Ukraine denies sale of sophisticated radar to Iran
Ukraine denied media reports that it wants to sell Kolchuga early warning radar systems to Iran. The Kolchuga is intended to detect the take-off and formation of aircraft groups at ranges beyond those of existing radars, as well as determine the course and speed of targets while designating them for air-defence systems. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Failure of both engines led to MiG crash
The failure of both engines of an Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter led to its crash near Ambala on Sept. 28. The first engine flamed out about seven minutes after the aircraft had taken-off from Adampur and the second one died while the fighter was making an emergency landing. External Link | | Permalink | |
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NORAD Intercepts Russian Aircraft
Four F-15s from Elmendorf Air Force Base and two CF-18s from Cold Lake were launched on Thursday evening to intercept Russian Tu-95s off the Alaska coast.
The Bears had been participating in an annual Russian air force exercise near the coast of Alaska and Canada.
Two F-15s intercepted the planes by making visual contact and verifying their identity. The CF-18s did not intercept the Russian bombers.
Army copter crash: Two officers killed
The Indian Army lost a Cheetah on Friday afternoon, killing two officers and a soldier at the Army Aviation Corps's Nashik base.
Netherlands Agrees To Continue JSF Project
The Dutch cabinet has decided to sign a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. shortly on the production phase of the Joint Strike Fighter
Possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of advanced F-16 Block 50 aircraft
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of 30 advanced F-16 Block 50 aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The deal includes 30 Advanced F-16 Block 50 Aircraft; 42 General Electric F-110-129 Engines; 60 LAU-129A Launchers; 36 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT); 35 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF); 32 AN/APG-68(V)9 Radar; 36 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System; 3 Link-16 Ground Stations; and 36 AN/ALQ-211 Airborne Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites or AN/ALQ-178 Self Protection Electronic Warfare Suites. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Friday, September 29, 2006
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Salutes the F-14 Tomcat on Sept. 30
F-14D(R) BuNo 159610 was one of the two Tomcats that shot down that downed a Libyan MiG-23 in 1989. The aircraft was saved from the SARDIP cutting torch at the last minute and now is on permanent display at National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Photo by Dane Penland, Smithsonian Institution.
MiG-29 crashes in Ambala, pilot safe
An Indian Air Force MiG-29 crashed in Ambala in the late afternoon yesterday. A picture of the pilot being carried away by stretcher is available.
New fighter 'won't work'
Retired Australian air vice-marshal Peter Criss is asking the government to re-examine its plan to buy the F-35 Lightning II. Mr Criss said the 1960s experience with the F-111 demonstrated that replacing bombers and fighters with one aircraft will not work. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Troops in line for VCs after Taliban battles
British Chinook and Apache aircrew have been recommended awards for gallantry in Afghanistan. The medals are to be rushed through for Christmas.
Last Active F-14 Tomcat Makes Final Flight
AJ 100 has made its way safely to Opa-locka Executive Airport yesterday for display at the Wings Over Miami Air Museum at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport.
Northrop Grumman Achieves Production Approval for New System to Enable Safer Aircraft Carrier Landings
Northrop Grumman Corporation has received U.S. Navy approval to begin production of a new digitally-controlled arrestment system that will dramatically upgrade the critical process of "catching" aircraft landing on carriers. The Advanced Recovery Control (ARC) system uses a precision digital control system to replace the existing maintenance-intensive system that used chains, cams and levers to close the constant run-out valve. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Air Force Sends Ultimatum on Bombing Range
Lt. Gen. Garry R. Trexler, commander of the U.S. 7th Air Force, hinted that the South Korea needs to provide his forces with an electronic weapons scoring system for bombing exercises on Chikdo range within a month or else they will move out. In a forum at the office of the Kyonggi provincial government on Thursday, he wanted the problem resolved within 30 days. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The last 'Bandit'
The commander of the 49th Fighter Wing, Col. David Goldfein, is the last pilot to be trained to fly the F-117. He is the 708th person to fly the plane. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet that grazed U.S. tanker plane in Kyrgyzstan, causing fire, serves Kyrgyz president
The Kyrgyz Airlines Tu-154 that graze a U.S. KC-135 causing a fire was the same plane that serves the country's president and prime minister, the transport minister said Wednesday. The airliner was rolling for take off when it struck the tanker's engine and part of the left wing. It had to make an emergency landing due to wing damage. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Eisenhower to deploy next week
The aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower has left Norfolk Naval Station for the Persian Gulf.
New High Performance EH101 Enters Flight Test Phase
AgustaWestland flew an EH101 with new main rotor blades, more powerful CT7-8E engines and a new integrated cockpit display system at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility Sept. 26. On its second flight on the same day, the aircraft achieved speeds up to 135 knots. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing CSAR-X: ULB UAV Used To Develop Combat Rescue Sensors, Team Says.
Boeing used its Unmanned Little Bird UAV to test out elements of crew 'virtual reality' system it is offering to USAF for CSAR-X. The system uses multiple sensors, including infrared low-light level video cameras and laser radars that provided real-time, 185 degree panoramic viewing for pilots and crew.
Missile Defense Command to Be Inaugurated
South Korea will inaugurate a guided missile command today to deal with North Korea's missiles and long-range artillery threats. The command will be based in the central part of the country and is expected to boost South Korea's anti-artillery capabilities and lead by a two-star general. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First Production H-1 Helicopters Rollout
Bell Helicopters yesterday delivered the first production AH-1Z attack helicopter and UH-1Y utility helicopter to the Pentagon.
E-X Project Price Wrangling Brings Another Delay
The deputy commissioner of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA) said they will scrap the deal for the purchase of four AEWs with Boeing if negotiations are unsatisfactory. He added that the deadline for negotiations is now extended to November. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Israeli company challenges Defense Ministry
IAI-ELTA yesterday challenged the South Korean government's decision to award the AEW contract to Boeing once more. ELTA claims that they will be getting the necessary export licenses soon and asks South Korea to reconsider its decision.
DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration), however refused to do that saying that it had finished all the official processes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air museum gets its Tomcat
The Evergreen Aviation Museum got its Tomcat over the weekend after it was trucked down from Portland. A four-man crew from Titan Corp. work in record time to get it shipped from Portland to McMinnville Airport. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Foreign Global Hawk refueling sites considered
The USAF is talking to several countries about using their facilities to fuel the Global Hawk once it is stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in 2009. Gen. Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces also said that Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Australia are interested in buying Global Hawks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin HAAWC Successful In Wind Tunnel, Wing Separation Tests
Lockheed Martin successfully performed wind tunnel and wing separation tests of its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapons Concept (HAAWC) system, intended to enable P-3C aircrews to launch torpedoes from outside the range of enemy air defenses.
September 28 - 100-164342 - Wings Over Miami, Miami, Florida September 28 - 102-163904 - Pacific Aviation Museum, Hawaii October 4 - 101-164603 - Northrop Grumman, Bethpage, New York
External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Air Force to drop bombs on fake village
The U.S. Air Force has unveiled a mock coastal village in Dare County, North Carolina on Monday that is designed to simulate buildings that pilots are likely to encounter in Afghanistan and Iraq. F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will use the village for bombing exercises. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Beijing secretly fires lasers to disable US satellites
China has been using a ground-based laser to blind American satellites passing overhead. These attacks have been kept secret by the Bush administration in a bid to gain China's support in diplomatic offensives against North Korea and Iran. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Navy says Bell H-1 upgrade improves, wants more
U.S. Navy acquisition chief Delores Etter said Bell Helicopter had improved its performance on an $8 billion contract to upgrade the Marine Corps' H-1 helicopters after a stern warning earlier this year, but more work was needed.
F-35 program pleased with Congress funding for '07
Brig. Gen. Charles Davis, director of the F-35 program, welcomed moves by U.S. Congress to fund two of the airplanes in fiscal year 2007 and 12 the following year.
Stealth retirement slowed
The USAF has decided to slow down the retirement of the F-117 after top commanders raised concerns that retiring the F-117s too quickly would create a gap in military capability. The original plan was to retire 10 F-117s by 2007 and the rest in 2008. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia Selling Iran Missiles to Protect Bushehr Nuclear Reactor
The Middle East Newsline reported that Russia has offered to sell a range of surface-to-air missile systems to protect Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor. A diplomatic source said Russia has already installed and manned SAM systems around Bushehr to protect it from Israeli or U.S. air strikes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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More than 50 bombers involved in Russian air force exercise
Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks, Tu-95MS Bears and Tu-22M3 Backfires are taking part in a large scale exercise that started yesterday. More than fifty aircraft will carry out 70 flights over the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MH-60S squadron to begin operations
The U.S. Navy will established a new helicopter squadron, HSC-22, that will begin operations Friday with eight MH-60S helicopters.
Boeing says still talking with S.Korea on planes
Boeing spokesman Paul Lewis said talks with South Korea over the 737 AEW&C aircraft were continuing, despite reports that they had run into trouble. Korea Times had reported that the talks between Boeing and South Korea were at a standstill due to a wide price gap.
Pakistan negotiating conditions attached to F-16 deal
Air Commodore Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, spokesman of for the Pakistan Air Force, said his country is negotiating the strict conditions attached by Washington to the F-16 deal.
F-14 Tomcat Has New Home in Richmond
Lt. Royal Gordon and Lt. Bill Frank delivered a Tomcat for permanent display at Virginia Aviation Museum on Sept. 15.
Kyrgyzstan jet grazes U.S. tanker plane
A Kyrgyz Airlines' Tu-154 airliner grazed a U.S. KC-135 while taking off from an airport near the Kyrgyz capital, the tanker caught fire. The U.S. military said the crew of three got out safely and nobody was injured. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RAAF urged to buy more Wedgetails
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has called for the RAAF to buy extra Wedgetail early warning radar aircraft. The institute said there was a case to buy eight or nine Wedgetails, instead of the six on order as many neighbouring countries have jet fighters that far outperform Australia's F/A-18A Hornets. External Link | | Permalink | |
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WAVY's coverage of Tomcat Ceremonial Last Flight
Watch the video from WAVY.com on last week's Tomcat-Sunset Last Flight ceremony. Lt. Cmdr. David Faehnle and Lt. Cmdr. Robert Gentry taxied off in 102 but Lt. Cmdr. Chris Richard and Lt. Mike Petronis took off in 107 due to a generator failure in 102.
Pakistan puts off signing F-16 deal with US
Pakistani weekly Friday Times reported that Pakistan has decided to postponed signing the letter of acceptance (LOA) for purchase of 36 F-16s after complains from its Air Force. The PAF is unhappy that the F-16s were being offered without EW programme capabilities for their Radar Warning Receiver (RWR).
This means that they will have pre-installed threat library and its RWR will only be able to identify Non-NATO aircraft. When attacked by NATO aircraft, the F-16s are defenseless. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MoD dismisses Chinook death claim
The British Ministry of Defence has denied claims that one of its soldiers died in Afghanistan because the Chinook helicopter rescuing him accidentally set off landmines.
Compromise trims, maintains F-35 funding
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives has reconciled their differences and approved a $436.6 billion defense spending bill that would pay for production of two F-35s and would commit money to begin buying parts for 12 more fighters slated to go into production in 2008. The Senate had wanted to delay production of 21 aircraft for one year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force to issue request for tanker bids
The USAF denied a report in The Wall Street Journal that the Pentagon is considering postponing the aerial tanker program until 2009.
New unmanned aircraft delivered to armed forces
The Iranians claims to have delivered a new generation of UAV to the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday.
European spyplane project suffers major setback
EADS lost its Barracuda UAV on its 2nd test flight on Saturday as it crashes while trying to land at the San Javier Air Force base, Spain. The fuselage and right wing of the plane had been recovered.
Destruction of Firefly planes angers some
The recent destruction of the USAF's T-3 Fireflies drew anger from some people in the salvage and experimental aircraft community. They argued that those planes still have some value left in the engines and spare parts and it was a waste to destroy them. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Delivers First EA-18G Growler to U.S. Navy
Boeing Company has delivered the first EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft to the U.S. Navy test site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The first EA-18G, known as aircraft EA-1, made the two-hour flight from St. Louis to Maryland with U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Matt Doyle and weapons system operator U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jamie Engdahl on board.
India, UK to hold joint air exercises in Agra
Eight RAF Tornado aircraft, accompanied by a VC-10 tanker, will visit India from Oct. 13. Both countries are expected to swap pilots in the backseat during the exercise.
TOPGUN graduates its 204th class
1The U.S. Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center graduated its 04/06 class on Friday. There wre 11 blue class (TOPGUN) pilots, four adversary pilots and two controllers.
B-1 simulator links to others
Ellsworth Air Force Base unveiled its new B-1 flight simulator facility on Friday that can network with simulators at bases scattered around the country.
No news update
Just in case you folks are wondering why there are no updates recently. That's because I'm still travelling back home from Tomcat Sunset. My Norfolk plane broke down and I miss my connecting flight to Tokyo. I'm now in Amsterdam (free and unexpected vacation) and I shall complete my first round trip around the globe 15 hours later.
Congress to fund 10 more cargo planes to be built in Long Beach
Congress will fund 10 new Boeing C-17s and meanwhile the Government Accountability Office has also critised a Pentagon study that said the military doesn't need any more of the cargo planes.
Mighty F-35 Lightning II Engine Roars to Life
The F-35 Lightning II completed its first series of engine runs on Monday afternoon, culminating in a full-afterburner test that unleashed 40,000 pounds of thrust.
Harpoon for IAF Jaguars?
Washington has cleared the Block-II version of the Harpoon anti-ship missile to India whilst another report says that the Indian Air Force wants to arms its Jaguar jets with anti-ship missiles. Sources
Boeing Flies C-130 AMP Aircraft for First Time
Boeing has flew the first flight of the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) aircraft Sept. 19. The first C-130 AMP aircraft, designated H2, successfully completed its maiden flight from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Boeing test pilot Mike Leone and U.S. Air Force pilot Maj. Frank Delsing were at the controls. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy Slashes Aviation Budget
The U.S. Navy has quietly slashed 19 aircraft in its fiscal year 2008 budget and a total of 169 aircraft from FY-08 to FY-13.
JSDF accidents in Japan for Aug. and Sept.
Various accident reports in Japan from Asagiri. JGSDF UH-1H landed at Itami JGSDF Base despite being told to hold and wait for clearance to land
Pentagon to Upgrade P-3s for IED Hunting
The Pentagon has moved $217.8 million from a funding account devoted to defeating improvised explosive devices to the Navy's aircraft procurement budget line to upgrade the P-3's ability to hunt for IEDs.
UK to send RAF jet to Afghanistan
The U.K. is sending another Harrier to Afghanistan in response to a "surge" in demand for close air support from British and other international troops fighting the Taleban.
Nigeria mourns for crash generals
Eight Nigerian major generals and two brigadier generals were killed when their Dornier 228 aircraft crashed into a hill on Sunday.
Eagles, Falcons face off in air exercise
F-15s from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron and F-16s from the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing are participating in a two-week air-to-air exercise called Sentry Aloha.
Boeing Successful in Second Laser JDAM Moving Target Test
Boeing Company successfully completed its Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) weapon system flight test program on Sept. 15 with engagement of a target moving at 40 mph.
US firms set to bag deal for sale of 197 helicopters
Bell is expected to win the competition to supply 197 light helicopters to the Indian Army. The deal is still subjected to approval by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherhee as well as the Cabinet Committee on Security.
EADS confident on share of US air tanker deal -paper
German financial daily Handelsblatt quoted EADS defence chief Stefan Zoller as saying his company is confident of capturing a share of the U.S. Air Force's tanker competition.
Boeing Sees Growth in Overseas Defense
Boeing's Integrated Defense Unit sees strong prospects in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia and various Mediterranean countries to fuel its growth in the next five years.
Early warning plane delayed
Boeing has informed Turkey that the Peace Eagle AEW&C program will be delayed by 26 months. Turkey is likely to seek penalties for the delay under the contract. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. pilot targeted Canadians' trash fire
The U.S. Air Force A-10 pilot who strafed Canadian troops in Afghanistan was suppose to target a fire at a suspected Taliban position. He found a fire set up by Canadian troops that were burning their trash almost directly in line with his course.
Failing to make a 100 percent identification of the target, he fired off a short burst of cannon fire before realising his mistake. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Discount for Pak on F-16s deal: US
Washington is expected to announce "substantial discount" to Pakistan's purchase of F-16s when President Pervez Musharraf visits the country.
F-16 pilot reported landing gear problem before crash near Spangdahlem
The F-16 from the 52nd Fighter Wing's 22nd Fighter Squadron ran out of fuel and crash as it was not able to land due to a undercarriage problem. The problem was identified towards the end of its training mission and the airmen at Spangdahlem even called Lockheed Martin to try and determine a solution. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Officials provide update on F-16 crash
Additional information about the crash of a USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon near the town of Oberkail, Germany, Sept. 14 have been released.
Japan weighing missile defense needs, says PACAF commander
U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander said Washington and Tokyo are discussing about the need for additional mainland ballistic-missile defense systems to counter an increasing threat posed by North Korea.
Sen. McCain blasts DoD for mixing WTO fight, tanker race
U.S. Sen. John McCain has opposed the Pentagon's efforts to link its upcoming tanker plane contest with a WTO dispute. In a letter to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, McCain wants England to answer 13 questions about the matter by Friday. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Air Force F-22 goals backed by studies, not by budget
Top U.S. Air Force officials are saying that studies are showing that the service needs more F-22As. A recent study by the consulting firm Whitney, Bradley & Brown Inc. actually found that some of the scenarios it considered point toward a larger fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Historic flypast for Battle of Britain parade
Canada's Air Force, in association with the Air Force Association of Canada, will be holding a once-in-a-lifetime flypast involving four WW2 aircraft to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday, Sept. 17. The flypast will be held between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
There will be fly-pasts by two CF-18 fighter jets, a CP-140 Aurora Maritime Patrol aircraft and two CH-146 Griffon helicopters as well. External Link | | Permalink | |
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VMGR-352 refuels first Osprey
VMGR-352 carried out its first aerial refueling of the MV-22 Osprey during training in Southern California Aug. 29. Photo by: Lance Cpl. George J. Papastrat.
Reports claim Taiwan to get new missile shield
Taiwan's Apple Daily paper said Taiwan will introduce a new home-grown anti-missile shield next year. The shield, known as the Anti Tactical Ballistic Missile, will use the locally developed "Tienkung" (Sky Bow) missiles.
A total of 12 ATBM batteries will be deployed together with U.S.-made Patriot missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Northrop, EADS venture approved for tankers bid
Northrop Grumman and partner EADS have been cleared to bid along with Boeing for a contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force.
U.S. military investigates leaked photo
We reported yesterday on NBS's exclusive news of a aborted missile strike against Taliban fighters, now the U.S. military wants to investigate how the photo taken by a UAV was leaked out.
Israel rethinks laser cannon
Dr. Dominic Moran International Relations and Security Network (ISN) Security Watch's senior correspondent in the Middle East gives his views on Israel's possible three tier missile defense shield.
Poland wants US pact in exchange for missile silos
Polish Defense Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said his country a bilateral security agreement as well as help with Poland's air defenses in order to grant Washington's wish to host a missile defense base on its soil. He said a good package is needed in order for Poland to be persuaded that the benefits of hosting any such missile-defense site outweighed potential risks such as becoming more of a target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Criticizes China Weapons Sales
Top U.S. officials on Thursday condemned China's indiscriminate sale of weapons to rogue countries. Peter Rodman, assistant secretary of defense for international security, said Beijing's policies had made the world a more dangerous place. External Link | | Permalink | |
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CVN 78 Ship Specification Signed
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and the Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers held a signature and awards ceremony Sept. 5 at the Washington Navy Yard to commemorate the certification of the ship specifications for the CVN 78 Class Aircraft Carriers, which makes up the CVN 21 program.
'Reaper' moniker given to MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle
The MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle has been named 'Reaper.' U.S. Air Force chief of staff, Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated with the other services.
CVW-1 Strike Missions Continue For Ninth Day
For nine consecutive days, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise have provided support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
U.S. passes up chance to strike Taliban
The United States gave up a chance to strike high-level Taliban fighters that were spotted by a Predator drone in July. The UAV had found some 190 suspected Taliban militants in a cemetery but military rules of engagement prohibit U.S. troops from waging war in a cemetery. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Deferring jet fighter purchase could save $1bn
Australian Strategic Policy Institute wants the government to delay the purchase of F-35s for two years and the extend life of the F-111 in order to save taxpayers $1 billion. Andrew Davies said it will cost more to buy the JSF early and its cheaper to buy them later. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Nelson yet to decide radar contract's future
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson says he has not made a decision to cancel the project to integrate the ALR2002 on RAAF's F/A-18s. "I am yet to receive the full report on the evaluation of the radar warning system of the F/A-18," he said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IRIS - The F-14 Tomcat
IRIS Flight Simulation Software has made available a product demo of its F-14A Tomcat.
Glitch halts US anti-missile test
A THAAD missile test on Wednesday was canceled after the Hera target missile malfunctioned after launch. The missile was destroyed by range officials two minutes after launch at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
Fighter jet 'near miss' over Skye
An RAF Tornado GR4A nearly hit a Cessna in June this year over Skye. The fighter came within 200m of the single engine aircraft. The fighter crew spotted the plane but the pilot did not have sufficient time to take evasive action. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Scientists Test Unmanned Aerial Systems Refueling
Another autonomous refueling system has been tested recently. This time the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Air Vehicles Directorate has completed flight tests of the first autonomous aircraft in the refueling position behind a boom.
DRDO working on new missile
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) says it had completed design work of its Astra BVR air-to-air missile. It plans to start test flights soon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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NATO moves to acquire C-17 strategic airlift aircraft
13 NATO Allies have released a Letter of Intent (LOI) to launch contract negotiations for the purchase of C-17 transport aircraft. The plan is to buy 3 to 4 C-17s that will be flown by multinational aircrews while based at Ramstein Air Force Base. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Defense Institute Head Resigns (Free Registration)
We reported earlier about retired Adm. Dennis C. Blair's controversy in drafting of a report by the Institute for Defense Analyses last year on the F-22 Raptor. He has decided to resign to avoid any conflict of interest. The Project on Government Oversight raised its objections to the draft after it revealed that Blair was on boards of two defense contractors.
SAF Tanker Aircraft Deployment to the Gulf
Singapore has dispatched a KC-135 tanker to the Gulf to support multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
US Air Force argues against slowing F-35 fighter
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said on Tuesday that cutting funds for the F-35 program could unleash a spiral of schedule delays and cost growth.
$400m lost in botched jet contract
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson has decided to abandon the $400m effort to intergrate the ALR2002 electronic warfare self-protection system on RAAF's F/A-18 Hornets. He has choosen Raytheon's ALR-67 which was the original recommendation by Australian experts.
Air Force chief: Test weapons on testy U.S. mobs
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has suggested that nonlethal weapons should be tested on American citizens in crowd-control situations before being used on the battlefield. He argues that if the government is unwilling to use against fellow citizens, then the weapon should not be used in a wartime situation. This would make it easier to avoid questions from the world press about possible safety considerations. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAI, European partners successfully test new UAV
IAI, EADS and the French Ministry of Defense Arms Procurement Agency (DGA) have successfully conducted the maiden flight of a Heron UAV derivative called, the Eagle. France will later determine if the Eagle, with its automated take-off and landing system, is suitable for its Air Force. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Aide: Russia May Seek Blocking Stake
Russia could eventually seek a blocking stake in EADS, Sergei Prikhodko, foreign policy adviser to President Vladimir Putin said. OAO Vneshtorgbank said that it had acquired 5.02 percent stake in the company on Friday. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia helicopter crash toll climbs to 11
Three Russian generals are among the 11 people that were killed when their Mi-8 helicopter crashed. The helicopter went down at 5:33 p.m. Moscow time after being caught in poor visibility conditions.
Among those killed were Lieutenant-General Pavel Yaroslavtsev, the deputy head of the logistics service of the Russian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant-General Viktor Gulyaev, the deputy head of the medical service of the Defense Ministry.
Probe focuses on chopper crew
Investigators of July’s Cormorant helicopter crash in Canada are focusing on "environmental and human factors" as the probable causes. Maj. Michel Pilon, leader of the investigation, also said that the whole crew was using night vision goggles, except for the pilot at the controls. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Holloman readies for arrival of Raptor fighters
The USAF 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Detachment 1, an Operational Test and Evaluation unit for the F-117 at Holloman Air Force Base is discontinuing operations. The reason is that the F-117 is being retired and Holloman is slated to receive the F-22A to replace them. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force prepares to test synthetic fuel on B-52
The USAF has set Sept. 19 as the day where a B-52 Stratofortress powered by a mix of synthetic and JP-8 fuel will take its first flight from Edwards Air Force Base.
Japan launches new spy satellite
Japan has launched its third spy satellite using a H2-A rocket from the southern island of Tanegashima. The rocket lifted off from Japan's space centre at 1335 local time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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DARPA Opts To End Boeing-Led X-50A Dragonfly UAV Effort
DARPA has decided to kill the Boeing-Led X-50A Dragonfly unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. The X-50 was trying to pioneer a new type of helicopter capable of stopping its rotor in flight and cruising as a fixed-wing jet.
Three killed in Russian air crash
Several Russian generals were in a Mi-8 that crashed in the troubled North Caucasus on Monday. At least three person have been confirmed killed in the crash near the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Anti-aircraft missiles in Gaza - Israeli minister
Palestinian militants have acquired anti-aircraft missiles, according to an Israeli cabinet minister. Public Security Minister Avi Dichter said in the Yedioth Ahronoth that this will pose a threat to Israeli aircraft flying over the Gaza Strip. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Self-styled whistleblower sues Sikorsky
A former Sikorsky employee is suing the helicopter maker for failing to treat exposed metal parts on helicopters with an anti-corrosion solution required by the Pentagon.
Strikes Continue; ISAF Air Component Commander Visits Big E
Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise provided their busiest day of support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Sept. 8.
Navy Launches ICBM in Arctic
Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine near the North Pole on Saturday. This was the first time a test-launch had been conducted by Russia in the vicinity in 11 years. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Korea Still Seeking Global Hawk UAVs
South Korea will try again later this month to request the United States to sell four Global Hawks during their Security Policy Initiative (SPI) meetings in Washington DC. Washington last June rejected the sale for fear of technology leaks.
Highest award in latest operational honours list
RAF Wing Commander Martin Sampson, Officer Commanding Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Order for outstanding leadership in Afghanistan.
BAE wins $4.7bln Saudi fighter planes deal - paper
BAE Systems has won another contract in Saudi Arabia. This time it will be upgrading the Tornados of the Arab kingdom. 80 of Royal Saudi Air Force's land-attack Tornados will be upgraded with advanced electronic warfare systems in order to keep them in service until 2020. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Updated MiGs not flying high for IAF
India's MiG-21 Bison fleet only have a serviceability rate of 33 percent. Most are usually grounded for lack of spares, maintenance and overhauling. Similar problems are being encountered by the MiG-27ML and Jaguar fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The Autonomous Airborne Refueling Demonstration (AARD) system successfully engaged the basket in two out of six attempts. External Link | | Permalink | |
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F-35 fighter price could soar if delayed: general
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles Davis said in an interview that the F-35 could cost another $12 million to $16 million apiece if production is curtailed in early years. Davis warned that this eat into purchases by foreign partners of the program. He urged U.S. lawmakers to take heed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Japan readies launch of third spy satellite from Kagoshima
Japan is expected to launch its third reconnaissance satellite today on board a H-2A from Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima. This optical reconnaissance satellite will have a resolution of 1 meter and is expected to improve Japan's ability to gather information on North Korea. External Link | | Permalink | |
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T-3A fleet will be destroyed
The USAF has decided to scrap its fleet of 110 T-3A Firefly aircraft after finding them redundant. The British planes were grounded in 1997 after three Air Force Academy cadets and their three instructors died in separate crashes in consecutive years.
The Air Force considered selling the planes for parts or refurbishing them to FAA standards for resale to the public but decided to junk them as it was cost prohibitive.
Silent tribute to RAF crash victims
An RAF Nimrod made a 200ft flypast at the annual international military airshow at RAF Leuchars in Fife in a dramatic tribute to 14 servicemen who died in a recent Nimrod crash.
Boeing has $8B military contract, company says
Boeing officials at the Nova Scotia International Air Show said they are confident to win a Canadian contract to supply heavy transports and helicopters. They said that their company is the only one that can deliver the aircraft on time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet repair job losses 'unlawful'
The British Ministry of Defence may have acted unlawfully when it transferred support of the Harrier and Tornado fleet from St Athan to two RAF bases in England. Union Amicus claims that under legislation known as the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (Tupe), employees cannot be dismissed, but should be transferred with their existing terms and conditions. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Saturday, September 09, 2006
The Top-Secret Warplanes of Area 51
Bill Sweetman is convinced that the Aurora is back in active development again in his article on possible classified aircraft that may fly in Area 51.
200th QF-4 Drone delivered to Tyndall
The USAF 691st Armament Systems Squadron delivered the 200th QF-4 drone this spring to Tyndall where it will be flown as a remote-controlled aerial target.
Air Force Plans JSF Cuts
The USAF is the next service to cut its number of F-35 Lightning II by 72 aircraft in the service's proposed six-year spending plan. The cuts were proposed in its fiscal year 2008 spending plan that the service submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense on Aug. 15. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Australia Signs Contract For Lockheed Martin's JASSM
Australia has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to supply the JASSM for its AIR 5418 Follow-on Standoff Weapon (FOSOW) requirement. This is the first international sale of JASSM. JASSM deliveries to the RAAF will begin in 2009, with the missile initially slated for integration on Australian F/A-18 aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Dispute between Boeing, IAF over Apache crash
Boeing does not agree to an investigation by Israeli Air Force over the crash of an AH-64 on Jul. 24. The Israeli team concluded that the crash was caused by a manufacturing defect in the pin connecting the rotor to the helicopter’s fuselage. The dispute started after Israel demanded that Boeing compensate it for the loss of the helicopter.
High-ranking officers penalized for accident, disaster
A high-ranking officer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been dismissed over the recent crash of a KJ-200 AEW aircraft. Zhang Guangjian, an officer with the Nanjing command's airforce, was dismissed after investigations found that the aircraft encounter icing during its fatal flight.
Missile Test From Russian Sub Fails
A Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile failed shortly after its launch from Russian nuclear submarine Dmitry Donskoy on Thursday. This is the first failure after four successful test-launches. External Link | | Permalink | |
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B-52 to test new fuel blend
The USAF is all geared up to test synthetic fuel on a B-52 later this month at Edwards Air Force Base.
Retired Chief Can't Say Goodbye to KC-135
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Bobby McCasland who delivered the first KC-135A to Castle AFB is making arrangements to attend Tinker Air Force Base's KC-135 50th anniversary.
Russian Su-30 to make nonstop flight along famous route
A Russian Su-30 will attempt to make a nonstop flight made by a famous Russian pilot and his crew in 1936. The flight will take the Flanker across the Arctic Ocean and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the Udd Island (now Chkalov Island), off the Kamchatka coast.
It will undergo in-flight refueling operations and cover a distance of 12,417 kilometers. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Nova Scotia air show drops Warthog after friendly-fire deaths
An outing by a USAF A-10 to the Nova Scotia International Air Show at the the Halifax International Airport this weekend has been cancelled. The air show's executive director said the decision to withdraw the plane was done in consultation with the U.S. Air Force.
A-10s accidentally strafed and killed a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan recently. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iran unveils locally made fighter plane
Iran unveiled its twin-tailed F-5 on Wednesday. Calling it Saegheh (Thunder), Iran claims that its first locally manufactured fighter is similar to the American F-18. Picture from Mehr News Agency.
Nimrod flight grounded overnight
A Nimrod flight from RAF Kinloss was cancelled after delays for safety checks. A problem was found during pre-flight checks.
CVW-1 Strikes Continue Over Afghanistan
VFA-86 and VFA-136 from CVW-1 provided support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground for the second consecutive day in Afghanistan.
Missile upgrading designed for maritime defense, MND says
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said the Hsiungfeng-class missile upgrading project is aimed improving its capabilities during sea battles. It said that the Hsiungfeng is being upgraded as a defensive missile and not as a land attack missile. The Ministry wants the local media to stop what it considers 'misleading' reports. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Skyshield air defense being considered
A 35mm gun system designed by Oerlikon is being considered by Israel to counter Katyusha rockets. The Skyshield 35 Ahead Air Defence System fires a unique 35mm AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) shell which destroys the target by multiple impacts of heavy metal, spin-stabilized sub-projectiles.
Each shell contains a payload of 152 sub-projectiles and Israel wants Lockheed Martin to examine improving the quality and amount of explosives inside the shells in order to intercept primitive rockets such as Katyushas and Kassams. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Malaysia's first UAV prototype passes initial test
Malaysia's first UAV prototype has been tested recently and the results met the specifications of the Malaysian Armed Forces. The aircraft flew without surveillance system for the test and plans are for it to do test runs with surveillance system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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How did attack go so wrong?
Four separate investigations are underway — one by NATO, another by the United States and two by Canada on the deadly friendl
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