 |
 |
 |
 |
||
  |
|
|
#1
1st January 2009, 10:19
|
|||
|
|||
|
Military Aviation News from around the world
Breaking News! Greatly Improved J-10 Fighter First Flight in China
Chengdu, Dec 27 (China Defense Mashup Report) — Several eyewitnesses in Chengdu city prove that a greatly improved J-10 fighter makes its first flight from CAC (Chengdu Aircraft Corporation) internal airport in Huang Tianba (黄田坝). Some spectators say that the eyeable improvements include a DSI inlet, Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) Pod and Tail Wing-tip Integrated Electrical Avionics. Besides, some Internet resources claim that new J-10 has equipped with high-performance AESA radar, modified wing inner structure and stealth in-board pylons. The engine is still the Russian AL-31F, which will be replaced by FADEC AL-31FM3 for better air performance. But China’s WS-10 engine also has opportunity. The flight lasts about 10 minutes and the test pilot is believed to be Liang Wanjun (梁万俊). Although closing to 3.5th+ generation fighters like Typhoon and Rafael, how many new J-10 fighters will be purchansed by PLA Air Force is still one question, because CAC and SAC have entered the drastic competition for PLA’s 5th generation fighter. There always a rumar that CAC will provide prototype fighter before 2012. Choosing New J-10 or investing future combat aircraft ? Who knows! Hi res.pic http://www.china-defense-mashup.com/...08/12/j10g.jpg http://www.china-defense-mashup.com/?p=2191 |
|
#2
1st January 2009, 12:02
|
|||
|
|||
|
Conflicting reports surround Ugandan MiG-21 crash
A Ugandan Air Force MiG-21bis 'Fishbed-L' combat aircraft crashed near Isiro Airport, about 500 km northwest of capital Kampala, on 24 December. http://jdw.janes.com/public/jdw/index.shtml |
|
#4
2nd January 2009, 00:35
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
"mashup" Wonder what the AESA says on the inside, "Raytheon" or "Northrop Grumman".
__________________
“A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” - George Bernard Shaw flag@whitehouse.gov |
|
#5
2nd January 2009, 02:21
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
|
|
#6
2nd January 2009, 20:02
|
|||
|
|||
|
Nigeria: Air Force to Acquire Two Combat Aircraft
Nigerian Air Force has resolved to acquire two new ATR42 combat aircraft early next year to patrol the nation's waterways against piracy and other criminal elements. Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, disclosed this when he paid a working visit to the Logistics Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday. According to the CAS, maritime operation is not the sole responsibility of the Air Force but with the involvement of the Nigerian Maritime Safety and Administration (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and other stakeholders in the industry. To hasten the patrol of the Nigerian coastal waters, the NAF boss said the Federal Government had authorised and also paid for the procurement of the two ATR42 combat Aircraft, which would arrive the country's shore in the coming year. According to him, immediately the Aircraft were delivered, criminals would have no hiding place on the Nigerian territorial waterways. Petinrin noted that his visit to the Logistics Command Headquarters was as a result of its critical importance to the existence of the Armed Forces worldwide. Owing to the success of recent several military operations that bordered on multi-national exercises in Lagos, especially the visit of the U.S. and France Naval ships, the CAS explained that the Air Force played significant roles in the area of communication support during the joint exercises with the Nigerian counterparts. The CAS added that a huge chunk of the 2009 budget earmarked for the Air Force, with the active support of the Federal Government, would be directed on the purchase of new Aircraft, while the grounded ones on its fleets would be brought back in proper shapes. Technically, the Air Force chief said there was no fleet that was completely grounded. However, Petinrin, thanked Mr. President for sharing in the vision of the service, saying the Federal Government has always been supportive in all areas, particularly at resuscitating the Nigerian Air Force and as well, make it combat-ready to defend the territorial integrity of the nation, both internally and externally. He pledged that the agenda of his team to the Federal Government and good people of the country had been to see that the Aircraft fly and fight and be able to deliver. http://allafrica.com/stories/200901020162.html |
|
#8
2nd January 2009, 21:46
|
||||
|
||||
|
That J10 picture is old, and (not very well) photoshopped.
Last known improvement to J10 is a (not very well looking) refuelling probe. Other advances must still be seen, and be more cautious about Chinese news about them. On the other hand... ATR42 described as "combat aircraft"? Then on my last holidays I saw a fighter concentration as D-Day had to be...
__________________
Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? |
|
#9
3rd January 2009, 00:38
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
 I heard that an H-6 variant with DSI inlets has been spotted by anonymous spotters in some region of China  |
|
#10
3rd January 2009, 12:11
|
|||
|
|||
|
P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft Homebasing Announced
The Department of the Navy announced today its decision to provide facilities and functions to base five fleet squadrons of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) with a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., four fleet squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., and three fleet squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, with periodic squadron detachment operations at NAS North Island. This decision implements the preferred homebasing alternative 5 identified in the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the Introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Aircraft into the U.S. Navy Fleet (published November 2008). Introduction of the P-8A MMA squadrons is projected to begin no later than 2012 and be completed by 2019. The notice of availability of the Navy’s record of decision (ROD) was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 31, 2008 and the ROD is available for public viewing on the project Web site at http://www.mmaeis.com along with copies of the FEIS and supporting documents. This action is needed to transition from existing P-3C aircraft to the P-8A MMA while maintaining the Navy’s overall maritime patrol capability supporting national defense objectives and policies without interruption or impediment to operations or combat readiness. Ultimately, this action will include a total of 84 fleet and FRS aircraft. http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/...eleaseid=12420 |
|
#11
5th January 2009, 20:04
|
||||
|
||||
|
More ex-Belgian F-16's and probably A-109's for Jordan?
Jordan is finalising the acquisition of nine more F-16 fighters from the Belgian Government which will be added to the 16 Falcons already acquired from the Air Component by that country. Belgian Minister of Defence Pieter De Crem (CD&V) is expecting the green light by the inspection of the Finance Ministry by the end of January or early February before the formal F-16 contract can be signed. The aircraft concerned are still operational but fit in the planned force reduction programme which will brings the number of operational F-16's from 72 to 60 aircraft. Jordan also expressed an interest in an unspecified number of Agusta A109BA helicopters, eight of which are kept in storage. Source: Belga source: http://www.baha.be/Webpages/Navigato...ws_2009_1.html |
|
#12
5th January 2009, 21:21
|
|||
|
|||
|
Military intercepts of aircraft decrease
WASHINGTON — The number of times military fighters have been ordered to intercept planes straying into restricted airspace has declined by about 50 percent during the past two years. Officials attribute the decline to tighter coordination among federal agencies and a growing awareness of flight restrictions among private and commercial pilots since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement agencies are getting better at identifying planes by checking records and flight plans before scrambling a fighter to get a closer look, said Air Force Col. John Zentner, operations officer for the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Through mid-December, military fighter jets were dispatched 123times in 2008 to intercept commercial or private planes that violated airspace restrictions, according to NORAD. That’s down from 245 times in 2006. Despite the decrease, civilian aircraft continue to regularly stray into restricted airspace, sometimes prompting fighter planes to intercept them. The violations are an “an ongoing challenge for us,” said Gen. Victor Renuart, commander of NORAD, which is responsible for protecting airspace over the U.S. and Canada. There has never been an accident involving military fighters intercepting civilian aircraft. Still, having armed fighters flying near sometimes inexperienced pilots worries civilian aviators. “Any time you have two aircraft operating in close proximity the potential for an accident increases,” said Chris Dancy, a spokesman for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. There were 338 violations involving pilots straying into restricted airspace in 2008 as of Dec. 17, according to NORAD. Most violators were private pilots. Not all the violations triggered an intercept. None of the aircraft posed a threat, NORAD said. Military officials said there are strict procedures in place to avoid mistakes. A decision to fire on a civilian plane would have to be made by the defense secretary or designated military officials if he cannot be reached. Their procedures are done at a safe distance so an inexperienced civilian pilot doesn’t become alarmed. Most civilian pilots quickly notice a fighter jet flying near them and follow instructions to divert or land at a nearby field. The pilot “realizes something is not right,” Zentner said. Fighter planes are generally sent up when officials are unable to make radio contact with an aircraft or it is not emitting signals from its transponder. Temporary flight restrictions cause the most confusion for civilian pilots, since they are sometimes set on short notice and pilots may not be aware of them. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the number of such temporary zones has increased dramatically, often confusing pilots. Flight restrictions often follow the president as he travels. Additional flight restrictions are placed around Crawford, Texas, when President George W. Bush is there. The military has had high-performance fighters “chasing around after a crop-duster down there,” Renuart said. Pilots gone astray in recent years, according to NORAD: * 2006 -- 536 airspace violations; 245 fighters sent to investigate * 2007 -- 388 airspace violations; 136 fighters sent to investigate * 2008 -- 338 airspace violations; 123 fighters sent to investigate (through Dec. 17) http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/20...cepts_010209w/ Last edited by Tango III; 5th January 2009 at 21:26. |
|
#13
6th January 2009, 10:45
|
|||
|
|||
|
All-quadrant gun set for Osprey installation
Special Operations Command remains on track to install all-quadrant 7.62mm Gatling guns underneath seven Air Force Special Operations Command CV-22 Ospreys in 2009, a SOCOM program manager said. The 413th Flight Test Squadron is testing the turret-mounted gun at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. It has passed a series of tests including firing from a hover in August, said Dave Adamiak, a BAE Systems official. Air Force requirements officials chose not to install a forward-firing gun on the Osprey at the beginning of its two-decade-long development to cut costs. A ramp-mounted .50-caliber machine gun was installed instead. Critics had ripped defense acquisition officials for designing a tilt-rotor aircraft to infiltrate behind enemy lines and deliver special operations troops without an all-quadrant weapons system. But in 2007, the Defense Department awarded a contract to BAE Systems to quickly deliver seven Remote Guardian Systems and install them onto CV-22 Ospreys for AFSOC deployments. Marine versions of the Osprey will also have a forward-firing gun, but the interim weapons systems will be installed only on AFSOC birds. But, “once the gun is qualified, the Marine Corps will determine how to best deploy the gun on the MV-22,” Marine Corps aviation spokesman Maj. Eric Dent said. CV-22 flight engineers will fire the gun with what looks like a PlayStation controller while viewing targets on a screen that is fed images from a color camera and forward-looking infrared sensor. Having the screen in the back will also help the special operations teams get a better idea of the situation on the ground, Adamiak said. “A secondary benefit is that the troop commander and the guys onboard will have a lot more SA while they watch what’s happening on the screen,” he said. The gun, turret and sensor all fit within the “hellhole” space on the belly of the Osprey. However, the model now being testing on the Osprey is only an interim solution as SOCOM officials continue to try to develop a permanent all-quadrant weapon, said Lt. Col. Eric Forsyth, the SOCOM program manager for the CV-22 Interim Defensive Weapon System. Testing on the interim system has moved at an “acceptable pace” with tests remaining to verify the weapon’s safety, tracking and accuracy,” Forsyth said. A concern before testing was the gun firing on the nacelles and propellers of the tilt-rotor aircraft, which had a record of crashing during its development. However, no rounds have hit the Osprey during testing and safeguards built into the weapons system have worked properly, Adamiak said. http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/20...ey_gun_010409/ |
|
#14
6th January 2009, 21:52
|
|||
|
|||
 Israel's Gaza operation highlights limitations of air power Heavy air strikes performed by the Israeli air force on Hamas targets in the Gaza strip have again proved that air power used against ground targets has very defined limits. Launched on 27 December, Israel's surprise attack was based on an extensive "target bank" that had been compiled over several months using a variety of available intelligence-gathering assets. The Israeli air force's unmanned air vehicles, which have been used extensively over Gaza in recent years, have played a major role in the air campaign by locating rocket launchers. Television coverage showed Israel Aerospace Industries Heron and Elbit Systems Hermes 450 air vehicles flying over Gaza, while Palestinian sources report that UAVs are flying over all areas that are being bombed. The amassed intelligence data gave not only the exact location of targets, but updated information about their construction, enabling the air force to adopt the best weapon system to achieve a "first hit, first kill" result. Targets were attacked using Lockheed Martin F-16s (F-16I pictured below) armed with a variety of precision weapons equipped with electro-optical, laser and GPS guidance units. The most striking example of the quality of Israeli intelligence came when in less than 4min, several F-16s destroyed a great number of tunnels that were being used to smuggle weapons from Egypt into the Gaza strip, the entrances to which were mostly concealed within buildings. Videos taken from sensors on different aerial platforms showed secondary underground explosions along the tunnels' paths when stored explosives detonated. The Palestiains have also claimed that some Israeli UAVs are using weapon systems to attack ground targets, but these claims have not been confirmed by any official Israeli source. Pre-planned raids have formed only part of the ongoing operation. With Hamas personnel continuing to launch home-made Kassam rockets and 122mm Grad rockets towards Israeli towns and cities up to 40km (22nm) away, air force F-16s and Bell AH-1 Cobra and Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters (AH-64D pictured, below) have also been widely used in a round-the-clock hunt for launch teams. Data fusion has been important in supporting the success of the Israeli raids and minimising "sensor-to-shooter" times. Combined control centres receive online inputs from airborne and ground sensors that are instantly overlaid on existing human intelligence, enabling the air force to track and destroy moving targets, such as trucks used to transport rockets from hiding places to the launch sites, and to hunt for Hamas leaders. But rockets continue to be fired into Israel in great numbers despite successful attacks on launch site targets each day. Israeli ground forces stepped up the campaign on 3 January by moving into the Gaza strip and cutting it into two areas, with this development adding the provision of close air support tasks to the air force's commitment. Former Israeli air force commander Maj Gen (Ret) Eitan Ben-Eliahu says the air operation over Gaza is characterised by very accurate intelligence, excellent command and control and co-ordination between the air force, ground forces and the Israeli navy. "This is a textbook operation if we look at the number of aerial attacks combined very closely with infantry and naval forces," he says. Ben-Eliahu says collateral damage considerations are a limiting factor when F-16s and attack helicopters have a clear target in what is one of the world's most densely populated areas. "The air raids have succeeded in decreasing the number of rocket launches, but they cannot eliminate them," he concludes. The Gaza operation follows Israel's 2006 air strikes against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, which failed to halt rocket attacks on Israeli territory despite mounting more than 4,500 offensive sorties. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...air-power.html  |
|
#15
7th January 2009, 11:37
|
|||
|
|||
|
Related News:
Two newly-arrived Su-30 jet fighters make test flights Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Two new Sukhoi jet fighter aircraft which arrived in Indonesia from Russia on December 26, 2008 made test flights at Sultan Hassanuddin military airbase in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday. Sultan Hassanuddin airbase spokesman Col Arif Mustofa told ANTARA here by phone the test flights with the two Sukhoi Su-30MK2s with serial numbers TS3003 and TS3004 were conducted by a Russian pilot. He said the test flights were done to make sure all systems in the newly-arrived Sukhoi jet fighters were functioning well. "The test flights with Sukhoi TS3003 and Sukhoi3004 lasted one hour and ran successfully," Arif Mustofa said. The Russian company making Sukhoi jet fighters announced on August 21, 2007 that it would sell six Sukhois to Indonesia at the price of around US$300 million (Rp2.85 trillion). The six aircraft would consist of three Su-30MK2s and three Su-27SKMs. Arif Mustofa said a third Su-30MK2 would arrive in Indonesia in the middle of this month together with some ground support equipment and machines. The three other Su-27SKMs bought by Indonesia would be delivered in stages until 2010 after which the Indonesian Air Force would have a total of 10 Sukhoi fighter planes. http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2009/...-test-flights/  Last edited by Tango III; 7th January 2009 at 11:39. |
|
#16
7th January 2009, 13:10
|
|||
|
|||
|
After to sale of eight P-8 naval patrol aircraft to India
Boeing sees export market of 100 maritime planes WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Tuesday that it was confident the U.S. Congress would approve a $2.1 billion sale of eight P-8 naval patrol aircraft to India, and projected global demand for at least 100 more airplanes in coming years. India, fast becoming one of the world's biggest arms importers, announced on Monday that it had signed a contract with Boeing for eight anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft as part of an overhaul of the South Asian nation's mainly old Soviet military hardware. Bob Feldmann, Boeing's program manager for the P-8, or Poseidon, program, welcomed the agreement and said he hoped it would be the first of many international orders for the Boeing 737-based plane. "We have a tremendous horizon out there," Feldmann told a teleconference, noting that a large number of maritime nations that operate the predecessor P-3 or other patrol planes, and none had replaced or modernized their fleets in decades. "We see a market of 100-plus international Poseidons in the various maritime nations that need this kind of capability," he said. Boeing is developing the aircraft for the U.S. Navy under one of the rare Pentagon programs that has met its cost and schedule targets. Feldmann said Boeing officials had signed a contract with India on Jan. 1, but declined to give many additional details. He said the P-8I Boeing would deliver to India was based largely on the plane it is building for the U.S. Navy, and would involve the same main subcontractors: Northrop Grumman Corp; Raytheon Co; CFM International, a joint venture of Snecma Moteurs and General Electric Co; General Electric Aviation; and Spirit AeroSystems. But Feldmann said Boeing would also use a "significant" number of Indian suppliers for the plane, and hoped to include those suppliers on future business deals for the P-8I. He declined to give a percentage for those offset deals. The first P-8 would be delivered to India in four years, and work on all eight would be finished by 2015. Feldmann said Boeing hoped India would order additional naval patrol planes, but declined to say exactly how many. India plans to spend $30 billion on imports over the next five years to modernize its Cold War-era arms and is trying to strengthen its navy by introducing new weapons. Feldmann said the deal was Boeing's first military sale in India, but the company was also bidding for other projects. Boeing has already submitted a bid for a contract to supply India with 126 multi-role F-18 fighter jets, a deal that could be worth more than $10 billion. Last July, Boeing said it would bid for defense projects in India worth up to $20 billion over the next 10 years. Feldmann said Boeing had learned a great deal during two years of negotiations with India about the naval patrol planes and had gained a better understanding of Indian defense procurement policies and practices. He said the company was pleased how quickly the deal had been finalized, as well as the level of engagement by Indian defense officials. "I think it will help us in all the other competitions and opportunities that are there with the Ministry of Defense," he said. http://uk.reuters.com/article/tnBasi...43505620090106 |
|
#17
8th January 2009, 10:56
|
|||
|
|||
|
Japanese MoD maintains plan to pursue F-22
The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has dismissed reports that it is prepared to drop plans to evaluate the F-22 Raptor fifth-generation air superiority fighter as part of its programme to procure next-generation (FX) fighters for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Media reports from Japan have quoted government sources as saying that the MoD will abandon efforts to seek access to the aircraft's technologies and performance data in light of increasing budgetary pressures on the F-22 programme in the United States and the continuing ban on its export. A spokeswoman from the Japanese MoD told Jane's on 6 January, however, that "the situation has not changed and there has been no change in policy". Japan stated on numerous occasions throughout 2008 that it is seeking access to information about the F-22 in order to review its performance before selecting an FX aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of 80 Mitsubishi/McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ fighters. In addition to the F-22, the MoD's shortlist includes Dassault's Rafale; Eurofighter's Typhoon; Boeing's F/A-18E/F and F-15FX; and Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. http://www.janes.com/news/defence/ai...0107_1_n.shtml  |
|
#18
8th January 2009, 11:03
|
|||
|
|||
|
U.S. Navy X-47B UAS unveiled!
08:59 GMT, January 8, 2009 EAST HARTFORD, Conn. | Pratt & Whitney, along with Northrop Grumman, unveiled the first X-47B air vehicle for the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The X-47B is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company. The unveiling ceremony offered a first look at the most technologically advanced unmanned air vehicle in development. "To see this revolutionary unmanned combat air system equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine is truly a proud moment," said Michael Ondas, Pratt & Whitney UCAS-D program manager. "To see the tangible results of our design and development efforts is very rewarding. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Navy, and the entire X-47B team." Pratt & Whitney was awarded a $54 million contract earlier this year to develop and integrate the engine and exhaust system for the X-47B. The Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine, a derivative of the F-100-PW-220E, is capable of providing up to 16,000 pounds of thrust while operating in a maritime environment, including carrier deck operations. First flight of the X-47B is scheduled in 2009, with at-sea carrier trials planned to begin in late 2011. Pratt & Whitney military engines include the F100 family that powers the F-15 and F-16, the F119 for the F-22 Raptor, the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II, the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III, the J52 for the EA-6B Prowler, the TF33 powering AWACS/Joint STARS/B-52/KC-135 aircraft, and TF30 for the F-111. In addition, Pratt & Whitney offers a global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and military aftermarket services (MAS) focused on maintaining engine readiness for our customers. http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4722/  |
|
#19
8th January 2009, 20:15
|
|||
|
|||
|
French Order 22 NH90 Utility Choppers
Paris - The Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (dga) procurement office ordered in December a batch of 22 NH90 utility helicopters, worth nearly 600 million euros ($824 million), from the NH Industries consortium, the Defense Ministry and Eurocopter said Jan. 8 in separate statements. The DGA signed the contract Dec. 23, but Defense Minister Hervé Morin announced Jan. 8 the new order for the tactical transport helicopter (TTH) version of the NH90 in a meeting with the French Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee, the ministry statement said. The latest contract, on top of an initial buy of 12 NH90s, brings the total to 34 NH90 TTH aircraft for the French Army's aviation wing, the ministry said. In 2000, the DGA bought 27 of the more complex NFH navalized versions for the French Navy, bringing the total of NH90s bought by France to 61, Eurocopter said. The NH90 land and naval versions are at least a couple of years late because of technical problems and the difficulties of building 23 versions of the same aircraft. First delivery of the French NH90 TTH is scheduled in 2011, the company said. NH Industries is a consortium composed of Eurocopter (62.5 percent), AgustaWestland (32 percent) and Stork Fokker (5.5 percent). Orders for the NH90 total 529 units, including the latest French buy. So far, 25 NH90s have been delivered and another 50 are under construction, the company said. http://www.defensenews.com/story.php...68&c=EUR&s=AIR |
|
#20
9th January 2009, 00:31
|
||||
|
||||
|
South Korea orders prototype F/A-50 fighters from KAI
Quote:
|
|
#21
9th January 2009, 10:59
|
|||
|
|||
|
Embraer sells third ERJ 135 jet to Thailand
The Royal Thai Army has added another Embraer ERJ 135 jet to its fleet. This is the third jet for the Thai military. http://www.embraer.com.br/institucio...J_135-I-09.pdf |
|
#22
9th January 2009, 11:31
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
|
|
#23
9th January 2009, 14:57
|
|||
|
|||
|
The Ministry Of Justice Of Cyprus Orders Two AW139 Helicopters
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Justice of Cyprus has placed an order for two AW139 medium twin engine helicopters. These aircraft will be used to perform law enforcement and search and rescue operations. This success follows on from the contract signed by the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus in December 2008 for three AW139s and is further evidence of the increasing success this model has found in the medium twin market where it continues to be the best selling helicopter. The 15 seat AW139 is a new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards in its class. The AW139 is the only new generation helicopter in its class, in service today, that fully complies with the latest certification requirements in terms of performance and safety. Its Pratt & Whitney turbines together with a state-of-the-art 5-bladed main rotor provide unequalled performance, even in demanding hot and high conditions at maximum all up mass. The availability of modular role kits allows easy and quick conversion to and from various configurations. The law enforcement-configured AW139 is available with a wide range of mission equipment and with the most spacious cabin in the medium twin class is the helicopter of choice for demanding homeland security requirements. http://www.agustawestland.com/commun...ws=463&yy=2009  |
|
#24
9th January 2009, 15:35
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
|
|
#25
9th January 2009, 21:24
|
|||
|
|||
|
Embraer confirms Super Tucano sale to Dominican Republic
Embraer has confirmed the signature of a long-planned purchase by the Dominican Republic of eight EMB-314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The deal was finalised "at the end of last year", according to the Brazilian manufacturer. The new aircraft will be used for internal security and border patrol missions, says Embraer, which had been expecting to sign the deal since mid-2007. The armed Super Tucanos will provide a new capability for the Dominican air force, which has a current frontline inventory of EADS Casa C-212 fixed-wing transports and Bell OH-58 scout and UH-1H transport helicopters, according to Flight's MiliCAS and HeliCAS databases. Previous export customers for the EMB-314 are Chile (12) and Colombia (25). Launch operator the Brazilian air force has also so far taken delivery of 63 Super Tucanos, according to Embraer. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...rFriendly=true |
|
#26
9th January 2009, 23:58
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
since the F/A-50 was never to be inducted in US service, so it doesn't matter for LM that it will have a mechanically scanned array and when there are newer AESAs from within the US, like the RANGR and SABR that are being developed for RETROFITTING, even for legacy fighters like the F-16, so why make such a fuss over a new jet? and to not allow even an Israeli AESA like the 2052 or a British AESA like the Selex Vixen 500E is ridiculous, considering that providing them with the source codes for the F/A-50 wouldn't be that big a deal when they're old trusted US allies. |
|
#27
10th January 2009, 02:50
|
|||
|
|||
|
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news..._jet_order.php
Quote:
|
|
#28
10th January 2009, 10:33
|
|||
|
|||
|
Upgrade of maritime surveillance system for Poland
Poland upgrades its SSC maritime surveillance system for improved protection of the Baltic Sea The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Maritime Office in Gdynia (Urzad Morski w Gdyni, UM) have signed a contract for upgrading the SSC Maritime Surveillance System originally installed in 1993 on the LET 410 SP-MBA aircraft operated by UM. The contract value is 1.3 million Euro and comprises a thorough upgrade of the system to MSS 6000 standard. The system upgrade will be completed in early 2010. “The aircraft is used for national maritime patrol missions over the Baltic Sea as well as within the HELCOM cooperation where Poland is an active member. We have recently supplied one new MSS 6000 system to Estonia and in the summer of 2009 we will deliver the first of two systems to the Finnish Border Guard. This will improve the protection of the Baltic Sea by strengthening the surveillance capacity and also by facilitating cooperation between the member states. We are very proud that our system has been chosen for this work “says Mr. Olov Fäst, General Manager of the Airborne Systems Division at SSC. The Helsinki Commission works to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution through intergovernmental cooperation between Denmark, Estonia, the European Community, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden. The Commission is the governing body of the "Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area" - more usually known as the HELCOM. The SSC Maritime Surveillance systems have been installed for coast guard organisations on several different aircraft types and in countries around the world such as Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Greece, USA and Canada. The system uses state-of-the art technology and is designed to be an integral part of today’s multi-faceted maritime surveillance missions. http://www.ssc.se/?id=5104&cid=14175 |
|
#29
10th January 2009, 11:03
|
|||
|
|||
|
First A400M delivery in 2012 or later
AIRBUS MILITARY and EADS propose a new approach for the A400M Programme January 9, 2009 Airbus Military and EADS have proposed a new programme approach for the A400M to the Launch Nations, through OCCAR, with the aim to find a way forward for this programme. Airbus Military and EADS want to discuss the programme schedule along with changes to other areas of the contract including in particular certain technical characteristics of this first-class military aircraft. Airbus Military suggests to resume series production only once adequate maturity is reached, based on flight test results. With this proposed new approach, the first delivery of the A400M would then occur around three years after first flight. Airbus Military is still working with the engine consortium to firm up a date for the first flight. Airbus Military and EADS will only be able to reliably determine all financial implications once a committed industrial plan, including the availability of systems, is fully stabilized and once OCCAR's position on the proposal is known. This proposed new approach will not compromise the ultimate qualities and the exceptional characteristics of the airplane, with the most advanced logistic and tactical capabilities that will be delivered to the armed forces and will make A400M a unique airplane in its category. http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4780/  |
|
#30
10th January 2009, 11:08
|
|||
|
|||
|
US sends more arms to Israel
As the Israeli military operation in Gaza continues, critics have hit out at the hiring of a transport ship by the US to take thousands of tonnes of arms to Israel. The Pentagon denies the shipment is for use in Gaza, saying it is destined for a US stockpile in Israel. American planners want to carry 3,000 tonnes of ammunition from the Greek port of Astakos to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The US military has ammunition stores in a number of countries ready for use at short notice, but experts say the timing and size of the consignment are 'irregular.' An even larger shipment of arms, which included laser-guided bombs, arrived in December. http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/35722 |
 |
| Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
|
|
Linear Mode
