Thursday, August 31, 2006
Russia continues to balk at An-70 aircraft project
Oleksandr Kiva, deputy general designer at Antonov, warns that Russian companies will suffer if Russia pulls out of the An-70 project.
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Italian Task Force Sets Sail for Lebanon (Free Registration)
Giuseppe Garibaldi is leading a five-ship Italian fleet to Lebanon for U.N. peacekeeping duties.
The carrier is only bringing four AV-8B Harriers when the rest is made up of helicopters.
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Each IDF branch demands a piece of the budget pie
Israel Defense Ministry's director general, Major General (ret.) Gabi Ashkenazi, has been ordered to spearhead the effort to find a counter to short-range missiles and rockets.
He will look at both laser and missile based solutions.
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Arirang-2 Starts Transmitting Pictures
South Korea's Arirang-2 multi-purpose (spy) satellite has started transmitting back images from its one-meter resolution camera. This article has several pictures.
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The Lessons of War / Navy was warned
Back in Apr. 21, 2003, the Israeli Navy's office of naval intelligence was warned that China had sold a C-802 missile to Iran by the intelligence branch at the General Staff.
They were also told that it should assume the Hezbollah arsenal contained a C-802 missile.
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Aircraft makers compete for Bulgarian fighter contract
The JAS 39 Gripen C/D, the Rafale C, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F/A-18 have been presented to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence.
Lockheed Martin is expected to make its presentation for the F-16 in September.
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Raytheon Receives $20.7 Million Contract Award for Towed-Decoy Production
Raytheon Company has received a $20.7 million contract award for continued production
of its ALE-50 line of towed decoys for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.
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Pilot brings back choppers that should have crashed
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Edwin Steven Coleman has the distinction of having two U.S. Army Aviation Broken Wing Awards.
The award is a rare honor given to pilots who bring an aircraft back safely that should have crashed and killed all aboard.
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Canadian military looks to U.S. for chopper relief
Discussions are underway between Canada and United States to obtain either priority access for transportation of troops on U.S. helicopters in Afghanistan or to lease helicopters from U.S. until Canada receives its own helicopters.
A Boeing delegation also went to Canada to discuss what kind of equipment needs to fit into their CH-47F.
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Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Northrop Grumman Introduces Plans for New Fourth Generation Version of LITENING AT Pod
Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division has unveiled plans for new fourth generation enhancements to its LITENING AT pod.
The fourth generation version of LITENING will feature the most advanced 1024 x 1024 pixels (1k x 1k) forward-looking infrared (FLIR); new two-way data links and other networking capabilities to enable improved communications between ground-based and airborne forces; new sensors for improved target identification (ID); and other advanced target recognition and identification features. Other product improvements already incorporated into LITENING as part of the fourth generation version include a new 1k charge-coupled device sensor.
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Air force jet crashes, crew escapes unscathed
An RoCAF F-5F made a belly landing at Taitung Air Force Base on Monday morning after its landing gear became jammed.
A/C 5384 was preparing to land at 8:50 a.m. when the crew discovered the problem. It then circle for 15 minutes before doing a wheels up landing.
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MiGs stay in hangars at forward base
Indian MiG-21s at Uttarlai Air Base are grounded as the runway there is still partly submerged after the recent flash floods in the region.
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Senior RMAF officer fined for reckless driving that caused death
An RMAF Brigadier General with its MiG-29 squadron was fined RM5,000 for reckless driving that killed a motorist.
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Two Russian sailors treated after fire on aircraft carrier
A fire broke out in the equipment storage room on board Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov on Sunday.
The fire started at around 4 p.m. and two sailors had to be treated for smoke inhalation.
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U.S. may revisit sanctions against Rosoboronexport, Sukhoi - Rumsfeld
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said his government may review the sanctions against Rosoboronexport and Sukhoi.
The Department of State will be asked on the facts on the sanctions.
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The Missiles of August--Part II
Part two of an earlier story by MIT's Tech Review on the proliferation of missile technology. This article examines Iran's use of anti-ship missiles against U.S. carrier battle groups.
Related Article
The Missiles of August
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Eurocopter delivers first Cougar to Bulgaria
Eurocopter delivered the first of 12 AS 532 AL Cougar helicopters to Bulgaria on Aug. 24.
Six AS 565 MB Panther helicopters were ordered as well and will be delivered starting 2010.
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Last Tomcat fighter jet to be retired here
The last U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat will make its final flight to Virginia Aviation Museum on Sept. 28.
It will land at Richmond International Airport where it will be demilitarized.
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Tuesday, August 29, 2006
U.S. Set for Biggest Missile Defense Test in 18 Months
The U.S. missile defense system will undergo its biggest test in 18 months this Thursday and officials are stressing that the goal is not to hit the missile with an interceptor.
The objective is to make sure a redesigned kill vehicle is able to spot the target missile, distinguish between its booster stage and warhead, and communicate with the control centers on the ground.
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Brazil Embraer eyes new crack at US defense market
Embraer expects the United States to resurrect the Common Aerial Sensor program next year and is gearing up to take part in the bidding.
The program was cancelled in January after the Pentagon found that Embraer's jet was too small to fit all the sensors.
Labels: ACS
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Whiteman B-2s complete successful Andersen deployment
The USAF 393rd and 13th Bomb Squadrons are returning back to Whiteman Air Force Base after a successful deployment to Guam.
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Delays for RAAF aircraft soar
The Australian Defence Department confirmed yesterday that the RAAF's new Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft is now slated for delivery in August 2008.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson was told earlier by Boeing Defense chief Jim Albaugh in June that the Wedgetail will be delivered in early 2008.
Related Articles
Minister in dark on Wedgetail
Australian defense minister criticizes Boeing over delay in surveillance plane
Another RAAF plane faces delays
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Chick Fighter Pilot Assn
A new fighter pilot association was formed recently and in order for you to join, you must 1) be a chick and 2) you must fly fighters. Girlie guys don't qualify.
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Pyongyang Selling Missiles in Pieces: Report
The Center for Nonproliferation Studies said in a recent report that North Korea is now delivering missiles by air and in the form of components and equipment rather than complete products.
The Center also revealed that the missiles are under the control of the North Korean Air Force rather than the Army.
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Vietnam veteran to receive Silver Star
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Richard L. Smith, a UH-1D crew chief during the Vietnam War, will receive his long over due Silver Star today.
Smith is being awarded the Silver Star for “gallantry in action on Nov. 17, 1965, in the Ia Drang Valley when he voluntarily departed from his position in his helicopter twice to run onto an open field under fire, risking his own life to drag wounded soldiers onboard for evacuation."
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Rumsfeld eyes ICBMs in terror war
Speaking next to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld ask Russia to consider joining the United States in re-tipping nuclear ICBMs with conventional warheads.
Rumsfeld see the conventional missiles as a quick and accurate way to take out terrorist groups.
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Monday, August 28, 2006
Flare incident prompts Kadena safety review
A USAF F-15C accidentally released a flare while on final approach to land at Kadena on Friday.
The incident occurred about 11 a.m. and the flare landed on the ground in the U.S. Army fueling yard.
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Cleansing as a scarred squadron learns to be Sea Kings again
Australian Commander Tim Leonard had the formidable task of rebuilding the confidence of 817 Squadron's personnel after the crash of one of its Sea King.
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Inouye doesn't expect carrier in Isles
U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye is not optimistic that USS Carl Vinson will homeport in Hawaii.
He feels that it will cost the Navy $2 billion to upgrade the facilities in Hawaii in order to forward base a carrier there.
Related Article
Isles could get carrier Vinson
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Boeing plans minority stake in S Korean defense- tech company
Boeing Co. said Sunday it has signed an agreement to make a minority stake in a South Korean company that work with Boeing on the 737 AEW&C program in South Korea.
Huneed Technologies is well-known in the field of battlefield communication radios, Korean data links, Korean cryptographic equipment.
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Iran Test-Fires Sub-to-Surface Missile
Iran test fired a submarine-launched missile on Sunday in the Persian Gulf during large-scale military exercises. There are two conflicting reports on whether its a sub-to-surface or sub-to-air missile.
Some reports called it Sagheb and some called it Thaqeb. A brief video clip shows the missile exiting the water and hitting a target on the water's surface within less than two kilometres.
Sources
Iran test fires long-range missile
Iran test fires a new submarine-to-surface missile in Persian Gulf
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Air Force obligated to keep aging planes
The USAF estimates it will spend close to $1.6 billion over the next five years to maintain aircraft it does not want.
The service would like to retire 1,033 of its 6,100 aircraft in the next five years. But more than a third of those must remain in service because of the protections by Congress.
The lawmakers want to keep the aircraft around as retiring them will make their districts suffer.
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South Korea to Develop Anti-Artillery Drones
South Korea aims to develop a fleet of unmanned bombers in five years to counter North Korea's artillery forces.
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Rumsfeld Unsure of Ability To Intercept Korean Missiles
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told a news conference that he is not fully convinced that the missile defence system can successfully intercept any North Korean missile.
His comments came after his first visit to Fort Greely, Alaska, home of ten missile interceptors.
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Sunday, August 27, 2006
Fighter Wing's transition likely to start in October
The 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard will start transferring its F-16s to Fresno in October.
The wing will get 18 A-10s in return.
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'Bomber county' to get memorial
A permanent memorial to commemorate the veterans of RAF's Bomber Command is to be unveiled today.
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Saturday, August 26, 2006
Alcalde Caracas: Venezuela tendrá escudo antimisiles
The Mayor of Caracas said that his city will be defended by a missile defense system from Belarus.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez earlier this month delcared that his nation will acquire a missile-based anti-aircraft defense system to defend itself.
Translation of the article
Related Article
Venezuela to acquire anti-aircraft missile system
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Russia might tear up ISR Missile Treaty-Defense Ministry source
A Russian Defense Ministry official said his country could unilaterally withdraw from the Treaty on Intermediate and Shorter Range Missiles.
The official said that in 20 or 30 years any country could have intermediate range missiles. Moscow considers the treaty as a relic from the Cold War.
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Russia denies Hezbollah arms link
Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Ivanov, said that Israel never provided Russia with evidence that Hizbollah militants used Russian-made anti-tank missiles in Lebanon.
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Romanian airmen train at LRAFB
16 Romanian airmen travelled to Little Rock Air Force Base to learn how to operate and maintain three C-130Bs and a C-130H aircraft the country's air force will receive in September.
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US warship gets approval to join Indian Navy
India is looking into getting six SH-3 Sea King helicopters for Landing Platform Dock (LPD) USS Trenton which it intends to buy.
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Republic of Singapore Air Force Open House
One more week to go before RSAF's open house on Sept. 2 and 3. The local media was given a preview of the show that includes a solo aerobatic display by the F-16 Blk 52+.
Sources
RSAF Open House
Transforming for the future (Video)
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Lockheed Martin Will Use Neuroscience-Based Technologies To Help Evaluate Tomahawk Missile User Interface
The U.S. Navy wants to make its Tomahawk cruise missile 'smarter' by monitoring the humans operating it.
The Office of Naval Research awarded $724,000 to Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL). ATL will apply neuroscience-based technologies in augmented cognition on a system called T-TIDES (TTWCS-Tool for Interface Design Evaluation with Sensors) that will read the cruise missile operator's physiological markers and monitor the person's effectiveness.
The project aims to evaluate prospective modifications to the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons
Control System (TTWCS) user interface to detect stress or drowsiness.
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Everett would do bulk of work on tanker
Boeing will not just build but modify its 767 tankers at Everett if it wins the tanker contract from the USAF.
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Commanders Want THAAD Fielded Early
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency the THAAD by 2009 or 2010 at the request of combatant commanders.
The original plan was to deploy it in 2012 but commanders indicated that they wanted to get the capability to the field as quickly as possible.
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Ships’ crews undergo tactical missile training
U.S. Navy crews are going through tactical certification for the ballistic missile defense mission.
Several of the crew have already been tactically certified.
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January 2005 crash of prototype Pilatus PC-21 attributed to pilot error in official crash report
Pilot error lead to the crash of a PC-21 during an early morning aerobatic practise in Jan. 2005.
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MINDEF's Permanent Secretary visits South Africa to boost ties
Singapore's Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary Chiang Chie Foo will visit a UAV detachment from the RSAF currently training in South Africa.
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Northrop Grumman Unveils Next Generation Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman Corporation rolled out the first production version of the new RQ-4 Block 20 Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance system in a ceremony Aug. 25.
The new Block 20 aircraft will carry up to 3,000 pounds of internal payload and will operate with two-and-a-half times the power of its predecessor.
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Billions in new aircraft just drop in bucket, air force head says
Lt.-Gen. Steve Lucas, head of the Canadian Air Force, says the purchase of cargo planes and helicopters are only a start at rebuilding an air force that was at one time the fourth largest in the world.
There is a need to replace the CF-18s, buy new surveillance aircraft and ground attack and medical evacuation helicopters all within the next decade.
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High-power microwave weapons - full power ahead?
Janes claims that the United States has designed a class of high-power microwave warhead for a bomb or cruise missile.
The warhead uses explosive energy to produce a single, instantaneous, broadband pulse of power that can be used for defence suppression.
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Ukraine Officers Visit RAF Lakenheath
The U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing played host to a group of Ukrainian military officers from Aug. 18-23.
Among them were three fighter pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force.
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Friday, August 25, 2006
Viper Lance wraps up (Video)
Three F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi for takeoff before the last sortie flown at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, during Exercise Viper Lance 2006. We got a video as well. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Eydie Sakura.
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Salvaged flight deck from C-5 mishap becomes tool
The flight deck belonging to the C-5 that crashed short of Dover Air Force Base's runway has been salvaged for use in C-5 aircraft crew training. U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Bolinger.
It will go to Robins Air Force Base where it will be used as a modernized C-5 software simulator.
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Bagram A-10s surge for summer offensives
Lt. Col. Keith McBride, commander of the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron talks about the role of the A-10 in Afghanistan.
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Bell finishes first AH-1Z, AH-1Y craft
Bell Helicopter has completed its first production AH-1Z and UH-IY and both will make their first flight soon.
The AH-1Z will make its maiden flight in early September and the Y will be out doing flight tests a few weeks later.
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U.S. offers Japan 80 more Patriot missiles
Washington has offered to sell up to 80 PAC-3 missiles to Tokyo after recent missile testing by North Korea.
The additional missiles are expected to be deployed at the Air Self-Defense Force's 1st Air Defense Missile Group in Saitama Prefecture, where its first PAC-3 is already slated to be deployed next March.
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JSF delay may weaken defences
A request to delay the F-35 program could complicate Australia's plan to retire its F-111 fleet in 2010.
Australia would be without a frontline strike bomber for a long period.
Related Article
Pentagon Mulls JSF Delay
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Lockheed Martin to cut 300 jobs
Lockheed Martin has begun to lay off some of the engineers and other technical workers assigned to the development of the F-35 as much of the design work has been completed.
About 300 positions are expected to be declared surplus and eliminated, including employees and contractors.
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Navy 'stopped invasion by Nazis'
A new study has claimed that it was the Royal Navy rather than the RAF that stop Germany from invading during WW2.
The author claims that it was Adolf Hitler's fear of British naval strength that prevented the invasion.
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Bell and Boeing working on quad tilt-rotor design (Video)
Pictures and a video of the research being carried out at NASA's Langley Research Center on a model quad tilt-rotor aircraft from Bell/Boeing.
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U.S. to Withdraw Patriot Missiles From Gwangju
U.S. Forces Korea command plans to relocate the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade 2-1 and two air defense batteries from the Gwangju area to Waegwan in North Gyeongsang Province by December.
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RAAF plane makes emergency landing
An RAAF C-130 made an emergency landing at the Richmond air force base after smoke filled the cabin.
None of the seven crew were seriously injured.
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Ariz. base runway to be resurfaced
F-16s from the Air National Guard’s 162nd Fighter Wing will be moving temporarily from Tucson International Airport to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base next month.
The runway at Tucson will be shut down for resurfacing.
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Team Hill unveils first squadron of upgraded F-16s
F-16s from the USAF 34th Fighter Squadron have completed the Common Configuration Implementation Program. This is the first squadron to complete the program.
The CCIP aims to bring Block 40 and Block 50 F-16s to a common avionics configuration.
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Pilot sets Air Force record for time in F-15
Col. Jon Kelk of the Missouri Air National Guard has achieved 4,000 hours on the F-15 Eagle.
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Russian strategic bombers launch cruise missiles in exercises
Two Russian Tu-160 and two Tu-95MS launched a series of cruise missiles during command and staff exercises at a northern testing ground.
Six Tu-22M bombers also simultaneously conducted ground strikes at the Guryanovo testing ground in southern Russia, and at Emba, a testing ground that Russia leases from Kazakhstan.
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Pratt & Whitney F135 Program Cleared for Installed Ground Engine Runs and Taxi Testing
The U.S. government's Joint Strike Fighter Program Office has cleared Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine program to begin installed ground engine runs and taxi testing for the F-35 Lightning II.
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Elbit Systems, IAI in flight training outsourcing tenders
The Israeli Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force are privatizing their flight schools and Elbit and IAI are competing in the two tenders.
Elbit is offering the Super Tucano while IAI is pitching the Javelin VLJ to the IAF. For the RSAF tender, Elbit is teaming up with Embraer again while IAI may partner with ST Aerospace.
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Zimbabwe: Government Procures Six Trainer Aircraft
Zimbabwe has order another batch of six K-8 trainers from China. Secretary for Defence Mr Trust Maposa told the parliamentary committee on Defence and Home Affairs that the jets would be delivered in the next two months.
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EADS to audit A400M plan but denies delay
Thomas Enders and Louis Gallois, joint executive chairmen of EADS, announced that they have initiated an in-depth audit of the A400M program after persistent rumors about the program being behind schedule.
Both also tried to reassure customers that the program is progressing smoothly.
Related Article
Airbus A400M Up to 24 Months Behind Schedule-Paper
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Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Airborne Control System to Manage Manned/Unmanned Aircraft Teaming
Lockheed Martin has completed flight demonstrations of a new system that will enable U.S. Army command and control helicopters to form and manage teams of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned strike aircraft.
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Study finding doesn't affect Osprey plan
The U.S. Marine Corps has rejected calls by two think tanks to buy more helicopters as it waits for the MV-22.
A Marine spokesman, in an e-mailed statement, said the service has no intention of heeding the unsolicited advice.
Related Article
'Expensive' fixes needed to keep Corps combat ready
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Thursday, August 24, 2006
Defense Agency plans to upgrade spy planes
Japan's Defense Agency is requesting funds to upgrade two Maritime Self-Defense Force EP-3 surveillance aircraft.
Out of the five EP-3s, one has completed upgrading in 2004 and two more are expected to be ready in 2007 and 2008.
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MCAS Yuma to be first to get futuristic fighters
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma will be the first base to receive the F-35 Lightning II. And VMA-211 will be the first fighter squadron to get the jets.
VMA-211 currently flies the AV-8B Harrier. MCAS Miramar will be the other base to receive the fighters.
Related Article
F-35 makes Miramar a no-go, Marines say
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Gripen responds to Bulgarian fighter requirements
Gripen International has proposed a package of 12 single and 4 two-seater Gripen C/Ds to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense.
The first aircraft could be delivered already two years after a contract has been signed. They will come equipped with an in flight refueling system, a fully autonomous Tactical Information Data Link System (TIDLS) and a NATO standard Link 16.
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Iran, N.Korea spur PAC-3 missile demand -Lockheed
Countries that bought the Patriot air defence system have been approaching Lockheed Martin on the Patriot PAC-3 missile upgrades.
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Northwest jet turns back; passengers arrested (Audio)
Two Dutch F-16s escorted a Northwest Airlines DC-10 back to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport Wednesday after U.S. air marshals decided that some passengers aboard was behaving strangely. Here is an audio recording of the intercept.
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Airbus A400M Up to 24 Months Behind Schedule-Paper
French business daily La Tribune reported that another Airbus project is running behind schedule. The paper said that the A400M is now 24 months late.
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Enterprise Departs Kuala Lumpur
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departed Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 20, concluding its sixth port visit during her regularly scheduled six-month deployment.
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Raytheon Makes Early Delivery of P-8A Radar Mission Systems Integration Lab
Raytheon Company has made early delivery of a radar Mission Systems Integration Laboratory (MSIL) to Boeing for the Navy's P-8A MMA (Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft)
program.
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Boeing Receives First Production Remote Aerial Refueling Operator Station for KC-767 Tanker
Boeing Company recently received its first production Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO) II station for the KC-767 Tanker from DRS Laurel Technologies.
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
RSAF Commissions the State-Of-The-Art Multi-Role Combat Simulator
The Republic of Singapore Air Force commissioned its new Air Mission Trainer (AMT) on Monday. The AMT is a network of F-5/F-16 simulators that allows up to 12 pilots to fly the same mission simultaneously.
There are six domes in the AMT in which F-16 or F-5 cockpits have been designed to be 'rolled-in' and out of these mini-domes.
There are also six fly-boxes which allows pilots to join the same virtual battle.
Sources
RSAF Commissions the State-Of-The-Art Multi-Role Combat Simulator
New system boosts RSAF pilot training
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VMX-22 puts M-240 to test on 'Osprey'
VMX-22 has been testing the use of the M-240 as the primary offensive and defensive weapon of the MV-22 over the past two weeks. USMC photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel D. White.
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10-yr breather: MiG-21 can fly 1,000 hrs extra
India found that its MiG-21 Bis fleet can still fly 1,000 hours past the certified 2,400 hours.
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) flew a MiG-21 that had completed 2,400 hours and found that fatigue cracks appear only after 1,000 hours of flying.
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Iran Suspected of Attempts to Rearm Hezbollah Since Cease-Fire
A U.S. arms control official and a security expert both concluded that China knew Iran would supply C-802 missiles to the Hezbollah but do nothing to stop it.
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Two fighters of 5th generation being created in RF
Russia is developing one medium and one light weight fifth-generation fighter. Both aircraft are being design by MiG.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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Pratt: End Of C-17 Won't Force Layoffs
Pratt & Whitney says its workforce is not affected by the shutdown of the C-17 production line.
Pratt & Whitney has delivered 749 F117 engines for the C-17, and will make them into 2009.
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RAF fighter jet makes emergency landing
An RAF Hawk T1A made an emergency landing at Durham Tees Valley Airport around noon Tuesday.
The aircraft had suffered a bird strike which damaged the plane's canopy.
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Suryakiran crash lands at B'lore Airport, pilots escape unhurt
An Indian Air Force Suryakiran crash landed at the HAL Bangalore airport Monday after the front wheel failed while landing.
Both the instructor and trainee were unhurt.
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'Expensive' fixes needed to keep Corps combat ready
A report from Lexington Institute and the Center for American Progress recommends that the USMC buys the Navy's MH-60S Knight Hawk and H-92 Super Hawk.
The report says the Corps should consider buying the Sikorsky-built MH-60S Knight Hawk and the H-92 Super Hawk helicopters "to bridge the gap between the time the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters wear out and the MV-22 Osprey reach full operational status."
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China denies Hezbollah arms export
China's special envoy to the Middle East has denied shipping arms to the Hezbollah, although he did not rule out the possibility that weapons may have been transferred to the Lebanese group by a third party.
Sun Bigan was asked to respond to media reports about the C-802 missile strike by the Hezbollah on an Israeli warship.
Related Articles
Navy probe blames faulty intelligence for missile ship hit
Hizbullah hits Israel's INS Hanit with anti-ship missile
Summary of attack on IDF missile ship
Israel Says Warship Hit by Hezbollah Drone
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Delegation of Japan Air Self-Defence Force arrives in RF for visit
A Japanese Air Self-Defence Force delegation is in Russia for a working visit till Aug. 25.
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U.S.-Japan flyby to open Misawa festival
This year's Misawa Air Festival is slated for Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Israel MoD Contracts RADA $330,000 to Provide Advanced HUD Camera to the IAF F-15
Israeli Ministry Of Defense has selected RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. to replace the aging Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-15 Head Up Display Cameras with RADA's state of the art "Eye Witness" color video camera.
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Isles could get carrier Vinson
The U.S. Navy will decide in April or May, whether to base USS Carl Vinson in Pearl Habour.
The carrier is currently in Norfolk for nuclear reactor refueling and overhaul.
Other possible locations are Bremerton, San Diego, and Guam.
Related Article
DOD Mulls Shift of Carrier to Pacific
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CVW-5 Pilots Stay Sharp in Lancelin Defense Training Area
Carrier Air Wing 5 pilots are honing their combat skills in August at the Lancelin Defense Training Area (LDTA) in Western Australia.
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Skyhook
A Scan Eagle lands in the skyhook for recovery on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick W. Mullen III.
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America re-classifies Cold War missile numbers
The Bush Administration has reclassified information about its nuclear arsenal dating back to the 70s that was once public.
The process first started in 1998 and has been accelerated in recent years.
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Israel Starts Reexamining Military Missions and Technology
We reported last month that an Israeli UAV accidentally fired at friendly forces during the conflict in Lebanon. Aviation Week now examines the previously classified capability of Israel's armed UAVs.
Related Article
Disaster averted: UAV fires at IDF, IAF halts fire
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Pentagon Mulls JSF Delay
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps want to delay fielding of the Joint Strike Fighter by more than a year. This will push back fielding of the first F-35 squadron to 2012.
The Navy hopes that the move will free up more than $1 billion between fiscal years 2008 and 2013 for other programs.
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Raytheon Successfully Flight Tests New Missile Variant
Raytheon Company has successfully demonstrated a new variant of HARM called HDAM, HARM destruction of enemy air defense attack module.
The new variant adds INS/GPS capability to the HARM.
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2 Peruvian Air Force pilots die in crash in Brazil
A Peruvian A-37 crashed into the runway wall after it failed to take off from the Brazilian city Porto Velho.
The jet was taking part in exercise Cruzex 06. Both pilots were killed.
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Lakenheath runway shut down for two hours
An unspecific number of F-15Es were diverted from RAF Lakenheath to RAF Mildenhall on Monday after a Strike Eagle blew a tire.
The incident occurred about 11:40 a.m. and the runway was back in operation after two hours.
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Engine explosion blamed for April F-16 crash
An investigation board determined that an engine explosion was behind last spring's crash of a U.S. Air Force F-16C.
The fighter had just taken off from Luke Air Force Base on Apr. 11 when the incident happen.
Related Article
F-16 crashes near Luke; pilot safely ejects
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US Eyes Deploying Another Radar System over N. Korean Missiles
The Pentagon is considering deploying another mobile X-band radar in Asia after North Korea's firing of ballistic missiles last month.
The four possible sites for the second radar are in the Kyushu region and Okinawa Prefecture in Japan as well as South Korea and Guam.
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Gripens help German pilot who lost connection with Ruzyne
Two Czech Gripens had to be scrambled last Friday to assist a Hamburg Airlines 737 that lost its radio communications.
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JSF first flight delayed again
The F-35 Lightning II will not make its maiden flight on Oct. 31. BG Charles Davis, Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Program Office, told Janes that the first flight could be pushed back as late as December.
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Saudi says to assemble some of its 72 Eurofighters
Saudi Arabia said on Monday that some of the Eurofighters that it bought will be assembled locally.
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Air Chief S P Tyagi on 10-day visit to US
Indian Air Force Chief S P Tyagi is likely to fly the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet during his visit to the United States from Aug. 21-30.
He will take a close look at the Lockheed Martin F-16 as well.
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B-1 Lancers join 379th fleet
Several B-1s joined the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia recently.
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CV-22 testing accelerates in August
The 412th Test Wing Electronic Warfare Group is conducting the first government-run electronic warfare test of the CV-22.
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Deployable EADS combat operations centre for air defence enters into service with the German Air Force
German Air Force commissioned a Deployable Control & Reporting Centre (DCRC) for the military surveillance of airspace and for the tactical command and control of air force units Aug 19.
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Monday, August 21, 2006
Bird forces F-16s to land at Selfridge
Two F-16s from Selfridge Air National Guard base made emergency landings on Friday after one aircraft had a bird strike.
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Iran tests short-range missile during military maneuvers
Iran test-fired ten surface-to-surface short-range missiles on Sunday. The state-run television says the Saegheh missile has a range of between 80 to 250 kilometers.
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Pierre Sprey's Military.com podcast
This is a podcast from Military.com which F-16 designer Pierre Sprey called the F-22A a turkey.
Related Articles
David Axe's F-22 Series: Raptor, or Turkey?
Raptor Operators Answer Critics
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India, Singapore seek 'interoperability' of air forces
Senior leaders from the India and Singapore Air Forces meet last week in their first air staff meeting.
Vice-Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani discussed on ways to improve disaster management and humanitarian relief in South East Asia with his Singapore counterpart BG Charles Sih.
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Boeing still looking for Plan B
Boeing is looking at ways to utilized the massive space available at Long Beach if the C-17 line has to be shut down in 2009.
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VMU-1 named Air Command and Control Unit of the Year
VMU-1 was awarded the 2006 Marine Corps Aviation Association Edward S. Fris Award for their achievements in support of training exercises and combat operations from May 2005 until April 2006.
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IAF scrambles MiGs after Pak violates no-fly zone
India scrambled its MiG-21s on Aug. 18 after radar picked up an object from Pakistan approaching its borders.
While the object did not cross the border, it did violate the 10 km no-fly zone rule observed by both countries.
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Sunday, August 20, 2006
Unit fires first live air-to-air missiles in South Korea
Every fighter squadron in the 7th Air Force took part in the first live air-to-air missiles firing in South Korea on Aug. 16. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen.
A-10s from Osan provided targets by dropping illumination flares for the missiles to lock on.
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California Air National Guard embraces new mission
California Air National Guard's 163rd Air Refueling Wing have traded their KC-135s for MQ-1 Predators.
The first six crews, composed of one pilot and one sensor operator each, graduated in April and have been supporting the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
Another class of seven crews graduated Jul. 28.
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Bidders vie for Turkey's military satellite contest
Turkey will be spending over $200 million for its first military satellite which has attracted several satellite manufacturers.
The Air Force hope to have GOKTURK, an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with 80-centimeter resolution, in orbit by 2011.
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High hopes for sale of Harrier jet
The ex Royal Navy Sea Harrier that was suppose to be sold on ebay last week is back on sale again as the bidder turns out to be a hoaxer.
Keltruck says its approaching other bidders who failed to get the Harrier in that bid.
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Saturday, August 19, 2006
David Axe's F-22 Series: Raptor, or Turkey?
Recent comments by F-16 designer Pierra Sprey on the F-22 prompted journalist David Axe to talk to the Raptor folks at the 1st Fighter Wing for their replies to the accusations.
DID folks have a link to four articles by David.
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BMD Focus: Japan's long road on BMD
North Korea's testing of missile in July highlighted Japan and the United States lack of coordination in their current ballistic missile defense deployments.
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Save the C-17
Retired Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, former commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, wrote this article pressing for the need to keep the C-17 production line alive.
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F-15K pilots fainted before crash: Air Force
South Korean Air Force's vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Kim Eun-ki told reporters in a news briefing yesterday that the F-15K crew suffered GLOC before the plane crashed.
The Air Force has determined that the cause does not lie with the Slam Eagle and will resume deliveries soon.
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US presidential helicopter schedule slips
The new Marine One helicopter is having some problems in its development which may push back its entry into service till February 2010.
Navy spokesman John Milliman said there were difficulties integrating the many classified systems into VH-71.
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Adventures of a Flying Tiger
Captain Leonard Lam is one of the few Chinese who flew with the Flying Tigers during WWII.
He flew P-40 in the Chinese American Composite Wing, the fifth fighter group under the 14th Air Force.
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Officials: U.S. blocked missiles to Hezbollah
The United States blocked an Iranian cargo plane's flight to Syria last month after a spy satellite photographed Iranians loading three C-802 Noor missiles aboard the plane.
The plane was then denied access by Iraq and Turkey when it tried to fly to Damascus.
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Israel-Lebanon War Missile News Update
Israel has send a delegation to Moscow this week to complain that Russian-made anti-tank missiles were used by Hezbollah guerrillas in the recent conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz has blamed the IDF for not telling him of the rocket and missile threat against Israel.
Sources
Israel: Hezbollah used Russian missiles
Peretz on Missile Threat: 'IDF Did Not Tell Me'
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Six ships will be able to shoot down ballistic missiles
The U.S. Navy will have three cruisers and three destroyers capable of tracking and shooting down ballistic missiles by the end of the year.
Destroyers Stethem, Decatur and Curtis Wilbur are currently being upgraded to have that capability.
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Friday, August 18, 2006
Arctic Thunder
A heritage flight with a P-51 Mustang, F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and A-10 Thunderbolt II fly over the crowd at the Arctic Thunder air show at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on Aug. 12. U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jonathan Steffen.
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Viper Lance pilots trade rides
First Lt. Coleman McDonald from the USAF sits in the cockpit of a MiG-21 Lancer at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, on Aug. 11, while Lt. Cmdr. Eugene Matache (lower right) and Warrant Officer Third Class Sorin Burdusel of the Romanian air force walk through operating instructions. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Eydie Sakura.
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F-35 makes Miramar a no-go, Marines say
Miramar Air Station has been told to prepare for the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II and MV-22 Osprey.
The orders came from Maj. Gen. John F. Goodman, commander of Marine Corps operation forces in the Pacific.
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Saving a soldier's life under fire in a helicopter
Israeli Air Force's elite 669 search and rescue unit saw intensive action in the recent conflict.
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Navy to put nuclear accident experts in Yokosuka
The U.S. Navy is planning to set up an emergency operations center at Yokosuka, Japan to deal with any emergency when USS George Washington deploys there in 2008.
A dozen experts on nuclear accident prevention to be permanently assigned to the center to monitor reactor and radiation levels, gather information and prevent radiation from spreading if an accident occurs.
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Boeing Signs Contract to Support C-17s in Australia
Boeing has reached an agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to provide logistics support services for Australia's C-17 fleet.
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Lockheed Martin Receives $48 Million Contract to Deliver Second Lot of A-10 Precision Engagement Kits
The A-10 Prime Team led by Lockheed Martin has received a $48 million award from the U.S. Air Force to produce 107 Precision Engagement (PE) modification kits for the A-10 close air support fighter.
Each PE kit consists of a new cockpit instrument panel with two 5x5 inch multi-function color displays, a new stick grip and right throttle to provide true hands-on-throttle and-stick fingertip control of aircraft systems and targeting pod functionality, and six pylons upgraded to ‘smart’ weapons capability. A new computer called the Central Interface Control Unit manages the avionics and the integrated Digital Stores Management System (DSMS), which controls weapons functionality.
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Poland to join AWACS system
Two NATO E-3s are currently in Poland's Powidz Air Base as Poland evaluates joining the AWACS program.
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Kitty Hawk Sailors Enjoy Down-Under Hospitality
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) departed Fremantle, Australia, Aug. 14, ending a four-day visit.
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Thursday, August 17, 2006
Boeing Flies EA-18G Growler for First Time
The EA-18G Growler flew for the first time on Aug. 15. Boeing F/A-18 chief test pilot Ricardo Traven and chief weapons system operator Rick Junkin conducted the first flight from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis.
Labels: EA-18G
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Blue Angels over Alaska
A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F/A-18 Hornet from the Navy's Blue Angels on its way from an air show at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Anthony Nelson Jr.
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Boeing takes step toward shutting C-17 line
BusinessWeek has learned that Boeing is expected to send out notices to suppliers on Friday telling them to stop producing certain parts for the C-17.
This would mark the first step to a permanent shutdown of the assembly line known as "breaking the line."
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COMUSAFE boosts U.S.-Russian relations with visit
Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, waves from the backseat of a Russian SU-27 Flanker piloted by Gen. Maj. Aleksandr Kharchevskiy. U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Russell Montante.
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General Dynamics Awarded $12 Million for F/A-18E/F Gun Systems
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $12.4 million contract modification from the Naval Air Systems Command for production of 20mm gun systems for the F/A-18E/F fighter aircraft.
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The Missiles of August
MIT's Tech Review on the Lebanon War and the democratization of missile technology.
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Air Force to conduct air defense exercise in southern Russia
The Russian Air Force will deploy 10 S-300 air defense systems and more than 30 aircraft during a five-day combined air defense exercise in the south of the country this week.
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DoD Finds Cruise Missile Defense 'Gaps'
The Pentagon has found 'capability gaps' during an assessment of the U.S. capability to defend the homeland against incoming enemy cruise missiles.
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Bomber synthetic fuel tests to start in September
A B-52, tail number 034, from the 5th Bomb Wing has been selected to test the new synthetic fuel at Edwards.
Two of its eight engines will use a specially blended fuel made of conventional petroleum-derived JP-8 and fuel processed from natural gas.
Related Articles
Air Force receives first shipment of synthetic fuel for testing
Alternate fuel-powered B-52 to fly in September
Military Plans Tests in Search for an Alternative to Oil-Based Fuel
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B-2 Spirit exceeds mission standard
The B-2 Spirit exceeded Air Combat Command's fully mission capable rate standard of 51 percent in June, a feat not achieved since September 2004.
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Raytheon Company Awarded $266 Million Standard Missile-3 Contract
Raytheon Company has been awarded a contract with a total value of $266 million
to build, test and deliver Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) rounds to the Missile Defense Agency.
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Air Force considering combat action award
The USAF is considering joining the other services and creating a combat action award airmen could wear to show they have been engaged in enemy action on the ground.
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S. Korea to build scoring system for U.S. Air Force: Defense Ministry
South Korea will start building an automatic scoring system at an air-to-surface bombing range for U.S. Air Force next month.
With the construction of a weapons impact scoring set at Jikdo islets, USAF fighters no longer have to travel overseas for bombing exercises.
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F-15s escort airliner to Boston after incident with passenger
Two F-15s were scrambled from Otis Air National Guard Base to intercept an airliner after a passenger on board became claustrophobic.
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Global Hawk Flies High, Sees All in Rim of the Pacific Navy Exercise
The RQ-4 Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration system flew four successful maritime surveillance missions during the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.
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Northrop Grumman's LITENING AT Targeting Pods to Provide Greater Flexibility for U.S. Marines' and Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18s
This press release from Northrup Grumman dispels any doubts that the LITENING AT pod can be installed on station 4 for the F/A-18 Hornet.
A report recently from Australia claims that installing the pod on station 4 is not feasible.
Related Article
How missiles miss the target
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ViaSat Selected as MIDS Tactical Network Terminal Supplier for Turkish Air Force
ViaSat Inc. has been selected by the Turkish Air Force as the supplier for an additional 194 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) airborne Low Volume Terminals (LVT(6)) for its F-16 fighters.
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006
RAF Harrier jets under missile attack in Afghanistan
RAF Harrier jets have been fired at by surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery while supporting British troops in Afghanistan.
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Crash probe: Russian navy aircraft failed to pull out of dive
The Russian Su-24M that crashed on Jul. 30 last month failed to pull out of a dive while attempting to avoid clouds.
It was part of a formation of Su-24s that had entered a cloudy area. The formation commander order the planes to seek their own way out of the clouds.
The Su-24 that crashed had attempted to pull out of the dive 450 meters from the ground but hit trees and broke up.
Related Article
Russian bomber crashes on way to navy celebration
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Bulgaria may cancel Elbit Systems helicopter upgrade contract
Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has sent a warning letter to Elbit Systems for failing to meet contractual obligations.
Elbit is suppose to upgrade of 18 Bulgarian Air Force Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters under a three-year contract.
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Delegation led by USAFE commander on tour of Russia
The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Gen. Tom Hobbins, flew in a Su-27 and MiG-29 on Tuesday with Gen. Col. Aleksandr Zelin, deputy commander in chief of the Russian Federation Air Force and Gen. Maj Aleksandr Kharchevskiy at Lipetsk Air Base, Moscow.
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C-5 Galaxy undergoes dynamic runway testing
The re-engined C-5 is undergoing dynamic taxi testing at Edwards to check the structural strength and flexibility of the four-engine modification.
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"Star Wars" agency helps Israel on rocket threat
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is helping Israel to find ways to counter enemy rockets.
Lt. Gen. Henry Obering told this to reporters after a speech at a missile-defense conference.
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Lockheed Developing Unmanned F-35 Jet
Lockheed Martin has develop plans to convert the F-35 Lightning II into an unmanned combat drone.
Lockheed envision four unmanned F-35s controlled by a single manned F-35, the drone will not have sensors and will just carry weapons.
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Lockheed Martin's Extended Range JASSM Cruise Missile Successful in Second Flight Test
Lockheed Martin's extended-range JASSM system has successfully performed its second flight test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006
BAE SYSTEMS Successfully Tests Skylynx II(TM) Unmanned Aircraft System
BAE Systems successfully completed tests on its Skylynx II unmanned aircraft system at Yuma Proving Grounds on Aug. 9.
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Iranian-made Ababil-T Hezbollah UAV shot down by Israeli fighter in Lebanon crisis
Old news but there are a couple of more pictures of the first UAV that was shot down by an Israeli F-16 using a Python 5 air-to-air missile.
This is the first operational kill for the Python 5.
Related Article
Israel shoots down Hizbollah drone
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Belgium resumes Congo UAV operations after Hunter-B is shot down
A lucky shot from a gunman down a Belgian B-Hunter UAV in Congo on Jul. 28.
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Higher ground: Stratospheric airships special report
Flight International's special report on lighter-than-air craft that may one day give battlefield commanders persistent surveillance.
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Lockheed excluded from cargo plane contest
Lockheed Martin on Monday formally protested the U.S. Army's decision to disqualify its C-130J from the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) competition.
Lockheed argued that the Army decision disregarded Air Force requirements for the joint program.
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German native meets Berlin 'candy bomber'
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen met Hans Feierabend, who was a 6-year-old West Berlin boy when Halvorsen first began his candy campaign, at last week's Scott AirFest.
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DoD Mulls Options for Future Spy Plane
A Pentagon-wide study on a future spy plane has been completed. Four avenues have been identified including an unmanned fleet.
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Kingdom First to Use Typhoon Jets
Saudi Prince Khaled ibn Sultan, assistant minister of defense and aviation for military affairs, told military commanders and officers at King Faisal Air Base in Tabuk yesterday that the kingdom will be among the first countries to use the Eurofighter Typhoon.
His comments came after a report carried by The Times newspaper that the British government was set to sign a deal for 72 Typhoons for Saudi Arabia.
Related Article
BAE is poised for £5bn Saudi Eurofighter contract
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Raptor Operators Answer Critics
Pierre Sprey, one of the designers of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, called the Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor a 'turkey.'
Together with author James Stevenson, both accuse the F-22 of being slow, gas-guzzling, vulnerable and expensive in a series of slides at the Center for Defense Information in Washington D.C.
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Boeing Selects Honeywell Engines for CSAR-X Program
The Boeing Company has selected Honeywell T55-GA-714A turbo shaft engines to power the HH-47 helicopter proposed for the U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) program.
Labels: CSAR-X
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Monday, August 14, 2006
Tight fit
Two B-2 Spirit bombers and four F-15E Strike Eagles are parked inside Hangar 1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 6. They were there to avoid a tropical storm that was expected to reach Guam that day. U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield.
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Founder of 'Flying Tiger' unit honored
The RoCAF 401st Tactical Combined Wing officially opened its museum honoring the
Flying Tigers at Hualien Air Force Base in a ceremony attended by General Claire Chennault's wife, Anna Chan Chennault, and three former Flying Tigers.
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Special report: Then I saw the missile hit the chopper
Reporter Ron Ben-Yishai, embedded with Israeli paratroopers, saw the missile strike that down a CH-53 helicopter. This is his first hand account of the event.
Among the casualties is an air force mechanic who became the first female Israeli soldier to be killed in the current conflict.
Sources
Special report: Then I saw the missile hit the chopper
First woman killed in Lebanon: Keren Tendler
Related Article
Hezbollah shoots down Israeli helicopter
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Defense Ministry to reexamine anti-missile laser
Israel's Ministry of Defense directorate of defense R&D head Brig.-Gen (res) Shmuel Keren has approached Washington for more information on Northrop Grumman's Skyguard Laser system.
The system is expected to help defend sensitive targets such as oil refineries and chemical factories in Haifa.
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Halutz Accused of Favoring Air Force
IDF Chief of Staff Lt-General Dan Halutz has been accused of discriminating in favor of senior air force officers.
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IDF shots down Hezbullah drone, other crash
Israel shot down another Hezbullah UAV that was packed with explosives on Sunday night. Another one crashed due to mechanical failure.
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Army spy plane runs on sunshine
QinetiQ's
Zephyr UAV had its first successful trial flight over New Mexico earlier this month.
The world’s first solar- powered spy drone is scheduled to be in service over Iraq and Afghanistan within two years.
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Pilot's Fight To Return To The Skies
Lt. Col. Tony Carrelli, an A-10 pilot, is the first American fighter pilot to fly with an artificial heart valve.
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Pratt&Whitney picks Bulgaria for F-16 components factory
Pratt & Whitney plans to relocate the production of F-16 engine components from Poland to Bulgaria.
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NG's Skyguard Lacks Mobility Army Seeking In High-Energy Laser
The raining of Katyusha rockets into Israel by the Hezbollah recently has created a renewed interest in Northrop Grumman's chemically powered high-energy laser weapon system.
However the U.S. Army is more interested in a solid state laser system which is more mobile.
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SA unmanned aircraft set to move into production phase
South Africa's Advanced Technologies and Engineering Company will supply the South African Army artillery with a number of UAVs.
Called the 'vulture', it is tailor-made to suit the harsh African environment and is deployable in 30 minutes in an unprepared terrain.
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BAE is poised for £5bn Saudi Eurofighter contract
London is set to announce the sale of 72 Eurofighter Typhoons to Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as Wednesday.
Part of the contract includes a provision for BAE to supply long-term maintenance for the jets.
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Northrop Grumman's Stellar Navigation System Makes its First Flight on RC-135 Aircraft
The new LN-120G stellar navigation system developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed its first flight test on RC-135 aircraft.
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Sunday, August 13, 2006
Hezbollah shoots down Israeli helicopter
The Hezbollah on Saturday shot down an Israeli military helicopter in southern Lebanon using an anti-tank missile.
The Hezbollah said on their al-Manar TV that the helicopter was brought down by a new missile, the "Waad" (Arabic for Promise).
The Israeli army confirmed the shoot down and said that the helicopter was hit after it had drop troops and take off.
Sources
Hezbollah shoots down Israeli helicopter
Hizbullah shoots down helicopter in southern Lebanon
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Boeing in search of structural analysts
Boeing Company is looking for experienced structural analysts for its P-8A and its 767 tanker programs.
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Our armed forces are not equipped to intercept or combat hijackers (Free Registration)
Despite the threats from terrorists carrying out 9/11 style of attacks, Ireland decided against getting a fleet of fighters to intercept a hijacked airliner.
The country prefers to depend on U.K. to provide interceptors on the grounds of high costs.
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Comox SAR helicopter reaches "world first": 2000 flying hours
A Canadian CH-149 Cormorant helicopter is the first EH101 helicopter to reach 2000 flying hours.
Aircraft 904 reached this milestone on Aug. 9.
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Boeing has grips on $8-billion deal
A statement from Canada's Public Works Minister Michael Fortier said a thorough review of requirements and ability to deliver promptly had determined that only Boeing's C-17 and Chinook helicopter can meet Canada's needs.
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Chargers hold practice on aircraft carrier
The San Diego Chargers practice Friday on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan as part of the team's annual "Salute to the Military."
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Russian fighter jet crashes
A Vietnamese Air Force Su-22 fighter jet crashed into a mountain recently during a training session. The pilot managed to eject safely.
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Saturday, August 12, 2006
Pakistan said close to F-16 fighter purchase
Pakistan is close to getting F-16 Block 50/52s after Pentagon assured members of the U.S. Congress that United States was withholding unspecified technologies usually shipped with the F-16s.
F-16 flights outside of Pakistan, including exercises with others, must be approved in advance by the U.S. government as well.
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Five killed in a helicopter crash
Yemen lost a Mi-17 helicopter this week when it crashed into a mountain due to bad weather.
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Boeing says lagging sales will cost jobs here
Boeing will lay off 77 workers from the F-15 production line and warned that other workers may be affected as sales of its other jet aircraft lagged.
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Air Force Works to Save Tanker R&D Money
The U.S. Air Force is trying to save research and development dollars for its tanker replacement effort so that a contract can be awarded in 2007.
The Senate's version of fiscal year 2007 defense appropriations and authorization legislation delays the award date.
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First Eurofighter Typhoon Dome Simulator in Operation
The German Air Force successfully completed check out activities on the first Eurofighter Typhoon dome simulator at Fighter Wing 73 "Steinhoff" in Rostock-Laage on Wednesday.
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China does not deny Hezbollah used its missile to attack Israel - U.S. Senator
A U.S. Senator currently on a visit in Beijing says China does not deny that a Chinese made missile was used during a Hezbollah attack on an Israeli warship last month.
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S-400 air defense system to get new missiles in 2006
Russia's S-400 air defense system will be getting lightweight 9M96 missiles to counter low-flying aircraft.
The new missiles are currently under trial and will go into service by end of the year.
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Mystery bid for Harrier jump jet
The former Royal Navy Harrier that was put up for sale by a truck company has been sold for £65,512.34.
Details of the buyer or why they want the jet have not been clarified.
Related Article
Harrier Under The Hammer
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Friday, August 11, 2006
Kitty Hawk Pulls Into Perth For Third Port Visit
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) is in Perth for the third port visit of the ship’s summer underway period.
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26th MEU Marines jump into TRAP to get pilots, equipment
Marines and Sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment, completed the Air Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) course recently.
The course teaches the unit to conduct operations for retrieving downed pilots, and recovering or destroying equipment and aircraft.
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Near Space Airship Fate Rests With Defense Budget
The Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS) program, a prototype airship that could hover at an altitude near space to track ground and aerial targets, faces budget cuts by lawmakers.
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Hungary faces a shortage of fighter pilots for new planes
Hungary currently has five fighter pilots for its five JAS-39 Gripen fighters and needs to expand its pool of pilots.
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Army UAVs may endanger aircraft: report
A U.S. Army report warns that its Raven UAV may endanger manned U.S. aircraft operating in the same areas.
The drone's size and light weight make it vulnerable to uncontrolled altitude variations, raising the possibility of deadly mid-air collision with helicopters or aircraft in the area it is being used.
The report gathers the lessons learned by the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq.
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Upgraded Prowler transforming warfare
The ICAP III EA-6B Prowler has demonstrated on two recent squadron deployments that it can serve as a command-and-control node in a network-centric environment.
The new Prowler can also identify vessels around carrier group and distinguish commercial from military vessels.
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Drone crashes at Holloman
An unmanned QF-4E drone crashed during takeoff Thursday morning at Holloman Air Force Base.
It was the third drone launched Thursday as part of an ongoing weapon systems evaluation program underway at Holloman.
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US servicemen missing after Iraq helicopter crash
Two U.S. servicemen were missing in Iraq's restive Anbar province after their BlackHawk helicopter crashed.
Four other people on board the aircraft survived the crash.
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Boeing Completes Cruise Missile Test Instrumentation Kit Flight Tests
Boeing successfully completed the first flight tests of the Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) / Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) Test Instrumentation Kit (CATIK) Aug. 7 at the Utah Test and Training Range, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
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Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Synthetic Aperture Laser Radar for Tactical Imagery
Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully designed, built and flight demonstrated one of the world's first synthetic aperture laser radar systems.
The Synthetic Aperture Ladar for Tactical Imaging (SALTI) program transfers synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies into the laser radar domain.
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Lockheed Martin Upgrades Eight Radars for German Air Force
Lockheed Martin has completed upgrading computer software and hardware on eight AN/FPS-117 long-range, air surveillance radars used by the German Air Force.
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Wings combine strengths to solve Raptor issue
The USAF 53rd Wing, 46th Test Wing, 1st Fighter Wing and 325th Fighter Wing worked together to analyze, develop and test a missile data collection system for the F-22.
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33rd Fighter Wing gains F-35 training mission
The USAF 33rd Fighter Wing will be transferred to Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command and train pilots for all three versions of the F-35 in 2010.
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Boeing Signs Swedish C-130 Modernization Contract
Sweden has become the first international C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) customer.
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Thursday, August 10, 2006
Royal Air Force pilot makes history in B-2 Spirit
Picture of RAF Squadron Leader David Arthurton, the first foreign B-2 pilot.
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PLAAF Helmets
A fairly lengthy article on china Defense Blog by Mike Little, a retied USAF officer, on various helmets used by the PLAAF.
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Air Forces fly 10,000 Eurofighter Typhoon hours
The Eurofighter Typhoon fleet in the four partner air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom has surpassed the 10,000 flying hours in July 2006.
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Bearing assembly failure caused F-16 crash in Utah
A bearing assembly failure caused an F-16 assigned to Hill Air Force Base's 388th Fighter Wing to crash in the Great Salt Lake, Utah Mar. 30.
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Chopper pilot may be IAF chief for 1st time
For the first time since its inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force might get a helicopter pilot as its chief.
Fali Homi Major could replace S P Tyagi in March 2007. While they are no rules barring helicopter pilots from commanding the Air Force, there are rules at the Western Air Command and South Western Air Command that its commander must be a fighter pilot.
Sources
Chopper pilot may be IAF chief for 1st time
IAF rules favour fighter pilot
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'Bravo November' Chinook crew reunite at Odiham, 24 years after Falklands Conflict
The surviving crew members from the RAF Chinook helicopter that escaped sinking on board container ship Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War have been reunited at RAF Odiham.
'Bravo November', or ZA718 was airborne on an engineering test flight when an Argentine Navy assault Super Étendard destroyed the Atlantic Conveyor with an Exocet sea-skimming missile.
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Abraham Lincoln Wraps Up Deployment 2006
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) returned to her homeport of Everett, Wash., Aug. 8 following a five-and-a-half month deployment to the Western Pacific.
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Boeing Delivers 501st AH-64D Apache Longbow to U.S. Army
The Boeing has delivered the U.S. Army's 501st AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopter.
This marks the end of two five-year, multi-year contracts that began in the late 1990s.
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Enterprise Departs Singapore
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) made its fifth port visit since departing for its regularly scheduled six-month deployment, when the ship pulled into Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Aug. 2-6.
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Wednesday, August 09, 2006
VMX-22 makes history, 'Ospreys' cross 'The Pond'
An article from MCAS New River on the recent transatlantic trip by the V-22. A few high resolutions pictures are available as well.
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Venezuelan deals put spotlight on Russian defence industry capabilities
Janes is questioning the Russian defence industry's ability to meet export demands.
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U.S. Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $135 Million Contract Modification for Fire Scout UAV
The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $135.8 million modification to a previously awarded contract for nine MQ-8B Navy Fire Scouts.
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Fighter jets will make Pakistan's debt soar
Husain Haqqani, Director of Boston University's Centre for International Relations and Co-Chair of the Hudson Institute's Project on Islam and Democracy, says Pakistan's purchase of F-16s is nothing but a pay off from Washington for General Pervez Musharraf's military regime as a sort of "toys for the boys" gift.
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ATK and Lockheed Martin Complete Second Motor Test for Proposed U.S. Navy Intermediate-range Missile
ATK and Lockheed Martin successfully test fired a second-stage booster motor under the Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (SLIRBM) Booster System Demonstration for the U.S. Navy.
The SLIRBM is designed to be fired from the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class SSGN guided-missile submarines.
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Faulty parts suspected in Apache crash
Boeing's engineers are in Israel to examine its Longbow Apache helicopter fleet as suspicions grow that a technical problem caused one to crash last month.
Insiders say a small part linking the main rotor to the body has been replaced by Boeing.
Related Article
Two IAF pilots killed in Apache helicopter crash in Upper Galilee
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Boeing Starts Production of Aft Fuselage for 100th F-22 Raptor
Boeing this week began manufacturing the aft fuselage section for the U.S. Air Force's 100th F-22.
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Gov't sees quick decision on attack helicopter contest
Turkey's civilian defense procurement officials say that they are now very close to a final choice for its attack helicopter but the decision could face objections from the military.
Both the Rooivalk and the Mangusta failed to meet the Army's operational and technical requirements. An defence analyst thinks the Army might even call for a review of the whole process.
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First C-17 Arrives At Travis
The first of 13 C-17s arrived at Travis Air Force Base Tuesday. Watch the video of its arrival here.
Source
First C-17 Arrives At Travis
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Anti-war protesters break into airfield and cockpit of US military transport
Three members of an anti-war group broke into Prestwick airport Monday and board a U.S. C-130 transport.
One of them entered the cockpit, sat at the controls and read an aircraft manual. The police arrived later to arrest the trio.
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Royal Air Force pilot makes history in B-2 Spirit
RAF Squadron Leader David Arthurton is the first and only foreign exchange pilot to fly the B-2.
He is a pilot with the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
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Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Some parts of military still hostile to gays
VF-31 is in the news again this time for its anti-gay statements and jokes that the squadron dished out to reporters during the recent excursion on USS Theodore Roosevelt.
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C-130J-30 primed for Canada
Lockheed Martin is confident that Canada will select its C-130J-30 Super Hercules as part of its modernisation program.
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Raytheon Delivers Next-Generation F-15 AESA Radar to Boeing Ahead of Schedule
Raytheon has delivered the first APG-63(V)3 AESA radar for the F-15C ahead of schedule.
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Iran to send missiles to Hizbullah
Jane's Defense Weekly reported that Iran will supply SAMs to Hizbullah in the coming months.
Chinese QW-1 (Vanguard) shoulder-launched SAMs will be supplied first followed by Russian ones at a later date.
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Israel shoots down Hizbollah drone
A Hizbollah UAV has been shot down by Israeli F-16s as it entered Israeli territory on Monday.
An Israeli military spokesman said a fighter plane shot the drone down 10 km off Israel's coast, northwest of the city of Haifa.
A picture of the wreckage is available in the article.
Sources
Israel shoots down Hizbollah drone
Hizbullah UAV shot down off Haifa coast
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Russia’s Main Arms Exporter Says Unaffected by U.S. Sanctions
Rosoboronexport says the U.S. sanctions against the company will not affect its business.
The company has no contracts with the U.S. on arms supplies or purchases of any weapons by the United States.
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Made in the U.S.S.R.
An old article from the Air & Space Magazine on the Soviet development of the Tu-4. Their copy of the Boeing B-29.
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Aircraft workers' strike warning
Civilian maintenance workers at RAF Valley have voted to strike and reject their company's pay offer.
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Lockheed Martin Awarded $16 Million to Build Radar Detection Systems for Apache Longbow Helicopter
Lockheed Martin will provide 37 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI) systems for the U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter.
Seven of the systems will supplement the current U.S. Army inventory, and the remaining 30 systems are contracted for Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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Monday, August 07, 2006
De-Icing Upgrade Mulled For Block A V-22 Osprey
20 Block A MV-22 Ospreys could be getting a de-icing system after icing on an inlet cause a Osprey to divert while on a trip to Farnborough.
Nine Block A Ospreys will be re-manufactured to Block B configuration which has a more extensive de-icing system.
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Israeli pilots 'deliberately miss' targets
At least two Israeli fighter pilots have deliberately missed civilian targets in Lebanon as they were worried that that targets had been wrongly identified as Hizbollah facilities.
Some Israeli F-16 pilots aborted their missions while others deliberately shot at the side of targets because they're afraid people will be there.
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Boy wins £300,000 payout for noise of Red Arrows
A Cypriot boy won £300,000 in damages for the torment he suffered from the noise of the Red Arrows practising over over Cyprus.
A Cypriot court ruled that the autistic boy had suffered actual bodily harm after several doctors testified that autistic children can be extremely sensitive to sound and that he had suffered "great pain and distress".
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Idaho pilots head to hills for training in event of shoot-down
Pilots from the Idaho National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron are heading to the Boise National Forest near Idaho City to learn how to evade capture if shot down.
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IAF pilots train on Hawk AJT in Wales
NDTV paid a visit to the Indian Air Force trainees at RAF Valley to see first hand how they train on the Hawk AJT.
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Israelis Differ on Missile Defense
Could the joint U.S.-Israeli MTHEL laser system protected Israeli cities from the current barrage of missiles if its development was not stopped last year? There are two different views on the issue.
Yitzhak Ben Yisrael, chief of research and development for the Israeli military until 2002, said the system could have been battlefield-ready by now.
Yiftah Shapir, a military analyst at the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, disagrees by saying that the system could be overwhelmed by a missile barrage.
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Tyndall spearheads F-22 fighter tactics integration
The USAF 325th Air Control Squadron and 43rd Fighter Squadron are working together to develop new tactics for the F-22A.
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Sunday, August 06, 2006
USS Enterprise at Changi Naval Base, Singapore
A friend who is on board USS Enterprise was in town recently. He send us photos of the ship at Changi Naval Base.
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Taiwan completes development of HF-III supersonic anti-ship missile
Janes has picked up the story on Taiwan's Hsiung Feng-III (HF-III) anti-ship missile. Pictures of the missiles on a Cheng Kung-class frigate at Suao Naval base has flooded the internet forums recently.
Apparently the photos were taken during a public open house at the base on Jul. 22. The missile was suppose to make its debut at the recent "Han Kuang 22" but was cancelled due to typhoons.
Source
Taiwan completes development of HF-III supersonic anti-ship missile
臺軍"復仇武器"意外曝光 挑動島內敏感神經(圖)
Related Articles
雄三超音速反艦飛彈 明年量產
Taiwan to Test Missile Capable of Hitting China, ET Today Says
Taiwan to mass produce anti-ship missiles
Labels: Hsiung Feng 2E
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Venezuela to acquire anti-aircraft missile system
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday that his nation will acquire a missile-based anti-aircraft defense system to defend itself.
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MV-22 Ospreys complete trans-Atlantic flights to England, back
The two MV-22s that made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean have flown back to the United States.
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Faulty SeaSkua missiles sent back for re-tests
Malaysia has requested MBDA to take back an unspecific number of SeaSkua missiles back for testing after one failed to fire during a test in March.
The missiles will be returned back to Malaysia in two months.
Related Articles
BAE Systems To Submit Report On Failed Missile To RMN
Sea Skua Missile Misfires In First Test In Southeast Asia
Navy to test missile
RMN To Test Fire Latest Anti-ship Missile Next Week
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Combined Navy, Air Force High-tech Exercise
The Royal Malaysian Navy and Air Force will hold a combined exercise till Aug. 25. Twenty aircraft will take part in the exercise.
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ITT Awarded GCA-2000 Radar Contract for Sweden
ITT Corporation will supply a transportable GCA-2000 air traffic control (ATC) radar to the Swedish Armed Forces.
The radar combines a surveillance radar with a precision approach radar.
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Relocation of Second Missile Uncertain
Yonhap News Agency reported Friday that North Korea may have relocated its second Taepodong-2 from its launch site.
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US imposes sanctions on foreign firms
Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and state-owned aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi are among the seven companies slapped with sanctions by the Bush administration on Friday.
They were all found to be in violation of the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 for allegedly passing on technology to Iran that could be used for developing weapons of mass destruction or missile systems.
Russia's Defense Ministry said the next day that theU.S. sanctions against the companies were linked with their contracts with Venezuela. The companies had recently sold Su-30s to Venezuela.
Sources
US imposes sanctions on foreign firms
U.S. sanctions related to Russia arms deals with Venezuela
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Blue Blasters Return from Western Pacific Deployment
VFA-34 returned to Naval Air Station Oceana Aug. 5, after completing a 5-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
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Saturday, August 05, 2006
Boeing Rolls Out First EA-18G Growler
Boeing rolled out the EA-18G Growler during a ceremony at its Integrated Defense Systems facilities in St. Louis Aug. 4.
Labels: EA-18G
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RAF pilots 'did not see' airliner
Two RAF Jaguars came within a quarter of mile of a BAe 146 airliner without spotting the passenger aircraft. The pilots have been criticised in an official report.
The report concluded the RAF pilots disregarded guidance on routes and said there was a "significant erosion of safety standards".
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Aero sale to Venezuela faces hurdles
An attempt by Czech aircraft maker Aero Vodochody to supply L-159s to Venezuela using French avionics and Ukrainian engines has been rejected by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry was unable to explain why it didn't grant the preliminary permit for the export.
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US to fly top-of-line F-22 fighter often from Guam
Gen. Paul Hester, commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, said Guam's Anderson Air Force Base will see the F-22A operate there more frequently after a squadron of 18 are delivered to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, by January 2008.
He expected the aircraft to take part in joint exercises with Japan and Australia.
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US decisions 'threaten' fighter project
Australian Defence minister Brendan Nelson has ruled out buying the F-22A and will stick to the F-35.
Despite seeking an alternative to the F-35, Nelson says the government is committed to the F-35. He added that the JSF program is threatened by political decisions.
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The Industrial and Economic Benefits of Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter GmbH commissioned Prof. Keith Hartley, from the Centre for Defence Electronics at the University of York, England, to compiled a Study into the Industrial and Economic Benefits of Eurofighter Typhoon.
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Air Force Halts Search for F-15K Black Box
Efforts to recover the black box of an F-15K fighter that crashed in the East Sea in early June have been terminated.
Its digital video recorder was recovered on Monday.
Related Article
Video Recorder from Crashed F-15K Recovered
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'Dummy' Bombs Mistakenly Dropped from B-52 Did Not Damage Lake's Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that inert bombs mistakenly dropped from a Barksdale Air Force Base B-52 into a lake in Kansas did not damage the lake's dam.
The incident happened on Jul. 19 when the crew accidentally dropped nine "dummy" bombs while on a practise bombing run.
Related Article
Barksdale bomber accidentally targets Kansas lake
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Royal Air Force gets a lift from C-17 Deal
The RAF will purchase the four C-17 aircraft it currently leases and buy a fifth C-17 as well.
The fifth C-17 will be delivered in 2008.
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ACC's bomber recommendations to complement current fleet
A USAF Air Combat Command team will deliver its recommendations for the next long-range bomber project to the Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense in March.
It is possible that current platforms could be improved rather than develop a bomber from scratch.
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IAF chief on US recce
India's Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi will be heading to the United States to observe their network-centric operations.
He will also meet General Paul V Hester, commander of US Pacific Air Forces.
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Friday, August 04, 2006
USS Kitty Hawk Video Cast Part 3
Final video of our tour of USS Kitty Hawk. This time LT Fowler explains the functions on the ship's bridge.
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F-14D near supersonic fly-by
An F-14D Tomcat, aircraft number 100, assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) makes a near supersonic fly-by above the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Laird
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PACAF unveils first F-22
Pacific Air Forces' officials got a glimpse into the future of fighter capability during a tail flash unveiling ceremony yesterday in which PACAF's first F-22 Raptor was unveiled. Courtesy photo/John Rossino.
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LM Demonstrates Supersonic Payload Dispense During RATTLRS Sled Testing
Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a series of sled tests of the Revolutionary Approach To Time-critical Long Range Strike (RATTLRS) system. The ability to dispense payloads at supersonic speeds were demonstrated as well.
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Chief of Air Staff decries state of Air Force
Nigeria's Chief of Air Staff warned that his service has problems in the area of aircraft serviceability, training of pilots and acquisition of modern fighter planes.
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Anti-tank missiles are Hizbullah's main tactic
Israeli ground troops operating in Lebanon are being taught how to dodge anti-tank missiles rather than bullets.
The Hezbullah has switched to hit-and-run tactics using anti-tank missiles at long range to attack Israeli troops.
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Iran Copies Chinese Rockets to Arm Hezbollah, Deter Sanctions
Iran has demonstrated that its rockets and missile technologies are mature enough through the Hezbollah.
Many of the rockets Hezbollah is firing into Israel are made in Iran.
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New North Korean missile bases target US military in Japan
North Korea has been working closely with Iran to develop its long-range ballistic missiles and has been building new underground missile bases along its east coast, targeting Japan and US military facilities in Japan.
South Korea's state-run Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS) said in the report that the North has deployed 200 Rodong missiles and 50 SSN-6 missiles at the new bases.
Development of the Taepodong-2 missile is being conducted jointly with Iran and possibly using Chinese technology.
Sources
Report: Iran helps NK on missiles
New North Korean missile bases target US military in Japan: report
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Russian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Hits Target on Kamchatka Peninsula
Russia has successfully test launched an RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk spaceport on Thursday.
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Army turns down C-130J for Joint Cargo Aircraft
The competition to supply aircraft for the Joint Cargo Aircraft program has narrowed down to two aircraft.
Both Lockheed Martin's shortened C-130J and Raytheon/EADS's CN-235 are out of the race. The Army says the C-130J was disqualified because the aircraft lacked an FAA certification.
Lockheed says it plans to protest the decision.
Sources
Army turns down C-130J for Joint Cargo Aircraft
Lockheed says may protest US Army C-130J rejection
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Air Force may favor a winner-take-all tanker deal
Boeing's vice president for tanker programs, said the U.S. Air Force may be leaning toward a winner-take-all approach for its new tankers.
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Boeing Final Bidder for Early Warning Aircraft
Boeing is again the sole bidder to supply AEW&C aircraft to South Korea after Elta was ruled out by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for failing to meet final requirements.
The decision does not mean that Boeing has won the contract as both sides will now have to negotiate the price.
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F-22A heat-treatment analysis due in two or three months
Lockheed Martin expects that within two to three months it will complete an analysis of heat-treatment issues with the F-22A.
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Thursday, August 03, 2006
New photo of KJ-200
A new photo of a Chinese KJ-200 Y-8 balance beam AEW has surface. Picture from China Defense Blog.
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Small-diameter bomb makes F-15E squadron more lethal
The USAF 494th Fighter Squadron will deploy the GBU-39 small-diameter bomb with its F-15Es later this year in Southwest Asia. U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Lance Cheung.
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Chinese Defence delegation arrives soon for test, trial of AWACS
A Chinese team will head to Pakistan soon to showcase their AWACS aircraft to the Pakistani.
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Pakistan to get F-16 warplanes, JF 17 thunder aircrafts from China: Gen Ahsan
Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCSC), Gen Ahsan-ul-Haq, told a private TV channel negotiations are underway with China for obtaining of F-10 warplanes.
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Air Vectors : The Mikoyan MiG-21
I almost forgot to mention Greg's article for August: the classic MiG-21.
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Kitty Hawk Sailors Enjoy Liberty In Singapore
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) departed Singapore July 30, bringing an end to a five-day port visit.
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Greece: Turkish jets endangering region's airspace:
The Greek defense minister on Monday said that military flights in neighboring Turkey were posing a danger to airspace over the Aegean Sea.
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Prithvi, Agni missiles inducted into armed forces
India's Prithvi and Agni ballistic missiles have been inducted into service while development of Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles have been completed as well.
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Farewell to RAF's flying Queen
Picture of an RAF Canberra escorted by the Red Arrows during the parade to marks its retirement last Friday.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Agonizing Choices for an Israeli Fighter Pilot
A Time article with an Israeli fighter pilot on the process that goes through their minds when they have to attack a ground target.
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US Air Force helicopter award delayed until Sept.
The U.S. Air Force has postponed plans to award the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) till September.
Labels: CSAR-X
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Boeing resumes C-17 work
Boeing's C-17 flight ramp operations are back on track after the company submitted a plan to correct problems there.
Flight testing of newly completed C-17s were suspended after the USAF noted problems with procedures and process.
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U.S., U.K. Reach JSF Agreement
An agreement between Washington and London has been reached over the transfer of sensitive technology for the F-35.
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Raytheon To Supply Additional F-16 Electronic Warfare Systems For Hellenic Air Force
Raytheon will supply 33 ASPIS II electronic warfare systems for the Hellenic Air Force's Block 52+ aircraft.
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Turkey close to buying 30 new F-16 fighters (Free Registration)
Turkey is likely to buy 20 F-16 Block 52+s and abandon plans to upgrade 48 F-4E fighters with Israel.
A deal could be sign before the end of this year if negotiations goes smoothly.
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Back-up ordered for next warplane
Australian Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, has ordered a new proposal for an alternative to the F-35.
He felt that although the F-35 is capable, it is also expensive and highly risky.
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Tuesday, August 01, 2006
IAF video showing Katyusha rockets being fired from Qana
This IAF video shows what they observed Qana before the deadly airstrike.
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F/A-18E/F to use AESA as jammer
Boeing's F/A-18E/F Block 2 Super Hornet is set to become the first fighter to use its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for electronic attack.
A software upgrade will allow its array of transmit/receive (T/R) modules to be used as a powerful directional jammer.
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USAF 'secrets' revealed
Military aerospace historian Michael Schratt addressed a small audience Sunday at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture museum to discuss the United States' long-running classified military aircraft programs.
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Fresh sales prompt MB-339 advanced jet trainer revival
Alenia Aermacchi is to re-open its production line for the MB-339 advanced jet trainer after receiving new orders for the aircraft.
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Video Recorder from Crashed F-15K Recovered
South Korea has managed to recover the digital video recorder from the F-15K fighter that crashed into the sea off Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province on Jun. 7.
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US seeks 'instant' missile-defence solution
United States seek to have an 'instant' missile-defence capability by tying forward-based X-band radars on land with sea-based interceptors to cover forces ashore with a minimal footprint.
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Harrier Under The Hammer
A Royal Navy Sea Harrier is for sale if you have the cash.
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Boeing wins $780 mln deal for Australia C-17s
Australia's four C-17s will cost $780 million.
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Castle Air Museum fetes its newest addition: The F-14 Tomcat
Cmdr. Paul Haas and Cmdr. Tony Desmet were at Castle Air Museum on Saturday to dedicate the F-14 Tomcat that they flown in last September.
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Lockheed Martin set to make seed-sized spy plane
Lockheed Martin will create a nano air vehicle(NAV) similar in size and shape to a maple tree seed.
A chemical rocket enclosed in the NAV's single wing will enable it to deliver a sensor payload module more than 1000 yards from the point of release.
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Navy Awards Boeing $44M Missile Deal
The U.S. Navy on Monday awarded a contract worth about $44.3 million to a unit of Boeing Co. for 28 missiles for five of its international partners.
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Northrop eyes E-2D release
Northrop Grumman and the US Navy are eyeing India and the United Arab Emirates as possible markets for the E-2D.
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Boeing reassures Seoul on AEW&C credentials
Boeing has assured South Korea that its delays with Australia and Turkey's airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) programmes will not affect its ability to meet South Korea's requirements if selected.
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Denel Awaits Outcomes On Turkish Tender
Denel says it will know in about two months whether it has won the bid to manufacture the Rooivalk helicopters for the Turkish government.
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France eyes air base to boost military role
The French is seeking access to Cyprus' Andreas Papandreou air base near Paphos to expand its role in the Mediterranean.
They will train the Cypriot military personnel and hold joint exercises in exchange for permanent access.
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France eyes Libyan deal
Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters could be heading to Libya if the French inter-ministerial commission CIEEMG approves the proposal.
France and Libya signed a framework accord on defence co-operation in 2005 that paved the way for major arms deals for French contractors.
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War games expose frontline fighter's battle weakness
Neil James, the executive director of the Australia Defence Association, has questioned the value of continuing with the $3 billion upgrade of RAAF's Hornets after they were trounced at the recent Red Flag.
The poor results were attributed to substandard electronic warfare system and bomb targeting pods. A project to upgrade these systems have run into trouble recently.
Sources
How missiles miss the target
Exposed: $200m missile bungle
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Taiwan upgrades IDF
Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) has finished upgrading two IDF fighter and they will make their public debut on Oct. 10.
The improved IDF will have a new cockpit, better radar and a new landing gear for shorter take-off and landings.
Sources
Taiwan upgrades self-developed warplanes
改良型ＩＤＦ上陣 估計商機上百億
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