that Russia will occupy an air base in Uzbekistan that was recently vacated by United States.
Interfax news agency earlier said that a Russian air force unit could be deployed at the Khanabad airfield.
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Russia, India to sign military cargo plane deal
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will sign an agreement on developing the IL-214/MTA multipurpose military transport plane while visiting Russia next month.
100 MTA planes are to be built for the Russian Air Force and 45 for India.
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Iran offered N. Korea oil for weapons help - magazine
Iran has offered North Korea oil and natural gas as payment for help in developing nuclear missiles.
Iran's Shahab-3 missiles are based on North Korea's Nodong rockets.
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Sondhi alleges C-130 cover-up
Sondhi Limthongkul, Thai Prime Minister's greatest critic, provided evidence that officials lied to cover up the misuse of a C-130 by the Prime Minister's sister.
He produced evidence to show that the flight was not a mail delivery one as claimed by the government.
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Showpiece copter crashes
India’s Dhruv helicopter suffered its first crash on Nov. 25 when one crashed near Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh.
The helicopter was flying from Bangalore to Ranchi.
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Saturday, November 26, 2005
MoD cuts equipment orders to save £700m
The U.K. government saved £700 million in the past year by cutting back on aircraft and missiles.
The number of new Nimrod MRA4 was cut to 12 from 18 and extra weapons' capabilities for the F-35 was removed.
The orders for Meteor air-to-air missiles were cut too.
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Sarang aerobatic team to participate in Langkawi Aerospace Expo
India's Sarang aerobatic team will be performing at the Langkawi Air Show next month.
It will also conduct a display in Indonesia.
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Hawk order from UK expected in early 2006
BAE Systems expects to receive a contract next year for 30 Hawk 128 to replace the RAF’s current Hawk T1/1As.
The order will cover airframe production but not through-life support.
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IAF to hold joint exercises with Singapore Air Force
The Indian Air Force will hold another exercise with the Republic of Singapore Air Force again.
The RSAF's F-16s was in India this year for exercises with the IAF.
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Friday, November 25, 2005
Gripen ready to offer flexible offset financing packages - UAE
Gripen International is ready to offer attractive and flexible offset financing package to its Middle East, Asia and Africa customers.
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Bulgarian court decision enables Elbit helicopter upgrade
Bulgaria's Supreme Administrative Court overturned a decision made by the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense to stop negotiations between the Bulgarian Air Force and Elbit Systems.
In December 2004, a team led by Elbit and Lockheed Martin were selected as the preferred bidder for a Bulgarian Air Force program to upgrade 18 Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters.
In March, Bulgarian Ministry of Defense informed Elbit that its offer "did not meet the previously announced requirements."
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Cruising for trouble
The United States currently does not have any way of defending itself against a missile launched from a cargo ship off its coast.
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PAF admits no fighter jets to combat insurgents until 2011
The Philippine Air Force does not have any fighter planes until 2011 for air defense.
It currently has to make do with only five operational S-211.
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Four UAVs crash within two years of induction
India is unhappy that four of the 50 IAI Searcher and Heron UAVs it bought has crashed over the span of two years.
In one incident, an Indian Air Force handler was killed.
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Russia, India have no plans to sign deal on 5G fighter
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov clarified that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will not sign any deal on the development of a fifth-generation fighter during Singh's visit to Russia in December.
The two countries were planning to sign a bilateral agreement on the development of a military transport plane instead.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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Eurofighters join the race for combat aircraft
The Eurofighter has emerged as a potential bidder for India's new fighter competition.
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Defense Agency missile sensor test a success
Japan tested its Advanced Infrared Ballistic Missile Optical Sensor System mounted on a UP3C during the recent Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense intercept flight test in Hawaii.
Nicknamed AIRBOSS, the new system is designed to detect missiles or aircraft at a distance of up to several hundred kilometers with an 80-centimeter-tall and 60-centimeter-diameter cylindrical sensor.
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Defying US, Chavez pushes for Spanish military deal
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said his government will go ahead with the purchase of 10 C-295 transport planes and two maritime surveillance planes.
Washington has been pressuring Mandrid to cancel the deal.
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Thursday, November 24, 2005
F/A-22 Raptor Still On Track For Initial Capability In December
USAF Air Combat Command's Col. Jimmy Clark told attendees at the Fighter Jet Conference last week that the F/A-22 will achieve its initial operational capability in December.
Clark said that the F/A-22 will have the ability to drop JDAM at about Mach 1.5 at 40,000 feet when it is IOC'd.
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Hi-tech training for RBAF pilots
Royal Bahrain Air Force's training program is transitioning to the Hawk Mk129 smoothly.
The Hawk Mk129 aircraft has a Mk128 airframe and Mk127 avionics.
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India-French naval exercises in Gulf of Aden
Indian aircraft carrier INS Viraat will take part in exercises with the French Navy in the Gulf of Aden.
French Atlantique surveillance aircraft and Mirage 2000 will take part also.
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Royal Maces Achieve Safety Milestone
VFA-27 celebrated their 80,000th Class ‘A’ mishap-free flight hour Nov. 9, while deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk .
The event represented a sustained achievement over the course of 18 years and more than 47,000 sorties.
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Workers fail to inspect Darwin-based Sea King, inquiry told
Maintenance personnel failed to check an Australian Sea King and cleared it for flight.
The pilot found parts were missing while doing a preflight inspection.
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Government of Canada Announces New Tactical Airlift Project
Canada is going ahead to buy at least 16 new airlifters valued at between $4-5 billion.
The new tactical airlift aircraft will replace 13 older CC-130 Hercules.
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Northrop Grumman's E-10A Multi-Sensor Command-and-Control Aircraft Program Concludes Platform Design Review
The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corporation-led team's E-10A multi-sensor command-and-control aircraft program successfully completed its critical platform design review last week.
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Landing signal officers guide in jets, grade pilots’ landings
The world’s only school for landing signal officers can be found at NAS Oceana.
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Most Advanced Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighters Featured at Dubai Air Show
Lockheed Martin's F-16E/F made its debut at the Dubai Air Show this week. It was flown by Troy Pennington.
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Lockheed Martin to Produce New Wings and Service Life Extension Kits for P-3 and CP-140 Aircraft
Lockheed Martin will open a new outer wing production line to support service life extension of the P-3 and CP-140 aircraft around the world.
The outer wings will give P-3 operators an additional 15,000 hours of service life.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Gripen air-to-air refueling from C-130 Hercules tanker
The first Gripen air-to-air refueling test flights with a C-130 Hercules are successfully completed.
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Venezuela Poised to Take Over as Top Latin American Arms Buyer
Forecast International says the Venezuelan Air Force is considering buying the Russian Su-27s or Chinese J-10s.
It has a requirement for as many as 50 fighters.
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Team tests Joint Strike Fighter's survivability
Members of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force here are testing the chemical and biological survivability of the jet on a retired F-16.
The test involves three internal trials and one external contamination trial using a simulated chemical agent and a simulated biological agent.
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Air Force releases F-16 accident report
The USAF has releases its findings into the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon landing at Lamar Airport, Colorado Jun. 28.
An improperly installed engine augmenter fan manifold caused a fuel leak leading to a fire.
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EADS plans tech transfer to HAL
EADS is trying to sell its AS 555 SN Fennec and Tiger helicopter to the Indian Army.
It plans to break into the Indian market by transferring technology to Hindustan Aeronautics.
Labels: Indian Army Light Helicopter
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Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Demonstrates Long-Range Capabilities En Route to Dubai Air Show
A C-130J from the USAF 815th Airlift Squadron, 403rd Wing flew from the Mississippi Delta to Dubai.
The flight included a stop in Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a nonstop leg of nearly 3,500 miles from Ramstein to Dubai.
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Lockheed Martin's THAAD Missile Successful in Developmental Flight Test
Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a developmental flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile at White Sands Missile Range yesterday.
Test was designed to evaluate the missile during fly-out, as well as demonstrate and collect data on missile control. No target was involved in the test.
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ANNUALEX ’05 Comes to a Successful Conclusion
The USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group has concluded a joint exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
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Bell selling stake in helicopter program to partner
Bell is selling its remaining 25 percent interest in the AB139 medium twin helicopter program to AgustaWestland.
The US139 is being offered to the U.S. Army for its utility helicopter program.
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AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin Makes Its First Appearance at Dubai Airshow
The AgustaWestland EH101 helicopter is making its first public appearance in the Dubai Airshow.
The EH101 Merlin HC Mk3 on display, is operated by 28 (AC) Squadron of the RAF.
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Raytheon's CLAWS Scores Direct Hits During Successful Operational Test
Raytheon's Complementary Low Altitude Weapon System (CLAWS) has completed a successful operational test at White Sands Missile Range.
CLAWS uses the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle as its platform and the AIM-120 AMRAAM as its interceptor.
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Denel UAV on first overseas visit
Denel unveiled its Bateleur medium-altitude long-endurance UAV abroad for the first time at Dubai.
A scale model of the Bateleur is on show at the airshow. It is being developed to meet South African Navy and South African Air Force's Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) requirement.
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MND denies chopper deal
Taiwan officials and defense industry insiders denied a report in a Chinese-language newspaper that Taiwan has decided to purchase 72 AH-64D from Boeing.
Industry insiders however confirmed that Bell will supply Taiwan with the AH-1Z King Cobra attack helicopter.
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US planes to carry nukes during NT exercises: ex-officer
Dr Doug Rokke, former head of the U.S. Army's depleted uranium project, says nuclear weapons will be carried by USAF bombers over northern Australia during bombing exercises.
Officials say that no nuclear devices or depleted uranium will be used.
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T-50 makes its international aerial debut at Dubai Air Show
The T-50 Golden Eagle has made its international aerial debut at the Dubai Air Show.
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2 sentenced in case tied to India's nuclear missiles
Two Americans were sentenced to one year of home detention and three years' probation for illegally selling India technology that made its nuclear missiles more accurate.
They sold a control panel made by their firm to the Defense Research Development Laboratory in India. The control panel would help operate a isostatic press to produce carbon-carbon.
Carbon-carbon is used on missile nosetips, rocket nozzles, and reentry heatshields to help maneuver through the ultra-hot and turbulent atmosphere.
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MiG confident of win in Indian fighter contest
The MiG-29SMT that is flying everyday at the Dubai Air Show is wooing crowds with its vectored thrust capabilities.
The MiG-35 also features an all-axial deflected vectored thrust (DTV) engine for extreme manoeuvrability.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2005
US F-16 fighter jet makes emergency landing in Manila (12:22 p.m.)
A USAF F-16 fighter jet returning to Japan made an emergency landing at Manila airport this morning.
The jet was returning to Misawa after finishing a Commando Sling exercise in Singapore. There were two F-16s altogether and the other jet also landed in Manila.
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Gerry's Air Show pics for 2005
A few new photos from Gerry in the gallery.
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Greece reports tough talk with LM
Greek Defense Ministry has been taken aback by the price set by Lockheed Martin for the F-16 Block 52+ multi-role fighter.
They said the price for the aircraft was far higher than estimated by the government.
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DA opposes air-force training deal with Zim
South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance party has urged the government not to use Zimbabwean flying instructors to train South African Air Force pilots.
The opposition is concern that taxpayer's money will be used to train the Zimbabwean instructors on South Africa's aircraft.
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FCA contest heats up
China's Xian MA-60, a Chinese version of the Antonov An-24, and the An-24 have been identified as potential competitors for the U.S. Army’s Future Cargo Aircraft.
Boeing is seeking to be the final assembly partner.
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Russian warhead alters course midflight in test
Russia recently conducted a flight test of a new warhead that can maneuver in midflight.
Moscow is testing the new warhead to defeat the new U.S. missile-defense system of interceptors deployed in Alaska and California.
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Saab flies SAAF Gripen and Filur UAV
Saab announce at the Dubai air show of the first flight of its Filur unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator in Sweden last month.
The flight lasts 10 mins at Sweden’s Vidsel test range on 10 October.
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MiG to Export $300M by Year-End
RAC MiG will have delivered 20 MiG-29 SMT fighter jets and upgrades to various countries and have repaired 13 more fighters by year end.
The company also expects to sign contracts to sell 120 fighter jets and upgrades to five countries next year.
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US Navy to issue new tender for supersonic target
The U.S. Navy is studying the possibility of combining a SM-2 or MIM-23B Hawk missile with a BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile to simulate a newly deployed Russian supersonic sea-skimming missile.
NPO Mashinostroyenhe’s P-900 “Alfa” missile flies as a subsonic cruise missile, but at a distance of 20km from its intended target, the front end of the cruise missile separates and begins a supersonic, sea-skimming dash.
The USN's current inventory of aerial targets has no way of allowing the navy to test how its shipborne anti-missile defences would cope against the system.
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U.S. Completes Withdrawal From Uzbek Base
The U.S. military flew its last plane Monday out of an air base in Uzbekistan. The C-17 departed with 90 personnel on board.
Washington was evicted from the air base after it joined international condemnation of a bloody government crackdown.
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Rafael unveils new mini-UAV
Rafael is demonstrating its new tactical mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), intended for use by the IDF.
The new mini-UAV is a member of the SkyLite family of UAVs for tactical intelligence for field units and special forces.
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Tracking Noshir Gowadia’s Military Technology Expertise
INDOLink tracked Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia's, accused of selling B-2 secrets, conference papers and other published studies through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics database to determine his military expertise.
One 2004 article in Jane's International Defense Review identified Gowadia as developing a system that would make aircraft "virtually invulnerable to attack" from infrared-guided air defense systems.
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Air force opens bidding war for combat tanker
The following aircraft are competing in the U.S. Air Force Special Operations requirement for more than 30 dual-role small tankers and airborne mission command aircraft.
Alenia/L-3 Communications joint venture Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), which is offering the C-27J. EADS may offer Casa’s C-295.
Airbus Military’s A400M is another potential candidate and Lockheed will enter the competition with the short-fuselage version of its KC-130J.
Northrop Grumman may team with Bell Boeing to offer the V-22.
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Retiree heads opposition to US nuclear carrier
Manabu Hattori, a 79 year old retiree, stands almost every night on the street with a petition hanging from his shoulders to gather signatures. He does not want his hometown, Yokosuka, to host a U.S. nuclear carrier.
Hattori and his civil group have gathered more than 450,000 petition signatures from around Japan, even though Yokosuka's population is 430,000.
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Elop delay threatens Turkish sensor contract
Turkey threaten to revoke the contract with Elop over the delayed availability of its long-range oblique photography (LOROP) system.
The system had been intended to equip the Turkish air force’s RF-4E and some of its F-16s.
The LOROP uses a modified 1,140 litre (300USgal) external fuel tank.
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MiG-29SMT demonstrates hi-tech capabilities
The MiG-29SMT being shown in Dubai features the new Zhuk-ME multimode radar and open architecture of avionics based on MIL-STD-1553B bus military standards.
It also features in-flight refuelling and has a longer range. The internal fuel capacity has been increased by 950 litres through an addition of a strap-on tank behind the cockpit. The capacity of the external fuel tank has also increased up to 2,000 litres.
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Taipei stalls on P-3 buy
Taiwan has again delayed its planned purchase of 12 ex-US Navy P-3Cs and three Patriot PAC-3 air-defence missile systems.
The move has frustrated Washington and officials are threatening not to approve other items until the matter is resolved.
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Lockheed Martin Awarded Nearly $15 Million for U.S. Marine Corps Missile Defense Radar Upgrades
Lockheed Martin is awarded a $14.9 million USMC contract to provide post-production support for its AN/TPS-59(V)3 mobile long range air defense radars.
Sixteen AN/TPS-59(V)3 radars are in service with the USMC.
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Taiwan air force selects S-92 for search and rescue role
ROCAF has selected Sikorsky to deliver three search and rescue (SAR)-configured S-92s from 2007.
The contract will be sign next year if it can convince the cabinet to include the purchase in its 2006 budget.
The S-92 will also compete with Eurocopter’s EC225 in Japan for SAR role.
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Saab first to sign for Dubai 2007
Saab AB has become the first company to sign up for Dubai 2007. The show will be held from Nov. 11-15, 2007.
Dubai 2007 will be the third time Saab is taking part in the show.
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Cope India was a great learning experience: Air Chief
India's Chief of the Air Staff said the recent Cope India 06 was a 'great learning experience' for the air force.
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President presents Colours & Presidential Standard to IAM & ASTE
India's President honoured two Indian Air Force formations with the presentation of the Presidential standard to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM).
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Monday, November 21, 2005
UAE’s new F-16s to get weapon systems upgrade
UAE's brand new F-16E/Fs will be upgraded from Standard 1 to Standard 2 just six months into service.
Standard 2 adds capability, including the forward-looking infrared and targeting system, integrated electronic warfare system, additional modes for the APG-80 active array radar and automated modes for the digital flight control system.
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Streamlined military purchase to go ahead
Canada will announce Tuesday that its buying 16 C-130Js. The C-130 purchase was originally part of a bigger package that includes Chinooks.
The cabinet put off the decision due to election concerns.
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Pacific's all-time air warriors fly again - this time, in peace
The only Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero still flying and a Grumman F6F Hellcat will fly together again over Palm Springs Saturday.
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Airod waits in wings for Malaysian order
Malaysian maintenance company Airod hopes to benefit from an expected year-end decision by the Malaysian government to order up to eight Airbus Military A400M transports.
Malaysia is expected to announce orders for four A400Ms and take four options for delivery from 2012 at the Langkawi air show.
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Alcatel plots £5bn takeover of Thales
French telecoms-equipment group, Alcatel, wants to buy French defence group Thales for £5 billion.
Alcatel already holds 9.5% of Thales, making it the second-largest shareholder.
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New CEO Tries to Get Denel Back on Track; Seeks International Stakeholders
South African defence contractor Denel said the government has provided nearly R 680 million in funding to see the Rooivalk attack helicopter programme through to completion.
The money will allow finishing the development of the Mokopa anti-tank missile. This allows the Rooivalk to enter the Turkish attack helicopter bid.
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Army mechanics doing double time
Conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are creating boom times for the biggest helicopter hospital in the world.
The U.S. Army's Corpus Christi Depot has about 3,500 workers working to get the helicopters back in action.
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Navy will examine US offer
The India Navy will study Washington's offer of 8 P-3Cs for its long term maritime patrol requirement.
Although the P-3C is a top contender, the Navy is looking at other alternatives like the Russian IL-38s to the Boeing P-8A.
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Nineteen (19) UAV Types Currently Operating in Iraq
General Ron Fogleman (Ret'd), former USAF chief of staff, said there are 19 different UAV types operating in Iraq.
He said that early in the operation, the UAVs were treated as 'trucks' with disastrous results.
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Eurofighter Typhoon racks up operational milestones
The Italian Air Force is expected to be the first to deploy the Eurofighter operationally early next year.
The fighter will be deployed as Quick Reaction Aircraft.
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Triple Gripen line-up set to wow Dubai
The Saab Gripen will make its flying debut at Dubai with a breathtaking three-aircraft display.
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Kitty Hawk Makes History During 3M Assessment
USS Kitty Hawk made history recently by becoming the first aircraft carrier ever to complete the maintenance and material management (3M) assessment without a single department receiving an unsatisfactory grade.
The assessment, conducted by a team from Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), evaluated Kitty Hawk’s 3M program in several areas.
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U.S. Navy's Super Hornet Program Proposes Buying More Jets
Remember the Fighter Jet conference that was promoted here recently. The conference ended last week and this news was announced at the event.
The U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program is proposing to buy another 20 to 24 fighters.
Capt. James Wallace, the USN's F/A-18 international programs manager, added that one unnamed country had recently signed a "letter of intent," signaling it is "very interested" in buying the aircraft.
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Northrop Grumman's Hawkeye Aircraft Leads Rescue Efforts After Hurricane Katrina
Six E-2C Hawkeye from one Navy reserve and two Navy squadrons help coordinated the rescue effort after Hurricane Katrina struck.
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Sunday, November 20, 2005
Singapore's Top Gun
I came across this article this morning in the local newspaper. The article requires subscription but I'll post some details about it.
Last month, Aviation Week ran an article on Red Flag and inside the article it mention an engagement where an RSAF F-16 pilot saved an EA-6B Prowler by shooting down a simulated MiG that slipped through a blockade of F-15 Eagles.
The pilot is Major Ong Swee Chuan, call sign 'Sushi.' He has more than 1,300 hours in the F-16 and in the half-yearly Top Gun competition at Luke AFB, he topped three of the five categories.
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Air Force version of F-35 may be eliminated (Free Registration)
Loren Thompson, chief operating officer of Lexington Institute, says Defense Undersecretary Gordon England wants to stop development of the
F-35A and make the USAF buy the F-35C.
But some observers say that strategy would not save much money and would undermine Lockheed Martin's plans to sell large numbers of the F-35 to foreign nations.
The F-35A would be the highest-performance and least-expensive version of the three and is the one likely to be purchased by most foreign buyers.
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C-130 flight `not just for Monthathip'
The Thai Air Force admitted that one of its C-130 aircraft was used to fly friends of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's sister, Monthathip Komutcharoenkulm to attend her birthday in Chiang Mai.
ACM Sukampol Suwannathat, the air force chief-of-staff, admitted that he approve the flight but insisted he had no idea that Ms Monthathip was also planning to celebrate her birthday on Nov 14.
He said the flight was carrying out a routine air force mail delivery round and the guests were accommodated on that flight.
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Records for nuclear missile parts allegedly falsified
The owners and an employee of a now-defunct Florida company have been charged with falsifying test records for metal that was to be made into nuclear missile components.
The company won a contract in 2003 to supply metal that was to be used for a cylinder housing a system "designed to prevent inadvertent nuclear detonations."
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MoD pays £5m to family of banker over fatal air crash
An investment banker who died in an accident involving an RAF Sea King helicopter have been awarded £5 million.
He was flying a Cessna with his wife and children when it crashed at St Mawgan RAF base, near Newquay, Cornwall, in June 2001.
The family sued the Ministry of Defence, claiming that the crash was caused by an RAF Sea King helicopter manoeuvring too close to the runway.
The MoD denied blame for the accident but agreed to pay £5 million to settle the case.
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Commando Sling wraps up
F-16s from the USAF 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan has completed a Commando Sling exercise with the RSAF recently.
Commando Sling is a agreement that allows for an almost continuous deployment of U.S. fighter aircraft and the permanent presence of U.S. forces in Singapore.
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Cambodia destroys anti-aircraft missiles
The United States has praised Cambodia for destroying two SA-3 missiles.
The joint effort between the two countries will ensure that the missiles do not end up in the hands of terrorists.
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Never too old for the ‘Top Gun’ fantasy
Stars and Stripes reporter Scott Schonauer took a ride in an F-16 Oct. 12 from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.
The F-16 is from the 23rd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing.
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Last U.S. Navy Sea King Helicopter Delivered
The U.S. Navy took delivery of its last Sea King helicopter recently. It went thru extensive maintenance and upgrade program to gain an additional 2,000 hours of life.
The helicopter will be based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River for search and rescue duty.
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Saturday, November 19, 2005
Eurofighter Typhoon Achieves First 5,000 Hours in Operational Flying
The Eurofighter fleet in the four Partner Air Forces has surpassed the 5,000 flying hour mark early November 2005.
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Mayday . . . farmers at ten o'clock
U.K.'s
Apache helicopter training is being disrupted by a group of farmers unhappy at low-flying night exercises.
The farmers shone torches at the helicopters conducting operations with night-vision goggles.
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Czech Republic wants anti-missile shield
Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda said yesterday that while his country is not discussing participation in the proposed U.S. anti-missile defence, they want to participate if asked.
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Boeing touts new tanker’s communications capability
Boeing said in a news briefing that its 767 tanker will have Link-16 capabilities.
Tankers equipped with Link-16 devices will be able to set a course for rendezvous with aircraft which need fuel on their own.
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US to drop bombs on NT
USAF
bombers flying from Guam will be able to drop live bombs on an Australian training range in the Northern Territory next year.
The Darwin RAAF base would also be available for the bombers to land and refuel if necessary.
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Emergency landing for RAAF plane in NZ
A Royal Australian Air Force
C-130 made an emergency landing at Christchurch Airport on Friday.
Smoke was seen from the plane as it circled above the airport before landing at about 7.30pm local time.
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Pak a primary threat to India: Air Chief Marshal
Chief of Indian Air Force says that inspite of the confidence-building measures, Pakistan remain a primary threat to India.
He also gave his views on the threat from China.
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GW to call Japan home
USS George Washington will replace USS Kitty Hawk in Japan when the latter retires in 2008.
The official announcement from the U.S. Navy is expected in the next few weeks.
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Gov't says talks for F-16 deal near completion
Athens will conclude the sale of
F-16s with Washington in "a few days."
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Alleged spy wanted $3m from ADF
Noshir Gowadia, the former
B-2 engineer charged with selling secrets, tried to sell top-secret infra-red suppression technology to Australia.
He sought $3 million from Australian Defence officials for technology to protect RAAF aircraft.
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Friday, November 18, 2005
Four teams in bid for Army chopper deal
The US139, the UH 145, the MD Explorer and the Bell 412 EP are vying to be the next U.S. Army light utility helicopter.
The Army has a requirement of 320 helicopters.
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EDO to Provide ESM System for Korean P-3 Program
EDO Corporation will provide its ALR-95 tactical radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and surveillance system for eight P-3 aircraft being procured by the Republic of Korea Navy.
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Pentagon pays Uzbekistan for use of air base
The Pentagon, despite objections in Congress, said on Wednesday it had paid Uzbekistan nearly $23 million for use of an air base.
The Senate voted last month to delay the payment for a year. The money covers use of the base from January 2003 through this past March.
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Two Russian missile brigades to receive new complexes in 2007
The Russian Army will be equipped two missile brigades with new SS-26 Iskander missiles in 2007.
The 92nd and the 107th missile brigade of the Far Eastern military district will be the first.
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Ottawa delays purchase of military aircraft
The Canadian government has delayed a $12-billion purchase of military aircraft until after the next election.
Defence Minister Bill Graham said, "We don't make major procurements during elections."
The government is worried that buying foreign aircraft instead of locally produced ones could alienate voters.
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Latest generation Gripen arrives in Dubai
A JAS-39 Gripen C and a D has arrived in Dubai for the Dubai Air Show.
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Helicopter and Japanese military plane nearly collide; authorities investigating
A YS-11TA transporter from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces nearly collided with a helicopter in southern Japan on Wednesday morning.
Both aircraft was only 30ft apart at one point.
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Shortfalls of Special Operations Command Are Cited
Michael Vickers, a defense analyst and former Army Special Forces officer, said the the U.S. Special Operations Command has a capability shortfall to conduct secret air operations over countries with increasingly advanced air defenses.
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Queen's farewell to RAF station
Britain's Queen Elizabeth visited the only remaining operational Battle of Britain airfield for the last time on Thursday to marked its 65th anniversary.
RAF Coltishall opened two weeks before the Battle of Britain and is now home to No 41 (Fighter) Squadron and No 6 Squadron.
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Controlling Iraq’s Crowded Airspace No Easy Task
The U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps operate than 1,000 UAVs and countless helicopters in Iraq. This forced the Army to create a specialized cadre of air-traffic controllers whose job is to prevent collisions between friendly aircraft.
Most fly at low altitudes, below 3,000 feet. USAF traditionally control aircraft flying above 10,000 to 15,000 feet. The Army feels it need to have develop its own expertise as its aircraft are flying at lower altitudes.
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IAF show leaves US forces spellbound
At Cope India 2006, the two sides flew a rare high value airborne asset (HVAA) attack simulation.
In the mission, the USAF’s E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft was escorted by F-16s and Su-30s in a scenario where the AWACS was attacked by a hybrid mix of F-16s, Mirage-2000s and Su-30s.
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US considers Polish missile base
Washington is talking to Poland and other countries over the possibility of setting up a European base to intercept long-range missiles.
An unnamed Pentagon official said the talks had been going on since 2002 and the base would help protect the U.S. and Europe from missiles fired from the Middle East or North Africa.
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US pilots get 'surprises' from India's ageing MiG-21s
USAF F-16 pilots were in for a few "surprises" when they squared off with their Indian counterparts in the MiG-21.
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Modified AWACS for India by 2007
India's Il-76 based AWACS will be delivered in 2007.
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Mukherjee invites RAC MiG to present concept of fifth-gen plane
More information on India's joint development of a fifth-generation fighter with Russia.
Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has invited MiG to present its concept of fifth generation fighter to the Indian Air Force.
The Russian Air Force had choosen Sukhoi as the designer of the fifth generation fighter aircraft and the design has already been presented to India.
However, India seems to be in favour of a lighter aircraft.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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Basing decisions for Joint Combat Aircraft and Nimrod
U.K. Minister for the Armed forces Adam Ingram announced that the F-35 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth and the Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Kinloss when both enter service.
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Sea-Based Missile Defense “Hit To Kill” Intercept Achieved (PDF)
The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system successfully completed an interception off the coast of Hawaii Nov. 17.
The test involved for the first time a “separating” target, meaning that the target warhead separated from its booster rocket.
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EA-18G: "Growler"
The U.S. Air Force Headquarters Materiel Command has officially designated the EA-18G with the popular name "Growler."
The first two Growlers, EA-1 and EA-2, are scheduled to begin testing in September and November 2006.
Labels: EA-18G
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Northrop Grumman Passes Final Design Review for Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed the critical design review of the E-2D Advance Hawkeye aircraft.
The Navy's current plan is to buy 75 E-2D.
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Northrop Grumman Completes Successful First Flight Tests of Distributed Aperture System Sensors for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Northrop Grumman has begun initial flight testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EO DAS) sensors.
Flown on a BAC 1-11. The six electro-optical sensors will warn the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35's forward-looking infrared sensor.
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Thursday, November 17, 2005
Italy Joins ATK and the U.S. Navy in the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Development Program
Italy will take part in the joint development of the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM).
AARGM is the follow-on to the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The Italian Government will provide approximately $20 million of developmental funding.
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Bid to Save C-17 Line Gets Another Boost (Free Registration)
The U.S. Defense Science Board wants the U.S. Air Force to have the option to buy more C-17s to meet its increased global requirements.
The board, composed of scientists and retired military officials, pointed to the March 2003 airdrop of 1,000 paratroopers and the delivery of their equipment and supplies into northern Iraq. That mission took 32 C-17s, or 40% of the fleet at the time, 20 days to accomplish.
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L-3 Communications Display Systems Awarded Panoramic Cockpit Display Contract for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
L-3 Communications has been awarded a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract from Lockheed Martin to provide the Panoramic Cockpit Display (PCD) subsystem for the F-35.
L-3 Display Systems will design, qualify and manufacture the high-resolution, high-brightness, night vision-compatible 20"x 8" active matrix liquid crystal display and a highly redundant display management computer.
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Air Force chief to introduce T-50 at Dubai Air Show
Lt. Gen. Kim Sung-il, chief of the South Korean Air Force, will introduce the T-50 at the Dubai Air Show.
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Army, IAF plan "Exercise Desert Strike"
The Indian Air Force and Army will conduct a joint exercise on Nov. 18.
The Su-30 is not taking part in the exercise.
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Pentagon weighs cuts in F-35 program (Free Registration)
Tom Burbage, Lockheed's executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, is concerned that Pentagon may cut the number of F-35s it wants.
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Govt probes defence staffer's 'spy link'
The B-2 spy probe has taken a new twist, an Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) officer is under investigation for links with the U.S. engineer charged with
selling B-2 secrets.
Noshir Gowadia and Arthur Lazarou are listed as joint directors and shareholders in the Canberra-based company N-Tech Australia Pty Ltd.
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Deal on with Russia to help India develop nuclear submarine: Pranab
Russia will help India develop its Air Defence Ship and India would also take part in the development and financing of a fifth generation fighter with Russia.
Russia also agreed to provide India access to the Russian Glonass global navigational satellite system for military application.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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C-5 upgrades a bit more clear for Robins visionaries
The decision to upgrade all 112 USAF C-5s will be determined by a number of factors.
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Russia, India to build new multi-purpose transport plane
India and Russia have agreed to joint produce a new multi-purpose transport plane.
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Russians to roll out cutting edge defence technology at Dubai 2005
The Russians will bring their MiG-29SMT and SU-30MKI to the Dubai air show next week.
Two MiG-29SMTs will be at the show and one will take part in the daily flying display.
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Cope India ’06: Fast-paced and full of firsts
By the time Cope India 06 concludes Saturday, Misawa’s F-16 pilots expect to log close to 150 training missions with the Indian Air Force.
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Air Force fighters strike insurgents
U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and MQ-1 Predators flew air strikes against anti-Iraqi forces near the Iraq-Syria border in support of Operation Steel Curtain.
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B-52 simulator plays big role in exercise
A B-52 Stratofortress simulator is allowing 11th Bomb Squadron students to train via network in the live fire portion of exercise Air Warrior II.
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Russia proposes to modernize Indian warplanes
MiG has proposed to upgrade India's MiG-29 and MiG-27 fleet. The plan is to modernise all 70 of the Fulcrums.
A modernised MiG-27 will make its first flight next year and demonstrate to the Indians.
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Danish National Armament Director flight-tested the Eurofighter
Major General Klaus L. Axelsen, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force Air Materiel Command (AMC), and National Armament Director, flew the Eurofighter for one hour and 15 minutes recently.
He had control throughtout the mission including the landing and used the onboard Infra Red Search and Track system as well.
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VAW-123’s New Propellers Take Flight Aboard Enterprise
VAW-123 is very happy with the new NP2000 eight-bladed propellers that replaced their old four-bladed propellers.
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Learning from each other
Pilots and airmen from the USAF are impressed by the technical skills of their Indian Air Force counterparts.
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Denel investigates fault in unmanned-craft flight
A Seeker UAV from Denel Aerospace Systems had to make an emergency landing in a nature reserve.
The aircraft partially lost engine power 2.5 hours into its flight.
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RAF Trails success for Brimstone
The RAF has concluded a series of highly successful firing trials of MBDA’s Brimstone air-launched anti-armour weapon at the China Lake test firing range in California.
A total of 31 Brimstone missiles were fired during nine firing trials.
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SSM once again puts off attack helicopter deadline
Turkey has push back the deadline for purchase and co-production of attack helicopters from Nov. 8 to Dec. 5.
The requirement for a local designed mission computer has put off the U.S. manufacturers and Turkey is worried that non-U.S. suppliers will jack up the prices.
Labels: Turkey Attack Helicopter
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Wednesday, November 16, 2005
No place to hide
This is a flight test report of Seabird Aviation Jordan’s SB7L-360A Seeker short-take off and landing (STOL) aircraft currently in service with Iraq.
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Nimrod set to suffer further delay
The decision to start production of Royal Air Force’s Nimrod MRA4 will be delayed until next year.
BAE had hope to secure the go ahead last month after successful flight tests of three prototypes.
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Netherlands counts cost of helicopter setbacks
The Royal Netherlands Navy is to extend operations of its Westland Lynx helicopters due to the lack of a NH90 simulator to train the pilots.
It is now looking into the possiblity of buying their own simulator.
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Vet-snub answer doesn't fly
Canadian Veterans, including former CF-18 pilots, are unhappy over the excuse given for the cancellation of the Missing Man formation by four CF-18s on Remembrance Day.
The official version is that snowy conditions at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville prevented the jets from taking off.
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Russia Delivers $30M of Arms to Afghanistan
Russia has delivered two Mi-24 helicopters to Afghanistan with two more Mi-24 helicopters and two L-39s to be delivered shortly.
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UAE looks to develop its own UAVs
United Arab Emirates wants to select a foreign partner to help it develop its own medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) and tactical unmanned air vehicles.
The country has decided not to seek a partner from U.S. as it feels the country is sensitive about UAV technology.
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The Italian job
Italian aerospace and defence company Finmeccanica is strengthening itself to take on U.K. rival BAE Systems in Britain and United States.
Finmeccanica has publicly stated that it wants to manufacture the F-35 for all mainland European countries wishing to buy it.
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Raytheon Receives $1.3 Billion Contract Modification for JLENS Development
Raytheon has received a $1.3 billion contract modification from the U.S. Army for
system development and demonstration of the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).
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Off the Ground
Fight International highlights the difficulty of rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force from scratch after two Gulf Wars.
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Raytheon trials new concept for co-ordinating weapon attacks
Raytheon is pitching a new approach to shift the terminal control of a bomb or missile to a ground commander.
This will relief the burden of the aircrew from identifying the target and guiding the weapon.
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France will buy 5-7 amphibian Be-200 aircraft from Russia - Naryshkin
France will buy 5-7 Russian-made Be-200 amphibian aircraft. France has also proposed improving the maneuvering capability of the aircraft.
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Embraer's spy plane plans on hold
Embraer may have to wait until Dec. 14 to find out if its still in the Aerial Common Sensor program.
Lockheed Martin presented three plans to the U.S. Army and one of the option is to replace the aircraft with Bombardier's Global Express.
Labels: ACS
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Saab venture to flight-test missile decoy system
Saab Avitronics, a Swedish-South African aerospace company, plans to introduce a missile-defence system for civil aircraft that does not lasers or pyrotechnic flares.
The MAW-300 is combined with an electromechanical dispenser which ejects a decoy material that burst open and burns undetectably at the visible spectrum.
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Tories attack ‘incompetence’ over aircraft carriers delay
The U.K. opposition attacked the government over delays in building the new Royal Navy aircraft carriers.
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BAE Systems set to win major role in MoD aircraft carrier contract
BAE Systems is set to emerge as the biggest winner to build two aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
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Lockheed Martin Gets $2.9B Air Force Pact
Lockheed Martin has received a two-year, $2.9 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force to build 24 F/A-22s.
This will bring the total number of contracted aircraft to 107.
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Raytheon details AESA radar flight test plan
Raytheon plans to start production of its APG-63(V)3 AESA radar by the end of next year for the US Air National Guard (ANG) and Singapore.
An F-15E will begin testing the (V)3 at Eglin AFB, Florida for three months starting in mid-2006.
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French air force ponders Mirage replacement
The French air force is starting work on replacing its Mirage 2000 fleet in 2020.
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Lockheed Martin to lay off 300 employees
Lockheed Martin plans to lay off 300 employees from its F-16 workforce in January.
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First Polish pilot complets F-16 training
Colonel Rościsław Stepaniuk became the first Polish pilot to qualify on the F-16.
He is among thirteen Polish pilots currently in the U.S. for training. A totol of 48 pilots will be trained.
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South Korea reveals UAV development project
Korean Air (KAL) has begun developing a small, close-range unmanned air vehicle and expects to begin flight tests by August 2007.
The pusher prop will have a range of 40km and a 4,900ft operating altitude.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2005
747-8
A classic is given a new life today. Boeing has launched the 747-8 which features a new wing, engines from the 787 and a new flight deck.
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South African Gripen makes its maiden flight
The first South African dual seat Gripen made its maiden flight in Sweden on Friday Nov. 11.
The flight lasted 1 hr 10 min with South African test pilot Charl Coetzee and Saab test pilot Magnus Olsson at the controls.
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EU to build network of spy satellites
The European Union is building its own network of spy satellites to boost its "internal security".
The move is part of EU's first steps towards becoming a military power.
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Cambodia to destroy 36 surface-to-air missiles
Cambodia is destroying 36 surface-to-air missiles discovered recently at a military base.
Cambodia destroyed 233 similar shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles last year.
This is to prevent them from being smuggled abroad.
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Lockheed Martin said to recommend switch to Bombardier for Aerial Common Sensor
Lockheed Martin will recommend to the U.S. Army that it switch to Bombardier's Global Express as the platform for the troubled Aerial Common Sensor program.
The U.S. Army had earlier requested information on the Sentinel R1 from U.K. Ministry of Defence and Raytheon.
Labels: ACS
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U.S., Indian controllers on scope
USAF AWACS controllers have to use an Indian air force radar and tracking systems after their E-3 was forced to return to Kadena, Japan for repairs.
Looks like the F-16s are being outnumbered this time again.
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'Radar Village' to help showcase prowess
At Lima 05, an exhibit will feature radars used by the Malaysian Armed Forces as well as those used by other countries.
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Lockheed Martin Optimistic on Orders
Lockheed Martin Corp. is optimistic that its F-16 will win an order for more than 120 new combat aircraft from the Indian Air Force.
Vice President Orville Prins said the company is looking to collaborate with India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. on the development and co-production of the jets.
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APEC leaders to arrive through security-tightened Gimhae Airbase
South Korean F-16s will patrol the skies around Gimhae Airbase near Busan as world leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation arrive.
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TR-based Aircraft Continue Support of Operation Steel Curtain
Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 stationed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) continued support of Operation Steel Curtain (OSC) throughout the second week of November.
F-14 Tomcats assigned to VF-213 and VF-31, along with F/A-18s assigned to VFA-15, have conducted several strikes on locations in Iraq.
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GMAS to Offer C-27J to U.S. Air Force for Combat Rescue Tanker
Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) announced that it will propose the C-27J Spartan to the U.S. Air Force as a possibility for the Combat Rescue Tanker.
GMAS is a joint venture of L-3 Communications subsidiary, Integrated Systems and Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica Company).
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IAF to receive first batch of AJT by March 2007
The Indian Air Force will get its first batch of BAe Hawk AJT by March 2007.
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Bird hit caused last month's MiG-21 crash, says AOC-in-C
An Indian Air Force MiG-21 crash near Bangalore Airport
last month was due to a bird strike.
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PAC-3 Interceptors Missed Target In Latest Test, U.S. Army Says
The U.S. Army is investigating why the latest test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system apparently failed to achieve an intercept.
The test occured on Nov. 11 at White Sands Missile Range and involved a newer version of the PAC-3 missile.
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Finland - AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles (PDF)
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland of up to 150 AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles.
The Finland government also requested 11 AIM-9X Dummy Air Training Missiles and 40 AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles.
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India – Logistic Support for P-3C Aircraft (PDF)
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of logistics support for two leased P-3C aircraft.
The two leased P-3 aircraft will replace two existing Indian Navy patrol aircraft, Soviet built IL-38 May aircraft.
There has been talks of P-3s going to India for some time already.
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Russia space boss charged with spying for China
The head of a Russian rocket and space technology company has been arrested by Russian authorities on espionage charges and accused of delivering sensitive technology to China.
Igor Reshetin, director of TsNIIMASH-Export, is charged with the illegal transfer of state-controlled technology to a Chinese company.
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Boeing’s Missile Defense Systems’ Sea-Based X-Band Radar Begins Transport Operation through the Straits of Magellan
The Boeing Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) will begin its move from the Gulf of Mexico via the Straits of Magellan to Alaska.
The final destination for the SBX is Adak, Alaska, a small island located in the Aleutian Island chain.
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Monday, November 14, 2005
U.S. FORCES' REALIGNMENT--Entering a new phase / Joint ops essential foralliance
Japan's FPS-XX radar will be deployed at four sites across the country by 2008 and will be integrated with U.S.'s X-band radar as part of Japan's missile shield.
A joint operations center will be setup at Yokota Air Base to manage the missile defense system.
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Bush May Stay in US Aircraft Carrier
U.S President George W. Bush may stay in the USS Kitty Hawk at the South Korean port of Pusan while he attend the APEC forum there.
USS Kitty Hawk is currently in South Korea for a joint military exercise training between South Korea and the U.S.
Bush had stayed in the USS Enterprise during a G-8 summit in Italy in 2001.
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On APEC's eve, North sends aircraft south
Two North Korean fighters entered South Korea's airspace on Nov. 11 at 1.11pm local time.
They retreated after South Korea's Air Force issued radio warnings.
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Lockheed favored in copter bid
Lockeed Martin and defense analysts are confident that the US101 will win the USAF combat search and rescue craft competition.
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Czech Gripens help Armenian cargo plane in difficulties
Two Czech Gripens help escort an Armenian A320 cargo plane out of its airspace after the latter had difficulties contacting air traffic control.
The A320 was not able to establish connection with the fighters 121.6 Mhz, thus the fighters started to fly over the Armenian plane and the pilot responded with a light signal.
The Gripens then accompanied the plane about 100 kilometres into Germany and before returning to Caslav air base.
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Good news for the C-17
The news to extend production of C-17s for four more years was not just good news to Boeing but also for Long Beach as well.
Thousands of businesses depend on Boeing C-17 employees, customers and suppliers for survival.
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China vetoes US missile initiative - official
China has vetoed a U.S. proposal asking members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group to assess the vulnerability of their airports to Man-Portable Air Defence Systems.
A Chinese official would only comment that its a very sensitive issue.
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Sunday, November 13, 2005
DOD Weapons Review Identifies 'Niche' Gaps
A Pentagon review proposed the development of a joint, dual-use weapon that could perform in both air-to-air and air-to-ground modes.
The conventional engagement capability road map currently focused on air-to-ground weapons. Future versions of the new road map will look at other capabilities, including air-to-air and ship-launched weapons.
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Navy pilots thank plant with tours of fighter jets
The U.S. Navy brought two F/A-18s to the Mercury Air Center to show workers of BAE Systems the aircraft they help develop.
BAE Systems builds the engine controls and flight controls for F/A-18.
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Lockheed Martin eyes new opportunities in Indian arms market
Lockheed Martin is offer other types of aircraft besides the F-16 as it eyes a bigger piece of the Indian market.
It plans to offer the C-130J, PAC-3 and MH-60 helicopter to the country.
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We serve to ensure these freedoms: USAF
The USAF is unfazed by the protests in India over its participation in exercises with the Indian Air Force.
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Japan to procure 124 Patriot missiles by 2010, building majority at home
Japan plans to have up to 124 PAC-3 missiles by 2010. The missiles will initially be supplied by United States before switching to those produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
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Saturday, November 12, 2005
Revolution or curiosity? UCAVs wait for a mission statement
Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles in development now lacks a clear mission statement for the future.
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Deal to Base Nuclear Carrier in Japan Could Impact Norfolk-based Fleet
The U.S. Navy will decide in two months time on the relocation of its carriers as two are being retired.
One interesting fact is that the USS Harry S. Truman will not go to Japan - as the former president ordered the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan to end World War II.
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Military seeks $12.2B
A Canadian cabinet committee could approve a $12.2-billion purchase of new airplanes and helicopters on Monday.
16 C-130Js, 15 Chinooks and 15 C27Js are being considered.
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