Saturday, December 31, 2005
Air Vectors : The Vickers VC10
Greg provides a history and description of the VC10.
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Air Force Hands Over Keys to German Base
The U.S. Air Force on Friday handed over the keys to Rhein-Main Air Base to the operator of Frankfurt International Airport.
The 120 buildings on the base are to be bulldozed to make way for a third terminal.
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Opposition mounting against jet deal
Thailand's house subcommittee on military budget and efficiency said it was unhappy over the way the government had acted in negotiating a deal to buy 12 Su-30s.
Peeraphan Saleeratwipak, chairman of the subcommittee, said the government had asked for $500 million for the 12 jets, although the maximum cost of a fleet of SU-30s would only amount to $420 million.
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Fort Wayne's 122nd Fighter Wing headed to Iraq mission
The Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing based at the Fort Wayne International Airport will deploy to Iraq soon.
It will be its largest overseas deployment in more than four decades.
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Congress Revives Missile Killed by DOD
Despite attempts by the Pentagon to kill the Joint Common Missile program, House and Senate conferees are keeping it alive by funneling funds into the program.
Last week, they gave the program $30 million to continue the missile's development.
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German media: United States Prepares Iran Strike
Washington is preparing its NATO allies for a possible military strike against suspected nuclear sites in Iran according to German media reports.
It is sending high-level officials to prepare its allies for a possible attack rather than merely implying the possibility of an attack.
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Base cancels April air show
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort has canceled next year's air show after the Blue Angels failed to include Beaufort on its 2006 schedule.
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C-17 pilot won’t fly during inquiry
Hickam Air Force Base commander Col. William J. Changose has grounded himself from flying while an investigation is conducted into a midair collision last week between a C-17 he was piloting and a KC-135R.
He was conducting C-17 flight instructor re-qualification when the Dec. 22 accident occurred.
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Friday, December 30, 2005
Poland Takes Over NATO Air Patrol Mission in Lithuania
Two Polish MiG-29s has landed at an air base in nothern Lithuania on Thursday to prepare to take over NATO patrols of Baltic air space.
Two more MiG-29s will arrive today.
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WWII fighter group shrine
The 406th Fighter Group will have a permanent display at the Pima Air Space and Museum.
The exhibit will feature photographs, personal items and memorabilia donated by the group's members.
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Pentagon to kill F-35 back-up engine: consultant
Pratt & Whitney will be the sole engine supplier for the F-35 according to Loren Thompson, chief executive the Lexington Institute.
The plan is subjected to approval by the White House budget office and the U.S. Congress.
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Nine injured
Seven Royal Nepalese Army soldiers and two civilians were injured when their Mi-17 crash-landed on Wednesday.
The helicopter was ferrying a team of technicians to repair another Mi-17.
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Saab wins 150 mln skr order from Swedish military to integrate missile on Gripen
Saab AB will begin to integrate the IRIS-T air-to-air missile onto the Swedish Air Force Gripen.
Saab plans to test-fire the first IRIS-T missile from a Gripen in 2007.
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General prepares to do battle with the numbers
Gen. Ronald Keys, head of USAF ACC, is preparing face the possibility of cuts to its manpower when the Quadrennial Defense Review is published.
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Putin wants Russia to assist its weapons exporters
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to use its growing economic strength to support its $5 billion arms export industry.
Russian arms exporters should get cheap government loans to help finance customer purchases, Putin said.
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Panel set up to study Russian jets
The Royal Thai Air Force has set up a panel to study whether buying Russian Su-30s would fully serve the interests of both the armed forces and the government.
Air Force chief ACM Chalit Pukpasuk said that while the F/A-18 meet the needs of the service, it has yet to obtain approval from Washington for export.
He also denied that the Air Force has gave in to the government's plan to barter farm produce, mainly chickens, for the Russian fighters.
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Russia to begin supplying Su-30MKM fighters to Malaysia in 2006
Malaysia will receive its Su-30MKM fighters from Irkut in 2006.
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£40bn Saudi fighter jet deal brings RAF shortage fears
Saudi Arabia is expected to obtain more than 200 Eurofighter Typhoons in the long term.
There are fears within the RAF that this could produce a spare parts shortage when the Saudis are given priority of supply.
The situation happened in the 1990s when Saudis bought Tornados and RAF jets were left unserviceable as spares were given to Saudi Arabia first.
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Thursday, December 29, 2005
EU launches Galileo satellite, challenging US
The first Galileo navigation satellite was launched on a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur cosmodrome on Wednesday. The system will challenge the U.S.
GPS system.
The Giove-A is the first satellite in the EU's £2.4 billion Galileo program. It is build by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd of University of Surrey.
A plaque is attached to the side of Giove-A as a tribute to a young aerospace engineer who worked on the project and was killed in last year's Indian Ocean tsunami.
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陸自ヘリ墜落は操縦ミス＝記念行事の事故－長崎
Remember the JGSDF AH-1S
crash in September? The accident report has been published. Thanks to Yohko.
The reported stated that the co-pilot bank too steeply and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilot's judgement of the co-pilot skills were also incorrect.
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Bagram A-10s take fight to enemy
Since Sept. 15, the USAF 354th Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have flown more than 1,700 combat sorties in Afghanistan.
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Bomb wing flies in from South Dakota
The USAF 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota began transferring to Guam on Wednesday.
The move to Andersen Air Force Base is part of the 120-day Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation.
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NATO reaches 1,000 relief sorties in Pakistan
NATO Disaster Relief Team in Pakistan helicopter crews have flown more than 1,000 relief flights delivering aid since Nov. 6.
There are five NATO helicopters supporting the effort, four German CH-53 helicopters and Luxembourg contributed one MD Explorer Air Rescue Helicopter.
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Lockheed May Get $1.15 Billion Order for 26 Transport Planes
According to a Pentagon budget proposal, Lockheed Martin may receive a $1.15 billion U.S. military order for 26 C-130J over the next two years.
The plan would authorize purchase of 13 planes in each of fiscal 2007 and 2008.
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Museum to restore Ted Williams plane (Free Registration)
The Saratoga Foundation plans to display a refurbished F9F Panther which Boston Red Sox hitter Ted Williams flew while as a Marine Corps reservist in Korea.
The Saratoga Foundation recently bought a Panther jet that had been damaged in a crash landing at an air show ; it is 1 of only 9 Panthers remaining.
The foundation plans to bring the plane to Rhode Island and restore it with the same markings that Williams' plane bore: the tomcat logo of Squadron VMF-311.
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Hurricane hunters close out record season
The "Hurricane Hunters" of Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew their last mission of the record 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season in December.
The unit met another milestone, flying every mission in the new WC-130J Hercules.
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'Dhanush' test fired from Bay of Bengal
India successfully tested its medium range surface-to-surface missile Dhanush from a ship in the Bay of Bengal off the eastern coast.
Dhanush is a naval version of the surface-to-surface Prithvi missile.
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C-17, tanker collide off O’ahu
It has been reveiled that Hickam Air Force Base commander Col. William J. Changose was flying the C-17 that collided with a KC-135 will attempting to refuel in mid-air.
The collision sent the Air Guard KC-135R into a dive.
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Campaigning for the C-17 (Free Registration)
Worried that Pentagon officials are unwilling to buy more C-17s because of their high costs. Long Beach city officials are looking at ways to help lower Boeing's costs.
Long Beach's utility company is willing to give the company a five-year, 15 percent discount on its energy bill.
The fire department wants to chip in by taking over the responsibilty from Boeing's internal fire department.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Chalit delays fighter choice to meet the govt half-way
Thai Air Force commander, ACM Chalit Pukpasuk, has postponed the selection of new aircraft and said he is looking for a compromise over the procurement plan.
He would choose the aircraft type that would meet the interests of both the air force and the government.
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F-22A took long road to initial operational capability
With the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability declaration Dec. 15 came the capstone of a process that began 76 months earlier, in August 1997.
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長崎・大村航空隊「ＳＨ―６０Ｊ」、鹿屋で点検飛行中 ／鹿児島
Thanks to Asagiri Yohko for sending in this piece of article and Tengu for translating it for me. A JMSDF SH-60J suffered a TFOA incident on 20 Dec.
The part is a buffer material, rubber, length 60 cm, width 6 cm, 2 mm thick, weighing 24 g, half-transparent black.
The chopper took off from Kanoya NAS at 10am and the part was found missing after it flew back at 11:50am.
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Two US pilots die in Iraq helicopter collision
An AH-64 collided in mid-air with another Apache in west Baghdad on Monday night killing two pilots.
The other Apache involved in the collision landed at a base in Taji, north of Baghdad.
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Pacific Rim on cutting edge of ballistic missile defense
18 ships will join USS Lake Erie to be equipped with missile defence technology to track and shoot down ballistic missiles.
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Suit against sending aircraft carrier to India for scrapping
Greenpeace and Ban Asbestos have lodged a suit against sending the decommissioned aircraft carrier Clemenceau to India for scrapping.
The two international environment protection groups lodged the suit Monday with the Paris administrative court.
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IAF trainer aircraft crashes in Bangalore
A Kiran Mk. 1 from the Indian Air Force crashed on the outskirts of Bangalore on Tuesday morning.
Both pilots ejected safely.
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Poland to provide security for Baltics
Poland will send four MiG-29s to help patrol the Baltic States for a period of three months starting in January.
Six pilots and 70 airmem will be deployed.
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Proposed joint use of Kadena opposed by local residents
The communities of Okinawa City and Chatan passed resolutions last week opposing plans to allow the Japan Air Self-Defense Force joint use of Kadena Air Base.
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Mid-Air Collision Damages Plane
A Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 suffered damage when its boom hit a USAF C-17 while attempting to refuel on Dec. 22.
There was some damage to the tail section of the KC-135 and the boom itself.
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Serial Mi-28N helicopter makes inaugural flight
A serial model of the Mi-28N made its maiden flight at the Rostov Helicopter Plant.
A total of three Mi-28 will be delivered.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Indo-Singapore air exercise Sindex 06
Official press release from the Indian government on the joint exercise between the Indian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force next week.
The IAF will take part with a squadron of MiG-27s.
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Putin's show of strength triggers fear of fresh nuclear arms race
The introduction of Topol-M missiles and hawkish accompanying language by Russian military commanders has sparked fears of a new arms race between Russia and the United States.
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Two ships enough to stop missiles: Defense Agency
The Japanese Defense Agency believes that deploying two Aegis warships armed with SM-3 missiles are sufficient to shield Japan from ballistic missiles.
Japan's four Aegis ships will be fitted with SM-3 interceptors and Block IV Aegis radar systems by 2010.
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Tsunami Memorial service at AF Station in Car Nicobar
The Indian Air Force will build a memorial for the airmen and their family members that were killed by the tsunami last year on the Nicobar Islands.
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The jet engine's roar? Get used to it from Super Hornet
General Electric has come up with a fighter engine that is quieter than existing ones but it is too heavy for jets.
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Call for Sea King choppers to be retired
The Australia Defence Association request that the six ageing Sea King helicopters be retired.
Executive director Neil James said the fleet is now too small to be effective for the type of operations experience by the Navy.
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Plane carrying Bono to Bosnia skids off runway on landing
Spanish Defence Minister Jose Bono escaped unharmed from a crash landing in Bosnia on Sunday.
The C-130 overshot the runway at Mostar airport. The plane came to a stop in a field about 200 meters from the edge of the tarmac.
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RAAF 'covered up' pedophilia
A woman RAAF employee was told to cover up the fact her children were sexually assaulted by a senior officer.
When she tendered her resignation, her commanding officer asked her to remove the reason from her letter, and to "let it go".
The senior officer was convicted in September.
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Russia offers copters for SU-30 deal
A Royal Thai Army source says that said Russia might sell four Mi-17 helicopters at a special price or even 'give them free' to Thailand if the Su-30 deal is successful.
The Army badly needs helicopters as only half of its helicopters are still functioning.
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US eyes big Pakistan, India arms sales (Free Registration)
Washington is preparing to sell arms to archrivals India and Pakistan next year.
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Monday, December 26, 2005
No News Today
In memory of the 220,000 people that were killed and the lives of millions more that were altered forever by the Indian Ocean Tsunami one year ago, there will be no news today.
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Sunday, December 25, 2005
Missile shield project to proceed
The Japanese cabinet has approved the joint development of a next-generation interceptor missile with the United States in April.
The interceptor will be based on the SM-3 missile.
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Notebook: U.S.'s New Air Weapon
CBS News correspondent David Martin visits Langley Air Force Base to see the F-22A.
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For Gorshkov, Navy pilots head to US for training
Four Indian pilots are currently training on the T-45 with the U.S. Navy in Pensacola, Florida.
This is to prepare them for the arrival of Admiral Gorshkov in 2008. A total of 32 pilots will be trained.
Labels: INS Vikramaditya
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Kalaikunda gets ready for another air exercise
The RSAF will deploy 8 F-16s to Kalaikunda Air Force base, India from Jan. 03. The exercise will lasts 18 days.
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Saturday, December 24, 2005
Helicopter crewman died in ''Supermanning'' stunt
A U.S. Navy helicopter crewman fell to his death while carrying out a stunt called 'Supermanning.'
Supermanning involves hanging from the ramp of a helicopter and letting the rushing wind 'fly' the body. The person is only attached by a safety belt.
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Antitrust office checks tender for helicopter upgrading
Czech's Antitrust Office is checking a tender for upgrading of 16 Mi-171S helicopters that the country received as a re-payment of Russian debt.
The investigations came after the losers complained that the winner, Ceska letecka servisni, was given preferential treatment.
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Moldovan ex-defence minister may be sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Moldovan Defense Minister, Valeriu Pasat, could be jailed for up to 11 years for selling the country's MiG-29s.
The planes were sold to the United States in 1997.
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DRDO system to arrest IAF flying losses
The Indian Air Force will be getting a new arrester barrier system made by the DRDO.
The current barrier can only arrest a 20.4 ton fighter, insufficient to stop the Su-30.
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Israel Navy to deploy first UAVs
The Israel Navy wil deploy Israel Aircraft Industries Mahatz I UAVs for maritime patrol.
The UAVs are equipped with EL/M-2022U UAV maritime patrol radars.
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RAF blow in Saudi deal for Typhoons
Saudi Arabia's purchase of Typhoons will leave some RAF squadrons flying with old Tornado interceptors.
RAF will also have to make do with fewer instructors as some will be second to teach Saudi pilots on operating the Typhoon.
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Friday, December 23, 2005
First F-35 nears completion at Lockheed Martin
The Joint Strike Fighter team has completed assembly of the aircraft’s major structural components and is moving towards installing the engine.
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‘Contract being drafted’ for Russian fighter jet deal
Irkut has started drawing up a contract to supply 12 Su-30s to the RTAF in exchange for agricultural products.
No cash will be involved and the thais hope to trade 250,000 tons of raw chicken and other agricultural produce for the jets.
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ACM Chalit, govt at odds on Russian jets
Thai Air Force chief ACM Chalit Pukpasuk favours U.S-build jets over Russian fighters.
He seems to prefer the F/A-18 more than the F-16.
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PM: No deal yet to buy Russian jets
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday that the country may barter chickens for Russian Su-30s.
Earlier, the government had ruled out chickens being included in any barter trade deal.
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Agile Lion demonstrates future of net-centric warfare
A KC-130J, two AV-8B Harriers, an F/A-18 and an AH-1W Cobra took part in an experiment on Dec. 12-15 to test network-centric information technology for the USMC.
Each aircraft carried an Advanced Information Architecture computer server and contained various radios for narrow- and wide-band datalinks.
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Mission-Configured US139 Demonstrates Ability To Meet And Exceed Requirements
AgustaWestland's US139 aircraft has been completely fitted in LUH configuration and completed its initial series of flights for the U.S. Army¹s requirement for a new Light Utility Helicopter.
The US139 is a customized, non-developmental version of the AB139 helicopter.
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Pilots hone skills in dogfighting off coast of Iwakuni
Four F/A-18D Hornets took turns to empty target practice rounds from their Vulcan cannons during a tow-banner training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
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Flight testing approved for supersonic jet engine
The Pentagon has approved the X-51A for flight testing. The program will be managed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Five to eight unmanned X-51As will test their scramjet engines up to Mach 7. The flights are scheduled for December 2008 through January 2009 and are to be launched from Edwards Air Force Base.
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Removal of missiles roils U.S.-Bolivia ties
Bolivia's left-wing president-elect wants to punish those responsible for the removal from the country this year of 28 HN-SA SAMs.
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Tehran's missile project 'is hidden underground'
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an Iranian exile group, claimed that Tehran has secretly built a network of tunnels and underground facilities to develop its atomic and missile programs.
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How Rockwell Collins landed in the front lines of the war on terror.
Forbes Magazine's article on America's Best Managed Companies featuring Rockwell Collins.
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Desertion lands pilot in jail for 10 months
A South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilot has been sentenced to 10 months in a military prison for deserting his unit before it deployed to Iraq.
Chief Warrant Officer Alex Pitts pleaded guilty to two separate charges of desertion and one charge of AWOL.
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SECOND SUCCESSFUL QUALIFICATION FIRING FOR MBDA’S ASTER 30 SAMP-T SYSTEM
The Aster SAMP-T ground based air defence system conducted its second qualification firing on Dec. 20.
For this second qualification firing, all the system elements were used : the engagement module, the ARABEL radar, the vertical launcher and the Aster 30 munition.
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Thursday, December 22, 2005
New Ballistic Missile Launched From Russian Nuclear Sub
Russia tested an underwater launch of a Bulava ballistic missile from nuclear submarine Dmitry Donskoy on Wednesday.
This is the first underwater launch of a Bulava missile. The missile hit a target at the Kura firing range on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
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Navy successfully tests ship-to-ship missile
The South Korean Navy has successfully tested fired its first domestic ship-to-ship missile.
The 150 km missile was developed in 2003.
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Boeing regrets delay of defense project
Boeing yesterday expressed its disappointment that the South Korea Defense Ministry has postponed the purchase of four AEW&C again.
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Boeing GMD Team Places 10th Interceptor, Capping Recent Successes
The 10th operational interceptor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system has been installed.
The 10th interceptor was emplaced in an underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska, last weekend.
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Former chief opposes Russian jet purchase
ACM Pong Maneesin, former chief of RTAF, is against purchasing the Su-30 for his country.
He said the jets are made of poor-quality materials and would pose maintenance problems because of a lack of spare parts. Russia had proposed its Su-30 MK during his tenure but he rejected them after considering the pros and cons.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Wantana said he favour the Sukhois as they are comparable to F-15 which are expensive.
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2010 too late for new planes, government document shows
A secret timetable obtained by The Globe and Mail show that the first four Canadian transport would arrive only in 2010 and not 2008 as claim by the government.
This contradicts the government claim that new transports are needed by 2008 as the C-130s are falling apart.
The decision to buy 16 new transports seems to favour the C-130J as it can be delivered in 2008 but latest revelation show that the A400M can meet the requirement as well.
Airbus said that it could deliver the A400M in 2010.
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Pilots say new U.S. stealth fighter has no equal
Lt. Col. David Krumm, an F-22A instructor pilot, extol the capabilities of the Raptor to this reporter.
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Saudi Arabia commits to Eurofighter Typhoon deal
The christmas present for the Eurofighter community. Saudi Arabia will get at least 24 Eurofighter Typhoons to replace its Tornado ADVs.
It is ironic that one RSAF(Singapore) rejected it and the other RSAF(Saudi) bought it.
The aircraft will be drawn from the RAF’s production run of 89 Tranche 2 Eurofighters.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Charleston AFB breaks C-17 flying record
17 C-17 Globemaster IIIs took to the air to form the largest formation of C-17s from a single base. The C-17 formation conducted low-level training in the Charleston area before taking part in a massive airdrop. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard T. Kaminsky.
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Colombia fails to find U.S. Navy helicopter
A Colombian deep-sea search vessel has failed to locate the wreckage of a USN SH-60B from HSL-48.
The helicopter went down Dec. 13 shortly after take off from the U.S. Navy frigate DeWert.
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Lawmaker: 20 ambiguous points in C130 plane crash case
An Iranian lawmaker has pointed out 20 ambiguous points about the C-130 plane crash on Dec. 6 in Tehran.
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Iran obtained 12 long-range missiles
Outgoing Israel Defense Force intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi claims Iran recently acquired 12 cruise missiles with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers.
They were part of a batch of 18 missiles shipped from Ukraine to Russia. 12 went to Iran and six went to China.
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Russia to test launch more than 10 cruise missiles in 2006
Russia plans to conduct more than 10 cruise missiles tests next year.
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House bill would keep JFK afloat another year
The U.S. Congress is trying to delay the Navy's plan to mothball USS John F. Kennedy.
The House voted at 4 a.m. on Monday to keep the JFK and mandate a fleet of at least 12 carriers.
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Boeing Delivers First Apache Longbow Helicopter for Japan
Fuji Heavy Industries has received the first AH-64DJP, the first production Apache to be delivered with air-to-air Stinger capability, from Boeing.
Two AH-64DJP Apaches will be delivered to the Japanese government by FHI in March 2006.
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The Swedish Government gives the ´go ahead´ on the ´Neuron´ project
Thanks to Dave Orlando for sending in this one. The Swedish Government has given the green light for the Neuron UCAV to go ahead.
The Saab group will finance the major part of the project with MSEK 600 while the remaining MSEK 80 is financed by the Swedish Government.
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Indonesia to Check Its Sukhoi's Airworthiness
Indonesia will check the airworthiness of its four Sukhoi fighters to see if they are capable of defending the country.
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Gripens hangars do not meet NATO fire-safety rules - spokesman
The hangars that house Czech's JAS-39s at an air-base in Caslav, central Bohemia, do not meet NATO's most recent fire-safety standards.
The hangars were built during the 1950s and 1960s will be replace by new ones in three years.
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Official: Base plan could destabilize Okinawa
Governor of Okinawa said plans to build a U.S. heliport on the island could cause widespread opposition to U.S. presence.
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Vice chief examines aviation training
U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody visit Fort Rucker to examine innovations in aviation training and to discuss his vision for Army aviation transformation.
Cody is the Army’s senior aviator with more than 5,000 flight hours.
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India Buys $400M Worth of Russia Missile Systems — Source
India will pay $400 million for four batteries of Tunguska-M1 gun-missile air defence system.
India currently has more than 60 Tunguska systems including 12 units of Tunguska-M1.
Tunguska-M1 is a gun/missile system that carries eight 9M311-M1 SAMs.
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A different kind of smart: weapons becoming autonomous and precise
The largest and smallest bomb ever fielded are under study in the US with entry late in this decade or after 2010.
Boeing's Phantom Works will demonstrate the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, 13.6 tonne weapon that measures 6 m long.
The Very Small Munition is a 18-25 kg weapon which 24 can be loaded to the MQ-9A Predator B.
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U.S. air power strikes Iraq targets daily
A variety of U.S. aircraft are striking targets in Iraq daily with little attention back home.
News reports and the public have focused mainly on ground action by the Army and Marines.
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Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Ｆ１５接触事故は操縦ミス、高度差を誤認
Thanks to Tengu for passing this info along. JASDF has release it findings on the mid-air collision of two F-15s over the Sea of Japan.
Both planes were in a right-hand turn when the second pilot lost sight of his leader and collided with him after rising.
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Defence note suggests Liberals spent $5B on wrong aircraft
The Ottawa Citizen has obtained a Canadian Defence Department briefing note that suggest Canada scraps it tactical transports and buy strategic transport planes.
The advice runs counter to the decision by the Liberal government to buy tactical transports to replace the C-130s.
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Ma says funding not the only problem with arms bill
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman said that the opposition parties have never objected to arms procurement, but they opposed to "cash-for-friendship" purchase plans.
Ma Ying-jeou was responding to an appeal by President Chen Shui-bian to break a deadlock over a weapons package that includes 12 P-3Cs.
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Prosecutor General's Office to launch probe into C-130 crash
Iran's Prosecutor General will launch an investigation into the Dec. 6 crash of a C-130 in southern Tehran.
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Comptroller slams IAI-Elisra deal
Israel's State Comptroller has criticized Israel Aircraft Industries' Nov. 2002 acquisition of Elisra Electronic Systems shares.
He said the buyers failed to examine fully Elisra's company value before closing the deal.
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Raytheon's Precision Attack Air-to-Surface Missile Successfully Fired from Rotary Wing Aircraft
Raytheon's Precision Attack Air-to-Surface Missile (PAASM) was successfully launched Dec. 13 from a rotary-winged, unmanned aerial vehicle.
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Pentagon to Kill Alternate JSF Engine
The Pentagon is ready to cancel the F136 engine and make Pratt & Whitney's F135 the sole engine for the F-35.
A Pentagon official said the plan to recoup $1.8 billion is spelled out in an internal budget document.
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Billion-dollar bomb deal bids begin
Bidding has opened for the Small Diameter Bomb Increment II program which will develop a bomb capable of hitting moving targets.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin will pair up to compete against Raytheon.
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PM says no jet deal with Russia yet
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said his country had signed a letter of discussion for Su-30s not purchase.
He said the letter was a normal practice to record what had been discussed.
Air force commander Chalit Pukpasuk said the decision will be made in March or April next year.
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Uplifting ideas
Flight International explores new ideas that could advance the development of rotor aircraft.
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Cheetah, Chetak to be replaced by upgraded choppers: Vice Chief
The Indian Army will gradually phased out its Cheetah and Chetak helicopters with new license build ones.
Nearly 200 helicopters will be replaced by an American or European design from next year.
Labels: Indian Army Light Helicopter
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Canberra crashes in Agra, two IAF pilots killed
An Indian Air Force Canberra crashed five kilometres from the Agra airfield while coming in to land.
The Canberra is with the 106 ‘Lynxes’ Squadron.
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Trio fuel A400M tanker evolution
The A400M’s role as a tactical tanker is confirmed with an initial inflight refelling equipment order from France, Germany and Spain.
It will use a new version of the 900-series hose-and-drogue wing pod now in development for the A330-based Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft.
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U.S. Predator - unmanned, lethal, rarely grounded
While the General Atomics Predator has been successful in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has a weakness that render it useless.
Weather is one of the aircraft's weakness. Ice builds up on the wings easily making it difficult to fly.
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Israel Tests Improved Arrow Interceptor
There are plans to upgrade Israel's long-range, Green Pine radar into a directed-energy weapon.
The radar, used to find targets for the Arrow 2, could be an excellent weapon to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles.
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Defense bill contains money for JPATS, NIAR, McConnell projects
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a defense appropriations bill that includes 59 T-6A Texan II for the USAF and USN.
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Iran’s Air Forces: Struggling to Maintain Readiness
An anonymous expert on the Iranian military penned this article on the state of Iran's Air Forces for The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
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Monday, December 19, 2005
Tomcat Sunset - Last Time, Baby...!
I seldom get to find out who are the people reading this website. Today I got a pleasant surprise from Dave Parsons. The Tomcat community is organizing a farewell ceremony and a website has been setup for the event.
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How media jumped gun over warship
The British media was overjoyed by the announcement for the go-ahead for the next stage of the Royal Navy carrier program that they misinterpret the announcement.
The Defense Secretary John Reid did not actually commit himself to building anything. What he approve is only spending another £300 million developing the final Delta design of the carriers.
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Va. Beach seeks to keep jets at Oceana
Virginia Beach will try to retain the master jet base at Oceana Naval Air Station but will not comply with BRAC orders to achieve that.
The City Council will try to limit development in the crash zones near the runways instead.
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Delay to MoD contract 'could sink Scottish shipbuilding'
The U.K. Defence Committee said that work on Royal Navy's new carriers must start soon or the ship building industry in Scotland will die off.
Their report will warn that: shipbuilders must not be kept waiting any longer than necessary for the real start of the lucrative carrier project; the work must be fairly shared around all UK yards; and the MoD must preserve the flow of work to keep the yards functioning in the meantime, in order to maintain a viable industry into the future.
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IAI may still sell Phalcon to S. Korea
South Korea's decision to delay its selection of the AEW&C aircraft actually benefits IAI's Elta.
This gave the company an additional five months to secure U.S. export license for communication codes.
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Pan-blues may allow defense debate
Taiwan's opposition parties will consider allowing debate on the administration's major arms purchase bill at the legislature if defense spending is boosted to 3 percent of GDP.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) will only consider approving the purchase of 12 P-3Cs as the Patriot missile purchase has already been vetoed in a referendum.
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Anniversary of Vietnam bombing campaign marked on Guam
A ceremony commemorating Operation Linebacker II was held Friday at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.
Friday’s ceremony paid tribute to the 33 crewmembers who lost their lives aboard the 15 B-52s downed during the campaign.
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Returns Following Successful JTFEX
USS Ronald Reagan has completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 06-2 and returned on Dec. 17.
The nine-day exercise tested the Ronald Reagan Strike Group’s ability to operate alongside other U.S. and coalition forces in a complex, hostile war-fighting environment.
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PIA flight lands at Karachi air base
A Pakistan International Airlines 737 landed at Faisal Air Force Base instead of Quaid-i-Azam International Airport.
The plane landed there on Friday and the captain was sent to a laboratory to do a blood test to determine the alcohol level.
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USAFE visit at Kogalniceanu air base
A 30-member survey team from USAFE will Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania from Dec. 11 to 15.
The team will assess the airfield capabilities for future joint operations.
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35th Fighter Wing commander to be promoted Dec. 27
Col. Sam Angelella, USAF 35th Fighter Wing commander, will be promoted to brigadier general on Dec. 27.
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Pratt & Whitney Shipping First Engine For Testing On New Joint Strike Fighter
Pratt & Whitney will ship the first F135 engine that will power the first F-35 this week for installation.
The engine is boxed and wrapped like a precious Christmas gift waiting for delivery.
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All 35 aboard Nevada-based helicopter avert death in Afghanistan
All 35 soldiers aboard a Nevada National Guard Chinook that went down in Afghanistan on Dec.3 had narrowly escaped death.
The Chinook was destroyed by fire after everyone on board managed to evacuate.
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New Pentagon agency oversees unmanned planes
Brig. Gen. Walt Davis is building up the Joint Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence at Creech Air Force Base.
The center will coordinate the development of UAVs by each of the U.S. military services.
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Thailand Inks Deal for 12 Fighters
A senior official at Irkut said that Thailand has signed a memorandum for 12 Sukhoi-30MKMs.
It was signed during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Malaysia for the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The deal includes helicopters for Thailand.
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Sunday, December 18, 2005
Navy commander: C130 plane, among safest aircraft worldwide
The Iranian Navy commander said on Saturday that the C-130 that crashed into a building had no technical problem.
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RAF pilot took women on 'jolly' in helicopter
A RAF search and rescue pilot took two young women out in his helicopter to impress them.
He took them up in a Sea King helicopter for a training flight when they visit him at RAF Valley May 30.
A court martial gave him a reprimand.
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DOD paid billions in fees, regardless of performance, report says
The Pentagon paid incentives worth an estimated $8 billion to defense companies between 1999 and 2003, regardless of performance.
$203 million were given for the Comanche helicopter program run by Boeing and Sikorsky. The F-22A program has received nearly $900 million in incentives.
There were exceptions however, the Missile Defense Agency changed Boeing's Airborne Laser program award-fee plan to focus on achieving a successful demonstration by Dec. 2004.
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Congress Lobbies for Boeing C-17
Members of the U.S. House and the Senate sent separate letters to President Bush urging him to acquire more C-17s.
The House letter included signatures from 148 members. The Senate letter included signatures from 13 senators.
The Senate voted 89 to 8 last month for a nonbinding amendment to the defense spending bill calling for the Air Force to acquire 42 more C-17s.
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Taiwan leader renews call for opposition to support arms package
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian renewed his call for the opposition to support a proposed arms deal that includes buying 12 P-3Cs.
Taiwan's opposition parties have blocked the package which they term illegal as Taiwanese voted against expanded arms purchase in the island's first referendum in 2004.
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VT chief favourite to run UK aircraft carriers
Peter McIntosh from VT Group’s shipbuilding arm is the front runner to manage the U.K.'s aircraft carrier program.
The only other candidate is Allan Cameron of Thales.
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PM attends air show in Gwalior
Mirage 2000s and Su-30s from the Indian Air Force stage a mock combat drill for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Prime Minister also saw a Il-78 refuel two Mirage 2000.
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Weeklong exercise praised by Yokota leaders
Operational Readiness Exercise was carried out recently at Yokota air base, Japan to test the troops ability to survive and operate under a constant threat of attack.
The exercise which began on Dec. 11 saw 3000 troops taking part.
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Report: Army sunk $8 billion into failed program
The U.S. Government Accountability Office said in a report that the Comanche helicopter program was a prime example of how the U.S. Army squandered billions of dollars on a failed program.
The Army had spent nearly $8 billion into the program that was 33 months behind schedule and $3.7 billion over budget.
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Alliant tests next-generation missile system
Alliant Techsystems has successfully tested a scramjet that flew at Mach 5.5 for at least 15 seconds.
The Dec. 10 launch was part of a Pentagon program called Freeflight Atmospheric Scramjet Test Technique.
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Saturday, December 17, 2005
Wright Brothers Day, 2005
Welcome to the 102nd year of powered flight.
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Canadian NORAD region names Santa Claus escort pilots
Capt. William Radiff and Lt. Col. Patrice Laroche, of 3 Wing Bagotville and Capt. Dave Monk and Maj. Alex Day of 4 Wing Cold Lake will be the official escort pilots for
Santa Claus while he visits Canada during his annual Christmas Eve.
Two CF-18s from 3 Wing meet Santa as he enters Canadian air space off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Two CF-18s from 4 Wing escort him out of Canadian airspace.
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Navy pilot survived Iraq, not Colombia
U.S. Navy pilot Christopher H. Snyder from HSL-48 had survived a six-month tour in Iraq but died off the coast of Colombia while tracking drug smugglers.
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Patrouille Suisse & PC7-Team
The commanders of two Swiss Air Force aerobatic teams received their FAI World Grand Prix prizes on Dec. 14.
Patrouille Suisse and PC7-Team competed in the FAI World Grand Prix of Aviation.
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Government Prepares to Purchase Missiles for Sukhoi Fighters
Indonesia is buying weapons for four of its Su-30 fighters. The weapons include cruise missiles, medium-range missiles and short-range missiles.
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IAF to showcase Mirage capabilities to PM in Gwalior
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Gwalior tomorrow to see 40 minute dipaly that includes the Mirage 2000.
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Red Arrows in tribute to founder
The Red Arrows bade farewell to its founder and leader Ray Hanna at his funeral on Thursday.
The Hawks flew a battle formation at 360 knots and 500ft.
Hanna was a founder member of the Red Arrows in 1965 and was the longest serving leader from 1966 to 1969.
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Gov’t Delays Selection of Airborne Warning System
South Korea has decided to delay its purchase of four early warning aircraft until next May.
It said that both Boeing and IAI failed to submit details of key communication equipment.
There are suspicions that South Korea actually wanted to give Israel more time to obtain export authorisation for its equipment from Washington.
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India, Russia to develop aircraft version of BrahMos missile
India and Russia have invested additional $50 million in BrahMos Aerospace to develop an aircraft version of the BrahMos.
The missile will be carried by India's Su-30s.
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5th Russian regiment, armed with Topol-M missiles, goes on duty
A fifth Russian missile regiment has been equipped with new Topol-M missiles.
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Iran May Buy Russian Surface-to-Air Missile Complex
Iran is interested in getting the Pechora-2A anti-aircraft missile system from Russia next year.
Iran wants to use it to protect its nuclear power plant from attacks.
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German intelligence warns Iran has new missiles
Iran has bought 18 BM-25, which are based on the Russian SS-N-6, missiles from North Korea.
They were delivered in kit-form and Iran wants to increase the range from 2,500km to 3,500km.
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China Buys Russian Jet Engines Wholesale
Russia will supply 150 AL-31F engines to China for their Su-27SK being assembled in Shenyang.
This is the third time this year that Salyut will be supplying fighter engines to China.
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Netherlands sells Chile 18 F-16 fighter aircraft
Chile will be getting 18 surplus Dutch F-16s, the Dutch defence ministry said.
The Netherlands is disposing of 29 of the F-16s and 3 were recently sold to Jordan.
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'Hat-in-the-Ring Gang' says goodbye to its Eagles
The USAF 94th Fighter Squadron flew its last F-15 Eagle sortie yesterday and begin its transition to the F-22A.
Pilots from Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon units will move into the 94th to ramp up Raptor operations.
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Aging Tomcat jet makes last runs over Iraq
Newspapers are carrying this story on the last Tomcat cruise on Roosevelt.
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EADS acquires 10 pct stake in Russia's Irkut for 65.3 mln usd
EADS has signed a deal for a 10 pct stake in Irkut for $65.3million.
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Russian, US firms fight for contract
Amid reports that Thailand will select the Su-30, representatives from Lockheed have express willingness to incorporate barter trade for their F-16s.
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Friday, December 16, 2005
Pilot’s pilot taught students to keep moving to stay alive
Sam Flynn, the USN fighter pilot that coined the term 'speed is life,' has passed away on Dec. 4.
He flew more than 250 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom and shot down a MiG-21.
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New vest helps spatial orientation
The Tactile Situational Awareness System was demonstrated to test pilots at Patuxent River.
TSAS provides in-flight orientation information to pilots using tactors (miniature vibrators like those found in silent pagers).
The pilot can tell his pitch and roll attitudes from his sense of touch through these vibrators.
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Pakistani commander wounded in attack on helicopter
The commander of Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps was wounded on Thursday when gunfire hit his helicopter.
Major-General Shujaat Zamir Dar and his deputy were both wounded, but their helicopter landed safely.
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EU Protests Russian-Iran Missile Deal
The European Union has formally protested to Russia about its sale of Tor-M1 missiles to Iran.
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Taiwan modifies aircraft to carry anti-ship missiles: report
Two AT-3A Tsu Chiang trainers have been converted to carry either Harpoon or Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles by Aerospace Industrial Development Corp.
Jane's Defence Weekly said the move will threaten China's main ports.
The AT-3A was originally designed and built as two-seater trainers for the RoCAF in the 1980s.
Labels: Hsiung Feng 2E
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Kalaikunda to be host more war games
The Republic of Singapore Air Force plans to hold exercises with the Indian Air Force at Kalaikunda air force station in 2006.
The RSAF would be paying for the boarding, lodging, fuel and other miscellaneous expenditure.
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Americans will upgrade Pakistani F-16s next year
Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fleet will begin their mid-life upgrade (MLU) program next year.
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Venezuelan military delegation in Russia to receive fighter helicopters
A Venezuelan military delegation is in Moscow to attend the graduation ceremony of Venezuelan pilots flying the Mi-17v-5 helicopter.
Venezuela will receive three Mi-17v-5 helicopters next week in Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.
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NATO Rents Giant Transport Planes From Russia, Ukraine
NATO has signed a three-year contract with Antonov Airlines and Russian company Volga-Dnepr to lease the An-124-100 for strategic airlifts.
The lease will come into effect in early 2006.
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F-16s ‘probably’ free, says Rashid
Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the two F-16s that were delivered from United States recently are free.
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Russia to sell Be-103 amphibian aircraft to China, Indonesia and Brazil
Indonesia plans to purchase 8-15 Be-103 amphibian aircraft from Russia and 20 aircraft will be delivered to China.
Brazil plans to get 8 of the amphibians also.
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Denel likely to have decades of business from fighter-trainer work
Denel will not just manufacture horizontal tailplanes and air brakes for the 24 South African Air Force Hawks.
Denel will exclusively produce the parts until 2011 and these parts will go to any Hawks that are sold during this period.
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Indonesia gives nod to Malacca patrols
Indonesia has given guarded support to a plan for RAAF P-3Cs to help patrol Malacca Straits against terrorist attacks and piracy.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib discussed the plan with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer last week.
Downer said Australian aircraft would fly only with observers from one of the three neighbouring countries on board.
Downer added that the Orions could be based out of Malaysia's Butterworth air base or Singapore.
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Kyrgyz demands big rent rise from US
Kyrgyzstan President, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, wants Washington to pay 100 times the current rent for Manas air base.
Manas air base is an important refuelling point for U.S. aircraft flying operations in Afghanistan.
The Kyrgyz government was demanding that the Pentagon pay reimburse it another $80m which was allegedly siphoned out of the country by former president Askar Akayev.
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Russia to continue export of anti-aircraft missile systems
Mikhail Dmitriyev, head of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, said Russia will continue exporting Tor M1 anti-aircraft missile systems despite Washington's objections.
Russia recently agreed to supply 29 Tor M1 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.
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F-22A Raptor goes operational
The USAF F-22A has achieved initial operational capability at the 1st Fighter Wing's 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
The 27th Fighter Squadron is the oldest in continuous operation.
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F-15C engine fails; pilot safe
A USAF F-15C suffered a right engine stall while taking off from RAF Lakenheath on Tuesday.
An inspection of the right engine found extensive damage that will likely exceed more than $1 million in losses.
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The deadly skies over Iraq
Dahr Jamail an independent journalist who spent eight months reporting from occupied Iraq, writes about the air war being conducted over the country right now.
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Thursday, December 15, 2005
Pakistan gets two upgraded F-16s
Pakistani Air Commodore Syed Hassan Raza inspects an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, before it was transferred to the Pakistani air force. U.S. Air Force photo by Dane Anderson.
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Carriers work heads for Scotland
The green light has been given to go ahead with designing two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
The work will be carried out across Britain in four main blocks.
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Decision on fighter jets is still up in the air
The Royal Thai Air Force clarified on Tuesday that it has yet to decide whether to buy Russian or American fighter jets amid allegations that its former chief is involved in a shady deal to get Sukhois.
An Air Force aide said the selection is still under consideration and no time frame is given.
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Pratt & Whitney Delivers 200th F119 Engine to U.S. Air Force
Pratt & Whitney has delivered the 200th F119 engine for the F-22A.
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France announces Thales-DCN tie-up
Thales SA will tie-up with French warship builder DCN.
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Aurora's GoldenEye-50 Surpasses DARPA Acoustic Requirements
Aurora Flight Sciences said that during recent acoustic testing its GoldenEye-50 unmanned aerial system demonstrated acoustic signatures consistently below limits set by the DARPA for its OAV-II program.
The GoldenEye-50 is Aurora’s third generation of small, ducted fan vertical takeoff and landing UAV.
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Russia to provide China with 240 jet engines in next 5 years
Ilyushin hopes to sell 12 Il-76 to Malaysia and Indonesia while Vietnam and Thailand showed strong interest in Il-76MF.
Russia will also supply 240 engines for 38 Il-76MD military cargo aircraft and Il-78MK air refueling tanker China ordered in September.
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RAAF to spend $2bn on heavy lifting fleet
The RAAF is looking into the possibility of buying or leasing long-term up to four C-17s or eight A400Ms.
Defence Minister Robert Hill confirmed that cabinet had given its approval to examine the purchase of a heavy lift transport capability.
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Air Force says it won’t finish deal for Boeing C-17 transports
The USAF has agreed with a Pentagon study that 180 C-17s are enough for its needs.
This is a setback for Boeing which has to close the C-17 plant in 2008.
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S. Africa fires new air defense missile
The South African Navy fired two Umkhonto (Spear) missiles last month to verify the missiles ability to intercept an incoming missile.
Both missiles were fired one week apart at high-speed Skua target drones off Cape Aghulas.
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Japan to pay one-third of missile cost
Tokyo agreed to pay one-third of the costs to develop a next-generation interceptor missile with Washington.
Japan will bear 1 billion dollars (107 billion yen) to 1.2 billion dollars over the next nine years.
The missile will be developed from an advanced version of the Standard Missile 3.
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Lockheed Martin Adding Downlink To Sniper Pods
Lockheed Martin is adding a C-band downlink capability to its Sniper targeting pod for the U.S. Air Force.
The capability cost an additional $40,000-$50,000 per system.
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Study uncovers problems with UAVs
The U.S. Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday that UAVs in Iraq and Afghanistan are having problems relaying information to commanders.
The report found that flights are sometimes delayed or canceled because the transmission frequencies they use are too congested.
The report blamed the Pentagon for the little progress in solving the problem which is not new.
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Langley's 94th Fighter Squadron Taking Last Flight In F-15C
The USAF 94th Fighter Squadron will fly its last F-15C sortie on Friday before it transitions to the F-22A.
A joint flight of an F-15C Eagle and F-22A Raptor will commemorate the 94th FS’s final flight as an F-15C squadron.
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Air Force eyes fleet of 183 F-22 fighters
The USAF wants to buy 183 Raptors, four more than currently budgeted for, but less than the 381 it needed. Rename as F-22A.
The Air Force freeze the A-model configuration and channel the money to pay for the additional jets.
The USAF also decided to name the jet, F-22A, dropping the A from the first part of the fighter's designation.
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'Tamil Tigers' attack helicopter
Suspected Tamil Tiger militants fired four shots at a Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter on its way to pick up the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister.
The Mi-17 suffered minor damage but returned to Ampara town safely.
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IAI plans to compete with Global Hawk
Israel Aircraft Industries has been developing a HALE-class UAV as a low-cost alternative to the Global Hawk.
Shlomo Tsach, head of IAI's aviation science administration, was telling conference delegates during a conference on robotics and UAVs at Tel Aviv University Tuesday.
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New Sniper pod sharpens pilots’ view of targets
The Wolf Pack is the first USAF fighter wing in the Pacific to field the Sniper XR targeting pod.
The 80th Fighter Squadron and 35th Fighter Squadron receive the pods in November.
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Navy F-18s And A Southwest Jet Experience A "Close Pass" Over Hampton Roads
Two U.S. Navy reserve F-18 Hornets came nose to nose with a Southwest 737 near Norfolk International Nov. 15.
The NTSB is investigating the incident after receiving an anonymous letter.
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Eyewitness to crash gives own account
A USAF T-38C instructor was severely injured when his T-38 crashed during a low-level training flight on Tuesday.
The student and instructor was able to eject after hitting a bird during a low-level flight.
The instructor had parachuted into the plane’s firball and appeared to be severely burned.
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No formal offer from US on Orion aircraft: Pranab
Washington has indicated that 2 P-3Cs are available for lease to India but no formal offer has been made yet.
Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee also said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha that the RSAF will be having exercises with the IAF for three weeks at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in January 2006.
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Boeing Leads Team to Successful Ground-based Midcourse Defense Flight Test
A Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) was launched from the Ronald Reagan Missile Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands on Dec. 13.
The interceptor traveled over the Pacific Ocean and used a simulated target as the basis for this flight test.
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Meteor missile takes to the skies with Europe's new generation fighters
MBDA's Meteor missile underwent an unprecedented test programme involving Europe’s three new fighter aircraft this week.
A Rafale M on Dec. 11 started a week-long series of flight trials from Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. These mark the first carrier-launched flight trials of Meteor.
A Gripen started flight trials in Sweden on Dec. 13. A RAF Typhoon will start trials this week.
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ROVER System Revolutionizes F-14's Ground Support Capability
History was made Dec. 11 when aircraft 207 of VF-213 took off from USS Theodore Roosevelt.
A forward air controller located on the ground near Baghdad was able to see what the aircraft is seeing in real time for the first time.
The Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) system transmits real-time images to the controller's laptop.
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Search for HSL-48 Air Crew Officially Terminated
The USN has terminated search and rescue efforts for a SH-60B helicopter and its crew.
The HSL-48 helicopter crashed while in international waters west of Colombia Dec. 13.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Belgium Selects the NH90 Helicopter
Belgium is the 14th country to select the NH90 helicopter. The country will buy 10 NH90.
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Boeing to Integrate Communications Systems Upgrades for New Zealand's 757s
Boeing will be upgrading the communications systems of New Zealand's two Boeing 757 multi-mission military aircraft.
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Stennis Begins Sea Trials Following DPIA
USS John C. Stennis is at sea for a weeklong phase of sea trials Dec. 12 after spending more than 11 months receiving extensive equipment and technology upgrades.
During the shipyard and dry-dock availability, Stennis received a complete hull restoration above and below the waterline, as well as a complete refurbishment of the shafts, rudders and screws. Many on-board flight, operational and weapons systems were upgraded, including the Capstone self-defense system, new damage control and digital helm technology.
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Greece buying 30 more Lockheed-made F-16s (Free Registration)
The sale of 30 F-16s to Greece would extend F-16 production and hundreds of jobs at Lockheed’s Fort Worth plant through 2009.
However it won’t save the jobs of hundreds of other F-16 workers due to be laid off in 2006.
Lockheed Martin needed the order to avoid a gap in the three to four year production cycle that would have resulted in higher costs and perhaps additional job losses.
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Greece and the United States Sign Agreement for Sale of Additional Lockheed Martin Advanced F-16 Block 52+ Aircraft to Greece
Greece is ordering 30 F-16 Block 52+ with an option for an additional 10 aircraft.
The Hellenic Air Force will take delivery of the new aircraft in 2009.
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HSL-48 SH-60B Crashes in Eastern Pacific
A U.S. Navy SH-60B helicopter from HSL 48 crashed in the international waters west of Colombia the morning of Dec. 13.
Three crew members were on board, and their status us unknown at this time.
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Britain buys Russian surface-to-air missiles in fight against terrorism
Britain has secretly bought dozens of Russian surface-to-air missiles to develop counter measures against them. Thanks to Jennifer for sending me the story.
Scientist are working with the shoulder-launched missile in order to protect British aircraft and service personnel from terrorist that may employ them.
Ministry of Defence scientists and gunners from the Royal Artillery have test-fired them at UK bases.
The exact model of the missile was withheld at the request of the government but from the description given by the article, it most probably the Igla.
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Phone Lines Go Dead at Russia’s Strategic Missile Troops’ Headquarters
A technical fault caused a number of telephone lines to be cut at the headquarters of the Russian Strategic Missile Troops.
They are using mobile phones for the time being.
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MiG-29 upgrades
RSK MiG is offering the MiG-29SMT and MiG-29SM upgrade to Malaysia.
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Lockheed Martin to Build High Altitude Airship Under $149.2 Million Missile Defense Agency Contract
Lockheed Martin will build a prototype High Altitude Airship for the Missile Defense Agency.
It will be about 400 feet long and 140 feet in diameter.
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RAF acts on Hercules shoot-down
The RAF will review its operational tactics, intelligence collation and dissemination procedures after losing a C-130K to hostile fire in Iraq.
It is now studying equipping its transports with fire-inerting systems to reduce the risk of a potentially explosive fuel/air mix.
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MIG 21 crashes in Assam, pilot safe
An Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashed near Assam's Tezpur airbase on Tuesday. The crashed MIG 21 was Type 77.
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Yak-130 combat trainer at LIMA 2005
The Yak-130 attracted alot of attention at the recent Lima 05 air show in Malaysia.
Nikolai Dimidyuk, director-at-large for Rosoboronexport, said there was serious interest from Malaysia and Indonesia.
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Pakistan receives two F-16 aircraft
Pakistan recieved two F-16s from the United States on Tuesday, according to a Pakistan Air Force statement.
The F-16s are in the A/B class.
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Pentagon plans more V-22 Osprey cuts
The Pentagon is cutting the U.S. Marine Corps' budget to buy V-22 Osprey helicopters for the second time.
The 2007-2011 spending plan would add to V-22 cuts the Bush administration already proposed in his 2006 budget.
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Korea Picks European Firm for Chopper Project
South Korea has chosen Eurocopter as the partner for the Korean Helicopter Program.
The program will build 245 helicopters over the next 20 years with technology transfers from Eurocopter.
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Army extends review of Lockheed spy plane (Free Registration)
The U.S. Army extended a stop-work order by 30 days for the Aerial Common Sensor program.
This is to give the Army more time to review Lockheed Martin's four detailed proposals.
Labels: ACS
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Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Supersonic Raptor drops first guided bomb
An F/A-22 recently dropped its first guided supersonic JDAM at Edwards Air Force Base.
The F/a-22 has done several supersonic separation tests since July but this is the first time the bomb was guided to its target.
The supersonic JDAM capability allows the Raptor to deliver the weapon from a much greater distance than any other aircraft.
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Russia supplies two Mi-35 copters to Burkina Faso
Russia has sold two Mi-35 helicopters to Burkina Faso, West Africa.
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Three to develop mini-UAV
Composite Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), Ikramatic and System Consultancy Services (SCS) will set up a joint venture company to develop a mini UAV for the Malaysian army.
The UAV will have a gross weight of 150-200kg (330-440lb), a payload of 25-50kg and a range of about 200km.
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US Navy considers Global Hawk deployment
The U.S. Navy wants to deploy the two RQ-4A Global Hawks originally purchased to perform high-altitude surveillance demonstrations.
The navy's RQ-4A features new maritime search radar modes and a 360° LR100 signals intelligence sensor.
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Greepeace protests scrapping of 'Clemenceau' in India
Greenpeace wants France to abandon its plan to send its decommissioned aircraft carrier Clemenceau to India for scrapping.
Activists from India and Europe scaled the mast of the carrier, unfurling a banner reading "Asbestos Carrier Stay Out of India."
The 48-year-old ship has been banned from Greece and Turkey.
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Malaysia expected to delay AEW&C purchase yet again
Malaysia may again delay the acquisition of four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft because of budget constraints.
Malaysia came close to signing a contract for EMB-145 AEW&C aircraft in 2003.
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Air force secretary thinks F-35A will survive
U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne says while the total number of F-35 may be cut by hundreds, all three versions will survive.
Insiders had earlier said that the Pentagon plans to kill the F-35A.
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Hornet talks
Malaysia has renewed its interests to buy up to 18 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets.
Boeing however thinks a Super Hornet buy is not likely in the short term.
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Turkish Air Force to Provide F-16 Training for Italian
The Turkish Air Force is now to provide F-16 pilot training to Italian Air Force.
The agreement was signed between Turkey and Italy on Aug 26.
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Iran tests surface-to-sea missiles
Iran tested its Silkworm anti-ship missiles during military maneuvers in southern Iran on Monday.
The firing of the Silkworms was the most important event for the maneuvers.
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Algeria and India offered trade-in deal for MiG-31s
RSK MiG is offering Algeria and India a trade-in program to exchange their small fleets of MiG-25s for new MiG-31s.
Their MiGs will be used to provide spare parts for Libya and Syria.
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$145m pilotless plane buy for army
Australia plans to introduce the IAI I-View UAV in 2008 based at Enoggera, in Queensland.
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VFMA 134 conducts live fire exercise
VMFA-134's F/A-18s conducted their air-to-air missile exercise recently firing 13 sidewinders.
In addition to air-to-air training, VMFA 134 squeezed in some air-to-ground tactical training.
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Kuwait seeks NATO aid on nuke threat
Kuwait is seeking more Patriot PAC-3 anti-ballistic missile interceptors to protect against possible future attacks.
It is also studying what additional advanced radar systems they might need to purchase in the near future to upgrade the Patriots' capabilities.
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Kuala Lumpur decides on new PC-7s rather than upgrade
Malaysia will buy 16 Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs instead of upgrading its ageing fleet of 33 PC-7 Mk Is or introduce a new primary trainer.
Malaysia found it was more economical to buy replacement aircraft rather than upgrade the earlier model PC-7s.
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Ukraine threatens Russia's missile defense security
A Russian newspaper said that Ukraine was willing to give American experts access to its early-warning radar facilities in Sevastopol.
U.S. State Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discussed this issue during a meeting in Kiev last Wednesday.
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F-15K Fighter Gets New Name
The South Korean Air Force has christened the F-15K the 'Slam Eagle' on Monday.
The christening ceremony for the F-15K in Daegu was attended by 1,200 people including Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung.
An Air Force official said the name was meant to suggest 'the strongest jet that wins all aerial combat.'
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Australia studies Boeing C-17 offer
Australia’s national security committee has considered an unsolicited proposal for the purchase of four C-17s.
The Austalian order will not be sufficient to relieve the C-17’s looming production line crisis.
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Airborne Laser Completes Laser Ground Tests
Airborne Laser has successfully completed a series of tests involving its high energy laser at the Systems Integration Lab at Edwards Air Force Base.
During this test series, lasing duration and power were demonstrated at levels suitable for the destruction of multiple classes of ballistic missiles.
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SKorea may announce 6 bln usd helicopter deal partner today
South Korea's defense ministry said it will name the co-developer for the Korean Helicopter Project as early as today.
"The announcement may be today or tomorrow," an official at the Korean Helicopter Project office said.
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Fighter pilots and jets are outfitted with SantaCams to Track Santa
Canadian Forces CF-18's will be fitted with SantaCams and pilots will undergoing specialized training to escort Santa on Christmas eve.
Fighters from 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta and 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec will be ready to scramble and intercept Santa when he enters North American air space.
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Monday, December 12, 2005
Singapore Seals Deal to Acquire Twelve F-15SG
Singapore has signed a contract with Boeing Dec. 12 to acquire 12 F-15SG (designated "SG" for "Singapore").
The F-15SG will be the most advanced variant of the F-15. The contract also provides an option for 8 more aircraft at a future date.
The 12 F-15SG are expected to be delivered in 2008/09. Just in time for the new Changi Airshow perhaps.
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Marines’ quick action prevents Harrier mishap
Quick action from a pilot and a mechanic prevented an AV-8B Harrier from causing injury and damage onboard USS Peleliu Nov. 30.
Captain Derek C. Bibby was preparing to take off in his Harrier when the aircraft's brakes failed. He reposition the exhaust nozzles forward to brake the plane.
Corporal Frank A. Valenzuela then ran underneath the aircraft and quickly secured it by tying it down with chocks and chains.
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Future of the Chinese Air Force
Not sure if this picture is photoshoped but its a matter of time the two make an official appearance. Picture from China Defense Blog.
J-10 escorting an AWAC.
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Northrop Grumman, L-3 Turn F/A-22 Radar Into Wide-Bandwidth Data Link
Northrop Grumman and L-3 Communications researchers are turning the AESA radars for
