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)

Quickstep Expects to Secure Long Term Agreements to Manufacture Group 2 and Group 3 JSF Parts

27 Maret 2012

Quickstep has completed the first production parts for the F-35 JSF (photo : JSF)

Quickstep Completes First Production Parts for Joint Strike Fighter

Perth – Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX Ticker: QHL), an Australian-based advanced composites manufacturer, is pleased to announce it has completed the first production parts for the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) program under the Purchase Order secured by Quickstep in July 2011.

The parts have been presented for acceptance to Northrop Grumman weeks ahead of the schedule agreed with Northrop Grumman in 2009.The parts, assembled access panels for the F-35 aircraft, represent the first “flying” Group 1 parts manufactured by Quickstep for the JSF program. Quickstep initially expects to manufacture approximately one completed part per week and will gradually ramp up in quantity.

Quickstep’s Managing Director, Mr Philippe Odouard, said the commencement of commercial JSF production was a very significant event for the Company and demonstrates that Quickstep has successfully completed the very challenging development, contract negotiation and industrialisation phase and has moved into the production and revenue phase.

“This represents the start of Quickstep’s first major production contract for the international defence industry – a core part of the Company’s growth strategy,” Mr Odouard said.

“With serial production now underway we will be making regular shipments of Group 1 JSF parts to Northrop Grumman and receiving regular cash flow, with the intention of ramping up production over the next 12 months.”

Quickstep recently received its second Purchase Order for Group 1 parts covering manufacturing and delivery throughout 2013. While details of Purchase Orders will continue to remain confidential, the 2013 Purchase Order represents a 3 fold increase in JSF part deliveries compared to 2012 quantities and Quickstep’s production ramp up will be completed to meet this timetable.

“To date, Quickstep has met, and in many cases outperformed, all JSF delivery deadlines agreed with Northrop Grumman – a record of which we can be justifiably proud,” Mr Odouard said.

Quickstep expects to secure Long Term Agreements to manufacture Group 2 and Group 3 JSF parts during 2012, which would increase the number and types of JSF parts the Company, will manufacture.

(QuickStep)

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)

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)

Su-30MK2 for Vietnam Crashed During the Acceptance Trials

01 Maret 2012

Sukhoi Su-30MK2 (photo : KNAAPO)

Yesterday, in the Khabarovsk region during a training flight accident Su-30MK2, destined to supply the Air Force of Vietnam. Both pilots managed to eject. According to preliminary information, the cause of the incident was not only a fire originating in the right engine when the acceleration, but also problems in the management of a fighter. In the Raman criminal case on the grounds of an offense under Art. 351 of the Criminal Code ("Violation of the rules of safety and training for them").

According to preliminary data of the investigation, the incident took place 140 km from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, at 17:20 local time (around 10:20 GMT), when the Su-30MK2 running test pilots 485 th Military Mission of the Ministry of Defense Lt. Col. Valery Kirilina and Captain Alexei Gorshkov made receiving and acceptance flight. The investigators found that the fighter, who was the property of Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Industrial Association (KNAAPO), performed two tasks: the flight route and accelerate to the maximum indicated airspeed at an altitude of three thousand miles in normal weather conditions.

As noted in the TFR, under the regime of acceleration to the maximum indicated airspeed the captain Kirilin reported in the flight control of a fire engine on the right, then head of the flight crew immediately gave the command of the bailout.

The KnAAPO said one of the pilots suffered during ejection. Injuries or damage from falling aircraft on the ground there. The military investigation department of the TFR for the Komsomolsk-on-Amur garrison prosecuted for the crime under Art. 351 of the Criminal Code ("Violation of the rules of safety and training for them"). In the near future will begin KnAAPO Commission aviation industry complex, which will establish the technical causes of the incident.

(Kommersant)

Skuadron 21 Kirim Teknisi ke Brasil

01 Maret 2012

Pesawat Super Tucano buatan Embraer Brazil (photo : Patrick's Aviation)

MALANG- Skuadron 21 mengirim satu tenaga teknisi ke Brasil pada Maret ini sebagai persiapan datangnya pesawat Super Tucano di Pangkalan Udara Abdulrachman Saleh Malang.

Super Tocano menggantikan OV-10F Bronco dijadwalkan tiba pada akhir Juli mendatang.

Kepala Skuadron 21 Mayor (penerbang) James Y Singal mengatakan, selanjutnya akan menyusul penerbang, serta ground and air crew.

Semula pesawat tersebut direncanakan tiba Maret ini sebanyak empat unit secara bertahap. Namun karena berbagai pertimbangan diperkirakan baru Juli tiba di Malang.'

'Sebagai persiapannya, kami sudah membangun sarana pendukungnya berupa hanggar, lima buah shelter pesawat, shelter GSE (ground support equipment), maupun ruangan kantor.

Sementara personel yang akan mengawaki pesawat EMB 314 Super Tucano juga sudah mulai disiapkan, termasuk personel yang akan melaksanakan pemeliharaan tingkat ringan dan sedang.

Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara (KSAU), Marsekal TNI Imam Sufaat, usai Rapat Pimpinan TNI AU dan Apel Dansat 2012 di Gedung Serba Guna Akademi Angkatan Udara (AAU) Yogyakarta baru-baru ini mengatakan, hingga 2014, TNI AU akan menambah empat pesawat tempur jenis Sukhoi dari Rusia, 16 unit pesawat tempur jenis Super Tucano dari Brazil, T/A-50 dari Korea sebanyak 16 unit, F-16 sebanyak 8 unit, serta 30 unit pesawat F-16.

Penambahan pesawat tempur ini untuk memperkuat tujuh skuadron tempur TNI untuk menjaga wilayah NKRI.

Selain pesawat tempur, TNI AU juga akan menambah pesawat jenis transport C 295, Hercules dan helikopter C 725 sebanyak 80 pesawat. Dalam pengadaan itu, TNI AU telah bekerja sama dengan Korea Selatan hingga 2024.

"Banyak pesawat TNI AU sudah tua atau berumur di atas 30 tahun sehingga perlu peremajaan. Tidak hanya pada pesawat saja tapi juga mencakup sistem persenjataan, seperti bom, roket dan peluru. Hingga tahun 2024, Indonesia akan memiliki 180 pesawat tempur". (jo-77).

(Suara Merdeka)

ACAB Appointed by LIG Nex1 to Develop KFX Fighter Radome Prototype

17 Februari 2012

ACAB is specialized in advanced radar dome technology (photo : Volvo Aero)

The Volvo Aero owned company, Applied Composites AB – ACAB – has been appointed by LIG Nex1, a LIG Group company in South Korea, for the development of a prototype stealth radome for the KFX aircraft programme.

ACAB is recognized as one of the leading European suppliers of advanced composite components for military applications. Among other things, ACAB is specialized in advanced radome technology, including the latest generation stealth and low-observable technology. ACAB has supported and supplied Saab for over half a century with radome technology for the Saab fighter programmes. ACAB is the supplier of the Gripen fighter radomes.

LIG Nex1 is South Korea’s number one company on military products. LIG Nex1 is working in close collaboration with advanced global companies. LIG Nex1 is developing state-of-the-art weapon systems, including radar and surveillance systems.

The radome (radar dome) is the streamlined structural part in the nose of the aircraft which protects the radar antenna from wind and weather. It is carefully designed to withstand the mechanical loads without compromising the radar performance. In addition, it increases the survivability of the aircraft due to its sophisticated stealth features.

The KFX aircraft is intended to replace South Korea’s aging F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II aircraft. The production numbers are estimated to exceed 250 aircraft. The contract includes exploratory development and production of prototypes for an undisclosed contract value. It is still too early to determine the number of people at ACAB that will be involved in development and production.

“We are very proud of and pleased with the contract from LIG Nex1 since it consolidates our position as world leader in radomes” says Torgny Stenholm, President of ACAB.

“In addition, the agreement is considered to be strategically important for ACAB as the company has plans to expand within the commercial and military aerospace segments”, he adds.

(Volvo Aero/ACAB)

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)

European Jet Maker Likely to Backtrack on $1 bil. Pledge

09 Februari 2012

One of KFX model (image : Militaryphotos)

A European consortium of four aerospace and defense companies will likely walk away from its promise of investing 20 percent of the cost for a Korea-initiated project to develop a new multirole fighter, industry sources said Thursday.

The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company N.V. (EADS) reportedly made the pledge as Korea hinted that financial and technology contributions would favorably affect the separate selection of a foreign vender to supply 60 advanced fighter jets to Korea for 8.29 trillion won ($7.3 billion).

According to a 2011 report by Korea National Defense University, EADS expressed its intent to invest up to 20 percent or $1 billion into the KF-X program, a fighter development program.

An industry insider also confirmed that EADS had expressed it was willing to contribute as much as 20 percent of the development cost for the KF-X project to officials of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

“EADS’s position was that it was willing to comply with DAPA’s request for KF-X investment, but it was deemed too early to comment on the possible import of KF-X fighters from European countries,” said the source familiar with EADS’s talks with DAPA over the FX-III project.

“But now EADS will likely backtrack on the pledge as DAPA made it clear that no incentive will be given in the FX-III race to a company committed to share the financial burden of the KF-X project.”

Seoul has pursued the ambitious KF-X project since 2000 in a bid to replace its aging F-4 and F-5 fighter jets with indigenous aircraft with stealth capabilities and export potential by 2020.

Jakarta has been jointly conducting a feasibility study on the project while shouldering 20 percent of the $50 million initial costs.

Thirty-five Indonesian researchers have teamed up with 137 Korean experts for the exploratory stage, scheduled for completion with the selection of a prototype at the end of 2012.

Indonesia has pledged to invest $1 billion in the KF-X project and buy 50 KF-X fighters, but no other country has yet to follow suit.

Turkey is reportedly mulling joining the Korea-led consortium for the KF-X project, but on condition of an equal partnership with Korea.

A senior DAPA official said Seoul has rejected Ankara’s demand to allow it to have a 50 percent stake in the KF-X project along with Korea as it believes Seoul should play a dominant role.

He said DAPA could abandon the risky jet development project unless another country or a foreign company join the project and share between 20 percent and 29 percent of the development costs.

Meanwhile, an industrial source raised suspicion that Korea may have decided not to give an incentive to FX-III bidders with willingness to invest in the KF-X project as American defense companies, which he claims DAPA favors, showed no interest in making financial contributions.

EADS is competing with two U.S. defense giants, Lockheed Martin and Boeing, in the FX-III project, for which Korea is expected to announce the winner in October this year.

(Korea Times)

F-15SG Debuts at Singapore Airshow 2012 Aerial Display

08 Maret 2012

F-15SG (photo : Martin Eadie)

Fighter aircraft roaring through the skies at high speeds, barely metres apart. Arrow-straight vertical climbs slicing through 10,000 feet (3,084m) of air in under 10 seconds. All this time, your ears are hearing the signature scream of jet-engines thrusting the fighters through the air.

These are just some of the sights and sounds which visitors to this year's Singapore Airshow will be able to catch during the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) aerial display. It is the first time the RSAF is fielding its recently acquired F-15SG fighter aircraft, together with its F-16C fighter aircraft at the show.

A perennial crowd-pleaser at the airshow, the RSAF aerobatics team will showcase the power and agility of the two fighter aircraft, with a combination of solo performances and integrated manoeuvres during its 14-minute aerial display segment which will see the pilots execute 13 manoeuvres.

It is during the Integrated Inverted Mirror Pass manoeuvre that the two fighter aircraft will come within metres of each other. To add to the complexity, the F-16C will be flying upside-down above the twin-engined F-15SG.

"Inverted flight poses its own challenges. Blood rushes to the head while I still have to monitor all the parameters and pilot the aircraft," said Major (MAJ) Desmond Too, 35, who will be flying the F-16C during the aerial display. He will stay inverted for about 15 seconds during that manoeuvre.

Added MAJ Yip Chuang Syn, 33, who will be piloting the F-15SG fighter aircraft: "In everything we do, there is always a certain element of risk. During training, we take all safety aspects into consideration and all our manoeuvres are, in fact, very safe."

"It's safe, but it's also close enough to give the audience a 'wow' experience!" quipped MAJ Yip. The two pilots have clocked more than 3,000 flying hours between them.

The aerial display will end on a literal high note, as the two pilots steer their aircraft skywards in a straight climb called the Vertical Punch manoeuvre.

Speaking of the challenges in executing the move, MAJ Too said: "While going pure vertical, we lose sight of the ground and orientate via our flight instruments while pulling about five to six Gs."

When pilots execute aggressive high speed manoeuvres such as the Vertical Punch, they are subject to extreme gravitational forces. Apart from being uncomfortable, these G-forces can cause blood to rush away from the brain to the pilot's lower extremities, inducing what aeromedical experts call a gravity-induced loss of consciousness.

On the ground, RSAF commentator Military Expert (ME) Ganisen s/o Subramaniam will talk the audience through what the pilots are doing in the air. "We are the ones that connect the audience to the show in the air. The show is very synchronised; when we make a commentary on the ground, the pilots are executing the manoeuvres simultaneously in the air."

In preparation for the show, the team has been training together since November last year. Said MAJ Yip: “The times spent with each other, training together and getting accustomed to each other's flying styles, has given us the confidence to execute the manoeuvres well."

It is not just an individual effort, as the team is supported by ground crew and other support staff. In total, MAJ Too estimated that more than 100 RSAF personnel have come together to bring this aerial display to reality.

The biennial Singapore Airshow is in its third instalment this year and it is the largest aerospace and defence event in Asia. Happening over a period of six days from 14 Feb at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

The show will be open to trade visitors only for the first four days. Apart from the aerial displays, visitors will also be able to catch the latest and newest in aviation technology at the Singapore Airshow 2012 static display areas.

Over the weekend of 18 to 19 Feb, the show will be open to the public, from 9.30am to 5pm daily. Tickets for adults are priced at $20, while entry for children below the age of 12 will cost $8. There is also a family package, inclusive of four entry passes and a carpark label, priced at $120.

(Mindef)

LM Team Visit TAI to Asses RTAF's F-16 Upgrade

06 Februari 2012

F-16 MLU program at Thai Aviation Industries (all photos : TAI & Thaifighterclub)

Representatives from Lockheed Martin Aero, USAF, and DCMA to visit and assess the repair of the F-16 Mid Life Update.

On 9-11 January 2555 representatives from Lockheed Martin Aero, USAF, and DCMA visit the F-16 Mid Life Update program at Takhli Aircraft Maintenance Co., Ltd.

This visit is a continuation of the visit on May 20, 2011 where the team of Lockheed Martin and USAF is also seen in the TAI's aircraft maintenance capacity in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan Province, to prepare the F-16 MLU program.

(Thai Aviation Industries)

BAE, L-3 Win Contract Extension for Australian Hornet Modifications

06 Februari 2012

A Hawk-127, PC-9 and F/A-18 Hornet fly in formation over Port Stephens near RAAF Base Williamtown during preparations for the fly-past during the Handover/Takeover Parade for the Commander Air Combat Group (photo : Aus DoD)

BAE Systems and L-3 MAS Canada have won a contract extension for 14 additional Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

The Australian Defence Force awarded the 10-month extension, which covers structural refurbishment modification and "deeper maintenance to support capability requirements", said BAE in a statement. The deal raises the overall contract value to Australian dollars (A$) 130 million ($139 million) from A$80 million, it added.

"This contract change is the culmination of many months of hard work to deliver an optimised Classic Hornet deeper maintenance and modification support programme," said BAE Systems Australia's director of aerospace, John Monaghan.

BAE has provided the RAAF with deeper maintenance services for its A/B-model Hornets since 2003.

(FlightGlobal)

Dua Sukhoi dari Rusia Tiba Tahun Ini

16 Januari 2012

Pesawat Su-30MK2 TNI AU (photo : Kaksus Militer)

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dua pesawat jet tempur Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 akan tiba dari Rusia tahun ini. Keduanya merupakan bagian dari pembelian enam Sukhoi yang sudah diresmikan melalui penyerahan kontrak antara Kementerian Pertahanan RI dan produsen pesawat Rusia, JSC Rosoboronexport.

Serah-terima dilakukan bertahap mulai tahun ini sampai 2014. "Tahun 2012 rencananya akan didatangkan dua pesawat, selanjutnya tahun 2013 dua pesawat, dan tahun 2014 dua pesawat lagi," kata Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara Marsekal Imam Sufaat, Senin, 16 Januari 2012.

Enam unit Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 ini sejak awal dimaksudkan untuk melengkapi jet tempur TNI Angkatan Udara. Saat ini TNI AU telah memiliki 10 unit jet tempur Sukhoi yang terdiri atas enam Sukhoi Su-27 SKM dan empat Sukhoi Su-30 MK2. Rencananya TNI AU akan menempatkan satu skuadron Sukhoi ini di Pangkalan Udara Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan.

Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro menyatakan penambahan Sukhoi ini memang merupakan bagian dari rencana pembangunan kekuatan TNI. Dijelaskan, penambahan tidak hanya dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan produksi luar negeri. "Kami juga tetap mempercayakan industri dalam negeri. Salah satunya adalah kerja sama dengan PT Dirgantara Indonesia,” katanya.

PT DI kini tengah merampungkan helikopter jenis Bell 412 dan Puma untuk Angkatan Darat dan Angkatan Udara. Selain itu PT DI juga sedang menyelesaikan sembilan unit pesawat CN 295 bersama produsen pesawat Airbus Military yang berbasis di Spanyol.

(Antara)

4 Pesawat Super Tucano Tiba Maret

09 Januari 2012

Pesawat A-29/EMB-314 Super Tucano buatan Brazil (photo : Patricks Aviation)

MALANG - Sebanyak empat dari 16 pesawat tempur Super Tucano A29 buatan Brasil direncanakan tiba pada Maret 2012 untuk melengkapi sistem persenjataan TNI AU di Pangkalan Udara Abdurrahman Saleh, Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur. Kedatangan pesawat tempur itu akan menggantikan posisi pesawat tempur Oviten-10F Bronco yang sudah tidak akan dioperasikan lagi.

"Kami terus menyiapkan pendukung lainnya untuk kedatangan pesawat tempur canggih itu, termasuk pilot khusus yang berusia minimal 24 hingga 35 tahun dan ahli dalam berbahasa Inggris," kata Kepala Dinas Operasi (Kadisops) Pangkalan Udara Abdurrahman Saleh, Kolonel Pnb Novianto Widadi, Minggu (8/1).

Secara umum, Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh siap menyambut kedatangan pesawat baru tersebut. Kesiapan yang sudah dilakukan, meliputi sejumlah fasilitas pendukung di Lanud Abd Saleh, seperti shelter atau tempat lokasi parkir pesawat, serta 12 pilot khusus yang telah dilatih untuk mengawaki pesawat tersebut.

Dengan tibanya pesawat pada bulan Maret, diharapkan nantinya bisa dipertunjukan kepada masyarakat pada peringatan HUT TNI AU tanggal 9 April 2012. Sementara itu, rencananya pesawat tersebut akan digunakan untuk misi operasi taktis dalam membantu pasukan di darat, sebab pesawat itu memiliki keunggulan close air support.

Selain itu, pesawat yang memiliki mesin tunggal buatan "Empresa Braziliera de Aeronautica" juga memiliki kemampuan menembakan asap ke darat secara cepat untuk menunjukkan posisi musuh.

Pesawat itu nantinya tidak hanya digunakan sebagai pesawat latih, namun juga digunakan misi pengamanan wilayah perbatasan, untuk memastikan tidak adanya pelanggaran batas negara oleh pihak lain.

"Total pesawat yang kita pesan sebanyak 16 unit dan pengiriman akan dilakukan secara bertahap, diawali dengan kedatangan empat unit pada Maret 2012, dan akan ditempatkan pada Skuadron 21 Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh," katanya.

Sebelumnya, Kepala Staf TNI AU (Kasau) Marsekal TNI Imam Sufa’at meresmikan monumen OV-10F Bronco di Lanud Abdurrahman Saleh, Malang.

Ini menjadi penanda berakhirnya masa pakai pesawat OV-10 Bronco. OV-10 Bronco telah di-grounded dan akan digantikan dengan pesawat tempur Super Tucano. Sesaat sebelum peresmian, Kasau menyampaikan harapannya agar dengan memonumenkan pesawat yang memiliki julukan "si kuda liar" atau biasa disebut kampret di jajaran TNI AU ini dapat menjadi sarana untuk mengenang kiprahnya dalam medan laga dan para awak yang telah gugur bersamanya.

OV-10 Bronco telah berjasa di berbagai operasi, antara lain Ops Seroja (1976-1979) di NTT, Ops Tumpas (1977-1978) di Irian Jaya, dan Ops Halilintar (1978) di Riau. Setelah peresmian monumen, Kasau beserta rombongan meninjau Skadron Udara 21 untuk pembangunan shelter pesawat Super Tucano yang akan datang menggantikan pesawat gaek OV-10F Bronco. SB/Ant/P-3

(Koran Jakarta)

F-35 JSF Delays Could Force Australia to Revert to Super Hornet

06 Januari 2012

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in flight during testing. (photo : News Limited)

AUSTRALIA may be forced to purchase more Super Hornet fighter-bombers to prevent a capability gap in the nation's air defences if work on the Joint Strike Fighter is further delayed due to a new US military strategy and budget plan.

Ambassador to the US Kim Beazley, who received a comprehensive briefing from American officials about the changes, conceded production of the stealthy, multi-role JSF now named the F-35 Lightning II may be impacted by the shift to a leaner US military.

"The meaning of what the President (Barack Obama) and (US Defence Secretary Leon) Panetta have had to say for the F35 program is not that there won't be one but that perhaps in the long term the numbers might change and come down bit," Mr Beazley, former defence minister from 1984-90, told ABC News.

"I don't expect that out of this will emerge delays to a successful conclusion of the project but it may have an impact on the cost structure. The impact on delivery, paradoxically, will probably be quite useful."

Australia plans to buy up to 100 F-35s for an estimated $16 billion and has so far ordered 14, with the RAAF's first squadron supposed to be operating by 2018.

Asked if Australia could fill the gap if the F-35s were not ready by that time by buying more Super Hornet fighter-bombers Mr Beazley indicated that was a possibility.

"Well that's of course for defence ministers rather than ambassadors to say but he is always, (Defence Minister Stephen) Smith has always made clear that he keeps options open in terms of addressing any capability gaps," Mr Beazley said.

Development of the revolutionary JSF was already running behind schedule in April last year when The Australian revealed the RAAF was contemplating purchasing 18 more Super Hornets for $1.5bn to fill the gap.

It is understood delivery may be pushed back even further when the proposed US defence budget for 2013 is announced in coming weeks. The budget is expected to detail $487bn in spending cuts and call for a slowing of the pace of production for the F-35 jet.

The Howard government bought 24 Super Hornets for $6bn in 2007 to fill an earlier strategic gap left when the RAAF's F-111 bombers were withdrawn ahead of time because of concerns about fatigue.

But the announcement overnight, which included a new strategic focus towards the Asia-Pacific, may mean Australia could need even more Super Hornets.

"The Americans are very clear that as they proceed with the F35 program they're under close watch by the Australian government and if at any point of time a risk develops to the capacity for Australia to be satisfied with the forcing being that it has for the air defence of Australia then the Australian government will take action," Mr Beazley said.

US company Lockheed Martin Corporation is building the F-35s which are packed with sophisticated radars and other electronic equipment.

The original plan was for Lockheed to build 2443 JSFs for various arms of the American forces with about 500 others going to allies including Britain, Australia, Israel and Canada.

British Defence Minister Philip Hammond today voiced concern about possible cuts or delays in the F-35 fighter program.

Mr Hammond, who is currently visiting Washington, said he would like to speak with Mr Panetta about the impact the US announcement could have on the JSF.

"One of the things I hope to understand in the meetings I am to have later today is what, if any, impact the announcements being made today will have on the Joint Strike Fighter program," Mr Hammond said.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston told The Australian Online he was "not concerned" that the progress of the JSF program would be hindered by the US announcement.

However he said America's shifted focus on the Asia-Pacific region would place extra responsibility on Australia.

"Australia is now under the microscope to step up," Senator Johnston said.

"With the current state of the navy and the disinterest of our Prime Minister in defence issues we are at risk of being found wanting."

Acting Defence Minister Warren Snowdon referred The Australian Online to Mr Beazley's comments.

(The Australian)

Vietnam Received Four More Su-30MK2

31 Desember 2011

Su-30 of the Vietnam People Air Force (photo : Jetphotos)

Interfax-AVN - Russia successfully carried out a contract to supply Vietnam 12 multifunctional fighters Su-30MK2.

"In accordance with the timetable agreed with the customer next four Su-30MK2 posted on Friday from Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Vietnam," - said a source in the military-industrial complex.

He recalled that the delivery of the first four aircraft were delivered in June this year.

(Interfax)

Indonesia dan Rusia Tanda-Tangani Kontrak Pembelian 6 Su-30MK2

30 Desember 2011

Dengan pesanan 6 Su-30MK2 maka skadron Su-27/Su-30 akan genap menjadi 16 unit (photo : Kaksus Militer)

Jakarta, DMC - Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia memastikan membeli enam unit jet tempur Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 dari Rusia sebagai bagian dari rencana strategis untuk memenuhi kekuatan udara pesawat tempur Sukhoi hingga satu skuadron atau setara 16 jet tempur.

Kepastian tersebut ditandai dengan penyerahan kontrak pengadaan Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 antara Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia dengan JSC Rosoboronexport Rusia, Kamis (29/12) di kantor Kementerian Pertahanan RI, Jakarta.

Dalam acara penyerahan kontrak tersebut, pihak Kemhan diwakili oleh Kepala Badan Sarana Pertahanan (Kabaranahan) Kemhan RI Mayjen TNI Ediwan Prabowo, sedangkan pihak Rosoboronexport Rusia diwakili oleh pejabat perwakilannya di Indonesia Vadim Araksin.

Hadir menyaksikan serah terima kontrak tersebut sejumlah pejabat di lingkungan Kemhan dan Mabes TNI AU antara lain Kepala Pusat Pengadaan Baranahan Kemhan Laksma TNI Ir. A. Djonie Gallaran, MM, Asrena Kasau Marsda TNI Rodi Suprasodjo, S.IP dan Kadisadaau Marsma TNI Achmad Zainuri. Hadir pula Duta Besar Rusia Untuk Indonesia Alexander A. Ivanov.

Pengadaan enam unit jet tempur Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 ini untuk melengkapi 10 Sukhoi yang kini sudah dimiliki TNI AU sehingga nantinya genap menjadi satu skuadron yang ditempatkan di Pangkalan Udara (Lanud) Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan.

10 Shukoi tersebut terdiri enam unit Sukhoi jenis Su-27 SKM dan empat unit Sukhoi jenis Su-30 MK2. Dengan penambahan enam unit jet tempur Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 tersebut diharapkan dapat menambah kekuatan tempur TNI AU dalam menjaga kawasan udara Indonesia.

Kabaranahan Kemhan RI dalam kesempatan tersebut menyampaikan ucapan terima kasih kepada pihak JSC Rosoboronexport Rusia yang telah menunjukkan kerjasama yang baik dan saling menguntungkan dengan Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia sehingga realisasi pengadaan Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 dapat terpenuhi.

Realisasi pengadaan Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 menjadi salah satu perkembangan positif dari hubungan kerjasama yang saling menguntungkan antara kedua negara di bidang pertahanan terutama kerjasama pengadaan Alat Utama Sistem Senjata (Alutsista).

Kabaranahan Kemhan RI berharap, di masa mendatang Pemerintah Indonesia dapat mencapai kebutuhan Alutsista khususnya pesawat tempur yang dapat menjaga wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia dari ancaman baik internal dan eksternal.

Mengakhiri sambutannya, Kabaranahan Kemhan RI mengatakan, dengan telah diserahkannya kontrak pengadaan Sukhoi Su-30 MK2, maka kedepan kedua belah pihak memiliki tanggung jawab untuk melanjutkan proses pengadaan Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 seperti yang telah direncanakan dan Kemhan RI berharap dapat selesai tepat pada waktunya.(BDI/SR)

(DMC)