Airman selected as Miss Arkansas USA
Meet USAF Second Lieutenant Kelly George who has recently been crowned Miss Arkansas USA. Kelly is the deputy chief of Public Affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing. Courtesy photo/Rhonda Garrett Gilliam.
Police agency says tourists from China interested in F-16s
Taiwan's police said that it had discovered that many tourists from China visiting Hualian have taken an interest in the activities of F-16 fighters from the 401st Tactical Combined Wing, based in Hualian. It said that it has increased its monitoring of Chinese tourist groups to prevent tour members from leaving their group to move around unaccompanied. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia Out in Force at China Show
Russia's aerospace companies were out in force at Airshow China 2006. However Moscow will not be showing its most advanced aircraft, such as the Su-33 and Su-35 as Russian military officials reportedly are uneasy about selling their best technology to China.
Sikorsky has hopes for rescue copter
Sikorsky believes that its HH-92 is the most current design and the most survivable among those who are competing for the CSARX program.
US Army: light cargo plane award on track for March
The U.S. Army and Air Force still aim to award a contract for Joint Cargo Aircraft next February or March, despite conflicting funding approved by Congress.
Russia Chooses Between $1.5 Billion and $2 Billion
China has appealed to Russia to let it export the FC-1 fighter with Russian engines. Russia has a list of countries which its has agreed to conduct military-technological trade and China wants Pakistan on that list. If Russian refuses, it could complicate trade with China which is worth $2 billion annually. Agreement, however, could threaten Russia's ties with India, which are worth more than $1.5 billion per year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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North May Have Been Selling Missiles
The latest report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service indicated that North Korea was selling its missiles to the Near East as recently as 2003-2004. The annual report says 40 surface-to-surface missiles were sold to the Near East that excludes United States, Russia, China, and European countries. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Germany confirms new Lebanon incident with Israel
There has been a second incident involving the German Navy and Israeli Air Force. This time involving a German navy helicopter and Israeli F-16 fighters. The incident occurred on Thursday when the fighters locked on to the helicopter after it had taken off. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fuel leak blamed for Nimrod disaster
A fractured fuel line that set off explosions caused the RAF Nimrod MR2 to break up in flight and crashed in Afghanistan last month. A fuel line near the bottom of the fuselage fractured and fuel and vapour that leaked into the bottom of the fuselage then caught fire. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Vance bids farewell to T-37 'Tweet'
The first Vance class to train in the T-37, class 62-F, as well as the last class of Vance Tweet trainees, 07-08, gathered on Friday to bid farewell to the T-37 Tweet.
U.S. may put Patriots near Tokyo
The U.S. is considering deploying PAC-3 missiles near Tokyo after North Korea's recent missile and nuclear tests according to Nihon Keizai newspaper. The missiles will be based at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo's western suburbs and around Yokosuka Naval Base. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Israelis put nuclear bunkers in gardens
Wealthy Israelis are rushing to build underground nuclear shelters in the gardens of their luxury homes over worries of a nuclear attack from Iran.
Navy ship back after £20m refit
More than 1,000 people lined the dockside at Portsmouth Naval Base on Saturday morning to welcome back aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.
After the Blue Angels, flyers have diverse careers
The Blue Angels marks its 60th anniversary with a special air show at its home base of Pensacola Naval Air Station Nov. 10 and 11. This article describes the life of the pilots after flying for the Blue Angels.
Test range to close, work may be shifted to test site
The Tonopah Test Range in central Nevada is heading for closure and its flight-testing mission could be transferred to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, or to the Nevada Test Site.
New J-10 picture
This photo shows the 2nd batch of J-10s being commissioned for the PLAAF 131st Regiment, 44th Division. Photo from China Defense blog.
B-52s complete long-range training sortie
Two B-52s completed a long-range, nonstop training sortie Tuesday from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to the Delamere Air Weapons Range in Australia. After the 11.5 hours sortie, each aircraft dropped four BDU-50 inert bombs over the range and then returned to Guam. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.K. carrier Ark Royal returns to service
HMS Ark Royal will rejoin the fleet today when she return to her home port at Portsmouth Harbour. The carrier has been upgraded to become a commando helicopter carrier with the ability to carry Chinooks and Apaches as well as transporting up to 600 Royal Marines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Airborne Laser Team Rolls Out Modified Aircraft and Prepares for Flight Tests
Boeing officially rolled out the Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft from a modification facility in Wichita on Oct. 27. While the head of the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency praised the system during the ceremony. A former Pentagon chief weapons tester said the enemy could easily defeat the laser by putting a reflective coating on the outside of its missiles to bounce off the laser beam.
Aussies learn C-17 ropes
RAAF maintainers are preparing to receive their country's first C-17 by training with C-17 crews at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The airmen from 36th Squadron have been there since September. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Afghan-bound troops practice on Sea Kings
Canadian troops bound for Afghanistan trained on five of the navy's Sea Kings, raising questions about whether the helicopters are bound for the country.
Boeing workers accept collective agreement
Remember the Boeing labor dispute in Australia? It has finally ended with 94 per cent of the Boeing maintenance staff voting in favor of a new collective agreement.
BMD Focus: USAF seeks SBIRS alternatives
In a sign that the U.S. Air Force is ditching the Space Based Infrared System, SBIRS. The service has awarded contracts to the Raytheon Company and to the Science Applications International Corporation to develop new infrared satellite detection systems.
Czech Gripen fighter helps Boeing 737
A Czech Gripen fighter came to the aid of a Dutch KLM Boeing 737 whose crew suspected that its cargo doors might have opened. The fighter inspected the plane from behind without the passengers noticing. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.N. draft targets Iran's missiles
European members of the U.N. Security Council have proposed sanctions that would target Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program.
Theodore Roosevelt Marks 20 Years
A ceremony honoring the 20th anniversary of the commissioning of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) took place in the ship's hangar bay Oct. 25.
Audit reveals problems in Bell's H-1 program
The U.S. Naval Audit Service found problems with Bell Helicopter's H-1 helicopters program in a recent audit that mirrors earlier findings about cost controls and scheduling. The audit found that the helicopter production schedules and cost estimates don't have reasonable assurances that schedule and cost estimates are reliable. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Aircraft deal hinges on US military, officials say
Former U.S. deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage, now working as a lobbyist, had written to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to hold a bidding contest for the contract to refurbish the P-3Cs Washington is planning to sell to the island.
Russia to Deliver Su-33 Fighters to China
Rosoboronexport is completing negotiations to sell two Su-33 naval Flankers to China with options for 12 more. The eventual number of aircraft purchased could reach up to 50. The deal is expected to be signed in December in Beijing and will be constructed by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Production Association.
China will use the fighters to train on land and on the Varyag aircraft carrier that is being completed.
The Pentagon's 2006 Annual Report on China's military reported that China has shown interest last year to acquire Su-33s to form a combat air wing for a future aircraft carrier.
General to take over at Guam base
A general has taken command at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for the first time to oversee its expansion. Brig. Gen. Douglas Owens will assume command of the 36th Wing from Col. Michael Boera. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Germans Claim Israeli F-16s Fired at Warship Near Lebanon
A German official told a parliamentary committee that two Israeli F-16s had flown low over a German warship and fired flares past it off the coast of Lebanon.. Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz spoke with German Defense Minister Franz-Josef Jung Wednesday and told him that Israel did not fire any shots at any German ships. External Link | | Permalink | |
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EDO Receives Order for Anti-Jam Antennas
EDO Corporation has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy for the production of anti-jam Global Positioning System antennas for the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft.
Joint Common Missile Rides Again
The Joint Common Missile program is prepared to initiate a restructured system development and demonstration effort after the Office of the Secretary of Defense released $60 million in fiscal year 2006 and 2007 funds for JCM development. The program was supposed to be terminated in 2004 but Congress continued to add funds to the program in an effort to keep it alive. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Marine Pilots Stay Sharp for Next War
U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilots are quietly preparing for the next war which might see them facing against a high-tech foe with a more sophisticated air force than America has fought in decades.
2 PAF pilots hurt in plane accident
A Philippine Air Force twin-engine OV-10 broke its landing gear upon touching down at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) runway on Tuesday, injuring its two pilots. The aircraft was participating in the joint "Talon Vision" exercise with the United States Marines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US govt report clears way for EADS helicopter work
EADS has been cleared to resume work on the U.S. Army light utility helicopter contract after the GOA rejected protests from other bidders. EADS was chosen in June to build a new fleet of up to 352 light utility helicopters but AgustaWestland and MD Helicopters Inc. protested the decision to the GAO. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Air Force and Raytheon Team Successfully Launch Miniature Air Launched Decoys
Raytheon has successfully deployed its ADM-160B Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) from a U.S. Air Force F-16 in series of flight tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Nine free-flight launches took place from May to July and each sortie involved the launch of MALD vehicles at varying speeds, altitudes and F-16 pylon locations. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Two-thirds of eligible pilots claim re-up bonus
Two out every three pilots eligible to sign up for the $25,000 pilot bonus in fiscal 2006 agreed to take the money and stay in the Air Force for another five years.
RAF Tornado crashes into sea
An RAF Tornado GR4 from RAF Marham crashed in the RAF's Holbeach Range yesterday. Both crew ejected to safety and were rescued by Sea King helicopters from RAF Wattisham and Leconfield.
Seoul Develops 1,000-KM Cruise Missile
South Korea has reportedly tested a cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. And the state-run Agency for Defense Development are now developing cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 kilometers. Guided by a Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) system, the missile hit targets with a margin of error of plus or minus five meters during tests.
The missiles will be deployed on board the 7,000-ton KDX-III Aegis destroyers that will be built from 2008. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Japan, U.S. nears deal on airspace plan
Japan and the U.S. are nearing agreement on a plan for the partial return to Japan of airspace over Yokota Air Base. The return could shorten flight times and ease congestion in the skies over Japan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China speeds production of AEW&C aircraft
Janes reported that China's Shaanxi Aircraft Company will soon complete manufacture of a third Y-8 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft (KJ200) after the crash of the second aircraft in June. Two or three KJ-200 aircraft are planned to operate as part of a joint AEW network alongside KJ-2000. The KJ-2000 would operate as a command aircraft for the KJ-200s.
Institute develops new training system
Taiwan's Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) has developed an Air Combat Manuevering Instrumentation (ACMI) system for the air force. The system is called TAS and will gradually replace American-made ACMI system. It will be deployed on the IDF, Mirage 2000 and F-16.
First female F-16 pilot retires
Lt. Col. Sharon Preszler of the USAF, the first female active-duty F-16 pilot, has retired after 20 years in uniform on Oct. 13. Preszler was commissioned in 1986 and became a navigator before learning to pilot C-21s, in 1993 she became the first female to train on the F-16. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New Zealand defence forces 'decrepit'
The RNZAF is getting a big makeover with new helicopters and upgrades of its Orion patrol aircraft, Hercules transports and modified Boeing 757s. But the service is struggling to maintain operational capabilities in the face of staff shortages and aging equipment. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Monday, October 23, 2006
美國博物館將修復國軍F-104飛上青天
From Donny: The Classic Aircraft Museum in Portland, Oregon will restore a RoCAF F-104G, 4420, back to flying condition whilst keeping its original markings. The aircraft was given to Feng Chia University after its retirement and has been keep in a good condition.
In return for the plane, the museum will setup a scholarship at the university. External Link | | Permalink | |
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F-22 Maintainers Focus More On Avionics, Less On Engines
F-22 maintainers say that avionics takes up 70 percent of the workload compared to the F-15. The plane's avionics self diagnostic helps maintainers pinpoint problems even before the pilots can. This also allow them to be able to replace specific components instead of an entire equipment set because of the accuracy. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Waves build against carrier
Opposition to the basing of USS George Washington at Yokosuka, Japan is still strong despite support from the mayor and governor. A Yokosuka citizens' group campaigning against the proposal has moved to demand a referendum on the issue or a recall of the mayor. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IDF: Lebanon recon flights will go on
Israel has denied that it stopped flights over Lebanon and vows to continue the overflights. It claims that the flights are necessary to collect intelligence so long as UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is still not being implemented by Lebanon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force Mulls New 'Low Visibility' Planes
The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command wants a new fleet of small cargo aircraft that could ferry small groups into nations without attracting attention. Two early potential candidates are the Joint Cargo Aircraft or a private jet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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MSDF set to monitor 2 sea-lanesTo check ships near Okinawa, Tsushima Strait
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy P-3C surveillance aircraft while the Air Self-Defense Force will deploy AWACS surveillance planes and E-2C aircraft to conduct inspections of cargo to and from North Korea.
Munitions course gives airmen glimpse into bomb-building
The one-day Lakenheath Combat Munitions Assembly Course give nonmaintenance students ranging from one-striped airmen to full-bird colonels a glimpse into how munitions personnel deal with bombs. They worked together to construct 500- and 1,000-pound bombs. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Learning to Fly
Forbes' coverage of United Industrial who makes a profit selling the Shadow 200 unmanned air vehicle to the U.S. Army.
Thieves steal vests, knives from Army copter
Thieves broke into a U.S. Army Apache helicopter parked at Murfreesboro Airport, Tenessee on Wednesday. Two Air Warrior survival vests, two PRC 112 survival radios, two breakout knives, eight pen flares and two first aid kids were taken from the helicopter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Oldies but goodies
Israel's C-130 fleet will celebrate 35 years of service this month.
RAAF 85th birthday attracts 30,000
More than 30,000 people turned out at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney on Saturday to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the formation of the RAAF.
Legendary pilot 'Earthquake McGoon' heads home
The remains of James "Earthquake McGoon" McGovern, one of the first two Americans to die in combat in Vietnam, will be returning to the United States mainland next week for a military funeral in New Jersey on Oct. 28.
U.S. upholds nuclear umbrella for S. Korea
The United States on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to protect South Korea with nuclear weapons. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld gave the assurance while hosting South Korean Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung for annual talks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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解放軍運輸機在河北墜毀
From Donny : A PLAAF Y-7 transport has crashed in Hebei province on Oct. 19. Two crew were killed.
Israeli planes steering clear of Lebanon -France
Israeli jets have steered clear of Lebanon airspace for the past 48-hour after the French commander of the U.N. force in southern Lebanon warned that that peacekeepers may at some point resort to force to prevent the Israeli overflights. The U.N. is required to rewrite the rules of engagement for its troops in order to do so however. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Rafael nears agreement with GD and Thales for Spike-ER joint marketing
Rafael, General Dynamics (GD) Santa Barbara Sistemas of Spain and Thales will join hands to market the Spike Extended Range (Spike-ER) multipurpose missile for France and Spain's Eurocopter AS 665 Tiger HAD/HAP multirole helicopter anti-armour missile competition.
Army plane in emergency landing
A French maritime surveillance aircraft made an emergency landing in Kenya on Wednesday after the pilot was alerted of a possible fire on board. The incident turn out to be a false alarm. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Training school is 'best of the best'
A Canadian Cormorant helicopter travelled to Air Station Astoria to train at the U.S. Coast Guard advanced rescue swimmer school.
EADS-CASA Cancels Military Plane Deal
Does a blogger have the power to influence the sale of military aircraft? Michael Waller of the Institute of World Politics claims that his blog lead EADS-CASA to cancel its sale of 12 military transport planes to Venezuela. But the Spanish foreign minister said that high cost of substituting American parts was the reason for the cancellation.
Meanwhile a military adviser to the Venezuela President said his country is considering buying military transport planes from Russia instead.
Isle Air Guard plans for F-22 Raptor jets
The Hawaii Air Guard is now working on an environmental assessment for the F-22 and wants to begin construction on a new jet fighter complex at Hickam in 2008 to replace the existing jet fighter alert pad built in 1958.
MiG-27 crashes in Bengal, pilot injured
A MiG-27 from the Indian Air Force crashed into an open field in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Thursday morning while on a routine flight. The pilot sustained leg injuries while ejecting from the aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Inquiry into YouTube Harrier clip
RAF has launched an inquiry into a video of a Harrier 'buzzing' a serviceman in Afghanistan. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the RAF was aware of the incident and had launched an investigation. The spokesman added: "The RAF does not condone incidents of this nature and takes its responsibilities for low flying and safety extremely seriously."
BAE in £450m Hawk deal as probe widens
BAE Systems won a contract to supply 28 Hawks to the British Ministry of Defence as a probe into alleged corruption involving BAE arms contracts has been extended to the sale of 28 Hawk aircraft to South Africa in 2001.
Helicopter row blame game
Australian Aerospace admitted mistakes were made in the bidding process for the new Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter fleet. Brendan Roberts, the CEO of Aerospace's parent company, EADS Australian Pacific told a parliamentary audit committee yesterday the bulk of $365 million in extra costs stemmed from "poor estimates" it made in its initial tender. External Link | | Permalink | |
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SA's Top Gun trainees take off in Makhado
South Africa's first 10 Hawk 120 lead-in fighter-trainer aircraft were officially handed over to 85 Combat Flying School at the Makhado air-force base on Thursday.
U.S., Japanese Navies to Conduct Mystery Joint Exercises
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and its strike group departed Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 17 along with CVW 5 and Japanese press reports claim that it will conduct drills geared towards intercepting and searching North Korean vessels with the Japanese. The U.S. and Japan are calling the exercises "regular" and part of normal operations but an insider with Japanese navy said it is not normal for the strike group to return to sea one month after returning from a three-month summer cruise on Sept. 15.
Navy Pilots Test New Flight Device
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic began testing the Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device (ROBD) at Naval Air Station Oceana Oct. 5. The flight simulation device will enable pilots to experience the physical effects of high altitudes in a safe environment. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Study outlines airlift capability challenges
A draft report by RAND Corp. is warning that the U.S. Air Force's combat delivery capable C-130 fleet will soon decline below 400. The current fleet can only supply all the needs of an Army maneuver force less than half the size of the one deployed to Iraq now. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Plane drops flare into Las Vegas neighborhood
An A-10 Thunderbolt from Nellis Air Force Base, dropped a magnesium illumination flare into a residential area of North Las Vegas around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Penetrator Performance During Final RATTLRS Sled Tests
The supersonic RATTLRS penetrator warhead has successfully completed sled tests. During the tests, the RATTLRS airframe was slammed into concrete targets at a sled track in New Mexico at supersonic speeds of greater than Mach 2. The warhead penetrated cleanly and completely through the concrete barriers demonstrating that lightweight penetrator warheads, when coupled with high-speed vehicles, provide the penetration depth of significantly heavier penetrators. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, October 19, 2006
Russia Demands U.S. Lift Sanctions Against Arms Exporter and Aircraft Maker
Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin wants Washington to lift its sanctions against Rosoboronexport and Sukhoi or risked difficulties in getting Russian support on UN sanctions resolution against Tehran. Washington imposed the sanctions against the two companies in August for making deals with Iran involving sensitive technology. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Trishul gets another lease of life
Another Indian flip-flop. This time defence minister Pranab Mukherjee has agreed to extend the Trishul anti-missile defence system program by another year. The program was supposed to end this year but Pranab has decided to grant the DRDO's request to extend it another year.
188th Begins Conversion To Warthogs
The Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing began its transition from F-16s to A-10 aircraft Tuesday. The 188th will transfer several F-16s a month through April 2007, and then start receiving A-10. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Moldovan official acquitted in jet sale
Moldova's former defense minister who was convicted of selling 21 MiG-29s too cheaply to the Unites States has been acquitted.
MoD denies plans for helicopters
The British Ministry of Defence denied plans to send more Chinooks to Afghanistan. RAF sources say five more Chinooks were being sought from training and utility squadrons in the U.K. and Germany.
Turkish prime minister is hospitalized
The decision on which company will supply attack helicopters to Turkey has been put on hold after the Prime Minister was hospitalized. Recep Tayyip Erdogan was to chair a Defense Executive Committee meeting to select between Augusta and Denel.
Dassault denies in talks with Embraer on Rafale
Dassault Aviation denied on Monday a Les Echos newspaper report that it will provide the technology to build Rafale fighter to Embraer. The paper said that the French plane maker is in talks with Brazil to supply up to "several dozen" Rafale. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Weight Watchers
Thanks to Joe for sending in this link. Air & Space magazine is running an article on how a team of engineers saved the F-35 from overweight.
傳台外島部署飛彈瞄準大陸
The Taiwan military has refuted claims that it is setting up a missile base on an island close to mainland China that can hit Shanghai or Hong Kong. United Daily News also reported that U.S. military officials made a secret visit in August to Taiwan after learning this. This has been denied by the Taiwan military as well.
Probe cites Navy's failures in attack on INS Hanit
The investigation into the missile attack on INS Hanit concluded that due to a major intelligence flaw. Investigators found flaws in the transmission of intelligence information from Military Intelligence to Naval Intelligence and to the commanders of the missile ships. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Seoul's New Satellite Blanks N.Korean Nuke Test
South Korea's newly launched Arirang-2 satellite has failed to take pictures of North Korea's nuclear test site when the test occurred. An official with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute said started taking pictures after two days later. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Barak has no match: Navy chief
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash has defended the Barak Missile saying it was a "very good and incomparable" system. Former Defence Minister George Fernandes, his associate Jaya Jaitley, former Navy Chief Sushil Kumar are being investigated for corruption in the deal to purchase the system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Govt to close down Trishul anti-missile programme
India has decided to cancel the Trishul anti-missile program after 19 years of attempts due to consistent failure in guidance and control systems.
Advanced Modeling Removes Risk From JSF Development: General
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Heinz, JSF deputy program executive officer, says advanced modeling and simulation used to develop and build the F-35 reduce the risk to buy the aircraft before traditional flight-tests are done.
厚木の艦載機、主翼のトラブルで緊急着陸
From Asagiri: A F/A-18C from VFA-192 made an emergency landing at Atsugi Air Base, Japan after its starboard leading edge flap was stuck in the up position. Pictures in the article.
80 choppers on IAF shopping list
The Indian Air Force has decided to buy 80 Mi-17 1V helicopters. Deliveries are to commence in 2007 and be over within a year.
Jas fighter almost shoots down Swedish civilian aircraft
A Gripen fighter flown by a Czech aircrew nearly shot down a Learjet that was towing target for the fighter on Wednesday. The shot from the fighter plane passed just 15 metres from the civilian jet and the exercise was stop immediately.
Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has now begun an investigation into the incident. External Link | | Permalink | |
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'Sky's the limit' on jet fighter bill
A report by the Dutch audit office warns that the eventual bill for the F-35 cannot be determined. The reported added that development costs cannot be calculated until 65 per cent of the test phase have been completed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Retired fighter jet to fly again
An A-7 from Iowa Air National Guard is set to 'fly' again when it is airlifted by a Chinook to Des Moines airport for renovation.
U.S. Air Force considers pilotless U-2
Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Michael Wynne, told C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" that combatant commanders want him to slow down the retirement of the U-2. The Air Force had gotten permission to retire the U-2 by 2011 but combatant commanders want the Air Force to prove that the Global Hawk can provide the same capability as the U-2. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Saturday, October 14, 2006
I won't flinch... I'll DUCK!
A former RAF serviceman posted a 15-second video of a Harrier buzzing a British serviceman at Kandahar air base in southern Afghanistan. The British Ministry of Defence dismissed the footage as just servicemen "letting off steam".
Turkish military says Greek warplanes harassed Turkish jets during exercises
Turkey's military said Friday that one of its F-16 was harassed by two Greek Mirage warplanes in an area northwest of the Greek island of Chios on Thursday. This was followed by a similar incident northwest of the island of Lesvos, further north, later in the day and another alleged harassment near Chios. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Indian Navy declines to buy British Harriers
The Indian Navy has decided against buying eight British Sea Harrier FA.2 that were phased out of the Royal Navy recently. They felt that it was too expensive to rearm those Harriers which are striped of their weapon systems. Using them as trainers are not worthwhile as the Navy is already considering getting the Hawk. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First female T-bird credits WASPs
Maj. Nicole Malachowski tried to share the spotlight as she shared her experience as the first female pilot in the Thunderbirds.
Second Heaviest Day of Strikes for Enterprise Strike Group
On Oct. 7, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in their second heaviest day of close air support in the skies over Afghanistan since they began operations in there early September.
Quad passes initial testing
Bell-Boeing Quad Tiltrotor Program Manager Alan Ewing said a one-fifth scale model of the Quad Tiltrotor passed through preliminary wind tunnel testing with flying colors. Initial results showed that the Quad's rear rotors don't generate more stress than the front rotors and both front and rear wings remained stable during testing. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Supersonic Jousting
Gulfstream Aerospace and NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center have attached a retractable, 24-foot-long lance-like spike on the nose of NASA Dryden's F-15B to investigate the suppression of sonic booms.
The aircraft took to the air first time on 10 Aug. and several more flights have been conducted to test out the system's structural integrity at subsonic speeds. Over the next two weeks, the project plans to push up to speeds of about Mach 1.8.
Gulfstream's Quiet Spike technology has three conical fairings along its length that are designed to produce three parallel shocks that head Earthward independently - rather than folding into a two large shocks like a normal supersonic boom.
These test won't actually 'quiet' the F-15's sonic boom as the islets are not modified to quiet the aircraft. The aim is to how that the spike's design is capable of supersonic flight.
Prez letter nails George's Barak lie
India's President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam had opposed the proposal to buy the Barak anti-missile defence systems in 1999. He wrote in a letter stating that has a failure rate of nearly 50 per cent during trials. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Group trying to bring Tomcat to town
The Forward Air Controller's Museum and the OV-10 Bronco Association is trying to raise money to bring Tomcatter-111 to Fort Worth, Texas. The F-14 once flew out of NAS Fort Worth and Naval Air Station Dallas from 1986 to 1998.
Patriot missiles believed to have arrived
U.S. forces transferred what is believed to be PAC-3 missiles from a freighter in Urama, Okinawa, to the U.S. Air Force Kadena Ammunition Storage Area, Japan.
Investigation: Controls, pilot mistakes led to crash
Problems with aircraft controls and pilot mistakes led to the 14 Mar. crash of an F-16C off the coast of South Korea. Investigators concluded that the jet's problems started with a series of failures in the F-16C’s flight control system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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General hopes Air Force, Army can agree on JCA
Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander of Air Mobility Command, hopes that Army and Air Force planners can agree on what they want in a Joint Cargo Aircraft. According to Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, the Air Force has indicated it would pull out of the joint program if the Army selected the C-295, believing that it is too similar to the C-130J. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Prepares First Australia C-17 for Maiden Flight
The first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has rolled out of the company's paint hangar in Long Beach, Calif., and has begun preparations for its first flight, scheduled for later this month. Boeing photo by Ken Graeb.
MoD may charter helicopters for Afghan mission
Britain's defence procurement minister said Monday that the Ministry of Defence is considering chartering private or foreign-owned helicopters to boost U.K. military capabilities in Afghanistan. Lord Drayson also admitted that they had underestimate what they were up against in Afghanistan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Army delays mean no $14 million bonus for Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopters said that it won't earn a $14 million bonus for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program as it is running nearly a year behind schedule. Bell is expected to deliver the first helicopter in 2008 but that has been pushed back to July 2009.
RAAF 'won't need' interim jet
The RAAF has all but ruled out any need for an interim strike bomber. Deputy chief, Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn, said the RAAF had considered a range of possible combat aircraft which could be acquired in event that the JSF was delayed. But they were confident that that the F-35 would be delivered on time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fernandes in CBI cross-hairs for Barak missile deal
India's ex-defense minister George Fernandes is being investigated by India's investigation agency, CBI, in a bribery case related to the purchase of Barak missiles from Israel.
US Army aims to award cargo plane in early 2007
Paul Bogosian, program executive officer for U.S. Army Aviation, said he expected to choose a winner for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) by the end of February.
Chinese Air Force impressed with Canadian Air Force training aids
Approximately 50 senior officers from the China PLAAF visited Canadian Air Force military installations in September, including 17 Wing Winnipeg, 1 Canadian Air Division and several training establishments at 16 Wing Borden.
Aircraft 10005 took off at around 2:55pm accompanied by another IDF fighter from Chingchungkang airbase. It did not retract its gear during this flight. Both aircraft headed out west towards the Taiwan Strait after take off and returned to land later at 3:15pm.
The upgraded fighter will have the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks to increase its range. These new fuel tanks are still undergoing development and will only be ready for testing early next year.
The new IDF can also carry four Sky Sword 2 air-to-air missiles, up from two.
Israel seeks to shoot down rockets with rockets
Rafael and Israel Military Industries are developing systems that would use miniature rockets to shoot down Katyusha-sized rockets. Rafael's "David's Shield" and Israel Military Industries' (IMI) "Magic Shield" are modelled on Arrow II, an Israeli system that shoots down incoming ballistic missiles at atmospheric altitudes using guided missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Afghan copter crash blamed on mishaps
A U.S. Army CH-47 crash that killed 10 U.S. troops last May was caused by a series of mishaps. The Chinook was attempting a nighttime landing on a small mountaintop zone. Only two of the rear wheels could touch down, while its front two wheels hovered off the mountain's side.
The helicopter had to land between trees with only about 5 feet of clearance on either side of its rotors and soldiers had no ax to cut down the most problematic tree. They used a pick, hammer and knife instead.
US missile defense said ready for N.Korea threat
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has deployed the THAAD missile defence system at Pacific Missile Range Facility on Hawaii where it could be used to respond to any threats from North Korea. While still under testing, it could be used to intercept any incoming missile if need to. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Germany expects on-time delivery of Airbus A400Ms
A German Defence Ministry of spokesman said on Friday that Germany expects Airbus to deliver on time the 60 A400M military transporters it has ordered. It came after former Airbus Chief Executive Christian Streiff said in a newspaper interview on Thursday that the A400M programme was "on the edge". External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air force to enhance flying life of MiG-29
The Indian Air Force has approached the National Aerospace Laboratories to conduct a fatigue test on its MiG-29 in a bid to extend its airframe life by an additional 500 hours from 2,500 to 3,000 flying hours. It may seek to extend it to 4,000 flying hours after reaching 3,000 hours. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tomcat gone home
The final U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat flight was completed at 11:40am 4 Oct. at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY. LCDR Chris "Limp" Richard, pilot, and LCDR Robert "Fitz" Gentry, RIO flew Felix 101 back to the place where it was born. Thanks to William Barto and Tom Kaminski for the photos.
Navy defends Atsugi night landing practice
Eight Japanese politicians signed a letter protesting the U.S. Navy's plans to practice nighttime aircraft landings around Naval Air Facility Atsugi this week, calling the operation noisy and dangerous. But the USN is defending its practice saying that the next alternative, Iwo Jima, is too far away. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Defense ministry releases report on Han Kuang drills
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense on Thursday released a review on the recent Han Kuang exercise. The report focused on the failure of six types of missiles launched during the war games. It blames the failure on the lack of funds to keep the equipment up to date. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Austria prepares to dump Eurofighter order
Austria's newly elected center-left government is set to make good of one of its campaign promises and scrap the deal to buy the Eurofighter. The move will be complicated as the first four planes on order are already under construction in Germany and are due to be delivered next year. Cancelling the order could result in penalties for Austria. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Royal Air Force chief to fly Sukhoi
Royal Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy will be flying the Su-30MKI on Wednesday in Pune, India.
Army revives ACS program
Defense contractors have been invited for a briefing on Oct. 31 at Fort Monmouth as the U.S. Army revives the Aerial Common Sensor program.
RAF Harrier combat ops in Afghanistan footage released
The Royal Air Force has released footage of Harrier pilots bombing Taleban targets in Afghanistan. The footage show the cockpit view, munitions being directed onto targets, and jets landing, taking off and preparing for sorties.
The Harriers are part of the Joint Force Harrier detachment operating out of Kandahar airfield in southern Afghanistan.
Defence chiefs has denied that the release of these footages was an attempt to improve the public's perception of the RAF's work in Afghanistan.
A leaked e-mail by an Army Major based in Afghanistan last month criticized the RAF as "utterly, utterly useless".
Radiation detecting aircraft takes off from Kadena
A USAF WC-135C has taken off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Thursday and is believed to be monitoring signs of a possible nuclear test by North Korea. The plane which can collect and analyze radioactive substances in the air took off at 11a.m. with a refueling tanker taking off later. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Added mission at Laughlin AFB advances pilot combat skills
Laughlin Air Force Base will be conducting a new course, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, for cadet pilots. The eight-week course, which is set to begin in the summer of 2007, will introduce pilots to air-to-air employment, air-to-surface attack, low-altitude navigation and other fighter fundamentals. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Scores Direct Hit in SLAM-ER Land Moving Target Test
Boeing's Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) has scored a direct hit against a moving, remotely-controlled land target during a recent flight test at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake. A follow-on test will launch the SLAM-ER against a simulated SA-3 missile launcher that will maneuver and change speeds like an operational target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAF mulls purchase of French Mirage fighters
India has approached the French for the supply of Mirage 2000-5s as an interim measures and negotiations with Qatar for 12 Mirages have revived as well.
DRDO let us down, says Tyagi
Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi has publicly blamed the Akash air defence missile program for upsetting his plans. Tyagi said he had to purchase the Spyder system from Israel to make up the void. External Link | | Permalink | |
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2300th Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules Rolled Out
Lockheed Martin has rolled out the 2300th C-130 Hercules, a KC-130J tanker destined for the United States Marine Corps. This is the second occasion the Marine Corps has received a milestone Hercules, as the 1800th aircraft delivered was also a tanker. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Richmond Air Show
The Richmond Air Show at RAAF Base Richmond on 21-22 Oct. will celebrate RAAF's 85th anniversary and 90 years of flying from RAAF Base Richmond.
Lawmakers rally to save radar program from budget cuts
Nearly 90 U.S. lawmakers are rallying to save the E-10 and the MP-RTIP, Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program. 16 senators and 73 members of the House of Representatives signed a pair of identical letters and sent it to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Air Force proposes initial Joint Strike Fighter locations
The F-35 Lightning II is coming to Asia. Below are the locations that the USAF has earmarked for environmental analyses for deploying the F-35. Eglin Air Force Base, for primary maintenance and flight training; Nellis AFB, and Edwards AFB, for flight-testing; and Hill AFB, Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Shaw AFB/McEntire Air National Guard Base, for operational squadrons. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Proves B-52 'Smart Bay' Capability in Lab
Boeing has proven in a weapons integration laboratory for the first time that small-diameter bombs (SDB) can successfully be placed on a strategic rotary launcher in the bomb bay of a B-52 bomber. A Boeing engineering team performed a test that proved the B-52 can carry 32 SDBs on the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher in the bomb bay of the B-52. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Northrup radar program cut seen
Loren Thompson said on Monday that the USAF has decided to cancel the E-10A program. Only a small part of the project, aimed at building a radar for the Global Hawk, would continue.
Typhoon wins gun dogfight
The RAF has decided to fit 27mm Mauser cannon back into the Eurofighter Typhoon after the recent experience in Afghanistan showed that the cannon is still important for close air support. Air Vice-Marshal David Walker said last week that he had decided to proceed with the Typhoon gun, buying ammunition, spares and maintenance equipment. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Police say no corruption behind decision on helicopters purchase
Czech Republic's state attorney Ladislav Malovec said he found no evidence that suggests no corruption behind Prague's decision to purchase helicopters from Russia within the compensation of the Russian debt to the Czech Republic a few years ago. Russia offered 18 Mi-17 and 11 Mi-24 to write off its debt to the Czech Republic. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. suspends F-16 sale to Taiwan over budget delay
Taiwan's plan to get 66 new F-16s have been put on hold by the Bush Administration over the island's failure to approve funds for an earlier arms package. Washington had earlier in 2001 offered Taiwan submarines, P-3Cs and Patriot missile but the opposition parties have blocked a special budget to buy the arms in parliament.
As a result, the new weapons package will be suspended until the old package has been approved. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Americans Fight for Soviet Memorial
Three USAF airmen are trying to restore a monument dedicated to five Soviet pilots who were shot down while based at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
Govt set to put combat aircraft deal on fast track
India now seems to have put the tender for 126 fighters on fast track by converting the Request for Proposals (RFP) into a full-fledged Request for Quotations (RFQ). This will cut short the time interval between the evaluation and price negotiations and select a winner by middle of next year. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends
Plans to develop a new bomber by 2018 is just part of a three-phase long-range strike modernization program. Existing bombers will be upgrade to be combat-ready into the 2030s. But the final phase will be the fielding, around 2035, of a true "next generation" long-range strike weapon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Where Next With Electronic Attack?
The Air Force magazine takes a detail look into the available options for the USAF to replace the airborne electronic attack mission currently carried out by the EA-6. Pressure is mounting for the USAF as the Prowler is scheduled to retire in 2012. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The Reluctant KamikazesKamikaze Diaries, a new book Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney has revealed that many of Japan's kamikaze pilots were not fanaticals. Studying the diaries and letters of many of the pilots, who were fresh out of universities, Emiko found that many 'volunteered' for the suicide missions not just from the intense peer pressure but because they could not bear to protect their own lives while seeing their friends and comrades offering up theirs. External Link | | Permalink | |
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USS George Washington is in dry dock for a year
USS George Washington has moved into a dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard to prepare itself for its shift to Japan in 2008. It will spend one year in dry dock getting a new main mast, upgraded communications equipment, and renovated staterooms and berthing quarters. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy to mothball the JFK
The U.S. House and Senate have reached a deal to mothball aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. The Navy can now retire the Kennedy in the upcoming fiscal year but must keep the ship in good enough condition to be reactivated in case of a national emergency. External Link | | Permalink | |
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49th Fighter Wing commander Col. David Goldfein
USAF 49th Fighter Wing commander Col. David Goldfein has clarified that there are no plans to extend the retirement of the wing's F-117s. Goldfein said recent press reports that the retirement of the F-117 would be slowed down were based on a "what if" scenario Pentagon planners engage in whenever there is a major change in the works.
Army Reaches For The Sky With New Capability
The New Zealand Army will induct the Very Low Level Air Defence Alert and Cueing System (VACS) Oct. 2. It will be combined with the Mistral Air Defence system to give the New Zealand Army’s 16 Field (Artillery) Regiment early warning of approaching aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. defense gear said to arrive in Asia
Equipment and heavy vehicles needed for the deployment of PAC-3 missiles in Okinawa, Japan, arrived on the island Saturday. NHK and the Kyodo News agency reported that the equipment arrived at a military port in Naha in the morning. External Link | | Permalink | |
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British pilots prepare for Gwalior drill
Tornado F-3 pilots from RAF's 43 Squadron have been preparing themselves to dogfight India's best fighter, the Su-30MKI this week.
Seoul to build new cruise missiles, subs
South Korea's Defense Ministry said yesterday it plans to produce 100 Haeseong, or Sea Star, ship-to-ship cruise missiles until 2010. The country has already launched a project to produce 30 ship-to-ship cruise missiles by 2007. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Intrepid Museum closes for two-year renovation
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is now closed for two years as the floating museum is being hauled off to drydock for a two-year renovation.
New Bomber Program to Begin 'Black'
USAF Air Combat Command chief Gen. Ronald Keys told reporters during a briefing at an Air Force Association-sponsored conference in Washington that early efforts to field a next-generation long-range bomber likely will be classified. Keys said that while details such as anticipated costs and initial capability milestones will be disclosed to the public. The platform's projected range, speed and payload will remain closely held secrets. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Congress approves joint project funding
The U.S. Congress has approved $460 million in funding for joint Israeli - American defense programs including $20 million for a short range ballistic missile defense system. The Arrow anti-missile system will receive $135 million and the LITENING targeting and navigation pod will get $35.5 million. External Link | | Permalink | |
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, a new book Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney has revealed that many of Japan's kamikaze pilots were not fanaticals.
