November 2018 news

Air Forces - Aerospace and Defense Industry


UK to double its F-35B fleet by 2022

The UK is set to double its number of world-beating F-35 stealth jets after ordering 17 more aircraft, the British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced on November 15, 2018.

China's J-20 fighter jet now aerial refueling-capable

China's most advanced stealth fighter jet, the J-20, is now ready for aerial refueling operations that will help the jet reach farther targets, as national television showcased the aircraft's embedded refueling probe on Tuesday.

Northrop Grumman to support South Korea RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet

Northrop Grumman Corporation has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to provide contractor logistics support (CLS) to the Republic of Korea’s high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (HUAV) fleet.

Lockheed Martin lands $22.7Bn order for F-35 production

On November 14, the F-35 Joint Program Office awarded Lockheed Martin a $22.7 billion Undefintiized Contract Action to fund more than 250 F-35 aircraft. This is a significant milestone for the program that reduces costs and demonstrates increased program maturity.

Mi-171A2 chopper starts demo tour in Southeast Asia

Potential customers from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia can learn about functionality of brand new Мi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters during their demonstration tour through Southeast Asia. The first demonstration of the new products by Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) will be held on November 16 in Vietnam.

GKN Aerospace signs new contract for F135 parts production

GKN Aerospace Norway today announced that it has signed an eight-year agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the production of diffuser cases, low pressure turbine cases and shafts for the F135 engine, which powers the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The agreement also includes an extension for the supply of several shafts for Pratt & Whitney's F100, JT8D and FT8 engines.

HAL HTT 40 basic trainer enters new flight test phase

The HAL HTT 40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft) began the most awaited phase of the `spin test’ by successfully entering in to two turn spin and subsequently recovering with the appropriate controls.  Two test pilots undertook the first ever spin entry testing today at around 1.30 pm. The aircraft was piloted by Gp Capt (Retd) KK Venugopal, DGM-Test Pilot (FW) from front cock pit and Gp Capt S Chaki (Retd), Sr. Test Pilot (FW) from rear. The stall testing was already completed and the project galloped its way to spin tests.

P&W delivers first PW127G engines for Canadian Fixed-Wing SAR program

Pratt & Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., yesterday announced that it recently started delivering PW127G engines to Airbus Defence and Space in support of Canada's Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project.

Airbus' H145 selected to enhance New Zealand emergency medical services

The Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Limited has selected Airbus’ H145, in response to New Zealand’s Health Ministry’s call to enhance its helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) industry, the aircraft manufacturer announced today.

Russia, Kazakhstan to jointly produce Il-103M utility aircraft

Russia`s Ilyushin Company (a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)) and Kazakhstan`s Kazakh Aviation Plant (KAZ) are planning to establish in Kazakhstan a manufacturing facility to build upgraded Ilyushin Il-103M light utility aircraft under license, according to the press department of the UAC.

European MALE UAV program enters next phase

Shortly before the end of the definition study, launched in September 2016, the Programme Participating States of the European MALE RPAS programme, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, have taken a major decision on the way ahead. After an intense period of preparation, OCCAR-EA launched the invitation to tender to the potential future prime contractor Airbus Defence & Space GmbH on 31 October.

Italian Financial Guard expands helicopter fleet with 22 AW169Ms

Leonardo announced on November 12 the signing of a contract with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza for 22 new generation AW169M twin engine helicopters. The contract, valued at 280 million euro, includes a comprehensive support and training package which could be further extended with optional services valued at an additional 100 million euro. Deliveries are expected to start in summer 2019 and to be completed by 2024.

RoKAF first A330 MRTT landed in South Korea

The RoKAF's first aerial refueling tanker arrived in South Korea on Monday, military officials said, raising hope that it will drastically increase the operational radius of fighters.

China unveils roadmap for building modern PLAAF

The Chinese Air Force on Sunday, November 11, announced a roadmap for building a stronger modern air force in three steps.

Russian aerospace industry details Ka-52 upgrade program

The Sazykin Aircraft Plant in Arsenyev in Primorye region began to produce Ka-52 helicopters ten years ago in late October 2008. The gunships became operational in November 2011 and five years later debuted in the Syrian combat. The Russian armed forces will receive 114 Ka-52 in the coming years. The new modifications take into account the experience of combat engagement in Syria, the Zvezda broadcaster said.

Saab Gripen E completes first test flight with Meteor missile

In October, Saab successfully completed a test flight by a Gripen E aircraft with the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) for the first time, the Swedish defense company announced on November 12, 2018.

Phazotron-NIIR completing Zhuk-AM AESA radar development

Phazotron-NIIR Corporation is completing the production of the first active phased antenna array radar for MiG-29 fighter jets, a source in the Russian defense industry told TASS at Airshow China.

Leonardo and LIG Nex 1 join forces for South Korea IFF upgrade program

At Indo Defence 2018 Expo & Forum (Jakarta 7 – 10 November), Leonardo is proud to announce that it has been selected by the Republic of Korea-based company LIG Nex1 as a strategic technology partner. The two companies will initially bid together to carry out the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA)’s IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) upgrade requirement. This will see the IFF equipment on aircraft operated by RoK Armed Forces updated to the latest ‘Mode 5’ standard.

KAI signs new deal with Indonesia for KT-1Bs and T-50i uppgrade

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a South Korean defense firm, signed a contract worth 100 billion won (US$89.4 million) with Indonesia on Thursday, its officials said on November 8, 2018.

Russian Helicopters lands new Ansat order in China

The Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a contract for delivery of 20 Ansat helicopters for Chinese Association for Disaster & Emergency Rescue Medicine (CADERM) during Airshow China 2018. The rotorcrafts will be delivered to the customer in multi-purpose configuration.

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