Special ops forces seek more intel, better communications
Maj. Gen. Donald Worster, vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, said the CV-22 is a potentially "transformational" system, but complained, "We can't seem to move that program forward. We're about to give up on it."
Air Force Fixes Glitches on F-22
The U.S. Air Force has provided more details on the F-22 software problems while it crossed the international date line. One pilot was able to contact contractor Lockheed Martin to troubleshoot the error during the flight while others attempted to reboot the system with no success.
They returned to to Hawaii with the help of aerial refueling tankers as a safety precaution. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tajikistan denies plans for Indian military base
Major General Maruf Khasanov, head of the international cooperation department at Tajikistan's Defense Ministry, refuted some media reports that India will deploy its aircraft from a refurbished airbase in Tajikistan.
Spitfire legend Alex Henshaw dies
Thanks to Terence for sending in this. Alex Henshaw, chief Spitfire test pilot during WW2, passed away on Saturday. He was 94. He once flew a spitfire upside down along the length of Broad Street just 50ft above the ground. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Official doesn't expect Raptors to increase Okinawans' 'burden’'
Toshinori Shigeie, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador for Okinawan affairs, said the arrival of the F-22A would not be a permanent "burden" for Okinawa. Shigeie also announced the early March dates for the first joint training of Kadena-based F-15s with the JASDF. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kalam to witness Canberra's final flight
India's Canberra bomber will make its final public appearance on March 7 as part of a 102-aircraft flypast planned for the President's fleet review. The IAF plans to phase out the bomber by the end of next month. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Korea Seeks to Sell T-50 Trainer Jets
Brig. Gen. Lee Hee-woo from the South Korean Air Force is in London at the international military flight training conference to publicize the T-50. He will speak on Wednesday during a session titled, "ROKAF T-50 Golden Eagle Advanced Training Program." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pilot Receives Medal of Honor for Heroism in Vietnam
The President of United States presented the Medal of Honor Feb. 26 to retired Army Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall, 41 years after heroic actions in Vietnam. Photo Credit : Eric Draper.
Stealth fighters hit by software crash
Retired Air Force general Don Shepperd told CNN Television that F-22As that encounter software problems during their flight from Hawaii to Japan had to be guide back by their tankers under VFR. The fighter's onboard navigation, communications and fuel systems crashed while crossing the International Date Line.
The software had problems converting from 179.99W degrees to 180E degrees longitude. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US Navy still concerned about Bell H-1 helicopter
William Balderson, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for air programs, told reporters on Monday that he remains concerned about schedule delays on the H-1 program. Balderson said he met with new Bell Helicopter chief executive Richard Millman for 45 minutes on Monday.
While the program is months behind schedule, he is confident that Millman's appointment and other efforts being undertaken by Bell will improve the situation. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy Details New Super Hornet Capabilities
The F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet will be able to find, deceive and, perhaps, disable sophisticated, radar-guided air-to-air, surface-to-air and cruise missiles at ranges greater than that of new U.S. air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The U.S. Navy while unwilling to provide numbers, admit that the fighter's APG-79 AESA radar can carry out electronic attacks at "extremely significant tactical ranges." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Officials review program after crash
Heres a picture of the ARH-70 wreckage at Mansfield's Walnut Creek golf course. The helicopter crashed during its maiden flight last Wednesday.
Vance AFB gets new fighter training squadron
The USAF 3rd Fighter Training Squadron will start their business this spring at Vance Air Force Base teaching the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course. In the past, T-38 students will go to Moody Air Force Base for the IFF course. But the 2005 BRAC exercise discontinued the training at Moody.
The 40-day IFF course teaches the students the basics of air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.
GAO urges DoD to seek new bids on combat helicopter program
The Government Accountability Office sided with Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky and said that the USAF did not evaluate life cycle costs properly for the CSAR-X competition. GAO recommended the Air Force amend its request for bids, hold new talks with contractors and then seek new bids.
US aircraft carrier has no plans to 'intimidate Iran'
Commanding officer of USS John C. Stennis, Captain Bradley E. Johanson, told AFP that his ship is in the Gulf currently to reassure Arab allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council. "We have received very explicit guidance that we will not assume any sort of escalatory posture with Iran," Johanson told AFP. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing, Lockheed vie for satellite contract
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are in the race to build up to 32 next-generation global positioning satellites for the USAF. Bidding for the first phase of the contract will start in mid- to late March and a single winner announced by late August. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet fighter purchase under review
Royal Thai Air Force chief Chalit Phukphasuk said he is no longer under pressure to buy the Su-30 after the Thaksin government was overthrown by a coup.
US generals 'will quit' if Bush orders Iran attack
The Sunday Times, citing a source with close ties to British intelligence said, four or five U.S. generals and admirals will resign if President Bush orders a military strike against Iran. It says the U.S. Air Force is more willing than the U.S. Navy to carry out those strikes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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C-130J to be made in Marietta for long time
A question-and-answer session with Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility programs, on the future of the C-130J.
Vietnam Hero to be Awarded Medal of Honor
LTC (Ret.) Bruce P. Crandall, the UH-1 pilot whose heroic actions at the Battle at Ia Drang Valley were depicted in the Hollywood movie "We Were Soldiers", will received his Medal of Honor from U.S. President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony tomorrow.
Pilot broke rules when he buzzed Downtown
A FAA investigation concluded that an F-16 from the Air Guard's 178th Fighter Wing flew too low and too fast over Downtown, Ohio on Aug. 17 last year. The fighter was then carrying former Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UK selects Sniper pod for Afghan Harriers
Janes reported that the RAF will equipped the Harrier GR.7/9 ground-attack aircraft deployed in Afghanistan with Sniper pods this year. Eight pods could eventually be purchased to equip the eight RAF Harriers operating at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bush carrier to carry Independence anchor
USS George H.W. Bush will be reusing the anchor from the USS Independence. It will be used together with a second, newer anchor.
U.S. developing contingency plan to bomb Iran: report
The New Yorker magazine reported in its latest issue that the Pentagon has created a panel to plan a bombing attack on Iran that could be implemented within 24 hours of getting the go-ahead from President George W. Bush. The March 4 issue said the panel was established within the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in recent months. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Israel denies report it is planning an Iran attack
Israel's deputy defense minister on Saturday denied a report by Britain's Daily Telegraph that Israel was in talks with the United States to use an air corridor in Iraq to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. The paper, citing an unnamed senior Israeli defense official, said on Saturday that Israel had sought permission from Washington for permission to fly over Iraq to reach Iran.
MoD bungles safety refit on Hercules
RAF C-130s which were retrofitted with explosive-retardant foam in their fuel tanks had to be withdrawn for repairs shortly after the upgrade because they were found to be leaking fuel.
RAF sends airman's family £1,000 funeral bill
The Royal Air Force has been criticized for refusing to pay a £1,000 bill for flowers and tea at the funeral of an airman killed on operations in Afghanistan. Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews was killed in a Nimrod MR2 crash in Afghanistan in September last year.
His parents were told that the RAF were prepared to pay funeral costs of £3,249 but they were not prepared to pay a £425 bill for flowers or £606 for tea and biscuits at his funeral. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Abu Dhabi govt sets up UAV company
Abu Dhabi's government has set up the Abu Dhabi UAV Investment Company to design, manufacture and export UAVs.
Stennis Sends Aircraft Forward in 1st Combat Mission of Deployment
The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) began conducting missions over Afghanistan on Feb 23. Operating in the North Arabian Sea, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) launched an F/A-18C Hornet from VMFA-323, beginning the strike group's first combat mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bell officials studying helicopter crash
Bell and U.S. Army officials are trying to assess the impact of Wednesday’s crash of a prototype ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.
Cost of new fighters may 'blow out'
Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) chief executive officer Stephen Gumley came back recently from the JSF chief executive officers' conference in the United States and was impressed by the capabilities of the F-35.
Unapproved missile warning test successful
The U.S. Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center made a mistake last year by testing a missile warning system aboard the A-10 without the oversight or involvement of relevant Air Force and Pentagon evaluators. But the testing of the AAR-47 missile warning system apparently went off to the Air Force's satisfaction. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Unmanned coalition aircraft crashes
A U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed Feb. 23 approximately 60 miles northeast of Jalalabad, Afghanistan at approximately 1 p.m. local time. Initial indications are that the crash was due to mechanical failure. There is no indication the Predator was fired upon. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Nimrods grounded in safety scare
All RAF Nimrod MR2 have been grounded as a precautionary measure after a routine safety check uncovered a dent in a fuel pipe. Some of the aircraft have already been cleared after checks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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UK-US in talks on missile defence
The BBC reports that London held high level talks with Washington on locating a missile defense system on British soil. Talks are going on between the National Security Council and Britain's top foreign affairs adviser Sir Nigel Sheinwald. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RFP for combat aircraft getting finishing touches
Officials from the Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defense is working hard to meet a deadline to release the RFP for 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). They aim to release it before Mar. 31.
Raptor debuts at Red Flag, dominates skies
Pilots from the 65th and 64th USAF Aggressor Squadron, including exchange pilots from the RAAF and RAF expressed their frustration related to flying against the F-22 at Red Flag. "The thing denies your ability to put a weapons system on it, even when I can see it through the canopy," said RAAF Squadron Leader Stephen Chappell, F-15 exchange pilot in the 65th AS. "It's the most frustrated I've ever been." External Link | | Permalink | |
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My Gadget Box
My Gadget Box has been relaunched and this time it will be focused on toys for the aviation enthusiasts. We start off with the new 10 fps Canon EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR.
CH-46E Sea Knight chaff and flare test
A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter conducts testing of a modification to its chaff and flare dispensing system off the coast of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Photo Credit : NAVAIR
Estonia to Buy Missile Defense System
Estonia will purchase a ground-to-air, anti-aircraft system from French missile maker MBDA France and Swedish defense company Saab AB consisting of weapons, communications and guiding systems, and radars.
U.S. Air Force chief foresees mixed tanker fleet
U.S. Air Force chief of staff told a briefing hosted by the State Department's Foreign Press Center in New York that he belief his service will buy a mix fleet of tankers. He said there was "some utility" to having larger and smaller tankers, just as the current fleet is made up of bigger KC-10 and smaller KC-135 models. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Qantas seals air force deal
Qantas Airways' defence division has signed a contract to convert four Airbus A330 into multi-role tanker transport aircraft for the RAAF. A fifth A330 will be delivered next year already converted for military use. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Female Pilot Becomes Flight Leader
Capt. Park Ji-yeon is the first female flight leader of the South Korean Air Force. Her picture is in the article.
Typhoon Officially 'Over the Moon'
BAE Systems has spent over £2.5million putting in special automated alignment facilities at its Warton factory because the gravitational pull of the moon affects the alignment of Eurofighter Typhoon parts during final assembly. The ground could move between one and two millimetres during the tides. External Link | | Permalink | |
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France shows interest in Russian aircraft
French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials that France is interested in Russian heavy helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft and UAVs.
US 'Iran attack plans' revealed
BBC has learned that the U.S. contingency plans for air strikes on Iran extend beyond nuclear sites. It would target Iranian air bases, naval bases, missile facilities and command-and-control centres.
B-2s will be used to drop bunker-busters on the Natanz nuclear site and other nuclear sites have been selected by Central Command as well. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Homegrown Navy videos sparking online records
Vice Adm. Mark J. Edwards, U.S. Navy's deputy chief of naval operations for communications networks used the YouTube music video made by VAW-116 to demonstrate that the Navy needs to move into the Internet to recruit its sailors.
Raytheon Demonstrates Engine for Powered Joint Standoff Weapon Extended Range
Raytheon has successfully demonstrated the engine of Joint Standoff Weapon Extended Range (JSOW ER). The engine ground test of JSOW ER successfully evaluated a flush inlet design and overall engine performance and showed that engine performance matched simulation results.
The 150-pound thrust engine could pushed the range of the JSOW from 70 to 300 nautical miles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Rice deplores Russian comment on missile shield
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described hostile remarks on Monday by General Nikolai Solovtsov, commander of Russia's strategic forces, as "extremely unfortunate". Solovtsov said that if Poland and the Czech Republic were to base U.S. anti-missile facilities on their territories Russian missile forces would be "capable of having these installations as their targets". External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Helicopter Shot Down Near Baghdad
A U.S. Black Hawk was shot down and crashed north of Baghdad on Wednesday which the military initially thought was a hard landing. All nine people on board were evacuated to safety by a second helicopter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Think Tank: NKorea Can Build Nuke Warheads
The Institute for Science and International Security said in a report released Tuesday that North Korea has enough plutonium to build an estimated four to eight crude nuclear warheads that could potentially be mounted on medium-range missiles. The Washington-based think tank said as of this month North Korea had between 101 and 141 pounds of plutonium, of which between 62 and 110 pounds is estimated to be usable for weapons for warheads. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RMAF Chief Says Ragging Culprits May Face Military Court
Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin said those trainees involved in the the ragging of a junior at the Air Force Training College may be brought before the Military Court or face a disciplinary action. The type of action taken will be decided after the internal inquiry into the incident is completed in two weeks time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New troop carriers 'too heavy for RAF to transport'
A new generation of air-deployable armored vehicles for the British Army may be too heavy for most RAF transports and perhaps the A400m as well. Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrated the need for extra armor and this has pushed its basic weight from 18 tons to 22 tons. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Jet to be on display at museum
The Strategic Air & Space museum is adding a RF-4C to its collection. A picture of the jet being restored is included in the article.
4 bases vie to be KC-X home
Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.; or Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. are possible locations to deploy the KC-X tanker.
Raytheon HDAM Missile Successful in Test Flight Against Low-Power Radar Source
Raytheon HDAM anti-radar missile completed a series of free-flight tests by successfully engaging a radar system emitting low-power levels. During the third and final U.S. Air Force free-flight test, a Block 50 F-16 flying at 0.8 Mach at 25,000 feet launched the missile 25 nautical miles away from the target.
The missile successfully detected, engaged and attacked the low-power source near the target. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Problems Don't Dim LCS, Osprey Backing
Delores Etter, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, is confident of the V-22 Osprey program despite recent problems. "You can't have complex programs without problems," she said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pentagon identifies 8 killed in helo crash
The Chinook that crashed in Afghanistan on Sunday was a MH-47E operated by the Night Stalkers. The MH-47E was flying at about 300 feet when it experienced a sudden loss of power and icing on the engine is suspected.
Chopper crashes on Mansfield golf course
The fourth prototype of the U.S. Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter lost its engine power 30 minutes into its maiden flight and crashed on a golf course at a suburban Fort Worth country club yesterday afternoon. Both pilots were not injured and was able to walk away from the wreckage.
Former Canadian minister denies mediating bribes over Gripens
Former Canadian minister Otto Jelinek has denied having mediated bribes over contracts for the purchase and lease of Gripen fighters to Czech Republic in his former capacity as an external consultant of BAE Systems.
Boeing Deploys Japan KC-767 Boom for First Time
A Boeing flight test crew deployed the air refueling boom on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) future KC-767 Tanker for the first time Feb. 17 in the skies over western Kansas.
UAE down-select EADS for Air Tanker programme
The UAE Armed Forces GHQ announced at IDEX 2007 Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi the signature of an Memorandum of Understanding with EADS CASA for the procurement of the A330 MRTT as the new air-to-air refuelling aircraft for its UAE Air Force & Air Defense. The expected order will be for three (3) A330 MRTT aircraft, equipped with underwing pods and the EADS CASA Advanced Refuelling Boom System, and will be due for delivery from 2011 onwards. External Link | | Permalink | |
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IAI to unveil solar-powered UAV
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) will unveil a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at an aeronautical show today.
Boeing Provides Training to F-15C Pilots
Boeing, provider of five U.S. Air Force F-15C Mission Training Centers, has logged 100 percent center availability over the past four years.
Boeing trio's success is all about invention
Boeing engineer Mark Shelly often dons a reflective belt during his daily runs in the early morning so that drivers can see him in the early-morning darkness. One day he hits upon the idea of using the relfective tapes to solve the problem with day and night visibility of refueling hoses on tankers.
Technion Students Develop A System for UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to UAV Refueling
Students of Israel's Technion - Israel Institute of Technology's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering have succeeded in developing a system of refueling from one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to another. Photo credit : Technion's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Air force trainee goes through hell
These images showed a Royal Malaysian Air Force second-year aeronautical engineering student being tortured by his seniors at the Air Force Training College over a misunderstanding. Pictures from New Straits Times.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force said on Monday night it had set up an inquiry to investigate the matter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Mubadala to team up with Italy's Finmeccanica
Mubadala Development, Abu Dhabi's strategic investment company, is negotiating with Finmeccanica on possible production of Alenia-Aermacchi's M346 and M311 training aircraft for UAE.
More heat for BAE over Czech deal
Swedish prosecutors are investigating Saab over bribery allegations relating BAE's deal to sell Gripens to Czech Republic. Czech police also said on Monday they had begun investigating bribery allegations involving BAE in response to a request by the British Serious Fraud Office. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Monday, February 19, 2007
Raptors ready to train
The F-22 is ready to train with other U.S. assets in the Pacific now that they have arrived in Kadena.
IAF to acquire 120-km range air-to-air BVR missiles
The Indian Air Force will soon float a tender to upgrade its Sukhois and MiGs with new active phased array radars in order for them to fire longer range air-to-air missiles. This was due to Pakistan being cleared by Washington to purchase the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Eight more F-22 stealth fighters arrive in Japan
Only 8 F-22s arrived at Kadena yesterday as a pair had to make emergency landing at Wake Island after one of the jets developed generator problems.
Air Force to buy 24 Super Hornet fighters
The Australian Defence Business Review magazine said Prime Minister John Howard is expected to announce the purchase of 24 F/A-18Fs in early March.
Apache Rolls Out in the Gulf While Turkey Wants What it Cannot Have
Eigteen out of 30 Apache AH-64D Lot II attack helicopters have now delivered to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, will officially take delivery of the first six of its 18 AH-64D Apaches at the end of the month.
NATO says Russia should not fear U.S. missile shield
NATO Supreme Allied Commander John Craddock said on Friday that Russia has nothing to fear from a planned U.S. anti-missile system in Poland and Czech Republic.
Study details ways to protect combat aircraft
The latest Pentagon update on "Countering Air and Missile Threats" suggests giving commanders authority to act quickly using a variety of tactics. Those tactics can include traditional methods, such as deploying chaff and flares, but also less traditional methods, including naval gunfire, mortar and artillery fire, more nighttime flying, commando operations, and directed energy pulses to destroy or disable missile sites.
Kazakh warplane crash kills two pilots
A MiG-31 fighter from Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan crashed at 9:22 p.m. Friday local time. The crash occurred several miles northwest of the Karaganda airport and both pilots did not survive. External Link | | Permalink | |
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米Ｆ２２戦闘機、嘉手納基地に到着
Final video which has a close-up of the fighter break.
US Air Force to ask for more C-17s as unfunded priority
The U.S. Air Force could soon go to lawmakers and request for 10 more C-17s. This will ensure that Boeing can keep the production line opened beyond mid-2009. The Air Force needs to buy time while it studies if its worthwhile to retain 76 C-5As. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Navy wants more ships, aircraft than budgeted
The U.S. Navy has an unfunded priority list of $1.4 billion for 33 new planes, including 12 F/A-18s to replace older airplanes and four MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to increase the production-line capacity to more efficient manufacturing rates. The unfunded list also includes $73 million to buy 72 additional Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and $77 million to fund aircraft depot maintenance. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Hear Our Case, Kaman Execs Tell Defence Minister.
Kaman officials say the Super Seasprite for the Royal Australian Navy has cleared its technical problems and it is the Australian certification process that is delaying the program.
Combat pilot, fighter pilot wife face larceny charges
A veteran combat pilot and his fighter pilot wife are waiting to hear if they’ll have to stand trial for allegedly stealing more than $30,000 from the government through their overseas housing allowances.
U.S. deploys stealth fighters to Okinawa
The first two of twelve F-22As from Langley Air Force Base flew into Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan this afternoon.
Sukhoi delivery 'on schedule'
The Russian ambassador to Malaysia said that delivery of Su-30MKM fighter jets to the RMAF in May was according to schedule.
Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Reconnaissance Capability for Republic of Korea
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a $28 million contract for upgrades and continued support of RC-800 reconnaissance aircraft and associated ground stations for the Republic of Korea's Peace Krypton system.
Air Force Academy Cheating Scandal Grows
The U.S. Air Force Academy said Thursday that 24 freshman cadets have now admitted cheating on a test and 12 others are under investigation but have denied wrongdoing.
US commander calls PRC missile test 'regrettable'
Outgoing commander of U.S. Pacific forces, Admiral William J. Fallon, said China's recent test of an anti-satellite missile was an effort by PLA to develop the ability to counter American military power if there is a face-off over Taiwan.
Arrow Passes Toughest Test Yet
The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs has a comprehensive article on the recent night time test of the Arrow missile defense system.
212 Lancer Go Live in Okinawa
A VMFA-212 training detachment at Kadena, Japan was able to make use of the live-firing ranges on Okinawa while deployed there.
By buying a British firm, they hope to increase their chances of winning contracts. External Link | | Permalink | |
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海自練習機が緊急着陸＝エンジン出力制御できず－T5試験飛行中・山口
From Asagiri : A JMSDF T-5 trainer had an engine problem and the engine cannot be throttled back on Feb. 13. It had to burn off fuel and make a forced landing after 1 hour 20 minutes in the air. External Link | | Permalink | |
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中国军方高层首度高调回应自造航母等话题
An interview with a PLA general on the recent announcement of the J-10, China's aircraft carrier ambitions and its anti-satellite test.
Controllers avert crash as plane skims skyline
A PLAAF Y-8 transport almost crashed in Shanghai city on Jan. 10. But the disaster was averted by military air controllers and a highly experienced pilot.
F-22s not suitable anyway: Nelson
Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson said that F-22 Raptor was the wrong warplane for Australia. Nelson criticized the F-22's stealth, its range and its variety of weaponry. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing Signs Contract for Dutch Chinooks
Boeing on Feb. 15 signed a direct commercial sales agreement with the Defence Materiel Organization of the Dutch Ministry of Defense for six new-build CH-47F (NL) Chinook helicopters. This is the first international sale of the CH-47F. The Netherlands-unique version of the CH-47F will include Honeywell Avionics Control and Management System (ACMS) cockpit avionics suite, an integrated forward-looking infrared capability and several other newly developed multi-mission features. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia May Opt Out of Arms Treaty
A top Russian general said that Moscow might unilaterally pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the United States that banned medium-range missiles. General Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the General Staff, said the decision would depend on whether the United States deploys missile-defense components in Poland and the Czech Republic. External Link | | Permalink | |
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From a boom to a whisper
Tests of the NASA F-15 specially equipped with the Gulfstream Aerospace telescopic Quiet Spike sonic boom mitigator has been going very well.
Type Acceptance for Block 5 Standard Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon weapon system has received Type Acceptance from the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency NETMA for the final Tranche 1 standard, known as Block 5. These aircraft represent the last build standard in Tranche 1 and, with the R2 Retrofit programme ongoing across the four Partner Air Forces, will be the standard to which all earlier Eurofighter Typhoons are brought up to. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
Some grounded Ospreys to take off again soon
There are 19 V-22s not affected by the faulty computer chip problem and will be back flying in Tuesday. The rest will receive a modification to the flight computers so that its chips will not have to be replaced. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Credibility warning on funds for Navy ships
Britain's Commons Defence Committee warned that any further delays in the building of its next two aircraft carriers will have implications for the defense of the U.K. and its sea-lanes, and military operations globally.
General says Iran is mass producing stealth drone
Commander of the Iran's Revolution Guards, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, said on Saturday that Iran has started manufacturing a stealth drone with a range of 700 kilometers.
Secret new US spy base to get green light
Australia has concluded a secret deal with United States to build a high-tech communications base in Western Australia. The base will control two of five geostationary satellites over the Indian Ocean. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Chief slightly sorry for rushed jet deal
RAAF chief, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, was questioned by an Australian Senate committee on why the Government was advocating buying 24 Super Hornet jets just months after dismissing concerns there were problems with the F-35.
IAF mulls further 'Arrow' deployment
The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel will soon test the Arrow 2.5 missile defense system and discuss exporting the Arrow with Washington. South Korea, India and Turkey had expressed interest in the system. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Canadians Fire the AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile
Canadian CF-18 pilots fired their first AIM-120s last week while participating in "Combat Archer" exercise conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. The launch also completes the test process and provides the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the missile for the CF-18 fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force completes F-16 accident investigation
U.S. Air Force officials completed an investigation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon accident at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Oct. 26, 2006, which resulted in the loss of the 56th Fighter Wing aircraft.
Hercules plane destroyed in Iraq
An RAF C-130 had to be destroyed in southern Iraq on Monday after it had an accident on landing and suffered serious damage. An assessment found that it could not be recovered and was destroyed to prevent sensitive equipment from getting into the hands of insurgents. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Contractors told carrier price "excessive"
France's chief arms buyer complained that the price of France's next aircraft carrier is too expensive. "What you need is a satisfactory industrial proposition, which we don't have at the moment. The proposition is excessive," DGA director general Francois Lureau said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Helicopter Likely Shot Down, Marines Say
The U.S. Marine Corps is now convinced that its CH-46 was mostly likely to have been shot down by hostile fire. After denying it for a week, the Marines say the insurgent video is very convincing.
U.S. clashes with China, Russia over space weapons
The United States clashed with China and Russia at the meeting of the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament yesterday over how to prevent an arms race in outer space. Washington criticized Beijing for its recent test of an anti-satellite missile. Russia and China, in turn, condemned United States for refusing to consider a treaty banning space weapons.
US rules out deal on F-22
U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary, Gordon England, has officailly clarified that the F-22 is not available for export. Writing to Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, England said, "regarding the F-22, our current position is that the airplane will not be made available to foreign military sales." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Software error delays F-22s' Japan trip
The F-22s attempted to cross the Pacific Ocean on Sunday for Japan but this time they had to turn back again due to a problem with the navigation system software.
JSF request puzzles Congress
The U.S. Air Force's budget requests wants to replace three F-16s and an F-15E Strike Eagle lost from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to be replaced with three F-35s. But the idea is not welcomed in Congress. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. details methods insurgents use to shoot down copters
Maj. Gen. Jim Simmons, deputy commander for support, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, told reporters in Baghdad on Sunday that insurgents appeared to use multiple small arms or heavy machine guns to target a single helicopter, as well as an arrangement of roadside bombs to delay or destroy rescue vehicles during the recent downings.
Weather delays arrival of F-22A Raptors to Kadena
Kadena spokesman Master Sgt. Jeffrey Loftin said nine of the 12 Raptors that took off for Kadena were forced to turn back to Hawaii due to weather.
Iron Thunder roars through Shaw
More than 100 U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine and Royal Air Force aircraft are participating in Exercise Iron Thunder at Shaw Air Force Base.
France flip-flops over Saudi air tanker deal
French officials retracted a statement that Saudi Arabia had procured Airbus A330 MRTT tankers two hours after releasing it. Defence industry officials said the statement was retracted over Saudi sensitivities over the timing of an announcement but the deal is confirmed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Skunk Works shakes up major projects
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has had to suspend development of its submarine-launched and recovered Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MPUAV) due to a lack of government funding. But it will still continue on five major unclassified R&D initiatives. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing to bid for sales of 20 fighter jets to S. Korea
Steve Winkler, Boeing's director for F-15 production, said Boeing plans to bid in South Korea's second-phased fighter procurement project. South Korea last month said that the country will procure 20 F-15K class fighters from 2010 to 2012. External Link | | Permalink | |
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First Elmendorf F-22 ready at Lockheed
The first F-22 Raptor destined for Alaska rolled out of the Lockheed Martin factory on Monday. The plane will be assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron.
Tour of duty
The Australian Overwatch Battle Group is a heavily armed and highly mobile force supporting Iraqi troops. The Skylark UAV is used by the group for reconnaissance.
India to spend $35 b on military aircraft
India is set to spend $ 35 billion on military aviation over the next 20 years as it replaces its aging aircraft. Two reports released at Aero India also indicated India's rise as a superpower in the region with manufacturers offering India their latest fighters. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ronald Reagan Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet
The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (RRSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR) Feb. 9, as part of a surge deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region.
On shopping list: fighter jets with no stealth
Retired RAAF Air Vice-Marshal Peter Criss urged the Australian government to reconsider the F-22 rather than buying the F/A-18F. "It's an old-generation fighter that can't survive with existing aircraft in the region, let alone what's coming in the future," he said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Sunday, February 11, 2007
India's Air Force May Buy Boeing Copters
A senior Boeing official, speaking on the sidelines of Aero India, said Boeing has been taking unofficially with the Indian Air Force for 12 Chinooks.
Air Force cadets grounded over cheating
The entire USAF Academy cadets have been confined this weekend after 28 cadets were suspected of cheating on a test.
C-17 crew races time in Iraq-to-Texas run
The U.S. military was willing to send a C-17 into Iraq to ferry a wounded Marine from Balad Air Base in Iraq to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Helicopter downings vex U.S. military analysts
Military analysts say the U.S. must figure why their helicopters are being shot down so numerously recently or they risk repeating what the Soviets went through in Afghanistan.
MAC chairman urges US to approve sale of F-16s
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu urged the U.S. on Thursday to approve the sale of 66 F-16 C/Ds to the island. Wu said the fighters are needed to defend itself against China's military threat. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Bombshells best bombers
Leggy Russian bombshells hired as stall assistants at Aero India were more popular than the fighters and bombers at the show.
Cody: Tactics not new in helicopter shootdowns
Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Richard Cody said Saturday that there are no evidence that insurgents in Iraq have developed new attack methods or discovered new vulnerabilities against U.S. helicopters.
Surprise refueling mission gets wounded troops to U.S.
A KC-135 crew operating out of RAF Mildenhall was tasked with high-priority mission in the middle of the night. They job was to get fuel to a C-17 that was ferrying injured soldiers to Maryland. They had less than the normal 24 hours to get the mission together. External Link | | Permalink | |
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US 'friendly fire' incident kills allies
U.S. helicopters targeting insurgents accidentally fired on a Kurdish guard post killing nine Kurdish militia fighters. The same article also mention that the video posted recently on the shot down of a CH-46 is suspicious as it fails to show a Cobra attack helicopter that was following close behind. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Target Iran: US able to strike in the spring
Observers point out the signs that U.S. President George Bush will order an air war with Iran next year. The deployment of a second carrier air group, Patriot missiles and minesweepers as well as the stockpiling of oil reserves are the various signs. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Gripen makes big impact at Aero India 2007
Air Commodore Matheswaran, Commandant ASTE, Air Commodore Sharma, Commandant National Flight Test Centre, Air Commodore Nair, Personal Staff Officer to Air Chief Marshall Tyagi, and NFTC test pilot Wing Commander Tivali from the Indian Air Force test flew the Gripen at Aero India.
C-130 accident investigation board complete
A USAF C-130E crew rushing to return to their base caused a fire onboard their aircraft due to excessive use of brakes. Three of the aircraft's four brakes failed while taxiing at Al Asad, Iraq and the fire which broke out caused extensive damage to the left side of the C-130. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iraq Qaeda group posts video of U.S. copter downing
The Islamic State in Iraq has posted a video which they claim was the shooting down of the USMC CH-46 this week. While the U.S. military claims that the crash was mechanical, the video did seems to show a missile hitting the helicopter.
Seasprite chopper program to be scrapped
The Australian Defense Department has recommended to scrap the Seasprite helicopter program after a decade of problems. The project, six-years behind schedule, is likely to be axed during Wednesday's meeting of federal cabinet's National Security Committee.
Ospreys grounded
All 46 of the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 Ospreys are grounded due to a computer chip fault in some of the Ospreys. The chip is found on one of the three flight control computers and the problem surface only when its cold.
The problem was discovered during the pre-flight test of an Osprey at Bell Boeing’s Amarillo, Texas, facility. External Link | | Permalink | |
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General: Idaho pilots visited daily by Iraq friendly-fire incident
Brigadier General Gary Sayler, who oversees the 190th Fighter Squadron, said the pilots involved in the 2003 friendly fire accident in Iraq are visited daily by images from that deadly mission. "There's not a day goes by that the pilots involved ... don't think about this." External Link | | Permalink | |
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Conway: Army should shift helo tactics
USMC Commandant Gen. James Conway said the U.S. Army should changed its helicopter tactics in Iraq after losing four of its helicopters to ground fire. Conway also said that he is concerned that SA-16s and SA-18s are appearing in Iraq. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Thinking of tankers tactically
Capts. Sheroyd Brown and Justin Hendricks are two KC-135 instructors with the 319th Operations Support Squadron who recently graduated from the KC-135 Weapons School.
AeroIndia.org
AeroIndia.org is a community and volunteer driven project to provide a platform for users to share their Aero India related pictures, reports, photographs, blogs entries and videos.
Experts Worry N.Korea May Hide Missiles in Cargo Ships
The Congressional Research Service said in a recent report that North Korea has developed or already deployed a submarine- or ship-mounted missile based on the Soviet R-27(SS-N-6). The missiles will have a range of at least 2,500 kilometers and North Korea can transform cargo ships into missile launch pads.
The 12-meter vertically-launched ballistic missiles would fit nicely inside a standard container. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing offers IAF advanced AESA radar with F-18
Boeing Thursday confirmed at Aero India that the F/A-18 Super Hornet being offered to India will come with the APG-79 AESA radar. "Yes, the aircraft will come with the AESA. The radar is in operation and represents the latest generation of radar technology," Rear Admiral Jeffrey A. Wieringa said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Unarmed ICBM blasts through 105-ton door in test
The United States launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile early Wednesday with its doors blasted open for the first time in years. In previous launches, tests performed with concrete door open to cut costs but this test return to closed-door testing because such launches provide more accurate data for tracking the missile.
The C-5 gets the call
A C-5 Galaxy was called in at Naval Air Station Oceana to bring an F-14 Tomcat to an aviation museum in Fort Worth, Texas on Feb. 6. Pictures in the article.
CSTO will merely watch SCO war games
China will deploy its J-10 overseas for the first time for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's exercise Peaceful Mission - 2007 from Jul. 18 to 25.
Iran says tests missiles able to sink "big warships"
Senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards naval commander Ali Fadavi said his forces have test-fired missiles in wargames on Thursday which could sink "big warships" in the Gulf. RIA Novosti said the missiles are Soviet-designed SSN-4 Sark anti-ship missiles with a range of 300km.
The White House said that it did not see Iran's test-firing of missiles as an assault against U.S. warships in the Gulf.
Jet slips at Bangalore air show
Watch the video of a HAL Intermediate Jet Trainer that veered off the runway at Aero India after one of its tires burst.
$4bn Hornet buy tipped to get nod
Australia is expected to approve the purchase of 24 F/A-18Fs within weeks. The number of F-35s to be purchased could be reduced in order to fund the order.
Defense Department And Italy Sign Joint Strike Fighter Agreement
The Department of Defense announced yesterday that Italy has signed the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will govern the cooperative program arrangements for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program.
Bell's new Army copter falls behind schedule
Bell Helicopter's ARH-70 armed reconnaissance helicopter is nearly a year behind schedule, said Paul Bogosian, the Army's program executive officer. Bogosian said it will be the summer of 2009 before the Army receives its first ARH-70.
Raytheon Completes Patriot Live-Fire Test with 3-for-3 Successes
A Raytheon Configuration 3 Patriot system, composed of a Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T), a Patriot launcher, engagement control station and Patriot radar, destroyed a surrogate cruise missile target to complete a perfect three-for-three mission set as part of a two-month evaluation at White Sands Missile Range.
JFK To Be Decommmissioned Next Month
USS John F. Kennedy will be decommissioned on Mar. 23 at a ceremony in Mayport, Florida. It will be kept in a "state of preservation" until the USS George H.W. Bush is commissioned in 2008 or 2009. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Warner To Pentagon: Rethink JSF Alternate Engine
Sen. John Warner urged the Defense Department on Feb. 6 to reconsider plans to drop the alternate engine program from F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production.
Widow of Navy pilot sues Raytheon
The widow of a U.S. Navy pilot killed when his fighter was hit by a Patriot missile during the invasion of Iraq has sued Raytheon, manufacturer of the weapon.
3rd missile interceptor field for Fort Greely
The Pentagon is adding a third missile interceptor field to Fort Greely as part of an expansion of the anti-ballistic missile program. Each filed can hold twenty missiles each and Fort Greely currently has two fields. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Pilots fly high at graduation
A film crew working on behalf of the Discovery Channel has been documenting five Canadian Air Force fighter pilot trainees going through their nine-month fighter pilot course.
7 Dead In Iraq Chopper Crash
The U.S. military lost its fifth helicopter in two weeks but this time the Pentagon says that the CH-46 went down because of mechanical problems. The Sea Knight went down in Anbar Province, an insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad, while conducting routine operations. All seven on board were killed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing ScanEagle Team Achieves Compliance with NATO UAV Interoperability Standard
Boeing and Insitu, Inc., ScanEagle team has gained compliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interoperability standard. The standard, also known as Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586, establishes specifications for a common ground station system for UAVs used by NATO military forces.External Link | | Permalink | |
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IKE and Carrier Air Wing Seven Return to OEF Missions
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), returned to providing close air support and reconnaissance missions for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan, starting Feb. 4, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Leaked video of US friendly fire
The Sun newspaper has released a leak cockpit video of a USAF A-10 that attacked a British convoy by mistake on Mar. 28, 2003. After being told they had attacked a friendly.
POPOV35: I'm going to be sick. POPOV36: Ah f***. POPOV35: Did you hear? POPOV36: Yeah, this sucks. POPOV35: We're in jail, dude.
The pilots in the incident, a reservist Lt Col and Major from the 190th Fighter Squadron, were cleared of any wrong doing by the Pentagon.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Tuesday that the pilots "followed the procedures and processes for engaging targets."
Without big planes, Canada at mercy of Russians: minister
Canadian Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor says Canada needs to have its own strategic transport fleet to avoid being at the mercy of the Russians. O'Connor questioned the wisdom of chartering large transports from Russia as they are controlled by the Russian government.
"So we are not going to be hostage to any foreign government and we are not going to be hostage to any foreign company. This country, this Armed Forces, is going to be as self-reliant as it can be." External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. Denies Fighter Jet Sale Pressure
U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford denied Tuesday that India is under pressure to buy fighter jets from United States. "There is an expectation among U.S. companies, the public and the political class that we have helped India, and that the U.S. companies should get a favorable treatment," Mulford said.
"But that's not the same thing as saying there was a negotiated quid pro quo," Mulford added. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Northrop Grumman has a lot on offer
Northrop Grumman Corporation will showcase the capabilities of E-2C Hawkeye and the MQ-8B Fire Scout at Aero India 2007. The Indian Navy is interested in the Hawkeye to patrol India's coastline and support deployments of the Indian fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Wren Assumes Command of Kitty Hawk Strike Group
Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren assumed command of the USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Task Force 70, Task Force 75 and Carrier Strike Group 5 from Rear Adm. Douglas L. McClain during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on Feb. 2.
DOD to establish U.S. Africa Command
Pentagon will establish a separate U.S. Africa Command to oversee military operations on the African continent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced during congressional testimony Feb. 6.
Boeing Delivers 500th Minuteman III Missile Guidance Set
Boeing delivered the 500th Minuteman III Guidance Replacement Program (GRP) Missile Guidance Set (MGS) to the U.S. Air Force and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) prime contractor Northrop Grumman Mission Systems on Dec. 15, 2006.
Northrop to Issue Tanker Decision "Soon"
Northrop Grumman Corp. CEO Ronald Sugar on Tuesday said the defense firm will soon decide on whether it will bid in the KC-X competition. "We will come to a resolution soon on that," Sugar said.
Airborne Laser In-Flight Testing (PDF)
MDA announced that the Airborne Laser is currently undergoing flight testing of the beam control/fire control system, which includes both the Tracking Illuminator Laser and Beacon Illuminator Laser. During upcoming flight tests, both the TILL and BILL will be fired in-flight against the Black Crow, an aircraft using a painted missile on the side of the aircraft for tracking purposes, to demonstrate the ability of the ABL to track the target as well as compensate for effects of the atmosphere. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin Upgrades Missile Warning System
Lockheed Martin announced the successful delivery of a new missile warning system to address tactical and strategic missile threats against the United States and Canada. U.S. Strategic Command, U.S Northern Command, and North American Aerospace Defense Commanders will rely on this upgraded technology to quickly and accurately identify threats and coordinate responses across forces.
Australia – F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft (PDF)
Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that it was proposing to sell Australia 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets. The package includes 6 F414-GE-402 spare engines, 24 AN/APG-79 Radar Systems, 24 AN/USQ-140 Multifunctional Informational Distribution System Low Volume Terminals, 30 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electric Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets, 145 LAU-127 Guided Missile Launchers and 30 AN/PVS-9 Night Vision Goggles.
The proposal will include integration of the AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 12 Joint Mission Planning Systems, and AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoys.
MH-60S 'Armed Helo' completes developmental test
U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk testers here achieved a double milestone as they completed developmental testing of the "Armed Helo" mission kit with first-time Hellfire air-to-ground missile shots from the aircraft January 30. The testing, which started in March, 2006 and tallied more than 260 flight test hours, included firing missiles from both sides of the aircraft, also a first for the H-60 helicopter. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Kadena Airmen ready for visiting Raptors
As Kadena Air Base officials get ready to host 12 F-22 Raptors for the fighters' first overseas deployment, the base's most important focus right now is their readiness stance.
Apache Helicopter shot down in Iraq, al-Taji Feb 2 2007
An al Qaeda-backed group – the Islamic State in Iraq - on Sunday released this video which shows the downing of an Apache helicopter north of Baghdad on Feb. 2.
The U.S. military confirmed that they lost an Apache that day.
Sarangs to perform at Aero India
The Indian Air Force helicopter demonstration team, Sarangs, will perform at Aero India 2007 despite suffering a crash three days ago. Preliminary investigation showed that the crash was not technical related.
Israel to launch spy satellite from foreign country
Globes reported that India is likely to launch a spy satellite for Israel. This comes after Israel's Shavit space launcher failed in its last three attempts. The new satellite called Tech Saar differs in size and shape to the Ofek class but is similar in weight. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Space shuttle astronaut arrested at OIA on attempted kidnapping, battery charges
Former U.S. Navy test pilot and Space Shuttle astronaut, Lisa Marie Nowak, was arrested early Monday at Orlando International Airport on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery, attempted vehicle burglary with battery and destruction of evidence. Orlando police said she tried to attack U.S. Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman, who is her rival for another astronaut's attention.
NASA said this is the first time an active duty NASA astronaut had been arrested on felony charges they are aware of. External Link | | Permalink | |
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爭制空權 中國再研發新戰機
Taiwan's Liberty Times reported that work has started to develop the J-13 and J-14 by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and the Chengdu Aircraft Company. An unnamed RoCAF officer said the J-14 will have significant stealth capabilities and will be modeled after the F-22.
UPS orders 27 767s.
UPS announced on Monday that it will order 27 Boeing 767-300ER freighters. The order will help keep the 767 open while Boeing waits for the KC-X decision.
US, Nicaragua head for conflict over old missiles
The United States told Nicaragua on Monday to destroy its SAM-7 missiles which the new Nicaraguan President refuses. President Daniel Ortega said the missiles should be retained because Washington was giving planes to neighbor Honduras. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Russia to Deliver Over 1,000 Cruise Missiles to India
An official with Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia said over 1,000 BrahMos cruise missiles will be delivered to the three services of the Indian armed forces and also to some other countries within the next few years.
Pentagon move a blow to Rolls-Royce
The Pentagon is trying again to cancel the F136 engine for the F-35, this time in Fiscal Year 2008. "They determined to terminate funding for the (second) Joint Strike Fighter engine in FY08," Maj. Gen. Frank Faykes, the Air Force's chief budget official, said. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Air Force combat airpower helps turn tide in decisive Battle of An Najaf
F-16s from the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 14th EFS and 332nd EFS together with A-10s from the 74th EFS simultaneously employed ordnance in a single operation on Jan. 28. During the 36-hour action, 3.5 tons of precision munitions and 2,300 rounds of 20mm and 30mm cannon fire were expanded. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Commander Wosje is a former F/A-18C Hornet pilot from the USS Ronald Reagan and is currently a project manager flying test and evaluation missions in the Raptor with the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis.
EADS delivers core electronics for next-generation air defence radar
EADS Defence & Security Systems will provide the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) with advanced electronics components which make the system's fire control radar the most powerful radar worldwide.
KBR to lose aircraft carrier contract
The British Ministry of Defence has decided to end American defence contractor KBR's role as project manager of the alliance to build two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
Northrop Grumman On Track to Test Fire Kinetic Energy Interceptor Booster in 2008
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor program, under development by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation , is on schedule to meet the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) objective of a 2008 booster flight. The KEI will be a mobile missile-defense system with the unique capability to destroy a hostile missile during its boost, ascent or midcourse phase of flight. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Syria fires Scud D missile
Israeli intelligence sources said Syria carried out a successful test of a Scud D missile on the northeastern part of the country last month. The test was detected using Israel's Green Pine radar on Jan. 28. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ratan Tata to fly F-16
Tata group chairman Ratan Tata will be flying in a Lockheed Martin F-16 at Aero India this week.
Boeing's union leaders spell out tanker goals
Boeing's seven unions have been working hard to ensure that Boeing wins the KC-X competition. They also want Boeing to guarantee that it won't outsource the manufacturing of tanker components to foreign companies.
Commander: F-16's gear maintenance is 'big issue'
Gen. Bruce Carlson of the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command said his command would focus on finding ways to possibly cut the hours required to maintain the F-16 landing gear. The F-16 landing gear requires a 150 hour inspection for every 1,600 flight hours.
Engineers will try to reduced the number of hours required for the inspection or to increase the hours between inspection. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Both JCA teams submit final proposals
L-3 Communications and the Raytheon, EADS CASA North America team have submitted their final proposals for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program last month. Articles
Insurgents say they have new anti-copter methods
The Pentagon is trying to determine if Iraqi insurgents have developed new techniques for shooting down helicopters after a fourth helicopter was shot down in two weeks. Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was taking a "hard look" at the circumstances under which they went down and acknowledged that insurgent fire appeared to have become more effective recently. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fast delivery for transport planes
Canada's first C-17 will be delivered by the end of August, with a second by the end of the year and the last two coming in the middle of next year. They will be based at Trenton, home of Canada's military transport fleet. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ellsworth holds competition for B-1B nose art
The 28th Bomb Wing is holding a nose art competition and the winning nose art will be featured on an operational Ellsworth B-1B. This is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the B-1 arrival at Ellsworth and the 60th anniversary of the Air Force. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Saturday, February 03, 2007
Lavelle, Nixon, and the White House Tapes
Tape recordings from the Nixon White House shed new light on an old controversy that Air Force Gen. John D. Lavelle ordered unauthorized bombing missions into North Vietnam. Recently released White House audio recordings of Oval Office conversations as well as formerly classified JCS message traffic revealed that Lavelle had authorization from President Richard Nixon at that time. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Peretz selects anti-missile defense system
Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz yesterday selected the Rafael anti-missile defense system to defend Israel against Kassam rockets. But his decision sparked off an argument between him and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who insists that the final decision on the issue will be made only after Olmert conducted consultations on the issue on Sunday.
Boeing offers joint production of F-18 fighters in India
Chris Chadwik, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, Global Strike Systems, says his company is willing to offer joint production of the Super Hornet with an Indian defense contractor should they win the Indian fighter competition. The first eight aircraft would be shipped off-the-shelf while the rest are produced in India. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Fully autonomous flight trials for BAE's HERTI UAV a success
BAE Systems has confirmed the successful completion of a new series of trials for its fully autonomous HERTI UAV (unmanned air vehicle) system. In November and December 2006 the BAE Systems HERTI flight test and deployment team successfully completed fully autonomous flight trials at the Woomera range in southern Australia. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Iran eyes long-range air strike capability
Janes reports that the Iranian Air Force has been practicing night time low level air-to-air refueling of its Su-24MK with its 747 tanker aircraft. This is to enhance the long range strike capability of its air assets according to Janes. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. gives eight Cobra helicopters to Pakistan
The United States gave eight AH1-F Cobras with night flying capabilities to Pakistan as part of a $50-million foreign military sales program on Friday. The program will provide 20 refurbished helicopters to the Pakistani army. External Link | | Permalink | |
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U.S. gauges China’s anti-satellite strategy
U.S. officials say China is considering a covert anti-satellite network that could nullify America's advantage in space during wartime. They point to a number of Chinese satellites are in orbits that bring them close to key U.S. satellites. These satellites have no particular missions.
India, Russia working towards Hypersonic Missiles
BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director A Sivathanu Pillai said on Thursday that Russia and India are exploring the possibility of developing a Hypersonic Cruise Missile.
Russia to display new jet engine at India air show
Salut will showcase the AL-31FM1 engine at Aero India 2007. Salut also plans to hold talks with the Indian Air Force regarding the upgrade of MiG-27K Flogger fighter bombers with AL-31F engines.
Japanese get first look at Raptor capabilities
Japanese media and members of the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. visited Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 31 to get a look at the F-22 Raptor before it makes its first overseas deployment to Okinawa.
Copter crash in Bangalore, one killed
A Dhruv helicopter from the Indian Air Force's Sarang aerobatic team crashed at Yelahanka Air Force Station on Friday. The co-pilot was killed and the pilot seriously injured. They were rehearsing for Aero India 2007 which begins on Feb. 7. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Another U.S. Helicopter Lost in Iraq
A U.S. Army Apache was shot down north of Baghdad on Friday. It was part of a two-ship formation when they came under attack. One was struck by heavy machine gunfire and continued flying, the other turned back to attack the source and was shot down. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing and Canada Sign Deal for Four C-17s
Boeing and the Canadian government have signed an agreement for the purchase of four C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Canada's Department of National Defence to provide new strategic airlift mobility capabilities for the Canadian Forces.
Spooky gunship armed with new cannons
A USAF AC-130U Spooky gunship has started testing the new 30 mm Bushmaster cannon at Hurlburt Field, Florida. U.S. Air Force photo/Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery.
China's Space-Weapon Test Could Endanger Astronauts and Satellites
The Center for Space Standards and Innovation says the debris field created by China's recent anti-satellite test is slowly spreading itself in a ring around the Earth. The debris field could threaten the International Space Station and U.S. military satellites.
Early-warning Wedgetail late again
Delivery of RAAF's Wedgetail has been pushed back again to March, 2009. It will be 2010 before the first aircraft are declared operational. The new plan is to get the radar working in parallel with the electronic support measures, com systems and the datalink.
Raptors leaving Langley for first time
The USAF 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base are making their final preparations this week for a 90 to 120 days deployment to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
"Argonauts" Celebrate Forty Years
VFA-147 celebrated their 40th birthday on board USS John C. Stennis with a cake-cutting ceremony and squadron photograph. Originally commissioned as the Navy’s first A-7E Corsair II squadron, VA-147 was the first squadron to employ the Corsair II in Vietnam, flying from the USS Ranger (CVA-61) while deployed to the Western Pacific. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Boeing likely to propose its 767 tanker
Boeing Chief Executive Jim McNerney confirms that his company will offer the KC-767 for the KC-X competition. Boeing officials had earlier offered the 777 if the government requires a bigger aircraft.
Tomcat Photo Gallery
Vincent Devino was the head of cockpit design and avionics installation for the F-14 at the time Grumman proposed the design in 1967. He shared some of his photos from that early era with Air&Space.
John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Arrives in 7th Fleet
The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR) Jan. 31, as part of a deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability.
Busy year for RAF Kinloss rescues
The Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss in Moray has had its busiest year for a decade. It launched aircraft 2,391 times in 2006 and rescued about 1,700 people throughout Britain. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Go-ahead for the development of the Euro Haw
The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a €430 million contract to EuroHawk GmbH, a joint venture company formed by EADS and Northrop Grumman Corporation, for the development, test and support of the Euro Hawk unmanned signals intelligence (SIGINT) surveillance and reconnaissance system. The Euro Hawk is a Northrop Grumman-produced RQ-4 Block 20 Global Hawk derivative equipped with a new SIGINT mission system developed by EADS.
Delivery of the first demonstrator is scheduled for 2010. Planned delivery of the following four UAVs is scheduled between 2011 and 2014. External Link | | Permalink | |
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New technology brings safer landings
The U.S. Navy Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program office has replaced the aging Wind Measuring and Indicating System with the more accurate MORIAH Wind System. MORIAH provides a single wind measuring system, consistent across all classes of ships and shore stations. External Link | | Permalink | |
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RAF jets covered retreat of Iraqi force
RAF Tornado GR4 fighter bombers flying from al Udeid airbase in Qatar help cover the retreat of an Iraqi government force routed by religious extremists near the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf on Sunday. They joined F-16s in low-level passes over the positions, dropping 500lb bombs to allow the Iraqi troops to escape and reorganise. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to Jointly Market Joint Strike Missile
Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg) of Norway have entered into a Joint Marketing Agreement to market an air-launched version of the Naval Strike Missile. The missile, to be called the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), is designed to be carried internally and launched externally from the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The JSM will build upon the Naval Strike Missile.
Coleman-Klobuchar bill would keep spy plane in Minnesota
Minnesota Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar introduced a bill on Tuesday that tries to prevent the USAF from shipping the A-12 from Minnesota Air Guard Museum to the CIA headquarters. The bill, if becomes law, calls for the Minnesota Air Guard Museum to take ownership of the aircraft once and for all and the Air Force to finance the plane’s reassembly.
Bulgaria Cancels Contract With Elbit
Elbit Systems says it has received a notice from the Bulgarian government for the termination of the contract to modernize Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters for the Bulgarian Air Force.
Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Completes Successful Afterburner Test
The F-35 Lightning II successfully completed its first afterburner test powered by Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine. The test occurred during the F-35's fifth flight in Fort Worth, Texas. The F-35 climbed to 20,000 feet and flew in maximum afterburner for six seconds with all augmentor zones lit. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Ike withdraws from Somalia waters
USS Eisenhower has been withdrawn from Somalia's coast after a three-week mission there. The carrier left Tuesday to return to the Persian region.
Air Force tanker request gives Boeing edge, for now
"It's very partisan; the EADS support group is very Republican, and Boeing's is very Democratic," said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace industry analyst on the KC-X competition.
Moldova plane crash in Iraq tied to insurgency arms smuggling
Turkey's Transportation Minister alleged that a Moldovan An-26 was shot down by American forces in Iraq because the plane was smuggling weapons to insurgents. Binali Yıldırım said American troops are said to have grown increasingly suspicious of the steady flow of Moldovan cargo planes to Iraq.
These planes have continually been involved in shipping weapons for Sunni insurgents in and around Baghdad.
Forces would pare aircraft, ships to finance new equipment
The Canadian Forces have recommended to retire six Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and up to 25 per cent of its fleet of Griffons to pay for new equipment. The money saved from the retirement of the Griffons will go towards paying for the Chinooks.
The Auroras will be replaced by UAVs and a structural life extension program has been shelved. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Official: Flying CWO program boosts diversity
The U.S. Navy's flying warrant officer program could produce flying CWOs that could eventually account for more than 20 percent of pilot and flight officer billets in maritime and helicopter squadrons.
Nuclear Agency: Air Defenses Impractical
It is the responsibility of the U.S. military to prevent an airliner attack by terrorists according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The commission said it examined proposals from nuclear watchdog groups and concluded that the "active protection" against an airborne threat rests with organizations such as the military or the FAA. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Soldiers 'tried frantically to stop US fire'
An inquest into the friendly fire of British tanks by American A-10s on Mar. 28 2003 were told that the British Forward Air Controller could not contact the pilots to stop the attack and they were rogue pilots that were working on their own. The inquest was told that up to 100 villagers, some waving white flags, were 100 metres away, and some were killed. External Link | | Permalink | |
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Cope Tiger underway in Thailand
Airmen from Thailand, Singapore and the United States converged at Korat Royal Thai Air Force base this week for Exercise Cope Tiger 2007.
Fighter jets not ready until 2018
Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson's aerospace adviser Denis Hughes said there are plans to extend the service life of RAAF's F-111 and that the F-35 won't enter RAAF service until 2018.
Goldsmith reveals Saudi royal dilemma
The British attorney-general told Financial Times that he believed that Senior Saudi royals, possibly even King Abdullah, would have to stand trial as witnesses in the corruption inquiry against BAE Systems.
Department of Defense and Norway Sign Joint Strike Fighter Agreement
Norway has signed the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will govern the cooperative program arrangements for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The signing ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway, Jan. 31.
Sentinel undergoes tests at RAF Waddington
The first fully configured Sentinel R1 aircraft flew into RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire on Jan. 24 to undergo tests expected to last for several weeks. The aircraft (ZJ690), which was flown from Greenville Texas to Waddington by a mixed Royal Air Force and Raytheon crew, will under go a Defence Procurement Agency-Raytheon test programme that is expected to last up to six weeks. External Link | | Permalink | |
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