October 2014 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Russian Helicopters delivers Mi-8MTV-5-1s to Russian Defence Ministry

Russian Helicopters delivers Mi-8MTV-5-1s to Russian Defence Ministry
 
Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec), has delivered today, October 10, a consignment of Mi-8MTV-5-1 military transport helicopters built at Kazan Helicopters to Russia’s Defence Ministry. All of the equipment was formally accepted by Russian Defence Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu.
Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec), has delivered today, October 10, a consignment of Mi-8MTV-5-1 military transport helicopters built at Kazan Helicopters to Russia’s Defence Ministry. All of the equipment was formally accepted by Russian Defence Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu.
 

US Air Force to extend the service lives of 300 F-16C/D fighter jets

US Air Force to extend the service lives of 300 F-16C/D fighter jets
 
According to Flightglobal, the US Air Force is pushing ahead with an effort to extend the service lives of 300 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters as a stopgap measure until the F-35 Lightning II is operational in sufficient numbers. The service announced on 2 October it would finalise the design of the aircraft within 18 to 24 months and wants to give prospective industry bidders a “first look” into the scope of work needed to extend the aircraft’s service life from 8,000 flight hours to between 10,000 and 12,000 flight hours.
The US Air Force is pushing ahead with an effort to extend the service lives of 300 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters as a stopgap measure until the F-35 Lightning II is operational in sufficient numbers. The service announced on 2 October it would finalise the design of the aircraft within 18 to 24 months and wants to give prospective industry bidders a “first look” into the scope of work needed to extend the aircraft’s service life from 8,000 flight hours to between 10,000 and 12,000 flight hours.
 

South Korean KAI FA-50 successfully test-fired an AGM-65 Maverick guided missile

South Korean KAI FA-50 successfully test-fired an AGM-65G Maverick guided missile
 
The Korean Air Force said yesterday, October 9, that its indigenously developed FA-50 fighter jet had succeeded in firing a guided missile that reached its intended target in the sea. The live firing exercise took place on Wednesday over the East Sea, the Korean Air Force said.
The Korean Air Force said yesterday, October 9, that its indigenously developed FA-50 fighter jet had succeeded in firing a guided missile that reached its intended target in the sea. The live firing exercise took place on Wednesday over the East Sea, the Korean Air Force said.
 

Norway orders six additional F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft

Norway orders six additional F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft
 
The Norwegian Government has asked for new budget authorizations for a total value of 6.9 billion kroner for the acquisition of six new F-35 fighter aircraft and additional equipment and services for 2015. Including these aircraft, the New Fighter Aircraft program will have been authorized to acquire 22 of the new aircraft, with deliveries to begin by the end of next year.
The Norwegian Government has asked for new budget authorizations for a total value of 6.9 billion kroner for the acquisition of six new F-35 fighter aircraft and additional equipment and services for 2015. Including these aircraft, the New Fighter Aircraft program will have been authorized to acquire 22 of the new aircraft, with deliveries to begin by the end of next year.
 

First flight with operational squadron for upgraded B-1B Lancer strategic bomber

First flight with operational squadron for upgraded B-1B Lancer strategic bomber
 
Aircrew from US Air Force 7th Bomb Wing flying squadrons took part in the first flight of a B-1B Lancer upgraded with the Sustainment-Block 16 upgrade outside of operational testing, here Oct. 2. A pilot and weapons system officer from the 9th Bomb Squadron were joined by aircrew members from the 337th Test and Evaluations Squadron, who provided oversight and information on the new system during the milestone flight.
Aircrew from US Air Force 7th Bomb Wing flying squadrons took part in the first flight of a B-1B Lancer upgraded with the Sustainment-Block 16 upgrade outside of operational testing, here Oct. 2. A pilot and weapons system officer from the 9th Bomb Squadron were joined by aircrew members from the 337th Test and Evaluations Squadron, who provided oversight and information on the new system during the milestone flight.
 

Alenia Aermacchi selects Williams International FJ44-4M engine to power M-345 HET aircraft

Alenia Aermacchi selects Williams International FJ44-4M engine to power M-345 HET aircraft
 
Following a selection process which included detailed preliminary studies and ended up in a formal Request For Proposal opened to several Engine Manufacturers, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi selected Williams International FJ44-4M to power the new M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer) aircraft.
Following a selection process which included detailed preliminary studies and ended up in a formal Request For Proposal opened to several Engine Manufacturers, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi selected Williams International FJ44-4M to power the new M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer) aircraft.
 

New Russian Il-76MD-90A military cargo performed its maiden flight

New Russian Il-76MD-90A military cargo performed its maiden flight
 
The new Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A military cargo plane just entering series production in Ulyanovsk has completed its maiden flight. It will become the platform for a future long-range radar detection and control prototype plane, A-100. Concern Vega, which is part of the United Instrument Corporation, has developed a state-of-the-art radar system for the new plane.
The new Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A military cargo plane just entering series production in Ulyanovsk has completed its maiden flight. It will become the platform for a future long-range radar detection and control prototype plane, A-100. Concern Vega, which is part of the United Instrument Corporation, has developed a state-of-the-art radar system for the new plane.
 

Russian Helicopters delivers multirole Mi-8AMT helicopter to Kazakhstan

Russian Helicopters delivers multirole Mi-8AMT helicopter to Kazakhstan
 
Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec) has delivered a multirole Mi-8AMT helicopter to the Almaty City Rescue Service, Akimat Almaty, Kazakhstan. “The delivery of the Mi-8AMT to the Almaty City Rescue Service represents another important step in the continued development of Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation in the operation of Russian helicopter technology,” Russian Helicopters’ Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing Grigory Kozlov said.
Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Russian State Corporation Rostec) has delivered a multirole Mi-8AMT helicopter to the Almaty City Rescue Service, Akimat Almaty, Kazakhstan. The delivery of the Mi-8AMT to the Almaty City Rescue Service represents another important step in the continued development of Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation in the operation of Russian helicopter technology,” Russian Helicopters’ Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing Grigory Kozlov said.
 

Royal Brunei Air Force to acquire its first C-130J airlifter

Royal Brunei Air Force to acquire its first C-130J Super Hercules airlifter
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brunei for C-130J aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $343 million. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin-Aerospace in Marietta, Georgia.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brunei for C-130J aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $343 million. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin-Aerospace in Marietta, Georgia.
 

Alenia Aermacchi's T-346 trainer aircraft enters into service in Italian Air Force

Alenia Aermacchi's T-346 trainer aircraft enters into service in Italian Air Force
 
On Thrursday, Oct 2, at the “F. Cesari” military airbase at Galatina (Lecce province), the Italian air force’s new T-346 training aircraft flew its first mission with two instructor pilots from the 61st Stormo (wing). Routine flights, conducted until now by mixed crews from the Reparto Sperimentale di Volo (flight test unit) at Pratica di Mare and test pilots from Alenia Aermacchi, will now be flown by unit personnel, marking the effective entry into service of this new, advanced training system.
On Thursday, Oct 2, at the “F. Cesari” military airbase at Galatina (Lecce province), the Italian air force’s new T-346 training aircraft flew its first mission with two instructor pilots from the 61st Stormo (wing). Routine flights, conducted until now by mixed crews from the Reparto Sperimentale di Volo (flight test unit) at Pratica di Mare and test pilots from Alenia Aermacchi, will now be flown by unit personnel, marking the effective entry into service of this new, advanced training system.
 

Mexico orders an additionnal fleet of eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

Mexico orders an additional fleet of eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
 
The United States Department of Defense confirmed that the it has ordered the company Sikorsky to provide an additional fleet of eight specially configuredt UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico, for a total investment of $ 93.3 million.
The US Department of Defense confirmed that the it has ordered the company Sikorsky to provide an additional fleet of eight specially configured UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico, for a total investment of $ 93.3 million.
 

Airbus A400M airlifter passes key airdrop test

Airbus A400M airlifter passes key airdrop test
 
The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has successfully demonstrated its ability to airdrop multiple containers of the kind typically used in military and humanitarian operations. In tests conducted at Cazaux, France, the aircraft dropped 24 x 1 tonne Container Delivery Systems (CDS) in a single pass.
The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has successfully demonstrated its ability to airdrop multiple containers of the kind typically used in military and humanitarian operations. In tests conducted at Cazaux, France, the aircraft dropped 24 x 1 tonne Container Delivery Systems (CDS) in a single pass.
 

Airbus Defence and Space presents the Orlik Multi Purpose Trainer aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space presents the Orlik Multi Purpose Trainer aircraft
 
Airbus Defence and Space has publicly presented the PZL 130 Orlik MPT (Multi Purpose Trainer) aircraft on the ground and in the air for the first time. Equipped with a glass cockpit, the Orlik MPT is a modernized version of the PZL-130 Orlik TC II Garmin, already in service with the Polish Air Force. The presentation of the aircraft was held in Deblin, Poland, at the 4. Military Training Airbase before a senior audience of the Polish administration and armed forces.
Airbus Defence and Space has publicly presented the PZL 130 Orlik MPT (Multi Purpose Trainer) aircraft on the ground and in the air for the first time. Equipped with a glass cockpit, the Orlik MPT is a modernized version of the PZL-130 Orlik TC II Garmin, already in service with the Polish Air Force. The presentation of the aircraft was held in Deblin, Poland, at the 4. Military Training Airbase before a senior audience of the Polish administration and armed forces.
 

Raytheon and Saab Defence awarded contract to build new U.S. Air Force 3DELRR radar system

Raytheon and Saab Defense awarded contract to build new U.S. Air Force 3DELRR radar system
 
The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company and subcontractor Saab Defense a $19.5 million contract for engineering and manufacturing development of a new expeditionary radar that will detect, identify and track drones, missiles and aircraft. The total contract, including all options, is currently estimated at $71.8 million and includes the procurement of an additional three radar systems, for a total of six radar systems and product support.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company and subcontractor Saab Defense a $19.5 million contract for engineering and manufacturing development of a new expeditionary radar that will detect, identify and track drones, missiles and aircraft. The total contract, including all options, is currently estimated at $71.8 million and includes the procurement of an additional three radar systems, for a total of six radar systems and product support.
 

Bulgaria plans to replace its Russian-made fighter jets fleet

Bulgaria plans to replace its Russian-made fighter jets fleet
 
Bulgaria's military will scrap three dozen of its Russian-made fighter jets and bombers to reassert its independence from Moscow, the Bulgarian defense minister said. The plan to get rid of all Russian-made aircraft is part of Bulgaria's military development program through 2020 to further integrate the former Soviet bloc nation into the NATO defense alliance, of which it is a member, Bulgaria's Trud newspaper reported Monday, October 6.
Bulgaria's military will scrap three dozen of its Russian-made fighter jets and bombers to reassert its independence from Moscow, the Bulgarian defense minister said. The plan to get rid of all Russian-made aircraft is part of Bulgaria's military development program through 2020 to further integrate the former Soviet bloc nation into the NATO defense alliance, of which it is a member, Bulgaria's Trud newspaper reported Monday, October 6.
 

U.S. Marines Corps ready to start the first F-35B Joint Strike Fighter pilot training course

U.S. Marines Corps ready to start the first F-35B Joint Strike Fighter pilot training course
 
The U.S. Pilot Training Center and Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 are slated to kick off the first F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter pilot training course, also known as the F-35B Safe for Solo course, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, October 6.
The U.S. Pilot Training Center and Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 are slated to kick off the first F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter pilot training course, also known as the F-35B Safe for Solo course, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, October 6.
 

Germany's Euro Hawk drone may take flight again

Germany's Euro Hawk drone may take flight again
 
German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen is considering bringing the Euro Hawk program online once again, the Sunday edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, the FAS, reported. The defense ministry told the FAS it was necessary to "take the Euro Hawk drone out of the garage again" in order to test its reconnaissance system in high elevations of up to 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) and over a long period of time.
German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen is considering bringing the Euro Hawk program online once again, the Sunday edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, the FAS, reported. The defense ministry told the FAS it was necessary to "take the Euro Hawk drone out of the garage again" in order to test its reconnaissance system in high elevations of up to 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) and over a long period of time.
 

U.S. Air Force seeks to upgrade its B-52H strategic bombers fleet's radar systems

U.S. Air Force seeks to upgrade its B-52H strategic bombers fleet's radar systems
 
The US Air Force is breathing new life into an effort to upgrade the radar systems in its fleet of Boeing B-52H bombers initially announced four years ago. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) on 23 September announced it was seeking technical, performance and cost information for radar systems to replace the Northrop Grumman APQ-166 strategic radars first fielded in the 1950s and most recently upgraded in the 1980s, reported Flightglobal on Friday, October 3.
The US Air Force is breathing new life into an effort to upgrade the radar systems in its fleet of Boeing B-52H bombers initially announced four years ago. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) on 23 September announced it was seeking technical, performance and cost information for radar systems to replace the Northrop Grumman APQ-166 strategic radars first fielded in the 1950s and most recently upgraded in the 1980s, reported Flightglobal on Friday, October 3.
 

Japan and United States consider deploying CV-22 Osprey transport aircraft in Tokyo

Japan and United States consider deploying CV-22 Osprey transport aircraft in Tokyo
 
Japan and the United States are considering deploying 12 CV-22 Osprey transport aircraft at the Yokota Air Base in Tokyo as soon as next July, a Japanese government source said Saturday. The governments initially planned to deploy the aircraft at Kadena air base in Okinawa. But ahead of the gubernatorial election there in November, Tokyo and Washington are looking at basing the aircraft in Tokyo to avoid increasing the island prefecture's burden from hosting U.S. military facilities.
Japan and the United States are considering deploying 12 CV-22 Osprey transport aircraft at the Yokota Air Base in Tokyo as soon as next July, a Japanese government source said Saturday. The governments initially planned to deploy the aircraft at Kadena air base in Okinawa. But ahead of the gubernatorial election there in November, Tokyo and Washington are looking at basing the aircraft in Tokyo to avoid increasing the island prefecture's burden from hosting U.S. military facilities.
 

Thales awarded with a study contract for the next generation of active array radar

Thales awarded with a study contract for the next generation of active array radar
 
The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales a technology study contract for the next generation of active phased array radars, including modular processors and multifunction panel technologies. These new technologies will ultimately equip the Rafale combat aircraft and will be suitable for future unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs).
The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales a technology study contract for the next generation of active phased array radars, including modular processors and multifunction panel technologies. These new technologies will ultimately equip the Rafale combat aircraft and will be suitable for future unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs).
 

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