May 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Romania, Thailand select Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for their F-16 fleets 1105157

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Romania, Thailand select Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for their F-16 fleets
 
The Romanian Air Force (RoAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) recently selected Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for their F-16 fleets, becoming the 18th and 19th international customers to receive this advanced sensor capability. Lockheed Martin will integrate and field Sniper ATPs on existing RoAF and RTAF aircraft and provide initial sustainment support. Pod deliveries began in early 2015 to meet operational need requirements.
The Romanian Air Force (RoAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) recently selected Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for their F-16 fleets, becoming the 18th and 19th international customers to receive this advanced sensor capability. Lockheed Martin will integrate and field Sniper ATPs on existing RoAF and RTAF aircraft and provide initial sustainment support. Pod deliveries began in early 2015 to meet operational need requirements.
 

Royal Netherlands Air Force's pilots to train on Alenia Aermacchi M-346 trainer aircraft 1105156

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Royal Netherlands Air Force's pilots to train on Alenia Aermacchi M-346 trainer aircraft
 
The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Pilots will train in Italy on Finmeccanica - Alenia Aermacchi’s jets in service with the Italian Air Force, thanks to the agreement that has been signed by the Chiefs of Staff of the two Air Forces in Milan last week that envisages the detachment of an instructor and two student pilots of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, to be stationed at ItAF's Lecca-Galatina AFB Flight School.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Pilots will train in Italy on Finmeccanica - Alenia Aermacchi’s jets in service with the Italian Air Force, thanks to the agreement that has been signed by the Chiefs of Staff of the two Air Forces in Milan last week that envisages the detachment of an instructor and two student pilots of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, to be stationed at ItAF's Lecca-Galatina AFB Flight School.
 

Australia started construction of F-35A Lightning II facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown 1105154

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Australia started construction of F-35A Lightning II facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown
 
Construction of the New Air Combat Capability Facilities at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown has commenced, announced the Australian Minister for Defence on May 6. The new facilities will support the introduction, operation and deployment of the F-35A Lightning II – Joint Strike Fighter.
Construction of the New Air Combat Capability Facilities at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown has commenced, announced the Australian Minister for Defence on May 6. The new facilities will support the introduction, operation and deployment of the F-35A Lightning II – Joint Strike Fighter.
 

Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry of China to jointly create Advanced Heavy Lift helicopter 1105153

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Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry of China to jointly create Advanced Heavy Lift helicopter
 
Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) have signed a framework agreement to work together on creating an advanced heavy helicopter. The agreement was signed at the Moscow Kremlin today in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping by the CEO of Russian Helicopters, Alexander MIkheev, and the Chairman of the Board of Directorsof AVIC, Lin Zuoming.
Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) have signed a framework agreement to work together on creating an advanced heavy helicopter. The agreement was signed at the Moscow Kremlin today in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping by the CEO of Russian Helicopters, Alexander MIkheev, and the Chairman of the Board of Directorsof AVIC, Lin Zuoming.
 

General Electric Aviation wins $2 bn contract for T700 701D/401C rotorcraft engines 1105152

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General Electric Aviation wins $2 bn contract for T700 701D/401C rotorcraft engines
 
General Electric Aviation was awarded a $2,001,101,104 foreign military sales contract to Taiwan for the T700 701D/401C engine in support of Army, Navy, Air Force, Foreign Military Sales, and other government agency program requirements. Funding and work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020, the US Department of Defense announced on Saturday, May 9.
General Electric Aviation was awarded a $2,001,101,104 foreign military sales contract to Taiwan for the T700 701D/401C engine in support of Army, Navy, Air Force, Foreign Military Sales, and other government agency program requirements. Funding and work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020, the US Department of Defense announced on Saturday, May 9.
 

Ukraine considers producing new An-178 transport aircraft in China 1105151

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Ukraine considers producing new An-178 transport aircraft in China
 
Ukrainian state-run aircraft manufacturer Antonov said Thursday, May 7, that it has signed a protocol of intent with a Chinese company, Beijing A-Star Airspace and Technology Co., to produce the new transport aircraft An-178 for it in China. "The Chinese partners expressed their intention to consider the prospect of building the Ukrainian-designed transport plane in China," said a statement of Antonov reaching Xinhua, without specifying.
Ukrainian state-run aircraft manufacturer Antonov said Thursday, May 7, that it has signed a protocol of intent with a Chinese company, Beijing A-Star Airspace and Technology Co., to produce the new transport aircraft An-178 for it in China. "The Chinese partners expressed their intention to consider the prospect of building the Ukrainian-designed transport plane in China," said a statement of Antonov reaching Xinhua, without specifying.
 

Antonov's An-178 transport aircraft successfully performed maiden flight 0805154

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Antonov's An-178 transport aircraft successfully performed maiden flight
 
On May 7, 2015, the AN-178 new transport aircraft, created by Antonov in cooperation with partners from 15 countries, performed maiden flight, Antonov announced Thursday, May 7. First revealed in February 2010, the twin-jet An-178 is intended to replace the An-12 'Cub', the An-26 'Curl', and An-32 'Cline' airlifters.
On May 7, 2015, the AN-178 new transport aircraft, created by Antonov in cooperation with partners from 15 countries, performed maiden flight, Antonov announced Thursday, May 7. First revealed in February 2010, the twin-jet An-178 is intended to replace the An-12 'Cub', the An-26 'Curl', and An-32 'Cline' airlifters.
 

Terma, Aselsan sign deal for the production of electronic weapon systems 0705151

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Terma, Aselsan sign deal for the production of electronic weapon systems
 
Turkey’s defense systems producer ASELSAN on Thursday, May 7th, signed a deal with Denmark's Terma to collaborate on the production of electronic weapon systems for jet fighters, ASELSAN said in a statement. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to create the framework for future collaboration. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.
Turkey’s defense systems producer ASELSAN on Thursday, May 7th, signed a deal with Denmark's Terma to collaborate on the production of electronic weapon systems for jet fighters, ASELSAN said in a statement. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to create the framework for future collaboration. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.
 

US approves FMS to Singapore for F-16 fighter aircraft Block 52 upgrade program 0705156

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US approves FMS to Singapore for F-16 fighter aircraft Block 52 upgrade program
 
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. Many US-based company will be involved in Singapore's Block-52 upgrade program, such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Advanced Systems and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. Many US-based company will be involved in Singapore's Block-52 upgrade program, such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Advanced Systems and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
 

Thales to equip France's future A330 MRTT tankers with TopShield-400® antenna system 0705155

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Thales to equip France's future A330 MRTT tankers with TopShield-400® antenna system
 
Thales has been awarded contract for its new TopShield-400® Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system (CRPA) for the future French Tanker, the France-based company announced today May 7th. Thales will provide Airbus Defence & Space with its new GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system TopShield-400 ® to equip the 12 MRTTs (multi-role transport tanker) ordered by the French Procurement Agency (DGA).
Thales has been awarded contract for its new TopShield-400® Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system (CRPA) for the future French A330MRTT Tanker, the France-based company announced today May 7th. Thales will provide Airbus Defence & Space with its new GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna system TopShield-400 ® to equip the 12 MRTTs (multi-role transport tanker) ordered by the French Procurement Agency (DGA).
 

IDEF 2015: Oto Melara showcases for the first time its 20 mm Gunship air-to-ground gun system 0705154

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IDEF 2015: Oto Melara showcases for the first time its 20 mm Gunship air-to-ground gun system
 
At IDEF 2015, which is held in Istanbul from 5-8 May, Italian company Oto Melara is showcasing for the first time the new 20mm Gunship for which commercial contacts with the Turkish aeronautic company TAI have already started. Gunship by Oto Melara is a palletized air-to-ground gun system, designed to be operated from military cargo aircraft, such as C130s (all versions), C27s or any other which has a standard military pallet (88’x108’) capability.
At IDEF 2015, which is held in Istanbul from 5-8 May, Italian company Oto Melara is showcasing for the first time the new 20mm Gunship for which commercial contacts with the Turkish aeronautic company TAI have already started. Gunship by Oto Melara is a palletized air-to-ground gun system, designed to be operated from military cargo aircraft, such as C130s (all versions), C27s or any other which has a standard military pallet (88’x108’) capability.
 

Kuwait, Boeing likely to sign deal for 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fighter aircraft 0405153

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Kuwait, Boeing likely to sign deal for 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft
 
Kuwait is expected to announce in coming weeks an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fighter aircraft, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets' St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal, unveiled Reuters today. Kuwait, which operates a fleet of earlier F/A-18 models, has signed a formal letter stating its firm plans to buy newer-model Boeing jets, according to one of the people who is familiar with the deal but was not authorized to speak publicly.
Kuwait is expected to announce in coming weeks an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets' St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal, unveiled Reuters. Kuwait, which operates a fleet of earlier F/A-18 models, has signed a formal letter stating its firm plans to buy newer-model Boeing jets, according to one of the people who is familiar with the deal but was not authorized to speak publicly.
 

Airbus, Turkish Air Force signed agreement for CN-235 transport aircraft maintenance 0705152

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Airbus, Turkish Air Force signed agreement for CN-235 transport aircraft maintenance
 
Airbus and the Turkish Air Force signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, May 6, to start the certification of the Air Supply and Maintenance center in Kayseri, Turkey as a regional maintenance hub for CN-235 aircraft, said yesterday Turkish medias. The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engine transport plane used for military roles, including maritime patrol, surveillance and air transport.
Airbus and the Turkish Air Force signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, May 6, to start the certification of the Air Supply and Maintenance center in Kayseri, Turkey as a regional maintenance hub for CN-235 aircraft, said yesterday Turkish medias. The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engine transport plane used for military roles, including maritime patrol, surveillance and air transport.
 

Northrop Grumman unveils SABR-GS AESA radar for USAF's B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft 0705151

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Northrop Grumman unveils SABR-GS AESA radar for USAF's B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft
 
Northrop Grumman Corporation introduced its Scalable Agile Beam Radar – Global Strike (SABR-GS) for the U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer at the 30th Anniversary B-1 Reunion held at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Northrop Grumman's SABR-GS is a full performance, multi-function, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the B-1.
Northrop Grumman Corporation introduced its Scalable Agile Beam Radar – Global Strike (SABR-GS) for the U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer at the 30th Anniversary B-1 Reunion held at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Northrop Grumman's SABR-GS is a full performance, multi-function, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the B-1.
 

Northrop Grumman's RQ-4 Global Hawk UAS successfully completes Milestone C 0605154

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Northrop Grumman's RQ-4 Global Hawk UAS successfully completes Milestone C
 
The U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude, long endurance autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) successfully completed Milestone C approval from the Defense Acquisition Executive. For the Northrop Grumman Corporation-built Global Hawk program, Milestone C is a key incremental step in the Department of Defense's acquisition process that enables the program to move forward with modernization activity., the company announced on May 5.
The U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude, long endurance autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) successfully completed Milestone C approval from the Defense Acquisition Executive. For the Northrop Grumman Corporation-built Global Hawk program, Milestone C is a key incremental step in the Department of Defense's acquisition process that enables the program to move forward with modernization activity., the company announced on May 5.
 

Australian Army commissioned its first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters 0605153

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Australian Army commissioned its first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters
 
At a ceremony yesterday at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in northern Queensland, Australia commissioned their first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook advanced configuration aircraft. The acquisition is part of an ongoing transformation that’s allowing Australia to build one of the world’s newest and most technologically advanced armed forces.
At a ceremony yesterday at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in northern Queensland, Australia commissioned their first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook advanced configuration aircraft. The acquisition is part of an ongoing transformation that’s allowing Australia to build one of the world’s newest and most technologically advanced armed forces.
 

U.S. approves possible FMS to Indonesia for AIM-9X-2 missiles and to Malaysia for AMRAAM missiles 0605152

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U.S. approves possible FMS to Indonesia for AIM-9X-2 missiles and to Malaysia for AMRAAM missiles
 
The U.S. State Department has approved yesterday, May 5, two possible Foreign Military Sales to Indonesia for 30 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million, and to Malaysia for 10 AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $21 million.
The U.S. State Department has approved yesterday, May 5, two possible Foreign Military Sales to Indonesia for 30 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million, and to Malaysia for 10 AIM-120C7 AMRAAM Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $21 million.
 

U.S. approves possible FMS to Japan for 17 V-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft 0605151

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U.S. approves possible FMS to Japan for 17 V-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft
 
The U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for 17 V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3 billion. The principal contractors will be Bell Helicopter and Boeing Rotorcraft Systems via a joint venture arrangement with initial assembly of aircraft fuselage occurring in Ridley Park, PA and final aircraft assembly occurring in Amarillo, TX.
The U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for 17 V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3 billion. The principal contractors will be Bell Helicopter and Boeing Rotorcraft Systems via a joint venture arrangement with initial assembly of aircraft fuselage occurring in Ridley Park, PA and final aircraft assembly occurring in Amarillo, TX.
 

BAE Systems, Fotoniks to integrate LiteHUD Head-Up Display on Hürkus basic training aircraft 0505155

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BAE Systems, Fotoniks to integrate LiteHUD Head-Up Display on Hürkus basic training aircraft
 
BAE Systems and Turkish technology company Fotoniks have announced today, May 5, an agreement to collaborate on the development and in-region delivery of aircraft display systems. As part of the agreement, Fotoniks will work to integrate BAE Systems’ LiteHUD® Head-Up Display (HUD) into the HUD system for the Hürkus basic training aircraft. The two companies will further develop the HUD system at the Fotoniks facility in Ankara, Turkey, for the local and regional market.
BAE Systems and Turkish technology company Fotoniks have announced today, May 5, an agreement to collaborate on the development and in-region delivery of aircraft display systems. As part of the agreement, Fotoniks will work to integrate BAE Systems’ LiteHUD® Head-Up Display (HUD) into the HUD system for the Hürkus basic training aircraft. The two companies will further develop the HUD system at the Fotoniks facility in Ankara, Turkey, for the local and regional market.
 

Boeing to bring USAF B-1B Lancer bombers into the digital age with new upgrades 0505152

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Boeing to bring USAF B-1B Lancer bombers into the digital age with new upgrades
 
Boeing has recently announced three new upgrades for U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bomber aircraft that bring the aircraft into the digital age. The latest upgrade, a trio of updates known as the integrated battle station, are ensuring the B-1 meets today’s mission requirements and further establishes a solid foundation for additional modernization in the decades to come.
Boeing has recently announced three new upgrades for U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bomber aircraft that bring the aircraft into the digital age. The latest upgrade, a trio of updates known as the integrated battle station, are ensuring the B-1 meets today’s mission requirements and further establishes a solid foundation for additional modernization in the decades to come.
 

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