Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Russia’s air force chief hits out at Sukhoi over spending priorities
Russian air force commander Gen Vladimir Mikhailov is unhappy that Sukhoi is spending too much time on the Russian Regional Jet instead of its T-50 next-generation fighter project.
He said the airframe’s configuration has been finalized and a prototype is expected to fly next year.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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EADS likely to be admitted to bidding for US Air Force tanker contract - report
EADS, with its partner Northrop Grumman Corp, has good chances of being admitted to the bidding process for a US Air Force order for air refueling aircraft.
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Britain threatens to stop spares supply for navy aircraft
British High Commissioner to India Sir Michael Arthur said spares for Indian Navy's ageing Islander maritime aircraft will be cut if India sells the aircraft to Myanmar.
He said the supply cut will not affect the Sea Harriers and Sea King helicopters.
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Britain to conduct naval, air exercises with India
The Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy will be conducting exercises with India this year.
An aircraft carrier group will conduct an exercise with the Indian Navy in May while the RAF will send fighters in October.
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IAI unit wins $8m helicopter anti-missile system contract
Elta Systems Group has won the first order for its Self Protection System from a foreign customer.
It will be installed on military Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters.
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Major military exercise underway
The RAAF and the RNZAF are conducting an exercise from Monday to Feb. 10 in what is known as Exercise Ocean Protector.
It will be held in the Eastern Australia Exercise Area (EAXA) off the New South Wales south coast.
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'Hammer From Above' brings Marine aviation to the fore
Retired F/A-18 pilot, Jay A. Stout, details the U.S. Marine Corps aviation’s role in Operation Iraqi Freedom in his new book,
Hammer From Above: Marine Air Combat Over Iraq.
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Tories inherit Liberals' $1B chopper lawsuit
Canada's new Conservative government will inherit a lawsuit from the Liberals over the rejection of EH101 to replace Canada's Sea Kings.
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Request to place KC-130s at Iwakuni rejected
Tokyo has rejected request from Washingto that KC-130 tanker planes stationed in Okinawa be relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni instead of the JMSDF’s Kanoya base as initially agreed.
The Japanese government is concerned that partially revising an interim report the two countries agreed last October on the U.S. military realignment in Japan would result in the whole plan being revised.
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Six tough fighters vie for IAF pie
There are indications that the French may offer the Rafale for the 126 Multi-role Combat Aircraft competition for the Indian Air Force.
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Second Roosevelt flier marks aviation milestone
The commanding officer of VF-31 made his 1,000th cable-assisted landing at 12:39 p.m. Jan. 16 in the Persian Gulf.
Capt. William Sizemore, commander of Carrier Air Wing Eight, reached his 1,000th milestone in mid-December.
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IAF to exhibit firepower in March
The Indian Air Force will organise a three-day air show in March in Chandigarh.
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Ike Polishes New Pilots
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower hosted four training squadrons to help 32 both Navy and Marine student aviators get carrier qualified.
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Sick Jaguars to be back in fine fettle
The Indian Air Force is expected to get back seven upgraded Jaguars that were sent back for repairs after the upgraded components failed to meet the standards.
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VS-24 Scouts Take S-3B Viking to New Horizons
VS-24 now currently on board USS Theodore Roosevelt has a new mission besides conducting in-flight refuelling for CVW-8 and surveillance operations for Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
They are now flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of British-led coalition ground forces in southern Iraq as well.
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Boeing signals intent to offer SIGINT development of 737
The U.S. Army will take a close look at Boeing's new 737 SIGINT in a six-month study following the failure of the US Army/Navy Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) program.
Labels: ACS
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Infrared laser jammer will identify missile type first
Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation and Tenix Defence Systems are considering developing a closed-loop infrared countermeasures (CLIRCM) system.
Compared to existing DIRCM, a CLIRCM will identify the missile type to be jammed and transmits a customised IR jam code sequence that causes the seeker to break its lock on an aircraft.
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Missile defense in 2006: now more controversial than ever
If the United States is to launch an air strike against Iranian nuclear capacity, it will have to reinforce its missile defence forces in the region before doing so.
Iran is expected to retaliate with its Shebab missiles and the U.S. and its allies might find they need to defend nations in Eastern Europe or Central Asia.
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'Dazzling' F/A-18E/F radar marred by software faults
While the new APG-79 AESA radar for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet impressed the U.S. Navy crew, it sometimes frustrate them with multiple shutdowns and restarts during ongoing evaluations.
The report however states that Raytheon is expected to resolve the software stability issues before the radar enters operational service in late 2007.
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Turkish F-16 crashes
A Turkish F-16 crashed in the south eastern province of Diyarbakir on Monday just after take off.
The pilot ejected safely.
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Japanese lawmakers want F-15 flights suspended
The Okinawa prefectural assembly adopted a resolution Monday calling for the USAF to suspend F-15 flights after a recent crash.
The resolution said the crash could have been a disaster as the plane crashed into fishing grounds in the Pacific.
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Reporter extends apologies for war game folly
The following is News-Miner reporter Sam Bishop's first-person account of playing a missile defense war game with other reporters last week in the U.S. Congress.
Related Articles
US stages missile defense "war games" for Congress
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Singapore receives first Skyblade II UAV
The Singapore Army has received the first of four Skyblade II UAVs this month. Two more will be handed over in Feb. and one more in March.
The improved Skyblade II has an interchangeable payload module and an endurance of 2 hours.
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An aircraft carrier for China?
Analysts are convinced that China will have an aircraft carrier before the end of the decade.
They point to the efforts being done on the Varyag as an example.
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Monday, January 30, 2006
Yamaha Motor exported copter to army-linked Chinese firm
Yamaha Motor had illegally exported a remote-controlled crop-spraying helicopter to Poly Technologies Inc.
Poly Technologies Inc. is a Beijing-based company that produces, exports and imports weapons. Its is controlled by the PLA.
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Wind farm risk to low-flying jets
The British Civil Aviation Authority is concerned that windfarm planned for one of Scotland's most scenic areas could pose a risk to low flying aircraft including military one.
The wind turbines are over 400ft tall and commercial airline pilots and the RAF have voiced worries about turbine interference with flight radar.
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Labors of Hercules draw to a close
Hawaii Air National Guard's last C-130H flew its last mission on Tuesday last week. The mission involved transporting supplies for the Hawaii Air National Guard's 291st Combat Communications Squadron.
It was also the last flight for Lt. Col. James "Jim" Yuki and Lt. Col. Kevin Garcia before they retire this year.
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Prosecutor General dismisses electronic jamming as cause of C-130 crash
Iran's Prosecutor General Qorban-Ali Dorri Najafabadi dismissed reports that the recent crash of a C-130 in Tehran was the result of electronic jamming by foreign spies.
Iran's Interior Minister Ahmad Pour-Mohammadi had said recently that the crashes of two military planes in Iran were the work of United States, Britain and Israeli agents.
Related Articles
Iran accuses U.S., Britain and Israel of role in 2 plane crashes
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Ditched jet to stay on seabed
Five F/A-18s from USS Ronald Reagan were diverted to Brisbane International Airport on Saturday night after a Hornet ditched into the sea while landing on the carrier.
The pilots stayed overnight in Brisbane and returned to the carrier about noon.
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Yemen ready to return MiG-29 fighters to Moldova
Yemen is ready to return MiG-29s to Moldova which it bought in 1994. The deal has since been classified as illegal in Moldova.
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Revealed: UK's role in deadly CIA drone
Investigations by The Observer found that CIA Predator drones are sending back images to a secret base in the United Kingdom.
At RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, staff at the American Joint Analysis Centre study the images and then decide what action to take.
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Boeing to showcase F-18 at Delhi
Boeing will bring a F/A-18 flight simulator to the Defexpo 2006 armaments fair at New Delhi, India.
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USS Ronald Reagan FA/18-C Aircraft Mishap
The USS Ronald Reagan has lost its first jet. A single seat F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-25 ditched into the sea while attempting to land at night.
The incident occurred approximately 120 miles south-east of Brisbane, Australia, Jan. 28 at approximately 4:17 a.m. PST. The pilot was safely recovered.
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Sunday, January 29, 2006
Iran warns U.S., Britain of missile response if attacked
Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, the chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said on Saturday it would retaliate with medium-range missiles if attacked.
He also accused the United States and Britain behind bombings on Jan. 21 that killed at least nine people in the south western city of Ahvaz.
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MND opens bases to public during Chinese New Year
Taiwan's Hualien Air Base will be opened today to public. F-5s and F-16s will be on display.
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C-17 line could go on back burner
Boeing executives say that closing the C-17 line and mothballing the machinery for future production is a mistake.
They argued that suppliers not be able to financially keep up inventories and key technicians and workers would be lost as they looked for new jobs.
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ROC military targeted cross-strait flights, says Chinese language media
Chinese media reports suggested that the RoCAF carried out drills on commercial flights flying direct between Taiwan and China.
Chinese-language United Daily News said the F-16s and Mirages simulated launching missiles at the commercial flights in a drill in which Chinese planes were suspected of carrying biological weapons to be used on Taiwan.
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Surface-to-air missile test fired
India's Akash surface-to-air missile was tested twice yesterday from the Interim Test Range.
It was fired from a mobile launcher at 12:30 pm and then again at 12:35 pm.
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Saturday, January 28, 2006
Navy Establishes Trial Warrant-Officer-to-Pilot Program
The U.S. Navy is selecting 30 Chief Warrant Officers to be pilots and naval flight officers.
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Pentagon tanker study leaves time frame in air
The Rand report on the U.S. Air Force's tanker modernization plans recommends converting medium-to-large commercial planes to tankers but did not specify a time line.
The study, called the Analysis of Alternatives, recommends Boeing's 767, 777, 787 and 747, as well as the Airbus 330 and 340.
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Bell Helicopter’s Eagle Eye Vertical Lift Unmanned Aircraft System Achieves First Flight Milestone
The Bell TR918 Eagle Eye unmanned tiltrotor made its maiden flight on Jan. 26 and hovered for nine minutes.
The plane flew a second flight within 30 minutes of the maiden flight's landing.
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Iran accuses U.S., Britain and Israel of role in 2 plane crashes
Iran is accusing the United States, Britain and Israel for two military plane crashes in the last two months.
Tehran said the U.S, Britain and Israel's intelligence agents caused the crashes.
Related Articles.
Iran’s top military commanders die in plane crash
Iran blamed over Tehran air crash
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Ukraine scraps last strategic bomber
Ukraine has scrapped its last strategic Tu-22 Backfire witnessed by the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst.
Under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), Ukraine has voluntarily destroyed all it nuclear weapons and reduced strategic offensive arms.
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DOD Preserves Option of Future C-17 Buys
The Pentagon plans to disassemble its C-17 production line and store the tooling at an undisclosed site for future production.
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Fighter Jet Crashes But Pilot Ejects Safely
A South Korean F-16C from the 19th Fighter Squadron based in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province crashed at about 9:50 a.m. Jan. 27.
The pilot ejected to safety.
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New Chief Executive Appointed On Future Aircraft Carrier Project
Peter McIntosh, Managing Director of VT Shipbuilding, will be chief executive of the Alliance Management Team on the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) project.
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IAF refuses to fly new Jaguars
The Indian Air Force has refused to fly two Jaguars newly delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The IAF found that HAL used non-standard pipelines on the Jaguars and is concerned about who is responsible if it leads to a crash.
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Navy T-34 Crash Kills Two
A U.S. Navy T-34C crashed while conducting routine flight training near NAS Corpus Christi.
Both instructor and student were killed.
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Friday, January 27, 2006
JGSDF AH-64DJ 1st Flight
Both Tengu and Asagiri both send in links to the 1st Fuji AH-64DJ flight.
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Canadian plane-engine plant caught in squeeze
Pratt & Whitney Canada is caught in the middle of a spat between Washington and Venezuela over its aircraft engines.
The Bush administration is blocking the sale of C-295, CN-235 and Super Tucano that uses engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
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Japan protests alleged Russian intrusion into Japanese airspace
A Russian An-72 entered Japanese airspace late Wednesday and six F-15s were scrambled.
The plane entered Japan's airspace seven times between 7:07 p.m. (1007GMT) and 7:33 p.m. (1933GMT) Wednesday off the small island of Rebun in Hokkaido Prefecture.
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Tomassetti focused on VX-23 mission
U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Art "Turbo" Tomassetti is the new boss at VX-23. He was the lead government pilot for the
X-35 program.
Tomassetti was the VX-23 chief test pilot before assuming command.
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Aircraft maintenance standards questioned
The Thai House military affairs committee is concern over the number of crashes at the Air Force Pilot Training School.
The most recent crash occurred on Jan. 18.
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Thursday, January 26, 2006
Two Production RQ-4A Global Hawks Deploy in Global War on Terrorism
Photos of the first two production RQ-4A Global Hawks operating in an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
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Kyrgyzstan gives US new conditions for keeping airbase
Kyrgyzstan wants the United States to pay more rent for using its Manas Air Base in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said last month that Washington should pay "tens of times more" for use of the airbase.
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AFRL breakthrough furthers space optics
U.S. Air Force scientists have developed a deployable optical telescope that is just 4 feet 10 inches in diameter.
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Computer problems shut down Boeing assembly lines
Production of Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornets were disrupted Wednesday due to a computer problem.
The first and second shift was affected but the third shift work as scheduled.
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Robins Air Force Base cited in potential breach of security
U.S. Air Force auditors have singled out Robins and Hill Air Force Base and two other installations for failing to wipe data from surplus computers before selling them.
Robins, Hill and Tinker along with Lackland manage and repair the vast majority of Air Force weapon systems, components and related equipment, including some containing highly classified software and hardware.
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'Smart' cable helps protect aircraft
The USAF Warner Robins Air Logistics Center came up with a Smart Cable that upgrades the missile warning system of aircraft flying in Iraq.
It has been installed on 400 coalition aircraft -- none of which have been hit by missile attacks.
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Pyongyang may hold secret info on missiles
Confidential information on Japan's Chu-SAM missile system could have been leaked to a pro-Pyongyang group in Japan back in 1995.
A Japanese Defense Agency official who briefed reporters claimed the data would not reveal the capabilities of the currently deployed medium-range SAM.
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Navy deal with Myanmar hits UK hurdle
Britain has warned India against the sale of a BN-2 Islander aircraft to Myanmar's military junta.
The British High Commission wrote a letter to the Indian foreign ministry ahead of Indian Navy chief Arun Prakash's visit to Yangon. The letter which was forwarded to him ask him not to continue with the proposed sale.
The letter hinted of future hitches in military sales if the sale continue. The Indian Navy wants to buy 10 second-hand Royal Navy Sea Harriers.
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'Banshees' prepare to prowl home
The USMC's VMAQ-2 is preparing to return home after six months of duty in support of Operation Iraq Freedom at Al Asad, Iraq.
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737 Spacious, Modern Replacement For EP-3
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report looks at the advantages of using the P-8A as a SIGINT aircraft to replace the EP-3E.
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New bird in the nest
A MV-22 Osprey is currently conducting cold weather trials at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
However the current warm temperature there could forced the Osprey to return next year in order to be certified for cold weather.
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Israel considers V-22 acquisition
The Israel Air Force is seriously considering getting the V-22 Osprey for its needs. It is sending its Chief of Air Directorate for Helicopters, Brigadier General 'Tamir', to fly the aircraft.
It wants the use the plane for special forces missions as well as search and rescue.
Labels: Israel V-22
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Arroyo pays tribute to Air Force pilot in Bulacan crash
Phillipine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo paid tribute Wednesday to the late Air Force pilot Captain Aniano Amatong for steering his stricken plane from populated areas after encountering engine problems.
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Yamaha lied about GPS on helicopter
Yamaha Motor lied to Japanese customs authorities on the technology capabilities of an unmanned helicopter it planned to sell to a Chinese company.
The helicopter is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and other high-tech devices that can be used for military purposes.
The Chinese company also has close ties with China's People's Liberation Army.
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Israel Kicks Off Program to Improve Its F-16s and F-15s
Defense Industry Daily takes a look at the modernisation of Israeli Air Force's F-16C and F-15 A-D fleet.
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A right royal rescue
Pilot Vice Admiral Sir Roy Halliday and Air Gunner Norman Richardson recall how they were rescued by Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, sixty years ago.
Their plane was part of a large Royal Navy air strike on two Japanese-held oil refineries on Sumatra and was shot down by a Japanese plane.
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Russia, Algeria to Strike $4Bln Arms Sale Deal
Besides selling MiG-29SMTs, Russia is expected to sell 28 Su-30s and 8 divisions of S-300MPU2 air defense systems to Algeria.
Algeria may buy up to 50 Yak-130 combat trainer planes and about 30 Tunguska-M1 air defense systems in future.
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Red Team pushes for action on C-17
Long Beach's city council wants to push California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to play a more active role in saving the C-17 production line.
"He (Schwarzenegger) should be running up to Washington, D.C., to use some of those muscles," added 7th District Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga.
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Tanker talk could turn to Boeing 777s, 737s
Pentagon is expected to release the findings of last year's Rand Corp. study on the future of the USAF's tanker fleet today.
The DoD will hold a closed-door briefing for key members of Congress and there should be an announcement after the briefing.
Airbus is expected to be allowed to bid for the competition and the 767 will no longer be the USAF's number one choice.
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Military's newest cargo jet ready for action
The first U.S. Air Force C-17 to be based outside the mainland has flown its first flight last friday.
The "Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha" is expected to be handed over to Hickam Air Force base on Feb. 7.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Police raid on North Korean association uncovered data on Japanese missiles
A Japanese police raid on a North Korean science-technology association in Japan last year uncovered data relating to its Chu-SAM.
The data contains a research simulation outlining the defense capability of the missile and was compiled by the Mitsubishi Research Institute on Apr. 20, 1995. The data may already have been leaked to North Korea.
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EADS Venezuela deal in jeopardy
Casa's plan to sell 10 C-295 tactical transports and two CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft to Venezuela is in jeopardy.
U.S. will veto the transfer of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G and General Electric CT7-9 engines used on both aircraft.
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IAF not to fly `Dhruv' on R-Day
The Indian Air Force will not fly the Dhruv helicopter during the Republic Day parade on Jan. 26.
The IAF claims that the clearance certificate from HAL came too late because it has to carry out additional in-house checks.
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Boeing Introduces New 737 Signals Intelligence Aircraft
Looks like Greg got some serious updating to do on his
Battlefield Surveillance Aircraft page. Boeing is entering its 737 into the SIGINT market.
Boeing's new SIGINT aircraft concept is a variant of its 737-based P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft.
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IAF to shed redundant technology
The Indian Air Force could change the engines of the modernised MiG-21 Bisons from R-11 to R-13.
It is also phasing out the type 77 and type FL series.
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Beijing denies aircraft-carrier rumor
China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council denied a rumor from Taiwan that China is rebuilding an aircraft carrier.
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Algeria to buy 40 MiG-29s
Algeria actually signed a contract with RSK MiG to acquire 40 MiG-29SMT multirole fighters and place options on another 30.
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Navy renews plan to cut carrier fleet, documents show
The Quadrennial Defense Review is expected to renew plans to cut the U.S. Navy's fleet of aircraft carriers to 11.
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France joins naval project for £140m
France has agreed to pay Britain as much as £140m to develop and construct an aircraft carrier based on the design of those being built for the Royal Navy.
France will pay Britain as much as £100m in three instalments over the course of this year for the rights to the British design.
In addition, France has agreed to put in another £40m towards the development of the carrier.
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Hello sailor: US aircraft carrier gets mixed reception
Australian environmentalists are not keen of USS Ronald Reagan's visit to Brisbane.
Brisbane is a nuclear-free zone but the port is outside the city's boundaries.
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Pilot steers falling plane away from village, dies
A Phillipine Air Force pilot steered his OV-10 Bronco away from populated areas and into a fishpond after encountering an engine problem. He was killed.
His co-pilot managed to parachute to safety.
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Congress: Keep helicopters simple
The U.S. Congress is warning the USAF not to buy anything fancy when it selects a new combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) helicopter this spring.
Language in the 2006 Defense Appropriations Act instructs the Air Force to "select an existing aircraft that will require minimum research and development to field."
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Helping pilots keep their heads
Designing the helmet that will be flown by pilots of the Eurofighter Typhoon won Sara Pullen the prestigious Young Woman Engineer of the Year award.
She works as a Crew Systems Engineer at BAE Systems, Preston.
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US stages missile defense "war games" for Congress
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is hosting war games in Congress to allow lawmakers to better understand the complexity of the process.
During a simulation on Tuesday, one of nine interceptors failed to launch, allowing a nuclear-tipped enemy missile to hit Alaska's Aleutian Islands.
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UK MoD silent on report claiming Rolls-Royce, GE lose F-35 fighter engine deal
The U.K. Ministry of Defence declined to comment on a recent story that U.S. president George Bush has rejected an appeal from U.K. prime minister Tony Blair to refrain from scrapping the F136.
Related Article
Blair said to fail to win over Bush on F-35 engine
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India to float global tenders for Medium Range Combat Aircraft
When India opens its tender for 126 medium range combat aircraft, it will be open to all players.
Labels: MRCA
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Report: Annual missile defense spending could double in seven years
In a report produced by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, the Bush administration could spend up to $19 billion by 2013 on missile defense.
The study also projects an average $13 billion per year cost for missile defense through 2024.
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Bell's Submission for Army's LUH Credited with Saving Tens of Thousands of Lives
Bell Helicopter's worldwide fleet of the 412 helicopter has saved tens of thousands of lives last year in its submission for the U.S. Army's requirement for a new Light Utility Helicopter.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2006
New J-10 nose wheel door
According to China Defense blog, the new batch of J-10s have changed to a new nose wheel door arrangement.
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Apache Helicopters Return
Three RSAF AH-64D Apaches have returned to Singapore after spending four years in Arizona.
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New MH-60R Introduced to the Fleet
HSL-41 introduced the new MH-60R Seahawk at a rollout ceremony held at Naval Base Coronado Jan. 19.
The MH-60R replaces the SH-60B and SH-60F.
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Reagan Carrier Strike Group Makes Port Visit to Brisbane, Australia
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived in Brisbane, Australia, Jan. 23 for a scheduled port visit.
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Boeing Receives Aircraft for Laser Gunship Program
Boeing has taken delivery of a USAF C-130H for the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) program.
Boeing is modifying the aircraft to enable it to carry a high-energy chemical laser and battle management and beam control subsystems.
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Greece’s HAI snatches stake in M346 trainer programme
HAI and Aermacchi have signed a MOU on the terms of Greek industrial involvement in the M346 advanced and lead-in fighter trainer program.
Aermacchi hopes to offer the M346 to Greece to replace its its Rockwell T-2C/E Buckeyes.
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Strain mounts on RAF transports
The RAF's air transport fleet will be further strain this year due to the expansion of U.K.'s military operations in Afghanistan.
The RAF may fly personnel into the region using civilian charter flights before completing their deployment using defensive aids system (DAS)-equipped transports.
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Wedgetail radar sails through test
Boeing and Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) have conducted a successful 360° scan of the Wedgetail phased-array radar.
The test was conducted in the United States by a combined Boeing/DMO project team.
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F-22A Raptor flies first operational missions
The F-22A Raptor flew its first two operational sorties over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle Jan. 21 and 22.
Operation Noble Eagle provides air defense over the United States and Canada.
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Boeing begins CH-47F assembly
Boeing has started assembling the first new-build CH-47F Chinook under the U.S. Army’s cargo helicopter modernisation program.
The 're-new' design has attracted the interest of Canada and will be a strong candidate in Canada’s pending competition for a heavylift transport.
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Draft QDR: major special ops increase
The draft Quadrennial Defense Review tha was obtained by InsideDefense.com calls for the creation of a USAF unmanned aerial vehicle squadron.
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Israeli air force blunts prospects of finding Javelin launch customer
The Israeli Air Force has indicated that it is unwilling to be the launch customer for a military trainer version of the Javelin very light jet.
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is teamed with the USA’s Aviation Technology Group (ATG) to develop and market two military variants of the Javelin.
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European UAV makers urged to work together
Frost & Sullivan is urging European UAV makers to work together to narrow the technology gap that exists between them and their American counterparts.
To keep up with the USA on technology, European UAV manufacturers must form joint technology demonstrator projects that will eventually become development programmes, such as Neuron and EuroMALE.
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UK close to forging Future Lynx deal
A contract will be sign in the next few weeks for AgustaWestland to remanufacture up to 80 Lynx utility helicopters for the British Army and UK Royal Navy.
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RAF dismisses impact of Saudi Typhoon sale
RAF chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup is not worried that the sale of 24 Eurofighter Typhoons drawn from RAF inventory will affect the introduction of the fighter.
The RAF determined that the situation is 'containable.'
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Cancellation is blow to Embraer's ambitions
The loss of the Aerial Common Sensor contract was a heavy blow to Brazilian aircraft maker, Embraer.
The company had wanted to expand its military aviation portfolio and the deal was expected to help it break into the North American market.
Labels: ACS
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Air force plans to buy jets that need shorter runway
The english language version of the RoCAF third-generation fighter story that was posted yesterday.
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Jet lets fingers do the flying
Members of the Association of Naval Aviation’s Hampton Roads Squadron were impressed when the JSF office brought a F-35 cockpit to Oceana last August.
Many of them were former naval pilots including Vice Adm. Dick Dunleavy.
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More F-35 fighter work tipped
Australia's aerospace industry is expected to win more work on the F-35, according to Northrop Grumman JSF deputy project manager Randy Secor.
He added that the quality and pricing of work coming out of Australia in the first phase of the program made it highly competitive against firms in the US and other parts of the world.
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Monday, January 23, 2006
Troubled Waters
Time Magazine takes a look at the issue of breaking up French aircraft carrier Clemenceau. Is it an economic opportunity or a floating toxic waste.
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US to Give Seoul Digital Map of Korean Peninsula
The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) will provide the South Korean military a digital map of the Korean Peninsula to improve its surgical strike capability.
South Korea currently uses an outdated version of the digital map made in 1993.
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French ex-warship cleared to pass Suez Canel
Clemenceau has been allowed to sail through the Egypt's Suez Canal after a delay caused by worries it had hazardous materials aboard.
The carrier is on its way to a ship-breaking yard in Gujarat, India for breakup.
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空軍完成採購規畫 三代戰機 須有垂直起降能力
Taiwan's China Times is reporting that RoCAF plans to buy a third-generation fighter that has VTOL capability.
It is looking at the F-35 but the United States is not willing to sell them to Taiwan. Taiwan will like to upgrade its F-16 and Mirage 200 fleet as well.
Defence Minister Lee Jye said earlier that Taiwan hopes to buy second-hand F-15s but Air Force chief Liu Kui-li said the F-15 will not be a third-generation fighter.
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General prepares to shut down air-defense training
The U.S. Army is preparing to move its Air Defense Artillery Center and School from Fort Bliss to Fort Sill.
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Report: Yamaha raided over copters
Japanese police on Monday raided the headquarters of Yamaha Motor to investigate if the company had illegally export unmanned helicopters that can be converted to military use to China.
Yamaha allegedly sold an unspecified number of helicopters for pesticides sprinkling but these could be diverted to military uses such as spreading chemical weapons or spying.
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How B-2 data wound up in 787 program
Boeing engineers working on the 787 had taken data from B-2 technical manuals and copied straight into 787 technical specifications.
Using such borrowed knowledge is not allowed under federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) laws.
The engineers performed new tests and developed a fresh set of guidance data to replace the legally tainted B-2 data.
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France to press UK on carrier design deal - report
Britain and France are negotiating about how much the French has to pay in order to gain access work to the design of the Royal Navy's large carrier program.
The French industry needs access to the design data to assess potential savings in a co-operative program. It also needs to know the cost to adapt the CVF design to French Navy needs.
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New lease of life for Alphas
The RTAF will deploy its ex-German Alpha jets for artificial rain-making operations this year.
The aircraft will fire locally made silver iodide bullets at clouds. The air force bought 25 used Alpha jets from Germany and put 20 into use.
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Slovak plane crash investigators to question survivor
Investigators will begin questioning the only survivor of a Slovak An-24 crash that killed 42 people.
The army plane crashed into a snowy mountain in Hungary late on Thursday after starting its descent to land.
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Sunday, January 22, 2006
不具合？３機離陸中止／Ｆ１５飛行再開
A USAF F-15C was carrying out its safety check before take off when its engines were shut down and the plane towed back to hangar on Jan. 19.
Two other F-15s also aborted their take off later.
From Asagiri.
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空中給油機トラブル／嘉手納基地
A KC-135 took off from Kadena Air Base, Japan on Jan. 19 with its refuelling probe extended.
The plane retracted the probe and circled for 40 mins before landing.
From Asagiri.
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Firebrand strategist to head Iran’s Air Force
BG Hossein Salami has been appointed as the new commander of Iran's Air Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
He will be in charge of the country’s ballistic missile development project.
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‘New and used F-16s may be bought’
The Pakistan Air Force is considering buying a mix fleet of new and used F-16s.
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U.S. military dropping firewood to parts of Afghanistan cut off by snowfall
The U.S. military has been able to bring down fire from the skies for decades. This month in Afghanistan, it’s delivering firewood.
Bundles of firewood are being air dropped to areas that are accessible only by air.
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Outgoing 18th Wing commander says farewell to Kadena
Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas flew his final flight in an F-15 as commander of the USAF 18th Wing on Thursday.
He will leave the post to become the vice commander of the Air Intelligence Agency, Air Combat Command at Lackland Air Force Base.
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Saturday, January 21, 2006
Chalit about-face over Russian jets
RTAF chief ACM Chalit Pukbhasuk is now willing to consider the Su-30 as a possible replacement fighter, this comes after rumours that he would be replaced if he failed to endorse the Russian-made aircraft.
The RTAF will now upgrade its 32 F-16s. It will also setup a panel to evaulate the Su-30, F/A-18 and Gripen.
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Air Force takes delivery of first production Global Hawks
The first of two production Global Hawks has started operations within hours of arriving in theater earlier this month.
The two UAVs are named AF-4 and AF-5. One day after arriving, AF-5 flew its first combat sortie for 24 hours.
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Gujarat keen to scrap 'toxic' Clemenceau
The Gujarat Maritime Board is asking the French to provide it with technical experts to remove toxic materials from aircraft carrier Clemenceau.
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One survivor of Slovak military aircraft crash in which 42 died
Only one person survived when a Slovak AN-24 went down on Thursday near the Slovak border.
The plane was flying troops home from a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
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AgustaWestland early front-runner in chopper contest
AgustaWestland's A129 Mangusta has emerged as the frontrunner for Turkey's attack helicopter competition.
One official said the A129 fits most of Turkey's technical specifications for the attack helicopter program.
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Boeing may use Antonov An-72 as platform for FCA bid
Boeing may introduce the Antonov An-72 as one of the options for the U.S. Army's pending Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) competition.
The An-72, if Boeing were to offer it, would be the only jet-powered aircraft in the competition.
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Air Force Wants to Speed Tanker Program
Senior U.S. Air Force leaders want to kick start the competition to replace its KC-135 tankers in the coming months instead of waiting until several studies are completed next year.
Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne late last year said the service likely will push the program’s start to FY-07.
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Tough job lies ahead for Air Force's Suyanto
Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto is expected to face opposition to his appointment as chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI).
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‘MiG-21 crashed after rocket went off in pod’
The recent crash of a IAF MiG-21 during a live firing exercise northwest of Jamnagar was attributed to a 55mm rocket that failed to fire and detonated in its pod.
The explosion damaged the aircraft forcing pilot Sqn Ldr J P S Bains to eject.
Related Article
MiG 21 crashes near Jamnagar, pilot ejects out safely
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Lakehurst races to upgrade 'brakes' for carrier landings
The arresting gear that brings an aircraft to a stop in seconds on an aircraft carrier has finally entered the digital age.
Researchers at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst are using computers to control the arresting machinery. The computer will replace the hand crank to compensate for the weight of the aircraft that's about to land. It will also reset the cable after the plane lands.
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Blair said to fail to win over Bush on F-35 engine
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has failed to get U.S. President George W. Bush to save the F136 engine.
Sources close to the discussions said Blair left a video conference with Bush this week "empty-handed."
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VMFA-251, VFA-86 soar through first week at NAS Fallon, Nev.
VMFA-251 and VFA-86 were at Naval Air Station Fallon from Jan. 9-14 as part of the workout before their deployment as Carrier Air Wing 1.
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F/A-18C Crashes Near Naval Air Station El Centro
An F/A-18C from VFA-97 crashed approximately five miles north of Naval Air Station El Centro on Jan. 18.
The pilot, who was on a routine training mission, was killed.
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Friday, January 20, 2006
General Dynamics F-16 Flying Display at Asian Aerospace 1988
I recently saved this poster from the trash can and it was given out during Asian Aerospace 1988 where the F-16 made its first appearance at the show. I have scanned it into a pdf for free download. Sigh, it was called the
General Dynamics F-16 back then.
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Asian Aerospace 2006 Flying Display
Thanks to a friend, I managed to obtain a trade pass to this year's Asian Aerospace. The F-15 is expected to take part in the flying display. Click on the picture to zoom in.
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Successful Hellfire missile tests on Tiger helicopter
Pictures of the Australian Army’s new Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter testing the Hellfire on Dec. 7 last year.
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Algeria to get 70 planes under Russia deal
Another article on the arms deal between Algeria and Russia for 70 MiG-29s. The planes will be delivered in 2008.
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Reporting for duty
A group of USAF F-15Es left Seymour Johnson Air Force Base on Thursday morning for deployment to Iraq.
The 336th Fighter Squadron will be there for 120 days.
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Boeing to lay off 84 in Wichita
Boeing said that it plans to lay off 84 employees at its Wichita site as a result of Department of Defense program delays and budget issues.
Key programs in Wichita include design and upgrades for the KC-135 tanker, 767 tankers and B-52 Stratofortress.
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Advanced Light Helicopters airborne again: HAL
HAL has lifted the grounding of its Dhruv helicopter. It stress that the tail rotor problems were related to a batch of blades and not related to any design deficiency.
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Kadena mayor critical of flight resumptions in wake of crash
The mayor of Kadena, Okinawa criticise the USAF of resuming F-15 flights on Thursday, just two days after one crash into the sea near Okinawa.
Tokujitsu Miyagi said the resumption of flights at Kadena Air Base went against the feelings of local residents.
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Indonesia to buy more Sukhoi fighters from Russia
Indonesia plans to buy more Sukhois when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visit Russia in June.
State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said, "Indonesia wants to buy more Sukhoi jets from Russia. President Yudhoyono will visit Russia in June to discuss economic cooperation."
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Pilots say goodbye to favored trainer
The T-2 Buckeye will leave the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School sometime this summer after more than 30 years of service.
The T-2 was first introduced to the school in 1972 to replace the T-1.
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Airbus hoping to score on $4.6-billion transport carrier program
Airbus believes a Conservative victory could help its bid to replace Canada's C-130 fleet with the A400M.
The Conservatives have already said they would review the program if elected. The Liberal government announced on Nov. 22 for 16 new tactical airlifters that eliminate Airbus and Boeing from the competition.
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Night Vision Capability For Navy Seahawks
Australian Navy’s Seahawk helicopter squadrons will have night vision capability in two years time.
All 16 Seahawks will have their external lighting upgraded as well.
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Taiwan highlights Chinese threat
Taiwan’s defense ministry have released rare satellite images of Chinese military bases.
One Taiwanese military officer said Chinese Su-27s were deployed for the first time in July last year at Liancheng, in Fujian province facing Taiwan.
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Wedgetail could convert to exports
Boeing Australia is confident that the skills aquired during the conversation of 737s for the RAAF Wedgetail project will translate into significant export opportunities.
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Family will lay soldier to rest in Philippines
One of the two U.S. Army AH-64 pilots that was killed on Monday will be buried in the Philippines.
Chief Warrant Officer Ruel Garcia left the country twenty years ago to become a military pilot in the United States. He had served with the USAF for four years before switching to the Army after becoming a naturalized citizen.
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BMD Focus: The Missiles of Taiwan
Taiwan's decision to produce no less than 500 Hsiung Feng, or Brave Wind, 2E cruise missiles by 2010 may tempt China toward taking preemptive military action in the 2008-2010 period.
The massive cruise missile force, with its 360-mile range, deployed on Taiwan would put Hong Kong and Shanghai, the financial hub of China, in danger.
Labels: Hsiung Feng 2E
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Thursday, January 19, 2006
Last WC-130H departs Keesler
The last WC-130H has left the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron for Willow Grove Air Reserve Station.
The WC-130H has served the Hurricane Hunters for many years and the squadron has now fully transitioned to the WC-130J.
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Boeing Awarded Final Phase of CF-18 Avionics Upgrade
Boeing will upgrade Canada's 78 CF-18 aircraft with a data link system, a helmet-mounted sight system, new cockpit displays and a new flare-dispensing electronic warfare system.
This is the second phase of the program. The first phase equipped the CF-18s with new mission computers and radios, an APG-73 radar, a stores management system and a combined interrogator/transponder system.
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Surface-to-Air Missile Downed U.S. Chopper in Iraq
For the first time, Iraqi insurgents have successfully shot down a U.S. military helicopter using a surface-to-air missile.
Pentagon officials believe a SA-7 surface-to-air missile shot down a AH-64 on Monday.
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US helicopters in Iraq face menace of 'aerial bombs'
Insurgents in Iraq are deploying a new type of weapon against U.S. helicopters known to the Americans as 'aerial improvised explosive devices'.
The new home-made weapons are fired into the air from the ground and explode close to passing aircraft.
The bombs are placed along known flight paths and are triggered when insurgents see a low-flying helicopter approaching.
Insurgents are now targeting helicopters as they know it carries more passengers than road vehicles and that a crash is likely to prove fatal.
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Govt to examine Clemenceau on arrival
The Indian Government will examine former French aircraft carrier Clemenceau for toxic materials before allowing it to enter Indian waters.
The Central Pollution Control Board will inspect the ship.
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U.S. air base splits Nago voters / Futenma Air Station relocation key issue in Okinawan mayoral contest
The mayoral election in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture could influence the relocation plan of U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station.
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Friends Hold Vigil For Navy Pilot Missing For 15 Years
Fifteen years after Lt. Cmdr. Scott Speicher's F/A-18 Hornet was shot down over Iraq, his friends and those wanting the U.S. government to keep searching for him held a "Not Home Yet" vigil for him Tuesday night.
A joint Iraq-U.S. committee has just finished its work on determining his fate and the results will be announced by the Pentagon.
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MoD accused of 'superhangar' waste
The British defence ministry has been criticised by members of parliament for its decision to shut down a jet repair facility in south Wales just a year after it opened.
£100 million was spent constructing the super hangar which is now dubbed the White Elephant.
The facility is capable of accommodating up to 48 of the RAF's fast jets. A logistic review concluded that in future the jets should be serviced at their main operating bases rather than a single servicing centre.
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Northrop Grumman's Navy Fire Scout Gets Its Sea Legs, Completes First Autonomous Ship Landings
Two RQ-8A Fire Scout UAVs completed nine autonomous shipboard landings on board USS Nashville from Jan. 16-17.
This test marks the first time a Navy UAV has performed vertical landings on a moving ship without a pilot controlling the aircraft.
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F-15 crashes during training off Okinawa
Kadena Air Base has grounded all its F-15 flights after an F-15C from 44th Fighter Squadron crash on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Okinawa City reacted strongly over the crash and an emergency city council meeting was held on Wednesday.
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F-15 makes emergency stop
An F-15 from the Oregon Air National Guard made an emergency landing at Medford airport after one of its engines failed in flight.
It was part of a four ship formation that was diverting to Medford airport due to snowy conditions at Kingsley Field.
Two of the planes were flown by student pilots.
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Indonesia leader taps air marshal to head military
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has nominated Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto to take over as armed forces commander.
Suyanto is the first air force commander nominated for the top military job. The air force is the least powerful of the three branches of the Indonesian military.
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Indian Navy's sureveillance capabilities get a boost
The Indian Navy has received one of its Il-38 that was sent to Russia for modernisation.
The updated aircraft carries the Sea Dragon patrol suite that can track over 30 targets at a time from a distance of up to 320 km.
A total of three aircraft are modernised.
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Lockheed Martin Awarded $18 Million For Israeli F-16 Flight Trainer
Lockheed Martin will provide Israel with a Flight and Systems Trainer (FST) for Israeli F-16I pilot training.
The F-16 FST provides flight, emergency procedures, aircraft systems operation, and tactical and weapon systems training.
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Aircraft purchase: IAF yet to take on wings with US firms
Lockheed Martin and Boeing wants the Indian Air Force to offer more flexibility in the terms and conditions for its fighter competition.
The Indians are already in the process of relaxing some of the stringent clauses.
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RAF Eurofighter crash lands
A RAF Eurofighter was damaged when its front wheel failed to deploy properly while landing.
The aircraft was returning to RAF Coningsby base in Lincolnshire, eastern England on Monday.
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Fifth generation Russian fighter plane to be ready in 2007
Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force Vladimir Mikhailov said that Russia's fifth-generation fighter plane will be ready in 2007.
Labels: Russian 5th-generation fighter
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Crashed bomber victim of technical problem - Air Force chief
The Russian Su-24MR that crash on Monday suffered from problems with its swing-wing configuration as it tries to land.
The wing could not move to its landing position and the crew made 20 attempts to land before ejecting.
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Meteor BVRAAM
Jane's takes a look at the current development status of the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile.
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U.S. May Arm Subs With Conventional Warheads for Quicker Strike
The Pentagon wants to put as many as 96 conventional warheads for installation on 24 of the U.S. Navy's roughly 336 nuclear D5 Trident missiles.
This is to allow for quicker preemptive attacks on deeply buried enemy command centers or stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction.
The key question will be how Russian and Chinese missile warning systems are able to differentiate an attack on a terrorist target and a nuclear one aimed at both countries.
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Algeria to Buy 70 Russian MiG-29 Fighter Jets
RSK-MiG has signed a contract with Alergia to deliver 70 MiG-29s.
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New simulator training helicopter door gunners
The U.S. Army is using a new virtual helicopter door-gunner simulator to provide the first door-gunner training since Vietnam.
The user wears a helmet and visor with a 360-degree spherical view from the vantage point of a UH-60 Black Hawk or CH-47 Chinook crew chief.
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S-400 regiment to go on combat duty in 2006
A Russian S-400 equipped air defence regiment will go on combat duty in 2006.
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Turkey launches $400 million competition to buy jet trainers
Turkey has kicked off its competition for the purchase of basic trainers for the Turkish Air Forces.
The competition is open for turboprop models only and the Super Tucano, the KT-1, the PC-9 and the T-6A are expected to bid for it.
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Carrier’s fuel spill contained
USS Kitty Hawk leaked an undetermined amount of diesel oil while in the port of Yokosuka.
The U.S. Navy says the spill was minimal.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Covers come off UK spy plane
BAE Systems has unvelied the U.K.'s first prototype stealth UAV known as the Corax, or as the Raven. BAE photo.
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MiG 21 crashes near Jamnagar, pilot ejects out safely
This just came in, a MiG-21 from the Indian Air Force has crashed during a firing exercise northwest of Jamnagar in Gujarat.
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Mission 15 years ago put Barksdale at tip of Desert Storm spear
One January morning 15 years ago, seven B-52s took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, flew around the world and fired the AGM-86C for the first time in combat.
Operation "Senior Surprise" but dubbed "Secret Squirrel" by the crews who were sworn to secrecy about it, for years was the longest nonstop combat flight in aviation history.
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Setback to India: Israel grounds Dhruv helicopter
Israel has joined India in grounding the Dhruv helicopter. The Israel Aircraft Industries use the helicopters to ferry VIPs and defence officials.
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Air force waits for arrival of delayed Lockheed C-130
The Philippine Air Force hopes to take delivery of a C-130 that has been in refurbishment at local maintenance company Asian Aerospace since February 2004.
Asian Aerospace says delivery has been delayed since initial servicing was completed in June 2004 because of funding problems.
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Lockheed to get U.S. spy-plane scrapping fees
Lockheed Martin is expected to receive contract termination fees for the cancellation of the Aerial Common Sensor program.
The U.S. Army said the aerospace company was not at fault in the scrapping of the initial, $879 million contract and the problems were too pricey to fix.
Labels: ACS
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Not losing pilots to airlines: IAF
The Chief of Indian Air Force denied claims that private airliners were luring away IAF pilots.
Air Marshal S P Tyagi said he has not received any request from any IAF pilot to relieve him of service to join a private airline.
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C-130 plan emerges, but it's not simple or easy
U.S. Air Force officials are carrying out multiphased plan to get grounded or flight-restricted C-130s back flying again.
Contracts have been awarded to Lockheed to have wing boxes replaced.
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Frenchman 'had Togo war planes'
Togo's army says it has seized two MiG-23s and two Mi-18 helicopters from a former French policeman living in the capital, Lome.
Togo suspects the planes are from the Ivory Coast and are escaping from an international commission investigating the origin of military equipment used by Ivorian forces in the bombing of a French base in Ivory Coast in 2004.
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F-22A declared ‘mission capable’
The U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center has declared the F-22A Raptor 'mission capable' for air-to-ground operations.
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Tories set to quiz Reid over Hercules crash
British Conservatives wants to question Defence Secretary John Reid over whether more could have been done to prevent the crash of an RAF Hercules in Iraq.
Shadow Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said he would now table parliamentary questions on whether self-defence systems could save the servicemen if they were installed on the planes.
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How reconnaissance flight turned deadly at 30,000 feet
Freeman B. Olmstead, the co-pilot of a RB-47H that was shot down over the Barents Sea in 1960, tells his side of the story to the Star-Gazette.
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Aircraft carrier for Hawai'i may be far off
The Quadrennial Defense Review is expected to forward-deployed more ships to Guam and Hawaii but not an aircraft carrier in the short term.
War costs, budget cuts and old-fashioned politics may mean a decision is not expected soon.
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Australian company snared in FBI technology probe
NTech Australia which is under investigation by the FBI for working with former B-2 engineer Noshir Gowadia in alleged illegal release of advanced infrared suppression technology was funded by the Australian Department of Defence.
Flight International show that NTech Australia received at least 10 contract payments for work on an advanced infrared suppression system (AIRSS) for the RAAF’s C-130Js.
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Clemenceau can’t enter till Feb 13: SC
India's Supreme Court has banned former French carrier Clemenceau from entering Indian waters till Feb. 13.
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U.S. Copter Crashes in Iraq, Killing Two
The United States is questioning the credibility of an Internet video that shows militants shooting down a AH-64 near Baghdad on Monday.
A AH-64 crashed on Monday and both crew were killed. Two militant groups claimed they shot down the helicopter. Neither claim could be verified.
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Philippines puts off fighter contest
The Philippine Air Force plans to acquire new attack and utility helicopters this year and put off getting new ground-attack and fighter aircraft.
The PAF plans to buy six night-capable attack helicopters and are evaluating used AH-1s and Russian helicopters.
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Pilot ejects as U.S. jet crashes
A U.S. F-15 has crashed around 0100 GMT this morning off the coast of Ikeijima island, part of the Okinawa island chain.
The pilot ejected safely.
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Russian Bomber Crashes in Far East
A Russian Su-24 has crashed at a Far East airport on Monday, both pilots are safe.
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Indian economy has a new guardian: IAF
The Indian Air Force is now concentrating on providing security for trade and energy installations of the country.
The growing Indian economy altered the focus of the Indian Air Force.
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Wedgetail Aircraft Delivered to Boeing Australia for Airborne Early Warning and Control Modifications
A 737-700 has been delivered to Boeing Australia for Airborne Early Warning and Control modifications under Project Wedgetail.
Two Wedgetail 737 AEW&C aircraft are modified by Boeing in Seattle, four are modified by Boeing Australia.
Delivery of the six AEW&C aircraft is scheduled for 2008.
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Monday, January 16, 2006
Hogs at Oceana
These A-10s from Maryland ANG were on their way to South Carolina and they spend the night at NAS Oceana.
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Report: IAF trained for Iran attack
Isreal's F-15I pilots have completed their mission training and the fighter jets have been prepared for an Israeli attack on Iran.
Col. [res] Ze'ev Raz, the former IAF pilot who led the Osirak mission, told Sunday Times that an aerial assault on Iran's nuclear facilities is possible.
Related Articles
Russian Expert Says Israel Likely to Bomb Iran in Spring
Getting Ready for a Nuclear-Ready Iran
The myth of an Israeli strike on Iran
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Head of 183rd says unit ready for change
The USANG 183rd Tactical Fighter Wing appears certain to lose its F-16s by the spring or summer of 2008.
The unit is trying to find new roles such as flying the F-15E or train foreign F-16 pilots.
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CBI joins battle to save Rolls engine contract
The British Confederation of British Industry and Conservative party has joined the government in lobbying on behalf of Rolls-Royce to save the F136 engine.
Dr Liam Fox, the shadow secretary of state for defence, will meet officials from the Pentagon in London this week in order to press Britain's case.
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TV digibox triggers 'SOS' rescue
The RAF Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre sent a coastguard helicopter to search for 'SOS' call Jan. 5 only to find that the signal came from a faulty TV digibox.
The helicopter spent two hours searching the harbour area. RAF spokesman Michael Mulford said the chances of sending out a signal from a digibox and sending out precisely and exactly on a major emergency channel are far more than 14 million to one.
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Russian Expert Says Israel Likely to Bomb Iran in Spring
Director of the Russian Political Research Institute, Sergei Markov, said that Israel could launch a missile attack on Iran in the upcoming spring.
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Sunday, January 15, 2006
Langley celebrates Raptor's initial operational capability
The USAF 1st Fighter Wing held a ceremony Jan. 13 to celebrate the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability.
The 27th Fighter Squadron was officially declared IOC on Dec. 15.
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B-1B Lancers rotate into Andersen
B-1B Lancers from the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base have deployed to Andersen Air Base, Guam.
The Squadron took over the bombers from another Ellsworth Squadron which left their aircraft behind.
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Aerial Common Sensor still to fly though contract terminates
The U.S. Army will continue its efforts to develop the Aerial Common Sensor and it intends to recompete the contract as early as 2009.
Labels: ACS
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NAS Fallon outlines construction projects to runway, range
NAS Fallon's commanding officer, Capt. Scott Ryder has a list of five construction projects to improve the base.
He wants to make improvements to the B-20 range, lengthen and widen Runway 7-25, build a centralized air traffic control facility, combine the base's structure fire and crash fire equipment into one house and build a new central administration facility.
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Japan, U.S. to boost antiballistic info sharing
Japan and the United States will integrate their missile defense networks by the end of 2006.
Japan's advanced early warning radar system, FPS-XX, the FPS-3 fence protection system, radars on Aegis destroyers and the command system will be linked to U.S. early-warning satellites.
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U-2 fate up in the air
U.S. Air Force officials are refusing to comment on reports that the U-2 will be phased out by 2011.
"The Air Force has not released any official reports as the budget is actually sort of in its pre-decision stage, and won't be announced until February of this year," said Capt. Michelle Lai, an Air Force spokeswoman.
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New C-17 Globemaster III honors Presiden Reagan
Former first lady Nancy Reagan on Friday dedicated a March Air Reserve Base's new C-17 in her late husband's memory, former President Ronald Reagan.
The new C-17 is named the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan" in honour of the late president. It is assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing.
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Saturday, January 14, 2006
NAS Lemoore
Some good stuff from Gerry. This time he travelled to the west coast master jet base where the U.S. Navy's Hornets and Super Hornets are based.
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Sources: Airstrike may have killed bin Laden's No. 2
A CIA airstrike on a Pakistani village near the Afghan border may have targeted Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
The strike killed at least 17 people.
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Schroeder Government Authorized Intelligence-Sharing on Iraq
The government of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder authorized an exchange of intelligence information with the U.S. on civilian targets that were to be excluded from U.S. bombing raids.
Two members of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, BND, were present in Baghdad before and during the war.
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Pentagon Accelerates Future Bomber Plans
The U.S. Defense Department will begin work this year on a next-generation long-range bomber.
The Pentagon will also terminate the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems. Both the Air Force and Navy will now independently pursue their own unmanned aircraft programs.
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Russia to deliver Tor-M1 air defense systems to Iran - Ivanov
Russia will continue to go ahead with the sale of Tor-M1 air defense systems to Iran despite the situation with Iran's nuclear program.
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US bars Spain from selling planes to Venezuela
Washington has refused to grant Spain an export license to sell 10 C-295 transport planes and two CN-235 marine surveillance planes to Venezuela on Thursday.
Spain said on Friday it planned to go ahead with the sale of planes to Venezuela, using substitute technology.
Related Articles
Venezuela signs Spain arms deal
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Russia is not negotiating sale of S-300 missile systems to Iran - Ivanov
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has denied reports in Russian media that Russian intends to sell the S-300 medium-range air defense missile systems to Iran.
Labels: Iran S-300
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U.S. Army reconnaissance helicopter goes down in Mosul
A U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter may have been shot down in Mosul, Iraq, killing its two pilots.
Lt. Gen. John Vines, chief of the Multi-National Corps Iraq, said that there were indications the OH-58 Kiowa was shot down.
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Friday, January 13, 2006
U.S. airstrikes in Iraq could intensify
The air war in Iraq could intensify once American ground forces start to withdraw.
Some analysts are worried that Iraq's mostly Shiite Muslim and Kurdish army will use American and allied bombing missions for revenge attacks on the Sunni Muslim Arab minority.
U.S. Air Force officials say that only U.S. military teams embedded with Iraqi forces will be allowed to direct airstrikes.
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Downing Street refuses comment on Blair's Rolls Royce engine plea to Bush
Downing Street has refused to comment on a report that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has personally lobbied U.S. President George Bush to overturn a decision to cancel the F136 engine.
The Financial Times reported that Blair made a "very forceful" personal plea in a video-conference call between the two leaders, which came just days after Mr Blair sent a letter to Mr Bush outlining his case.
Related Articles
Blair presses Bush on engine deal
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U.S. Air Force Awards F-16 Aircraft Ejection Rack Development Contract to Raytheon
Raytheon has been awarded a $2.1 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to design and develop an interface modification for the existing Triple Ejection Rack (TER-9A) to expand the munitions capability of the F-16.
The TER-9A will be modified to allow it to carry multiple smart weapons, including the JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser, and MALD (the Miniature Air Launched Decoy).
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Chief test pilot gives brief on F-35
Joint Strike Fighter chief test pilot Jon Beesley gave a progress report on the development of the F-35 to the Naval Aviation Foundation Association of Naval Aviation Pax River Squadron Dec. 9.
Related Articles
Northrop Grumman Completes Successful First Flight Tests of Distributed Aperture System Sensors for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
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US Army Seeks $1.2 Billion To Replace War-Damaged Aircraft
The U.S. Army is seeking about $1.2 billion in emergency spending to replace war-damaged aircraft.
This includes aircraft losses from war-related training as well as combat. The money is part of the Army's request for supplemental funding in 2006.
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Mike Boehm: Honors for My Lai hero came much too late
Lost among the headlines about Iraq and secret detentions was the story of the death last week of a hero and a patriot: Hugh Thompson.
Army pilot Thompson and his two helicopter crewmen rescued 10 Vietnamese villagers who were about to be killed by American soldiers in My Lai, Vietnam, on March 16, 1968.
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Taking a Ride in Korea’s New Attack Jet
This reporter became the first civilian to fly in KAI’s newest supersonic attack jet, the A-50.
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AgustaWestland Awarded Major Contract Under Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus Programme
AgustaWestland has been awarded a major contract for the upgrade of 30 EH101 Merlin HM Mk1 helicopters.
AgustaWestland will replace existing hydraulic units with electrical actuators called Helicopter Electro Actuation Technology (HEAT).
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Parts suppliers gamble that C-17 will endure
Boeing and some of its suppliers are purchasing raw materials for additional C-17s that the USAF does not want, hoping that Congress will keep the program alive.
Some suppliers are making parts for planes beyond 35 that are to be build for the Air Force.
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Brazil says US aims to block Venezuela plane deal
Brazil sees signs the United States is trying to block a sale of Embraer Super Tucanos to Venezuela.
Embraer's aircraft contains U.S. technology and requires an export license from Washington.
Related Articles
Contract Introduces Super Tucano Into International Market
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Ship sails murky waters
Egypt refused to let the decommissioned French aircraft carrier Clemenceau to pass through the Suez Canal for scrap in India.
The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency wants Paris to provided documents that proved the ship was not violating standards set in the Basle Convention on the cross-border trade in toxic waste.
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Aircraft carrier Oriskany heading for the deep
The decommissoned aircraft carrier the USS Oriskany will be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico by June 1.
It will become a fishing reef.
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T-39 Crash Site Found
The U.S. Navy has found the crash site of the T-39 Sabreliner that failed to return to Naval Air Station Pensacola Jan. 10.
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New Secretary of the Navy gets operator’s view of V-22
The new U.S. Secretary of the Navy flew in the cockpit jump seat of a V-22 flown by VMX-22 recently.
Col. Glenn Walters, VMX-22 commanding officer, piloted the Osprey with Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Rising.
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Army May End Lockheed Spy Plane Contract
The U.S. Army has cancelled Lockheed Martin's contract to build a new plane under the Aerial Common Sensor program.
The Army said it plans to continue the Aerial Common Sensor program but the Army's assistant secretary for acquisition and logistics, Claude Bolton, hinted that the Army and Navy may split and seek to build their own spy plane.
Labels: ACS
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Labrador helicopter now on display at Canada Aviation Museum
The first and last CH-113 Labrador helicopter ever to fly search and rescue in Canada has been put on permanent display.
Labrador 101 can now be viewed at Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
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Nukaga confirms spy plane deployment in fiscal 2007
Japanese Defense Agency chief Fukushiro Nukaga has confirmed that Japan will deploy U.S.-made as early as 2007.
It will buy either the Predator or Global Hawk. Officials will be sent to Italy and Germany to study their operation.
Related Articles
Gov't to develop unmanned spy drones
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45 selected for test pilot training
Forty-five pilots have been selected for the U.S. Air Force test-pilot program.
Most of those selected will attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. One will attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. One is slated for the French Test Pilot School at Istres Air Base.
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Northrop Grumman Takes Delivery of the First MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV Airframe at its New Mississippi Manufacturing Facility
Northrop Grumman has received the first MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV airframe from its teammate, Schweizer Aircraft Corp., on Jan. 3 at Northrop Grumman's new Unmanned Systems Center.
This airframe is the first of 12 Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing UAVs that will be assembled at the Moss Point facility.
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B-1B fire caused by brake
The cause of a fire on the right main landing gear of a B-1B in Guam was due to leaking hydraulic fluid.
The estimated cost of the damage to the B-1B is more than $32 million.
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Thursday, January 12, 2006
Retired RSAF Super Skyhawks find new home in French Museum
Two RSAF retired A4-SU Super Skyhawks have been donated to the French Aeronautics Museum (Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace) for static display.
The RSAF has been using Super Skyhawks for advanced jet training at Cazaux Air Base since 1998.
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Tomgram: Michael Schwartz on Iraq as a Killing Ground
Michael Schwartz and Tom Engelhardt contribute this article criticising the American media for ignoring the ongoing air war in Iraq.
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U.S. to provide Canadian air cover
Canadian soldiers deploying next month to Afghanistan will be relying on the U.S. for air cover after a proposal to send CF-18s were cancelled.
Six CF-18s were to have been included but the Air Force had to change plans because of the high cost of getting the planes to Afghanistan.
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Getting Ready for a Nuclear-Ready Iran
Retired Israeli general Shlomo Brom, former Director of Strategic Planning and then Deputy National Security Advisor, describes the difficulties the IAF face if they were to destroy nuclear facilities in Iran with F-15s and F-16s.
The article is part of a larger, unclassified study published by the U.S. Army's Strategic Studies Institute. It can be found at page 133.
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EADS rolls out tanker demonstrator
EADS has roll out the Airbus A310 demonstrator equipped with the advanced refuelling boom system.
EADS’s Military Transport Aircraft Division will soon begin a qualification campaign expected to total some 300-400 flight hours.
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555th Fighter Squadron pilots returning to Aviano from Iraq
The Triple Nickle has return to Aviano Air Base, Italy after spending four months in Iraq.
The 555th Fighter Squadron flew more than 1,300 sorties, provided close air support to troops on the ground and also flew reconnaissance missions.
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IAF to hold exercises with British, Israel
Air Commodore A Saikia, Commanding Officer of Indian Air Force Station Kalaikunda, speaks to reporters on the ongoing Sindex 06 with the RSAF.
The Singapore contingent is lead by Lt Col Neo Hong Keat and the eight F-16s are carrying out exercises with a squadron of IAF MiG-27s.
He added that the RAF and Israeli Air Force is keen to conduct exercises at Kalaikunda as well.
Related Articles
Republic of Singapore Air Force and Indian Air Force Conduct Second Bilateral Air Exercise
Indo-Singapore air exercise Sindex 06
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Improved earpieces reaching Falcon pilots
F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the USAF 4th Fighter Squadron will be testing a new earpiece that will provide better clarity and 25 to 30 decibels of protection.
The new earplug system costs less than $600 per person and is made from deep ear canal impressions from the pilots.
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Army ready to cancel ACS, affecting Navy program as well
The U.S. Army is expected to announce on Jan. 12 that it is canceling its troubled Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) program.
The decision is outlined in a Dec. 20, 2005, budget memo signed by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, Bloomberg News reported.
Labels: ACS
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Air Force cuts F-117, B-52, adds F-22s
Besides axing the U-2, Program Budget Decision 720 will retire the entire F-117 by 2008 and cut the fleet of B-52 bombers in half.
Ten F-117 will be retired in 2007 and the rest in 2008. The B-52 fleet will be cut from 96 to 54.
Related Articles
Pentagon to retire U-2 spy plane
DoD Cuts Air Force Aircraft Fleet
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Sweden in further bid to entice deal on jets
Lars Danielsson, deputy minister of the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office, said his country is willing to offer complete technology transfer to Thailand if they purchase the JAS-39 Gripen.
Sweden would transfer source codes, software and documentation for the Gripen plane. It is willing to accept 100% barter trade.
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Pilots to strike over pay dispute
94% of 53 pilots who help train RAF pilots to fly helicopters in foreign countries has voted for strike action over pay.
This is the first time there has been a strike by pilots on military bases. Many are unhappy that they earn less than their RAF counterparts.
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Turkey joins European trainer program
Turkey has signed a letter of intent with Aermacchi for industrial cooperation for the new M-311.
Aermacchi and Turkish Aerospace Industry would form a joint engineering team for the M-311.
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T-39 Fails To Return To NAS Pensacola
A U.S. Navy T-39 Sabreliner has gone missing after failing to return to Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The aircraft had four personnel on board; a civilian contract pilot, a Navy instructor, a Navy student and an Air Force student.
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“Enemy aircraft” arrive at 3 Wing for training
Top Aces, a training and consulting firm run by former Canadian Forces fighter pilots, brought their Alpha jets to 3 Wing Bagotville to train with the aircrews there.
The company provides services such as simulating hostile aircraft, towing targets, testing radar and communications performance to the Canadian Forces.
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Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk Flies New Electronic Signal Intelligence Sensor
The Global Hawk has made its first flight carrying the High Band System Production Configuration Unit.
It is a key subsystem of the Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload sensor that can detect and identify radar and other types of electronic devices.
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Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Pilots who train RAF may strike over pay parity
Pilots of the British Airline Pilots Association who help train RAF pilots in flying helicopters in overseas countries will vote to strike.
They argue that their pay was £7,000 a year lower than trainers employed by the RAF.
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Panel to peer into C-17 future
Boeing's C-17 program managers and executives from the cargo plane's suppliers will meet during a regularly scheduled meeting this week to discuss the future of the plane.
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Head named for stealth secrets probe
Ron McLeod, Australia's former inspector-general of intelligence and security, will head an inquiry into whether the Australian Defence Force tried to buy military secrets from a former B-2 engineer.
Noshir Gowadia was arrested last October and charged with allegedly selling top secret B-2 technology to foreign powers by the United States.
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Boeing Sea-Based X-Band Radar Completes Transport through the Straits of Magellan and Arrives in Pearl Harbor
The Sea-Based X-Band Radar has arrived in Haiwaii on Jan. 10. It passed through the Straits of Magellan from the Gulf of Mexico.
It will eventually be based in Adak, Alaska.
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Prototype datalink for JASSM passes trial
Lockheed Martin has carried out an initial flight-test demonstration of a prototype beyond-visual-range weapons datalink for its AGM-158 JASSM.
The data link is needed in order to field a maritime-mode version of JASSM in 2010-11.
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Royal Jordanian Air Force places Order for an additional four EC635s
The Royal Jordanian Air Force has placed a firm order for four additional EC635 helicopters.
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Australia’s DoD details its vision for pilot training
Australia plans to outsource its military pilot training to commercial operators.
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B-52 jammer project faces chop
The B-52 Stand-Off Jammer System is increasingly under threat from being cancelled by the USAF.
A plan to award a contract worth more than $250 million to launch a pre-development phase for the B-52 jammer pod has been delayed from last October to the end of January.
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Security blunder blamed for military info leak
The South Korea Defense Acquisition Program Administration accidentally posted details of 255 weapon procurement projects on its website last week.
The leaked information included the KF-X fighter development plan, the A-50 attack plane production schedule and an unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle development project.
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Thailand seeks CN-235 barter deal
Thailand has tentatively agreed to acquire four CN-235s with Indonesian Aerospace for troop transport duties.
Thailand hopes to pay for the aircraft with rice.
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Chinese J-10 gets power boost
Flight International has more information of China’s J-10 fighter being powered by an increased thrust version of the AL-31FN engine with thrust vectoring.
Yuri Eliseev, general director of Moscow-based engine builder MMPP Salyut, says the AL-31FN M1 has completed state acceptance flight tests.
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MiG-21 sheds 'flying coffin' tag
The Indian Air Force has reduced the accident rate of the MiG-21 by 56 per cent in the last decade.
The accident rate has dropped from 2.89 per 10,000 flying hours to 0.6.
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No problem in Sukhoi upgradation programme: IAF
Indian Air Force's Director General, Flight Inspection and Safety Air Marshal P S Ahluwalia said the upgrading of older Su-30K to Su-30MKI is progressing smoothly.
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IDF says 'No' to Arab pilot
The Israeli Defence Force has rejected an application by an 18-year-old Arab Muslim to join as a pilot.
Muslims are not obligated to join the defence force. The youth plans to appeal to IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and take the matter to court if necessary.
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IAF clears 'Rang de Basanti'
The Indian Air Force dhas remove it objections to the screening of a local movie depicting how a MiG-21 crash affect the family of the dead pilot.
Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee was given a special screening of the film.
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NZ air force monitoring Japanese whaling
New Zealand is sending its maritime surveillance aircraft to monitor clashes between a Japanese whaling fleet and protest ships in Antarctic waters.
Two Greenpeace ships have been harassing the Japanese fleet in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary since December 21 in an attempt to stop them from killing whales.
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Australia to deploy two Chinooks to Afghanistan
Australia will deploy two Chinook helicopters and about 110 personnel to Afghanistan.
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Japan to buy 36 missiles by 2010
Japan plans to purchase 36 SM-3 missiles from the United States between 2007 and 2010 for deployment on Kongo class destroyers.
Nine missiles will be purchase each year and both countries plans to conduct a test around 2008 in Hawaii.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2006
UAE Air Force plane crashes
An F-16 E/F Block 60 from the UAE Air Force crashed on Monday morning. The pilot ejected safely.
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RAF aircraft makes emergency landing
A Royal Air Force C-130 made an emergency landing at St. John's International Airport, Newfounland Sunday afternoon.
The plane was on its way back to U.K. when one of its engines develop problems.
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China working on 'Super-10' advanced fighter
Jane's Defence Weekly is reporting that China is developing an advanced version of the J-10, the Super-10.
According to Russian sources, the Super-10 will have a more powerful engine, thrust-vector control, stronger airframe and passive phased-array radar.
Related Articles
China Buys Russian Jet Engines Wholesale
Russia Signs $300M Deal to Supply Engines for China's New Combat Jet
Russian company to supply aircraft engines to China
Future of the Chinese Air Force
J-10 pictures
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Iran’s top military commanders die in plane crash
A Dassault Falcon jet carrying senior commanders of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) crash in northwest Iran on Monday.
All 15 on board died, including Brigadier General Ahmad Kazemi, commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, Brigadier General Saeed Mohtadi, commander of the IRGC’s 27 Mohammad Division, Brigadier General Hanif, Director of Intelligence of the IRGC Ground Forces, Brigadier General Soleimani, Director of Operations of the IRGC Ground Forces, and Brigadier General Yazdani, Commander of the IRGC Artillery.
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France Oks Finishing New Air Defense System
The French government has given the go-ahead to fully integrate the Mica missile system into its short-range air defense infrastructure.
The evolution of Mica mirrors a trend of adapting air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defense applications.
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Monday, January 09, 2006
Govt will provide all resources to PAF, says Shaukat Aziz
Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said that the government will provide all necessary resources to the Pakistan Air Force to help strengthen it.
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Aviator recalls Iraqi sandstorm scare
Hawaii Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Steve Froeschle recalls the crash of his CH-47 in Iraq Apr. 15, 2004.
The rescue by two USAF crews earned them the 2004 Air Force Clarence MacKay Trophy.
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Widows of 3 servicemen sue over 2003 Afghan helicopter crash
Widows of three U.S. servicemen who were killed when their MH-53M crashed in Afghanistan in 2003 are suing Sikorsky, Lear Siegler Services Inc. and Smiths Aerospace LLC of negligence.
The Pave Low's engine stalled after take off and when the crew tried to jettison the auxiliary tanks to lighten the aircraft. The tanks failed to jettison.
The lawsuits contend that the companies never instructed maintenance personnel to perform necessary electrical tests to assure the tanks would drop in an emergency.
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Top diplomat denies ministerial fall-out over arms purchase
Taiwan's top representative in Washington has denied that there is any rift between Taiwan's foreign and defense ministries over the purchase of weapons from the United States.
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Govt fails to answer questions about abducted journalist: CPJ
Pakistani authorities has so far failed to respond to inquiries about the fate of journalist Hayatullah Khan who took photographs of fragments of a Hellfire missile that reportedly killed senior Al Qaeda commander Hamza Rabia.
Khan was seized by unidentified gunmen on Dec. 5. Some of his colleagues suspect that he was detained by the authorities.
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Budget bad news for C-17?
Boeing officials in Long Beach would not comment on published reports that the Pentagon is beginning the process to mothball the tools and machinery used to produce C-17s.
"We have received no direction to take steps to close the line," said Boeing C-17 spokesman Rick Sanford.
Related Articles
Pentagon Moves Ahead With Plan to Close Down C-17 Production
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Taiwan has produced three prototypes of cruise missile - Jane's
Taiwan has produced three prototypes of the Hsiung Feng 2E which could be used to strike the east coast of China.
Plans are for the production of up to 50 missiles before 2010 and up to 500 missiles after 2010, according to Jane's Defence Weekly.
Labels: Hsiung Feng 2E
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IAF wants to add more power to its wings
The India Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are in the final stages of negotiations for the purchase of 20 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Delivery will being in 2008 with the first batch of eight fighters to be manufactured by middle of 2006.
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U.S. helicopter crash kills 12 in Iraq
A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk crashed in Iraq early Sunday killing four crew and eight passengers.
The crash occured some 7.5 miles (12 kilometres) east of Tal Afar, near the Syrian border.
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Sunday, January 08, 2006
Global Hawk program supports major events
The Global Hawk program accomplished two major events last year. First, a series of demonstration flights were completed of the High Band Subsystem Signals Intelligence payload.
The second major event was the Air Force Global Hawk program’s support of the Navy’s Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration program during Exercise Trident Warrior ’05.
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Kadena airmen recall ‘intense,’ Mackay Trophy-winning rescue
USAF Pararescuemen Staff Sgt. John Griffin and Tech. Sgt. Michael Rubio recounts their daring rescue mission in Iraq which won them the Mackay Trophy.
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Army to upgrade OSA-AK system
The Indian Army is upgrading its Russian-made OSA-AK anti-aircraft missile system.
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Miramar MCAS part of consolidation plan
The U.S. Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area has been deactivated as part of a consolidation begun by the Marine Corps last year.
The Western Area command overseen the operations of Marine air stations at Miramar, Camp Pendleton and the base in Yuma, Arizona.
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Interceptor failures sideline progress at Alaska's Fort Greely
As many as 10 missile interceptors were set to be installed at Fort Greely in Alaska's interior in 2005, yet only two were installed last year.
The Missile Defense Agency claims that on the advice of two independent panels, it has allocated more interceptors for both ground and flight testing.
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RAF set to resume low-flying over Wales
The RAF will conduct fixed wing low level flying over much of Wales this month.
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Pope Air Force Base commander promoted to brigadier general
Darren W. McDew, commander of Pope Air Force Base and the 43rd Airlift Wing, was promoted from colonel to brigadier general Friday.
McDew began his career as a KC-135 pilot at Loring Air Force Base in Maine in March 1984.
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Air Force team will examine collision
A U.S. Air Force team will start to investigate a Dec. 22 midair collision between a C-17 and KC-135R during refuelling training off Hawaii on Monday.
Related Articles
C-17, tanker collide off O’ahu
C-17 pilot won’t fly during inquiry
Mid-Air Collision Damages Plane
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Pentagon Moves Ahead With Plan to Close Down C-17 Production
The Pentagon has started the formal process to end Boeings production of C-17 in Long Beach.
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England last week officially asked for $265 million in next year's budget to mothball the tools and machinery used to produce the planes.
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Saturday, January 07, 2006
Military chief orders audit of Air Force funds
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will conduct an audit on the finances of the Philippine Air Force after a senior officer's allegations of fund misuse.
A team from the office of the AFP’s internal auditor has started its audit on Friday.
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Dhruvs to be airborne next week
India's 46 Dhruv helicopters are expected to be back flying next week. This comes after the manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited conducted stringent stress checks on the tail rotor blades.
A tail rotor defect caused a newly built Dhruv to crash last November. The fault was traced to the composite imported from Switzerland to produce the tail rotor blades.
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French ship: SC panel says you can’t dock until you come clean
The Indian Supreme Court monitoring committee on hazardous waste management said that decommissioned French aircraft carrier Clemenceau should not be allowed within 200 km of India’s exclusive economic zone until there was full disclosure on the amount of asbestos on board.
The committee members also decided that in case the ship is, in future, allowed into India, it will have to pay a bank guarantee of Rs 80 crore.
Related Articles
Greenpeace members held after protest
French warship Clemenceau leaves Toulon for dismantling in India
Asbestos ship 'can sail to India'
Suit against sending aircraft carrier to India for scrapping
Greepeace protests scrapping of 'Clemenceau' in India
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Fact finding team delivers report on C130 crash to judiciary
Iranian investigators have finish their work on the C-130 crash in Tehran. The 29-member took 30 days to complete the report.
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Korea takes first production T-50s
The South Korean air force has taken delivery of the first two production T-50s this week.
The South Korean defence procurement agency now has orders for 50 T-50 trainers and 44 A-50s.
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Gowadia could face additional charges
Noshir S. Gowadia could face additional, more serious charges. He is currently facing trial on federal charges of selling classified data about the B-2 to foreign countries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said the government expects to file "other charges, more significant and detailed."
Related Articles
Tracking Noshir Gowadia’s Military Technology Expertise
Alleged spy wanted $3m from ADF
Govt probes defence staffer's 'spy link'
B-2 engineer asks for security clearance for lawyers
Grand Jury Indicts Ex-Aerospace Engineer
Rural area was site of FBI search
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Jet tank fell 'inches' from man
An external fuel tank from an RAF Harrier jet fell and missed a cyclist by inches in Devon on Friday.
Les Sprason was cycling along a country road when the fuel tank spiralled over his head .
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Australia's key role in missile shield
Australia's secret Jindalee Operational Radar Network will become part of the global missile defence shield being developed by the United States.
Jindalee would be part of an electronic network, including spy satellites and air-defense destroyers.
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Indian Navy commissions first UAV squadron
The Indian Navy's first UAV Squadron was commissioned yesterday at its Southern Naval base in Kochi.
INAS 342 Squadron comprises of six medium altitude Heron and high-altitude Searcher MK II UAV's.
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Marines, Sikorsky To Start Intensive CH-53K Competitions
The U.S. Navy-Marine Corps and Sikorsky Aircraft will begin a series of competitions over the next several months for the Marine Heavy Lift Replacement helicopter program.
They will source for the engines, avionics and even the airframe. First flight of the CH-53K is expected in November 2011.
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Friday, January 06, 2006
U.S. says bomb hit wrong house in Iraq
The U.S. military has confirmed that a bomb from a U.S. Navy F-14 missed its target by 65 feet and hit the wrong home. Six civilians were killed.
Only the father and daughter of the family survived. U.S. military officials said they are investigating why the wrong building was hit.
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Finnish Air Force to test Italian and Spanish craft in frosty Lapland
The Finnish Air Force will soon start Arctic testing of the Alenia C-27J and the Casa C-295.
Both aircraft are candidates for the air force transport program.
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First Fire Scout arrives in Jackson County
The first Fire Scout UAV to be assembled has arrive at Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems' Unmanned Systems Center.
The initial assembly of the unmanned craft is done by Schweizer Aircraft. Northrop Grumman will install the electronics, avionics, the four-blade rotor and all the electrical wiring, harnesses and controls.
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New alloy could boost next generation jet fighter
A new alloy, aluminum-yttrium-nickel, will be produced at Ames Laboratory's Materials Preparation Center for possible use on the F-35.
The use of this alloy could reduce the weight of the aircraft. Plans are being made to test out the alloy on the F135 engine.
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New adversary detachment stands up in Key West
The USN's adversary squadron, VFC-13, has established a detachment of 12 F-5Ns permanently at Naval Air Station Key West.
They will fly adversary training missions against carrier battle groups during their pre-deployment exercises.
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High Fliers
Two Indian civillian women will be flying in a MiG-21 and a Su-30 after being chosen by National Geographic Channel’s Mission Udaan program.
The program exposed the participants to the rigour and discipline of the life of an Indian Air Force pilot.
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NATO AWACS jets to guard German World Cup
NATO's AWACS will likely guard German airspace during the 2006 football World Cup.
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NAVAIR provides troops with eye in the sky
The story on how NAVAIR beat a tight schedule to install ROVER capability on the F-14D in one month.
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Bulldogs clamp down on insurgency
The Bulldogs of VMFA 223 with their AV-8Bs has been busy since arriving in western Iraq last August.
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Museum simulators let everyone fly
Anyone who wants to fly an F-14 Tomcat can now do so at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
The museum has acquired two F-14 Tomcat cockpit simulators and for $40, customers get a 20-minute brief, a quick cockpit brief and approximately a 30-minute flight.
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Navy, Air Force Maneuver To Save JSF Alternate Engine
Industry veterans say that the move by the U.S. Navy to stop funding the development of the F136 is a calculated move to draw lawmakers into adding money to keep the program in existence.
This is not the first time the alternate engine program has been killed only to be revived by the Congress.
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Aggressor squadron stands up at Nellis
The U.S. Air Force will reactivate the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base on Jan. 12.
The unit will have nine F-15C Eagles, and later will be expanded to a total of 24 fighters.
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U.S. Air Force Selects Northrop Grumman to Provide New, Improved Navigation System for F-16 Fighter
The U.S. Air Force has selected the LN-260 fiber optic gyro inertial navigation system as an avionics upgrade for the F-16 Multinational Fighter Program.
The LN-260 is a completely integrated navigation system (INS) with a selective availability/anti-spoofing module compliant embedded global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
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Will IAI mud stick to Israeli defense business in Turkey?
Recent scandals affecting Israeli defense companies could have a backlash when doing businesses with Turkish companies especially the deal to provide UAVs to Turkey.
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Thursday, January 05, 2006
Lockheed Martin receivers contract for 30 new Greek F-16s
The U.S. government has awarded a $99.7 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the production of 30 new F-16 Block 52+ aircraft for Greece.
All the aircraft will be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2009.
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CSBA papers throw light on possible major programme changes under Pentagon's QDR
The Pentagon is keen to develop the Common Aero Vehicle, a hypersonic unmanned glider launched by a rocket booster.
The CAV would be capable of reaching a target 7,000 nm from launch in under an hour, and 9,000 nm from launch within 76 minutes of launch.
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RMAF Chief Honoured, Adds Feather In His Cap
The Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief Jeneral Datuk Seri Nik Ismail Nik Mohamed was Wednesday awarded the Honorary Beret of the Special Air Team (Paskau) and the RMAF's Parachuting Wing.
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Pilots to fly in to train nurses
LifeWings Partners, set up by American ex-fighter pilots, wants to help British nurses deal with stressful situations and reduce mistakes.
The company has helped U.S. medical staff on how to deal with stress and improve teamwork.
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PAF colonel turns himself in a day after blasting superiors
The Philippine Senate vows to investigate claims by an Air Force colonel of financial irregularities and favouritism in the Philippine Air Force.
Air Force Colonel Efren Daquil alleged that the Air Force chief and some 30 wing commanders receive P45,000 monthly allowance each while the deputy wing commanders receive P8,500 each on top of their salaries.
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Economic feasibility key to decision on E-X
Kim Jung-il, the chief of the South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, hinted that the government is keen to make IAI winner of the airborne early warning competition.
He said price will be given priority consideration once bidders meet the required operational capability.
IAI's G550 is reportedly $400 million cheaper than the Boeing 737.
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Ashcroft helps Israelis on Korean weapons deal
IAI has hired former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft’s lobbying firm to help secure the U.S. government’s approval to export equipment for South Korea's early warning aircraft competition.
IAI has until May this year to get an approval.
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USS Ronald Reagan Departs on Maiden Deployment
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed San Diego Jan. 4 for its maiden deployment. It will deploy to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf.
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Hill denies plans to halve jet order
Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill has denied that the country may have to halve its order of 100 F-35s.
He said there are no plans to reduce the number of planes the RAAF is getting and he added that the exact number had yet to be determined and a final decision would not be made until 2007.
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Secret services say Iran is trying to assemble a nuclear missile
Iran is pretty much in the news these days. A 55-page intelligence assessment obtained by The Guardian claims that Tehran is shopping around Europe to obtain parts for a nuclear bomb.
The report dated July 1 2005 draws upon material gathered by British, French, German and Belgian intelligence agencies.
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Pentagon to retire U-2 spy plane
An internal classified Pentagon document calls for the retirement of the U-2 from 2007.
Program Budget Decision, or PBD, 720 would see the retirement of three U-2s in 2007, six in 2008, seven in both 2009 and 2010 and the final 10 in 2011.
The U-2 will be replaced by the Global Hawk and its termination is meant to hasten the transition away from manned toward unmanned reconnaissance.
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20 years later, the RAF can fire with Brimstone
The Brimstone anti-armour missile will finally be fitted to all frontline RAF Tornado GR4 this year.
The U.K. National Audit Office said that the Brimstone program had suffered three years of delays.
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Tensions rise as U.S. strike reportedly kills seven Iraqi civilians
Most American media choose not to report this yesterday but word is that an F-14 strike has killed seven civilians and four were wounded in Beiji, Iraq on Monday.
The U.S. military would only say that an UAV spotted three people planting a roadside bomb and that Navy F-14s were called in.
The three were traced to a building and a F-14 strafed and hit it with a precision bomb.
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Singapore orders $90M in GE engines
Singapore has ordered a dozen F110-GE-129 fighter engines for its Boeing F-15SG for delivery in 2008-09.
The contract is valued at about $90 million.
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Japan Needled by Air Force Chief's Dokdo Flight
The Japanese Embassy in Seoul has requested an explanation on the recent
F-15K flight by RoKAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Sung-il over Dokdo islets.
Both Japan and South Korea lay claims to the Dokdo islets. A South Korean Air Force official said the flight was a symbolic gesture to inform Korea and the world that the Dokdo islets belong to Korea.
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Grievous fault grounds Dhruv choppers
India's much-hyped Dhruv helicopters have been grounded about 15 days ago following the crash of a helicopter in Hyderabad.
The cause of the crash was due to a defect in the tail rotor which needs to be strengthen.
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Days before death, pilot wrote about ‘blanking out’
Investigators believe that an Indian Navy Sea Harrier pilot may have become disoriented and crashed his plane while on the take-off roll.
They could not isolate a cause as there is little material evidence left from the crash.
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Right wing of Zero fighter found in Hokkaido goes on display
The right wing of the Zero fighter found in Hokkaido is on display at Natural History Museum, Kutchan in Hokkaido.
It is believed to be the oldest existing Zero fighter part.
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Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Greenpeace members held after protest
A dozen of Greenpeace activists were detained on Tuesday by Indian police during a protest over plans to scrap French carrier Clemenceau in Gujarat next month.
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Forecasts 2006: Defence (Rest of World) - New types shake up global fleet
Flight International's article on the world military aviation market for the year 2006.
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The Security Forces Rewrite
USAF’s security forces are moving away from the traditional role of defending established bases and taking the fight to the enemy.
Experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq are changing the way airmen secure their bases.
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British Army gives hearing to radio identification system
A British Army AgustaWestland/Boeing Apache tested a radio-based battlefield combat identification system in October.
The Apache pilot used a kneetop computer to find out the position of friendly forces.
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Forecasts 2006: Defence (USA) - Turbulent year ahead, static budget
A Flight International Article on the state of the U.S. military aviation market for 2006.
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Kuehnl invites Albanian air force experts to visit Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is exploring options to help Albanian fighter pilots keep their flying skills after the recent retirement of Albanian MiGs.
Czechs would train Albanian pilots on the L-159s that the Czech Republic could either sell or lease to Albania in the future.
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Naval Chief to commission UAV squadron on Jan 6
The Indian Navy's first UAV squadron will be commission into service on Jan. 6 by the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash.
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Congress drops "buy America" provision from tanker program
The U.S. congress has dropped a buy America' language from a defense bill that will allow EADS to compete with Boeing to supply tankers for the USAF.
The House bill would have barred the Pentagon from purchasing goods and services from foreign companies that receive government subsidies.
Airbus has long received subsidies from European governments.
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Raytheon test fires precision missile at White Sands range
The recent test firing of an air-launched variant of the U.S. Army’s developmental Precision Attack Missile is a demonstration by Raytheon that it can offer a cheaper and largely off-the-shelf alternative to Joint Common Missile.
The Precision Attack Air-to-Surface Missile is similar to the army’s variable thrust motor-powered PAM weapon and the seeker would include advanced millimetre-wave and semi-active laser modes.
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India rejects proposal for ship-based Hawkeye
India's aircraft carriers will not be operating any E-2Cs from their decks as the country prefer to operate AEW&Cs from land.
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U.S. aircraft often grounded at night by noise curfews in Europe
Most of the U.S. military’s birds of war — fixed-wing or rotator — are often grounded at night by noise curfews in Europe.
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Navy faces VXX helicopter crunch
The U.S. Navy is confident in delivering the Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland VH-71A in 2009.
The most difficult part is a shift to an all-aluminium airframe to meet USN’s crash worthiness standards.
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Republic of Singapore Air Force and Indian Air Force Conduct Second Bilateral Air Exercise
Press release from the Singapore Ministry of Defense on the second SINDEX exercise with the Indian Air Force currently conducted at Kalaikunda Air Force Station.
Eight RSAF F-16 aircraft flew there with support by an RSAF KC-135 tanker, which conducted air-to-air refuelling for the four hour journey.
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Aermacchi aims to answer Malaysian trainer shortage
Aermacchi is offering Malaysia a package of new MB339CDs and MB339A upgrades to meet its urgent needs.
Malaysia’s current MB339As must undergo a service life extension in 2006-7 or will have to be retired.
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USA/UK test prototype electromagnetic weapon
A radio frequency demonstrator that could be used as a warhead for cruise missiles or as a reusable weapon for UAVs has been tested jointly by U.K. and America.
The device is a capacitor-powered signal generator enclosed within a horizontally aligned antenna array.
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Critical period nears for US laser programmes
Three key U.S. laser weapon programmes will reach major milestones early this year.
The Aerospace Relay Mirror System and the Tactical Relay Mirror System will begin their first live ground-test firings and the Advanced Tactical Laser will enter aircraft integration phase.
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USMC set to start work on heavylift
The U.S. Marine Corps has been approved to start the $4.2 billion development phase for the Heavy Lift Rotorcraft program.
The program, formerly known as the CH-53X, seeks to replace the Sikorsky CH-53E with 156 newer models with a 27,000lb lift capability.
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A warrior dies
Samuel N. Blatchford, a B-17 radio operator and gunner; Korean War veteran and Vietnam ground forward air controller, has passed away Dec. 23.
Blatchford earned 28 medals, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, four Purple Hearts, six Air Medals and the Prisoner of War Medal.
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President: Reasons behind C-130 plane crash to be revealed
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said reports on the C-130 crash in Tehran would be released and all relative aspects of the crash would be made public.
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Work begins on Ark Royal
HMS Ark Royal has started its refit work at Rosyth Dockyard. She will be fitted with a new satellite and radio communications system with the addition of a third mast.
This is to allow the Ark to deploy the Joint Force Harrier aircraft and the Apache attack helicopter.
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Army officer welcomes helicopter
A Trinidad newspaper reported that the Caribbean nation has purchased a helicopter gunship from Israel.
The type of aircraft was not mentioned in the report.
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Jet fighter costs may blow out
Australian Deputy Defence Secretary Shane Carmody says Australia may only purchase 50 F-35s instead of 100.
Carmody told a Canberra parliamentary inquiry that if the United States cuts the number of JSFs it plans to purchase, the purchase price could increase.
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US Air Force seeks to replace QF-4 targets
The U.S. Air Force is shopping for a full-scale target to succeed its McDonnell Douglas QF-4s full-scale target.
25 QF-4s are destroyed each year, but the inventory is replenished at a rate of only 20 a year.
Contenders for the replacement are QF variants of the F-16 and F/A-18 while F-4 airframes from foreign militaries are being considered as well.
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Air Force Chief: F-16, Sukhoi Programs Jointly Implemented
Indonesia will continue in tandem to build up its Sukhoi fleet and procure arms for its F-16s as well.
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Northrop Grumman-Built Global Hawk Surpasses 5,000 Combat Flight Hours
The U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk recently passed the 5,000 combat flight-hours mark.
The system has now flown 233 missions, 157 of them by a single Global Hawk.
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A Complex and Changing Air War
Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III, commander of USAF’s 9th Air Force and US Central Command Air Forces, discusses air operations over Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Eyes of the Fighter
The Litening, Sniper, LANTIRN targeting pods on USAF fighters are helping to deliver not just precision attack but on demand video for ground troops in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq.
These airborne sensors help generate instant situation updates, either automatically or via the pilot, to troops engaged in combat.
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Blair presses Bush on engine deal
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has written to U.S. President George W. Bush to try and save the GE-Rolls-Royce F136 engine from cancellation.
It was reported last week that Pentagon intend to kill the alternate engine to save costs.
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MBDA tests full range of Rafale-M weapons on the Charles De Gaulle
MBDA carried out a flight trials campaign from the 1st to 15th Dec. 2005 of the full range of the naval Rafale’s weaponry from the French carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
The Exocet AM-39, SCALP-EG, ASMP-A, Mica and Meteor were tested.
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Former Navy pilot publishes his 4th novel
Former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and Vietnam War veteran, Mike Basford, has published his fourth novel, A Desperate Land.
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Tuesday, January 03, 2006
SC to decide on French aircraft carrier
An Indian Supreme Court monitoring committee will meet on Friday to decide on the fate of French aircraft carrier Clemeanceau.
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Long Beach forms team to find ways to keep Boeing's C-17 line
Long Beach city has formed a 'red team' led by the city's Economic Development Department to keep the C-17 line open.
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Iran to buy Chinese aircraft to equip air fleet
Iran may seek the help of China to equip the country's air fleet. Iranian charge d'affaires in China, Farhad Asadi said that talks are currently underway between Iran and China.
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U.S. Air Force's Role Changing in Iraq
U.S. airmen in Iraq are shifting away from their traditional role and helping the Army in areas like driving in convoys and even working with detainees.
According to Col. Tim Hale, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, there are 1,500 airmen doing convoy operations in Iraq and 1,000 working with detainees.
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German Lawmakers Reject Call to Discuss Eurofighter Order Cut
Germany's ruling coalition rejected a call from its lawmakers to cancel the final batch of Eurofighter for Germany.
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Air Force Chief Tests F-15K in Skies Over Dokdo
South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Sung-il flew in a F-15K on Monday afternoon in a symbolic sortie high over Dokdo.
He lead a formation of two F-15Ks and two KF-16s.
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Guard to welcome giant helicopters
The South Carolina Army National Guard is forming a new unit to fly six CH-47 Chinooks.
The unit will be based at the McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Eastover.
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Hungary to equip Gripen plane with Rafael Litening pod
Hungary will equip its Gripen with Rafael's Litening targeting pod.
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Monday, January 02, 2006
Top guns to get French helmets?
The Royal Malaysian Air Force may choose to use the French MSA Gallet LA100 flight helmet and Ulmer ECT-76VD oxygen mask as standard equipment for the 18 Su-30MKMs.
The French combination was recently chosen to replace the Russian Zsh-7AP/KM34DII sets used by the RMAF’s MiG-29N fleet.
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Game theory equals accurate missiles
Prof. Shaul Gutman says he has discovered a mathematical approach using game theory for directing guided missiles to their targets.
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US forces step up Iraq airstrikes
U.S. forces in Iraq are steeping up the number of airstrikes on insurgents in Iraq as they prepare to start the withdrawal of ground troops in the spring.
The number of airstrikes in 2005 surged to 120 in November from an monthly average of 25 and an expected 150 in December.
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French warship Clemenceau leaves Toulon for dismantling in India
Former French aircraft carrier Clemenceau left Toulon naval base on Saturday for its final journey to India.
Boats set up a 200-meter security cordon as a helicopter and a navy plane guarded the skies when the ship left the quay.
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Sunday, January 01, 2006
Asbestos ship 'can sail to India'
A judge at the Paris administrative court has allowed the decommissioned French carrier Clemenceau to travel to India to be dismantled.
Greenpeace and three anti-asbestos groups had tried to block the transfer.
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10 crashes, but 2005 IAF’s safest in 36 years
The Indian Air Force had 10 crashes last year but it was its safest year in 36 years.
It was a 50 percent improvement over 2004 when there was 15 crashes.
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