Pilot blamed in jet's crash on carrier
The San Diego Union-Tribune has obtained a report on the crash of a VFA-25 F/A-18C BuNo. 164642 on board USS Ronald Reagan at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 28, 2006. This Flash video was converted from the Real Video version on the Union-Tribune's website.
The pilot was an S-3 transition first tour LT with 242 hours in the Hornet including 24 night traps.
The 33-year-old pilot had flown little since the Reagan left San Diego on its maiden combat deployment Jan. 4, 2006. This was considered a factor in the investigation report.
Exhibit highlights U.S.'s first 'Lost Nuke'
The Western Canada Aviation Museum will soon unveil an exhibit that highlights the firt nuclear bomb lost by the United States. A B-36 carrying an inactive Mark-IV nuclear bomb crashed into the side of a mountain northeast of Terrace, British Columbia on Feb. 13, 1950. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Report: German Pilots Train for Combat in Afghanistan
Luftwaffe is training its Tornado pilots for possible combat in Afghanistan as Germany considers a NATO request to send reconnaissance aircraft to southern Afghanistan. German public broadcaster ARD said pilots are currently testing technology that could allow them to bombard targets themselves as the information gathered cannot be transferred to other fighters or ground station securely. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Commander of helicopter base stood down
The commanding officer of Australia's 1st Aviation Regiment has been stood down. A spokeswoman for the Australian Defence Force said the officer had been "asked to show cause as to why he should retain command" of the unit. The unit is converting from the Kiowa Bell Jet Ranger to the Tiger attack helicopter.
Senior Defence Force sources told the Herald that the officer involved is still in the army and has 14 days to show cause as to why he should retain command. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The history of the Black Shark (Part1)
RIA Novosti military commentator Viktor Litovkin contributed a two-part story on the history of the Kamov Ka-50 Hokum.
Boeing, Lockheed vying for A-10 work
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are competing for a contract to replace the wings for the USAF's A-10 fleet. The contract, valued at $1.5 billion, calls for new wing sets on about 200 planes. A winner will be selected in March. External Link | | Permalink | |
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GOP Senator: Confront China Weapons Test
Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl criticized the Bush administration Monday for failing to aggressively confront China over its test of a anti-satellite weapon. Kyl calls for the administration to bolster its defensive and offensive space capabilities and not to trust that China will restrain itself against exploiting space for weapons and other military uses.
Pentagon halts sale of F-14 parts
The Pentagon has halted the sales of surplus F-14 parts after criticism from Congress over the lack of security awareness. Defense Logistics Agency spokesman Jack Hooper said sales were halted last Friday and will remain suspended until a "comprehensive review" is completed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Marines say V-22 Osprey will fly well in desert dust
James Darcy, spokesman for the Navy's V-22 program office, said the recent problems experienced by the Air Force with the V-22 in desert conditions can be attributed to an inefficient supply system and inexperienced maintenance planning. "The CV-22 maintenance community has not had as much opportunity to work through the challenges of learning a new aircraft as the MV-22 community. Both the maintenance and the supply issues are to be expected as the community grows and gains experience," Darcy said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Gray Wolves Home After Prowling Afghan Skies
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 returned home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) in the early morning hours of Jan. 27 after successfully completing a deployment to Afghanistan.
Air Marshal Fali H Major named next chief
Air Marshal Fali H Major has been named the next Chief of Indian Air Force. He is the first helicopter pilot to be named for the post. The Indian government decided that seniority rules over tradition that only fighter pilots can be chief. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New Harrier Takes Up The Fight Against The Taleban
Two Harrier GR9A aircraft have arrived in Afghanistan from the U.K. after a journey of more than 3500 miles - and just under two hours later they were ready for action flying over UK ground forces combating the Taleban. The 2 Harrier GR9As are replacing 2 of the current Harrier GR7A fleet in Afghanistan and over the coming year the Harrier detachment – operating from Kandahar Airfield - will move to a 100% Harrier GR9A fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New Eyes in a Desert Sky
A Canadian 407 Squadron Aurora is training at the U.S. Marine Corps' Air Ground Combat Centre for the first time. The centre replicates two hypothetical Iraqi settlements and the Aurora is there to explore new applications for its reconnaissance and surveillance capability. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Indian pilots do sorties in Wales
RAF's 208 Squadron has trained 39 Indian Air Force pilots on the Hawk but five trainees failed to make the grade and were chopped.
Deployed maintainers launch 200 perfect sorties
The USAF 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base successfully launched their 200th consecutive B-52 sortie with a 100-percent mission effectiveness rate last week.
Stop Arming Iran Act
This is the U.S. Senate bill by Sen. Ron Wyden seeking to stop the sales of F-14 spare parts that could be illegally exported to Iran.
Missile overhaul creates big savings
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe recently moved to shift serviceable rocket motors from older AIM-120As to and put them in unserviceable newer AIM-120B and C models. The in-house weapon overhaul of 63 missiles saved the Air Force more than $31 million, approximately three years of time and was the largest field retrofit in the AMRAAM's history. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Chief of the Air Staff at Ex Red Flag
During a visit to Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, RAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy took the opportunity to meet RAF personnel from 1115 Flt who are attached to the Combined Joint Predator Task Force.
Small Unmanned Air System Requirements Addressed
In the coming months, the U.S. Navy's PMA-263 acquisition program office intends to hold a full and open competition to fill the requirement for a small, tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS), to be utilized by both the Navy and Marine Corps.
Northrop Grumman Delivers First Navy Mine Detection Pod
Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the first production Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) pod to the U.S. Navy last week. The ALMDS system is designed to operate from the MH-60S helicopter, using a Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging blue-green laser to detect, localize and classify near surface, moored and floating sea mines. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iran Must Get Ready to Repel a Nuclear Attack
General Leonid Ivashov, chief of the Military cooperation department at the Russian Ministry of defense and Joint chief of staff of the Russian armies, said that the United States will carry out a nuclear strike against Iran.
Malmstrom Air Base missiles targeted
Gen. Kevin Chilton, commander of the U.S. Space Command, confirmed that fifty Minuteman III missiles at Malmstrom Air Force Base are being targeted by the Pentagon for retirement. Chilton said he is recommending the 50 missiles be kept and used for regular testing of the missile system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Now, IAF eyes air command in space
India will set up an aerospace defence command to protect itself against possible attacks from space, Indian Air Force chief S P Tyagi said. Tyagi added that the IAF will seek the help of the Indian Space Research organisation to establish the command. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Airborne Laser returns for more testing
The YAL-1A, a modified Boeing 747-400F known as the Airborne Laser, is undergoing a long-term test phase at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards that includes the test firing of the aircraft's low-power lasers in flight for the first time.
'Atomic Annie' finds resting place on base
Kirtland Air Force Base is home to one of eight surviving atomic cannons that the Pentagon tested in the 1950s. Nicknamed Atomic Annie, the atomic cannon was a 280 mm cannon capable of firing nuclear warheads. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Blue Angels looking for officers, enlisted
The Blue Angels hope to recruit three jet pilots, a Marine C-130 pilot and a maintenance officer for the 2008 season and an administrative officer for the 2009 season. The deadline for officer applications is April 30. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pilot error may be behind crash
Pilot error could be the cause of a mid-air collision between two Ecuadorean helicopters, one with the Defense Minister on board on Wednesday night. The crashed took the lives of the minister, her daughter and five military personnel. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pilot error blamed in August Predator crash
A civilian contract pilot pushed a wrong button which caused a MQ-1 Predator to crash at Creech Air Force Base on Aug. 3. He pressed a button that shuts down the engine when he wanted to retract the landing gear. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Airman to see combat medal in April
The U.S Air Force has created the Air Force Combat Action Medal, for Airmen involved in combat operations, on the ground and in the air.
Barksdale fliers are source of UFO story
A-10s piltos from the USAF 47th Fighter Squadron were the source of a UFO sighting on Jan. 9. The flares they dropped were mistaken to be UFOs.
NASA eyes Navy missile for research
The AIM-54 Phoenix missile may fly again, this time on board an F-15B, as NASA is toying with the idea of using it for high-speed aeronautics research. With its warhead and radar removed, the Phoenix has a large internal volume for NASA to test a variety of equipment and technology at speeds up to Mach 5.
Thomas Jones, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's principal investigator for the development of the missiles, says the idea is currently in design phase and hopes to carry out captive flights soon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Search and Rescue Efforts for Navy Aircrew Suspended
Search and rescue (SAR) efforts for the remaining three crewmembers involved in a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter crash Jan. 26 off the coast of California was suspended Jan. 27 at approximately 3 p.m.
Families Ready as Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Deploys
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and attached ships of the Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) surge deployed to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations from Naval Station North Island on Jan 27.
Lockheed Gets $186.5M Navy Deal
Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems and Sensors was awarded a USN contract to produce, integrate and test seven P-3 for Pakistan.
Iran Set to Try Space Launch
Aviation Week reports that Iran is nearing the launch of a satellite carrying space rocket that could be used to test long-range ballistic missile technology. The launch vehicle is either a modified version of the Shahab 3 or Ghadar-110. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Satellite development delays cost DOD $1B
The Pentagon is launching a new generation of broadband communications satellites in 2009 even though it has no money to develop ground receivers.
Department of Defense and Turkey Sign Joint Strike Fighter Agreement
Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and the Turkish Minister of National Defense Vecdi Gonul signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin future cooperation in the production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.
The 'Business Case' for the F-22A
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne believes that a new business case analysis on the service's multiyear procurement plan for its F-22A will show significant cost savings of the method.
Arms-deal probe hits brick wall
Britain's serious fraud office investigation into the BAE deal to sell Gripens and Hawks to South Africa has meet a wall of resistance.
Northrop Grumman says to decide on tanker later
Northrop CEO Ronald Sugar in a conference call with analysts said his company has not yet decided on whether to bid for the USAF KC-X competition.
Mirage black box search in full swing
The Indian Air Force sent out teams to search the crash site of a Mirage 2000 near Baragaon village in Morena district for it black box.
Navy Likely to Retain PACOM Job
Military.com reports that the Pentagon is likely to nominate a Navy admiral to take over the Pacific Command job vacated by Adm. William Fallon.
Holloman readies to get Raptors, retire F-117s
The U.S. Air Force is considering retiring the F-117 fleet to Tonopah Test Range Airfield in Nevada due to security concerns. Sending them to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will require an upfront investment of $5 million and more money each year for security considerations. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Herculean expectations
The U.S. Air Force has responded to a report by the Pentagon's director for Operational Testing and Evaluation in the agency's fiscal 2006 annual report. Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Anna Carpenter said, "the C-130E/H/J is not designed to operate in high-threat environments and avoids operations at altitude within the range of hostile surface-to-air missiles." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force's C-17: First Overseas Activity
The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) new C-17 Globemaster III transport will fly to the United States next week, on its first overseas activity since its delivery to Australia last month.
Majority Of Increased USMC Equipment To Be Legacy
The U.S. Marine Corps will spend its budget in coming years buying legacy equipment but will also buy so-called next-generation equipment to keep up with technological advances.
Pentagon puts in order for Textron’s Osprey
A 60-page memorandum approved by U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England last month approved Navy and Air Force plans to buy as many as 35 V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft each year through 2013. The Navy will request money for 171 aircraft, 25 aircraft less than last year's plan. The Air Force will get 31 aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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France may cut defence programmes - report
La Tribune newspaper reported on Wednesday that France may cancel plans to build a second aircraft carrier and an order for 40 Tiger helicopters. Citing a confidential Defence Ministry document, the paper says the armed forces need to save 30 billion euros by 2015. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China's Defense White Paper
The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research analysis of China's 2006 defense white paper.
Oregon Lawmaker Introduces The “Stop Arming Iran Act”
Oregon State Senator Ron Wyden, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has introduced a bill to bar the Pentagon from selling surplus parts and equipment for F-14 fighter aircraft. "There is no good reason for the United States to be putting surplus F-14 parts on the market -- especially when the only end-user of these parts is the world’s most active state sponsor of terrorism." Wyden said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force completes public transfer of former Castle AFB
The U.S. Air Force completed the transfer of the former Castle Air Force Base, Calif., from military control to private ownership Jan. 22 with one of the base's former housing areas being accepted by a retirement village.
Air Force proposes adding 23 F-15s, F-16s at Nellis
The U.S. Air Force is proposing to base 23 additional F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons at Nellis Air Force Base as a result of changes mandated by the recent BRAC process. The 64th Aggressor Squadron would receive five F-16 aircraft and the 65th Aggressor Squadron would receive 18 F-15s in fiscal years 2007, 2010 and 2011. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Buzz over futuristic war machine
Several retired Indian Air Force officers gave their views on India's fifth-generation fighter being jointly develop with Russia.
Boeing KC-767 Tanker Completes First Contact With Receiver
The KC-767 Tanker logged another major milestone on Jan. 24 when its aircrew used the fifth generation, fly-by-wire boom to make a series of "dry contacts" with a B-52 assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base. Photo Credit: Boeing
F-35 Lightning II Avionics Test Bed Takes Wing
The Joint Strike Fighter Cooperative Avionics Test Bed takes off Jan. 23 from Mojave Airport in Southern California. The aircraft, a 737-300 aircraft extensively modified by BAE Systems, is a flying test bed that replicates the Joint Strike Fighter's avionics suite. (Photo: Business Wire)
600,000 lbs. to Iraq? They do it every day
What goes into a C-17 heading for Iraq? Anti-bacterial soap, armor kits for Humvees, towels, mine detonators...the list goes on.
Air Force begins disassembling Guard museum's 'Blackbird'
A USAF team has begun disassembling an A-12 at Minnesota Air Guard Museum and prepare to ship it to CIA headquarters in Virginia. But the Air Force would be getting back the entire aircraft as museum volunteers took out the cockpit instruments they installed themselves. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Achieves 7,000 SDD Ground Test Hours
Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine exceeded 7,000 system design and development (SDD) ground test hours this week. This achievement, in addition to the 3,600 test hours accumulated during the F-35 concept demonstration program, puts the total engine test program hours logged at more than 10,000. External Link | | Permalink | |
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1,000 from Lemoore base to deploy Friday
VFA-22 Redcocks, VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet, VFA-113 Stingers and VFA-115 Eagles are expected to deploy on board USS Ronald Reagan on Friday.
New jets on show at Avalon
Two Super Hornets are expected to participate in the Australian International Airshow 2007 from Mar. 20-25 at Avalon, Victoria.
RADA, Northrop Grumman Team on Program
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. and Northrop Grumman Corp. will team up to develop the Skyguard High Energy Laser Defensive System for Israel.
A day at El Centro
Gerry has some nice high resolution photos from El Centro. How high res? Each one is more than 3000x2000!
We got a recent upgrade of disk storage and we welcome anyone who wants to share his/her photos in our gallery. No restrictions on resolution and its FREE!
Experts pooh-pooh China's J-10
Taiwanese defense experts played down the threat of new J-10 saying that the aircraft is highly maintenance intensive and their pilots are inferior.
國防部說明中共殲十戰機量產與分布現況
RoCAF's chief of staff Maj-Gen Yan Ming held a press conference on Jan. 23 to brief on the deployment of the J-10 by the Mainland. Yan said sixty-five J-10s have been produced and 120 aircraft is expected to be ordered. Sixteen are deployed in Zhejiang province near Taiwan.
The fighter is capable of Mach 2 and has a combat radius of 674 miles. It is similar in capabilities to the Taiwanese F-16A/Bs. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force: Tanker bidding criteria won't be changed
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said he was satisfied with the Air Force's RFP draft for the aerial tanker and no changes are needed. "I do not see any reason to change the evaluation criteria, and I have not been convinced that there is a reason to change the evaluation criteria," he said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New propellers tested on Hawkeye at Atsugi
The E-2C Hawkeyes at Atsugi are shifting to eight-blade propellers this year. The first of five planes underwent its first flight last Friday.
Lockheed F-22 fighter ready for combat -- general
Gen. Ronald Keys, head of Air Combat Command, told reporters at Langley Air Force Base that the F-22 is ready for combat and will be used if needed in any new war. Keys rejected a report released last week by the Pentagon's Office of Operational Test and Evaluation, which said the F-22 was still not "operationally suitable" because its defensive avionics had response time and threat identification problems. External Link | | Permalink | |
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台增設多處「愛國者」導彈
The Taiwan military yesterday unveiled the various locations that the PAC-3 missile will be deployed to. This information comes as Taiwan said recently that the number of Chinese missiles aimed at the island has increased to 900. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kongsberg Signs Contract to Make Parts
Norwegian defence contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS signed agreements with Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman for the manufacture of JSF parts. Norway has to select the F-35 in order for the agreements to be carried out. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Commando Sling provides stronger alliance
Well its seems that the USAF cannot differentiate the difference between the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
VF-213 Final Tomcat Cruise DVD
Alert 5 and VFA-213 World Famous Fighting Blacklions brings you the exclusive Blacklions Last Tomcat Cruise DVD trailer. The DVD has been available for sale since last year and for the first time a trailer is made available online. If you are interested in getting a copy, please send a US$ check out to "VFA-213 Officer's Mess". Each DVD is US$20 plus US$5 for shipping in United States and US$10 to ship international. Mail them to LT Matt Speicher VFA-213 PAO Hangar 500 Virginia Beach, VA 23460 United States
You can also email to matthew.speicheratnavy.mil for more information.
Retirement ends historic flight career
USAF Major Eric "Chief" Johnson retired on Jan. 12 with 6,648 hours on the B-52, the most hours for an active-duty pilot.
Militants claim U.S. helicopter crash
A Black Hawk that went down in northeast of Baghdad on Saturday may have been shot down after investigators found evidence at the crash site. A tube that could be part of a shoulder-fired missile have been found. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China Denies Intent to Militarize Space
Chinese Foreign ministry officials acknowledged to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill over the weekend in Beijing that they have tested an anti-satellite weapon. But the officials stressed that the test should not be seen as a threat and does not signal the beginning of a space race.
Radar Base Seen as Threat to Russia
Colonel General Vladimir Popovkin, commander of Russia's Space Forces, said the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in Europe would be a "clear threat" to Russia. But U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried told the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita that Moscow had nothing to fear as its not aim at Russia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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V-22 Testing Turns up Trouble
The U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center encounter problems with its CV-22 during testing in the New Mexico desert. The problems may be attributed to the desert environment that it was operating in. External Link | | Permalink | |
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CVW-9 Joins Stennis for Deployment
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 began flying its aircraft aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Jan. 20, shortly after the ship left San Diego, California, for carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California.
Norway to sign up for JSF production phase
Norway has decided to join the production phase for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter but will continue to talk to Gripen International and Eurofighter Consortium as well. Norway signed up after securing offset deals for Norwegian industry. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tomahawk IV Flight Test Success from USS DONALD COOK
A test of a U.S. Navy Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile was conducted on Jan. 17, from USS DONALD COOK (DDG-75), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer underway in the Gulf of Mexico sea ranges off the coast of the Florida panhandle.
Outside View: Death of U.S. air power
Loren B. Thompson from the Lexington Institute contributes this article on the decline of U.S. air power to United Press International.
Russian Admiral Says U.S. Navy Prepares Missile Strike on Iran
Admiral Eduard Baltin, former commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, said the presence of U.S. Navy submarines in the Persian Gulf means that the Pentagon has not abandoned plans for surprise strikes against nuclear targets in Iran.
Last Flight for Six H-3 Helos
Six H-3 Sea King helicopters attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 performed their last operational flight Jan. 20, at Naval Air Station North Island.
Looking for a Gulf of Tonkin-like Incident
Rodrigue Tremblay, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Montreal, says the Bush Administration is looking for a Gulf of Tonkin-like incident to trigger a conflict with Iran.
Pacific Command vacancy may end Navy's reign
While the nomination of Adm. William J. Fallon to the Central Command led the Navy to lose its 60-year lock on the helm of U.S. Pacific Command?
Partner puts EADS bid in jeopardy
EADS could lose a crucial battle to enter the lucrative U.S. defense market if partner Northrop Grumman pulls out of the tanker competition.
Russia, India plan to build fifth-generation fighter together
Russian Defense Ministry international military cooperation department chief Col. Gen. Anatoly Mazurkevich told reporters that Russia and India plans to sign an agreement on cooperation in building a fifth-generation fighter and a medium-size military transportation aircraft within the next few months.
Taiwan alert to China fighter deployment: report
China Times reported that Taiwanese intelligence found that 12 J-10s have been deployed at the Zhejiang airbase, outside the range of Taiwan fighters. The newspaper says the J-10 will be used to weaken the Taiwanese air defense in a conflict before the Russian fighters are deployed.
U.S. drone attack? It was us, says Pakistan army
Pakistan's military on Friday said it was its attack helicopters instead of a U.S. Predator drone that carried out an attack on a suspected Al Qaeda hideout earlier this week. But villagers at Salamat Ghundi claimed its not true. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Quebec quarrel delays aircraft delivery
Delivery of Canada's C-17s has been delayed because of disagreement between the federal government and Boeing over economic benefits from the $2.9 billion contract.
PM: U.S. Wants Base in Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister said the United States has asked the Czech Republic to host a radar base that would be part of a global missile defense system.
Google blots out Iraq bases on internet
Google has removed detailed Google Earth images of British bases in Iraq after insurgents used them for attacks. But the damage has been done as insurgents have copies of the bases and one was caught with a map. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Deployed B-52s complete counter-sea exercise
B-52s of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flying out of Guam dropped 100 inert Mk-62 "Quickstrike" mines into the Pacific Ocean during a five-day exercise last week.
Air Force lift measure called into question
Defense and industry officials said the U.S. Air Force officials have said they used a Pentagon weight matrix to determine that the Boeing HH-47 helicopter would meet the CSAR-X requirement, but there is scant evidence such a document exists.
Northrop Spurns Defense Prize
Northrop Grumman is likely to withdraw from the USAF tanker competition after Air Force officials rejected its demands to alter the criteria on Jan. 17.
H-bomb incident crippled pilot's career
Former U.S. Air Force Major Larry Messinger, staff pilot on board the B-52 with 4 hydrogen bombs that collided with a refueling plane over Palomares, Spain on Jan. 17, 1966, talks about the incident after 40 years.
Redstone updating Chinooks for Army
Redstone Arsenal aviators and engineers are testing a variant of the CH-47F Chinook helicopter with advanced cockpit avionics, radios and an improved autopilot.
Skyguard anti-Kassam laser back in race
The Jerusalem Post learned that Northrop Grumman's Skyguard laser system is back in competition in Israel. Pentagon and Northrop Grumman officials came to Tel Aviv for a meeting with the Defense Ministry's Research and Development Authority last week and following the presentation by Northrop Grumman, the company was "back in the race". External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russian missiles delivered to Iran-Ivanov
Russia Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday Russia had delivered the TOR-M1 to Iran. This is the first high level confirmation of the delivery.
Britain Bribe Probe End "Uncomfortable"
Britain's attorney general said Thursday that the decision to call off the SFO probe on BAE Systems' amrs deal with Saudi Arabia was uncomfortable.
Apache receives real-time video from UAV
A U.S. Army Apache AH-64 Block III attack helicopter successfully received video beamed from a UAV that was 75 kilometers away for the first time recently. The video demonstration was part of a broader effort called FCS 1.1. External Link | | Permalink | |
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India to manufacture engines of MiG-29 aircraft
India will sign an agreement with Russian for the manufacture of RD-33 series of engines for the MiG-29 aircraft for Indian Air Force when Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov visit India on Jan. 23-24.
AP: Iran Gets Army Gear in Pentagon Sale
U.S. federal investigators are increasingly anxious that Iran is within easy reach of getting F-14 Tomcat parts. Iran bought F-14 Tomcat parts from the Pentagon's surplus division through middleman and the U.S. Custom agents confiscated them and returned them to the Pentagon.
But the Pentagon sold them again - customs evidence tags still attached - to another buyer, a suspected broker for Iran. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pakistan-US strike arms package deal
The Bush Administration's bid to sell the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 system for three P-3 aircraft to Pakistan went through Congress without any resistance.
S. Korea to buy 20 foreign fighter jets
The South Korean Defense Project Promotion Committee on Tuesday announced that a new competition will be launched to supply 20 "next-generation" fighter jets and the F-35 will not be shortlisted.
Chinese Test Anti-Satellite Weapon
Aviation Week is reporting that U. S. intelligence agencies believe China performed a successful anti-satellite (asat) weapons test at more than 500 mi. altitude Jan. 11. A kinetic kill vehicle launched on board a ballistic missile destroyed an aging Chinese weather satellite target.
Wing begins new chapter with F-15E
The F-15E Strike Eagle deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Jan. 14.
MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashes
A U.S. Central Command Air Forces MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed five miles southeast of Baghdad International Airport Jan. 17 at approximately 11:35 p.m. local Baghdad time.
Boeing, U.S. Air Force Demonstrate Advanced Airborne Networking First
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have demonstrated for the first time how -- with advanced airborne networking and information management technology -- a near-space vehicle can be used as a flexible, low-cost, theater-wide information broker that provides real-time tactical information to ground forces to enhance their effectiveness and survivability.
No slowdown for S.C. Guard
South Carolina's National Guard adjutant general is confident that his state will be the among the early birds to get the F-35.
Timely V-22 Briefing: Thursday, Jan. 18
Remember the Center for Defense Information study that criticized the MV-22. They will holding a briefing on Thursday if you happens to stay newrby.
McCain wants open tanker competition
U.S. Sen. John McCain on Monday repeated his call for a fair and open competition for the U.S. Air Force's new aerial refueling tankers.
NGC Receives $56.2 Million Contract to Expand Targeting Capabilities for Joint STARS
Northrop Grumman has received a $56.2 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide an Enhanced Land/Maritime Mode (ELMM) mobile target precision tracking and engagement capability for the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft fleet.
Another test of Agni-III in the offing: DRDO chief
The chief of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation said a multi-mode phased array radar had been mounted on the LCA for the first time.
Grounded.. Paras with no planes
A group of British trainee paratroopers cannot finish their course as the planes they need to jump out from are being sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. Now officers fear that further courses in February and March may also have to be cancelled. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Technology Will Be Key to Iraq Buildup
While the Pentagon wants to send the F-22 to Iraq, the fighter lacks the data links installed that would let it instantaneously deliver its high-resolution data to other aircraft and ground stations.
Libya to order 13-18 French Rafale jets - paper
French weekly Journal du Dimanche, citing a source close to the Libyan government, said Libya wants to order between 13 and 18 Rafale fighter jets from France. It rejected an offer from BAE Systems to modernise its MiGs as well as competing offers from China and Russia.
We first reported two years ago of Libya's interest to buy Rafales and Tigers.
No news till Thursday earliest
I'm off to the Vietnam countryside(hoping to find missing Phantoms and Thuds along the way) and I won't have internet access till Thursday earliest. If you don't see any updates by then, it will be Sunday then.
An aerospace museum takes flight
The Aerospace Museum of California, successor to the McClellan Aviation Museum, opened Jan. 5. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Feb. 2.
IAF aircraft, Jet plane almost collide
An Indian Air Force Jaguar come too close to a Jet Airways ATR 72-500 last week. Both was five seconds away from converging before the Jaguar went into a climb. The TCAS on the ATR indicated that the Jaguar was about two nautical miles from it. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Carrier Reagan to deploy to Pacific
USS Ronald Reagan will deploy to the Western Pacific within weeks to serve as the U.S. carrier in the Pacific while the Japan-based USS Kitty Hawk undergoes maintenance. The unscheduled deployment, which will be less than six months, could be due to USS John C. Stennis diversion to the Persian Gulf. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kassam guard to be chosen this month
An Israeli Defense Ministry committee will meet at the end of this month to decide which anti-Kassam rocket defense system to select. The Jerusalem Post reports that Rafael is the hot favorite.
'Rivet Joint' Fights IEDs in Iraq
The U.S. Air Force is in the process of testing Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod on the B-1 to allow them to spot IEDs in Iraq.
Military Logistics Save Cash, Time
The U.S. Navy had one person managing tire orders for the entire Navy aviation fleet, the U.S. Air Force and Army will soon follow suit.
Expensive new U.S. spy satellite not working: sources
Reuters on Thursday found out from a U.S. defense official and another source familiar with the matter that an expensive experimental U.S. spy satellite launched last year has lost contact. The official said the satellite has not been declared as a total lost yet and noted that some satellites had been recovered in similar situations in the past.
The other source said the satellite has been described as "a comprehensive failure."
U.S. officials are trying to reestablished contacts as the satellite carries new technologies that were to be tested.
The satellite appears to be launched on Dec. 14 on a Delta II rocket and Space.com has a count down page of that launch together with videos.
SBX radar under way to Adak home
The sea-based X-band radar is finally on its way to its home in Alaska. It will be used during three test missile launches this year.
Eielson F-16s in Singapore for Commando Sling
Six F-16s from the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base are in Singapore to participate in the Commando Sling exercise starting Monday. Kunsan F-16s from the 8th Fighter Wing will participate in the third exercise scheduled for May. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Germany May Send Spy Planes to Southern Afghanistan
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday said a decision to send German Tornado ECRs to southern Afghanistan will be decided soon. NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said, "If the German government would announce, or has announced, the deployment of Tornado aircraft in a reconnaissance role to Afghanistan, I would highly welcome such a decision." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Blair refuses to say where carriers will be based
Speaking on board the commando assault ship HMS Albion, British Prime Minister Tony Blair refused to say where the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers will be based.
No one hurt in Jacksonville emergency helo landings
Two SH-60F from HSS-3 made precautionary emergency landings in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday morning after their main rotors touched in midflight. Both take off from Jacksonville Naval Air Station at 7:55 a.m and five minutes later their main rotors came into contact with each other over St. Johns River.
The two helicopters landed on each side of the river and will be inspected by Navy crash teams. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Harrier restoration taking shape
A group of New Zealand aviation enthusiasts is restoring an ex-Royal Air Force GR3 Harrier for Ashburton airfield museum. The group made a successful bid two years ago when the British Ministry of Defence put it up for disposal. External Link | | Permalink | |
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巴基斯坦中意歼-10战机 拟从中国购买36架
China's CCTV news reports that Thailand, Sri Lanka, Iran and Pakistan are interested in the J-10. The chief of Royal Thai Air Force was briefed on the J-10 development in 1997 and he was impressed by the fighter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First C-21 arrives in North Dakota
A Happy Hooligans F-16 checking out its future ride when the first C-21 flew in to Fargo on Jan. 10. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp.
Ejector rack malfunction blamed in inert bomb drop
A problem with the bomb release mechanism on an A-10 caused the aircraft accidentally dropped a BDU-33 on a South Korean factory on Nov. 29. The pilot had tried to drop the dummy bomb from the Triple Ejector Rack at a practice range. The rack malfunctioned and the bomb later fell as the aircraft returned to base. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pentagon Reverses Rumsfeld's Decision to Kill Lockheed C-130J
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England has reversed the decision to production of the C-130J next year. England added $2.6 billion to the Air Force fiscal 2008-2013 budget plan to purchase 30 C-130Js for the Marine Corps and Air Force, starting with six in 2009.
This will allow Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Georgia production line to remain open beyond 2009. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Italy court closes case of 1980 plane explosion
A Rome court has definitively closed the case of a DC-9 that exploded mysteriously in 1980. Some Italians believed that the cause was covered up as the plane was shot down by the military. During investigations, documents disappeared and air traffic voice recordings were found to have either been erased or tampered with.
The court on Wednesday upheld an acquittal handed down in 2004 of two former air force generals who had been accused of giving false information about the disaster. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Navy Successfully Tests New Enhanced Laser Guided Training Rounds From Lockheed Martin
The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated the expanded capabilities of Lockheed Martin's new Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Rounds (E-LGTR) during training exercises at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon. The pre-production Paveway II Enhanced LGTRs were delivered to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) and were dropped by F/A-18s attached to VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes during the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP). External Link | | Permalink | |
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Okinawa leaders call arrival of 12 F-22 'disappointing'
Okinawa officials protested against the plan to deploy 12 F-22s to the island next month after it was announced Tuesday. Yoritaka Hanashiro, Okinawa Governor’s Office director general, said, the depoloyment goes "directly against the effort to reduce the burden of local communities". External Link | | Permalink | |
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RSAF aircraft veers off runway
A Republic of Singapore Air Force E-2C Hawkeye aircraft veered off the runway when it landed at Tengah Air Base after a routine flight on Tuesday morning. RSAF aircraft veers off runway
11 January 2007 Straits Times
(c) 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
A Republic of Singapore Air Force E-2C Hawkeye aircraft veered off the runway when it landed at Tengah Air Base after a routine flight on Tuesday morning.
No one was injured, but the aircraft sustained some damage, said the Ministry of Defence yesterday.
It is investigating the incident.
A similar incident happened in 1998, when an RSAF SIAI Marchetti S-211 veered off the runway while landing at the Royal Australian Air Force's Gingin Airfield in Australia.
This is located about 24km north-west of the Pearce air base in Western Australia, where the RSAF Flying Training School is located.
The pilot of the S-211 was not hurt, but the undercarriage of the aircraft was damaged. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Austria still keen to axe Eurofighter deal - report
Austria's defence minister-designate has said in a magazine interview to be published on Thursday that the new coalition government is sticking with a campaign pledge to scrap its Eurofighter order.
Saudis get Typhoons ahead of RAF
While more RAF Tornado F3s might need engine upgrades to keep them flying if the Eurofighter suffers from further delays, the RAF secretly hopes that such delays will help it obtain the third tranche version that it desires. The service is glad to off load its second tranche version to Saudi Arabia so that it can order more from the third tranche which has improved ground attack capabilities. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Nagging software problem plagues Super Hornet radar
The Super Hornet's APG-79 AESA radar continues to suffer from software glitches, the U.S. Navy told Janes. Program officials believe that the problems will be ironed out by the time the first squadron is due to deploy by the end of Fiscal Year 2007.
Some of the 28 APG-79-equipped Block IIs flew more than 200 hours without experiencing a shutdown of the sensor, while others are reporting such system failures more frequently. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bell, Boeing meet delivery goals for V-22 Osprey in 2006
The Bell Boeing V-22 joint venture said Tuesday that they have met 2006 delivery goals. This is the second year in a row that delivery goals were met. In previous years, the program has been unable to meet its targets because of manufacturing snags and design changes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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'Osprey' squadron gives Army's 3rd ID a boost
Nearly 100 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army were given a familiarization ride by VMM-263's MV-22s in anticipation of their possible deployment for Fall 2007.
Russia in fray for IAF's $4bn 126-fighter tender
Russia's deputy prime minister and defence minister Sergei Ivanov was quoted by state-run Radio Mayak as saying that RSK MiG would offer India its MiG-35 for its fighter tender. Ivanov said that he would discuss the issue during his upcoming visit to New Delhi later this month for the annual session of Indo-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. External Link | | Permalink | |
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One killed as RAF helicopters collide
Two RAF Squirrel helicopters, each with two crew, from RAF Shawbury collided in mid-air yesterday afternoon. One died at the scene while another was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. The other two were described as "walking wounded" and were not taken to hospital. External Link | | Permalink | |
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China capable of building aircraft carrier
A spokesman from China's Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense said the nation is capable of building an aircraft carrier. CCTV's video of the press conference.
Turkey pushes button for $500 million military helicopter competition
Turkey has officially launched a competition for 10 heavy lift helicopters. Potential bidders are the CH-47, CH-53 and Mi-26. Before the competition had started, Boeing approach Turkey for a potential sale of 10 CH-47s.
Chances for the CH-53 is slim as it is no longer in production while the Mi-26 is unlikely to succeed as Turkey prefers Western planes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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瑾酾的BLOG
This is the blog of a J-10 test pilot, over the next few days I'll try to translate some of his articles to English. According to his posts, he was in charge of testing air-to-air refueling for the J-10. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Chile's Air Force One to double as refueling tanker
Chile's Air Force wants to buy a plane to replace the current presidential plane but in order to please lawmakers, it will be used a refueling tanker for its fighters. The plan is likely to convert a used 767 with extra fuel tanks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAI signed over $4b in contracts in 2006
Israel Aerospace Industries new contracts for 2006 exceeded $4 billion for the first time. Important contracts last year included a $300-400 million contract to develop an advanced version of the Barak with India. IAI also signed a $230 million unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deal with India and a $45 million UAV contract with Australia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Raytheon Successfully Tests New Solid-State Laser Area Defense System
Raytheon Company successfully tested a prototype Laser Area Defense System (LADS), which destroyed 60-millimeter mortars at a range greater than 550 yards. The LADS is a prototype solid-state laser weapon that combines the proven capabilities of the Phalanx weapon system with the power and effectiveness of lasers to defeat rockets, mortars and missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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12 Air Force fighters headed to Okinawa next month
The Raptors are coming to Asia for the first time. The Japanese folks will be going crazy as 12 F-22s will deploy to Kadena in early February. Expect lots of pictures!
Carrier for Afghanistan shifts to Africa
The U.S. Navy says aircraft from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower are flying regular intelligence missions over Somalia. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charlie Brown said Eisenhower got into position off Somalia "in the past few days" and as of late Tuesday its aircraft had not conducted ground strikes in Somalia, nor had they provided support for the AC-130 raids. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bill Telzerow was out in his backyard photographing the wind gauge when he spotted the trail and took four photos. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Army recruiting gamers in UK
The British Army hopes to recruit teenagers who play video games to become Apache helicopter pilots. It reckons that those who extensively play video games will have hand-to-eye coordination and other abilities that make them a perfect fit for piloting Apache helicopters. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Raptor Scores in Alaskan Exercise
During the recent joint-service Northern Edge exercise in Alaska last summer, only three out of the 144 kills by the F-22 was within visual range, two involving AIM-9 Sidewinders and one the F-22's cannon. The gun kill happened as the F-22 had expanded its Amraams and Sidewinders. It slipped behind the F-16 undetected and made the simulated gun kill. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Can jet hijack be foiled?
The USAF is demanding that the Minnesota Air Guard Museum return its A-12 Blackbird as it plans to hand it over to the CIA for a commemorative display at its headquarters. Lt. Col. Michael Fleck, deputy chief of the Air Force Programs and Legislative Division, explain that among the surviving A-12s. The one from Minnesota was selected as the Minnesota Air Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing had no historical association with the plane. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Dutch CF-18 pilot got fast-tracked for citizenship
Capt. Marco Raaijmakers was a former Dutch exchange pilot who joined the Canadian Air Force after his contract with the Dutch military expired in 2002. The Canadian military rarely accepts foreign citizens and his application to become a Canadian had to go through the chief of defence staff, two defence ministers, the immigration minister and eventually the entire cabinet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RSAF may use eye ops in bid to boost pilot ranks
Perfect to near-perfect vision is a 'must' for fighter pilots - and the air force is considering greater use of eye surgery to give short-sighted pilot candidates a chance. RSAF may use eye ops in bid to boost pilot ranks David Boey, DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT
9 January 2007 Straits Times
(c) 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
PERFECT to near-perfect vision is a 'must' for fighter pilots - and the air force is considering greater use of eye surgery to give short-sighted pilot candidates a chance.
The type of eye surgery - photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) - that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has in mind could significantly widen the pool of promising candidates to train as fighter pilots.
PRK - a procedure involving a laser to reshape the cornea - has already been used on a trial batch of RSAF pilots, said Brigadier-General Ng Chee Khern, Chief of Air Force yesterday.
He was speaking to the media on the RSAF's transformation drive, kicked off by its new Air Defence and Operations Command on Friday.
Four other commands are being formed within the next two years in the RSAF's biggest revamp since 1968.
The air force's study on corrective eye surgery mirrors moves by other air forces, such as that of the United States.
Fighter pilots in particular require good eyesight - it is vital, for example, for spotting the enemy first in aerial dogfights. Other traits include the ability to withstand gravitational pull, and quick thinking under pressure.
BG Ng said more studies were needed, because while this procedure could improve a person's daytime vision, side-effects included a poorer ability to see at night.
The RSAF is also studying its long-term effects. 'The study results are not out yet. When we're comfortable with that procedure, we may increase use of that procedure,' BG Ng said.
At present, only about 2,000 of the 20,000 national service enlistees each year meet the RSAF's physical and other requirements. Even so, for various reasons, many do not wish to become pilots.
In past years, the air force - in a bid to expand its pool of pilot trainees - had relaxed its eyesight requirements. It now accepts pilot candidates who wear glasses of up to 150 degrees as fighter and helicopter pilots, while transport pilots can wear glasses of up to 300 degrees. Its recruitment of women pilots has also increased.
These various measures have helped the air force meet its recruitment numbers, despite Singapore having one of the highest rates of short-sightedness or myopia in the world.
Meanwhile, following its recent revamp, the air force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Command will be operational in about two months.
UAV Command will be the second to become ready. It will raise, train and sustain the SAF's capabilities in pilotless planes, or UAVs, for roles like battlefield surveillance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Northrup Grumman may forgo US Air Force tanker deal bid against Boeing - report
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Northrop Grumman is threatening to shun the competition to supply aerial tankers to the USAF because of concerns over the bidding rules. The paper reported that late last week, Northrop officially warned the Air Force in writing that it may not bid.
People familiar with the matter said Northrop officials believe draft bidding guidelines effectively favour Boeing's plane. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Israel Soon to Launch New Anti-Missile Drone
Arutz Sheva news reported that IAI is about to unveil the world largest UAV designed to identify, intercept and destroy ballistic missiles. The aircraft, named Eitan, has a wing span of 110 feet and will fly at high altitudes. It will detect missile launches using on board cameras and destroy them with its missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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J-10 AVIC I official video
This is AVIC I's video that was shown on Friday's press conference. Fifty-nine seconds into the video, a patch of the August 1st aerobatic team is shown. Does that mean that the August 1st is transitioning to the J-10 from the J-7?
An alibi for the Arrow
The Haaretz claims that the real reason behind Israel's request for more information on the THAAD is because the Arrow is not as effective as it claims.
Joint Strike Fighter plans should remain on track
The F-35 continues to be on track to meet its initial operational capability (IOC) milestone after Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England add six more F-35s than included in initial Air Force- and Navy-crafted 2008 budget plans.
Korea, US to Confer on Surveillance Plane Sale
Lee Seon-hee, chief of South Korea's weapons acquisition agency, will meet senior Pentagon officials to discuss the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles. Seoul has requested for four Global Hawks but has been rejected by the Americans.
Lee is also expected to use the opportunity to discuss selling the T-50 to the United States. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy: No early go for Stennis
USS John C. Stennis will deploy as scheduled at the end of the month despite earlier reports that the Pentagon will push forward the date.
Israel denies it's planning Iran nuclear attack
British newspaper The Sunday Times reported that Israel has drafted plans to strike three Iranian nuclear sites and the Natanz site will be hit with a low-yield one kiloton nuclear weapon. The heavy water reactor at Arak and a uranium conversion facility near Isfahan will be attacked with conventional weapons.
The newspaper goes on to say that Israeli pilots have been flying to Gibraltar to simulate the 2,000-mile round trip to Natanz.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has denied the report and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said it would not respond to the claim.
Video: US Air Force interviews on upgrades to the B-2 Stealth bomber
Over at Flight International, those paid professionals working there made a boo boo when they claimed to have found a video on Metacafé which they thought was an "internal" US Air Force video clip on the "closely guarded" B-2 upgrade program. The non-paid non-professionals at Alert 5 would like to point out that we have reported the public link to that USAF report, which has a link to the video, four days ago. Diligent readers will also remember that the upgrading program was covered here way back in November.
Saudi expects Britain to deliver Eurofighters soon
The Saudi state news agency SPA on Saturday quoted Crown Prince Sultan as saying that his kingdom expects delivery soon of 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from BAE Systems. This is the first time he commented on the deal since he threatened to cancel it unless the British Serious Fraud Office drop its investigations in Saudi Arabia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Happy Hooligans to get 1st C-21 jet
The Happy Hooligans, who recently retired their F-16s, is expected to receive the first of eight C-21s on Monday. Officials expect the C-21 to arrive at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Hector International Airport, between 3 and 5 p.m. Monday. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force helps Iraq buy 6 recon transports
The USAF's Aeronautical Systems Center is helping Iraq to buy five Beechcraft King Air 350 Extended Range airplanes and one King Air 350 Light Transport aircraft.
Nightjar takes flight
The six-year old Nightjar program has been completed and BAE Systems will channel the data collected to the Taranis technology demonstrator program.
Canada denies settling on Italian planemaker
The Canadian military denied on Wednesday a report by Globe and Mail newspaper that it had singled out the Spartan C-27J as the only "viable bidder" for its search-and-rescue plane requirement.
Watchdog calls for explanation on end to BAe inquiry
The anti-bribery committee of the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has asked the British government to explain why it dropped the corruption inquiry on Saudi Arabia. The committee pointed out under its 1997 convention, signed by Britain, criminal proceedings can only be halted on the grounds of lack of evidence. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kadena Air Base's Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walk
Kadena folks had their annual Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walk on Wednesday morning. I still remember my 1st FOD walk, some dumb ass planned it in the afternoon at 12.
Arms deal investigators probe BAE payments to South African
The British Serious Fraud Office is now investigating payments by BAE Systems to a senior South African defence ministry official who had influence over the deal to sell Hawks and Gripens to South Africa.
盛传中的“中国歼10战斗机的能力”
This Chinese article quotes a PAF officer who has knowledge of the J-10 program. He claimed that the first prototype flew with the WS-10A engine. However it was not designed for the J-10 and was 45cm longer like the AL-31. The Chinese decided to use the AL-31 engine on the first fifty aircraft instead.
Five were used for testing and the other forty-five were deployed to 3 squadrons with 14 aircraft each with the remaining three as spares.
Fallon to be named U.S. Central Command chief
Former naval aviator Adm. William J. Fallon is expected to give up his U.S. Pacific Command and take over the U.S. Central Command. He would be the first admiral to lead the U.S. Central Command in its 24-year history. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Marine Corps Names Top Aviator
Capt. Jacob L. Purdon was recently awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association Robert Guy Robinson award.
完全原创--专访歼10总设计师宋文骢院士
An interview with the father of the J-10, Song Wencong. He claims that only the air intake design was done in collaboration with foreign associates.
P10-B AFP procurement OK’d
The Cobra, Hind and Chinese made Phoenix attack helicopters are in the competition to supply the Philippine Air Force with six night attack helicopters.
Chinese fighter aircraft makes its debut
The J-10 made its official debut yesterday when a scale model of a single seater was unveiled by the China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I). Geng Ruguang, deputy general manager of AVIC I, says the aircraft uses the Taihang turbofan engine.
Singapore air force looks to base in western U.S. to train flyers
The Shoshone and Paiute Indian tribes on the Duck Valley reservation straddling the Nevada border does not welcome the idea of RSAF based their F-15SGs at Mountain Home Air Force Base. They fear the F-15s will add to noise at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, disrupting sage grouse nesting and ancient sacred landmarks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The Messerschmitt Me 262
Flight Journal examines what prevent the Messerschmitt Me 262 from being a successful fighter.
3rd Generation RSAF to be Reorganised into Five Commands
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be re-structured into five distinct Commands, Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced this morning when he inaugurate the first of the RSAF's operational commands, the Air Defence and Operations Command (ADOC).
The other four commands to be established as part of the restructuring are – the Air Combat Command, the Participation Command, the Air Power Generation Command and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command. These commands will be inaugurated over the next two years. External Link | | Permalink | |
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NORAD: Burning Debris In Sky Was Russian Rocket
The North American Aerospace Defense Command said a spent Russian SL-4 rocket re-entered the atmosphere Thursday over Colorado and Wyoming. CBS4denver has a video of the rocket's spectacular rentry. NORAD say they are trying to confirm a report that a piece of the rocket may have hit the ground near Riverton, Wyoming, at about 0600. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Raytheon Completes Negotiations on $1.4 Billion Contract for JLENS Development
Raytheon recently completed negotiations with the U.S. Army resulting in finalizing a contract modification for system development and demonstration of the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).
F-15s may carry Patriot missiles
An update to yesterday's news on the Patriot carrying F-15 story. According to Air Force Times, Lockheed will be getting $3 million to start looking at putting the Patriot on the F-16, F-22 and F-35 as well.
Russia nearly completes SAM deliveries to Iran, Syria
Itar-Tass news agency quoted a Russian Defense Ministry official as saying that deliveries of the Tor-M1 to Iran is half completed and surface-to-air missiles ordered by Syria has been delivered.
Cutback on F-35 in 2008 rejected
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England vetoed plans by the Navy and Air Force to cut the number of F-35s they would buy next year. England told the Air Force to buy six fighters instead of four and the Navy -- which proposed to buy no fighters in 2008 -- to purchase six.
He also agreed to let both services buy fewer aircraft than planned between 2009 and 2013. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Poland in NATO early warning system
Poland joined the NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control Program Management Organization (NAPMO) as a full member on Jan. 1.
The Thin Aluminum Line
Joe from Smithsonian Air & Space dropped in an email pointing to an excellent article on North American interceptors of the 1950s and 60s that you folks might be interested in.
Lockheed Martin Receives $635 Million Contract for the Modernization of Turkey's Existing F-16 Fleet
A piece of old news that was covered in several newspapers but I choose to wait for the official press release on LM's website. The U.S. government awarded a $635 million Fixed Price Incentive contract to Lockheed Martin on Dec. 22 to upgrade the Turkish Air Force's existing fleet of F-16s. Lockheed Martin will provide 216 modernization kits to upgrade Turkish F-16C and F-16D model aircraft under the contract. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Provides ScanEagle UAV to Australian Army
Boeing Australia Limited announced it has been awarded a contract to provide reconnaissance and surveillance services to the Australian Army using the ScanEagle autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Northrop Grumman's Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Takes to Air on First U-2 Flight
Northrop Grumman's Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) recently took to the air on its first flight aboard the U-2 aircraft. The ASIP detects, identifies and locates radar and other types of electronic and modern communication signals using an open, scalable architecture that allows future system upgrades to be easily added and sensors readily reconfigured. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin Receives $619 Million Contract to Begin Production of THAAD Weapon System
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $619 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to begin production of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. The contract for the first two THAAD fire units includes 48 interceptors, six launchers and two fire control and communications units. The system is scheduled for fielding in Fiscal Year 2009. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Secures Key Role in U.S.-Australian Hypersonics Research Program
Boeing has secured a key role in a $54 million hypersonics research program called HIFiRE (Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation) jointly established by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).
Army and Navy Work Hand-in-Hand Aboard IKE to Support Troops on the Ground
Two Soldiers deployed to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) in Al Udeid, Qatar, have joined the crew aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Dec. 31 as Ground Liaison Officers (GLOs).
Navy air controller 'did not warn' Iraq collision-path pilots
An inquest into the mid-air collision of two British Sea King helicopters shortly after the invasion of Iraq revealed that a Royal Navy air traffic controller did not warn the pilots because he thought they could see each other. The radar on HMS Ark Royal also often showed aircraft to be closer than they really were. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Foreign spy activity surges to fill technology gap
There is a surge in foreign spying activities on U.S. defense companies with Asian countries leading the way. In one instance, company representatives from an East Asian showed up at a classified facility at the U.S. defense company uninvited and tried to "observe the repair" of previously purchased unclassified systems. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy patrol planes considered for Isles
The U.S. Navy is studying whether to base the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft at Kane'ohe Bay or Hickam Air Force Base, or simply to maintain a detachment presence in Hawaii.
U.S., Japan said eyeing missile-defense gaps
A Lockheed Martin executive said in a teleconference with reporters that Japan may spent millions of dollars to plug its missile-defense gaps demonstrated by North Korea's July 4-5 test- firings. Lockheed's job is to link the sensors, interceptors and other components so that military commanders can have a wide range of options to cope with any missile attack. External Link | | Permalink | |
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SA ties up missile deal with Brazil for Denel, Armscor
The South African and Brazilian government have signed an agreement for a joint venture between Armscor, Denel and the Brazilian air force to develop the A-Darter short-range air-to-air missile from a prototype to an operational system. Brazil will contribute $52 million for the project which will be led by Denel. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Singapore to help Indonesia locate missing Adam Air jet
The Republic of Singapore Air Force has deployed a Fokker-50 MPA to help in the Search and Locate operations for the Adam Air 737 that went missing over Sulawesi on New Year's Day.
Lockheed plans to expand overseas missile defense business
Lockheed Martin said Wednesday that Korea and Taiwan have expressed interest in buying the latest version of the Patriot missile and India and some countries in the Middle East may also eventually buy the system.
DoD Studies Patriot Missiles on F-15s
Taking a cue from the Iranians who armed their Tomcats with HAWK missiles, the Pentagon is studying the feasibility of equipping F-15C fighters with PAC-3 missiles. The Missile Defense Agency will soon award Lockheed Martin a $3 million contract called the Air Launched Hit-to-Kill initiative.
The F-15 launched PAC-3 will counter cruise missiles and intercept ballistic missiles in their boost phase.
Lockheed intends to use the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, a more powerful version of its hit-to-kill missile now in production, for the integration tests. External Link | | Permalink | |
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GAO Turns Down Boeing Request To Dismiss CSAR-X Award Protests
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has turned down Boeing's request to dismiss protests by Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky against the awarding of the Air Force combat, search and rescue (CSAR-X) helicopter program contract to Boeing. Industry sources such moves are commonplace procedure for such contract protests.
Navy to Name Aircraft Carrier After Ford
Donald H. Rumsfeld, the former defense secretary who served in the Ford administration, diverged that the next U.S. aircraft carrier will be named USS Gerald R. Ford during his eulogy at Ford's funeral. "How fitting it would be that the name Gerald R. Ford will patrol the high seas for decades to come in defense of the nation he loved so much," he said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Awarded U.S. Army Contracts for CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
Boeing and the U.S. Army signed contracts on Dec. 19, 2006 for up to 66 CH-47F Chinook helicopters valued at more than $1.5 billion. The production contracts include 16 new-build CH-47Fs and nine remanufactured CH-47Fs valued at $624 million. The contracts also include options for 22 additional new-build CH-47Fs and 19 remanufactured CH-47Fs valued at more than $920 million. Aircraft deliveries will begin in early 2008. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wednesday, January 03, 2007
X-2: Sikorsky Punts For Now - High Workload To Blame
Sikorsky has pushed back the first flight of its X-2 rotor technology demonstrator due to high workloads from other aircraft programs. Sikorsky cannot give a firm commitment on the actual date after earlier pledging that the X-2 will fly by end of 2006. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ageing planes force MoD to pay for civilian troop transporters
The British Ministry of Defence has spent £11,303,000 on chartering aircraft from the Icelandic-owned airline Astraeus, the US airline Omni Air and the British VIP charter airline Titan Airways to help ferry troops to operational theatres.
Halutz reprimands five naval officers
Five Israeli naval officers, the head of naval intelligence and the commander of the missile boats, as well as INS Hanit's captain and the officers in charge of the engine room and the electronic warfare system were reprimanded for their actions during the second Lebanon war.
Air Force not being stealthy about upgrading B-2 fleet
Lt. Col. Brian Zembraski, 509th Bomb Wing director of staff, said the B-2 is now equipped with improved bomb racks that have increased the number of 500-pound guided bombs these aircraft can carry from 16 to 80. The immediate upgrade will be to add Link-16 capability to the aircraft. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Operational link with U.S. missile defense system sought
Israel has requested information on two advanced American missile defense system with the aim of creating an operational link between the Israeli and U.S. defense systems. The link will facilitate the deployment of THAAD and Aegis to Israel during emergencies. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bountiful boom for 'Red O2'
Flight International has a picture of a Su-34 with an enlarged tail boom that has never been seen on the Su-27/32/34 family. The aircraft was the second Su-34 to be delivered to the Russian Air Force. External Link | | Permalink | |
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The Men Who Make the Saves
Air Force Magazine visits the USAF's combat search and rescue crew at Moody Air Force Base to see first hand on how they train.
Japan's Navy Denies Practice Invasion
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force on Saturday denied that the recently held Annualex 18G exercise with the USS Kitty Hawk battle group simulated a Chinese invasion of disputed islands. Kyodo News agency said one of the drills addressed a hypothetical Chinese military invasion of a group of uninhabited islands called Diaoyu in Chinese and Senkaku in Japanese that both Tokyo and Beijing claim. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New chance for Boeing 767
U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks who is on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee believes the Boeing 767 tanker is the best solution for the USAF.
Air Force enlists Stonewall for gay recruits
The Royal Air Force is facing a recruitment crisis and its has called in a gay pressure group to help recruit gays into the service. Stonewall will advice the RAF on how to make itself more attractive to homosexual and bisexual men and women. External Link | | Permalink | |
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