Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer Demo Tours to New Zealand Air Force

28 Maret 2012

Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer (photo : Hawker Beechcraft)

SHANGHAI – Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) today announced it has kicked off a two-week demonstration tour in New Zealand with its T-6C Texan II military trainer. The tour began this week at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 75th Anniversary Air Show at RNZAF Base Ohakea, near Palmerston North.

“This is a great opportunity for us to show the world’s most versatile and capable integrated pilot training system to a broad range of interested prospects from New Zealand and the Pacific Region,” said Russ Bartlett, HBDC vice president, Business Development. “Our presence at the 75th Anniversary Air Show is excellent exposure of the robust capability, affordability and sustainability of the T-6C, which has already completed more than 15,700 miles on its journey to New Zealand.”

The T-6C was flown from HBDC’s headquarters in Wichita, Kan., to RNZAF Base Ohakea – a distance of 15,733 miles – in a total elapsed time of nearly 65 flight hours. The trip included stops in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, England, Italy, Greece, Egypt, UAE, India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

During the RNZAF 75th Anniversary Air Show, HBDC’s aerobatic demonstration team will perform single-ship, low-altitude aerobatics in a standard equipped T-6C military trainer. The team will also participate in the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show on the South Island the following week.

The T-6C aerobatic team debuted in 2011 at the Avalon Air Show in Victoria, Australia. The team’s 2012 tour schedule will include performances at air shows such as Farnborough International Air Show, the Royal International Air Tattoo, the Atlantic Canada International Air Show and the Canada International Air Show. Its tour will also include U.S. demonstrations at Andrews (Md.) and McConnell (Kan.) Air Force Bases; Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (Calif.); Naval Air Station Pensacola (Fla.); as well as air shows in Oshkosh, Wis.; Columbia, Mo.; Fort Worth, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; and Houston, Texas.

“Performing aerobatics in the T-6C is something that flows naturally from the typical training syllabus for the airplane because it is such a capable and versatile aircraft,” Bartlett said. “It allows us to demonstrate the aircraft’s handling and superior performance in a dramatic fashion.”

In addition to the hard-point wings, the T-6C features an integrated glass cockpit and the advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities.

The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick, providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit. The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the navigation performance standards required for current worldwide airspace equipment. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force and our newest customer, the Mexican Air Force, have chosen the T-6 as their primary trainer. To date, the company has delivered more than 740 T-6 aircraft.

(HawkerBeechcraft)

Cocos Islands Airfield Not Ready for Spy Drones, Says Stephen Smith

28 Maret 2012

Gobal Hawk - high altitude longrange endurance HALE UAV (photo : DefenseIndustryDaily)

THE Cocos Islands' airfield would require a $75 million-$100 million upgrade before the territory could be used as a base for US drones, says Defence Minister Stephen Smith.

Amid heightened Chinese sensitivities over Australian-US military ties, Mr Smith played down the short-term prospects of using the Cocos Islands - a remote group of coral atolls and islands in the Indian Ocean - as a staging point for US spy flights.

Pentagon planners are considering basing Global Hawk drones and manned surveillance aircraft from the Cocos Islands - about 2750km northwest of Perth - to carry out patrols far out over the northern oceans.

Mr Smith said he and his US counterparts had agreed a “substantial infrastructure upgrade” was required before the Cocos Islands could be considered for use as a joint US-Australian base.

Cocos Island - small island in Hindian Ocean (image : GoogleMaps)

“My memory of the costing of that was somewhere between $75-$100 million. No-one is proposing that occur in the first instance or in the near future,” he said.

Mr Smith said the priorities for the deepened Australian-US military relationship were the deployment of US Marines in Darwin and the bedding down of arrangements for US use of Australian air and naval bases.

HMAS Stirling, in Perth, is reportedly being eyed by the US for use by aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines.

An initial 250 marines will arrive in Darwin in coming days - the first of 2500 to eventually be deployed in the Northern Territory.

Mr Smith said rotational arrangements for the force were being finalised between Australian and US officials.

The Greens said the Cocos Islands must not be used as a base for US drones.

“Surveillance may sound innocent enough to some, but the role of this base will be to make it even easier for the US military to strike and kill at will,” Greens defence spokesman Scott Ludlum said.

“If the past 40 years has taught us anything, it's that we must be wary of being complicit in these misadventures.

He said US attack drones had caused large numbers of civilian deaths.

“Are their spy drones any more reliable in identifying targets?”

(The Australian)

Vietnam Conducts Live Fire Exercise with Su-22M4

27 Maret 2012

The swing wing aircraft Su-22M4 fires rocket to destroy the target. (photo : BaoDatViet)

Recently, at the shooting range TB3, the fighter unit - Su-22M4 striker/bomber, UH-1/Mi-8 transport/armed helicopter of 370 Division conducted live-fire exercises.

In two days 23-24/3, shot at the National School Region 3 (TB3), 370th Air Division held a practice test used missile, rocket and bomb from fighter and helicopter.

The exercise is an opportunity to evaluate the possibility of training for combat readiness of the 370th Division and represent experience and additional training options in next time as well as training organizations to participate in sea shooting practice as planned in 2012.

Su-22MK4 of the Vietnam People's Air Force (photo : Jetphotos)

On behalf of the General Staff to participate in directing the training and testing is Major General Nguyen Duc Kidney, Director General Military Training. Representatives of the Air Defense Command - Air Force Major General Nguyen Van Tho, Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff.

In the dazzling sunshine of the Southwest, Division commanding officers and 370 officers and soldiers of the two pilots of the 917th Helicopter Regiment and the 937th Fighter Group at headquarters, on the icy ground and flight the air was working hard, serious, highly effective training.

Before 7am, the Mi-8 crew and UH-1 (917th Regiment) and the fighter squadrons - Su-22M4 bomber (Regiment 937) was waiting in the ready command.

Mi-8 Hip of the Vietnam (photo : Jetphotos)

After about 20 minutes from the airport to the south, the border sorties team practice all tactical air forces, such as coil, low flying mountainous terrain advantage then suddenly plummeted increase the height of the target than fire rocket, missiles and bombs. Just about 5 minutes there is another round of air strikes on ground targets.

Through the vision system and listen to the commanding officer on the bridge reported, people are glad to see young pilots to shoot, very accurate throw. Naked eye, after a series of thundering explosions beams, we also recognize the right column of smoke up a red flag area, the white flag of the target.

In particular, during a practice flight shot, bombed on this land, boldly division first assigned to some young pilots (the youngest born in 1984) and use the UH-1 helicopter improved weapon control system.

UH-1 Huey of the Vietnam (photo : Jetphotos)

The fighter pilot - a bomb made Su-22M4 aircraft fire when all of the complicated and difficult than a normal shot.

After two days of training, Colonel Tran Ngoc Dong, Division Chief Division 370 Air Force, said the units involved in fire tests are reached or excellent. There are many young pilots (pilots born in 1984) shows good bravery and technical level.

After the training tests, even though faculty comments sum up the results, but the comrades Military Training Director General Command and Deputy Commander, Chief of Air Defense - Air Force are satisfied and that the pilots were required to complete a good strategy and techniques to ensure absolute safety.

(BaoDatViet)

Kadispen AU: Tidak Ada Rencana Akuisisi F-5 Taiwan

09 Februari 2012

F-5 Tiger Angkatan Udara Taiwan (photo : nen186)

itoday - Terkait adanya pemberitaan TNI AU tertarik dengan rencana Taiwan yang akan menghibahkan pesawat tempur F-5 E/F Tiger II, Kadispen TNI AU, Marsma TNI Azman Yunus membantah adanya rencana tersebut.

“Kita tidak ada program F-5 dari Taiwan,” jelas Azman Yunus melalui pesan singkat kepada itoday, Jum’at (9/3).

F-5 E/F Tiger II adalah pesawat tempur buatan Northrop Grumman, Amerika Serikat (AS), yang mulai dikembangkan sejak dekade 1960-an.

Pesawat tempur yang dikenal dengan sebutan “needle fighter” ini, termasuk pesawat sukses dalam hal penjualan dan performanya, walau AS sendiri tidak menggunakan F-5 di jajaran tempur utamanya.

Sebagai pesawat tempur interceptor/pencegat, F-5 E/F Tiger II mampu menggotong senjata seperti, dua meriam kaliber 20 mm Pontiac M39A2, berbagai jenis rudal seperti AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick dan AIM-120 AMRAAM. Dan persenjataan jenis bom, seperti, M129 Leaflet, bom Mk82, bom Mk84 dan bom cluster CBU-24/49/52/58.

Indonesia sendiri sudah menggunakan pesawat tempur ini sejak 1980, lewat program Foreign Military Sales (FMS), dan pernah mengalami peningkatan kemampuan di 1995, lewat program Modernize of Avionics Capabilities for Armament & Navigation (MACAN) oleh SABCA, Belgia.

Kini setelah berumur 22 tahun, TNI AU berencana kembali meningkatkan kemampuan pesawat tempur mungil ini, dengan menggandeng PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta, dimana rencananya perusahaan asal Surabaya ini akan meningkatkan kemampuan avionik sang Macan TNI A, agar bisa bertugas hingga 2020.*

(IToday)

TNI-AU Pertimbangkan F-5 Tiger Taiwan

09 Maret 2012

F-5 Tiger Angkatan Udara Taiwan (photo : Scramble)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Kepala Staf TNI-AU, Marsekal TNI Imam Sufaat, mengatakan pihaknya mempertimbangkan hibah pesawat tempur F-5E/F Tiger dari Taiwan.

Taiwan merupakan satu sekutu Amerika Serikat. Negara kepulauan itu berhadapan langsung dengan China dan senantiasa mendapat kemudahan dalam pengadaan atau peremajaan arsenal dari Amerika Serikat.

"Ya...itu baik...akan kami pertimbangkan," katanya, usai memimpin serah terima jabatan Komandan Komando Pendidikan TNI-AU, di Jakarta, Jumat.

Ia mengatakan Taiwan akan menghibahkan sekitar satu skadron F-5E/F. "Kira-kira jumlahnya satu skadron," ungkapnya. Satu skuadron udara berkekuatan antara 12 hingga 20 pesawat terbang, dilengkapi sejenis depo pemeliharaan dan persenjataan.

Sufaat mengemukakan usia pakai pesawat-pesawat F-5E/F Tiger II TNI-AU, yang saat ini tergabung dalam Skuadron Udara 14, akan diperpanjang hingga 2020.

"Saat ini rata-rata jam terbang pesawat-pesawat F-5 kita tersisa 4.000 dari 10.000 jam terbang yang dimiliki. Jika setahun 200 jam terbang, maka bisa sampai 2020," ujar Sufaat.

Pada kesempatan yang sama Asisten Perencanaan Kepala Staf TNI-AU, Marsekal Muda TNI Rodi Suprasodjo, mengatakan semua F-5E/F Indonesia masih dapat berfungsi baik tidak perlu ditingkatkan."Jika fungsi-fungsinya masih dapat berjalan baik dan maksimal ...ya tidak perlu di-up grade...hemat biaya," katanya. (R018/)

(Antara)

L-3 Communications to Provide F/A-18D Simulator to Malaysia

09 Maret 2012

F/A-18 simulator (photo : Patric's Aviation)

US-based L-3 Communications has won a $19.5 million Foreign Military Sales deal to supply a tactical operational flight trainer for the Boeing F/A-18D Hornet to Malaysia.

The fixed-based simulator will have positions for both a pilot and weapons systems officer, L-3 Communications says.

The simulator will include a 360˚ high definition visual display. In addition, the deal covers a brief/debrief station and logistics support.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has a fleet of eight twin-seat F/A-18Ds, as recorded by Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.

(FlightGlobal)

Jets, Radar to Boost Phl's Territorial Defense

07 Maret 2012

AMX International - strike aircraft (photo : Malcolm Clarke)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) expects the delivery of several jets and radar equipment for territorial defense during the term of President Aquino.

PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said the acquisitions would boost the country’s defense stance against external threats.

He said six surface attack jets and trainer aircraft; a long-range patrol plane, one air defense radar, and a special mission airplane are expected to arrive in the country starting this year until 2016.

“This is a result of the defense acquisition system and the senior leaders’ meetings that they conduct very often. Hopefully, we will see initial deliveries by 2013 to 2014 or at the most 2015,” Okol said.

The new military equipment would be part of the second phase of the military’s modernization program to be implemented from 2012 to 2016.

The first phase included the acquisition of defense equipment that would improve the Armed Forces’ capability to conduct internal security operations.

The PAF would also acquire eight helicopters, seven attack helicopters, a C-130 cargo plane, and a long-range patrol aircraft and 18 basic trainer planes.

The 18 basic trainer planes have been delivered while others are in various stages of procurement.

The third phase of the modernization program to be implemented after 2016 would involve the acquisition of advanced multi-role fighter jets and long-range patrol aircraft and radars, Okol said.

Four brand new combat utility helicopters from two foreign firms arrived at the former Clark Air Base in Pampanga last month.

The “Sokol” helicopters were purchased from Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland.

Four more combat utility helicopters from Augusta PZL Swidnik are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter. The acquisition of the eight helicopters costs P2.8 billion.

The military earlier announced that the first batch of helicopters would arrive in November 2011.

The four helicopters, however, arrived three months after.

The Sokol helicopters have night-vision capability and could accommodate 10 passengers.
The military expects the completion of the delivery of P3.4 billion worth of military hardware this year.

Okol said the PAF also expects the delivery of eight combat utility helicopters, three multi-purpose attack aircraft, equipment for coast watch stations, and 33 multi-purpose rocket launchers for the Presidential Security Group.

(PhilStar)

TNI Segera Tempatkan Radar Baru di Manokwari, Morotai, dan Jayapura

05 Maret 2012

Tiga radar baru akan dipasang di Indonesia timur bagian utara yaitu : Jayapura, Manokwari dan Morotai (photo : Kemhan)

Di Jayapura, Morotai dan Manokwari akan Dipasang Radar

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TIMIKA - Sistem pertahanan udara nasional, khususnya di kawasan timur Indonesia terus diperkuat Markas Besar (Mabes) TNI Angkatan Udara (AU). Salah satunya adalah adanya rencana menempatkan tiga radar di Jayapura, Morotai di Kepulauan Maluku dan Manokwari Papua Barat.

Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara, Marsekal TNI Imam Sufaat di Timika, Senin (5/3) mengungkapkan, rencana penempatan tiga radar baru tersebut merupakan bagian dari perencanaan TNI AU dimana hingga 2024 memiliki 32 satuan radar pertahanan udara yang tersebar dari Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam hingga Papua.

Selain itu, TNI AU juga memiliki program untuk memasang radar-radar yang lebih kecil untuk dapat mendeteksi sasaran di ketinggian rendah yang tidak mampu terdeteksi oleh radar yang dimiliki saat ini karena khusus berfungsi untuk mendeteksi obyek dalam jarak jauh dan berada di ketinggian.

Hingga saat ini TNI baru memiliki 19 satuan radar, satuan radar ke-19 yaitu satuan radar 243 Timika. Sejauh ini TNI sudah memiliki tiga satuan radar di Papua yakni Biak, Merauke dan Timika yang tergabung dalam jajaran Komando Sektor Pertahanan Udara Nasional (Kosek Hanudnas) IV yang berpusat di Biak, ditambah satuan radar Buraen Kupang NTT dan satuan radar Saumlaki Maluku Tenggara Barat.

"Ke depan kita harapkan seluruh daerah di kawasan timur Indonesia tercover oleh radar yang dimiliki TNI," kata KSAU Imam Sufaat. Ia mengatakan, dengan diresmikannya satuan radar 243 Timika maka mata Komando Sistem Pertahanan Udara Nasional (Ko Hanudnas) akan semakin terbuka sehingga tidak ada lagi ruang terbuka yang bisa dilalui pesawat yang tidak dikenal dan tanpa izin.

"Dengan adanya beberapa satuan radar di Papua termasuk di Timika maka kita punya kewajiban untuk menjaga kedaulatan udara kita sehingga tidak ada lagi satu pesawat yang tidak dikenal atau pesawat asing yang masuk wilayah Indonesia tanpa ijin. Ini menyangkut harga diri atau kedaulatan bangsa," jelas KASAU Marsekal Imam Sufaat.

(Republika)

Boeing will Produce JHCMS to Australia and Some Other Countries

04 Maret 2012



Boeing JHMCS (photo : militaryphotos)



Boeing scores another Air Force production contract for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System



WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio. U.S. Air Force aviation experts needed helmet-mounted targeting systems for the U.S. Navy, as well as for air forces in Pakistan, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Finland. They found their solution from the Boeing Co. Defense, Space & Security segment in St. Louis.



The Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, awarded Boeing a $31.7 million full-rate production contract Thursday for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for Navy and international users. The Air Force manages the Boeing JHMCS program.



Boeing began initial production of the JHMCS in 2000 and has been at full-rate production for the aircraft pilot system since 2005. The company has won several full-rate production contracts for the JHMCS, which is deployed on more than 2,500 F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 combat jets worldwide, Boeing officials say.



The JHMCS helps jet fighter pilots fire the AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile as part of the High-Off-BoreSight (HOBS) system that enables pilots to aim onboard weapons at enemy aircraft by pointing their heads at the targets.



In an air-to-ground role, pilots use the JHMCS with targeting sensors and smart weapons to attack surface targets. In all roles, images and symbology are projected onto the JHMCS visor to provide the pilot with aircraft status information, targeting data, weapons status, and threat warning information no matter where the pilot is looking.



The idea is to enhance pilot situation awareness throughout the mission. In a dual-seat aircraft, each crew member can wear a JHMCS helmet, perform operations independently of each other, and have continuous awareness of where the other crew member is looking, Boeing officials say.



The JHMCS has a magnetic helmet-mounted tracker determines where the pilot's head is pointed, and combines that capability with a miniature display system on the helmet's visor. The head tracker and visor display can aim sensors and weapons wherever the pilot is looking.



The JHMCS can the pilot airspeed, altitude, target range, and other information while the pilot looks outside of the cockpit. To attack a ground target, the pilot can acquire the target with a sensor and note it's location on the helmet display, or use the helmet display to cue sensors and weapons to a visually detected ground target.



Since targets may be located at high-off-boresight line-of-sight locations in relation to the shooter, the system delivers a short-range intercept envelope that is larger than other air-to-air weapons. The helmet also can be datalinked to hand visually detected targets from one aircraft to another.



(Military Aerospace)

US Aprroved the RWR's Software Development Support for Malaysia and Australia

03 Maret 2012

Radar Warning Receiver on F/A-18 A/B/C/D Hornet configuration. Raytheon™ AN/ALR-67(V)3 couples sophisticated digital receiver technology with Power PC G4 based processing power, yielding superior, reliable performance in high density, complex electromagnetic environments. The system is integrated with all F/A-18 avionics and is supported by a comprehensive, state-of-the-art PBL sustainment program. (photo : vnfawing)

Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $48,663,690 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for software development support of the ALR-67(V) 3 radar for the U.S. Navy and the governments of Australia, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Switzerland, Canada, and various other future foreign military sales customers. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is expected to be completed in February 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($28,891,633; 59.2 percent) and, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the governments of Australia ($4,550,055; 9.4 percent), Kuwait ($1,975,745; 4.1 percent), Qatar ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Malaysia ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Switzerland, ($1,382,049; 2.8 percent), Canada ($1,386,915; 2.9 percent), and other future foreign military sales customers ($6,525,801; 13.4 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-12-D-0018).

(US DoD)

Sixth Tanker for Australia?

02 Maret 2012

Airbus Military KC-30 MRTT (photo : ADF)

MELBOURNE — At the recent Singapore Airshow, Airbus Military Chief Domingo Ureña Raso revealed his company has submitted a proposal for a sixth KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transport to the Australian government.

Australia has four KC-30As and will take delivery of its fifth, and last, later this year.
Speaking with Australian journalists at the show, Ureña said the offer was made in January, but there had yet to be a response from the commonwealth.

“We have made the unsolicited offer at a very attractive price for the Australian government,” Ureña said.

The matter is to be discussed at the Australian government’s National Security Council meeting in April.

Four of Australia’s aircraft have been converted locally by Qantas Defence Services (QDS) and the completion of the last aircraft in June will likely result in the loss of jobs and skills at its Brisbane facility.

Airbus Military was hopeful of winning an order for at least six aircraft for the Indian Air Force, but the Indian government’s requirement for early delivery means it may not be possible to set up an in-country conversion line in time.

With Airbus’ other conversion facilities also fully booked in the near-term, Ureña said the sixth aircraft for Australia would provide continuity for the Brisbane facility until it was able to begin work on some of the Indian aircraft, should Airbus Military win the competition.

“Although the intellectual property remains with Qantas Defence Services, it will be very expensive to ramp the workforce up again,” said Scott Harris, Head of QDS. “A sixth aircraft would provide a degree of continuity in the medium term.”

Ureña said one idea was to use one of the two airframes built for the failed U.S. KC-X bid, due to their similar age, but should the proposal be accepted it will now likely be based on a new-build aircraft.

(DefenseNews)

Sikorsky Puts in Bid to Supply 16 Choppers

25 Februari 2012

S-92 helicopter. Sikorsky is seeking to expand its market in Thailand by bidding to supply choppers for the kingdom’s first dedicated search and rescue operation. (photo : AirShowsReview)

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, the US helicopter producer known for its Black Hawk make, is seeking to expand its market in Thailand by putting a bid to supply aircraft for the kingdom's first dedicated search and rescue operation.

The Connecticut-based company will contest in a competitive international bid to be issued next week by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deliver up to 16 helicopters for SAR missions in a transaction that could reach a value of more than US$320 million (9.8 billion baht).

Sikorsky will pitch its S-92, the larger advanced utility which can carry up to 19 passengers in airline-style configuration, against other bidders in the RTAF contest, Daniel Zsebik, Sikorsky's director for sales in Asia, told the Bangkok Post in Bangkok.

Although the RTAF's programme involves 16 helicopters, its initial budget would allow the procurement of four.

Depending on how the chopper is equipped with sophisticated technology and add-ons, an S-92 could cost $20-24 million a piece, Mr Zsebik said.

Included in its bid will be the training of RTAF pilots in the US and Britain in operating the S-92 as well as sending Sikorsky's own trainer pilots to Thailand to assist Thai pilots to ensure they can handle the aircraft properly.

Ahead of the RTAF bid, Sikorsky this week staged a series of demonstration flights over Greater Bangkok skies to the Thai armed forces to show off the S-92's multi-mission capabilities.

The Thai visit is part of an Asian tour of S-92 "Legacy of Heroes" (LOH) helicopter and includes Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and India - all considered potential buyers of the aircraft for different purposes including for SAR, as offshore oil rig transport and as a carrier for heads of state.

Thai armed forces already have Sikorsky helicopters in their fleets - Black Hawks with the Royal Thai Army, S-92s at the RTAF (used as carriers for royals) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) which flies Sea Hawks and S-76s which can carry 12 people.

The S-92 has a range of 880km with a top speed of 306km/hour.

(Bangkok Post)

Singapore Issues RFI For Six Tankers

21 Februari 2012

RSAF KC-135 tanker (photo : 9VOrion)

Singapore has moved ahead with plans to order aerial refueling tankers to replace its Boeing KC-135Rs.

Industry sources say Singapore has issued a request for information (RFI) for six aerial refueling tankers. One of the sources says they anticipate a request for proposals (RFP) may be issued mid-year.

The Southeast Asian nation has four Boeing KC-135R aerial refueling tankers, the first of which the island nation received in late 1999. These aircraft are in fact A-model KC-135s that Boeing upgraded to R-model by re-engining the aircraft with new CFM International CFM-56 power-plants.
Industry sources say new aerial refueling tankers are a top priority for the Singapore Air Force, which has been complaining about the cost and difficulty involved in maintaining the KC-135R. This tanker is based on the Boeing 707 commercial platform.

One of the sources says the reason Singapore’s KC-135Rs may be difficult and costly to maintain is because Singapore’s KC-135Rs are a lower block standard than the U.S. Air Force’s.

At the Singapore Airshow (Feb. 14-19), Airbus Military had on display a U.K. Royal Air Force A330MRTT. Israel Aircraft Industries was also at the show promoting its 767 Multi-Mission Tanker Transport and Boeing was promoting its KC-46 aerial refueling tanker.

Boeing would ordinarily be the front-runner in the competition, because of Singapore’s close ties with the U.S., but the KC-46 is still in development. Boeing is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. The earliest Boeing can delivery KC-46s to international customers is 2018. That may be too late for the Singaporeans.

(Aviation Week)

South East Asian Nations Seek Improved ASW, AEW

18 Februari 2012

Indonesia - The air chief of Indonesia says the country would be looking for a larger system than the AEW concept put forward by Airbus Military. The AEW aircraft will need more endurance than the C-295 can deliver, he notes. (photo : Jetphotos)

Concerns over China’s claims to the South China Sea are sparking an arms race among its Southeast Asian neighbors, some of which have maritime patrol, airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft high on their priority lists.

China has laid claim to most of the South China Sea, a body of water that includes vital sea lanes and under which lie rich deposits of oil and gas.

In May of last year, Chinese ships reportedly cut the cables of Binh Minh 02, an oil-surveying vessel within Vietnam’s 200-nm exclusive economic zone and operated by the Vietnam Oil & Gas Group. In the same month, two Chinese fighters allegedly entered Philippine airspace, an intrusion related to the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippine navy also found wooden posts erected on Amy Douglas Bank, Reed Bank and Boxall Reef—all within Philippine-claimed waters. The navy, which promptly removed the posts, accused China of placing them there.

Vietnam

P-3C Orion (photo : Airliners)

Vietnam’s foreign minister, Pham Binh Minh, and the Philippines foreign minister, Albert del Rosario, met in Hanoi last year to discuss implementation of a defense cooperation agreement.
The dispute with China has led the Philippines and Vietnam to seek closer defense ties with the U.S., a remarkable development in terms of U.S.-Vietnam relations considering their history. It seems that memories of the Vietnam War are no longer a stumbling block. On Sept. 19, Vietnam’s deputy defense minister, Nguyen Chi Vinh, and the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, Robert Scher, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting military cooperation.

Sources say the Vietnamese are seeking to buy ASW aircraft and have shown interest in the Lockheed Martin P-3. The Southeast Asian nation wants the P-3s to protect its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea and to help stop Chinese submarines from entering Vietnamese waters. China’s largest submarine base is on the southern tip of Hainan Island, just off the northern Vietnam coast.

C-295 ASW (photo : Airbus Military)

Vietnam has a 3,444-km (2,135-mi.) coastline, so it needs long-range aircraft. Advanced sonar-detection equipment also is required to combat China’s increasingly advanced submarines. For ASW, Vietnam has been using four Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft that it received in 1981, as well as dozens of Kamov Ka-25/-27 helicopters.

When the P-3s last operated in Vietnam during the war, Cam Ranh Bay coincidentally was their main base. The U.S. Navy used P-3As to patrol the coastline in search of gunboats and Chinese trawlers providing supplies to the Vietcong hiding in South Vietnam.

The other contender for Vietnam’s ASW requirement is the Airbus Military C295. The Spaniards have already developed a relationship there, having sold three Airbus Military C212 maritime patrol aircraft to the Vietnam marine police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year.

Philippine

CN-235 ASW (photo : Militaryphotos)

The Philippine air force is also seeking to buy maritime patrol aircraft. Some of the models being considered include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER, Airbus CN235, Viking Air Twin Otter and Bombardier Q-series.

The country’s leaders have also talked up the prospect of the Philippines once again procuring fighter aircraft. The Philippines has had no fighter aircraft since 2005 when it retired its last Northrop F-5.

ATR-42MP (photo : Alessandro Buffa)

Philippines President Benigno Aquino, 3rd, disclosed in December that he will be visiting the U.S. early this year and plans to ask U.S. President Barack Obama for military assistance. “I will meet President Obama next year, perhaps by April. I will remind him of our strategic partnership and he might remember that we don’t have a fighter [jet],” Aquino said in a speech to Philippine air force personnel late in 2011. He added that he will ask the U.S. to donate used fighter aircraft to the Philippines, under an arrangement similar to that between the U.S. and Indonesia. The U.S. last year agreed to donate 24 second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs to Indonesia, which could then pay to upgrade them to the C/D standard.

Malaysia

Saab Eriye (image : Saab)

Malaysia also has a requirement for fighters and is seeking to buy 18 new aircraft to replace its MiG-29s. The contenders are the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon.

The MiG-29s are stationed at Kuantan AFB, in West Malaysia overlooking the South China Sea. If Malaysia ever has an armed conflict with China, it is likely that the fighter squadron at Kuantan will be at the front line. East and West Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea, and Malaysia has a requirement for maritime patrol and airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft to monitor its exclusive maritime economic zone. Malaysia’s defense minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, says Malaysia has a requirement for three AEW aircraft, one each to be stationed in East and West Malaysia and one standby.

Northrop Grumman is proposing to sell the E-2D, Saab is promoting its Saab Erieye radar mounted on an Embraer EMB-145, and Airbus Military is pushing the C295 AEW. Lockheed Martin U.K. and Thales, meanwhile, are each proposing that Malaysia use one of the air force’s existing aircraft, such as a Lockheed Martin C-130, and upgrade it with AEW capabilities using roll-on, roll-off mission systems.

Malaysia’s air force chief, Gen. Rodzali bin Daud, says “It is important to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and central to this is AEW.” Malaysia is relying on ground-based radar supplemented by some Beechcraft King Air 350s fitted with Thales radar, but these small aircraft have limited flying range. Rodzali also says: “Land-based radar’s lack of mobility puts it second to airborne systems.”

AW-159 Lynx Wildcat (photo : All Britain)

Malaysia has a requirement for ASW aircraft as well. Its navy has stated it wants to buy six ASW helicopters. It is considering the Sikorsky MH-60R and the AgustaWestland AW159. Defense Minister Ahmad told DTI’s sister publication Aviation Week & Space Technology in December that “the project is in our pipeline, but because of budget constraints, it hasn’t been given a priority [go-ahead] yet.” Industry executives say the government may be waiting until after the next national election, expected sometime in 2012, before moving ahead with this procurement.

In fact, this is the case with all the other requirements. Malaysia will only allocate a budget and select a winner for its AEW and fighter requirements after the elections.

Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is also still waiting for a budget for the five maritime patrol aircraft it plans to acquire on long-term wet leases. Three types are in the running—the RUAG 228NG, Cessna Grand Caravan and Alenia ATR 42MP.

Singapore

G-550 CAEW (image : FlightGlobal)

Singapore uses Fokker 50s for maritime patrol and has one of the most advanced AEW capabilities in the region, thanks to its Gulfstream G550s fitted with AEW mission equipment from Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems. For ASW, it has Sikorsky S-70Bs, but industry executives say is also planning to buy fixed-wing ASW aircraft.

The island nation, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, has no territorial disputes with China. But Singapore, which is dependent on sea trade for its livelihood, can ill afford to have submarines blocking its sea lanes.

China has been adding Shang-class nuclear-powered subs, while India has announced that it plans to buy six more diesel-electric models. (Russia’s arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, disclosed that it will be proposing Russian-built Amur 650-class subs.) Six French Scorpene vessels from an earlier tender are under construction in India.

Singapore’s closest neighbors have also been adding submarines, largely in response to China’s submarine buildup.

Vietnam’s defense minister, Gen. Phung Quang Thanh, says his country has six Kilo-class diesel-powered subs on order from Russia. Malaysia recently added three submarines: two new Scorpene-class subs jointly built by French and Spanish companies, and one reconditioned ex-French navy Agosta-class vessel. Indonesia has two German-built Cakra-class subs and in December ordered three submarines from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. Thailand’s navy is eyeing second-hand Type U206As from Germany, according to local news reports.

(Aviation Week)

Military Finalizing Plan to Acquire 1 Squadron of F-16 Fighter Jets

17 Februari 2012

PAF is proposing the procurement of at least one squadron or 14 to 24 F-16s (photo : planes.cz)

A RANKING military officer said the Armed Forces high command is already discussing the details on the procurement of one squadron of F-16 “Fighting Falcon” jet fighters from the US.

Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs (J-5) said although the acquisition of jet fighters was not included in the first batch of approved big-ticket items the project is now being discussed thoroughly.

“Since we decommissioned our [fighter] jets in 1995 there had been a long gap. So we need [jet] fighter capability. We’re proposing the procurement of at least one squadron. We are talking here of 14 to 24 F-16s,” Deveraturda said.

Earlier, reports said the Department of the Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already started negotiations with the US government for the acquisition of F-16.

But Deveraturda said the Armed Forces has no update yet about the ongoing process of negotiations.

Earlier, the military announced that four of the eight utility helicopters, that were bought by the previous administration under the Armed Forces Modernization Program, are already in the country. Deveraturda said four of the eight Sokol (Falcon) helicopters from Polish-Italian defense supplier Augusta PZL Swidnik have arrived at Clark Field in Pampanga and are now being assembled.

“The four utility helicopters will soon be inspected by the Air Force. These are a great addition to our capability, and we hope to use them soon,” Deveraturda said.

He said the remaining four are being expected to be delivered at the third quarter of this year.
Deveraturda said the delivery of the four helicopters set into concrete action the eight-year modernization program that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin charted for the Armed Forces.

Gazmin wants to acquire armored vehicles, radar systems, missile-guided and multi-role vessels and aircraft that include fighter jets under the program with a projected total cost of at least P70 billion.

Since the amount needed is too large, he said the acquisition will be pursued through a Congress-approved Multi-Year Obligation Agreement (MYOA), with a government to government as the procurement mode.

Deveraturda said the military is also hoping to sign the contract for the delivery of another Hamilton class cutter from the United States until March this year.

(Business Mirror)

CAE, Brunei Sign MOU for Helo Training Center

17 Februari 2012

CAE heli simulator (photo : CAE)

SINGAPORE — Canada’s CAE will set up a military and civilian helicopter training center with Brunei as part of a multipurpose training operation, CAE and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) announced at the Singapore Airshow on Feb. 15.

The groups signed a memorandum of understanding to build a facility focusing initially on local military and civilian helicopter pilots. The facility, located in Rimba, would be the region’s largest helicopter simulator training facility, a joint statement said.

The $80 million investment program will later expand to cover training in the oil and gas, public security, and crisis management sectors.

Marc Parent, CAE’s chief executive, declined to give details of timing and helicopter types for training and simulation but said talks had been going on for about a year and the project was “on a fast track.”

The training tie-up comes on the back of a decision by Brunei to expand its rotorcraft capabilities with the purchase of 12 S-70i Black Hawks to add to the air force’s fleet of Sikorsky machines. Deliveries on the new Black Hawks get underway next year.

Existing Bell helicopters, which now form part of the fleet, will be phased out.

CAE and BEDB would sign a joint venture partnership to pursue the opportunity, Parent said.

On Feb. 15, 2011, CAE and Brunei announced a deal for the creation of a National Modelling and Simulation Centre. The organization would aid military and other government agencies with tasks including force-structure options analysis and mission rehearsal exercises.

(DefenseNews)

Aussies to Improve C-130 fuel Consumption

15 Februari 2012

RAAF C-130J Hercules (photo : Queensland planes spotting)

LONDON, (UPI) -- The Australian air force aims to improve fuel efficiency of its C-130 aircraft fleet and has contracted Rolls-Royce to help in the effort.

Under the one-year agreement, Rolls-Royce will analyze fuel usage to improve consumption and reduce the aircraft's environmental effects. It will do so using techniques developed for use by commercial airlines by Optimised Systems and Solutions Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.

"We are looking for innovative solutions to the challenges that we face and we hope that working together with Rolls-Royce on this trial will identify some real opportunities to make significant savings on a very large element of any defense budget -- fuel," Air Marshal Geoff Brown, chief of the Australian air force said.

The work will be conducted at air force base Richmond in New South Wales, where the air force's C-130s are based.

"We have a longstanding relationship with the (Australian air force), which will be enhanced by the introduction of this innovative fuel efficiency program," said Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce's president of Customer Business UK and International-Defense.

"We are now using the fuel management expertise and technology that has been developed for civil airlines to advise them on how best to reduce their fuel usage.

"Our experience shows that this could save the (air force) as much as 1-3 percent of their total fuel bill without compromising their operational capability."

(UPI)

RAAF Super Hornets to Receive New Air Combat Training System

14 Februari 2012

P5 Tactical Combat Training System (photo : Cubic)

SAN DIEGO, California – Cubic Defense Applications, Inc., a defense systems business of Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB), has received a new contract valued at more than $11 million. Cubic and its principal subcontractor, DRS Training and Control Systems LLC, a unit of DRS Defense Solutions LLC, will provide the P5 Tactical Combat Training System (P5TCTS) to the Royal Australian Air Force for use in training F/A-18F Super Hornet crews.

“This new system represents a step forward for the RAAF,” said Michael Rodriguez, Senior Program Manager, Air Ranges. “Australia currently operates a fourth generation Cubic air combat training system at RAAF Base Williamtown for training on its F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The RAAF decided to purchase the fifth generation P5TCTS for use on its newest F/A-18F aircraft operating at RAAF Base Amberley. This new system will allow for interoperability with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft that the RAAF is planning to purchase in the near future. All F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for Australia will be delivered with an on-board, internal P5 airborne subsystem.”

P5TCTS for the Super Hornet will be delivered in late 2012 to RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland. Amberley was previously home to the RAAF’s F-111 aircraft, which were recently retired from service and were replaced with two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets. The RAAF’s new P5TCTS will be very similar to the current U.S. Navy TCTS system and will include airborne instrumentation pods built by principal subcontractor DRS, transportable ground systems with live monitor, and portable ground subsystems, which includes Cubic’s Individual Combat Aircrew Display System (ICADS) software for debriefing. For this effort Cubic , has also been contracted to provide software and hardware to ensure that the legacy Cubic-developed Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system operating at Williamtown will be able to “merge data” to allow for postmission debriefing between the Classic Hornet and Super Hornet aircrews.

Amberley squadrons will also receive live monitoring (LM) capability. The LM enables real-time monitor and uplink control of P5TCTS-podded aircraft via Cubic’s ground stations.

Cubic delivered Australia’s first rangeless, instrumented air combat training system to RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, in 2007. Cubic Defence Australia employees maintain the ACMI pods and ground stations there.

The contracting authority for the Foreign Military Sale is the Air Armament Command/EBYK (Range Instrumentation Systems Branch), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Cubic has a number of previous international sales of P5CTS/TCTS. Additional sales are expected in the near future.

(Cubic)

Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

13 Februari 2012

A330 MRTT tanker aircraft (photo : Le Bourget)

Airbus Military could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Singapore air force’s next round of procurements. Singapore has at the top of its procurement list aerial refueling tankers, strategic airlifters and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft, purchases that will see that the island continues to be, for the next few years at least, the biggest spender on new defense equipment in Southeast Asia.

The 2011 defense budget was SG$12.1 billion ($9.6 billion), accounting for 26% of the government budget and about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Some analysts estimate that Singapore, with a population of about five million, spends more on defense per capita than any country but Israel.

KC-46A tanker aircraft (photo : Flight Global)

Defense has always been a top priority, ever since Singapore gained independence in 1965. The nation’s founder, Lee Kwan Yew, recently said in the book Hard Truths, that “without a strong defense, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbors.”

Singapore has close defense ties with Israel, a point that is downplayed—because it is politically sensitive—but one that is important to remember because it explains why Israeli companies are short-listed by the Singaporeans for upcoming defense purchases. The Israelis are in the running to supply aerial refueling tankers and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft.

A400M airlifter (photo : Key Aero)

Aerial refueling tankers are at the top of the list because the air force needs to replace its four Boeing KC-135Rs. An important requirement is that the new tankers be able to assist the air force’s Boeing F-15SGs flying between Singapore and its overseas detachment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

The Boeing KC-46A would ordinarily be the front-runner but Boeing may have to struggle to win the Singapore contract. The manufacturer is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. A Boeing official told Aviation Week in July 2011 that it can deliver KC-46As to foreign customers as early as 2018. But that may be too late for Singapore. Industry executives say Singapore’s air force has been complaining about the difficulty and cost of maintaining the aging KC-135Rs. But the need to secure aerial refueling tankers sooner rather than later creates an opportunity for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which converts 767s to tankers.

C-17 airlifter (photo : FlightGlobal)

However, industry executives familiar with the situation say the front-runner in this competition is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Australian air force officials told DTI at the LIMA air show in Malaysia in December that the Singapore air force was interested in the A330MRTT and that the organizers of the Singapore air show were pushing to have a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) tanker on display there. The RAAF, however, has declined the request. They say the only reason the A330MRTT was brought to LIMA was because it had to be in Malaysia for a joint military exercise.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace, the Singapore government-linked company that maintains many of the air force’s aircraft, is also familiar with the A330, because it does the heavy maintenance work on Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) fleet of leased A330 passenger aircraft.

P-8A maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Key Aero)

The A330MRTT’s 111,000 kg (245,000 lb.) of fuel is stored in the wings and horizontal stabilizer, leaving the main fuselage for a passenger cabin that can seat up to 380 people. In terms of air cargo, it can transport up to 26 military cargo pallets.

Having the ability to transport passengers and cargo on a longer-range aircraft, such as the A330MRTT, would certainly be useful. Airlift is one of the other requirements Singapore lists. Presently the air force operates five Lockheed Martin C-130Hs, aircraft that only have the range to travel within Southeast Asia. But Singapore’s military needs to carry personnel and equipment farther afield to places where it does training, namely: Australia, Taiwan, France and the U.S. Singapore’s military has been chartering commercial aircraft from SIA and for military equipment it has been chartering Antonov heavy-lift aircraft. It is understood that Singapore is also considering the Airbus Military A400M and the Boeing C-17.

P-3C maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Tom Turner)

Besides strategic airlift and aerial refueling tankers, Singapore has a requirement for fixed-wing aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). These may end up replacing the air force’s nine Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft, according to some industry executives. This procurement is in response to the growth of submarine fleets among Singapore’s neighbors. ASW contenders include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Boeing P-8A Poseidon and an IAI/Elta Systems offering, which uses a Bombardier Q400. The Lockheed Martin P-3C was being considered but is no longer in the running.

Not to be forgotten among the airlift, aerial refueling and anti-sub acquisition extravaganza are fighters. Singapore is expected to take interest in Tokyo’s recent decision to choose the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Like Israel, Singapore and the U.S. enjoy close military relations. Indeed, according to a December 2011 report by the Congressional Research Service on U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Singapore’s agreement for $530 million worth of FMS placed it in the top 10 leading purchasers of U.S. defense articles and services in 2010 worldwide.

And Singapore’s interests extend elsewhere, too. It has explored the option of using the smaller catapult-launched Boeing ScanEagle UAV on-board its vessels. Anti-piracy concerns remain another driving force behind military acquisitions.

(Aviation Week)

RI Punya Pesawat Kepresidenan

10 Februari 2012

Boeing BBJ2 untuk Pesawat Kepresidenan RI (photo : Republika)

JAKARTA– Presiden Indonesia kini resmi memiliki pesawat kepresidenan. Pesawat seri 737- 800 Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ 2) yang dibeli langsung dari pabrik Boeing telah diserahterimakan pada tanggal 21 Januari 2012 di Amerika Serikat.

Jika tidak aral melintang, pesawat tersebut akan mulai melayani tugas kenegaraan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) pada Agustus 2013 nanti. Sekretaris Kementerian Sekretaris Negara (Kemensesneg) Lambock V Nahattands mengungkapkan, pemerintah telah melunasi pembayaran senilai USD58,6 juta atau Rp525,91 miliar kepada Boeing Company yang seluruhnya diambilkan dari Anggaran Pendapatan Belanja Negara (APBN).

Namun dana sebesar itu baru untuk pembelian “green aircraft” atau pesawat kosong yang belum dilengkapi dengan interior dan sistem keamanan. Untuk pengerjaan interior kabin pemerintah menganggarkan dana sebesar USD27 juta sedangkan sistem keamanan sebesar USD4,5 juta. Dengan demikian, total biaya yang dikeluarkan untuk membeli pesawat kepresidenan sebesar USD91 juta.

Namun, biaya interior kabin dan sistem keamanan itu masih bisa berubah tergantung pada pemenang lelang. “Saat ini dalam proses pelelangan yang pemenangnya diperkirakan akan ditentukan pada akhir Februari 2012. Pekerjaan interior cabin dan security system akan dimulai Mei 2012 dan diperkirakan selesai Agustus 2013,”jelas Lambock, dalam keterangan persnya di gedung Sekretariat Negara,Jakarta.

Saat ini pesawat kepresidenan masih berada di AS untuk proses pemasangan enam tangki bahan bakar. Proses selanjutnya adalah penyelesaian interior kabin dan pemasangan sistem keamanan.“Semua itu dilakukan oleh completion center yang berpengalaman mengerjakan cabin interior dan security system pesawat VVIP. Saat ini sedang dalam proses pelelangan yang dilakukan secara internasional dan pemenangnya diperkirakan akan ditentukan pada akhir Februari 2012,” ujarnya.

Wakil Ketua Komisi I DPR dari Fraksi Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan (FPDIP) TB Hasanuddin mendukung keputusan pemerintah membeli pesawat kepresidenan. Menurut dia, untuk keperluan Presiden memang sangat dibutuhkan pesawat yang bukan sewaan. “Dari sisi anggaran, beli jauh lebih effisien dari menyewa terus menerus. Saya pernah alami saat di Sekmil. Kalau sewa dan terus menerus setidaknya sebulan empat kali, maka sewa jauh lebih mahal,” katanya.

Biaya itu, lanjut dia, belum termasuk untuk modifikasi yang harus disiapkan sebelum hari H pemakaian. Sebab, untuk kepergian Presiden juga harus disiapkan untuk seting tempat duduk serta keperluan lain termasuk tempat istirahat. Dari sisi keamanan, memiliki pesawat kepresidenan jauh lebih aman dibandingkan sewa. Selain perawatannya bisa dilakukan setiap saat, dengan status pesawat kepresidenan maka pesawat tersebut akan dilengkapi dengan alat komunikasi khusus untuk standar presiden.

Lebih lanjut, politikus PDIP itu menyebut, sebagai bangsa besar Indonesia perlu menjaga dan menunjukkan marwahnya di hadapan bangsa lain. Ini terkait dengan harga diri yang semuanya harus bisa ditunjukkan oleh simbol negara. ”Masak kita kalah sama Papua Nugini sih,”ujarnya. Untuk diketahui, Presiden RI selama ini lebih banyak menggunakan pesawat sewaan dari Garuda Indonesia.

Selama menjabat presiden, SBY seringkali menggunakan jenis Airbus A330 milik Garuda Indonesia. Presiden sebelumnya pun melakukan hal yang sama. Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid atau Gus Dur sering memakai Boeing Bussiness Jet (BBJ) 737-800 atau Boeing 707, sedangkan Megawati Soekarno Putri sering memakai MD- 11 atau RJ-85 PAS.

Berdasar data yang ada, Indonesia sebenarnya pernah mempunyai pesawat kepresiden sendiri. Soekarno tercatat pernah memiliki tiga pesawat jetstar C-140. Presiden RI pertama itu sebelumnya juga pernah memiliki pesawat Ilyushin II-14 yang merupakan hadiah dari Rusia. Namun pada era Soeharto, presiden terlama Indonesia itu lebih banyak menggunakan pesawat Garuda atau TNI.

Tercatat Soeharto pernah memanfaatkan pesawat DC-8 Garuda Indonesia, DC-10 Garuda Indonesia, C-130 Hercules TNI Angkatan Udara, Helikopter SA- 330 Puma, atau SA 332 Super Puma TNI AU. Selain itu Soeharto pernah membeli Fokker 28 yang dioperasionalkan Pelita Air Service dan membeli Avro RJ-185 PAS.

Lebih Hemat dan Optimal

Keputusan membeli pesawat kepresidenan dilalui setelah melalui proses panjang sejak rapat kerja Sekretariat Negara dengan Komisi II DPR pada 31 Mei 2010. Walaupun sempat menimbulkan pro-kontra, DPR telah menyetujui pengadaan pesawat kepresidenan karena lebih efektif dan efisien dibanding menyewa dari PT Garuda Indonesia seperti yang dilakukan selama ini.

Lambock menyebutkan, biaya sewa pesawat untuk presiden pada periode 2005 hingga 2009 adalah Rp813,794 miliar atau USD81,379 juta dengan kenaikan biaya sewa setiap tahun sebesar 10% atau USD8,137 juta. Sedangkan jika membeli pesawat dengan harga USD91 juta, biaya perawatan dan operasional selama 5 tahun USD36,5juta.

Jika diperhitungkan depresiasi pesawat selama 5 tahun senilai USD10,423 juta dan nilai buku aset pesawat sebesar USD80,785 juta, maka penghematan yang dihasilkan senilai USD32,136 juta.

(Seputar Indonesia)

Baca Juga :

4 Perusahaan AS Diundang Tender Desain Kabin Pesawat Kepresidenan

25 Januari 2012

Interior Pesawat Kepresidenan yang akan ditenderkan (photo : Republika)

Jakarta - Pesawat Kepresidenan jenis Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 2 sudah diserahterimakan kepada Pemerintah Indonesia pada Jumat (20/1/2012) lalu dalam keadaan green aircraft alias kondisi kabin yang polos. Sekretaris Negara (Setneg) mengundang 4 perusahaan asal Amerika Serikat (AS) untuk mengikuti tender mendesain kabin dan keamanan pesawat.

Hal itu tercantum dalam dokumen di situs Setneg yang bertajuk 'INVITATION FOR ATTAINMENT OF SELECTION DOCUMENT - COMPLETION CENTRE -CABIN INTERIOR AND SELF-DEFENSE'. Ada 2 file yang diunggah yaitu file undangan kepada 4 perusahaan AS untuk mendesain kabin pesawat Kepresidenan serta dokumen tata cara pengadaan dan lelang tender (procurement document).

File undangan itu dibuat dan diunggah pada 3 Januari 2012 dengan panitia pengadaan proyek Piping Supriatna. Dituliskan jadwal tender dari seleksi dokumen hingga penandatanganan kontrak yaitu Selasa, 3 Januari 2012 hingga Jumat, 16 Maret 2012.Adapun 4 perusahaan asal AS yang diundang tender yaitu:

1. Associated Air Center8321 Lemmon AvenueLove FieldDallas, TX 75209

2. PATS Aircraft Systems21652 Nanticoke AvenueGeorgetown, DE 19947, USA

3. L-3 Integrated Systems7500 Maehr Road Waco, Texas 76715-4580

4. Gore Design Completions, Ltd.607 N. Frank Luke DriveSan Antonio, TX 78226

Sebelumnya Mensesneg Sudi Silalahi mengatakan Pemerintah kini sedang menyusun interior dan sistem keamanan pesawat.

"Memang perkembangannya tidak setiap hari. Baru sekitar satu minggu lalu untuk penerimaan green aircraft," ujar Mensesneg Sudi Silalahi usai RDP dengan Komisi II DPR, di Gedung DPR, Senayan, Jakarta, Selasa (24/1/2012).

"Sehingga proses berikutnya adalah interior dan security system. Sekitar 3 hari lalu serah terima, kita kirim tim yang terkait dengan pengadaan itu. Seluruh anggaran sudah disetujui anggota DPR. Sesuai rambu-rambu, tak ada hal yang lebih dari yang disepakati dahulu," ungkapnya.

Sementara itu Sekretaris Menteri Sekretaris Negara (Sesmensesneg) Lambock V Nahattands mengatakan serah terima dilakukan pada 20 Januari 2012 lalu sekaligus dilakukan uji coba oleh tim.

"Kita minta tangki 4, ini nanti akan selesai April 2012. Maka kita akan lanjut ke cabin interior, masalah security akan diperhatikan juga," paparnya di Gedung DPR, Senayan, Jakarta, Selasa (24/1/2012).

Lambock menjelaskan biaya proses untuk perbaikan pesawat tersebut juga sudah disepakati oleh Kementerian Keuangan. Sehingga nantinya akan menjadi proyek berkesinambungan pada setiap tahunnya.

"Kita masih berusaha menekan harga. Pesawat green aircraft sudah selesai, cabin interior, bulan April sudah dengan tankinya. Perkiraan 2013 awal, kita sudah miliki pesawat kepresidenan," ungkapnya.

Untuk diketahui, harga pesawat tersebut mencapai US$ 58 juta (sekitar Rp 525 miliar). Pemerintah mengklaim berhasil menawar dari harga penawaran sebelumnya yang mencapai US$ 62 juta (sekitar Rp 561,5 miliar).

(Detik)