3 Février 2015 defens-aero.com

Le Royaume-Uni, ou plus précisément la Royal Air Force, est l'un des pays européens qui participe à la coalition internationale qui frappe quotidiennement l'autoproclamé Etat Islamique en Irak et/ou en Syrie, selon les choix politiques réalisés par les gouvernements au pouvoir.

Depuis le 26 Septembre donc, le contingent britannique, stationné sur la base aérienne d'Akrotiri, est composé de huit Tornado GR.4, d'un C-130J Super Hercules, d'un ravitailleur A330 MRTT, d'un avion de reconnaissance RC-135W, et de quatre MQ-9 Reaper. Dorénavant, il faut y greffer un E-3D Sentry AWACS, appartenant au 8 Squadron, et habituellement stationnée sur la base aérienne anglaise de Waddington.

En effet, dans un communiqué publié Vendredi 30 Janvier, la Royal Air Force a officialisé le déploiement d'un E-3 Sentry, toujours sur la base aérienne d'Akrotiri, à Chypre, aux côtés des autres aéronefs britanniques. L'appareil, qui a atterri sur la base anglaise deux jours plus tôt, le Mercredi 28 janvier, est intégré dans l'opération Shader, qui est le nom choisi Londres pour cette opération.

Suite de l’article

January 31, 2015 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Defence24.com Poland; published January 31, 2015)

Poland’s Armament Inspectorate has started a tender to acquire AMRAAM training missiles, and 200 guided and 300 unguided bombs for the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Jastrząb fighters stationed at the Łask AB. Final offer placing deadline expires on 2nd March this year.

This is yet another armament bundle for the aircraft based at the 32nd Tactical Air Base.

The tender is to make it possible to realize the following purchases:

-- 32 practice CTAM-120C AMRAAM missiles,

-- 100 GPS-guided GBU-38 JDAM Bombs (based on Mk. 82 500 lbs. bombs),

-- 100 laser guided GBU-12 bombs (also based on the Mk.82 bombs) ,

-- 200 Mk. 84 unguided bombs (1000 lbs.),

-- 100 Mk.82 bombs and

-- 3000 CXU-3A/B practice bomb signal cartridges, which are used to indicate the hit point of the dummy bombs.

The final part of the tender is to involve up to 5 bidders, who are experienced in provision of such supplies, and have at least 5 years of experience gathered within the European Union.

95% of the assessment of the offers is based on the price, while the remaining 5% are to be based on maintenance services.

Feb 02, 2015 Defense-Aerospace.com

(Source: InfoDefensa.com; posted Feb 02, 2015)

(Published in Spanish; unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)

The Colombian government has received an offer to acquire Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-5F multirole aircraft from the country’s air force, the Armée de l'Air.

The offer, revealed by industry sources, includes a total of eighteen units for an approximate cost of $ 500 million. Of this, $350 million are for the cost of the eighteen surplus aircraft, and the remaining $150 million is the cost of their initial logistics package.

These aircraft are in perfect operating conditions, according to the source, and would be delivered with the systems (electronic warfare (EW) in particular) requested by Colombia.

The offer comes just a month after in-flight tests that pilots of the Colombian Air Force (FAC) carried out in France aboard the Mirage 2000-5F, which were revealed by InfoDefensa.com.

Better than the F16 C / D

During these trials, the Colombian crews brought the aircraft to speeds exceeding Mach 2, and conducted identification and target designation exercises. The Mirages’ synthetic aperture radar allowed them to engage nearly three times the number of targets than those achieved in similar tests carried out by the same Colombian pilots with Lockheed Martin F16 C / Ds.

The offer comes in the context of good relations between the two nations, and after the visit of the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, to France, which would ensure full compliance of the transfer process according to NATO standards.

With this operation France would continue to support a traditional ally in the field of defense and security, as well as supporting the Colombian government in the future post-conflict stage.

03 février 2015 Romandie.com(AFP)

Beyrouth - Le groupe jihadiste Etat islamique (EI) a diffusé mardi une vidéo d'un homme en train d'être brulé vif dans une cage et affirmé qu'il s'agissait du pilote jordanien capturé après le crash de son avion en Syrie le 24 décembre.

Cette exécution remonte au 3 janvier, a affirmé la télévision officielle du royaume peu après la diffusion de la vidéo de l'EI.

L'armée jordanienne a de son côté promis de venger la mort de son pilote Maaz al-Kassasbeh, qui menait un raid sur des positions de l'EI dans le cadre de la coalition internationale anti-jihadistes lorsqu'il a été fait prisonnier par les jihadistes.

Sur les images insoutenables de cette vidéo de 22 minutes, on le voit, vêtu d'une tenue orange, avancer parmi des ruines au milieu d'hommes en tenue militaire, masqués et armés.

Alors que Kassasbeh est enfermé dans une cage en métal, un de ces hommes, présenté comme un émir d'une région bombardée par la coalition des croisés, prend une torche et met le feu à de l'essence. Les flammes se propagent alors jusqu'à la cage. Le supplicié cherche en vain à se protéger, se débat avant d'être transformé en une boule de feu. Un tracteur déverse ensuite des gravas sur la cage, qui s'affaisse.

Dans un bandeau incrusté à l'antenne, la télévision jordanienne a assuré que le martyre du pilote Kassasbeh datait du 3 janvier.

Dans la vidéo, l'EI donne en outre le nom, les photos et les adresses de pilote jordaniens et déclare offrir une récompense de 100 pièces en or à ceux qui tueraient ce qu'il appelle un pilote croisé.

La Jordanie avait affirmé dimanche sa détermination à tout faire pour sauver la vie de son pilote prisonnier et avait également vivement condamné l'exécution, la veille par l'EI, d'un second otage japonais, capturé en Syrie.

Depuis plusieurs jours, Amman exigeait une preuve que son pilote était vivant avant d'envisager de libérer, comme l'exigeait l'EI, une prisonnière irakienne condamnée à mort pour son implication dans des attentats meurtriers en Jordanie en 2005.

L'EI occupe de larges portions de territoire en Irak et en Syrie, où ses jihadistes ont commis de nombreuses exactions, dont des décapitations d'otages, notamment occidentaux.

L'ONU accuse l'organisation ultra-radicale sunnite de crimes de guerre et de crimes contre l'Humanité.

3 févr. 2015 Airbus DS

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2015 – DoD News

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called France’s Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian today to offer his condolences on the Jan. 26 air tragedy in Spain, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement issued today.

A two-seater Greek F-16 jet crashed after takeoff at a Spanish airbase during a NATO exercise, according to news reports. The two pilots died, as did nine French military members on the ground. As many as 20 people were reportedly injured. An investigation of the incident is ongoing.

Hagel extended his deepest condolences to Le Drian on the tragic loss of so many French airmen killed in the accident, and wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured, Kirby said in his statement.

The French minister informed Hagel that there would be a national tribute tomorrow at the L'Hôtel des Invalides to honor the French killed in the accident, Kirby said. Hagel also offered assistance to Le Drian with the investigation, Kirby said.

Kirby said Hagel took the opportunity to affirm the Department of Defense’s support for France in ongoing counterterrorism efforts following the attacks in Paris in January.

Le Drian thanked Hagel for the phone call, Kirby said, and both leaders said they both looked forward to the outcomes of the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels this week.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 2, 2015 – From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria, using bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 10 airstrikes, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Separately, U.S. and coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft, officials reported.

Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Airstrikes in Syria

-- Near Kobani, nine airstrikes struck three large ISIL tactical units, five ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL staging areas and an ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Dayr as Zawr, an airstrike struck an ISIL checkpoint.

Airstrikes in Iraq

-- Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL mortar position and one ISIL fighting position.

-- Near Huwayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

-- Near Al Rutbah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL tactical vehicle, one ISIL bunker, and three ISIL earth movers.

-- Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.

-- Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL weapons storage facility.

-- Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, one ISIL vehicle and destroyed eight ISIL vehicles.

-- Near Haditha, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and one ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.

All aircraft returned to base safely.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations.

Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

27 janv. 2015 US Air Force

Terma has received the contract to supply modular aircraft survivability equipment pod for the RNLAF NH-90 helicopters. Photo TERMA.

30 January 2015 airforce-technology.com

Terma has been awarded a contract to supply self-protection equipment for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) NH-90 multi-role military helicopters.

Under the contract, the company will supply and integrate the modular aircraft survivability (MASE) pod onto the Dutch NH-90 helicopters.

Terma Defense & Security Airborne Applications vice-president Jesper Petersen said: "This strongly indicates that RNLAF have confidence in our solutions.

"This applies to system performance, the entire process, and the collaboration between the air force and Terma."

The MASE pod is equipped with missile warning sensors, chaff / flare dispenser modules, and latest version of Terma's ALQ-213 electronic warfare management system. It protects medium and large helicopters against heat-seeking missiles, while simultaneously improving the pilot's situational awareness.

The pod's modular design allows for future integration of coming sensors and new requirements.

Originally, the pod was developed in 2003 for installation on the AH-64D Apache helicopter. It has since been fielded on other helicopter platforms including CH-47D/F Chinook, AS 550 Fennec, EH-101 Merlin, HH-60G Pave Hawk, as well as Mi17, and Mi24 platforms.

Terma has partnered with the RNLAF and the Netherlands' Defence Materiel Organization for more than 20 years, integrating the electronic warfare solutions on a variety of aircraft platforms.

The NH-90 is a medium sized helicopter built by NH Industries in two variants, namely tactical transport helicopter, to transport 20 troops or 2500kg of cargo for standard heliborne operations, and an antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft called Nato frigate helicopter (NFH).

The RNLAF and the Dutch Navy currently operate the NH90 NFH helicopters.

Apart from the Netherlands, the helicopters are also used by Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, and New Zealand.

29 January 2015 - Pacific Sentinel
 

With three consecutive start-ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme cold (around -15ºC) conditions of Laddakh winter, that too without any external assistance, Tejas, the Indian Light Combat Aircraft has achieved yet another and a rare distinction. Starting the fighter aircraft under such extreme condition without any external assistance or heating is a technology challenge. The requirements become further stringent when the starting is to be done three times consecutively with a partially charged battery. Team LCA led by AERD&C of HAL, and members from ADA, NFTC, IAF, CEMILAC and DGAQA have succeeded in achieving this. “The team LCA has achieved a technological breakthrough”, stated Dr. PS Subramanyam PGD (CA) & Director, ADA. 

The engine starter is developed indigenously by HAL Aero Engine Research and Design Centre (AERDC), Bangalore. Prior to aircraft tests, the Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) was extensively tested on test rig to meet starting conditions across the operating altitudes including Leh (10,700 ft.) and Khardungla (18300 ft.). The control software of JFS was fine tuned to work at all operating altitudes with no adjustments from cockpit. GE-F404-IN20 engine start up control schedule was also varied with several control patches to establish reliable start. 

Indian Press Information Bureau

28/01/2015 Armée de l'air

Le 22 janvier 2015, le site de permanence du Mont Thou a tiré sa révérence, au cours d’une cérémonie organisée sur la base aérienne 942 de Lyon Mont-Verdun. Le radar de surveillance de l’espace aérien Palmier y était installé.

Pendant près de 44 ans, des générations de permanents mécaniciens veilleront jour et nuit sur « leur » radar, lui assurant un taux de disponibilité supérieur à 80%. Près de 32 000 aviateurs se sont succédé, animés d’une conscience professionnelle remarquable, et conscients de l’importance de ce radar pour les missions du centre de détection et de contrôle et du centre national des opérations aériennes.

Mais l’histoire du Mont Thou n’est pas terminée pour autant. En effet, l’armée de l’air a décidé de remplacer le radar Palmier par le fleuron des radars de nouvelle génération : le GM406, dont l’installation est prévue courant 2018.

Un peu d’histoire…

La genèse de ce radar remonte au milieu des années 1950, période à laquelle l’état-major de l’armée de l’air est confronté à la problématique de la couverture radar du territoire national et de ses approches frontalières.

La région lyonnaise présentant un véritable intérêt, notamment vis-à-vis d’un important trou de détection dans le couloir austro-suisse, des travaux sont initiés en 1969 sur le Mont Thou. L’armée de l’air opte pour les performances du radar Palmier. D’une portée de 450 km et jusqu’à 100 000 pieds d’altitude, l’ensemble constitue le premier radar volumétrique de grande portée protégé contre le brouillage.

En 1972, afin de protéger l’antenne des intempéries, un radôme y est installé, formant la fameuse boule blanche visible dans toute la région. Point de repère pour les uns, source de fantasme pour les autres, depuis plus de quarante ans ce radôme fait partie intégrante de l’environnement visuel des Lyonnais.

Un deuxième émetteur, nommé ARES, est ajouté en 1979. Il confère à l’antenne une plus grande  précision ainsi qu’une meilleure résistance aux tentatives de brouillage, notamment au largage de leurre par les avions. Cette version permettra d’ailleurs à Thomson-CSF, développeur du Palmier, de remporter le concours Otan pour l’équipement des stations de longue portée.

Malheureusement, en avril 2012, des soucis techniques ont mis fin brutalement au fonctionnement de ce radar, scellant définitivement son sort. Jusqu’au 11 novembre 2014, les permanents mécaniciens radar continueront néanmoins à monter leurs permanences, avant de déménager au fort du Mont-Verdun, au plus près de l’autre radar.

28/01/2015 Ministère de la Défense

À nos camarades aviateurs,

L’armée de l’air a été durement touchée par un tragique accident aérien qui a coûté la vie à neuf de nos camarades aviateurs et en a blessé plusieurs autres.

Aux côtés du chef d’état-major des armées, et au nom de l’ensemble des marins je tiens à exprimer toute la solidarité de la marine.

En ces douloureuses circonstances, je rends hommage à « nos compagnons du ciel » disparus. J’adresse mes très sincères condoléances à leurs proches et mon soutien aux blessés et à leurs familles.

Toute la marine est aux côtés des aviateurs dans cette terrible épreuve.

20.01.2015 by Vered Talala – IAF

Earlier this week, IAF flight school cadets flew on the new instructional plane, the Aermacchi M-346, for the first time. Its predecessor, the Skyhawk, was used by the IAF for four decades

Excitement was in the air in Hatzerim Airbase this week, when pilot cadets flew on the new instructional plane, the M-346, or the "Lavi" for the first time. The new plane, which replaced the old IAF Skyhawk, will enable the IAF to operate one of the most advanced training programs in the world. "This is a historical and exciting event", said Captain Alon, Commander of the first class to fly on the new M-346. "The M-346 holds advanced capabilities similar to those of the F-15 and F-16, and will better prepare the pilot cadets for their work in the squadrons".

During the past weeks, the pilot cadets underwent intensive training in the M-346 flight simulators in order to adjust to the new plane that they would soon be flying. "The cadets prepared for the sorties and for two weeks studies every system in the plane. The systems of the Skyhawk, in comparison, required only two days of studying", explains Captain Alon. The cadets were also the first to train in the new simulator.

The M-346 will stay for many years

The introduction of the M-346 brings to the flight school has led to significant changes in the training of the future pilots and weapon system operators, and to the entire training program of the IAF. "Flying on the M-346 is different than the usual flight in the simulator", explains Niv, a pilot cadet. "We can physically feel what it is like to fly on a real fighter jet and realize the control we have on its systems. It feels special to be the first class to fly on the new M-346".

The Skyhawk served the pilot cadets for 40 years and the M-346 is expected to last much longer. "As long as the IAF carried out manned flights, the M-346 will continue to be used", stated Captain Alon.