雄鷹飛天僅兩架？立委要求IDF翔昇機投產
Two Taiwanese opposition lawmakers have called for the government to fully upgrade all its F-CK-1 A/B fighters to the latest F-CK-1 C/D standard. They said the government should not be wasting their efforts in getting F-16C/Ds but to improve the IDF to secure jobs for the local industry.
Military transport planes could land with ongoing costs
Philip Coyle, a former U.S. undersecretary of defence for testing and evaluation, told a Canadian defence committee that the C-130J that Canada is buying could cost taxpayers more money in the future. Coyle said there are some issues on the C-130J that need to be resolved before Canada takes delivery. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Attack of the Drones
Flying bots rule the skies in combat zones around the globe. Now the battle is on between the joystick jockeys and the fighter jocks.
Arrow can fully protect against Iran
Arieh Herzog, the head of the Israeli Defense Ministry's Homa Missile Defense Agency, said recent modifications made to the Arrow will allow it to intercept any ballistic missile in the Middle East, including nuclear-capable missiles under development by Iran.
USS Carl Vinson To Return To Pacific Fleet
The U.S. Navy announced Mar. 30 that the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) will conduct a homeport change, returning to the West Coast and will likely relocate to San Diego in early 2010. USS Carl Vinson is currently undergoing a maintenance period in Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in Virginia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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More battlefield helicopters for UK Armed Forces
Britain will have fourteen additional helicopters for military operations in two years time. The Ministry of Defence has agreed to buy six new Merlin helicopters from Denmark which have not entered operational service yet.
Eight RAF HC Mk3 chinooks ordered in 1995 for special operations support that were having technical problems will be assigned to the battlefield support role. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Defeat for Nelson as navy sticks to Seasprite
An Australian Member of Parliament said that the Australian Defence Force has decided not to scrap the Super Seasprite project. The decision is a defeat for Defense Minister Brendan Nelson who wants the project scrapped and buy new helicopters.
PAC-3 Patriot missiles debut at Iruma air base
Japan deployed its first PAC-3 missile system at the Air Self-Defense Force base in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, early Friday. Ten trailers carrying the missile system, including a radar system, a fire-control system, an information coordination center and two launch platforms -- entered the base at around 5:13 a.m. External Link | | Permalink | |
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GAO won't expand scope of DoD helicopter ruling
The U.S. Government Accountability Office on Friday said it would not expand the scope of its recommendations on CSAR-X program and rejected additional claims by the losing bidders. Analysts said the new decision vindicates Air Force efforts to resolve the contest quickly, and that it also may increase Boeing chances of keeping the contract.
Green Light for New Eurofighter Capabilities
The General Manager of NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) Peter Worrall and Eurofighter GmbH CEO Aloysius Rauen on Mar. 29 signed a contract for the Phase 1 Enhancement of the Eurofighter. The Phase 1 Enhancement will include the integration of new weapons like Paveway IV and the EGBU-16 (Enhanced Guided Bomb Unit) alongside integrating a Laser Designator Pod (LDP) into Tranche 2 aircraft of all four partner nations. The Human Machine Interface will receive performance upgrades required for the simultaneous Swing Role operation, allowing a pilot to continue a bomb run while at the same time fight air attacks by minimizing the pilot’s workload in complex air warfare scenarios. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Italy's Agusta Aerospace wins Turkish attack helicopter contract
We have a winner! After a decade of selection, Turkey has decided to select the Augusta Mangusta A-129 helicopter as its attack helicopter. The renamed T-129 will be co-produce by turkey. The contract calls for the delivery of 30 Mangustas with options for 20 more.
Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen
U.S. President George W. Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen on Mar. 29 at the Capitol Rotunda. "I thank you for the honor you have brought to our country, and the medal you are about to receive means that our country honors you," Bush said to the roughly 300-member audience of surviving airmen, Tuskegee Airmen widows and other relatives. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen
The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. Photo Credit : Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams.
More Predators sought, but service short on crew
The U.S. Air Force has lost about 40 percent of its Predator UAVs and lacks enough trained crews to meet the demand for battlefield surveillance in Iraq and Afghanistan. Records show that the USAF has lost 53 of its 139 Predators. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Army lifts 'stop work' order on Bell Helicopter program
The U.S. Army has lifted its stop-work order on Bell Helicopter's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program, allowing Bell to resume work while the program is restructured. Last week, the Army ordered Bell to stop work on the program while it develops a new plan to get back on track but Bell sought to continue work, at its own risk if necessary, to avoid further cost and schedule delays.
Love for Spitfire served pilot well
A 14-minute short film on an American pilot flying a Spitfire Mark 11 during World War 2 won an honorable mention in the short filmmaking category at this year's Sundance Film Festival in January.
IAF benefits from LTTE air strike
The Indian Air Force is using the LTTE's recent air raid as a good excuse to buy more sophisticated Aerostat radars and airborne early warning systems to secure the southern coasts.
Pentagon could remove Malmstrom missiles next month
Pentagon has confirmed it will remove 50 Minuteman IIIs from Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base. A Pentagon report was delivered to the House Armed Services Committee last week and the missiles could start its removal as early as next month. External Link | | Permalink | |
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PAF to seek more Chinese aircraft, says air chief
Pakistan Air Force's Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed told Janes Defence Weekly that the PAF aims to acquire 200-250 JF-17s and that Pakistan is well advanced in negotiations with China on the possible acquisition of up to 40 J-10s. Tanvir also spoke about the controversy surrounding the export of RD-93s by China to Pakistan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots
The USAF Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Low-level military flights may return to N.H.
The Air National Guard is proposing to allow fighter pilots to fly low-level training over New Hampshire's North Country. The 102nd Fighter Wing says lack of suitable airspace lead to less than 5 percent of the unit's pilots completing their low-altitude training. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Facial hair order for servicemen
The Royal Air Hair Force has received the green light for its men deploying to Afghanistan to grow beards. The move was made because beards represent strength and virility in Afghanistan, a senior officer said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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GQM-163 SSST: A Tricky Coyote to Match Wits With Defenses
DID has updated its article on the GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea Skimming Target to reflect a purchase by France. France has bought a single GQM-163A that will support the validation of a French weapons system.
Submarine-launched Tomahawk IV flight test a success
The U.S. Navy conducted a successful first test of a submarine torpedo tube-launched Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile on its missile range off the coast of southern California Mar. 26. Launched from the Los Angeles-Class attack submarine, USS Pasadena (SSN-752), the missile transitioned to cruise flight and flew a satellite-guided 635-nautical mile test flight to the NAVAIR Land Range at the NAVAIR Weapons Division, China Lake, California. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Aerial Common Sensor Gets Green Light from Army Leadership
The U.S. Army said Thursday it will restart the Aerial Common Sensor program. The program will take new shape over the next 60 days. The ACS was canceled in early 2006 due to weight problems on the aircraft.
Stennis Ready to Enjoy First Port Visit
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 make their first port visit in the Middle East yesterday after conducting a dual-carrier exercise with USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) and CVW 7 in the Arabian Gulf.
IAF sets its eyes on advanced new Hercules
The Israeli Air Force has issued a RFI to Lockheed Martin this week for details on the cost and performance of the C-130J. Two senior Lockheed Martin executives were in Israel this week for talks with the air force about procurement plans for the coming years. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Stennis crew helps Navy flex its muscles
The two U.S. aircraft carriers in the Gulf is stagging the Navy's largest show of force in the Persian Gulf since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Capt. Bradley Johanson, commander of the USS John C. Stennis, said the exercise sends a message to Iran over the recent seizure of the 15 British sailors and marines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force Diverted Maintenance Budget
An investigation has found that the RoKAF diverted 247.6 billion South Korean won (US 263.3 dollars) for maintenance to other purposes or contingencies between 2000 to 2005.
Indian radar blamed for LTTE attack: Report
Sri Lanka's military has blamed the radar installed by India for the success of the Tamil Tiger's air raid. "Initial investigation revealed that the first generation radar installed by India failed to detect the incoming aircraft until the radar at the adjacent Bandaranaike International Airport identified them," the Island newspaper said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MDA Officials Make Case for Europe-Based Missile Defense
Brian Green, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategic Capabilities, said Washington hopes to start construction of the ground-based midcourse silos in Poland in 2008.
Aegis to test interceptor at yearend
Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering III of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency told the House Armed Services Committee's Strategic Forces Subcommittee in a written testimony that a Japanese Aegis warship will attempt a ballistic missile intercept at the end of the year. A Kongo-class warship will fired a Block IA Standard Missile 3 interceptor at a medium-range ballistic missile separating target . External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAF sets up radars to monitor LTTE air strikes
The Indian Air Force has set up eight radars along the Tamil Nadu coast as a precautionary measure after the Tamil Tigers launched their first air raid on Monday. The radars have been set up in a jungle near Sundaramudaiyan village in Ramanathapuram district and trials are being held, a senior IAF officer said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Vance instructors named best in 19th Air Force
Three first-assignment instructor pilots were recently named 2006 instructor pilots of the year for 19th Air Force. Capt. Phillip Mc-Clure of the 33rd Flying Training Squadron was named T-37 IP of the year, while Capt. Matthew Werner, also of the 33rd, was named the best among T-6 instructors. The T-1 honor went to 1st Lt. Sean Burke of the 32nd FTS. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Senator weighs need for more long-range transport planes
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Inouye is working with the Air Force to determine how many C-17s the military will ultimately need. Inouye also said refurbishing some of the older C-5s is not as cost-effective as buying new C-17s. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China to build 93,000-ton atomic-powered aircraft carrier: source
According to this Korean report, China plans to build a nuclear-powered 93,000-ton aircraft carrier under the 085 project and a conventional 48,000-ton carrier under project 089. Project 085 plans to finish the construction by 2020 and the design will be based on Soviet aircraft carrier Ulyanovsk. China reportedly secretly purchased the design of Ulyanovsk from Russia.
Meanwhile project 089 will be completed in 2010 and will have 30-40 J-10 fighters. 10-20 Russian-made Su-33s will be used while waiting for J-10s to be ready. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Last improved Sea Knight gas path engine module delivered
The last of more than 400 T58 engine gas path modules was delivered yesterday during the 50th anniversary celebration of the T58 engine. General Electric, working with the CH-46E program office, delivered these upgraded modules under budget and ahead of schedule to the U.S. Marine Corps completing a $300 million, seven year upgrade program for the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wednesday, March 28, 2007
經國號戰機 改名雄鷹號
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian unveiled the upgraded IDF fighter yesterday and renamed it "Hsiung Yin," or Brave Eagle. Photo credit : weasel
A single-seater and a dual-seater was unveiled at a ceremony at Ching Chuan Kang air base. The conformal tanks was fitted on both aircraft as well.
USAF F15s Encounter a UFO (PDF)
Radio enthusiasts in U.K. picked up a a call made by London Military Air Traffic Control to a crew of F-15s flying out of RAF Lakenheath who were sent to investigate an unknown target they had picked up on radar at 3000 to 4000ft altitude. The F-15s get a radar lock on the target and make a pass at 17,000ft and then again at 17,700ft.
One pilot was heard to say to another: "Did you see that?" And the other replied: "Yes, but I don't want to talk about it."
Sri Lanka blackout on Air Force losses
Pro Tamil Tiger website Tamil Net says the Sri Lankan government is covering up the damages inflicted by the Tigers air raid. It claims that 40% of the SLAF's strike capability has been knocked out. The number was obtained from airmen coming off duty telling reporters in Colombo. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ducks caused Columbus Air Force jet crash, report says
A T-38 from Columbus Air Force base suffered a bird strike with ducks which resulted in engine failure, an investigation panel found. The strike shattered the cockpit canopy of the jet trainer on Jan. 18 and debris from the canopy entered the aircraft’s two engines, which resulted in total engine failure. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Misawa F-16s taking out 'bad guys' on Iraq missions
Misawa’s deployed F-16 pilots got back into the fight last week in Iraq while supporting some major Army operations, reported Lt. Col. Chuck Toplikar, the 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander.
House Panel Approves Bill Barring Sale of F-14 Spare Parts
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a bill barring the sale of spare parts for F-14 fighter aircraft. The bill would create an exemption allowing the sale of F-14 parts to museums or other organizations devoted to preserving the history of the aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Participates in RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRSG) kicked off its participation in Exercise Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration/Foal Eagle (RSOI/FE) 2007 on Mar. 25, following a four-day port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea.
Japan Radar Spy Satellite Out Of Action
One of a set of four spy satellites Japan launched suffered an electrical problem on Mar. 25 and has ceased functioning. The radar satellite was one of the first pair launched in Mar. 2003. It was supposed to have a life span of five years. External Link | | Permalink | |
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USS John C. Stennis Now Operating in Arabian Gulf
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) has entered the Arabian Gulf, escorted by the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) yesterday. While in the Gulf, the flagship of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, will conduct a dual-carrier exercise with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin A-10 Program Receives $40 Million Contract Modification From U.S. Air Force
The Lockheed Martin-led A-10 Prime Team has received a $40.4 million contract modification to complete the A-10C Precision Engagement program’s engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. Work will continue through May 2008 to conclude development of the Precision Engagement software suite and to support flight testing conducted by U.S. Air Force. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Two US, one French aircraft carrier in Gulf region
A spokesman for U.S. Naval Central Command in Bahrain said USS Dwight D Eisenhower carrier strike group is currently is currently operating inside the Gulf while USS John C. Stennis carrier strike group is in the Arabian sea outside the Gulf.
First Massive Ordnance Penetrator Explosive Test Successful
The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) successfully conducted the first explosive test of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) conventional weapon concept Mar. 14 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The test consisted of a statically emplaced conventional weapon within a DTRA test tunnel. External Link | | Permalink | |
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GAO supports second fighter engine program
The U.S. Government Accountability Office says it supports an alternative engine development program for the F-35. "Continuing the alternate engine program for the Joint Strike Fighter would cost significantly more than a sole-source program but could, in the long run, reduce costs and bring other benefits," said Michael Sullivan, the GAO's director of acquisition and sourcing management.
First Licence Built EH101 Delivered By Kawasaki
Kawasaki has delivered the first ever licence built EH101 helicopter to the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The aircraft is the second MCH101 to be delivered to the JMSDF, the first having been assembled at AgustaWestland's Yeovil facility prior to delivery to Kawasaki for customisation and completion. External Link | | Permalink | |
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LTTE releases photographs of air mission
Pro Tamil Tiger website Tamil Net has six photographs of the planes and pilots that carried out their first ever air raid on Katunayake military air base on Monday.
USAF trial for databus upgrade
A USAF F-16 is flight testing a development of the 1553 avionics databus with 100Mb/s capacity over existing 1553 wiring. The Extended 1553 (E1553), is developed for the USAF by Canadian company Edgewater Computer Systems. External Link | | Permalink | |
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ST Aerospace awarded contracts to upgrade and maintain RSAF Aircraft
The RSAF has awarded two service contracts to Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace). The first contract is to upgrade the RSAF's C-130 transport aircraft. The second contract is for the maintainance of its current fleet of A-4SU Skyhawks. Under the first contract, ST Aerospace will upgrade the aircraft avionics, mission equipment and self protection suite of the C130s.
Under the second contract, ST Aerospace will cover the maintenance of aircraft, engines, component maintenance, warehousing management, and material procurement for the A-4 SU Skyhawks that are based in Cazaux Air Base, France. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RAAF plane fault found
The Australian Defence Force says preliminary results of an investigation into the emergency landing in Iraq of an RAAF Hercules carrying the Prime Minister have identified a fault in a hydraulic engine pump. A fault in the hydraulic pump on No. 4 engine caused hydraulic fluid to be ingested into the engine and subsequently fumes to appear in the aircraft's pressurisation and airconditioning system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAF launches new 'cheap' Arrow
Israel carried out a successful test launch of its Arrow anti-ballistic missile system Monday at 12:05 p.m. at Palmahim Air Force Base south of Ashdod. The purpose of Monday's test was to launch the missile in a fly-out (where a missile is fired without intercepting a target) and gather information on its flight and performance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Australia confirms AIM-9X selection for Super Hornets
Australia's F/A-18F Super Hornet will be armed with the AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile, and potentially also Raytheon's ATFLIR targeting pod. Gp Capt Stan Roberton, head of Australia's Super Hornet program office, said U.S. Navy-common are preferred to keep a low risk.
Northrop Grumman Successfully Completes F-22 Radar Flight-Test Certification
Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully completed radar flight-test certification for the fourth-generation variant of the AESA radar for the F-22 Raptor. The 24 Raptors of Lot 5 are the first to receive the AN/APG-77V(1), with deliveries to the Air Force scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2007. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fighter pilot turned cosmonaut
Jed Mercurio's second novel Ascent is about a young orphan who grew up and flew MiG-15s in the Korean war and becoming the youngest jet ace in history. After the war, he is exiled to an Arctic airbase for nine years before being hand-picked to join the Russian space programme as a crack cosmonaut. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Construction begins on the first Ford-class aircraft carrier
Construction has started on pieces of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier although full-scale production is at least a year away. More than 50 module sections and 1,300 sections of pipe detail have been completed, and work will be under way on at least 300 of the structural units by the end of this year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MP demands pledge over Arrows' future
A British Member of Parliament will seek reassurances from the government about the future of the Red Arrows amid fears they could be disbanded.
Indian AF, Ministry Clash Over Missile Buy
India's Air Force and Defence Ministry are clashing over procurement of air-launched anti-ship missiles for its Jaguar fleet. Only Boeing's Harpoon submitted for the tender was found to have met their requirements to replace the Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles.
As only one bidder was shortlisted, the Ministry asked the IAF to modify its technical requirements and refloat the tender. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Gaza creeps in after Lebanon
A group of Israeli Air Force reservist pilots visited the IAF headquarters last month for a briefing on IAF operations in the Second Lebanon War. They were not impressed. They were disappointed with IAF commander Major General Elyezer Shkedy. They find that he is not performing the way the commander of the most important branch of Israel's military should. External Link | | Permalink | |
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USAF Prefers More C-130Js Over Other Cargo Lifters
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told Congress last week that he rather spend more money on getting new C-130s than C-17s. The war in Iraq is taking its toll on the fleet and many C-130Es have been grounded with structural problems. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Astra missile tested after a long gap
India on Sunday successfully tested the indigenously developed Astra air-to-air missile after a gap of nearly four years. The missile with a range of 80 km was fired from launch complex-II of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at 11.56 am. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Guests Tour Navy's Newest Aircraft Carrier during Busan Port Visit
More than 300 military members and civilian guests from the Republic of Korea were hosted aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on Mar. 23, to tour the Navy's newest aircraft carrier during a scheduled port visit to Busan. Guests included Republic of Korea (ROK) Sailors from the 3rd Fleet Naval Education and Training Command, the ROK Naval Academy, as well as members of the 612th Defense Security Unit and the 53rd Infantry Division. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Eielson AFB, pilots retire C-130 airplane
It was a day for remembering memories and making new ones for members of the USAF 517th Airlift squadron as they flew their C-130s for the last time.
They will depart Eielson Air Force Base on Monday and replaced by C-17s in June. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pace Visits Chinese Air Base, Checks Out Su-27 Fighter-Bomber
Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace toured Anshan Air Base, home of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force's 1st Air Division, and he examined a Chinese-built Su-27. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen.
Pace, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman, and Air Force Brig. Gen. Ralph Jodice, the defense attaché at the American embassy in Beijing, climbed into the cockpit of the aircraft. In addition, Chinese pilots flew four aircraft around the airfield to give the chairman and his party a small look at what the aircraft can do in the air.
VMFA-332 to go to cadre status for JSF switch
VMFA-332 will stand down Apr. 1 and transferred to 'cadre' status, meaning its 12 aircraft and 200 personnel will be temporarily redistributed throughout the Marine Corps until the unit can switch to F-35B.
Cost fears could delay £3.9bn carriers deal
The British Ministry of defense was hoping to announce the contract award for two new aircraft carriers to industry before Parliament breaks for the Easter holidays. But it could hold back the announcement as it is concerned about committing a large chunk of its future funding to the aircraft carriers before the Comprehensive Spending Review in the autumn. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RAF Hercules beach Landing
A picture of a RAF C-130 landing on a sandy holiday beach at Saunton Sands, Devon. The crew is practicing in case they need to land in the deserts of Afghanistan or Iraq.
India to set up a UAV base in Andamans: Antony
India on Saturday announced plans to establish an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) base and station more aerial reconnaissance aircraft in the Andaman archipelago. This is to counter threats of terrorists infiltrating into the country through the sea route. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UAV Fooled to Hide Iraq Murder
Seven U.S. Marines and a Navy medic used their understanding of the military's airborne surveillance technology to spoof their own systems when they carried out the killing of an Iraqi civilian.
India stands to lose Rs 900 crore in the Russian Sukhoi deal
India's recent new purchase of Su-30MKIs has raised a few eyebrows after it was revealed that offset requirements does not apply and the aircraft are now more expensive. The Ministry of Defense claimed that the deal is based on the old contract signed in 1997 so the offsets don't apply.
As for the higher prices, it said it is not in any position to bargain since the Indian air force urgently needs combat aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Major receives Distinguished Flying Cross at Buckingham Palace
The Queen of England presented the United Kingdom's Distinguished Flying Cross to USMC AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter pilot Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr., during an Investiture Ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on Mar. 21. Chesarek was recognized for his service as an exchange officer serving with the U. K.'s 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force during combat operations in Iraq in 2006.
U.S. Army, Air Force clash over control of drones
The U.S. Army looks set to clash with the Air Force over the control of high-flying UAVs after Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley asked the Defense Department to tap the Air Force as its "executive agent" for medium- and high-altitude UAVs on Mar. 6. Moseley said that by putting the Air Force in charge it would centralize purchases, standardize operations and control "ballooning" bandwidth needs to prioritize intelligence distribution. External Link | | Permalink | |
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NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander
U.S. Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base Mar. 23. Renuart assumed command of NORAD and USNORTHCOM from Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who is scheduled to assume command of U.S. Pacific Command Mar. 26 in Hawaii. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. general says China missile test "confusing"
General Peter Pace, chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said China's anti-satellite missile test in January sent a confusing message to the world about its military plans. Pace is on his first official visit to China.
我擬改購AV8B戰機 取代F16
Taiwan's daily China Times reported that Taiwan has approached the United States on the possibility of buying AV-8B Harriers. Taiwan decided to try and buy the Harrier after its plan to buy the F-16C/D was denied by Washington. External Link | | Permalink | |
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WWII Blimp Hangar To Fall
From Isaac. A World War II wooden hangar used to store blimps will be torn down for a housing development, the city of Tustin decided last month.
米軍機が緊急着陸
From Asagiri. Two USAF armed F-16s from Misawa made emergency landings at Hakodate airport on Thursday after one of the jets developed a fuel leak. Picture in the article. The landings forced the airport to close its runway till 11:38a.m. local time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy Lacks Plan to Defend Against 'Sizzler' Missile
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England has given the Navy until Apr. 29 to explain how it will counter the Russian SS-N-27B supersonic anti-ship missile after nearly six years of warnings from Pentagon testers. The director of Pentagon's weapons-testing office judges the threat so serious that he warned the Pentagon's chief weapons-buyer in a memo that he would move to stall production of multibillion-dollar ship and missile programs until the issue was addressed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Drones Could Defend Airports
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Project Chloe plans to fly UAV's at FL650 above the nation's busiest airports to protect airliners from shoulder-fired missiles. The drones will be tested first at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. They will be equipped with missile-warning systems and possibly anti-missile lasers that could send plane-bound missiles veering off course. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Rules set for using PAC-3 missile defense
Japan's cabinet has approved emergency guidelines enabling the defense minister to intercept ballistic missiles when a hostile nation--possibly North Korea--is preparing to launch them. This comes as Japan is getting ready to deploy PAC-3 at JASDF's Iruma Base in Saitama Prefecture. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Moseley turns down buying F-15s
USAF Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the service will not be buying anymore F-15Es. He was asked by Sen. Kit Bond if the Air Force wanted F-15Es to beef up the service's fighter numbers. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thai navy helicopter crash
A Royal Thai Navy Bell 214 helicopter crashed into a rice field during a long-haul training mission Friday in northeastern Thailand. The crash killed all nine on board. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Unique Photograph of UK Typhoon Development Fleet
Celebrating over 12 years of development flying, the U.K.'s six Typhoon development aircraft are pictured together for the first time at BAE Systems facility in Warton, Lancashire just prior to the retirement from the fleet of the U.K.'s first two Development Aircraft, DA2 and DA4.
Canadian, US fighters conduct joint training in North
Canadian and US aircraft supporting the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) will conduct joint training in the Canadian North early next week. Participating aircraft will include: Canadian CF-18 Hornets and a CC-130T Hercules air-to-air refuelling tanker, US F-15 Eagles, a KC-135 refuelling tanker, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bill Redirects ARH Funds Toward UH-60s
Supplemental fiscal 2007 funds for two ARH-70 helicopters have been transferred to replace two UH-60 Black Hawks lost in combat.
Bell Helicopter seeks to build Army helicopter at own risk
Bell Helicopter said Friday it will continue work on the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, even though the U.S. Army has issued a 90-day stop-work order. The Army this week ordered Bell to stop work and submit an improvement plan within 30 days after the program was plagued by schedule delays and cost overruns.
Russian air force leader visits Ramstein Air Base
Gen. Col. Aleksandr Zelin, deputy commander in chief of the Russian Air Force, flew in an F-16D Blk. 50 while visiting Spangdahlem Air Base on Wednesday. Zelin led a delegation of Russian air force officials on a visit to U.S. military bases in Germany this week. External Link | | Permalink | |
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A Squadron's Final Flight
VFA-201 Hunters will be making their last flight today on their Hornets before the squadron is disestablished on Jun. 30. The squadron has flown F-8 Crusaders, F-4 Phantoms, F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets and was established in 1970. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Army to get BrahMos missile this year
BrahMos Aerospace CEO Sivathanu Pillai told Nezavisimoye Voyennoe Obozrenie in Moscow that the Indian Army will be getting the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in large numbers this year. The Indian Army was satisfied after 13 tests of the missile. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The milestone flight, piloted by Capt. Carlos Esteban Pinilla EADS CASA Eurofighter test pilot on Mar. 19 at Morón, saw IPA4 undertake environmental data gathering with a Meteor air-to-air missile. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Army says Bell Helicopter to keep ARH contract for now
Bell Helicopter unit will keep its Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter contract for now the U.S. Army on Wednesday said. The news comes after a high-level review this week. ARH has struggled to stay on schedule, and Bell has warned investors that it could lose money on the program.
Russia to crack down on weapons piracy
Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has voiced concerns over illegally use of Soviet-era weapons licenses by some Eastern European countries. He cites the example of Bumar Group, a Polish weapons producer, and its ZU-23 anti-aircraft system. The company merely added two Russian-made Igla missiles to the ZU-23 and passed it as its own. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Joint Maritime Surveillance Do-able with Unmanned Aerial System
The Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Lindsay, has released a public report on the outcomes of the North West Shelf Unmanned Aerial System Trial conducted late last year. Mr Lindsay said the report confirmed the ability to employ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in a maritime surveillance role to help protect Australia’s North West Shelf area.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems participated in the trial with a Mariner Demonstrator UAV which flew over 75 hours during its deployment in Australia. Northrop Grumman carried out the virtual phase of the trial at the company’s Cyber Warfare Integration Network facility in San Diego. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US maker warns battle on if Seasprites junked
Kaman has warned the Australian government that it could face a lengthy legal battle if the Super Seasprite project is canceled. In a letter sent last week to Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, Kaman Corporation's chief executive said a fully mission-capable aircraft would be available in the second quarter of this year and that air certification was the only major work left.
He urged the Australian Defence Ministry to allow the Seasprites to become operational.
Air Force Discusses $15B Helicopter Deal
The U.S. Air Force sent letters Wednesday to Sikorsky and Lockheed on plans to reopen discussions and to revise the CSAR-X bid to clarify operation costs.
Ex-Astronaut Nowak Gets Navy Assignment
Former NASA astronaut U.S. Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak has been assigned to work on developing curriculum and training programs at the staff of the Chief of Naval Air Training Command in Corpus Christi. She will start her new job in April. External Link | | Permalink | |
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DoD says comfortable with Air Force weapons-buying approach
U.S. Defense Undersecretary Kenneth Krieg said he supports the U.S. Air Force's approach to acquisition, even though the Air Force continues to struggle with big-ticket purchases. He also expressed confidence in Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Assistant Secretary Sue Payton, the Air Force's acquisition chief. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ark Royal welcomed back to frontline duty
HMS Ark Royal has rejoined the Royal Navy after a two-year, £20m refit. More than 1,500 guests, along with the ship's 682 crew, attended the re-dedication ceremony at Portsmouth naval base yesterday morning.
KF-16 fighter jets grounded amid concern over engine failures
Another South Korean KF-16 has been found with a serious engine problem similar to the one that caused a crash on another jet in February. It has also been revealed that Pratt & Whitney had told the RoKAF to replace the faulty parts and the advice was ignored. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Super Hornets 'out of date in 10 years'
Tom Burbage, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's JSF program, says the F/A-18Fs Australia just bought will be outdated in ten years. He added that he sought an urgent meeting with Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, fearing money would be taken from Australia's JSF program to pay for the Super Hornet when he heard the news.
Rotational squadron deployment jets leave Incirlik
The USAF 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons have finished their deployment at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and headed back to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Thales awarded Mode 5 IFF contract by French DGA
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to Thales for the development and manufacture of the new Mode 5 NATO standard encrypted IFF , to equip the French Armed Forces. According to the contract, Thales will add the Mode 5 to the Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) of the Rafale aircraft and to the multiplatform Transponder (TAR). External Link | | Permalink | |
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France, Britain making progress on aircraft carrier
France said on Thursday it was making progress with Britain towards a possible deal to combine the countries' future aircraft carrier plans. French defence ministry spokesman Jean-Francois Bureau said that a decision has not been reached yet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Argentina barred US landings, overflights during Bush's tour
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee that Argentina barred C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft from landing or overflying during a Latin American tour by US President George W. Bush. The reason was that the last time C-5s landed in Argentina, they all broke down. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pakistani military tests missile
Pakistan says it has successfully tested a Babar or Hatf-VII missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The missile has a range of 700km (430 miles), the military said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan, Lake Champlain Arrive in Korea for Port Visit
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, on March. 22 for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with Exercise Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration/Foal Eagle (RSOI/FE) 2007.
Medical aspects of flying Eurofighter Typhoon
Senior air force medical officers from all nations involved in the Eurofighter Typhoon programme gathered at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Centre of Aviation Medicine (CAM), RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire, to discuss health aspects of flying the revolutionary fast jet. It was the first time since Typhoon entered service just over three years ago that military doctors from all four countries engaged in Typhoon’s manufacture – Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – together with potential operators like Saudi Arabia, had met to talk about the aircraft’s unique flying characteristics and their effects on aircrew. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
USPS Commemorative Stamp for the F-14
The Hawaiian State House of Representatives is pushing a legislation, House Concurrent Resolution 180, to get the United States Postal Service in issuing a commemorative stamp to honor the F-14's 36 years of service. They are looking for phone calls and testimonies to be sent to Rep. Kymberly Pine and Rpe. Cindy Evans (Chairwoman of the Public Saftey & Military Affairs) of the Hawaiian State House of Representitives.
AS001 is a Block 5 standard aircraft, representing the last build standard of Tranche 1. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Planes of past and present soar over Sedona
An Air Force heritage flight consisting of a P-51 Mustang, an F-4 Phantom, an A-10 Thunderbolt and an F-16 Fighting Falcon fly over the Arizona desert on March 19 above Sadona. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Justin D. Pyle.
The flight was part of the events taking place in Phoenix for the first Air Force Week celebration of the year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Sky queen
Elizabeth "Liz" Corwin Tremel and Michael Tremel are newlyweds that made naval history by earning their naval wings together. Both are F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Japan narrows next-generation fighter requirement choice
Janes reports that their source in Japan says the Eurofighter is currently the favorite to replace their F-4EJs. Although the same source would not rule out Tokyo asking for the F-22 instead.
US looks to sell arms in Gulf to try to contain Iran
Washington may sell the E-2D to United Arab Emirates after shelving the plan in 2003 in a bid to contain Iranian influence by strengthening Iran's neighbors.
Air Force chief resigns amid criticism over jet crash, golf outing
RoKAF Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Sung-il has offered to resign after receiving criticism for playing golf while the country was mourning the death of a Korean soldier in Afghanistan. He also took responsibility for the KF-16 crash in February that has been attributed to poor maintenance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force defends new tracking system after test complaints
The U.S. Air Force says the Battle Control System-Fixed is a big improvement over older equipment, despite a Pentagon test report that complained the new system is difficult to use.
Argentina gets U.S., China, France radar bids amid safety worry
Argentina has received four bids from Chinese companies CETC International Co. Ltd. and CEIC, U.S. company Traktel S.A., and Thales Raytheon Systems SAS, a joint venture between French firm Thales SA and U.S. company Raytheon Co. for four 3D airspace defense radars.
Withdrawal of Cheetah and Chetak Helicopters
The Indian Army is withdrawing its Chetak and Cheetah helicopters from service due to their age. They have become inadequate for the present operational requirement of the Indian Army.
A tender is currently being conducted to select a new helicopter. Both Bell and Eurocopter are bidding in it. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Two MiG-29 fighters collide over southern Russia
Two Russian Air Force MiG-29s collided in mid-air during a training flight in the southern Rostov region on Wednesday. The crash occurred near the Millerovo airfield, about 220 kilometers north of the regional center, Rostov-on-Don.
Seasprite choppers cancelled
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson will recommend to the National Security Committee next Tuesday that the Project Sea 1411, the Super Seasprite program, be canceled. It is understood that Nelson would like to seek $1.5 billion for the Eurocopter NH-90.
Kaman has issued a statement criticizing the move, saying that canceling the project will create a capability gap as the NH-90 is not available till 2009. It also disputed the Australian government's view that the project is behind schedule.
ADF eyes $1 billion Italian aircraft deal
Australia is likely to buy between 10 and 12 C-27J Spartans to replace the Australian Defence Force's ageing DHC-4 Caribou fleet. The C-27J Spartan, which is now at the Avalon airshow, will soon visit RAAF bases in Townsville, Amberley and Richmond. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China Expresses Satisfaction on JF-17 Induction in PAF
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told his Pakistani colleague Khurshid M. Kasuri in Beijing on Tuesday that China is pleased with the induction of two JF-17 Thunder aircraft in Pakistan Air Force.
Major Upgrades For Canada's CF-18s
Phase two testing of upgrades to Canada's CF-18 Hornet jets is almost completed and most of the crew are leaving China Lake, California for home. The second phase of upgrades includes the addition of JHMCS and ALE-47. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) and main displays are upgraded as well. External Link | | Permalink | |
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For sale: air-to-air missile, never used
A Skyflash air-to-air missile is being auctioned off at Woolley and Wallis auction house in Salisbury, Wilts, on Apr. 3. The decommissioned missile has been chromed and set on a stand. Its warhead has been removed and is expected to fetch £20,000. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force expects future airlift fleet to exceed 300 planes
The U.S. Air Force has admitted that current plans for strategic airlift are not adequate to meet the needs of a growing Army and Marine Corps ground force. Chief of Staff Michael Moseley told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he envisioned the future airlift fleet exceeding 300 planes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MIG 27-Inside Story
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense has issued this press release to clarify claims that its purchase of MiG-27s were tainted by corruption.
AF Grounded U-2s For Safety Concern
The U.S. Air Force grounded its U-2 worldwide last week due to fuel leaks found in at least three of the high-flying aircraft. All of them have leaks in their sump tanks caused by a chafed wiring bundle next to the fuel tank. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Army to examine helicopter crash
The British Army is to carry out an investigation into why one of its Lynx helicopter crashed in Northern Ireland on Sunday. The crash happened just before 1800 GMT on Sunday at Foxfield Road, near an army base and a housing estate.
Litening III now in RAF service, says UK chief of air staff
RAF's chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, revealed to Janes that the Tornado GR.4 have been operating over Iraq with the Litening III since mid-February.
Osprey helicopter nears overseas deployment
The V-22 Osprey's first overseas deployment is expected to be announced by the USMC in early April. Several lawmakers and defense analysts say they strongly suspect the Osprey will head to Iraq this summer or fall. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Guard wants its C-5s to get defensive systems
The C-5 will get defensive systems that allows it to fly into high-risk areas such as Baghdad if a plan by the Air Guard is approved. The Air National Guard is asking for about $200 million in its 2008 unfunded priority list for the upgrades. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MIG-23 is history, bids adieu to IAF
The last four MiG-23MF of the Indian Air Force's 224 Squadron made their last flight yesterday during a ceremony to mark the end of its service. A fifth jet was ceremonially towed in front of the guests. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force Won't Rebid Copter Contract
The U.S. Air Force said Tuesday that it will not reopen the CSAR-X competition but will continue to talk to Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky who protested the contract. Lockheed said in a statement Tuesday the company looked forward to learning more from the Air Force.
A spokesman for Sikorsky, said, "Once the GAO decides the remaining protest issues as the Air Force has requested, we expect the Air Force to take whatever action is necessary to address the significant issues we raised and to complete a full and fair evaluation."
Patriot missiles to protect Tokyo
Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun said Patriot missiles will be deployed in central Tokyo to protect its key facilities under a Defense Ministry plan for emergency situations. The missiles will be transported to Japan Self-Defense Forces garrisons in Nerima and Ichigaya in Tokyo from the Air SDF Iruma base in southern Saitama Prefecture. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Upgraded C-5s vs. New C-17s
The USAF needs to make a decision between buying C-17s and upgrading C-5s and they need to do it now before data is available. Senior officials say data on the Galaxy modernization program will only be out in 2008 but they need to decide now if they want to scrap the modernization and buy more C-17s as the line is closing soon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing JDAM Scores Direct Hit in Extended Range Tests
Two Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapons, each equipped with an Australian-designed and -built modular wing kit, were successfully released from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet during recent flight tests. Photo Credit: Royal Australian Air Force.
Flying at 20,000 feet over the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia, a RAAF F/A-18 released the 500-pound Mk-82 JDAM Extended Range (ER) weapons and scored a direct hit on their respective targets. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin Engineers Observe VSTOL on USS Nassau
More than 10 Lockheed Martin F-35 design engineers came aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) on Mar. 9 to observe AV-8B Harrier vertical short take off and landings (VSTOL). Lockheed Martin used the visit to familiarize the designers of the F-35B with some of the operational and environmental challenges of shipboard life. External Link | | Permalink | |
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国防科工委主任张云川:自造航母准备工作顺利
A Chinese official has admitted that China is actively exploring the construction of an aircraft carrier. Zhang Yunchuan told reporters that China is building a carrier from scratch and not converting an old one. External Link | | Permalink | |
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恢復幻象對地攻擊 我向法求援
Taiwan has approached France to restore the ground attack capabilities of its Mirage 2000 fleet. But the RoCAF is not confident that the French will help due to fears of angering China. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Typhoon to battle F-15K in Seoul
Its going to be the Boeing F-15 versus the Eurofighter Typhoon in South Korea's F-X fighter contest. Only officials from both companies attended a compulsory presentation conducted by South Korea's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Minister's plane speaking
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson flew in a F/A-18F Super Hornet yesterday over Melbourne. "It was absolutely fantastic and a phenomenal experience," he said after his flight.
Raytheon to Provide Threat Protection Systems for RAAF F/A-18
After wasting taxpayer's money on an incompatible system, Australia has decided to select Raytheon's ALR-67(V)3 for its F/A-18 Hornets. The RAAF intends to procure 66 ALR-67(V)3 systems as part of the Hornet Upgrade Program.
Tanker Contest To Focus On Schedule, Boeing Says
Mark McGraw, Boeing's tanker program vice president, says the KC-X competition will primarily focus on risk reduction and meeting deadlines. McGraw added that Boeing's KC-767 proposal should be able to meet any schedule demands.
2007 Blue Angel's Season Begins
The Blue Angels held their first air show for the 2007 season in the Southern California area, Mar. 10. The Blue Angels have more than 66 shows scheduled to appear in 35 different cities for the year of 2007. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Howard's flight makes emergency landing
Watch Australian Prime Minister John Howard scrambling out of an RAAF C-130 in Iraq after it made an emergency landing due to smoke in the cargo bay.
Mr Howard was flying to Baghdad after visiting Australian troops serving in southern Iraq. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Operates with JMSDF Ships
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRCSG) took part in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Philippine Sea March 16-18. JMSDF ships participating in the PASSEX were the JS Myoko (DDG 175), JS Hamagiri (DD 155), JS Yuugiri (DD 153) and JS Haruna (DDH 141). In addition to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), U.S. Navy ships participating in the exercise were USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Three US B-52 bombers to visit Australia
Three B-52 bombers will visit Australia this week as part of the ongoing Australia-US Strategic Bomber Training Program. Two will use the Delamere bombing range in the Northern Territory and the other will be part of the flying display at the Avalon Airshow. External Link | | Permalink | |
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翔昇雙座機 昨成功首飛
AIDC's dual-seat upgraded F-CK-1 IDF fighter has made its maiden flight Mar. 15. It was escorted by an AT-3 trainer. The aircraft took off at 10:08 and the flight lasts 30 minutes.
Japan considers the Eurofighter
Japan's defence ministry is taking a close look at the Eurofighter as it shops for a new jet to replace its F-4s. People familiar with the negotiations said a decision could be made in six months but military analysts said it could be a ploy to press the U.S. on price and access to highly sensitive technology.
Yet another milestone for LCA
The first Light Combat Aircraft limited series production (LSP-1) aircraft successfully complete its low speed taxi trial on Saturday. A total of eight limited series production aircraft will be produced. External Link | | Permalink | |
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INS Viraat not to anchor before 2012
The Indian Navy hopes to extend the service life of INS Viraat till 2012. This will allow India to have two carrier battle groups till the indigenous carrier enters service in 2012-13. A study group said that its possible to extend the service life subject to certain repairs being undertaken in addition to routine periodic maintenance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Mountain Home says goodbye to F16 Squadron
An F-16 from the 389th flew in formation with an F-15E at Mountain Home Air Force Base to mark the symbolic departure of the F-16 from Mountain Home.
Five of the remaining F-16s will leave for the South Carolina Air National Guard on Mar. 29. External Link | | Permalink | |
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L-39 crash at Titusville home video
Home Video capturing the final moments of the L-39 that crashed during the first day of Tico Warbird Airshow in Titusville, Florida.
Hunter helicopter battalions going to Iraq early
Pentagon has approved the deployment of U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division combat aviation brigade to Iraq 45 days ahead of schedule. The brigade, which includes two Apache helicopter battalions and two Blackhawk helicopter battalions, will support the extra combat units being sent to Iraq. External Link | | Permalink | |
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F-16 fighter best suited for IAF: US official
Bruce S. Lemkin, U.S. deputy under secretary of the Air Force, told Indian officials that the F-16 is best for the IAF for inter-operability between the air forces of the two countries in the fight against global terrorism. Lemkin also questioned why the IAF was considering aircraft like the F-18 when the RFI was for a single-engine jet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Army copter pilot takes to the sky for show
The U.S. Army's Sky Soldiers precision flying team will be performing at the Florida International AirShow Spring Extravaganza next weekend.
The 11-member team flies four AH-1 helicopters in a variety of flying formations -- from attack dives to starbursts. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Saturday, March 17, 2007
L-39 Crash At Airshow In Titusville
A civilian L-39 Albatross has crashed during the TICO Warbird Air Show at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida on Friday. Radar Vector has a video of the crash.
Army says Iraq chopper crash was accident
An investigation report obtained by The Associated Press on the crash of a U.S. Black Hawk in Iraq on Jan. 7 last year said the helicopter was unlikely to be shot down. The eight U.S. soldiers and four American civilians aboard died instantly or shortly after impact, the report from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US agrees to meet Russia experts over missile defense issue - Totsky
Russia's ambassador to NATO Konstantin Totsky said Friday that Washington has tentatively consented to holding a meeting with Russian experts for discussing the installation of an anti-missile system in Europe. The U.S. gave consent at a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council on Feb. 28. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Air Force Awards Northrop Grumman $287 Million Contract for Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Systems
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $287 million contract for the next production lot (Lot 5) of RQ-4 Global Hawk. The contract includes five air vehicles, one mission control element, one launch and recovery element, four enhanced integrated sensor suites (EISS) and sustaining support.
Four of the five air vehicles will be in the Block 30 configuration with one in the Block 40 configuration. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Finmeccanica Ready to Upgrade Bulgarian Choppers
Finmeccanica said on Thursday it was ready to upgrade Bulgaria's 12 Mi-24 attack and six Mi-17 transport helicopters after a similar deal with Elbit was canceled this month. Finmeccanica's senior vice president Guiseppe Maresca said Finmeccanica has an agreement with Rosoboronexport for permissions to make the upgrades. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Indian Army's advice on Bell-407, Eurocopter accepted
The Indian Army has completed trials of the Bell-407 and Eurocopter helicopters and the results have been sent to the government. No winner was announced though.
Lockheed: We can meet copter deadline
Lockheed Martin assured the U.S. Air Force on Thursday that it can meet a 2012 delivery date for the CSAR-X program even if the award is delayed until later this year with the reopening of the bidding round.
U.S., Israel Hone Missile Defenses
The THAAD system took part in its first Juniper Cobra drill in Israel. The ongoing computer simulated exercise ends on Mar. 20. U.S. forces also used actual data from the U.S. Navy's Aegis combat system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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'Friendly fire' killing unlawful
A British coroner on Friday ruled that a U.S. "friendly fire" attack by A-10s that killed a British soldier in Iraq was unlawful and criminal. Andrew Walker said the 2003 death was "entirely avoidable" and there were many errors that resulted in the incident which left four other British soldiers wounded.
The U.S. State Department later rejected the coroner's conclusion saying it was a "tragedy" during a time of war.
General Atomics BAMS UAV contender will retain weapons capability
General Atomics says its MQ-9 Predator B on offer for the US Navy broad area maritime surveillance (BAMS) competition will be weapons-capable despite there being no strike role in the programme requirements.
Boeing expects Italy will buy 16-20 new Chinook helicopters
Boeing told Dow Jones Newswires that it expects Italy will buy 16-20 new CH-47F Chinook helicopters. Italy is expected to buy through Boeing's joint production agreement with Finmecccanica SpA with AgustaWestland as the prime contractor and Boeing as the lead subcontractor.
Taiwan may sell F-5E fighter jets overseas - report
Taiwan's Liberty Times reported that Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala and Chile are interested parties in acquiring 40 mothballed RoCAF F-5E fighter jets. The paper said the Defence Ministry was currently evaluating the sale but the sale is subjected to approval by Washington.
Mig-23 MF to say good bye to IAF from Jamnagar airbase of Gujarat
The MiG-23MF fighters of the Indian Air Force will make its final flight on Mar. 20. Four of the squadron's five remaining MiG-23MF will take to the sky for one last time. Two will retire at Jamnagar and Vadodara in Gujarat, one with the Indian Air Force Academy Hyderabad, another at IAF Museum Palam and the fifth with the Indian Army. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Britain Nears OK on Aircraft Contract
Britain's Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that it is close to concluding the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program. Under the deal, the air refueling needs of the Royal Air Force for the next 27 years will be met under a lease arrangement held by the AirTanker consortium. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing-led Airborne Laser Team Fires Tracking Laser at Airborne Target
The Airborne Laser (ABL) weapon system's tracking laser fired in-flight at an airborne target for the first time on Mar. 15. The ABL used its infrared sensors to find the simulated missile exhaust generated by an instrumented target board located on the U.S. Air Force's NC-135E Big Crow test aircraft. The ABL aircraft then pointed and fired its track illuminator laser (TILL) at the target to gather target-tracking data. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Polecat Crash Sets Back LM UAV efforts
Lockheed Martin has disclosed that its P-175 Polecat UAV demonstrator had crashed in December. An irreversible unintentional failure in the flight termination ground equipment, which caused the aircraft's automatic fail-safe flight termination mode to activate on Dec. 18 at the Nevada Test and Training Range. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Friday, March 16, 2007
News 13 F-22 Tyndall Air Force Base Video
This is a copy from News 13's preview of the F-22 aerial display at Tyndall Air Force Base for those who have difficulty watching it.
Ford will need fewer sailors
Thanks to Isaac for sending in this. The new Gerald Ford class aircraft carrier will operate with a 22 percent smaller crew than the Nimitz-class of carriers. The ship will operate with only 4,411 sailors. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Is new bunker buster too big for the job?
Some observers are saying that the Massive Ordnance Penetrator on a B-2 may not be useful in penetrating deeply buried bunkers. The bomb is not proven to penetrate deep into the ground and each B-2 can only carry two bombs.
With only 21 bombers available, the USAF is strained to find bombers required to be reconfigured for the new bomb.
Air Force Boeing 757 Heads For Upgrade
The first of two RNZAF 757 has left New Zealand for an eight month Modification Programme at Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile, Alabama, and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems in Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft will get a new forward cargo door and rear air stairs as well as avionics upgrades. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bombardier may be added to fleet for testing
The USAF hopes to get a Bombardier Challenger 604 next year if there are sufficient funds. It would be used by the Air Force Flight Standards Agency as a test bed to evaluate new communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management equipment. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pentagon worries about aircraft, vehicle industry
A Pentagon report obtained by Reuters on Wednesday said that Boeing's future in the fighter/attack and transport segments is questionable. The industrial base infrastructure at Long Beach, California and St. Louis, Missouri, may have insufficient business to continue in place due to winding down of the C-17 line and the Super Hornet production in 2011. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RAF's new command structure
The RAF's Personnel and Training Command and Strike Command will merge to form a single Air Command on Apr. 1.
CVW-14 CAG Reaches Career Milestone, Makes 1,000th Arrested Landing
The commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 joined the prestigious ranks of the "1,000 trap" club aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on Mar. 15, joining a select few who can claim membership. Capt. Richard "Rhett" Butler achieved his 1,000th carrier-arrested landing while flying an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115. He caught the No. 2 arresting wire aboard Ronald Reagan at approximately 3:15 p.m. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Actions by China, North Korea Focus Attention on East Asian Missile Defenses
The United States Asia Pacific Council (USAPC) at East-West Center Washington recently conducted a wide-ranging interview with Admiral Dennis C. Blair who served as U.S. Commander in Chief Pacific (CINCPAC) from 1999 to 2002. The following is a transcript of that interview.
EADS Fighter Jet Unit Signs $5.3M Deal
Hellenic Aerospace Industry will produce a part of the air intake system for all Eurofighters through 2013 as a bid by EADS to convince the Greek government to procure the Eurofighter Typhoon. Johann Heitzmann, chief executive of EADS Military Air Systems, said Greece is welcomed to become an integrated partner in the Eurofighter program. External Link | | Permalink | |
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'Raptor' Unveiling at Air Show
WMBB News 13 got a preview of the F-22s aerial demonstration for the upcoming airshow at Tyndall. Flash video available at the end of the article.
QinetiQ completes modified LITENING III pod UOR
QinetiQ has successfully integrated a LITENING III pod onto the Tornado GR4 as an urgent requirement for Op TELIC. The work commenced in September 2006 and the resulting operational capability was delivered in theatre at the end of January 2007. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Resolution Of Copter Bid Issues Sought
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said Tuesday he would like to find a way to avoid re-bidding the CSAR-X competition. Wynne said that re-bidding would be too expensive for the industry and that he wants to avoid a second round of protests.
OECD worried by BAE probe
Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Wednesday it was still concerned by a British decision last year to drop a corruption probe into a defence deal with Saudi Arabia.
S. Korea, Germany in talks for deal on Patriot missiles
A senior German defense official arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for talks on the sale of second-hand Patriot missiles to South Korea. South Korea plans to buy 48 advanced Patriot missiles, launch modules and relevant radar systems from Germany beginning in 2008 under the SAM-X project. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UN finds evidence that suggests Russians fired on Georgian villages
A United Nations observer mission in Georgia on Tuesday opened an investigation into missile attacks in three remote Georgian villages, and the initial evidence suggested that Russian Mi-24s were involved. Georgian officials claimed on Monday that only experienced and well-trained pilots could have made some of the shots, they said, as the approach to the targets required flying in darkness with night-vision goggles through a narrow and often fog-bound gorge. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Crew unaware of chopper's narrow escape
An Australian Chinook helicopter came under fire while flying low over an Afghan village and neither the crew nor a U.S. Chinook following behind were aware of it. The incident came to light after footage shot by a cameraman on board showed a tracer round or a rocket-propelled grenade missing the aircraft by 20 metres. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. helicopter makes emergency landing with no injuries
An American CH-47 carrying eight soldiers made an emergency landing at Gokseong, South Korea on Mar. 13. The Chinook was on its way back to Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, from Changpyeong, South Jeolla Province, on Tuesday night when it develop a technical problem. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Two JF-17 Thunder fighter jets arrive in Pakistan for test
China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) said on Wednesday that two JF-17s have arrived in Pakistan for further flight tests and evaluation by the Pakistan Air Force. The arrival ceremony of the aircraft was held at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra on March 12, CATIC said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAF-USAF rematch in American skies
The Indian Air Force could be attending Red Flag 2008 and they might bring their Su-30MKI there. They will send observers this year and they will send six fighters, two transport aircraft and an IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft next year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Air Force Ask GAO to Reopen Helicopter Decision
The U.S. Air Force has asked the Government Accountability Office to re-examine its decision to uphold a protest to award the CSAR-X contract to Boeing. The service had asked GAO to examine over 20 issues raised by the Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin but not addressed by GAO in its initial ruling last month.
Emergency airdrop sustains combat ops in Afghanistan
A USAF C-130 dropped 24 55-gallon drums of fuel to the 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division in Afghanistan eight hours after receiving the call.
Harriers touch down on HMS Illustrious
Seven GR9 Harriers from IV (Four) Squadron Joint Force Harrier touched down on HMS Illustrious last week. The first GR9 was flown on board by Wing Commander Ian Duguid, Commanding Officer of IV Squadron. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Prepares First U.S. Military ScanEagle Crews
Boeing has graduated its first U.S. military ScanEagle crews from its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Training Center in Clovis, New Mexico. The airmen, assigned to the U.S. Air Force 820th Security Forces Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., include three operators, two maintainers, a mission commander and a sensor operator. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin Delivers First C-130J For Air Mobility Command
Lockheed Martin on Tuesday delivered the first C-130J Super Hercules to an Air Mobility Command active duty combat delivery unit. After accepting the new C-130J, General Duncan McNabb, Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), personally flew the aircraft to Little Rock Air Force Base. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Super Hornet Radar Not Ready For Combat
A U.S. Navy operational evaluation of the APG-79 for the Super Hornet on older software (tape H-3) last summer found that it is "not effective and not suitable for combat operations." Senior Navy officials say the radar is now using a new software (tape H-4E) for flight-testing.
The report did praised the design as a "quantum leap" in air-to-air capability. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Trident upgrade under way, MoD admits
Britain's Trident nuclear weapons are being secretly upgraded with a new firing device developed by the Americans. The device - called the Arming, Fusing and Firing (AF&F) system - would make the Trident system more effective because the weapons' power, impact and radioactive fallout could be changed depending on the target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First to depart, six F-117 Nighthawks retire to Tonopah
The first six F-117As that are to be retired flew to Tonopah Test Range on Monday after a send-off ceremony at Holloman. Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander; Lt. Col. Todd Flesch, 8th Fighter Squadron commander; Capt. Joel Thomassee; Lt. Col. Joel Rush; Maj. Mike Cancellare and Capt. Kevin Hall are the pilots. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia to develop new air defence system
Russia's air force chief said on Tuesday that Russia is working on a new generation air defence system that would go further than the existing S-400 system. "We are moving to the creation of a new system of anti-aircraft defence which will significantly surpass the capabilities of the S-400," Mikhailov said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing-Missile Defense Works Better Than Expected
Scott Fancher, Boeing's vice president and program director of the ground-based midcourse (GMD) missile defense system, said the system proved more reliable than expected and required less maintenance when it went on alert for a prolonged period last summer before a series of North Korean missile tests. "The system was much more robust than we had hoped," he said, referring to its software and memory banks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing KC-767 Tanker Offloads Fuel to F-15E
A Boeing KC-767 Tanker aircrew transfers fuel to the first F-15E ever produced. During the March 6 flight test, the aircrew demonstrated the stability of the new tanker's advanced boom by making multiple contacts with the F-15E and passing 5,500 lbs. of fuel. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Selects Pratt & Whitney Engines for KC-767 Advanced Tanker
Boeing has reached an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the price and terms under which it will supply engines for the KC-767 Advanced Tanker. As a result, Pratt & Whitney becomes eligible to supply its PW4062 engines if Boeing is awarded the U.S. Air Force KC-X contract later this year.
French Rafale Heading to Afghanistan
The French rushed strike capable Rafales to Dushanbe, Tajikistan and FNS Charles de Gaulle in order to participant in any action over Afghanistan.
Nellis F-16 crashes on approach to test range
An F-16 assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School crashed Mar. 12 at 8:50 p.m. near the end of the runway while on approach to the Tonopah Test Range Airfield. The pilot ejected safely and there were no reports of any injuries or damage to property on the ground. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Monday, March 12, 2007
No news tomorrow
I'm off to Bangkok for holiday. News will continue on Wednesday.
India to upgrade MiG-29 jets to boost fighter fleet
The Indian Air Force will upgrade 78 of its MiG-29s as part of urgent measures to compensate for a rapid depletion of its fighter fleet. Three MiG-29 squadron jets will get their service life extended from 25 to 40 years.
The MiG-29 upgrade will include installing beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, new Klimov-33 engines with digital fuel injection, Phazotron Zhuk-ME phased array radar, an all- glass cockpit and aerial refuelling prods. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Islamic State of Iraq video attempts to exploit Air Force major's death
USAF statement on the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization trying to release a video on Maj. Troy Gilbert's death. Major Gilbert was killed Nov. 27, 2006, when his F-16C crashed while he was supporting Coalition ground combat operations approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. External Link | | Permalink | |
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省道也有戰備跑道 就在屏鵝公路
China Times reports on the other highways in Taiwan that can be converted to emergency runways.
戰機起降高速公路 再度操兵
Taiwan will carry out its second highway take off and landing exercise on May 25. The first exercise was carried out on Jul. 21 2004. The type of aircraft taking part is not known. The total length of the highway being used is 2.5KM.
LDP OKs interceptor missile authority
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a guideline Friday stipulating when the defense minister can order the launch of interceptor missiles in the event of an attack without having to gain the prime minister's approval. The guideline came as the JSADF is preparing to deploy the PAC-3 ASDF base in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture later this month. External Link | | Permalink | |
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All British Apache units to be based together at Wattisham
The British Army's Apache attack helicopters will be based together at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk later this year. 659 Squadron Army Air Corps and 669 Squadron Army Air Corps with their Lynx will swap with 656 Squadron Army Air Corps and 664 Squadron Army Air Corps. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. missile shield could split Europe: Chirac
French President Jacques Chirac said on Friday that U.S. plans to base a missile defense system in eastern Europe could reopen old divisions on the continent. "We should be very careful not to head toward new lines of division in Europe and a return to an out-dated order," Chirac told a news conference. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing chief confident of USAF order
Boeing chief Jim McNerney said he believes that the CSAR-X competition is unlikely to be resubmitted for competition. "I do not think there will be a full-blown re-compete on the helicopter competition," Mr McNerney said.
Air Force Programs Late, Over Budget, Audit Finds
The GAO found that four of the U.S. Air Force's largest transport plane programs are behind schedule and over their target cost by a total of almost $1 billion. It said the four programs "failed at basic systems-engineering practices." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Theodore Roosevelt Moves to Shipyard
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) made a four-hour plus transit of the Elizabeth River in Hampton Roads on March 7, on her way to Norfolk Naval Ship Yard for a nine-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA).
House to push ban on F-14 parts sale
A member of the House Armed Services Committee wants to introduce a bill in the House to ban the sale of surplus parts for the F-14. This mirrors a Senate bill introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden in January. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Gripen corruption probe deepens
Czech police have reopen investigations into acquisition of Gripen fighters after former Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Kavan was caught on hidden camera by Swedish Television saying politicians from all major parties were involved in corruption.
Dems Leverage Jet Deal Against Pakistan
Three U.S. Democratic senators have put up a nonbinding resolution threatening to withhold delivery of F-16s to Pakistan if it does not intensify its campaign against terrorists.
GAO says Air Force must justify tanker cargo needs
The U.S. Government Accountability Office told Congress on Tuesday the U.S. Air Force failed to analyze any passenger and cargo needs in its tanker competition. Without such analyses, "the Air Force is at risk of spending several billion dollars unnecessarily," the GAO said in a report it sent to congressional lawmakers. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Two Yemeni jets crash in restive province
Two Yemeni MiG-29s crashed on landing Wednesday at an airfield in the volatile northern province of Saada. Both jets burst into flames as they made an emergency landing on an unpaved runway and they pilots survived with injuries. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Putting the "Big Sting" on the Super Hornet!
Test pilots from VX-9 Vampires will visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Mar. 14 to explain how VX-9 readies the latest air-to-ground smart bombs for use by U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. They will also talk about plans for introduction of the F-35. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russian Aircraft Takes to Canadian Skies Supporting International Treaty
A Russian aircraft carrying 28 Russian military officials will fly over Canadian territory in order to observe and verify objects of interest, including military installations, industrial complexes, population centres and transportation facilities. The aerial observation mission comes under the Treaty on Open Skies. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Carrier Strike Group Wraps Up Joint Exercise
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 took their final steps toward deployment as they completed the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) Mar. 2.
Boeing KC-767 Tanker Completes First Fuel Offload to Receiver
The Boeing KC-767 Tanker has transferred fuel for the first time to another aircraft on Mar. 5. During a four-hour flight over Southern California, the KC-767 aircrew connected the new tanker's boom to a B-52 73 times and successfully offloaded approximately 10,000 lbs. of fuel to the receiver. External Link | | Permalink | |
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House panel to deny F-35, EA-18 airplane funds
The U.S. House Appropriations panel said its bill will deny the Bush administration's request for money to buy two Air Force F-35 purchases and five of the six EA-18G.
EADS CASA delivers first C-295 to Finland
EADS CASA delivered the first of two C-295 to the Finnish Air Force during the celebration of the 89th anniversary of the Finnish Air Force at Tikkakoski Air Base on Mar. 6. Finland has a purchase option for another five C-295s. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fort Sam commemorates first military flight
Three vintage Stearman aircraft flew over Fort Sam Houston's parade ground March 2 to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the first military aerial flight. It was here U.S. Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois boarded the "Signal Corps 'Aeroplane' No. 1" in 1910 and circled Fort Sam Houston's MacArthur Parade Field. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, March 08, 2007
US Air Force Must Inform GAO on Boeing Deal
The U.S. Government Accountability Office said it has given the Air Force had 60 days to comply with its ruling urging the service to reopen the CSAR-X competition. GAO rulings are nonbinding, but the agency told the Air Force it had to adopt the recommendations fully within 60 days or notify GAO that did not plan to do so.
NRO spy satellite may be total loss: sources
Reuters is reporting that the experimental L-21 classified spy satellite is likely to be reported as a total loss. Efforts to restore its ability to communicate failed repeatedly over the past three month.
The National Reconnaissance Office was launched successfully on Dec. 14 but has been out of touch since reaching its low-earth orbit.
The satellite carried sophisticated cameras to take high-resolution pictures and test equipment intended for use on the broader Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) program.
Equiping the Army with new system of guns
Indian Defence Minister Shri AK Antony said the Indian Army will be getting new attack and utility helicopters during the 11th and 12th Plans. The helicopters include Advanced Light Helicopters (Utility Version), Advanced Light Helicopters (Weapon System Integration), Tactical Battle Field Support Helicopter and state-of-the-art Attack helicopters. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAF receives largest Heron UAV - the Shoval
We first report about the Eitan UAV earlier this year and the UAV-to-UAV refueling system being develop by Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. This article provides the first evidence of the link between the two. Related Articles
Westward Ho as Ark invades
HMS Ark Royal with its 600 Royal Marines and Chinnook and Seaking helicopters are carrying out a mock invasion of Devon and Cornwall. The exercise is part of an intensive operational sea training to return the ship for active duty following a £20m refit. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China says aircraft carrier possible by 2010: paper
A Chinese general told Beijing-funded Hong Kong Wen Wei Po newspaper that China could build its first aircraft carrier by 2010 if current research and development proceeds smoothly. The paper did not give the name of the general or any other details.
Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins
The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb at Edwards Air Force Base in February. Photo by Darin Russell.
Jeff Randolph, flight test engineer for The Boeing Company's Small Diameter Bomb program, said four SDBs and its BRU-61 carriage can be loaded in each weapon bay of the Raptor. This enables the F-22 to carry a total of eight SDB weapons in addition to two AMRAAMs.
Feds seize retired F-14s seized from SoCal museums, TV company
U.S. government officials have seized four retired F-14 fighter jets that authorities said were improperly transferred from the Navy to two air museums and the company that produced the TV show "JAG." Video from KTLA.
According to Tomcat-Sunset, the BuNos. are 162607, 160928, 160671, 158985.
Two of the fighters are from the Yanks Air Museum and one from the Planes of Fame air museum, both at the Chino Airport. The last one was seized from an airport in Victorville and is owned by an El Mirage aviation company.
Investigators said the jets were not demilitarized and were improperly sold or transferred to private companies. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force scraps stealth missile fleet
The U.S. Air Force has decided to retire the AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile, the most modern and capable nuclear cruise missile in the U.S. arsenal. The decision was brought to light by Hans M. Kristensen, director of the nuclear information project at the Federation of American Scientists, after he noticed that funds for the program were cut in the Air Force budget request for 2008. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong for Port Visit
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (RRSG) arrived in Hong Kong March 7 for a scheduled port visit, offering Sailors a chance to participate in cultural exchanges, goodwill generating activities and build friendships.
Boeing Prepares U.S. Air Force Crews for C-130 AMP
Boeing has begun training U.S. Air Force flight crews and maintenance personnel in a key step in preparation for the fielding of C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) aircraft in 2010. Flight crew training consists of more than 50 hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours in Boeing's System Integration Lab (SIL). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force receives new UAVs
IAI will deliver a batch of Mahad 2 UAVs to the Israeli Air Force during an official ceremony at the Palmahim Air Force base on Wednesday afternoon.
3rd serial Su-34 fighter-bomber to take to the skies in November
The third serial-production Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber will make its maiden flight in November 2007. Fyodor Zhdanov, general director of the Chkalov Aircraft Production Association in Novosibirsk, in West Siberia said, "We are working on three Su-34 aircraft at present and one of them is almost ready for delivery." External Link | | Permalink | |
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B-52 to be celebrated on Discovery Channel
The B-52 bomber will be featured on the Discovery Channel in "Weapons That Changed the World," which will premiere at 10 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
Wynne Suggests Smaller Buy Of C-17s
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne is considering an option to continue C-17 buys but at a harply lower production rate than desired by Boeing.
New study sees rise in F-35 prices if 2 engines developed
A new study sponsored by Pratt & Whitney said the cost of the F-35 will soar if the Pentagon keeps both of its engine development programs. The study by Whitney, Bradley and Brown Inc., an independent research firm, says this will make engines more expensive by limiting savings from bulk purchases. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ivan Safronov Was Killed
Russian daily Kommersant said their reporter, Ivan Safronov, was killed while trying to uncover a plan by Russia to sell sophisticated missiles to Syria and Iran. Safronov told his editors that he had uncovered information on the sale of Su-30 fighter jets to Syria and S-300V missiles to Iran while attending IDEX 2007 arms exhibition in UAE.
He later told colleagues that he had found information that more contracts had been signed between Russia and Syria for the sale of MiG-29 jets and Pantsir-S1 and Iskander-E missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Raytheon: Rival lured staff, stole technology
Raytheon has sued rival FLIR Systems Inc., accusing it of usurping lucrative contracts by luring away workers, infringing four patents, and stealing technology used in infrared cameras. Raytheon said in a complaint filed Mar. 2 in federal court in Sherman, Texas that Indigo Systems Corp, a company setup by a former high-ranking Raytheon executive, which was bought over by FLIR in 2004, has hired away dozens of Raytheon employees who know its trade secrets. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thunderbolts, Sidewinders Return to Big E
VMFA-251 and VFA-86 returned to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) (Big E) Feb. 25 for three weeks of training. Both of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., squadrons were aboard Enterprise last year for a historic six-month deployment, which included a two-month tour in Iraq. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Typhoon Reaches New Capability Milestone
Four ASRAAM were successfully launched by RAF Typhoon F2s of No 3 (Fighter) Sqn from Feb. 26 to Mar. 2. These successful firings represent a further step towards Typhoon's planned take over of the southern element of the United Kingdom's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) air defence stance, which 3 (F) Squadron will undertake from the middle of this year (2007). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing-built AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopters Make Debut in Kuwait
Six Boeing-builtAH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters for the Kuwait air force debuted yesterday in Kuwait during a rollout ceremony. The helicopters are part of a 16-aircraft order signed in 2002 between Kuwait's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise
B-52s from from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew 18-hour missions to participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. The trip from Guam to the exercise area and back often exceeded 18 hours of continuous flight and required two air refuelings for the 6,880-nautical mile journey. External Link | | Permalink | |
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戚發軔：打衛星技術可攻航母
Qi Faren, chief designer of the Shenzhou spacecraft, said China's technology used in the anti-satellite missile test could be adopted to strike aircraft carriers as well.
雄風2E上月試射 可威脅滬、深
United Daily News reported that Taiwan secretly tested the Hsiungfeng 2E missiles early last month which was attended by President Chen Shui-bian. The missile is reported to have a range of 1,000 kilometers.
Air Tattoo Stages Largest USAF Tribute
This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo will host Europe’s largest tribute to the United States Air Force on its 60th anniversary. The airshow, which takes place on July 14-15 at RAF Fairford, home of the USAF’s 420th Air Base Group, will feature a wide range of American military aircraft including B-52s, C-17s, B-1B bombers, F-15s, F-117A stealth fighters plus a number of historic aeroplanes such as the legendary P-51 Mustang. The USAF Thunderbirds aerobatics display team, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, will also be making a rare UK appearance. On the ground, there will be the opportunity to meet aircrew and enjoy a wide range of American-themed entertainments including a star-spangled outdoor evening concert.
Airshow organisers will be focusing their 60th anniversary tribute on the close relationship that has built up between the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force since the latter separated from the US Army in 1947. Among the special guests scheduled to join the tribute will be the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Chief of the US Air Force, General T Michael Moseley.
In addition to recognising the USAF’s 60th anniversary, the Air Tattoo will also be marking the 65th anniversary of the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE).
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said he was particularly pleased to be marking the anniversary of an air force that has been instrumental in the success of the airshow.
He said: “It’s quite simple. Without the help and encouragement we have received from the US Air Force during the past 30 years there would be no Air Tattoo. Not only does it send us an incredible range of aircraft year after year but also it makes available its Base and provides valuable logistical support. We hope our tribute will reflect the huge sense of gratitude we feel.”
For further details, please contact Senior Press Officer Richard Arquati on 01285 713300 ext 5361 or email press.man1@rafcte.com External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tributes paid to top WWII pilot
Bill Bond, founder of the Battle of Britain Society, paid tribute to Alex Hensaw by saying he may have been the greatest pilot Britain had seen. Hensaw was Chief Test Pilot at the Spitfire factory in Castle Bromwich, he passed away last week. External Link | | Permalink | |
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俄罗斯称歼-10将成为中国航母舰载机
This Chinese article talks about a Russian research that the new Chinese aircraft carrier will use the J-10 as its main fighter. The "Beijing" class carrier will be 46-50 thousand tons and the Su-33 will be too heavy for the carrier. External Link | | Permalink | |
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S. Korea set to invite bids for new fighter jets
South Korea's defense acquisition agency said today that it will formally invite bids this week from foreign combat aircraft makers for 20 "next-generation" fighter. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said a briefing session will be held on Friday to brief on the purpose of the project and qualifications for a successful bidder. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin Awarded $311 Million Arrowhead Modernized TADS/PNVS Production Contract
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a follow-on production contract for Arrowhead, the new electro-optical system for AH-64 Apache combat helicopter pilots. The Lot 4 agreement authorizes production of 158 Arrowhead kits for some of the remaining U.S. Army and foreign military sales inventory, as well as wartime replacement Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) systems for new aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Poor maintenance caused fighter jet crash: Air Force
Maintenance crew failed to replace cover plates of the KF-16 engine that crash on Feb. 13 with new ones when they last repaired the plane in 2004. Fragments from a broken cover plate damaged and stopped the engine during the flight. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet launch highlights problems
Experts say the F-22s' recent navigation issue is an embarrassment for contractors and the U.S. Air Force. John Pike, president of GlobalSecurity.org, said the deployment was suppose to convince the Japanese the F-22 is what they need to counter China. But the glitches did not help.
Andrew Kornecki, an engineering professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said the event was a wake-up call for engineers to do more testing. External Link | | Permalink | |
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USAF: Let's Just Build the CSAR-X Already
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) may fault the Air Force for an inconsistent selection process in awarding the contract for the CSAR-X, but top Air Force officials say the procurement is simply headed for more protests, and they want to do whatever is necessary to resolve the problem and start building helicopters. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told reporters Feb. 28 after congressional hearings, "I'd like to stay with what we've got."
Maj. Paul "Max" Moga, the F-22 demonstration pilot, said, "the Air Force realizes it's very important that the Raptor demonstrations look different than any other flight profile we've ever done." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Japan, U.S. readying for joint fighter drill
Five USAF F-15s flew from Kadena to JASDF base in Tsuiki, Fukuoka Prefecture Monday as part of a Japan-U.S. plan to disperse some air exercises from Kadena to other parts of Japan. This is the first time the plan has been executed. They will begin a three-day dogfight drill Tuesday, together with the ASDF's four F-15s. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Decades of darkness
Idris Ben-Tahir, an information scientist, and an officer with the RCAF (reserve) writes on the decay of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Russian bombers could suppress U.S. missile shield - general
The commander of the Russian Strategic Air Force said Monday that his bombers could suppress elements of a U.S. missile defense shield should it be deployed in Europe. Lieutenant-General Igor Khvorov said, "All aircraft deployed by strategic aviation can either apply electronic counter-measures against them or physically destroy them." External Link | | Permalink | |
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INS Viraat is a sitting duck
The Indian Navy discovered during its recent month-long Tropex (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercises) that the INS Viraat is vulnerable to an aerial attack. Red Force UAVs and patrol planes were able to close in on the carrier, determine its location and target it. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Elbit Systems $75.2M contract cancelled
Elbit Systems Ltd. said yesterday it finalized the cancellation of its contract with the Bulgarian government to modernize it's Air Force Mi-24s and Mi-17s. Under the terms of the agreement, Elbit Systems will return a portion of its advance payments to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. In lieu of the balance of the payments, Elbit will deliver the equipment already manufactured for the program. External Link | | Permalink | |
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No Fatalities From Marine Helicopter Crash in Kenya
A USMC UH-1N Huey helicopter crashed near Manda Bay, Kenya, during a scheduled training exercise with Kenyan armed forces on Monday. The helicopter from VMM-264 was carrying 6 aboard and they were safely rescued and evacuated to USS Bataan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Monday, March 05, 2007
Line shut down early as people bid goodbye to "Big John"
The U.S. Navy had to shut down the waiting line to visit USS John F. Kenndy at about 9:15 Saturday morning as there wasn't enough time to get anyone else through security.
RAF pilot accused of using Iraq as health farm
An article written by a young female RAF pilot serving in Iraq has been criticized by senior officers. The officers sent in emails venting their anger in a public forum after the article was published in a A Day in the Life column in a Sunday newspaper. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Hot-shot Hornet pilot returns
Boeing's F/A-18F Super Hornet demonstration pilot Ricardo Traven will be back in Australia for the Avalon's Australian International Airshow. Traven would perform on each of the show's three trade days and three public days. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Big E Underway to Conduct Carrier Qualifications
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) left its homeport Feb. 28 for the first time since returning from its regularly scheduled six-month deployment in November. For the next few weeks, Enterprise, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, will conduct carrier qualifications while underway in the Atlantic to maintain combat readiness. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Airman sentenced for throwing frog in F-16 engine
A USAF staff sergeant was sentenced to three months in jail and a bad conduct discharge in a Kunsan Air Base courtroom Friday night for watching and filming two other airmen attempt and threw a small frog into a running F-16 jet engine. The incident came to light after the video was uploaded to the staff sergeant's myspace.com's website.
The entire 8th Fighter Wing fleet had to be grounded so that all engines could be checked for potential problems following the frog toss. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MoD 'failed to act' on Hercules warning
A senior RAF officer said he had tried to ask his superiors in 2002 that explosive suppressant foam be installed in the C-130 fleet. Sqn Ldr Chris Seal said his attempts to alert superior officers to the risks faced by aircraft and crews brought his RAF career to an end and he left the service in 2005. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Teheran agents smuggled in missile that shot down RAF helicopter in Iraq, inquiry finds
A British Army Board of Inquiry concluded that an RAF Lynx helicopter was shot down by a missile smuggled into Iraq by Iranian agents. The Lynx was hit by an Iranian SA14 Strella missile and the helicopter's self-defence systems were working properly at that time.
Naval shipyard workers to retire Kitty Hawk
Workers from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard will soon be traveling to Japan to help retire USS Kitty Hawk and maintain its replacement USS George Washington. USS Kitty Hawk will return to San Diego once USS George Washington takes over. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pakistan military tests missile
A statement from Pakistan's armed forces said it has successfully tested a Hatf-II Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile. The statement did not say where the test took place. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fighter pilots using new ammo in Iraq
The F-16s in Iraq are strafing targets with the new PGU-28A/B 20 mm cannon round. The new round travel longer distances than the old rounds. Pilots can fire the round from more than 1.5 miles from a target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Chief Of Air Staff Inspects The Joint Strike Fighter
RAF Chief of the Air, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy visited Fort Worth, Texas, last month – and had the chance to view a production example of the new F-35. The inspection of the F-35 came during CAS’s visit to the US to join leaders of three other influential air forces to discuss issues and share ideas. External Link | | Permalink | |
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航空自衛隊小松基地
From Asagiri : Photos and comments from five JASDF female ground support personnel at Komatsu Air Base. I wonder if other bases got such cute chicks.
Western Pilots Learn to Fly the Kremenchug Way
American, British, Singaporean, Pakistani and even Afghani pilots are sent by their Ministry of Defense to the Ukrainian town of Kremenchug learning to fly Mi-17/Mi-171s on simulators.
Blame Placed in Ecuador Helicopter Crash
The Ecuadorian military helicopter that crash while flying Ecuador's first female defense minister was flown by pilots who were not trained for night flying. The investigation also found that the crew was exhausted from two 14-hour days of training before the flight. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. urged to reject Taiwan missile sale
Newly installed U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte was pressed by China on Saturday to withdraw a proposed sale of AMRAAMS and Mavericks to Taiwan. Negroponte was in Beijing as part of a three-nation Asia tour focused on North Korea and regional security. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iraqi Air Force shows off rebuilt Huey helicopters
Iraq's defence minister said on Saturday that Iraq's Air Force should have 50 to 60 helicopters by the end of the year, including 28 new Russian aircraft. Sixteen of them are Hueys donated by Jordan. They are refitted with modern avionics and new engines in the United States at a cost of $3.5 million each, funded by Washington.
New helmet gives pilots the edge
See Capt. Jeremey Wimer, an 18th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, check out his new helmet with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System. Several pictures in the article. I know you guys love photos. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. picks new warhead design
A team from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been selected to a new generation of nuclear warheads. The new warheads may be ready by 2012 as a replacement for Trident missiles on submarines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Osprey squadron completes training
VMM-263's MV-22 recently took part in an exercise to seize an airfield. All it took was just three minutes for the Ospreys to swoop down, unload the Marines and take-off.
China expands sub fleet
A report from the Office of Naval Intelligence says China is building five new nuclear missile boats outfitted with new 5,000-mile range JL-2 missile. This is the first time the Pentagon has identified the number of new Chinese strategic submarines under construction. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ukraine modernizing MIG-29 fighter
Ukraine's budget for this year has allocated $1.5mil to study the upgrading of its MiG-29 fighters. Ukraine wants to extend the fighter's service life to 35-40 years and add another 20 for the engines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Germany Hints NATO Join U.S. Arms Plans
Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung said after a European Union defense ministers' meeting that Washington should integrate the radar and missile interceptors it plans to deploy in Poland and Czech into NATO.
After several visits to American carriers, I now realized how privilege and lucky we were to visit those ships without having to stand for long hours to board them. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Air Force wants tanker bidders to "stay in game"
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley said on Wednesday he hoped the loser of the first contract for 179 tankers to "stay in the game" as there will still be future opportunities. He said continued competition would help keep costs down in the longer run. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Misawa gets missile info processing system
Misawa Air Base, Japan will be getting a Joint Tactical Ground Station that receives and analyzes satellite data on ballistic missile launches.
Making the Best of the Fighter Force
The U.S. Air Force is preparing to fly fighters that will near 50 years old. It will extend the lives of its F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s and keep some of them flying into the 2030s.
Battle over B-52 retirements begins again
The U.S. Air Force and Sen. Byron Dorgan have started their annual battle over the retirement of some B-52 bombers. The Air Force wants to retire 20 bombers to save the money for buying more F-22s and F-35s. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kadena emergency response exercise
Kadena Air Base, Japan on Wednesday practiced for the first time new off-base crash-response guidelines. Here are the pictures.
Shortsighted Midrange Rockets
Mikhail Baranov, science editor, Arms Export magazine, says the Russians are following the Soviets' mistakes by introducing midrange nuclear missiles in Europe. Baranov said that those missiles cannot hit America but American missiles in Europe could easily reach Russia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Delivers First Production Cruise Missile Test Instrumentation Kit
Boeing has delivered the first of 60 production Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) / Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) Test Instrumentation Kits (CATIK) to the U.S. Air Force under a $38 million contract.
Boeing Commercial 767 Ready for Modification into Fourth Italian KC-767 Tanker
The Boeing Company Monday celebrated the delivery of the fourth commercial 767 that will be modified into a KC-767 Tanker for the Italian Air Force. In a brief ceremony at the company's Everett, Wash. facility, Boeing Commercial Airplanes delivered the aircraft to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, who will transform it into an aerial refueling tanker. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force Awards Northrop Grumman Initial E-8C Joint STARS Engine Replacement Contract
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation an initial $12.5 million contract to begin non-recurring engineering work required to replace engines on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft. Last month the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman announced the selection of the Pratt & Whitney/Seven Q Seven team to supply their integrated Propulsion Pod System, which includes the JT8D-219 engine. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, March 01, 2007
USS John F. Kennedy
More than 700 Sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) conduct a tribute to honor the ship’s 38 years of distinguished commissioned service while transiting to Boston for a farewell port visit. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan.
First S-400 missile regiment to go on combat duty in Russia
The S-400 Triumf missile system will be operational in the Moscow Region in the middle of 2007. lexander Lemansky, chief designer at the Almaz Science and Production Association said the new S-400 has twice the firing range and firing capacity of the S-300. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Test squadron demonstrates Sniper pod capability
The USAF 419th Flight Test Squadron recently completed its initial developmental testing of the Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer. The pod was attached to the left hand chin of the aircraft using existing mounting points during testing. The external attach points were initially designed to allow the B-1B to carry cruise missiles externally. These hard points were modified to attach the targeting pod through a pylon assembly. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Aviator sets ironman milestone
A B-1 weapons system officer here recently soared over the 4,500-flying hour milestone while strapped inside his Lancer - a feat impressing many people in the B-1 community. Maj. Wayne Catanzaro, 28th Operations Support Squadron instructor weapons system officer, was flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and on a bombing run. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The Viper Strike weapons were guided to their targets by the Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV) laser targeting system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Turkey, Boeing drifting into major rift over spy planes' delay
Turkey is seeking penalties from Boeing after both failed to resolved their differences on the AEW&C Peace Eagle program. Boeing was supposed to deliver the first plane this year but the program was delayed. Talks have failed to produce a renewed schedule or resolve related disputes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy 'Volkswagon' being phased out
VS-31 is currently on board USS John C. Stennis for its farewell deployment. The squadron is expected to retire in March 2008.
Hercules safety 'still lacking'
The BBC found out that only seven out of the RAF's 48 Hercules were fitted with explosive suppressant foam. The aircraft were being used so intensively in Iraq and Afghanistan it was difficult to take them away from the conflict. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Awarded First Battle "E"
SS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) earned the 2006 Commander Naval Air Force Carrier Battle Efficiency “E” award for the West Coast, the first Battle "E” ever for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
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