17.03.2014 Romandie.com (ats)

Le marché mondial de l'armement est en nette expansion. Il a progressé de 14% ces cinq dernières années. L'Inde, le Pakistan et l'Arabie saoudite ont notamment fortement accru leurs importations d'armements durant cette période, selon l'Institut international de recherche sur la paix de Stockholm (SIPRI).

Les importations indiennes ont progressé de 111% entre les années 2004-2008 et la période 2009-2013, passant de 7% à 14% du total des importations mondiales, indique le rapport du SIPRI. Les importations pakistanaises de systèmes d'armes majeurs ont progressé dans le même temps de 119%, de 2% à 5% du marché mondial.

La Chine (5% des importations), les Emirats arabes unis (4%) et l'Arabie saoudite (4%), complètent le top 5 des pays importateurs. Avec 14% du marché mondial, le volume d'importation de l'Inde est ainsi près de trois fois plus élevé que celui du Pakistan et de la Chine, qui la suivent au classement des pays importateurs.

Etats-Unis et Russie

Durant la période 2009-2013, les Etats-Unis, avec 29% du marché mondial, les Etats-Unis et la Russie (27%) ont été les principaux pays exportateurs d'armements, loin devant l'Allemagne (7%), la Chine (6%), la France (5%) et le Royaume-uni (4%). Pékin s'impose désormais comme un pays exportateur du même rang que Paris et Berlin.

Selon l'institut, les flux d'armements ont fortement augmenté entre 2008 et 2013 en direction de l'Afrique, l'Amérique, l'Asie et l'Océanie, alors qu'ils diminuaient vers l'Europe.

Les importations d'armement des pays arabes du golfe Persique ont augmenté de 23% entre les années 2004-2008 et la période suivante, pour totaliser 52% des importations de l'ensemble des pays du Moyen-Orient. 18e pays importateur dans les années 2004-2008, l'Arabie saoudite s'est hissée au 5e rang mondial dans les cinq années suivantes.

Importantes commandes d'avions

Selon le SIPRI, plusieurs pays du Golfe ont investi lourdement dans les systèmes de défense aérienne et les missiles. Avec en particulier "d'importantes commandes d'avions de combat" au Royaume-Uni et aux Etats-Unis.

Autre évolution notable sur le marché, le Brésil a augmenté ses importations dans la période 2009-2013, avec l'acquisition de quatre sous-marins à la France, de véhicules blindés à l'Italie et de 36 avions de combat à la Suède.

Trends in international arms transfers, 2013

New Market: Airbus Helicopters' African customers include Lesotho, which has acquired the company's EC135 light utility helicopter for the Air Wing of its Defense Force.

Mar. 16, 2014 - By OSCAR NKALA – Defense News

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE — Eurocopter Southern Africa Ltd. (ESAL) says it plans to establish a permanent base in Kenya to conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) on all Airbus helicopters in Africa and parts of the Middle East, as the company anticipates growing force modernization requirements in sub-Saharan Africa.

The company, formerly Eurocopter, has recorded 35 percent growth in business in southern Africa since 2010, as countries in the region have increased investments in military aircraft, airborne law enforcement and civil emergency response capabilities.

In recent years, the company has supplied the EC145 helicopter to the Namibian Police Service, the EC135 to the Lesotho Defense Force’s Air Wing and a number of older Eurocopter models to the Botswana Defense Force, which are reportedly due for systems upgrades or replacement.

Arnaud Montalvo, CEO of ESAL, said the company’s move to Kenya is a response to a boom in the country’s civil aviation sector and the government’s drive to strengthen its military, law enforcement and conservation agencies, offering numerous sales opportunities.

“Originally, our activities were mostly in South Africa. In the past seven to eight years, we have expanded outside South Africa, mainly for law enforcement,” Montalvo said. “But in Kenya, [our market] is not only law enforcement, it is also other government agencies: Kenya Wildlife, Kenya Forestry, Kenya Pipeline, plus many civilian operators who are mostly in the utility sector. ... The Kenya police have growing needs and have issued a tender for a twin-engined helicopter.”

The base, to be located at Nairobi Wilson Airport, will be the company’s second in Africa. The existing base in South Africa includes an MRO center for Airbus Helicopter models in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, and a training academy at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg. It also includes Africa’s first full-motion flight simulator, for training pilots and flight engineers operating the Super Puma helicopter, at the Sim-Aero training center at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, also in Johannesburg.

“Kenya and the surrounding region is a growth market for Airbus Helicopters, and Nairobi is perfectly located for the establishment of a base for sales and support to customers and operators in East Africa,” said ESL spokesman Linden Birns.

The timeframe for the move to Kenya is still being developed, he said.

Eurocopter’s move to Kenya follows market analysts Frost & Sullivan’s prediction that the value of the combined military and civilian helicopter market in the developing world, including the Middle East and Africa, will rise to $146.8 billion between 2014 and 2022.

A heavy slump in demand is expected in the European and North American markets, whose combined market value is estimated to rise to $9.7 billion in the same period.

In a report, “Global Helicopter & Systems Market: Capturing Growth Opportunities across the Rotorcraft Industry,” Frost & Sullivan said demand will be driven mostly by the ongoing platform renewal cycle that indicates more countries favor retrofitting platforms than buying new ones. It also will be driven by a growing demand for maintenance, upgrade services and the adoption of new mission and avionics systems.

“Emerging markets comprise significant opportunities among new helicopter procurements, with a forecast market size of $146.84 billion between 2014 and 2022 for military and civil new platform deliveries, and a related market size of $46.33 billion for service support during the same period,” according to the analysis.

Eurocopter’s growing business relationship saw Kenyan customers take delivery of five of the seven Eurocopter helicopters delivered to Africa last year. Kenya also accounted for four of the seven pipeline business orders won by ESAL last year.

Despite the shrinking base of the aviation sector in South Africa following the 2007-10 financial crisis, Montalvo said, ESAL has capitalized on increased activity by law enforcement in other southern African countries. Further regional sales are anticipated for new aircraft.

“We have introduced ... the EC145, with one delivered to the Namibian Police, and the EC135 to the Lesotho Defense Force. We expect to sell more helicopters to the Lesotho [Defense Force] in the medium term. They have aging aircraft to replace. They are still using an EC135 to replace a BO 105,” an older, German-built light utility helicopter, he said.

Montalvo said ESAL also hopes to build on its presence in the Angolan offshore oil and natural gas market by aggressively marketing its larger helicopters in the oil and gas support sectors on the east coast of Africa, from Mozambique to Kenya. It also seeks to expand its product support capabilities and introduce new products to Indian Ocean nations Mauritius, Mada­gascar and the Seychelles, as well as to Reunion, a French island territory.

16.03.2014 Romandie.com (ats)

Christoph Blocher met en garde afin que la bataille pour l'achat de Gripen ne dégénère pas en un combat entre constructeurs aéronautiques. Le conseiller national UDC n'exclut pas que la campagne des opposants soit financée par les concurrents du groupe suédois Saab.

"Les opposants au Gripen ont bien plus d'argent. Demandez-leur où ils ont trouvé les fonds? Pour combien ont secrètement contribué les grands concurrents du Gripen?", lance Christoph Blocher dans une interview diffusée dimanche par la "Zentralschweiz am Sonntag" et l'"Ostschweiz am Sonntag"..

Les concurrents de l'avion de combat suédois espéraient qu'il soit recalé. Il y a d'énormes intérêts commerciaux, selon le tribun zurichois. "Je suis depuis suffisamment longtemps en affaires et en politique pour savoir ce qui se passe". Ils sont "plus rusés que les Suédois" et n'envoient "pas de fax", ajoute-t-il.

L'ancien conseiller fédéral s'est mis à disposition des partisans du Gripen pour intervenir dans les prochaines semaines. Il refuse toutefois d'indiquer s'il participera financièrement à la campagne. "Si je dis 'oui', c'est un vote contre Blocher. Si je dis 'non', cela signifie que le vote nous importe peu", justifie-t-il.

Les Suisses sont appelés le 18 mai à se prononcer sur l'achat de 22 avions de combat suédois Gripen pour 3,126 milliards de francs.

15.03.2014 arcinfo.ch (ATS)

Les officiers de l'armée suisse se sont exprimés en faveur de l'achat de Gripen. Ils ont également demandé un budget défense de 5 milliards de francs.

Les délégués de la Société Suisse des Officiers (SSO) ont voté samedi unanimement en faveur de la loi sur le fonds d'acquisition des Gripen. "Le peuple aura la possibilité le 18 mai de choisir le niveau de sécurité qu'il souhaite", indique le communiqué de la SSO.

"Depuis le début, la SSO a soutenu le remplacement de la flotte obsolète des Tiger, car une armée crédible est un système global qui doit disposer de moyens et d'équipements adaptés pour mener à bien sa mission constitutionnelle que lui a confiée le peuple", a déclaré le président de la SSO Denis Froidevaux.

Le financement choisi permet de réaffirmer les compétences de l'armée de l'air. De plus le recours à un fonds offre l'avantage de financer les Gripen par le budget ordinaire de l'armée sans devoir chercher un financement spécial qui obligerait à réaliser des économies dans d'autres départements, a ajouté M. Froidevaux.

L'assemblée, qui s'est déroulée en présence du ministre de la Défense, Ueli Maurer, et de son homologue suédoise, Karin Enström, a également réitéré son exigence de voir le budget militaire fixé à 5 milliards de francs dès 2016.

Le brigadier Froidevaux a rappelé les quatre critères non négociables pour la réforme de l'armée. Ce sont un effectif minimal de 100'000 hommes, un budget de 5 milliards, le principe d'une armée de milice et le respect de la mission de l'armée dans ses trois dimensions, terre-air-cyberspace.

March 5, 2014. By Yves Pagot - Defence Watch Guest Writer

Editor’s note: As part of its ongoing coverage of the CF-18 fighter aircraft replacement, Defence Watch has published a number of articles from authors supporting various aircraft. This week Defence Watch will be running a three-part series that looks at the Rafale filling the role as Canada’s next fighter jet. It is written by Yves Pagot, PhD
ParisTech Institute, and a
reservist in Armée de l’Air. (i.e. reservist with the French Air Force, he is in a parachute unit). Pagot notes that he does not have any connection to Dassault or the firms involved in the Rafale production.

Factor 3 : Compatibility and Weapons Capacity.

As stated above, Rafale can carry any NATO standardized weapon (although some are not integrated yet for the French air force, there is no technical difficulty to it). Considering its “French ecosystem” as a requisite is a false opinion as stated above. It would be much more interesting to evaluate which original weapons Rafale would bring to CAF.

First, the Meteor missile is a Ramjet missile and the most modern, lethal, air-to-air weapon in the NATO arsenal. The upcoming AMRAAM missile latest version will have a near similar range (above 100 Kms), but with a much smaller No Escape Zone (NEZ). Missile manufacturer MBDA is also working on integrating the Meteor on the F-35 so there can be no incompatibility argument. The Rafale is one of the earliest adopters and will have it deployed ahead of the F-35 or Eurofighter Typhoon, which is only beginning testing this year.

Second, the MICA missile (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien or interception and aerial combat missile). This missile has both IR and EM capabilities, and a unique IR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities which the Sidewinder 9X Blk2 is only trying to match. Its relatively small size and thrust vectoring make it a very agile missile, with a range of 500m to 65+ Km. It is a “fire and forget” missile with LOAL (Lock After Launch) and can be shot “over the shoulder” (rearwards). In 2010, MBDA stated a remarkable 93% successful shots out of 240 trials11. An over the shoulder fire of MICA on a target illuminated by a second Rafale (third party targeting) was demonstrated in 200724. MBDA is presently developing a Mica “NG” missile which, using the same body, that will offer more range, a dual boost engine dramatically increasing NEZ and even more precise seekers25. It should also bring a new datalink capability allowing a buddy plane to guide the missile independently from the shooting plane (presently it is needed to guide the missile via the shooting plane datalink)

Third, the AASM SBU38 (Smart Bomb Unit) “HAMMER.” Probably (although expensive) the most advanced NATO Air-to-Ground weapon-so much so, that it’s amazing capabilities saw NATO dub it “The Magic Weapon” during the Libyan conflict. The HAMMER is a kit added to Mk 82 250 Kg bombs consisting in a rocket propeller and a guiding system. The guidance system comprises INS/GPS, INS/GPS Laser or INS/GPS Infrared options. It has off-boresight capabilities (it can be shot at 50 Km from the target at medium altitude and 15 Km of the target during very low penetration flight). Using it, a Rafale is able to destroy six different ground targets across a wide area simultaneously. The HAMMER is advertised by its manufacturer in 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 Kg versions36.

Fourth, the SCALP/Storm Shadow Long Range Stand Off Munition (LRSOM) “cruise” missile. France’s Rafale is the first of the latest generation fighter jets to qualify and use this long-range cruise missile in combat. It was successfully deployed during the French Air Force’s “first-in” missions in Libya, taking out critical targets. The Typhoon is only commencing initial tests this year and from an interoperability perspective, it is also to be incorporated into the F-35 a number of years from now.51

Rafale can also come with Reco NG dual band reconnaissance pod (known as AEROS for export), allowing extremely sharp images to be transmitted in real time via a highly directional broadband datalink. It is capable of blending images from near IR and visible bands to create very high resolution 3D images, even from very long distances35.

Several other European weapons are qualified for the Rafale: Exocet antiship missile, ASMP-A nuclear ramjet missile (although this won’t be available for export, it demonstrates the capability of the plane to resist nuclear electromagnetic flash). The nuclear mission of the Rafale is a testimony to penetrate heavily defended enemy areas.

Finally, Rafale can be refueled using the “probe and drogue” method already used by RCAF, avoiding a costly adaptation of the CC150 Polaris refuellers. This technique was quoted in a US report to congress as more efficient for fighter refueling as it allows to refuel two planes simultaneously19. It is of note that the Rafale also has a “buddy-to-buddy” refueling capability, allowing it to perform even longer range missions in the absence of a refueller.

Factor 4 : Sensors and Situational Awareness

Apart from stealth (to be discussed further), the sensor suite and data fusion is described by Lockheed as one of the main features of the so called “5th Gen.” aircraft. And they are right – in a US context. Amongst “4th Gen.” US aircrafts, only the future (if ordered, otherwise the production line will shut down in 2016) FA/18 “Advanced” Super Hornet will feature a sensor fused display, as this is more or less a common feature to “Eurocanards”.

Aboard Rafale, data from all sensors, Radar, Front sector optronics (FSO), Electronic Warfare suite (SPECTRA), IFF (identify friend or foe), IR MICA missiles and datalinks are merged into a clear unified visual symbolism on situational awareness display9. This capability was highly praised in a recent test evaluation by Vianney Riller Jr, who has also flown latest versions of F-18 E/F and SAAB Gripen9. Besides all subsystems are virtualized and independent, the heart of the system is the MDPU (Modular Data Processing Unit), composed of 19 LRUs (line replacement units), each of them 50 times more powerful than previous generation aircraft computers. The architecture of the system allows flawless upgrade of processors, and a second bay is provisioned to receive another MDPU. This type of architecture also eases maintenance and upgrades of the whole combat system. The system is able to “create” tracks using fragmented data from several sensors.

Visualization can be integrated into the tactical head level display, an original feature with its screen collimated to infinite in order to prevent vision accommodation delays between the screen and the HUD/pilot outer vision. Virtually every sensor including “plugged ones” like a reconnaissance pod or Data sent from JTACs (Joint Tactical Air Controllers) will be fused in the tactical presentation given to the pilot.

On the subject of displays, Rafale is available with a fully-integrated helmet-mounted display developed by Thales, although the French forces have not ordered it as yet.53

Rafale’s sensor suite includes:
· RBE2 AA radar. It is a state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar composed of roughly 1,000 GaAs modules 12. It incorporates an original “cloud concept” architecture allowing future GaN made modules and conformal antennas to be added without changing the overall architecture of the radar14. With an average input power of 10 kW, it s described as very similar to F-18 E/F AN/APG 79 radar in terms of technology and maturity22. Although its exact range is classified, the “Centre d’Expériences Aériennes Militaires” (CEAM, the unit qualifying new materials), stated several times that the range was “doubled” as compared to the previous PESA radar. Dassault’s CEO, Eric Trappier, once stated “more than 200 Km.” It is able to track 40 planes or other targets and engage eight of them simultaneously within a 140° angular domain15. It features a “non cooperative” identification system and can generate high resolution Synthetic Aperture maps40 and comes with an automated supplementary follow-ground terrain mode.

· OSF-IT Front sensor optronics. The OSF posseses a powerful TV channel allowing the pilot to identify a target at more than 50 Km. This function is particularly useful, with very restrictive engagement rules. The system also features a laser telemeter.

· IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) the proposed version of Rafale (F3R) features latest IFF (mode 5/S);

· Three Laser Warning Receivers covering 360° around the plane, with angular location of laser emitter capabilities;

· Infrared Search and Track (IRST). This is accomplished through a combination of systems. Détecteur de Départ de Missiles Nouvelle Génération (“DDM NG” or new generation missile departure detector) comprises two “fish eye” passive imaging infrared detectors. These are more than just a missile approach warning system (MAWS). Their high level of accuracy for IR threat detection contributes to comprehensive situation awareness in a similar manner to F-35 EODAS9,16 with a 360-degree spherical coverage. In fact they are precise enough to be compatible with the future use of DIRCMs (Direct Infrared Counter Measures). The infrared versions of the MICA missiles are also integrated into the situational awareness picture providing a far IR channel together with or independent of the targeting pod. The MICA IR sensors provide full IR capability throughout the duration of the mission as the sensors do not rely on short-duration nitrogen canisters for cooling, as do most U.S. infrared missiles.

· Three Radar Warning Receivers. These three antennas (120° coverage each) are located on the tail fin base and canard roots. These systems use interferometry calculation methods in order to locate threats allowing a less than 1° accuracy and over a 200 Km range 15,17. This precision allows them to passively (without using active sensors) give firing solutions. During ATLC 2009, they were able to locate radars that had stayed unnoticed to a specialized aircraft configuration, F16 CJ20.

· The three latter sensors are part of the famous “SPECTRA” EW suite, which is also capable of self learning (and real time deeding its own threat databank) and ELINT/SIGINT tasks using recorders.

Factor 5 : Stealth and SPECTRA.

In the early’80 s, the DGA (French procurement agency) and Armée de l’Air started studied the self protection system of the future combat aircraft.

Future threat analysis as well as cost considerations (acquisition and maintenance) led to a compromise between high kinematic abilities and the different parries to theses threats.

· Preventive avoidance led to full spectrum signature reduction features, automatic very low altitude and very high-speed terrain following ground system and adaptation of pathways using a sophisticated mission preparation system.

· In-flight detection of threats and adapted course change, allowing real time adaptation of preventive avoidance.

· Avoidance by neutralization – jamming, decoying and ultimately destroying threats.

Whole Spectrum Signature reduction measures are obtained by several means, mostly classified, some documented. In the IR spectrum for example (heat detection), there is a supplementary cool air channel around the engine exhaust. In the radar spectrum, extensive use of composites (1/3rd of the plane mass, 70% of the wet surface (that is roughly to the same extent as the future Pak-Fa Russian fighter)), and RAM coatings, presence of serrated “saw-tooth” patterns on canards and wing trailing edges, as well as inside air intakes. Instead of deflecting incoming radar waves to an angle away from the emitter, they are channeled towards “spike” points heavily treated against reflection. Dassault engineers do not claim their plane to be “stealthy”, but very discreet or “sneaky.” All in all, the Rafale has a radar cross section reduction by 20 times compared to the Mirage 200015.

Avoidance of known threats is obtained either by mission planning (and the data will appear on the tactical display) or in real time, via Link 16 or detection by any of the plane sensors. In the latter cases, SPECTRA is able to propose actions vs. emerging threat, be it bypassing via recommending a new route to the pilot in order to avoid lethal areas (sophisticated enough to take into account the characteristics of the threat and topography), jamming, decoying or destroying the threat.

Here lies the origin of the SPECTRA concept, which most modern EW suites are only now emulating. Far from being a simple “situation Awareness” suite, SPECTRA is capable of offensive actions. It has 3 AESA highly directional jamming antennas allowing deception jamming. The possible types of jamming involved have been extensively discussed on the net and are highly classified. We know it uses a DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory) chain and “intelligent” jamming instead of “brutal jamming”. False range targets, velocity gate pull-off, and narrow band Doppler noise created by using digital RF memory (DRFM) are the common coherent EA techniques which can be used effectively against LPI radars23. Simply put, it is able to feed enemy radar with wrong data about presence, location and number of planes. It acts as an illusionist instead of using noisy, blinding “projectors” (“broadband white noise jammers”). Furthermore, depending on conditions, SPECTRA is able to detect and localize potential threats accurately enough to allow a shooting without using active (detectable) sensors. Some interesting results nevertheless leaked to specialized press, here are some:

· While flying over Libyan air defenses (before the Libyan air defense system was suppressed by tomahawk salvo), Rafales planes “poofed” from enemy radars31.

· During NATO Mace XIII exercise in Slovakia, a Rafale B flew unmolested over a S300 radar (and was the only type engaged in the exercise able to do it)21

· During Joint warrior 2013-1 exercise, rumours say SPECTRA literally gave headaches to Eurofighter’s Captor M radar, preventing it from tracking visible and detectable Rafales.

· During his test flights in 2012, DefesaNet test pilot Vianney Riller Jr. could shoot, entirely relying on aircraft passive sensors, a plane attacking him in his 6 o’clock position from way over 10 NM. At the moment, as far as I know, Rafale is the only operational plane able to perform such a shot.

· In a 2011 technical presentation brochure at Le Bourget, “virtual stealth technology” is stated27.

SPECTRA is completely integrated to the airplane (and will react differently according to the plane configuration). This is a very important feature as the suite wasn’t added to the plane like a jamming pod would, but was designed for the plane as a coherent system (with exact radar behavious, IR signatures and loads in mind).

This advanced, integrated EW capability is another area where the Americans are actually playing catch-up. The Rafale is the only aircraft delivering this advanced combat capability on the market today. The Boeing EA-18G Growler, the electronic warfare variant of the F-18 Super Hornet, will only be getting this capability in a next generation external jamming pod from Raytheon on 2020. In order to have the air-to-air, air-to-ground AND EW capabilities at once, you need to fly both the SuperHornet and Growlers – two jets compared to one Rafale.48

In conclusion, instead of relying completely on a stealthy shape, Rafale relies on a smart avoidance system and highly sophisticated sensor suite, real time mission planning and top end AESA jammers. It is noticeable that in 2014, a Rafale demonstrator will fly with gallium-nitride (GaN) made SPECTRA antennas, a world first, demonstration the involvement of French state in constantly upgrading the aircraft. Again, this will be six years ahead of the Growler getting that capability and only promised on the F-35.48

Part 3 runs Friday morning.

1- http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/questevalfin-finquesteval-eng.html
2- http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-to-finalise-rafale-deal-this-fiscal-year-air-force-official-433663
3- http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/01/07/why-canada-should-buy-the-saab-jas39-gripen-e-next-generation-fighter/
4- http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html
5- http://vanguardcanada.com/mission-satisfaction-rafale-offers-proven-capability/
6- http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/la-demo-2013/
7- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/combat-ready-53125/
8- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/
9- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10893/Shooting-Down-an-Aggressor-on-My-Six–Vive-la-difference-/
10- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioTTnjxNc7o
11- http://www.ffaa.net/weapons/mica/mica_fr.htm
12- http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/sponsors/sponsor_rafale/img/fox3_11.pdf
13- http://wayback.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf
14- http://www.textbooks.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416132257&o=int&prev=si
15- AWST 7/5/1999 ; Vol 151 issue 1 p48
16- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/ddm_ng_ds.pdf
17- https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/spectra
18- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/le-rafale-f3r-sur-les-rails.html
19- http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32910.pdf
20- http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/12/carton-plein-pour-le-rafale-lors-dexercices-aux-emirats.html
21- http://ultimaratio-blog.org/fr/archives/5749
22- Air&Cosmos 2150, Dec 5th , 2008
23- http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA456960
24- http://www.cesa.air.defense.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=309
25- Air et Cosmos 2355, April 19th , 2013 p. 28
26- http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Libye-quand-un-Rafale-fait-les-35-heures_a296.html
27- https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9s7kezdf51vaij/specs%20rafale.jpg
28- http://theflyingmen.over-blog.com/t%C3%A9moignage-un-pilote-de-rafale-au-dessus-du-mali
29- http://theaviationist.com/2014/01/15/rafale-operate-uss-truman/
30- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
31- http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/FoxThree_Fox15.pdf p.9.
32- https://www.dropbox.com/s/or11ml8j6ckyu5l/AvionJSFAnalysMd-Nrc080909-copie-1.jpg
33- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10379/Rafale-avanca-na-conquista-de-sucesso-comercial/
34- http://www.journal-aviation.com/actualites/25635-le-rafale-sort-l-artillerie-lourde#
35- http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8652/recoq.jpg
36- http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran/defense/defense-aeronautique/systemes-d-armes/aasm/
37- AWST Jan 20th, 2014, p29
38- http://www.air-cosmos.com/defexpo-2014-uk/rafale-looks-to-the-future.html
39- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/visite-de-le-drian-au-merignac-des.html
40- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfeyRsCIUAAkADx.jpg
41- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
42- https://www.dropbox.com/s/v22glx28nisgvt6/DutchAirForceAssociation_Gripen_2009.pdf
43- http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,186349,00.html
44- http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/pentagon-downgrades-jet-specs/
45- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F11%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-1.html&langpair=fr|en
46- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F12%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-2.html&langpair=fr|en
47- http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140202/NEWS04/302020005/Air-Combat-Command-s-challenge-Buy-new-modernize-older-aircraft
48- AWST February 17, 2014, p42 « Fast and Furious : Pivot to Pacific propels the need for upgraded and agile electronic-warfare systems »
49- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=2
50- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=1
51- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/Storm-Shadow_ds.pdf
52- http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/04/f-35-needs-f-22-acc-says/
53- https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/G00974_TopSight_v3web.pdf

The Mobile Detection Assessment Response System surveys the area around the expeditionary airfield at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., on Feb. 6. (Cpl. D.J. Wu / Marine Corps)

March 9, 2014. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

The Marine Corps Times is reporting that the Corps is experimenting with a new unmanned ground vehicle that can patrol installations and detect intruders or potential enemy forces nearly a mile away.

More from the Marine Corps Times:

The Mobile Detection Assessment Response System, or MDARS, was used in late January to successfully secure an air base during the latest Integrated Training Exercise — the final predeployment workup all units conduct at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. The vehicle could be headed to Afghanistan, according to its developers, although concrete plans have not been made.

A field demonstration of MDARS began Jan. 30 at the combat center’s Camp Wilson. The vehicle successfully aided members of Marine Aircraft Group 13 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 to patrol the area immediately surrounding their airfield as a mock enemy force tried to probe their defenses.

During the first night, the vehicle was autonomously navigating around the base — by heading to predetermined waypoints — when guards in one tower detected two potential enemy soldiers, said Pat Culliton, the MDARS program manager with San Diego-based Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific.

“We were operating between two towers and one of the towers reported some activity,” Culliton said. “From the operator control station you just click a button and say go there.”

Full story here

March 7, 2014. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

Editor’s note: As part of its ongoing coverage of the CF-18 fighter aircraft replacement, Defence Watch has published a number of articles from authors supporting various aircraft. This week Defence Watch has been running a three-part series that looks at the Rafale filling the role as Canada’s next fighter jet. Below is the third and final part. It is written by Yves Pagot, PhD
ParisTech Institute, and a
 reservist in Armée de l’Air. (i.e. reservist with the French Air Force, he is in a parachute unit). Pagot notes that he does not have any connection to Dassault or the firms involved in the Rafale production.

By Yves Pagot
Defence Watch Guest Writer

Factor 6 Battle Proven
Quite understandably, Air Force operators tend to prefer aircraft that have shown their capabilities during war operations.

The Rafale was engaged in three main war theaters: Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. During Afghanistan, it operated numerous Reconnaissance or CAS (Close Air Support) missions within the coalition, demonstrating its excellent capability to co-operate with other NATO nations.

During the Libyan conflict, it was the “first in” plane, several days before suppression of Libyan defenses using massive tomahawk strikes, and used a large array of ammunition. During the first three months, Rafales accumulated 700 sorties for 3,800 flight hours, shot 182 AASM, 116 GBU and 10 SCALP. Some planes reached 35 hours of flight per week. The average availability during the conflict was 95%, with only three mechanics per plane26. In Libya, the Rafale demonstrated its versatility performing a whole range of missions – air interdiction, strike, reconnaissance, air dominance within a single mission.

Mali demonstrated another capability of the Rafale very relevant to Canada: Its capability to perform extremely long missions. The first mission (four Rafales) flew no less than 9h41mins over more than 6,000 km. Twenty Four bombs were delivered. There’s a very interesting report (in French) of this mission described by one of the pilots 28. The planes took off from St Dizier (North of France), bypassed Algeria, flew over Morocco and Mauritania, delivered their weapons over Mali and finally landed in Chad.

During these three operations, the Rafale demonstrated an excellent reliability in war operations, its versatility during a single mission (reconnaissance, air-to-air and air-to-ground) and full interoperability with other NATO nation aircrafts. It is noticeable that the Rafale is the only foreign fighter qualified to operate from US carriers29.

Another critical importance is understanding Canada’s needs which include, both an all-altitude air-to-air superiority aircraft and a very flexible air-to-ground fighter, with a complete EW, IRST and C4ISR capability in a networked environment. What is not mentioned in Canada is most of other nations looking at the F-35 are not buying it as their sole aircraft – why? They have determined the F-35 is not one-size fits all and they are maintaining a mixed fleet, mostly to ensure they have air-superiority because this was not an intended role for the F-35 as its name implies. It is a Joint Strike Fighter – a ground attack fighter. The U.S. has the F-22 as its air superiority aircraft and without it, “the F-35 fleet frankly will be irrelevant. The F-35 is not built as an air superiority platform. It needs the F-22,” said Gen. Michael Hostage, Chief of U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command.52 Both the UK Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force while acknowledging the air to ground capabilities of the F-35, are still keeping their Typhoons for the foreseeable future. “The JSF does not have a high-end air-to-air capability,” according to Col. Vito Cracas, commander of the air force’s 36th Fighter Wing We need to have both aircraft.” 49 Canada obviously doesn’t have another aircraft to complement the F-35, so the question remains as to why would we want to buy an expensive aircraft that can only do half the job, when a Rafale, with its advanced sensor and EW technology, agility and outstanding weapons capability can do all the missions?

Factor 7 : Growth Factor

The Rafale is a constantly evolving weapon system. Since the induction of the purely air-to-air first software standard F1 (a pre-series aimed at filling the gap caused by Marine Nationale retirement of antiquated Crusaders) in 2001 (operational in 2004), the program was much developed, and in a fully retrofitable way. The French air force received its F2 Rafales, with air to ground capabilities. The induction of F3 standard in 2009 brought nuclear and anti-ship capabilities.

The present standard is F3.3′, with some minor updates to come in 2015 for a F3.4 standard (terrain-following system improvement, crash-avoidance system, emergency-braking power management, MICA release)37. The contract for the next standard F3R was officially awarded the Jan 10th buy French MoD Jean-Yves Le Drian. F3R standard will see in 2018 the induction of METEOR missile and the full integration of laser guided HAMMER version, developments of the AESA radar, of the SPECTRA suite as well as a new designation pod, IFF mode 5/S and a new buddy-to-buddy refueling device. Again, the coherence of the evolutions should be noted, for example the AESA radar, with an extended range allowing the use of the METEOR missile full capabilities was inducted in a compatible time frame with the development of the missile38.

Several studies, known as “Plan d’ Etude Amont” are currently underway to further improve the Rafale capabilities in a F4 standard scheduled around 2023. Although the exact contour of this future evolution isn’t defined, known PEAs give a good idea of how the Rafale will evolve, ranging from enhancing radar and sensor performance even further, advancing the SPECTRA EW system ahead of new anticipated threats, and continued efforts to ensure the lowest possible RCS of the Rafale.

Hardly a futureless fighter as some tried to describe it. In fact, only now is the U.S. waking up to the fact that the evolutionary nature of the Rafale is a far better route than the lock-in path of physical stealth, according to Raytheon executive Michael Garcia, who recently said much of the U.S. defense community “has lost sight of reality” as to what stealth means. The “essence of stealth is that the Blue circles [for detection and weapon range] impact Red before Red can detect,” and that jamming, sensors and weapons affect that calculation … The level of RCS has not been improving … It is time-stamped with whatever date it came out of the factory.” 50

The most important lesson for prospective buyers of the Rafale, is in the ability of Rafale International (Dassault-Aviation, Thales and Snecma) to deliver these new capabilities throughout the aircraft’s life. Through the first three tranches (or blocks), all promised capabilities have been delivered on time and on budget, from the date of contracting by the French government. That is a record unmatched by any other fighter jet manufacturer.

Conclusion

All odds are that Canada may choose the Lockheed F-35 in a near future. However, cost escalation led the Canadian government to set up for a new, fair competition. The competitors are the F-35, a new advanced version of the F-18, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the SAAB Gripen (presently resigned) and the Dassault Rafale.

Canada needs on one side, a fighter able to defend its sovereignty in Air, Land and Sea. On the other hand, as recent history showed it, the chosen aircraft must be able to perform Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missions within a coalition.

In other words, the variety of missions the plane will have to perform point at a truly multirole airplane.

The huge size of the country and the limited number of aircrafts to be procured point at a long range and fast fighter, with a good payload and able to perform in cold conditions.

The possible crisis theaters point at good Air-to-Ground capabilities and ability to operate in hot environment, with a limited logistic footprint.

In every cases, it must be able to operate in a highly networked environment (be it NORAD or a coalition).

The aircraft is supposed to be used for 40 years, so it must have a good evolution potential. It must be affordable, with reasonable acquisition cost and furthermore controlled ownership costs. It is preferable for Canada to select an operational and combat proven aircraft.

In my sincere opinion, only the Rafale complies with all of these requirements.

1- http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/questevalfin-finquesteval-eng.html
2- http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-to-finalise-rafale-deal-this-fiscal-year-air-force-official-433663
3- http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/01/07/why-canada-should-buy-the-saab-jas39-gripen-e-next-generation-fighter/
4- http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html
5- http://vanguardcanada.com/mission-satisfaction-rafale-offers-proven-capability/
6- http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/la-demo-2013/
7- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/combat-ready-53125/
8- http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/
9- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10893/Shooting-Down-an-Aggressor-on-My-Six–Vive-la-difference-/
10- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioTTnjxNc7o
11- http://www.ffaa.net/weapons/mica/mica_fr.htm
12- http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/sponsors/sponsor_rafale/img/fox3_11.pdf
13- http://wayback.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf
14- http://www.textbooks.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416132257&o=int&prev=si
15- AWST 7/5/1999 ; Vol 151 issue 1 p48
16- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/ddm_ng_ds.pdf
17- https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/spectra
18- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/le-rafale-f3r-sur-les-rails.html
19- http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32910.pdf
20- http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/12/carton-plein-pour-le-rafale-lors-dexercices-aux-emirats.html
21- http://ultimaratio-blog.org/fr/archives/5749
22- Air&Cosmos 2150, Dec 5th , 2008
23- http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA456960
24- http://www.cesa.air.defense.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=309
25- Air et Cosmos 2355, April 19th , 2013 p. 28
26- http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Libye-quand-un-Rafale-fait-les-35-heures_a296.html
27- https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9s7kezdf51vaij/specs%20rafale.jpg
28- http://theflyingmen.over-blog.com/t%C3%A9moignage-un-pilote-de-rafale-au-dessus-du-mali
29- http://theaviationist.com/2014/01/15/rafale-operate-uss-truman/
30- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
31- http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/FoxThree_Fox15.pdf p.9.
32- https://www.dropbox.com/s/or11ml8j6ckyu5l/AvionJSFAnalysMd-Nrc080909-copie-1.jpg
33- http://www.defesanet.com.br/rafale/noticia/10379/Rafale-avanca-na-conquista-de-sucesso-comercial/
34- http://www.journal-aviation.com/actualites/25635-le-rafale-sort-l-artillerie-lourde#
35- http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8652/recoq.jpg
36- http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran/defense/defense-aeronautique/systemes-d-armes/aasm/
37- AWST Jan 20th, 2014, p29
38- http://www.air-cosmos.com/defexpo-2014-uk/rafale-looks-to-the-future.html
39- http://portail-aviation.blogspot.fr/2014/01/visite-de-le-drian-au-merignac-des.html
40- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfeyRsCIUAAkADx.jpg
41- http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2012/02/13/Suisse/Textes/gripen.pdf
42- https://www.dropbox.com/s/v22glx28nisgvt6/DutchAirForceAssociation_Gripen_2009.pdf
43- http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,186349,00.html
44- http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/pentagon-downgrades-jet-specs/
45- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F11%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-1.html&langpair=fr|en
46- http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2013%2F12%2Ffurtif-vous-avez-dit-furtif-partie-2.html&langpair=fr|en
47- http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140202/NEWS04/302020005/Air-Combat-Command-s-challenge-Buy-new-modernize-older-aircraft
48- AWST February 17, 2014, p42 « Fast and Furious : Pivot to Pacific propels the need for upgraded and agile electronic-warfare systems »
49- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=2
50- http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_25_2013_p41-638956.xml&p=1
51- http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/Storm-Shadow_ds.pdf
52- http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/04/f-35-needs-f-22-acc-says/
53- https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/G00974_TopSight_v3web.pdf

15 mars 2014 par  Jacques Marouani - electroniques.biz

Michel Pébereau, président d’honneur de BNP Paribas, président du Jury du prix du stratège organisé chaque année par notre confrère "Les Echos", a remis ce prix à Tom Enders, président d’Airbus Group.

Le prix du stratège récompense chaque année la stratégie industrielle et financière jugée la plus pertinente de l’année écoulée. Suite aux conséquences de la non fusion avec le groupe britannique BAE et du changement de gouvernance d’EADS, Tom Enders, lauréat de l'année 2013, a entrepris une revue de sa stratégie, qui s’est traduite par deux décisions importantes. D’une part, le groupe a regroupé Airbus Military, Astrium et Cassidian au sein d’une même division « défense et espace ». D'autre part, il a décidé pour optimiser son intégration et sa cohésion de changer son nom et celui de ses divisions et d’adopter la marque Airbus, mondialement reconnue.

Pour la branche défense et espace, les choix stratégiques sont la réponse à l’évolution du marché qui se caractérise par une stabilisation et, même une réduction des budgets défense et espace dans les pays occidentaux. Airbus Group pense que cette restructuration permettra d’optimiser l’accès au marché, de réduire les coûts et globalement d’améliorer la compétitivité du groupe. Elle donnera également une meilleure visibilité du leader européen de l’espace et de la défense.

Autre fait marquant, Tom Enders a localisé le nouveau siège social à Toulouse, bastion de l’industrie aéronautique européenne et des sites du groupe, dans l’optique d’une meilleure intégration des équipes.

L’innovation est également l’une des clés de son succès. Elle mobilise un budget substantiel de 3 milliards d’euros par an, s’appuie sur des équipements ultra modernes, fait appel aux technologies les plus avancées et demeure résolument orientée vers l’excellence scientifique et la protection environnementale (éco-efficience). L’internationalisation est l’autre moteur de sa réussite. Elle repose sur de solides implantations dans les pays occidentaux, aux Etats Unis et en Chine et porte de plus en plus sur les marchés émergents, à l’image de l’Asie, du Moyen-Orient et de l’Amérique Latine.

Airbus Group aujourd’hui est l’un des tout premiers acteurs au monde de l’industrie aéronautique et spatiale. Ses positions sont particulièrement fortes dans les domaines de l’aviation commerciale, avec Airbus (co-leader mondial), de la défense et l’espace, avec Airbus Defence and Space (leader européen), et dans les hélicoptères, avec Airbus Helicopters (leader mondial).

Le groupe a enregistré en 2013 un chiffre d’affaires de 59,256 milliards d’euros (+5%), et dégagé un résultat opérationnel de 2,661 milliards d’euros (+24%) et un bénéfice net de 1,465 milliard d’euros (+22%).

La hausse de ses ventes atteste à la fois du dynamisme de son principal marché (essor de l’aviation commerciale), de l’attractivité et la richesse de son offre et de l’efficacité de son outil industriel (adaptation des cadences de production, …). Elle s’appuie sur un niveau record du carnet de commandes et s’inscrit par là même dans la durée.

Airbus Group (ex EADS), né du rapprochement, en 2000, de l’allemand Dasa, du français Aerospatiale-Matra et de l’espagnol Casa, demeure un modèle de coopération technologique et de construction industrielle à l’échelle européenne. Nellie Kroes, la vice-présidente de la Commission européenne en charge de l'innovation en parle-t-elle pas d'un "Airbus des chips" en souhaitant et en encourageant une réussite analogue pour l'industrie de la micro- et nanoélectronique ?

March 15, 2014: Strategy Page

On February 11th the U.S. Navy had its first flight test of a new IRST (Infa-Red Search & Track) pod. IRST uses a high resolution infrared (heat sensing) radar to positively spot and identify a potential aerial target This is done by comparing what IRST sees to 3-D models of known aircraft stored in the pod computer. This is similar to the ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared) pods used to spot surface targets.

FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared Radar) has been around since the 1980s, and as the technology became more powerful, it was possible to spot and identify targets at longer ranges. The ATFLIR can identify ground targets from 20 kilometers away, and the latest IRST systems have an even longer range. It eventually became possible to use FLIR, in the form of IRST, as a sensor for spotting aircraft. This was a big advantage because FLIR is passive. It doesn't broadcast, like normal radar, thus the target cannot detect those radar transmissions, and be alerted that it is being "painted" by a hostile radar.

The navy is playing catch-up by equipping some of its F-18E fighters with the new generation of IRST. Russian and European fighters (MiG-29, Su-30, Eurofighter, Rafale) have long had IRST. For the Russians, this was seen as a way to deal with stealthy American aircraft. The U.S. stealth warplanes were built to defeat radar. But these stealthy aircraft still gave off heat and IRST works by seeking out heat. The navy already has some aircraft equipped with an IRST pod based on the technology used in the older F-14D IRST. But newer IRST technology is pitched as being much more effective, giving warnings (that something is out there) at long range (several hundred kilometers). The new generation IRST is also able to spot targets on the ground or at sea.

The U.S. Air Force is not as enthusiastic about IRST. In 2011, as an economy move, and because of unspecified "technical problems", the U.S. Air Force dropped all efforts to equip any of its F-15C fighters with IRST. This includes an effort, begun in 2009, to equip a hundred F-15Cs with heat sensing pods once used to equip navy F-14Ds (which were retired in 2006). The refurbished navy IRST pods would have enabled the F-15s to detect and track aircraft, over a hundred kilometers away, from the heat the target aircraft give off. IRST is a passive (it does not broadcast) sensor, thus it is undetectable by the enemy.

IRST has its limitations. The main ones are range (usually about 30 kilometers for accurate detection but much farther for "something is there") and problems with clouds distorting the heat signature of the target. The short range means that another aircraft using its radar (which has a range of over 100 kilometers for precise identification) has an obvious edge. The distortion problems are slowly being solved by improved computer analysis of the detected image. Since many warplanes like to operate "quiet" (without any electronic transmissions), IRST becomes the best way to spot the other guy and open fire first. At longer ranges IRST gives pretty vague data. Still, it's believed that just having an indication that someone is out there, more than a hundred kilometers away, gives you an edge.

The F-18E IRST will be mounted in a modified centerline drop tank, which will contain the IRST as well as 68 percent of the usual fuel. One problem with this approach is that the F-18E can't jettison this drop tank, to make itself more maneuverable for air-to-air combat. Other aircraft, like the F-22 and F-35, have the IRST built into the fuselage. American manufacturers have added IRST to F-15Es exported to South Korea and Singapore.

Pilots have already found that they could use their targeting pods for spotting aircraft, which prompted air forces to hustle up the equipping of more aircraft with IRST (which, while designed especially to spot other aircraft, can also be used to detect surface, land or sea, targets.) The air force has not given up on IRST, it is just not as eager to buy the new and improved IRST as the navy.

Mar 13, 2014 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) received a $255 million contract in late 2013 from the U.S. Army for Lot 9 production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary rocket.

The new allotment of rockets will be delivered to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Republic of Italy.  Delivery will begin in April 2015 . Work will be performed at the Lockheed Martin facilities in Camden, Ark. , and Dallas, Texas .

Read more

Mar 13, 2014 ASDNews Source : Airbus Helicopters

    Airbus HelicoptersaEUR(tm) enhanced version is the first to be fully certified in Brazil

The first two upgraded AS365 Panther K2 rotorcraft will be delivered this month by Airbus Helicopters’ Helibras subsidiary to the Brazilian Army Aviation Command (AvEx), providing a modernized platform with more power, updated avionics and increased mission capability.

These deliveries follow the signature in Brasília of an amendment standardizing the modifications introduced to the helicopter’s enhanced configuration – which will be assessed by AvEx’s various battalions during mission operations. Should these evaluations prove favorable, Helibras will continue modernizing the remaining 32 AS365 K Panthers in the Brazilian Army’s inventory through 2021.

Read more

12 mars 2014 Info-Aviation

Airbus Defence & Space* a lancé la solution AuroraGlobal  pour ses nouveaux services haut débit de télécommunications par satellite lors du salon Satellite 2014 à Washington le 10 mars (source : Airbus).

Depuis le 10 mars, AuroraGlobal fournit des services à haut débit conçus pour répondre aux besoins croissants dans les marchés publics, maritimes et des entreprises. Cette nouvelle offre est une solution de communication par satellite utilisant le réseau multi-bande d’Airbus (Ku, X, et Ka-bandes) sans qu’il soit nécessaire de changer de système d’antenne.

L’offre AuroraGlobal cible aussi bien les satellites militaires que commerciaux tels que Global Xpress d’Inmarsat et Epic NG d’Intelsat (image ci-dessus).

Ce service fournit de meilleurs performances en bande X à des fins gouvernementales civiles et militaires, avec un débit jusqu’à quatre fois supérieur à ceux des services actuels en utilisant des terminaux existants. Cette offre permet aussi un plus grand débit par l’intermédiaire de nouveaux terminaux plus petits, en fonction des besoins opérationnels croissants.

Des essais récents effectués avec les satellites Skynet d’Airbus Defence & Space ont démontré qu’un terminal en bande X 60 cm peut supporter un débit de plus de 70Mbps. D’autres tests ont confirmé qu’en utilisant les bornes navales SCOT5 1,5 m les niveaux de débit garanti du service peuvent être réalisées jusqu’à quatre fois les niveaux actuels fournis aux clients de Skynet.

Sur le marché maritime, les clients bénéficieront de la bande Ku du service VSAT de prochaine génération, sans remplacer l’antenne existante. La nouvelle offre maritime VSAT est une solution tout-en-un avec deux fois les quotas de volume de données antérieures et deux fois les vitesses de données précédentes. Il est livré avec un service illimité de back-up en bande L, ainsi que la nouvelle plate-forme XChange, sans avoir à investir dans une nouvelle antenne VSAT.

* Le 2 janvier 2014, EADS a été renommé Airbus Group, et Airbus Defence and Space est créé à partir de la fusion entre Cassidian, Astrium et Airbus Military.