Special ops forces seek more intel, better communications
Maj. Gen. Donald Worster, vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, said the CV-22 is a potentially "transformational" system, but complained, "We can't seem to move that program forward. We're about to give up on it."
Air Force Fixes Glitches on F-22
The U.S. Air Force has provided more details on the F-22 software problems while it crossed the international date line. One pilot was able to contact contractor Lockheed Martin to troubleshoot the error during the flight while others attempted to reboot the system with no success.
They returned to to Hawaii with the help of aerial refueling tankers as a safety precaution. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tajikistan denies plans for Indian military base
Major General Maruf Khasanov, head of the international cooperation department at Tajikistan's Defense Ministry, refuted some media reports that India will deploy its aircraft from a refurbished airbase in Tajikistan.
Spitfire legend Alex Henshaw dies
Thanks to Terence for sending in this. Alex Henshaw, chief Spitfire test pilot during WW2, passed away on Saturday. He was 94. He once flew a spitfire upside down along the length of Broad Street just 50ft above the ground. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Official doesn't expect Raptors to increase Okinawans' 'burden’'
Toshinori Shigeie, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador for Okinawan affairs, said the arrival of the F-22A would not be a permanent "burden" for Okinawa. Shigeie also announced the early March dates for the first joint training of Kadena-based F-15s with the JASDF. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kalam to witness Canberra's final flight
India's Canberra bomber will make its final public appearance on March 7 as part of a 102-aircraft flypast planned for the President's fleet review. The IAF plans to phase out the bomber by the end of next month. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Korea Seeks to Sell T-50 Trainer Jets
Brig. Gen. Lee Hee-woo from the South Korean Air Force is in London at the international military flight training conference to publicize the T-50. He will speak on Wednesday during a session titled, "ROKAF T-50 Golden Eagle Advanced Training Program." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pilot Receives Medal of Honor for Heroism in Vietnam
The President of United States presented the Medal of Honor Feb. 26 to retired Army Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall, 41 years after heroic actions in Vietnam. Photo Credit : Eric Draper.
Stealth fighters hit by software crash
Retired Air Force general Don Shepperd told CNN Television that F-22As that encounter software problems during their flight from Hawaii to Japan had to be guide back by their tankers under VFR. The fighter's onboard navigation, communications and fuel systems crashed while crossing the International Date Line.
The software had problems converting from 179.99W degrees to 180E degrees longitude. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Navy still concerned about Bell H-1 helicopter
William Balderson, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for air programs, told reporters on Monday that he remains concerned about schedule delays on the H-1 program. Balderson said he met with new Bell Helicopter chief executive Richard Millman for 45 minutes on Monday.
While the program is months behind schedule, he is confident that Millman's appointment and other efforts being undertaken by Bell will improve the situation. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy Details New Super Hornet Capabilities
The F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet will be able to find, deceive and, perhaps, disable sophisticated, radar-guided air-to-air, surface-to-air and cruise missiles at ranges greater than that of new U.S. air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The U.S. Navy while unwilling to provide numbers, admit that the fighter's APG-79 AESA radar can carry out electronic attacks at "extremely significant tactical ranges." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Officials review program after crash
Heres a picture of the ARH-70 wreckage at Mansfield's Walnut Creek golf course. The helicopter crashed during its maiden flight last Wednesday.
Vance AFB gets new fighter training squadron
The USAF 3rd Fighter Training Squadron will start their business this spring at Vance Air Force Base teaching the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course. In the past, T-38 students will go to Moody Air Force Base for the IFF course. But the 2005 BRAC exercise discontinued the training at Moody.
The 40-day IFF course teaches the students the basics of air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.
GAO urges DoD to seek new bids on combat helicopter program
The Government Accountability Office sided with Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky and said that the USAF did not evaluate life cycle costs properly for the CSAR-X competition. GAO recommended the Air Force amend its request for bids, hold new talks with contractors and then seek new bids.
US aircraft carrier has no plans to 'intimidate Iran'
Commanding officer of USS John C. Stennis, Captain Bradley E. Johanson, told AFP that his ship is in the Gulf currently to reassure Arab allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council. "We have received very explicit guidance that we will not assume any sort of escalatory posture with Iran," Johanson told AFP. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing, Lockheed vie for satellite contract
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are in the race to build up to 32 next-generation global positioning satellites for the USAF. Bidding for the first phase of the contract will start in mid- to late March and a single winner announced by late August. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet fighter purchase under review
Royal Thai Air Force chief Chalit Phukphasuk said he is no longer under pressure to buy the Su-30 after the Thaksin government was overthrown by a coup.
US generals 'will quit' if Bush orders Iran attack
The Sunday Times, citing a source with close ties to British intelligence said, four or five U.S. generals and admirals will resign if President Bush orders a military strike against Iran. It says the U.S. Air Force is more willing than the U.S. Navy to carry out those strikes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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C-130J to be made in Marietta for long time
A question-and-answer session with Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility programs, on the future of the C-130J.
Vietnam Hero to be Awarded Medal of Honor
LTC (Ret.) Bruce P. Crandall, the UH-1 pilot whose heroic actions at the Battle at Ia Drang Valley were depicted in the Hollywood movie "We Were Soldiers", will received his Medal of Honor from U.S. President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony tomorrow.
Pilot broke rules when he buzzed Downtown
A FAA investigation concluded that an F-16 from the Air Guard's 178th Fighter Wing flew too low and too fast over Downtown, Ohio on Aug. 17 last year. The fighter was then carrying former Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UK selects Sniper pod for Afghan Harriers
Janes reported that the RAF will equipped the Harrier GR.7/9 ground-attack aircraft deployed in Afghanistan with Sniper pods this year. Eight pods could eventually be purchased to equip the eight RAF Harriers operating at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bush carrier to carry Independence anchor
USS George H.W. Bush will be reusing the anchor from the USS Independence. It will be used together with a second, newer anchor.
U.S. developing contingency plan to bomb Iran: report
The New Yorker magazine reported in its latest issue that the Pentagon has created a panel to plan a bombing attack on Iran that could be implemented within 24 hours of getting the go-ahead from President George W. Bush. The March 4 issue said the panel was established within the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in recent months. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Israel denies report it is planning an Iran attack
Israel's deputy defense minister on Saturday denied a report by Britain's Daily Telegraph that Israel was in talks with the United States to use an air corridor in Iraq to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. The paper, citing an unnamed senior Israeli defense official, said on Saturday that Israel had sought permission from Washington for permission to fly over Iraq to reach Iran.
MoD bungles safety refit on Hercules
RAF C-130s which were retrofitted with explosive-retardant foam in their fuel tanks had to be withdrawn for repairs shortly after the upgrade because they were found to be leaking fuel.
RAF sends airman's family £1,000 funeral bill
The Royal Air Force has been criticized for refusing to pay a £1,000 bill for flowers and tea at the funeral of an airman killed on operations in Afghanistan. Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews was killed in a Nimrod MR2 crash in Afghanistan in September last year.
His parents were told that the RAF were prepared to pay funeral costs of £3,249 but they were not prepared to pay a £425 bill for flowers or £606 for tea and biscuits at his funeral. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Abu Dhabi govt sets up UAV company
Abu Dhabi's government has set up the Abu Dhabi UAV Investment Company to design, manufacture and export UAVs.
Stennis Sends Aircraft Forward in 1st Combat Mission of Deployment
The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) began conducting missions over Afghanistan on Feb 23. Operating in the North Arabian Sea, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) launched an F/A-18C Hornet from VMFA-323, beginning the strike group's first combat mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bell officials studying helicopter crash
Bell and U.S. Army officials are trying to assess the impact of Wednesday’s crash of a prototype ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.
Cost of new fighters may 'blow out'
Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) chief executive officer Stephen Gumley came back recently from the JSF chief executive officers' conference in the United States and was impressed by the capabilities of the F-35.
Unapproved missile warning test successful
The U.S. Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center made a mistake last year by testing a missile warning system aboard the A-10 without the oversight or involvement of relevant Air Force and Pentagon evaluators. But the testing of the AAR-47 missile warning system apparently went off to the Air Force's satisfaction. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Unmanned coalition aircraft crashes
A U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed Feb. 23 approximately 60 miles northeast of Jalalabad, Afghanistan at approximately 1 p.m. local time. Initial indications are that the crash was due to mechanical failure. There is no indication the Predator was fired upon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Nimrods grounded in safety scare
All RAF Nimrod MR2 have been grounded as a precautionary measure after a routine safety check uncovered a dent in a fuel pipe. Some of the aircraft have already been cleared after checks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UK-US in talks on missile defence
The BBC reports that London held high level talks with Washington on locating a missile defense system on British soil. Talks are going on between the National Security Council and Britain's top foreign affairs adviser Sir Nigel Sheinwald. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RFP for combat aircraft getting finishing touches
Officials from the Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defense is working hard to meet a deadline to release the RFP for 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). They aim to release it before Mar. 31.
Raptor debuts at Red Flag, dominates skies
Pilots from the 65th and 64th USAF Aggressor Squadron, including exchange pilots from the RAAF and RAF expressed their frustration related to flying against the F-22 at Red Flag. "The thing denies your ability to put a weapons system on it, even when I can see it through the canopy," said RAAF Squadron Leader Stephen Chappell, F-15 exchange pilot in the 65th AS. "It's the most frustrated I've ever been." External Link | | Permalink | |
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My Gadget Box
My Gadget Box has been relaunched and this time it will be focused on toys for the aviation enthusiasts. We start off with the new 10 fps Canon EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR.
CH-46E Sea Knight chaff and flare test
A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter conducts testing of a modification to its chaff and flare dispensing system off the coast of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Photo Credit : NAVAIR
Estonia to Buy Missile Defense System
Estonia will purchase a ground-to-air, anti-aircraft system from French missile maker MBDA France and Swedish defense company Saab AB consisting of weapons, communications and guiding systems, and radars.
U.S. Air Force chief foresees mixed tanker fleet
U.S. Air Force chief of staff told a briefing hosted by the State Department's Foreign Press Center in New York that he belief his service will buy a mix fleet of tankers. He said there was "some utility" to having larger and smaller tankers, just as the current fleet is made up of bigger KC-10 and smaller KC-135 models. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Qantas seals air force deal
Qantas Airways' defence division has signed a contract to convert four Airbus A330 into multi-role tanker transport aircraft for the RAAF. A fifth A330 will be delivered next year already converted for military use. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Female Pilot Becomes Flight Leader
Capt. Park Ji-yeon is the first female flight leader of the South Korean Air Force. Her picture is in the article.
Typhoon Officially 'Over the Moon'
BAE Systems has spent over £2.5million putting in special automated alignment facilities at its Warton factory because the gravitational pull of the moon affects the alignment of Eurofighter Typhoon parts during final assembly. The ground could move between one and two millimetres during the tides. External Link | | Permalink | |
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France shows interest in Russian aircraft
French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials that France is interested in Russian heavy helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft and UAVs.
US 'Iran attack plans' revealed
BBC has learned that the U.S. contingency plans for air strikes on Iran extend beyond nuclear sites. It would target Iranian air bases, naval bases, missile facilities and command-and-control centres.
B-2s will be used to drop bunker-busters on the Natanz nuclear site and other nuclear sites have been selected by Central Command as well. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Homegrown Navy videos sparking online records
Vice Adm. Mark J. Edwards, U.S. Navy's deputy chief of naval operations for communications networks used the YouTube music video made by VAW-116 to demonstrate that the Navy needs to move into the Internet to recruit its sailors.
Raytheon Demonstrates Engine for Powered Joint Standoff Weapon Extended Range
Raytheon has successfully demonstrated the engine of Joint Standoff Weapon Extended Range (JSOW ER). The engine ground test of JSOW ER successfully evaluated a flush inlet design and overall engine performance and showed that engine performance matched simulation results.
The 150-pound thrust engine could pushed the range of the JSOW from 70 to 300 nautical miles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Rice deplores Russian comment on missile shield
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described hostile remarks on Monday by General Nikolai Solovtsov, commander of Russia's strategic forces, as "extremely unfortunate". Solovtsov said that if Poland and the Czech Republic were to base U.S. anti-missile facilities on their territories Russian missile forces would be "capable of having these installations as their targets". External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Helicopter Shot Down Near Baghdad
A U.S. Black Hawk was shot down and crashed north of Baghdad on Wednesday which the military initially thought was a hard landing. All nine people on board were evacuated to safety by a second helicopter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Think Tank: NKorea Can Build Nuke Warheads
The Institute for Science and International Security said in a report released Tuesday that North Korea has enough plutonium to build an estimated four to eight crude nuclear warheads that could potentially be mounted on medium-range missiles. The Washington-based think tank said as of this month North Korea had between 101 and 141 pounds of plutonium, of which between 62 and 110 pounds is estimated to be usable for weapons for warheads. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RMAF Chief Says Ragging Culprits May Face Military Court
Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin said those trainees involved in the the ragging of a junior at the Air Force Training College may be brought before the Military Court or face a disciplinary action. The type of action taken will be decided after the internal inquiry into the incident is completed in two weeks time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New troop carriers 'too heavy for RAF to transport'
A new generation of air-deployable armored vehicles for the British Army may be too heavy for most RAF transports and perhaps the A400m as well. Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrated the need for extra armor and this has pushed its basic weight from 18 tons to 22 tons. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet to be on display at museum
The Strategic Air & Space museum is adding a RF-4C to its collection. A picture of the jet being restored is included in the article.
4 bases vie to be KC-X home
Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.; or Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. are possible locations to deploy the KC-X tanker.
Raytheon HDAM Missile Successful in Test Flight Against Low-Power Radar Source
Raytheon HDAM anti-radar missile completed a series of free-flight tests by successfully engaging a radar system emitting low-power levels. During the third and final U.S. Air Force free-flight test, a Block 50 F-16 flying at 0.8 Mach at 25,000 feet launched the missile 25 nautical miles away from the target.
The missile successfully detected, engaged and attacked the low-power source near the target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Problems Don't Dim LCS, Osprey Backing
Delores Etter, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, is confident of the V-22 Osprey program despite recent problems. "You can't have complex programs without problems," she said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pentagon identifies 8 killed in helo crash
The Chinook that crashed in Afghanistan on Sunday was a MH-47E operated by the Night Stalkers. The MH-47E was flying at about 300 feet when it experienced a sudden loss of power and icing on the engine is suspected.
Chopper crashes on Mansfield golf course
The fourth prototype of the U.S. Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter lost its engine power 30 minutes into its maiden flight and crashed on a golf course at a suburban Fort Worth country club yesterday afternoon. Both pilots were not injured and was able to walk away from the wreckage.
Former Canadian minister denies mediating bribes over Gripens
Former Canadian minister Otto Jelinek has denied having mediated bribes over contracts for the purchase and lease of Gripen fighters to Czech Republic in his former capacity as an external consultant of BAE Systems.
Boeing Deploys Japan KC-767 Boom for First Time
A Boeing flight test crew deployed the air refueling boom on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) future KC-767 Tanker for the first time Feb. 17 in the skies over western Kansas.
UAE down-select EADS for Air Tanker programme
The UAE Armed Forces GHQ announced at IDEX 2007 Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi the signature of an Memorandum of Understanding with EADS CASA for the procurement of the A330 MRTT as the new air-to-air refuelling aircraft for its UAE Air Force & Air Defense. The expected order will be for three (3) A330 MRTT aircraft, equipped with underwing pods and the EADS CASA Advanced Refuelling Boom System, and will be due for delivery from 2011 onwards. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAI to unveil solar-powered UAV
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) will unveil a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at an aeronautical show today.
Boeing Provides Training to F-15C Pilots
Boeing, provider of five U.S. Air Force F-15C Mission Training Centers, has logged 100 percent center availability over the past four years.
Boeing trio's success is all about invention
Boeing engineer Mark Shelly often dons a reflective belt during his daily runs in the early morning so that drivers can see him in the early-morning darkness. One day he hits upon the idea of using the relfective tapes to solve the problem with day and night visibility of refueling hoses on tankers.
Technion Students Develop A System for UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to UAV Refueling
Students of Israel's Technion - Israel Institute of Technology's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering have succeeded in developing a system of refueling from one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to another. Photo credit : Technion's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Air force trainee goes through hell
These images showed a Royal Malaysian Air Force second-year aeronautical engineering student being tortured by his seniors at the Air Force Training College over a misunderstanding. Pictures from New Straits Times.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force said on Monday night it had set up an inquiry to investigate the matter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Mubadala to team up with Italy's Finmeccanica
Mubadala Development, Abu Dhabi's strategic investment company, is negotiating with Finmeccanica on possible production of Alenia-Aermacchi's M346 and M311 training aircraft for UAE.
More heat for BAE over Czech deal
Swedish prosecutors are investigating Saab over bribery allegations relating BAE's deal to sell Gripens to Czech Republic. Czech police also said on Monday they had begun investigating bribery allegations involving BAE in response to a request by the British Serious Fraud Office. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Monday, February 19, 2007
Raptors ready to train
The F-22 is ready to train with other U.S. assets in the Pacific now that they have arrived in Kadena.
IAF to acquire 120-km range air-to-air BVR missiles
The Indian Air Force will soon float a tender to upgrade its Sukhois and MiGs with new active phased array radars in order for them to fire longer range air-to-air missiles. This was due to Pakistan being cleared by Washington to purchase the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Eight more F-22 stealth fighters arrive in Japan
Only 8 F-22s arrived at Kadena yesterday as a pair had to make emergency landing at Wake Island after one of the jets developed generator problems.
Air Force to buy 24 Super Hornet fighters
The Australian Defence Business Review magazine said Prime Minister John Howard is expected to announce the purchase of 24 F/A-18Fs in early March.
Apache Rolls Out in the Gulf While Turkey Wants What it Cannot Have
Eigteen out of 30 Apache AH-64D Lot II attack helicopters have now delivered to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, will officially take delivery of the first six of its 18 AH-64D Apaches at the end of the month.
NATO says Russia should not fear U.S. missile shield
NATO Supreme Allied Commander John Craddock said on Friday that Russia has nothing to fear from a planned U.S. anti-missile system in Poland and Czech Republic.
Study details ways to protect combat aircraft
The latest Pentagon update on "Countering Air and Missile Threats" suggests giving commanders authority to act quickly using a variety of tactics. Those tactics can include traditional methods, such as deploying chaff and flares, but also less traditional methods, including naval gunfire, mortar and artillery fire, more nighttime flying, commando operations, and directed energy pulses to destroy or disable missile sites.
Kazakh warplane crash kills two pilots
A MiG-31 fighter from Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan crashed at 9:22 p.m. Friday local time. The crash occurred several miles northwest of the Karaganda airport and both pilots did not survive. External Link | | Permalink | |
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米Ｆ２２戦闘機、嘉手納基地に到着
Final video which has a close-up of the fighter break.
US Air Force to ask for more C-17s as unfunded priority
The U.S. Air Force could soon go to lawmakers and request for 10 more C-17s. This will ensure that Boeing can keep the production line opened beyond mid-2009. The Air Force needs to buy time while it studies if its worthwhile to retain 76 C-5As. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy wants more ships, aircraft than budgeted
The U.S. Navy has an unfunded priority list of $1.4 billion for 33 new planes, including 12 F/A-18s to replace older airplanes and four MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to increase the production-line capacity to more efficient manufacturing rates. The unfunded list also includes $73 million to buy 72 additional Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and $77 million to fund aircraft depot maintenance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Hear Our Case, Kaman Execs Tell Defence Minister.
Kaman officials say the Super Seasprite for the Royal Australian Navy has cleared its technical problems and it is the Australian certification process that is delaying the program.
Combat pilot, fighter pilot wife face larceny charges
A veteran combat pilot and his fighter pilot wife are waiting to hear if they’ll have to stand trial for allegedly stealing more than $30,000 from the government through their overseas housing allowances.
U.S. deploys stealth fighters to Okinawa
The first two of twelve F-22As from Langley Air Force Base flew into Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan this afternoon.
Sukhoi delivery 'on schedule'
The Russian ambassador to Malaysia said that delivery of Su-30MKM fighter jets to the RMAF in May was according to schedule.
Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Reconnaissance Capability for Republic of Korea
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a $28 million contract for upgrades and continued support of RC-800 reconnaissance aircraft and associated ground stations for the Republic of Korea's Peace Krypton system.
Air Force Academy Cheating Scandal Grows
The U.S. Air Force Academy said Thursday that 24 freshman cadets have now admitted cheating on a test and 12 others are under investigation but have denied wrongdoing.
US commander calls PRC missile test 'regrettable'
Outgoing commander of U.S. Pacific forces, Admiral William J. Fallon, said China's recent test of an anti-satellite missile was an effort by PLA to develop the ability to counter American military power if there is a face-off over Taiwan.
Arrow Passes Toughest Test Yet
The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs has a comprehensive article on the recent night time test of the Arrow missile defense system.
212 Lancer Go Live in Okinawa
A VMFA-212 training detachment at Kadena, Japan was able to make use of the live-firing ranges on Okinawa while deployed there.
By buying a British firm, they hope to increase their chances of winning contracts. External Link | | Permalink | |
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海自練習機が緊急着陸＝エンジン出力制御できず－T5試験飛行中・山口
From Asagiri : A JMSDF T-5 trainer had an engine problem and the engine cannot be throttled back on Feb. 13. It had to burn off fuel and make a forced landing after 1 hour 20 minutes in the air. External Link | | Permalink | |
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中国军方高层首度高调回应自造航母等话题
An interview with a PLA general on the recent announcement of the J-10, China's aircraft carrier ambitions and its anti-satellite test.
Controllers avert crash as plane skims skyline
A PLAAF Y-8 transport almost crashed in Shanghai city on Jan. 10. But the disaster was averted by military air controllers and a highly experienced pilot.
F-22s not suitable anyway: Nelson
Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson said that F-22 Raptor was the wrong warplane for Australia. Nelson criticized the F-22's stealth, its range and its variety of weaponry. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Signs Contract for Dutch Chinooks
Boeing on Feb. 15 signed a direct commercial sales agreement with the Defence Materiel Organization of the Dutch Ministry of Defense for six new-build CH-47F (NL) Chinook helicopters. This is the first international sale of the CH-47F. The Netherlands-unique version of the CH-47F will include Honeywell Avionics Control and Management System (ACMS) cockpit avionics suite, an integrated forward-looking infrared capability and several other newly developed multi-mission features. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia May Opt Out of Arms Treaty
A top Russian general said that Moscow might unilaterally pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the United States that banned medium-range missiles. General Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the General Staff, said the decision would depend on whether the United States deploys missile-defense components in Poland and the Czech Republic. External Link | | Permalink | |
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From a boom to a whisper
Tests of the NASA F-15 specially equipped with the Gulfstream Aerospace telescopic Quiet Spike sonic boom mitigator has been going very well.
Type Acceptance for Block 5 Standard Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon weapon system has received Type Acceptance from the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency NETMA for the final Tranche 1 standard, known as Block 5. These aircraft represent the last build standard in Tranche 1 and, with the R2 Retrofit programme ongoing across the four Partner Air Forces, will be the standard to which all earlier Eurofighter Typhoons are brought up to. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
Some grounded Ospreys to take off again soon
There are 19 V-22s not affected by the faulty computer chip problem and will be back flying in Tuesday. The rest will receive a modification to the flight computers so that its chips will not have to be replaced. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Credibility warning on funds for Navy ships
Britain's Commons Defence Committee warned that any further delays in the building of its next two aircraft carriers will have implications for the defense of the U.K. and its sea-lanes, and military operations globally.
General says Iran is mass producing stealth drone
Commander of the Iran's Revolution Guards, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, said on Saturday that Iran has started manufacturing a stealth drone with a range of 700 kilometers.
Secret new US spy base to get green light
Australia has concluded a secret deal with United States to build a high-tech communications base in Western Australia. The base will control two of five geostationary satellites over the Indian Ocean. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Chief slightly sorry for rushed jet deal
RAAF chief, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, was questioned by an Australian Senate committee on why the Government was advocating buying 24 Super Hornet jets just months after dismissing concerns there were problems with the F-35.
IAF mulls further 'Arrow' deployment
The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel will soon test the Arrow 2.5 missile defense system and discuss exporting the Arrow with Washington. South Korea, India and Turkey had expressed interest in the system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Canadians Fire the AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile
Canadian CF-18 pilots fired their first AIM-120s last week while participating in "Combat Archer" exercise conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. The launch also completes the test process and provides the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the missile for the CF-18 fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force completes F-16 accident investigation
U.S. Air Force officials completed an investigation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon accident at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Oct. 26, 2006, which resulted in the loss of the 56th Fighter Wing aircraft.
Hercules plane destroyed in Iraq
An RAF C-130 had to be destroyed in southern Iraq on Monday after it had an accident on landing and suffered serious damage. An assessment found that it could not be recovered and was destroyed to prevent sensitive equipment from getting into the hands of insurgents. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Contractors told carrier price "excessive"
France's chief arms buyer complained that the price of France's next aircraft carrier is too expensive. "What you need is a satisfactory industrial proposition, which we don't have at the moment. The proposition is excessive," DGA director general Francois Lureau said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Helicopter Likely Shot Down, Marines Say
The U.S. Marine Corps is now convinced that its CH-46 was mostly likely to have been shot down by hostile fire. After denying it for a week, the Marines say the insurgent video is very convincing.
U.S. clashes with China, Russia over space weapons
The United States clashed with China and Russia at the meeting of the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament yesterday over how to prevent an arms race in outer space. Washington criticized Beijing for its recent test of an anti-satellite missile. Russia and China, in turn, condemned United States for refusing to consider a treaty banning space weapons.
US rules out deal on F-22
U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary, Gordon England, has officailly clarified that the F-22 is not available for export. Writing to Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, England said, "regarding the F-22, our current position is that the airplane will not be made available to foreign military sales." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Software error delays F-22s' Japan trip
The F-22s attempted to cross the Pacific Ocean on Sunday for Japan but this time they had to turn back again due to a problem with the navigation system software.
JSF request puzzles Congress
The U.S. Air Force's budget requests wants to replace three F-16s and an F-15E Strike Eagle lost from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to be replaced with three F-35s. But the idea is not welcomed in Congress. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. details methods insurgents use to shoot down copters
Maj. Gen. Jim Simmons, deputy commander for support, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, told reporters in Baghdad on Sunday that insurgents appeared to use multiple small arms or heavy machine guns to target a single helicopter, as well as an arrangement of roadside bombs to delay or destroy rescue vehicles during the recent downings.
Weather delays arrival of F-22A Raptors to Kadena
Kadena spokesman Master Sgt. Jeffrey Loftin said nine of the 12 Raptors that took off for Kadena were forced to turn back to Hawaii due to weather.
Iron Thunder roars through Shaw
More than 100 U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine and Royal Air Force aircraft are participating in Exercise Iron Thunder at Shaw Air Force Base.
France flip-flops over Saudi air tanker deal
French officials retracted a statement that Saudi Arabia had procured Airbus A330 MRTT tankers two hours after releasing it. Defence industry officials said the statement was retracted over Saudi sensitivities over the timing of an announcement but the deal is confirmed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Skunk Works shakes up major projects
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has had to suspend development of its submarine-launched and recovered Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MPUAV) due to a lack of government funding. But it will still continue on five major unclassified R&D initiatives. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing to bid for sales of 20 fighter jets to S. Korea
Steve Winkler, Boeing's director for F-15 production, said Boeing plans to bid in South Korea's second-phased fighter procurement project. South Korea last month said that the country will procure 20 F-15K class fighters from 2010 to 2012. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First Elmendorf F-22 ready at Lockheed
The first F-22 Raptor destined for Alaska rolled out of the Lockheed Martin factory on Monday. The plane will be assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron.
Tour of duty
The Australian Overwatch Battle Group is a heavily armed and highly mobile force supporting Iraqi troops. The Skylark UAV is used by the group for reconnaissance.
India to spend $35 b on military aircraft
India is set to spend $ 35 billion on military aviation over the next 20 years as it replaces its aging aircraft. Two reports released at Aero India also indicated India's rise as a superpower in the region with manufacturers offering India their latest fighters. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet
The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (RRSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR) Feb. 9, as part of a surge deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region.
On shopping list: fighter jets with no stealth
Retired RAAF Air Vice-Marshal Peter Criss urged the Australian government to reconsider the F-22 rather than buying the F/A-18F. "It's an old-generation fighter that can't survive with existing aircraft in the region, let alone what's coming in the future," he said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Sunday, February 11, 2007
India's Air Force May Buy Boeing Copters
A senior Boeing official, speaking on the sidelines of Aero India, said Boeing has been taking unofficially with the Indian Air Force for 12 Chinooks.
Air Force cadets grounded over cheating
The entire USAF Academy cadets have been confined this weekend after 28 cadets were suspected of cheating on a test.
C-17 crew races time in Iraq-to-Texas run
The U.S. military was willing to send a C-17 into Iraq to ferry a wounded Marine from Balad Air Base in Iraq to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Helicopter downings vex U.S. military analysts
Military analysts say the U.S. must figure why their helicopters are being shot down so numerously recently or they risk repeating what the Soviets went through in Afghanistan.
MAC chairman urges US to approve sale of F-16s
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu urged the U.S. on Thursday to approve the sale of 66 F-16 C/Ds to the island. Wu said the fighters are needed to defend itself against China's military threat. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bombshells best bombers
Leggy Russian bombshells hired as stall assistants at Aero India were more popular than the fighters and bombers at the show.
Cody: Tactics not new in helicopter shootdowns
Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Richard Cody said Saturday that there are no evidence that insurgents in Iraq have developed new attack methods or discovered new vulnerabilities against U.S. helicopters.
Surprise refueling mission gets wounded troops to U.S.
A KC-135 crew operating out of RAF Mildenhall was tasked with high-priority mission in the middle of the night. They job was to get fuel to a C-17 that was ferrying injured soldiers to Maryland. They had less than the normal 24 hours to get the mission together. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US 'friendly fire' incident kills allies
U.S. helicopters targeting insurgents accidentally fired on a Kurdish guard post killing nine Kurdish militia fighters. The same article also mention that the video posted recently on the shot down of a CH-46 is suspicious as it fails to show a Cobra attack helicopter that was following close behind. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Target Iran: US able to strike in the spring
Observers point out the signs that U.S. President George Bush will order an air war with Iran next year. The deployment of a second carrier air group, Patriot missiles and minesweepers as well as the stockpiling of oil reserves are the various signs. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Gripen makes big impact at Aero India 2007
Air Commodore Matheswaran, Commandant ASTE, Air Commodore Sharma, Commandant National Flight Test Centre, Air Commodore Nair, Personal Staff Officer to Air Chief Marshall Tyagi, and NFTC test pilot Wing Commander Tivali from the Indian Air Force test flew the Gripen at Aero India.
C-130 accident investigation board complete
A USAF C-130E crew rushing to return to their base caused a fire onboard their aircraft due to excessive use of brakes. Three of the aircraft's four brakes failed while taxiing at Al Asad, Iraq and the fire which broke out caused extensive damage to the left side of the C-130. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iraq Qaeda group posts video of U.S. copter downing
The Islamic State in Iraq has posted a video which they claim was the shooting down of the USMC CH-46 this week. While the U.S. military claims that the crash was mechanical, the video did seems to show a missile hitting the helicopter.
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