February 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Russia's Armavir air base took delivery of second batch of Yak-130 trainer aircraft

Russia's Armavir air base took delivery of second batch of Yak-130 trainer aircraft
 
The second batch of Yak-130 operational trainers scheduled for 2015 was delivered to Russian Air Force's Armavir air base, the third one is being prepared for delivery, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the representative of the press-service of Russian Ministry of Defense on Air Forces, Colonel Igor Klimov.
The second batch of Yak-130 operational trainers scheduled for 2015 was delivered to Russian Air Force's Armavir air base, the third one is being prepared for delivery, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the representative of the press-service of Russian Ministry of Defense on Air Forces, Colonel Igor Klimov.
 

Lockheed Martin unveiled new Legion Pod multi-function sensor system

Lockheed Martin unveiled new Legion Pod multi-function sensor system
 
Yesterday, Lockheed Martin introduced Legion Pod – a multi-function sensor system that supports collaborative targeting operations between multiple aircraft in radar-denied environments. Lockheed Martin developed Legion Pod through internal investment, and pod components have completed limited qualification. Initial flight tests will occur this year, with additional flight tests planned for 2016.
Yesterday, Lockheed Martin introduced Legion Pod – a multi-function sensor system that supports collaborative targeting operations between multiple aircraft in radar-denied environments. Lockheed Martin developed Legion Pod through internal investment, and pod components have completed limited qualification. Initial flight tests will occur this year, with additional flight tests planned for 2016.
 

Airbus Helicopters Inc. wins $221 mn order to build 41 UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the US Army

Airbus Helicopters Inc. wins $221 mn order to build 41 UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the US Army
 
Airbus Defense and Space Inc. was awarded a $220,564,993 contract to procure forty-one additionnal 72A Lakota light utility helicopters and forty-one Airborne Radio Communications 231 Radios. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2017. Work will be performed Columbus, Mississippi. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Airbus Defense and Space Inc. was awarded a $220,564,993 contract to procure forty-one additionnal 72A Lakota light utility helicopters and forty-one Airborne Radio Communications 231 Radios. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2017. Work will be performed Columbus, Mississippi. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
 

French President François Hollande officially confirms sale of 24 Rafale fighter aircraft to Egypt

French President François Hollande officially confirms sale of 24 Rafale fighter aircraft to Egypt
 
French President François Hollande, through its cabinet, officially confirmed the sale of Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft today. Paris and Cairo will sign a deal for the sale of 24 of French-made Rafale fighter aircraft on February 16, Le Monde reported on Thursday. The deal will be part of a $6 billion package that also includes a FREMM frigate and an MBDA air defense missile systems.
French President François Hollande, through its cabinet, officially confirmed the sale of Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft today. Paris and Cairo will sign a deal for the sale of 24 of French-made Rafale fighter aircraft on February 16, Le Monde reported on Thursday. The deal will be part of a $6 billion package that also includes a FREMM frigate and MBDA missile systems.
 

IAI's M-19HD electro-optical payload successfully completes all airborne test-flights

IAI's M-19HD electro-optical payload successfully completes all airborne test-flights
 
Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) innovative M-19HD payload has successfully completed all airborne test-flights on manned and unmanned platforms. Local and international customers have shown interest in the novel electro-optical payload and advanced negotiations are underway, IAI said on Wednesday February 11 through an official statement.
Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) innovative M-19HD payload has successfully completed all airborne test-flights on manned and unmanned platforms. Local and international customers have shown interest in the novel electro-optical payload and advanced negotiations are underway, IAI said on Wednesday February 11 through an official statement.
 

British Tornado GR4 hits ISIS mortar position near Mosul with MBDA Brimstone missile

British Tornado GR4 hits ISIS mortar position near Mosul with MBDA Brimstone missile
 
On the morning of Friday 6 February, an RAF Tornado GR4 patrol worked closely with a coalition surveillance platform to provide overwatch for Kurdish peshmerga, who were engaged in close combat with ISIL – also known as Da’ish – terrorists near Mosul. When an ISIL mortar position opened fire on the pehsmerga, the GR4s were able to respond with a Brimstone missile which scored a direct hit.
On the morning of Friday 6 February, an RAF Tornado GR4 patrol worked closely with a coalition surveillance platform to provide overwatch for Kurdish peshmerga, who were engaged in close combat with ISIL – also known as Da’ish – terrorists near Mosul. When an ISIL mortar position opened fire on the pehsmerga, the GR4s were able to respond with a Brimstone missile which scored a direct hit.
 

Nicaragua likely to enhance aerial capabilities with Russian MiG-29 fighter aircraft

Nicaragua likely to enhance aerial capabilities with Russian MiG-29 fighter aircraft
 
Nicaragua plans to purchase a batch of warplanes, including Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, to fight drug trafficking in coastal areas. This was stated by General Adolfo Zepeda, a spokesman for the Nicaraguan Army. “We plan to buy a batch of warplanes that would be used only for defence purposes, not for air strikes,” Mr. Zepeda said, noting that Nicaragua is not going to create any military threat for its neighbors in the region.
Nicaragua plans to purchase a batch of warplanes, including Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, to fight drug trafficking in coastal areas. This was stated by General Adolfo Zepeda, a spokesman for the Nicaraguan Army. “We plan to buy a batch of warplanes that would be used only for defence purposes, not for air strikes,” Mr. Zepeda said, noting that Nicaragua is not going to create any military threat for its neighbors in the region.
 

IAI and Alpha Design Technologies to team for production of mini-Unmanned Aerial Systems in India

IAI and Alpha Design Technologies to team for production of mini-Unmanned Aerial Systems in India
 
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Alpha Design Technologies have signed a teaming agreement for the production and marketing of mini-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in India. The IAI-Alpha cooperation includes IAI’s Bird-Eye 400 and Bird-Eye 650 mini UAS as well as other mini-unmanned aerial systems, to accommodate the operational needs of Indian customers.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Alpha Design Technologies have signed a teaming agreement for the production and marketing of mini-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in India. The IAI-Alpha cooperation includes IAI’s Bird-Eye 400 and Bird-Eye 650 mini UAS as well as other mini-unmanned aerial systems, to accommodate the operational needs of Indian customers.
 

USAF deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in Germany to support Operation Atlantic Resolve

USAF deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in Germany to support Operation Atlantic Resolve
 
The United States Air Force deployed 12 A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, announced yesterday, February 10, the United States European Command.
The United States Air Force deployed 12 A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, announced yesterday, February 10, the United States European Command.
 

United States could open air base in Iraqi's Kurdistan to help in fight against Islamic State

United States could open air base in Iraqi's Kurdistan to help in fight against Islamic State
 
The United States is to establish a military base in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan to purportedly provide logistical assistance to warplanes of the US-led coalition against ISIL terrorists, says a report citing officials in the region. Helgurt Hikmet, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga, made the announcement to Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency on Monday, February 11.
The United States is to establish a military base in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan to purportedly provide logistical assistance to warplanes of the US-led coalition against ISIL terrorists, says a report citing officials in the region. Helgurt Hikmet, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga, made the announcement to Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency on Monday, February 11.
 

Bell Boeing delivered MV-22 Osprey flight simulators to HMX-1 US Presidential Airlift Squadron

Bell Boeing delivered MV-22 Osprey flight simulators to HMX-1 US Presidential Airlift Squadron
 
The V-22 team of Bell Helicopter and Boeing recently delivered two MV-22 Osprey flight training simulators to the HMX-1 Presidential Airlift Squadron, enabling Marine aviators to more efficiently train for their critical and highly-visible transport mission.
The V-22 team of Bell Helicopter and Boeing recently delivered two MV-22 Osprey flight training simulators to the HMX-1 Presidential Airlift Squadron, enabling Marine aviators to more efficiently train for their critical and highly-visible transport mission.
 

BAE Systems awarded a $200 mn contract for F-16 fighter aircraft support equipment

BAE Systems awarded a $200 mn contract for F-16 fighter aircraft support equipment
 
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, has been awarded a $221,000,000 contract for F-16 support equipment and related services, announced yesterday the US DoD. Work will be performed at Nashua, New Hampshire and Ft. Worth, Texas, and is expected to be complete by February 4, 2020.
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, has been awarded a $221,000,000 contract for F-16 support equipment and related services, announced yesterday the US DoD. Work will be performed at Nashua, New Hampshire and Ft. Worth, Texas, and is expected to be complete by February 4, 2020.
 

Airbus Defence and Space delivers A400M Full Flight Simulator to the German Air Force

Airbus Defence and Space delivers A400M Full Flight Simulator to the German Air Force
 
The German Air Force (GAF) has taken delivery of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the A400M aircraft provided by Airbus Defence and Space, announced the aircraft manufacturer yesterday, February 9.The training device entered service at Wunstorf Air Base, where the GAF A400M fleet will be based, on 8 January and will be used to train about 60 GAF crews in its first three years in operation. Developed by Airbus Defence and Space and manufactured by Thales, it is a full replica of the A400M cockpit.
The German Air Force (GAF) has taken delivery of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the A400M aircraft provided by Airbus Defence and Space, announced the aircraft manufacturer yesterday, February 9.The training device entered service at Wunstorf Air Base, where the GAF A400M fleet will be based, on 8 January and will be used to train about 60 GAF crews in its first three years in operation. Developed by Airbus Defence and Space and manufactured by Thales, it is a full replica of the A400M cockpit.
 

Lockheed wins contract to sustain US Army's Apache helicopters Targeting/Night Vision System

Lockheed wins contract to sustain US Army's Apache helicopters Targeting/Night Vision System
 
Lockheed Martin received an $82 million Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract in December from the U.S. Army for AH-64 Apache helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system sustainment.
Lockheed Martin received an $82 million Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract in December from the U.S. Army for AH-64 Apache helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system sustainment.
 

BAE Systems Australia chosen as F-35 Lighting II support provider for Southern Pacific Region

BAE Systems Australia chosen as F-35 Lighting II support provider for Southern Pacific Region
 
BAE Systems Australia has been assigned the role of Southern Pacific Regional Depot Airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade provider - supporting the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from early 2018. Work under the contract will be undertaken in Williamtown, NSW, where BAE Systems currently supports the total sustainment of the Hawk MK 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.
BAE Systems Australia has been assigned the role of Southern Pacific Regional Depot Airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade provider - supporting the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from early 2018. Work under the contract will be undertaken in Williamtown, NSW, where BAE Systems currently supports the total sustainment of the Hawk MK 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.
 

The US State Department approved FMS to the Netherlands for 4 MQ-9 Reaper UAVs

The US State Department approved FMS to the Netherlands for 4 MQ-9 Reaper UAVs
 
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for 4 MQ-9 Reapers and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $339 million. The principal contractor will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego, California.
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for 4 MQ-9 Reapers and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $339 million. The principal contractor will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego, California.
 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to provide Indian Air Force with 14 Do-228 light utility aircraft

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to provide Indian Air Force with 14 Do-228 light utility aircraft
 
The Indian Air Force will acquire 14 Dornier light utility aircraft for $176 mn from the Indian state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Apart from the HAL Do-228 aircraft, the contract includes six reserve engines, one flight simulator and associated equipment, T Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL said.
The Indian Air Force will acquire 14 Dornier light utility aircraft for $176 mn from the Indian state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Apart from the HAL Do-228 aircraft, the contract includes six reserve engines, one flight simulator and associated equipment, T Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL said.
 

France gives green light for the purchase of a third MQ-9 Reaper UAV

France gives green light for the purchase of a third MQ-9 Reaper UAS
 
The United States Air Force Materiel Command has officially announced yesterday the urgent request from the French Defense Ministry for a third General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial system. The French Air Force has already acquired two MQ-9 Reaper, which performed first operational flight in January 2014.
The United States Air Force Materiel Command has officially announced yesterday the urgent request from the French Defense Ministry for a third General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial system. The French Air Force has already acquired two MQ-9 Reaper, which performed first operational flight in January 2014.
 

Thales to provide Flight Management System software for the UH-60V Black Hawk upgrade program

Thales to provide Flight Management System software for the UH-60V Black Hawk upgrade program
 
Thales announced yesterday, February 4, that it has been selected by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) to supply its state of the art Flight Management System software, i-FMS200, which will be embedded in the avionics mission equipment package that Northrop Grumman will provide to upgrade the US Army’s UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters. The upgraded version of the Black Hawk helicopter will be known as UH-60V.
Thales announced yesterday, February 4, that it has been selected by Northrop Grumman Corporation to supply its state of the art Flight Management System software, i-FMS200, which will be embedded in the avionics mission equipment package that Northrop Grumman will provide to upgrade the US Army’s UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters. The upgraded version of the Black Hawk helicopter will be known as UH-60V.
 

Korea Air Line and Airbus to jointly bid for South Korea's KF-X indigenous fighter program

Korea Air Line and Airbus to team for South Korea's KF-X indigenous fighter development program
 
South Korea's top air carrier Korean Air Line Co. plans to sign a partnership agreement with Europe's Airbus this week to jointly bid for Seoul's indigenous fighter development program, officials said Thursday. Codenamed KF-X, the 8.5 trillion won ($8.3 billion) project calls for South Korea to develop and produce some 120 fighter jets of the F-16 class to replace its aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s.
South Korea's top air carrier Korean Air Line Co. plans to sign a partnership agreement with Europe's Airbus this week to jointly bid for Seoul's indigenous fighter development program, officials said Thursday. Codenamed KF-X, the 8.5 trillion won ($8.3 billion) project calls for South Korea to develop and produce some 120 fighter jets of the F-16 class to replace its aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s.
 

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