April 19, 2013 china-defense-mashup.com
April 19, 2013 china-defense-mashup.com
PORTLAND, Ore., April 18 (UPI)
FLIR Systems Inc.'s BRITE Star DP advanced imaging system is being integrated onto aircraft for Afghanistan under the U.S. Air Force LAS program.
The Brazilian aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano, will be assembled in the United States under the Air Force's Light Air Support contract awarded in February to the Sierra Nevada Corp. and Embraer of Brazil.
FLIR said as part of that award, it received a $22 million order for its system. Delivery of BRITE Star systems will begin in June and continue through next year.
"Being selected to provide our highly advanced imaging systems for the LAS program is indicative of the growing diversification of the customers, regions, and platforms that we serve," said Earl Lewis, president and chief executive officer of FLIR. "We have a proven ability to provide state-of-the-art technologies that are critical to protecting people and are pleased to be able to continue our success in the airborne market."
An initial 20 A-29s will be supplied to the Afghanistan army air corps for flight training, reconnaissance and light air support (combat) missions.
More than 88 percent of the Super Tucano's parts are being supplied by U.S. companies.
April 18, 2013 defense-aerospace.com
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued April 17, 2013)
JSF Model to Study Electromagnetic Effects
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today unveiled a full-scale model of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) which DSTO will use to study the effects of electromagnetic compatibility and interference on the aircraft.
Called Iron Bird, the Australian-built model will be tested under simulated electromagnetic conditions during the acquisition and through-life sustainment of the JSF.
The study is a significant part of ensuring the protection of the JSF against electromagnetic environmental effects such as lightning and static discharge which can impair the performance and safety of aircraft.
The JSF is a fifth-generation aircraft with highly complex electronics, sophisticated software and a structural airframe made of composite materials. This exposes the aircraft to electromagnetic interference from both naturally occurring phenomena and man-made sources, including telecommunication transmissions and radar. The impact of these interferences needs to be well understood and appropriately managed.
DSTO has developed world-class expertise in the investigation of electromagnetic radiation impact on aircraft and is engaged directly with the United States JSF Joint Project Office to undertake this study using the Iron Bird model.
The data captured will help in providing potential reductions in the cost of owning the JSF fleet and enhancing the aircraft’s capability.
The DSTO test methods provide a rapid, cost-effective means of assessing and monitoring the JSF’s ability to withstand electromagnetic exposure and minimise any impact on its systems and performance. The research will support the verification for compliance and airworthiness certification for the JSF aircraft.
Australia’s first two F-35As are due to be delivered to a United States-based training facility during 2014‑15 when Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot and maintainer training will commence on the aircraft.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.
Apr 18, 2013 ASDNews Source : BAE Systems PLC
Our proven laser-guided rocket continues to impress
BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) rocket recently launched and engaged targets from a U.S. Air Force A-10 jet, marking another milestone for the laser-guided rocket system. This expanded capability gives pilots of fast-moving jet aircraft a precision-guided stand-off system that has proven to be the low-collateral-damage weapon of choice for Marine Corps helicopter pilots in Afghanistan.
“These latest test results underscore the power and versatility of the APKWS technology and provide further proof that the system can be launched off of any platform capable of shooting an unguided 2.75-inch rocket,” said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems. “Since its introduction on Marine Corps helicopters in combat operations, the APKWS rocket has proven its ability to defeat a broad range of targets. This test is an important step in bringing that same capability to fixed-wing aviators.”
During the recent tests at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, two APKWS rockets were fired from an Air Force A-10 Warthog at altitudes of approximately 10,000 and 15,000 feet, at airspeeds up to 348 knots. The first controlled test-vehicle shot performed a series of pre-planned maneuvers to collect in-flight data. The second shot, into a 70-knot headwind, hit the target board well within the required 2 meters of the laser spot. The shot was laser-designated from the ground with a special operations forces marker. These shots are the first in a series planned under a Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration program with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. The A-10 is the first Air Force platform to conduct testing of the fixed-wing variant of the APKWS weapon. The U.S. Marine Corps recently conducted similar tests off the AV-8B Harrier aircraft.
At one-third the cost and one-third the weight of other precision weapons in inventory, the APKWS rocket is an ideal precision weapon for today’s fiscal environment, reducing the direct cost of target engagement and the total operational cost of each sortie. To date, the APKWS rocket has been qualified on the AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters, demonstrated on the Bell 407GT, and has been flown off the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, the Beechcraft AT-6B — and now, the A-10. It is expected to be similarly qualified for use on several other rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft including the AH-64D/E Apache, the armed MH-60R/S, AH-6, AV-8B, F-16, and F/A-18.
BAE Systems is prime contractor for the APKWS rocket, the only U.S. program of record delivering precision guidance for 2.75-inch rockets.
18 April 2013 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb
The military aid that South Africa receives from the United States every year largely goes towards supporting the Air Force’s fleet of nine C-130 Hercules aircraft.
According to an official from the US military’s Africa Command (Africom), most of the $750 000 per year of the US government’s Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant money is used to support Hercules aircraft, and includes things like buying spares and providing aircrew training. Aircrew use simulators in the United States to practice emergency procedures that would be too risky with real aircraft.
In 2010 and 2011 South Africa was scheduled to receive $800 000 in Foreign Military Financing, according to the US Department of State. Foreign Military Financing to South Africa topped out at around $1 million but now stands at around $750 000 per annum, according to the Africom official.
Other foreign military financing goes towards the South African Navy - money goes towards an adaptor on a submarine hatch collar, the official said.
In addition to Foreign Military Financing, the SAAF has also benefitted from excess defence articles, which are received at a fraction of the original cost. The SAAF took delivery of seven new C-130B Hercules in 1963, of which six remain in use. Three ex-US Navy C-130F aircraft were acquired in 1996, with a further two ex-US Air Force C-130Bs delivered in 1998, all under the United States Excess Defence Articles Programme. The F models were retired shortly after delivery, but the nine C-130Bs were upgraded and modernised between 1996 to 2009 to the C-130BZ configuration, incorporating a modern glass cockpit.
The South African Air Force has nine C-130s in its inventory, with an average of three flying at any one time and the rest undergoing maintenance and checks.
The US FMF programme provides grants and loans to assist foreign nations in purchasing US-made weapons, defence articles, services and military training. US Congress appropriates FMF funds in the International Affairs Budget, while the Department of State allocates the funds for eligible friends and allies, and the Department of Defence executes the programme.
The FMF programme in Africa has grown from $16 million in fiscal year 2008 to $45 million in fiscal year 2011. Approximately 18 nations receive grants through the FMF program. In FY2011, the largest benefitting country in the Africom area of responsibility was Tunisia with an allocation of $17 million, followed by Morocco with $9 million and Liberia with $7 million.
The countries within the AFRICOM area of responsibility that receive FMF include: Botswana, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
17/04/2013 Michel Cabirol – LaTribune.fr
Les quatre enfants de Serge Dassault - Olivier, Laurent, Thierry et Marie-Hélène - assureraient à tour de rôle la présidence non exécutive du conseil de surveillance de groupe familial Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault, qui contrôle Dassault Aviation notamment.
Quelle succession pour Serge Dassault, aujourd'hui âgé de 88 ans ? Une succession qui jusqu'ici opposait farouchement ses deux fils, Olivier et Laurent Dassault, qui se disputent le futur leadership de la maison Dassault. Interrogé lors de l'émission "L'invité des Echos", Olivier Dassault a déclaré qu'un nouveau schéma se dessinait pour assurer une succession apaisée de son père à la tête du groupe familial GIMD (Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault), qui contrôle Dassault Aviation (50,55 %) notamment. "Il n'est pas impossible que, comme dans le groupe Decaux , nous fassions une présidence tournante, c'est-à-dire qu'il y ait tous les deux, trois ans un de mes frères et soeur qui soit successivement président. Ça peut être une bonne solution", a expliqué Olivier Dassault, président du conseil de surveillance du groupe Dassault depuis 2011.
Cette présidence tournante, entre Olivier, député UMP de l'Oise, Laurent, chargé des investissements du groupe Dassault dans la viticulture et président du Conseil d'Artcurial, Thierry, spécialisé dans l'intelligence économique et Marie-Hélène, responsable de la communication et du mécénat, serait soutenue par Serge Dassault, selon Olivier Dassault. "Nous sommes quatre à parts égales, nous sommes les actionnaires du groupe (...) L'important, c'est que les décisions doivent être prises tous ensemble. C'est quelque chose auquel on a réfléchi, et c'est quelque chose qui fait son chemin", a-t-il précisé. Interrogé par "Les Echos", Laurent Dassault a précisé de son côté que cette "excellente idée" venait de son père, Serge Dassault. "Mais quand nous en avons parlé, Olivier n'y semblait pas favorable. Nous sommes à la fois surpris et très heureux de constater qu'il y est finalement favorable", a-t-il souligné.
Rôle non opérationnel pour les enfants
Olivier Dassault semblait jusqu'à présent le mieux placé pour succéder à Serge Dassault à la tête de la holding familiale, qui contrôle notamment, outre Dassault Aviation, la société Dassault Systèmes, le groupe de presse Le Figaro, la salle de vente aux enchères Artcurial, l'Immobilière Dassault et les vignobles Château Dassault. Chez JCDecaux, également une entreprise familiale, les deux frères Jean-François et Jean-Charles sont codirecteurs généraux et occupent alternativement la présidence du directoire du groupe d'affichage publicitaire.
Selon "Les Echos", le schéma complet qui se dessine est le suivant : Denis Kessler, actuellement PDG du groupe SCOR, prendrait le siège de Charles Edelstenne, l'ancien PDG de Dassault Aviation. Ce dernier prendrait pour sa part la présidence exécutive du holding familial. "S'il se confirmait, ce scénario reviendrait alors à cantonner ses enfants (de Serge Dassault, ndlr), pourtant co-actionnaires à parts égales, dans un rôle non opérationnel. A tour de rôle et sans véritable pourvoir..." Un scénario surprenant qui pourrait difficilement contenter Olivier Dassault qui a toujours ambitionné de de devenir le boss chez Dassault. Pas sûr non plus que Nicole Dassault, l'épouse de Serge, n'ait pas son mot à dire sur ce scénario.
P-8I #Aircraft: 21st Century Maritime Security for the Indian #Navy - by @BoeingDefense #India #Defence #Aerospace http://t.co/G219VnZnjb
April 18, 2013
@BAESystemsplc Delivers BAE 146 C.Mk 3 #Aircraft to the @RoyalAirForceUK - #Uk #Defence #Aerospace #Défense http://t.co/wvg38vdGGL
April 18, 2013
BAE Systems Delivers BAE 146 C.Mk 3 Aircraft to the RAF
Major Conversion Programme Includes Enhanced Interior Flexibility With Four Different Interior Options BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has delivered on time and on budget two BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) aircraft that have been converted from commercial to military configuration for use by the Royal Air Force.
#Typhoon test pilots begin #NightVisionGoggles trials - #UK #Defence #Aerospace #Optronics @BAESystemsplc #NVG http://t.co/njsy3bFoKi
April 18, 2013
Typhoon test pilots begin Night Vision Goggles trials
New Night Vision Goggles are being trialled by Typhoon pilots at our Warton site. Adding to the very latest technologies that the Helmet Mounted Symbology System offers along with the night compatible cockpit, the FENN NG2000Ti goggles will provide pilots with x-ray like vision right through the night.
@BoeingDefense to supply #AH64E #Apache #helicopters to #SouthKorea - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/qa0AISWo9v
April 18, 2013
Boeing to supply AH-64E Apache helicopters to South Korea - Army Technology
18 April 2013 Boeing has been awarded a multi-billion dollar contract for the supply of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, the country's Defense Acquisition Procurement Administration (DAPA) has announced.
#Colombia to expand @SikorskyAircrft S-70i fleet with new order - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/zR26hxAlYo
April 18, 2013
Colombia to expand S-70i fleet with new order
Colombia's army is to expand its fleet of five Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopters, with a further two of the Polish-built aircraft to be delivered...
@NATO - #C17 Follow-On Support - #US #Defence #Aerospace #FMS #Défense http://t.co/626YQhtLTt
April 18, 2013
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress April 16 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to a NATO consortium for follow-on contractor logistics support for NATO Airlift Management Program C-17 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $300 million.
#ScanEagle At Sea - @Insitu_Inc #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry @USNavy http://t.co/8e3jbpj6gu
April 18, 2013
Posted 4/17/2013 GULF OF ADEN (April 15, 2013) Civilian contractors from Insitu, Inc., launch an unmanned aerial vehicle from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Scan Eagle is a runway independent, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide multiple surveillance, reconnaissance, and battlefield damage assessment missions.
@usgao : #Software Integration Remains One of @theF35 Highest Risks – #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/Y899yuCZyR
April 18, 2013
Last month we published a review of a preliminary report prepared by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) about the F-35 program. The report revisited four of the 10 key management objectives mentioned previously, indicating seven were met or made substantial progress. However, two objectives on aircraft deliveries and a corrective management plan were not met.
#Brazil's #FX2 jet #fighter purchase decision put off again - #Defence #Aerospace #Défence #Aéronautique http://t.co/484xtx4avw
April 18, 2013
Brazil's FX-2 jet fighter purchase program faces more delays
RIO DE JANEIRO, April 17 (UPI) -- Brazil's long-delayed FX-2 fighter purchase program has been pushed back again, leaving all three leading contractors guessing the outcome, whenever it happens. Boeing's F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, French manufacturer Dassault's Rafale and Swedish company Saab's JAS-39 Gripen NG are in the race to win the contract to supply Brazil with up to 36 jets.
@USAirForce taps @RockwellCollins for #KC135 #avionics support - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/FGDyDTHNJZ
April 17, 2013
Rockwell Collins gets contracts for Air Force KC-135 support
ATLANTA, April 17 (UPI) -- Rockwell Collins has been given two U.S. Air Force contracts for service and support of KC-135 aircraft. The first is for an avionics repair package for 4,000 line replaceable multi-mode weather radars on the service's fleet of 417 KC-135s. The contract is for one year with three one-year options.
#Belgique : La #Défense va lancer un appel d'offres pour remplacer son #A330 de location - #Belgium #Defence... http://t.co/SnHcZPBNJ3
April 17, 2013
La Défense va lancer un appel d'offres pour remplacer son A330 de location - RTBF Belgique
Le ministre de la Défense, Pieter De Crem, a laissé entendre mardi que son département ne prolongerait pas la location d'un Airbus A330 - le seul appareil de transport stratégique de l'armée belge - à une compagnie portugaise à l'issue du contrat qui expire d'ici la fin de l'année.
#HAL ’s #Dhruv #helicopter likely to get #FAA approval - #India #Defence #Aerospace #Industry http://t.co/Zc96JSDggF
April 17, 2013
HAL's Dhruv helicopter likely to get FAA approval
BANGALORE, April 17, 2013, DHNS: India will strive to obtain US agency's approval, says minister Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said on Tuesday that India will make efforts to get Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) US, in the near future.
Nouvelle piste envisagée pour la succession de Serge Dassault - @Dassault_OnAir #France #Défense #Defence #Aerospace http://t.co/ERBIewSKu9
April 17, 2013
@BoeingDefense pays penalty for Turkish #AWACs - #Turkey #AirForce #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/GJdww0RzFa
April 17, 2013
BUSINESS - Boeing pays penalty for Turkish AWACs
Burak Bekdil ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz has admitted that major delays in Turkey's multibillion-dollar program for the purchase of four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from Boeing were due to the company's failure in developing the system and "various force majeure" involved in the program.
@ITTExelis to provide anti-jam GPS antennas for #KC46 refueling aircraft - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/e10hM6To7B
April 17, 2013
ITT Exelis to provide anti-jam GPS antennas for KC-46 refueling aircraft
ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has received a contract from Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to supply anti-jam GPS antennas to the KC-46 refueling tanker program. Work on this contract will be performed in Bohemia, N.Y.
@RockwellCollins inks #F22 displays sustainment contract with @LockheedMartin - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/LQQ7iVxr6Y
April 17, 2013
Rockwell Collins inks F-22 displays sustainment contract with Lockheed Martin
Rockwell Collins has been awarded a four-year, $14.3 million contract to provide Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force with sustainment services for cockpit displays on 184 F-22 aircraft. "This contract continues our strong public-private partnership with the Air Force and Lockheed Martin, which has resulted in industry-leading program performance.
@EADSgroup 2013 Annual General Meeting - #Europe #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/jEpg7lA9E0
April 17, 2013
EADS Global Website - EADS 2013 Annual General Meeting
In accordance with Article 21 of the Articles of Association of the Company, we are pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting that will take place: On Wednesday 29 May 2013 at 2 p.m.
@finmeccanicaweb Establishes Ethics Board - #Italy #Europe #Defence #Aerospace #Défense http://t.co/JGJmm8r0QX
April 17, 2013
Finmeccanica Establishes Ethics Board
ROME - In the wake of a corruption probe that prompted the arrest of its former CEO, Italy's Finmeccanica has announced creation of an ethics watchdog and said it will review all consultancy contracts handed out in the last three years.
@USNavy ’s #E6BMercury #aircraft receives IPBE upgrade - #US #Defence #Aerospace #industry http://t.co/kZ9o1Sl8Zg
April 17, 2013
US Navy's E-6B Mercury aircraft receives IPBE upgrade - Naval Technology
17 April 2013 The US Navy's Boeing-built E-6B Mercury aircraft has successfully completed an internet protocol bandwidth expansion (IPBE) upgrade, as part of its service life extension programme (SLEP) overhaul. The IPBE upgrade will enable the E-6B Mercury aircraft to enhance its capability to support missions during any crisis, while replacing more than 5,000lb of backup equipment from the aircraft.