Aviation defence industry technology
 
 

Georgian company Delta unveils new Multi-function Unmanned Helicopter 2905153

Georgian company Delta unveils new Multi-function Unmanned Helicopter
 
Georgia recently unveiled a new unmanned attack and reconnaissance helicopter produced by the state research and development center Delta. This new UAV has been displayed for the first time on Roses Square in Tbilisi, during Georgia's Independence Day celebration on May 26. Delta, which was established in 2010, was subordinate to the Georgian Ministry of Defense until 2014, but is now controlled by the Georgian Ministry of Economy.
Georgia recently unveiled a new unmanned attack and reconnaissance helicopter produced by the state research and development center Delta. This new UAV has been displayed for the first time on Roses Square in Tbilisi, during Georgia's Independence Day celebration on May 26. Delta, which was established in 2010, was subordinate to the Georgian Ministry of Defense until 2014, but is now controlled by the Georgian Ministry of Economy.
 

USAF F-22 Raptor successfully test fired AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles 1105155

USAF F-22 Raptor successfully test fired AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles
 
US Air Force's 411th Flight Test Squadron and F-22 Combined Test Force successfully test fired two guided AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles this year as part of the latest phase in getting the Raptor closer to using the missile operationally. The AIM-9X is an advanced infrared missile and the newest of the Sidewinder family of short-range air-to-air missiles carried on a wide range of fighter jets.
US Air Force's 411th Flight Test Squadron and F-22 Combined Test Force successfully test fired two guided AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles this year as part of the latest phase in getting the Raptor closer to using the missile operationally. The AIM-9X is an advanced infrared missile and the newest of the Sidewinder family of short-range air-to-air missiles carried on a wide range of fighter jets.
 

Dassault's Rafale fighter successfully performed first guided firing of a Meteor missile

Dassault's Rafale fighter successfully performed first guided firing of a Meteor missile
 
On 28th April 2015, teams from the French Ministry of Defence, Dassault Aviation and MBDA carried out the first guided firing of the long-range Meteor missile against an air target from a Rafale combat aircraft. The firing, from a Rafale prepared at the DGA’s Cazaux Flight Test Centre (near Bordeaux, S.W. France), proceeded successfully within the secured zone of the DGA Essais de Missiles (previously Centre d'Essais des Landes) in Biscarosse (also near Bordeaux).
On 28th April 2015, teams from the French Ministry of Defence, Dassault Aviation and MBDA carried out the first guided firing of the long-range Meteor missile against an air target from a Rafale combat aircraft. The firing, from a Rafale prepared at the DGA’s Cazaux Flight Test Centre (near Bordeaux, S.W. France), proceeded successfully within the secured zone of the DGA Essais de Missiles (previously Centre d'Essais des Landes) in Biscarosse (also near Bordeaux).
 

KRET starts equipping Russia's Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters with Strapdown Inertial Navigation System 2904155

KRET starts equipping Russia's Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters with Strapdown Inertial Navigation System
 
Radioelectronic Technologies Concern "KRET", part of Rostec State Corporation, has started equipping Russia's Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters with the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). This is the first time SINS is installed on an indigenous helicopter. The new system will allow the helicopters to navigate and perform tasks under extreme conditions of the Far North, KRET’s press-service reports.
Radioelectronic Technologies Concern "KRET", part of Rostec State Corporation, has started equipping Russia's Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters with the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). This is the first time SINS is installed on an indigenous helicopter. The new system will allow the helicopters to navigate and perform tasks under extreme conditions of the Far North, KRET’s press-service reports.
 

Australia's Tiger ARH helicopter successfully test fired APKWS laser-guided rocket

Australia's Tiger ARH helicopter successfully test fired APKWS laser-guided rocket
 
The Australian Defence Force demonstrated the precision strike capability of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) laser-guided rocket, firing the system from an Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) for the first time. Using a Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rocket motor, warhead, and launcher, the APKWS rocket was 10 for 10 in the live fire flight trials.
The Australian Defence Force demonstrated the precision strike capability of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) laser-guided rocket, firing the system from an Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) for the first time. Using a Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rocket motor, warhead, and launcher, the APKWS rocket was 10 for 10 in the live fire flight trials.
 

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II on its way to production readiness

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II on its way to production readiness
 
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force completed three successful Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) program reviews prior to a mid-May Milestone C decision, the US-based company announced on April 9 in a statement. During March and April, the SDB II team successfully completed a functional configuration audit, a production readiness review and a system verification review (SVR). A successful Milestone C brief and decision clears the way for low rate initial production (LRIP) in 2015 for SDB II.
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force completed three successful Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) program reviews prior to a mid-May Milestone C decision, the US-based company announced on April 9 in a statement. During March and April, the SDB II team successfully completed a functional configuration audit, a production readiness review and a system verification review (SVR). A successful Milestone C brief and decision clears the way for low rate initial production (LRIP) in 2015 for SDB II.
 

USAF's MQ-9 Reaper successfully hit for the first time maritime target during joint exercise

USAF's MQ-9 Reaper successfully hit for the first time maritime target during joint exercise
 
An MQ-9 Reaper successfully hit a sea-going target with an AGM-114 Hellfire missile during a joint service training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico on March 17. This was the first time a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) hit a maritime target, said the USAF yesterday, April 2nd.
An MQ-9 Reaper successfully hit a sea-going target with an AGM-114 Hellfire missile during a joint service training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico on March 17. This was the first time a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) hit a maritime target, said the USAF yesterday, April 2nd.
 

DARPA unveils new SoSITE program for maintaining air superiority

DARPA unveils new SoSITE program for maintaining air superiority
 
DARPA recently revealed its plans in order to integrate new technologies and airborne systems with existing systems more quickly and at lower cost than near-peer adversaries can counter them. DARPA's new program aims to develop and demonstrate concepts for maintaining air superiority through novel SoS architectures--combinations of aircraft, weapons, sensors and mission systems--that distribute air warfare capabilities across a large number of interoperable manned and unmanned platforms.
DARPA recently revealed its plans in order to integrate new technologies and airborne systems with existing systems more quickly and at lower cost than near-peer adversaries can counter them. DARPA's new program aims to develop and demonstrate concepts for maintaining air superiority through novel SoS architectures--combinations of aircraft, weapons, sensors and mission systems--that distribute air warfare capabilities across a large number of interoperable manned and unmanned platforms.
 

TOW 2A RF practice missiles successfully fired from an AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter

TOW 2A RF practice missiles successfully fired from an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter
 
In the first of its kind launch, Raytheon Company fired tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW®) 2A radio frequency (RF) practice missiles from an AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter during a December exercise, the US-based company said yesterday, March 30.
In the first of its kind launch, Raytheon Company fired tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW®) 2A radio frequency (RF) practice missiles from an AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter during a December exercise, the US-based company said yesterday, March 30.
 

India's first upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter aircraft has begun scheduled flights

India's first upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter aircraft has begun scheduled flights
 
The first MiG-29UPG underwent modifications conducted by Indian specialists and soared into the sky in February this year, stated CEO of MiG Corporation Sergey Korotkov in an interview with Interfax-AVN. The group of MiG-29’s, which underwent modernization in India, is made up of four fighter aircraft.
The first MiG-29UPG underwent modifications conducted by Indian specialists and soared into the sky in February this year, stated CEO of MiG Corporation Sergey Korotkov in an interview with Interfax-AVN. The group of MiG-29’s, which underwent modernization in India, is made up of four fighter aircraft.
 

Boeing delivered first production QF-16 full-scale aerial target to Tyndall Air Force Base

Boeing delivered first production QF-16 full-scale aerial target to Tyndall Air Force Base
 
The USAF's Tyndall Air Force Aerial Target Division has a new target. Since March 11, the division has access to the QF-16, an unmanned F-16 it will use in exercises with its F-22 squadron. The QF-16s are based at the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, but some are being sent to the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron, a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Wing, headquartered at Eglin.
The USAF's Tyndall Air Force Aerial Target Division has a new target. Since March 11, the division has access to the QF-16, an unmanned F-16 it will use in exercises with its F-22 squadron. The QF-16s are based at the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, but some are being sent to the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron, a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Wing, headquartered at Eglin.
 

India about to conduct final tests on indigenously developed Astra BVR air-to-air missile

India about to conduct final tests on indigenously developed Astra BVR air-to-air missile
 
India will be conducting the final round phase trial of Astra, beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile on March 12 before inducting it in its Armed Forces. India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has begun preparation for a fresh trial of the indigenously developed missile from a defense base off the Odisha coast.
India will be conducting the final round phase trial of Astra, beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile on March 12 before inducting it in its Armed Forces. India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has begun preparation for a fresh trial of the indigenously developed missile from a defense base off the Odisha coast.
 

KRET announced delivery of first batch of Richag-AV radar and sonar jamming systems

KRET announced delivery of first batch of Richag-AV radar and sonar jamming systems
 
At a presentation for journalists in Kazan on Wednesday Russian radio-electronics firm Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET) announced that it is handing over the first batch of a new helicopter-mounted electronic warfare system known as the 'Richag-AV' to the armed forces. Russia's new Richag-AV radar and sonar jamming system can be mounted on helicopters, ships and other military equipment to jam potential adversaries' weapons systems from distances of several hundred kilometers away.
At a presentation for journalists in Kazan on Wednesday Russian radio-electronics firm Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET) announced that it is handing over the first batch of a new helicopter-mounted electronic warfare system known as the 'Richag-AV' to the armed forces. Russia's new Richag-AV radar and sonar jamming system can be mounted on helicopters, ships and other military equipment to jam potential adversaries' weapons systems from distances of several hundred kilometers away.
 

AgustaWestland highlights AW609 tiltrotor aircraft with enhanced capabilities

AgustaWestland highlights AW609 tiltrotor aircraft with enhanced capabilities
 
AgustaWestland announced today, March 3rd, that the Company has introduced several performance and product improvements for the AW609 TiltRotor to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities. It has recently completed an extended technology development flight test programme which has confirmed an increase in the maximum take-off weight up to 18,000 lbs (8,165 kg) thanks to engine upgrades, landing gear modifications and optimized flight control techniques.
AgustaWestland announced today, March 3rd, that the Company has introduced several performance and product improvements for the AW609 TiltRotor to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities. It has recently completed an extended technology development flight test programme which has confirmed an increase in the maximum take-off weight up to 18,000 lbs (8,165 kg) thanks to engine upgrades, landing gear modifications and optimized flight control techniques.
 

HAL's Light Combat Helicopter successfully completes cold weather trials

HAL's Light Combat Helicopter successfully completes cold weather trials
 
The cold weather trials of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) have been successfully completed at Air Force Station in Leh recently, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) said on Monday, March 2nd. "The trials covered engine starts with internal batteries after overnight cold soak at 3 km altitude and 4.1 km altitude", T Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL said.
The cold weather trials of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) have been successfully completed at Air Force Station in Leh recently, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) said on Monday, March 2nd. "The trials covered engine starts with internal batteries after overnight cold soak at 3 km altitude and 4.1 km altitude", T Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL said.
 

Iran's indigenously-made Homa helicopter performs first flight test, now in final test stage

Iran's indigenously-made Homa helicopter performs first flight test, now in final test stage
 
General Mohammad Ali Ahmadabadi, Managing Director of Iran's Helicopter Renovation and Logistics Company (PANHA) said yesterday the final tests were carried out on the semi-heavy “Homa” helicopter, IRNA news agency reported on February 16. "The helicopter has been built as a result of the efforts of PANHA company and is a 14-seater chopper," Ahmadabadi told reporters in Tehran on Monday.
General Mohammad Ali Ahmadabadi, Managing Director of Iran's Helicopter Renovation and Logistics Company (PANHA) said yesterday the final tests were carried out on the semi-heavy “Homa” helicopter, IRNA news agency reported on February 16.
 

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II successfully completes live fire tests with moving targets

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II successfully completes live fire tests with moving targets
 
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force completed two successful Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) all-up round live fire test flights that demonstrated the weapon's ability to detect, track and destroy moving targets. The flight tests, which took place at the White Sands Missile Test Range, are the final flight events required prior to Milestone C and the start of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force completed two successful Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) all-up round live fire test flights that demonstrated the weapon's ability to detect, track and destroy moving targets. The flight tests, which took place at the White Sands Missile Test Range, are the final flight events required prior to Milestone C and the start of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
 

Rheinmetall to upgrade Tiger multi-purpose attack helicopter's simulator systems

Rheinmetall to upgrade Tiger multi-purpose attack helicopter's simulator systems
 
Crews of the Franco-German Tiger multi-purpose attack helicopter will continue in future to train with tried-and-tested simulation technology from Rheinmetall. The Düsseldorf-based Group recently booked an order to this effect worth several tens of millions €.
Crews of the Franco-German Tiger multi-purpose attack helicopter will continue in future to train with tried-and-tested simulation technology from Rheinmetall. The Düsseldorf-based Group recently booked an order to this effect worth several tens of millions €.
 

Sikorsky's S-97 Raider first prototype started bladed ground testing

Sikorsky's S-97 Raider first prototype started bladed ground testing
 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., on February 4 announced the start of bladed ground testing, a major milestone, for the S-97 Raider program. The Raider is an armed reconnaissance rotorcraft designed to significantly outmatch conventional military helicopters in maneuverability, payload, speed, range and high/hot environmental conditions.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., on February 4 announced the start of bladed ground testing, a major milestone, for the S-97 Raider program. The Raider is an armed reconnaissance rotorcraft designed to significantly outmatch conventional military helicopters in maneuverability, payload, speed, range and high/hot environmental conditions.
 

Pakistan successfully test-launched indigenously-made Ra'ad cruise missile

Pakistan successfully test-launched indigenously-made Ra'ad cruise missile
 
Pakistan on Monday, February 2, conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) “Ra’ad”, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release. The Ra’ad/Hatf-VIIImissile, with a range of 350 km, enables Pakistan to achieve 'strategic standoff capability' on land and at sea.
Pakistan on Monday, February 2, conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) “Ra’ad”, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release. The Ra’ad/Hatf-VIIImissile, with a range of 350 km, enables Pakistan to achieve 'strategic standoff capability' on land and at sea.
 

Russia performed flight tests on Il-76 MD transport aircraft in "bomber" variant

Russia performed flight tests of Il-76MD strategic transport aircraft in "bomber" variant
 
The Russian Air Force (Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily: VVS) has performed bomb-carrying trials with its Ilyushin Il-76 ‘Candid’ strategic transport aircraft, the company announced on 30 January. In the exercise, which took place in the Tver region of the country north of Moscow, an Il-76MD was fitted with P-50T practice bombs on four underwing hardpoints.
The Russian Air Force (Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily: VVS) has performed bomb-carrying trials with its Ilyushin Il-76 ‘Candid’ strategic transport aircraft, the company announced on 30 January. In the exercise, which took place in the Tver region of the country north of Moscow, an Il-76MD was fitted with P-50T practice bombs on four underwing hardpoints.
 

India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas demonstrates capabilities in extrem cold conditions

India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas demonstrates capabilities in extrem cold conditions
 
The Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has achieved a rare technological breakthrough with three consecutive start ups of its engine in extreme sub-zero temperatures of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, announced the Indian Defense Ministry on January 28.
The Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has achieved a rare technological breakthrough with three consecutive start ups of its engine in extreme sub-zero temperatures of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, announced the Indian Defense Ministry on January 28.
 

Russia plans to test the 9A1-4071K 30mm gun on a T-50 PAK FA fighter aircraft in 2015

Russia plans to test the 9A1-4071K 30mm gun on a T-50 PAK FA fighter aircraft in 2015
 
Flight tests of the 9A1-4071K modernized rapid-aircraft cannon, which can exhaust its entire ammunition capacity in any mode, were conducted on the Su-27SM. In 2015, developmental work is planned to test the gun on a plane of the fifth-generation – the T-50, announced Rostec today, January 28.
Flight tests of the 9A1-4071K modernized rapid-aircraft cannon, which can exhaust its entire ammunition capacity in any mode, were conducted on the Su-27SM. In 2015, developmental work is planned to test the gun on a plane of the fifth-generation – the T-50, announced Rostec today, January 28.
 

DRS Technologies successfully completes flight test of new GS205-XRZ laser designating gimbal

DRS Technologies successfully completes flight test of new GS205-XRZ laser designating gimbal
 
DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced on January 21 that it successfully performed the first airborne demonstration of its GS205-XRZ laser designating gimbal. At less than six inches in diameter and weighing less than nine pounds, the GS205 is one of the smallest stabilized, light-weight and fully qualified targeting systems on the market.
DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced on January 21 that it successfully performed the first airborne demonstration of its GS205-XRZ laser designating gimbal. At less than six inches in diameter and weighing less than nine pounds, the GS205 is one of the smallest stabilized, light-weight and fully qualified targeting systems on the market.
 

KRET to equip future MiG-31BM fighter jets with new Zaslon-M radar system

KRET to equip future MiG-31BM fighter jets with Zaslon-M radar system
 
More than 50 modernized MiG-31BM fighter jets will be delivered to the Russian armed forces by the end of 2018. The updated MiG jets will patrol some of the most important strategic areas, including the Arctic, as reported by TASS. The upgraded MiG-31BM will have the new Zaslon-M radar system, designed by the Research Institute of Instrumentation named for Tikhomirov, which is part of KRET.
More than 50 modernized MiG-31BM fighter jets will be delivered to the Russian armed forces by the end of 2018. The updated MiG jets will patrol some of the most important strategic areas, including the Arctic, as reported by TASS. The upgraded MiG-31BM will have the new Zaslon-M radar system, designed by the Research Institute of Instrumentation named for Tikhomirov, which is part of KRET.
 

Iran's indigenously made Borhan fighter aircraft successfully passed wind tunnel tests

Iran's indigenously made Borhan fighter aircraft successfully passed wind tunnel tests
 
According to Iranian news agency Tasnim, the Iran-made Borhan fighter aircraft, which is also known as B92, has been completely manufactured by the Iranian military experts and has successfully passed wind tunnel tests. Currently, 70 percent of the detail design of the fighter, which is an updated and optimized version of Shafaq fighter, has been completed and its mock-up has been also manufactured, reported Tasnim news agency.
According to Iranian news agency Tasnim, the Iran-made Borhan fighter aircraft, which is also known as B92, has been completely manufactured by the Iranian military experts and has successfully passed wind tunnel tests. Currently, 70 percent of the detail design of the fighter, which is an updated and optimized version of Shafaq fighter, has been completed and its mock-up has been also manufactured, reported Tasnim news agency.
 

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