May 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

General Atomics wins contract to deliver 8 additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs the US Air Force 4005154

General Atomics wins contract to deliver 8 additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs to the US Air Force
 
General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems Inc. has been awarded a $72,068,072 contract to produce eight additional MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 production configuration unmanned aerial aircraft. Work will be performed at Poway, California, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2017, the US Department of Defense announced today, May 21.
General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems Inc. has been awarded a $72,068,072 contract to produce eight additional MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 production configuration unmanned aerial aircraft. Work will be performed at Poway, California, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2017, the US Department of Defense announced today, May 21.
 

US approves a possible $1.9 bn FMS to Saudi Arabia for 10 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters 2105152

US approves a possible $1.9 bn FMS to Saudi Arabia for 10 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters
 
The United States State Department has approved yesterday, May 20, a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 10 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion. The principal contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut; and Lockheed Martin Corporation in Owego, New York.
The United States State Department has approved yesterday, May 20, a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 10 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion. The principal contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut; and Lockheed Martin Corporation in Owego, New York.
 

French Air Force takes delivery of its second modernized E-3F AWACS aircraft 2105151

French Air Force takes delivery of its second modernized E-3F AWACS aircraft
 
Initial operating capability (IOC) of the modernized French Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet has been achieved with Boeing’s delivery of the second of four upgraded aircraft and completion of the operational tests and evaluations. The upgrade is part of a Foreign Military Sale between the French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Direction générale de l'armement – DGA) and the U.S. government.
Initial operating capability (IOC) of the modernized French Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet has been achieved with Boeing’s delivery of the second of four upgraded aircraft and completion of the operational tests and evaluations. The upgrade is part of a Foreign Military Sale between the French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Direction générale de l'armement – DGA) and the U.S. government.
 

U.S. approves possible $1.87 bn FMS to Israel for Joint Direct Attack Munition tail kits and munitions 2005151

U.S. approves possible $1.87 bn FMS to Israel for Joint Direct Attack Munition tail kits and munitions
 
The U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel for Joint Direct Attack Munition Tail Kits, munitions, and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.879 billion, the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency announced on May 19.
The U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel for Joint Direct Attack Munition Tail Kits, munitions, and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.879 billion, the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency announced on May 19.
 

Raytheon' Small Diameter Bomb II program achieves Milestone C clearing the way for production

Raytheon' Small Diameter Bomb II program achieves Milestone C clearing the way for production
 
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force successfully completed the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) Milestone C decision briefing, paving the way for the program to enter low rate initial production. Unlike standard bombs, SDB II employs Raytheon's revolutionary tri-mode seeker that operates in three different modes:
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force successfully completed the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) Milestone C decision briefing, paving the way for the program to enter low rate initial production. Unlike standard bombs, SDB II employs Raytheon's revolutionary tri-mode seeker that operates in three different modes:
Millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared, semi-active laser.
 

European MALE drone development by Airbus, Finmeccanica and Dassault Aviation

European MALE drone development by Airbus, Finmeccanica and Dassault Aviation
 
Europe’s leading aerospace companies Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation and Finmeccanica have welcomed the agreement of France, Germany and Italy to conduct a definition study of a European developed unmanned aerial system. Under the terms of a Declaration of Intent (DoI) signed by the nations today, the companies will conduct a two-year definition study of a Medium Altitude/Long Endurance (MALE) drone. A decision will then be taken on whether to start development and procurement of the system.
Europe’s leading aerospace companies Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation and Finmeccanica have welcomed the agreement of France, Germany and Italy to conduct a definition study of a European developed unmanned aerial system. Under the terms of a Declaration of Intent (DoI) signed by the nations today, the companies will conduct a two-year definition study of a Medium Altitude/Long Endurance (MALE) drone. A decision will then be taken on whether to start...
 

F-22 Raptors From U.S. Air Force 95th Fighter Squadron Completes First Combat Deployment

F-22 Raptors From U.S. Air Force 95th Fighter Squadron Completes First Combat Deployment
 
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 95th Fighter Squadron recently returned after making history completing the first Tyndall and F-22 Raptor combat deployment. "The complete success of our first-ever combat deployment proves once again the Airmen of Team Tyndall get the mission done," said Col. Derek C. France, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "We're really proud of everyone that went downrange and very happy to have them back. They did a fantastic job and made Tyndall proud from start to finish."
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 95th Fighter Squadron recently returned after making history completing the first Tyndall and F-22 Raptor combat deployment. "The complete success of our first-ever combat deployment proves once again the Airmen of Team Tyndall get the mission done," said Col. Derek C. France, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "We're really proud of everyone that went downrange and very happy to have them back. They did a fantastic job and made Tyndall proud from start to finish."
 

U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint STARS Recapitalization Moves to Next Phase

U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint STARS Recapitalization Moves to Next Phase
 
A senior Department of Defense official signed a key acquisition memo May 7 that will allow the Joint STARS Recapitalization program office here to begin awarding contracts. Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, signed a Materiel Development Decision Acquisition Decision Memo officially ushering the program into the Materiel Solution Analysis phase.
A senior Department of Defense official signed a key acquisition memo May 7 that will allow the Joint STARS Recapitalization program office here to begin awarding contracts. Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, signed a Materiel Development Decision Acquisition Decision Memo officially ushering the program into the Materiel Solution Analysis phase.
 

Lockheed Martin delivers additional HC-130J Combat King II SAR aircraft to the USAF 1705151

Lockheed Martin delivers additional HC-130J Combat King II SAR aircraft to the USAF
 
A U.S. Air Force crew ferried an HC-130J Combat King II personnel recovery tanker from the Lockheed Martin production facility located here to its new home with the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, the US-based company announced on May 14.
A U.S. Air Force crew ferried an HC-130J Combat King II personnel recovery tanker from the Lockheed Martin production facility located here to its new home with the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, the US-based company announced on May 14.
 

Airbus Helicopters militarized H145M receives its on-time EASA certification 15051501

Airbus Helicopters militarized H145M receives its on-time EASA certification
 
Airbus Helicopters militarized H145M receives its on-time EASA certification
Airbus Helicopters’ H145M has been certified by the European EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) airworthiness authority, clearing the way for the military type approval and initial two deliveries of this multi-role twin-engine military rotorcraft before year-end. Its first customer is the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), who has ordered 15 rotorcraft to be operated by the German Air Force. First deliveries for the second H145M customer, the Royal Thai Navy, will begin in 2016.
 

United States to deploy B-1B bombers and Global Hawk UAVs in Australia 1405151

United States to deploy B-1B bombers and Global Hawk UAVs in Australia
 
The US plans to station B-1B Lancer bombers and surveillance aircraft in Australia amid rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. In addition to moving Marine and Army units around the region, Washington will be “placing additional Air Force assets in Australia as well, including B-1 bombers and surveillance aircraft,” the US Defense Department's Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, David Shear, said on Wednesday, as quoted by Foreign Policy.
The US plans to station B-1B Lancer bombers and surveillance aircraft in Australia amid rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. In addition to moving Marine and Army units around the region, Washington will be “placing additional Air Force assets in Australia as well, including B-1 bombers and surveillance aircraft,” the US Defense Department's Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, David Shear, said on Wednesday, as quoted by Foreign Policy.
 

Mi-26T completes unique transport mission by lifting 14-tonne fuselage of a Mi-26 military helicopter

Mi-26T completes unique transport mission by lifting 14-tonne fuselage of a Mi-26 military helicopter
 
The world's heaviest-lifting commercial helicopter, the Mi-26T, produced by Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has successfully completed a mission to transport the 14-tonne fuselage of a Mi-26 military transport helicopter from Yoshkar-Ola to Rostov-on-Don. The Mi-26(T) helicopter is the only model able to fly while carrying cargo this size and weight. The fuselage was transported by Rostvertol-Avia for repair work as ordered by Experimental Design Bureau Rostov-Mil.
The world's heaviest-lifting commercial helicopter, the Mi-26T, produced by Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has successfully completed a mission to transport the 14-tonne fuselage of a Mi-26 military transport helicopter from Yoshkar-Ola to Rostov-on-Don. The Mi-26(T) helicopter is the only model able to fly while carrying cargo this size and weight. The fuselage was transported by Rostvertol-Avia for repair work as ordered by Experimental Design Bureau Rostov-Mil.
 

First Belgian NH-90 Squadron Achieves Initial Operational Capable (IOC) 14051501

First Belgian NH-90 Squadron Achieves Initial Operational Capable (IOC)
 
First Belgian NH-90 Squadron Achieves Initial Operational Capable (IOC)
The Belgian Air Componant (Composante Air / Luftcomponent) announced this week that its NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) achieved its Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Four NH-90 TTH have been orderen for Belgian Armed Forces, as well as four NH-90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter).
 

Antonov, Taqnia to jointly develop and manufacture new model of the An-32 airlifter 1505155

Antonov, Taqnia to jointly develop and manufacture new model of the An-32 airlifter
 
Taqnia Aeronautics Company–a subsidiary of Saudi company for development and investment Taqnia signed an Agreement with Antonov Company to develop and manufacture light-cargo plane, dubbed Antonov-132, in Saudi Arabia, Antonov announced yesterday, May 12.
Taqnia Aeronautics Company–a subsidiary of Saudi company for development and investment Taqnia signed an Agreement with Antonov Company to develop and manufacture light-cargo plane, dubbed Antonov-132, in Saudi Arabia, Antonov announced yesterday, May 12.
 

Airbus Defence & Space and Tata to supply India with 56 C295 military airlifters 1505154

Airbus Defence & Space and Tata to supply India with 56 C295 military airlifters
 
India’s defence acquisition council tonight, May 13, cleared a proposal by Airbus Defence & Space and its Indian partner, the Tata Group, to procure C295 military transport as a replacement for the Indian Air Force’s Avro fleet, for a total amount of 119.3 billion rupees ($1.87 billion). The Airbus-Tata team was the sole bidder to replace Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of 56 Avro aircraft fleet with C295 military transport carrier.
India’s defence acquisition council tonight, May 13, cleared a proposal by Airbus Defence & Space and its Indian partner, the Tata Group, to procure C295 military transport as a replacement for the Indian Air Force’s Avro fleet, for a total amount of 119.3 billion rupees ($1.87 billion). The Airbus-Tata team was the sole bidder to replace Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of 56 Avro aircraft fleet with C295 military transport carrier.
 

US approves possible FMS to Norway for up to 200 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles 1305153

US approves possible FMS to Norway for up to 200 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $345 million. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $345 million. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona.
 

Terma and Aselsan signed Memorandum of Understanding during IDEF 2015

Terma and Aselsan signed Memorandum of Understanding during IDEF 2015
 
During the IDEF'15 exhibition in Istanbul, Aselsan, Turkey's leading defense company, and Terma, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the MoU is to generate an agreement which defines potential areas of collaboration. The MOU also includes transferring of ownership and intellectual property rights of Terma's F-16 Modular Reconnaissance Pod from Terma to Aselsan.
During the IDEF'15 exhibition in Istanbul, Aselsan, Turkey's leading defense company, and Terma, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the MoU is to generate an agreement which defines potential areas of collaboration. The MOU also includes transferring of ownership and intellectual property rights of Terma's F-16 Modular Reconnaissance Pod from Terma to Aselsan.
 

Turkey’s Göktürk-1 satellite has been shipped to Ankara to undergo environmental tests 13051501

Turkey’s Göktürk-1 satellite has been shipped to Ankara to undergo environmental tests
 
Turkey’s Göktürk-1 satellite has been shipped to Ankara to undergo environmental tests
Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and SSM, announced that the Göktürk-1 observation satellite for the Turkish Ministry of Defense has been shipped today to Ankara AIT center to start environmental tests. Local industrial partners include TAI, Aselsan, Tübitak UEKAE, Roketsan and TR Teknoloji. The agreement to build Göktürk-1 was signed on July 13, 2009. Göktürk-1 is a high resolution earth observation satellite.
 

Development Completed on Advanced Ground Station for USAF National Security Space Program 12051502

Development Completed on Advanced Ground Station for USAF National Security Space Program
 
Development Completed on Advanced Ground Station for USAF National Security Space Program
Lockheed Martin has crossed the threshold from development to testing on the next-generation ground system, called Increment 2, for the US Air Force’s Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) after successfully integrating significant software and hardware to the station. Once operational, Increment 2 will increase SBIRS’ overall ability to manage complex, emerging threats while reducing Air Force operations and maintenance costs.
 

Test Flight Confirms Suitability of Latest Raytheon AESA for International Legacy Hornet Upgrades 12051501

Test Flight Confirms Suitability of Latest Raytheon AESA for International Legacy Hornet Upgrades
 
Test Flight Confirms Suitability of Latest Raytheon AESA for International Legacy Hornet Upgrades
Successful flight test of the Raytheon-built APG-79(V)X AESA radar system has demonstrated the functions needed to extend the combat relevance of F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft for 15 to 20 years. Hornet fleets upgrading to the new APG-79V(X) radar will receive Super Hornet-like capabilities, including: extended detection ranges, simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, production of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping, industry leading reliability.
 

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