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September
Sep 30, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Boeing won a $40 million contract modification for KC-46 engineering, manufacturing, and development. This provides for qualification test of the components and full life qualification of the actuator, as well as for conducting lab test, ground test and flight test verifications. The KC-46A Aerial Refuelling Aircraft has a maximum fuel capacity of 212,000lb. The aircraft is fitted with a flush-mounted air-to-air refuelling receptacle capable of accepting fuel at 1,200gal/min. The tanker is capable of carrying 18 cargo pallets, as well as transporting 58 passengers normally and up to 114 passengers during contingency operations. The tanker aircraft also provides urgent aeromedical evacuation by transporting 54 medical patients. The maximum takeoff weight of the tanker aircraft will be 415,000lb (188,241kg). Work will take place in Seattle, and is expected to be completed December 31, 2023
L3Harris Technologies won a $10.5 million contract modification, which exercises Lot 20 option items to procure digital map computers (DMCs) and digital video map computers (DVMCs); 50 DMCs and 77 DVMCs in support of sparing for the Naval Supply Systems Command; 24 DVMCs for the Navy in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft; 16 DMCs for the government of the Czech Republic; and three DMCs for the government of Bahrain. Additionally, this modification procures 24 extension housings for the DVMC buy for the Navy in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft program. The Super Hornet is a maritime strike attack aircraft. The first full-rate production aircraft was delivered in September 2001. The aircraft is fitted with new mission computers, fibre-optic network, Raytheon AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod, Boeing joint helmet-mounted cueing system and Raytheon AIM-9X next generation Sidewinder air-to-air missile. Work will take place in Florida. Estimated completion will be in December 2022.
Middle East & Africa
Turkish firm Roketsan is reportedly in the final stages of testing its first domestically manufactured maritime missile, Atmaca. In development since 2009, ATMACA completed tests in November 2018. A deal for its mass production was signed between the SSB and its manufacturer Roketsan in 2018. The launch control system of the missile was developed by Turkish defense electronics firm ASELSAN, while the fire control system was developed by the Turkish Naval Research Center Command (ArMerKom). The ATMACA can be fired from fixed or moving targets such as ships. It has a range of up to 250km, hovers low above water and can reach its target both on a linear and a vertical plane. With this feature, the missile can reach a higher altitude when it gets closer to the target and land on a target ship from directly above, according to information provided by Roketsan.
Europe
The guided-missile destroyer USS Ross completed training exercises in the Baltic Sea with a ship of Poland’s navy, the US Sixth Fleet announced. The USS Ross, based at Rota, Spain, and the frigate ORP Gen. Kazmierz Pulaski conducted a series of maneuvers, air and surface tactics and data link exercises. The Arleigh Burke Class destroyer had conducted similar exercises with ships of NATO partners during this summer, including training with the Lithuanian and Latvian navies. Three weeks before the exercises with the Polish ship, the USS Ross joined British and Norwegian counterparts for maritime exercises led by the British Navy above the Arctic Circle in the Barents Sea.
Asia-Pacific
The US State Department approved the potential Foreign Military Sales of rolling airframe missile (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles to Japan. The US State Department has approved the potential foreign military sale (FMS) of rolling airframe missile (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles to Japan. Under the estimated $55.311 million sale, Japan has requested for up to 51 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles, RIM-116C, and related equipment. Japan has also sought for RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers, as well as operator manuals and technical documentation.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force declared that the PAC2 air defense interceptors stationed at Chinen and Onna Sub Bases are now upgraded to the PAC3 version. The change was carried out in August. Both bases are assigned under the 5th Air Defence Missile Group that protects the Okinawa islands. In December 2017, American Company Lockheed Martin has won a $944 million contract to deliver Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles to the United States and allies including Japan, according to a statement released by the company. The upgraded PAC-3 MSE expands the lethal battlespace with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range. PAC-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The missile uses Hit-to-Kill technology, which engages threats through kinetic energy via body-to-body contact.
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Watch: China Tension (Sept 29,2020): US Deployed MQ-9 Reaper Drone to South China Sea
Sep 29, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
International Enterprise Inc. won a $26.2 million deal to provide test, teardown and evaluation and repair of the components of the Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. The Apache is a twin-engined army attack helicopter. It entered service with the US Army in 1984 and has been exported to Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK. he Apache was first used in combat in 1989 in the US military action in Panama. It was used in Operation Desert Storm and has supported low intensity and peacekeeping operations worldwide, including in Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo. Estimated completion is September 30, 2023.
Lockheed Martin won a $63.9 million order, which provides for the L12 Diminishing Manufacturing Sources redesign effort in support of the F-35 aircraft for Air Force, Navy and non-Department of Defense (DoD) customers. Specifically, this order provides non-recurring engineering in support of redesigned end products for the Tactical Navigation System Inertial Electronics Unit/Inertial Measurements Unit, Electronic Warfare/Counter Measures Aperture Electronics Module (EW/CM AEM), Aircraft Exterior Lighting, EW/CM Electronic Warfare Controllers and EW/CM Counter Measure Controller. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion will be in January 2027.
Middle East & Africa
Vectrus Systems won a $38.7 million modification for installation support operations and other support services. Vectrus provides electronic, communication, and defense systems. The Company offers composite aerospace structures, defense surveillance, mobile radar, networked communication, acoustic systems, and composite tanks. Work will take place in Doha, Qatar, with an estimated completion date of March 29, 2021. The Qatar Base Operations Support Services program provides a full-spectrum of life support services for US Army installations located in Qatar. QBOSS falls primarily into the Vectrus Facility and Logistics Services offering.
The US Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a $212.8 million contract under a Foreign Military case to the UAE. The contractor will provide one Prime Power Unit and five years of sustainment services for two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Army/Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control-Series 2 (AN/TPY-2) Radars for this contract. The work will take place in Massachusetts, and some support services will be provided in-country. The contract is October 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2025. UAE FMS funds in the amount of $212.8 will be used to pay for the contract.
Europe
The Swiss government has been given the green light to spend up to $6.46 billion for the purchase of new fighters in a referendum. A slim majority of 50.1% voted to approve the purchase, the government will decide next year which fighter will be the winner. The Eurofighter, Rafale, Super Hornet and F-35A have been shortlisted. The aircraft would replace Switzerland’s aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets, which will go out of service in 2030.
Asia-Pacific
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships Kaga and Ikazuchi have commenced exercise JIMEX with the Indian Navy on September 26 in the Arabian Sea. The exercise lasts three days. INS Chennai, Tarkash and Deepak are representing the Indian Navy. It is the first military exercise between the two strategic partners after they signed a landmark agreement on September 9 that allows their militaries to access each other”s bases for logistics support. The JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition was conducted in October 2018 off the Visakhapatnam coast.
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Watch: Why The V-22 Osprey Is One Of The Most Iconic Aircraft Ever Made
Sep 28, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Physical Optics won an $84.9 million deal, which procures Advanced Data Transfer System components for installations on the UH-1Y, AH-1Z, MH-60R, MH-60S, H-53K platforms for the Navy, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales customers. The UH-1Y utility helicopter provides command & control and assault support under day/night and adverse weather conditions. The AH-1Z attack helicopter provides rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support coordination capabilities under day/night and adverse weather conditions. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is in September 2025.
IAP Worldwide Services won a $17.9 million contract modification, which increases the contract value and provides additional funding for operational and depot spare parts and inventory replenishment in support of the E-6B Take Charge and Move Out and Airborne Command Post aircraft. The Boeing E-6 Mercury is a command post and communications relay aircraft manufactured by Boeing for the US Navy. The aircraft relays communications for ballistic missile submarine forces and provides airborne command and control for strategic forces. Work will take place in Oklahoma, Maryland, Nebraska and California. Estimated completion is in November 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli Navy tested a sea-to-sea missile for use in protecting Mediterranean Sea natural gas platforms, the Israel Defense Force announced. According to the service, the missile successfully struck and sank a decommissioned target vessel meant to simulate an enemy vessel. The missiles will be integrated into the Israeli Navy’s newest Sa’ar-5 and Sa’ar-6 class ships, made in the United States by Huntington Ingalls Industries. “The introduction of the system will serve as a significant addition to the force build up efforts of the Israeli Navy, and ensure its continued naval superiority,” a Ministry of Defense statement said.
Europe
The US State Department has approved a potential $401.3 million deal with the UK for C-17 aircraft logistics support. The request includes “aircraft component spare and repair parts; accessories; publications and technical documentation; software and software support; US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support” for its C-17s. Boeing will be the prime contractor.
The Netherlands was cleared by the DoS to purchase 34 Patriot Advanced Capability?3 (PAC-3) missiles, with an estimated price tag of $241 million. The Government of the Netherlands had requested to buy 34 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles. Also included are 8 kitted 2-pack PAC-3 MSE Missile Round Trainers (MRT), 6 kitted 2-pack PAC-3 MSE Empty Round Trainers (ERT), 4 PAC-3 MSE Skid Kits, 1 Lot of Classified PAC-3 MSE Concurrent Spare Parts (CSPs), 1 Lot of Unclassified PAC-3 MSE CSPs, and PAC-3 MSE repair and return processing support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.
Asia-Pacific
Boeing won a $2 billion contract for the Small Diameter Bomb Increment I weapon program. This contract provides for a guaranteed minimum Lot 15 award and a five-year ordering period for Small Diameter Bomb Increment I, focused lethality munition, containers and carriages for the Department of Defense and Foreign Military Sales partner nations. The Small Diameter Bomb is a precise and accurate weapon that allows the combat aircraft to deliver decisive air power. Work will take place in Missouri and estimated completion will be by September 2027. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Australia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, Korea, Netherlands and Norway.
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Watch: U.S 6th GENERATION FIGHTER IS DEVELOPED IN A YEAR & HAS ALREADY FLOWN! IT HAS “BROKEN RECORDS” TOO !
Sep 25, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Oshkosh Defense won an $11.1 million contract modification to retrofit mufflers, forward facing cameras, rear-door transparent armor and muffler robustness into the baseline configuration of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle family of vehicles. The joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) is a light utility/combat multi-role vehicle. There are two different types of the JLTV, a four-seat and the two-seat design meant to provide the occupants with significantly more protection against mine-resistance and ambush protection. Additionally, the JLTV is approximately two-thirds lighter than the previously used Humvee, offering greater speed over terrain, and better fuel efficiency. Work will take place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is September 23, 2021.
Raytheon won a $17 million modification for dual band radar spares in support of DDG 1000. The Zumwalt-class (DDG 1000) is the largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world. Zumwalt is the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers designed to strengthen naval power from the sea. Work will take place in Massachusetts. Estimated completion will be by July 2024. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
General Dynamics won a $7.9 million contract modification for logistical staff augmentation support throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. US Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. work will take place in Bagram, Afghanistan; and Kuwait City, Kuwait. Estimated completion date is September 25, 2021.
Europe
The US Army Tapped Raytheon with a $9.8 million contract modification to procure Excalibur Ib projectiles. The M982 Excalibur (previously XM982) is a 155 mm extended range guided artillery shell developed during a collaborative effort between the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC). Work will take place in Sweden, Arizona, the UK, Iowa, Ohio, Alabama, California, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2022.
Croatia’s Defense Minister Mario Banozic told the press that a delegation will be dispatched to France, Sweden and United States to validate the bids for the fighter competition that the country is running. The country received bids from four countries but the press report did not state Banozic as saying that the delegation will visit Israel. Two bids are for new jets and two for used fighter jets. Norway had announced that it would bid but it withdrew as it could not fulfill the set criteria. Greece and Italy were not able to respond within the set deadline.
Asia-Pacific
A small team of about 10 officials from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) are in Jakarta for negotiations with local officials over the South East Asian country’s participation in the KF-X fighter program. Indonesia had indicated that it wants to reduce its share in the program from the promised 20 percent to 15 percent.
Today’s Video
Watch: Indian Defence Updates : 6 Predator-B Arrival,Arjun Laser ATGM Test,3 Lakh Carbine Order,PASSEX 2020
Sep 24, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Boeing won a $75.1 million contract modification, which exercises options to provide aircraft inspections, modifications and repairs as well as inner wing panel (IWP) modifications and repairs for the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G series aircraft. These efforts restore the aircraft and IWP to meet service life projections in accordance with new design specifications. The US Navy F/A-18 E and F Super Hornets are twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter aircraft. Super Hornet is about 25% larger than its predecessor the F/A-18C/D, but contains 42% fewer structural parts. The single-seat F/A-18/E and the two-seat F/A-18/F fly greater ranges with heavier payloads, have more powerful engines and provide greater survivability. Work will take place in Florida, Missouri and California. Estimated completion will be in September 2021.
Boeing won a $21.9 million contract modification, which exercises an option for test and evaluation support for Next Generation Jammer integration on the EA-18G aircraft. The Next Generation Jammer is a program to develop an airborne electronic warfare system, as a replacement for the AN/ALQ-99 found on the EA-18G military aircraft. It will reach Initial Operating Capability in 2021. The EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft, capable of operating either from an aircraft carrier or from land-bases. The Growler was developed as a replacement for the US Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft that entered service in 1971 and retired in March 2019. Work will take place in Missouri and estimated completion will be in September, 2021.
Middle East & Africa
Lockheed Martin has awarded Israeli defense company Elbit Systems – Cyclone a contract to supply additional complex composite structural assemblies for forward equipment bay assemblies on all F-35 variants. The deal is in an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems and will be performed over a period of four-years. The contract calls for Elbit Systems to supply assemblies for the F-35’s Forward Equipment Bay – made from composite materials and the associated structures – for all F-35 aircraft variants. Elbit Systems will deliver more than 1,400 components to Lockheed Martin during the contract period.
Europe
Germany is establishing a new multinational unit to operate the Airbus A400M transport aircraft, with Hungary committed as its first partner. The Bundeswehr announced that the Multinational Air Transport Unit (MNAU) was being established at Wunstorf Air Base in northern Germany, home to the Luftwaffe’s A400M force. This new international unit will relocate to Lechfeld Air Base in the far south of the country with 10 of the Luftwaffe’s 53 contracted A400Ms, as well as additional A400Ms that might be provided by partner nations.
Russia’s Western Military District reports that a Su-30SM had crashed in the Tver region on September 22 during a training flight. Both pilots were able to eject safely. Later in the day, a post on Telegram said the jet has hit by cannon rounds fired from a Su-35 during dogfight training. The rounds were not remove from the Su-35 and as the pilot pulled the trigger to record the kill, the cannon fired and hit the Su-30SM.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited the airbase on Penghu island today and the IDF detachment there displayed the Wan Chien cruise missile for all to see. The Wan Chien is an indigenous land attack missile similar to the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. It is carried by the IDF. The significance of the indigenous Wan Chien missile within the ROCAF armory in particular is its ability to be launched from F-CK-1C/Ds operating above the Taiwan Strait and hit targets on the Chinese mainland.
Today’s Video
Watch: USAF’S U-2 ‘DRAGON LADY’ HAS SUCCESSFULLY GATHERED INFORMATION ON CHINESE MILITARY DURING DRILL !
Sep 23, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
BAE Systems announced a contract Monday worth up to $111 million to supply the US Navy with Archerfish mine neutralizers. Archerfish is used by the US Navy’s MH-60S Helicopter squadrons as part of their Airborne Mine Neutralization System capability, and reduces the need to put diving personnel in the water for clearance missions, according to the company. Archerfish is a remotely-controlled underwater vehicle equipped with an explosive warhead to destroy sea mines. The Navy established a requirement for rapid neutralization of bottom and moored sea mines to support operations in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and the amphibious objective area.
HSC-22 received their first MQ-8C Firescout on September 15 aboard Naval Station Norfolk, the US Navy said. It is now the first East Coast squadron to operate the MH-60S, MQ-8B and MQ-8C. The Firescout is the US Navy’s latest combat drone to hit the skies and provide aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support, and precision targeting support to ground, air, and sea units. The MQ-8C Fire Scout’s main purpose is to provide radar surveillance with its multi-spectrum targeting system. The multi-spectrum targeting system is a camera that is capable of reading light, heat, and electrical signatures to find anything that might be of interest.
Middle East & Africa
Lockheed Martin won a $12.8 million contract modification, which exercises options to procure consumable parts and material in support of the C/KC-130J aircraft for the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserves, Coast Guard and the government of Kuwait. The KC-130J is a multi-role tanker aircraft designed and developed by Lockheed Martin to replace the KC-130F/R/T aircraft. The KC-130J is in operation with the US Navy, the US Marine Corps (USMC), the Italian Air Force, the Kuwait Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force. Work will take place in Georgia, California, Kuwait, Japan, North Carolina, Texas, New York and South Carolina. Estimated completion will be by December 2023.
Europe
The British government classifies its new fleet support ships as “warships”. Previously the Government had argued that the new Fleet Solid Support Ships were not warships and as such, were eligible for international tendering rather than being restricted to British shipyards. The $1.9 billion competition to build up to three Fleet Solid Support Ships was suspended last year and an update was due this autumn. The definition of warship used by the Government had been previously challenged by people from all sides of the political spectrum. Until today, ministers repeatedly insisted the vessels would not be “warships” – meaning they could be built abroad. For national security reasons, Royal Navy warships can only be built in the UK. But because the supply ships will be part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Government previously claimed they were not warships.
Asia-Pacific
A woman MiG-21 fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force has been selected to transition to fly the Dassault Rafale fighter. The Indian Air Force pilot will reportedly begin active duties flying Rafale jets soon. She will be the first woman in the Rafale squadron. The woman pilot, who had earlier operated MiG-21 fighter jets, has been placed under the ‘full fighter training course’ and will join ‘active duties’ soon in the 17 Squadron. As per the report, the training regimen for both men and women pilots are identical. Every pilot, irrespective of gender, has to mandatorily undergo conversion training while switching from one fighter jet to another. Currently, there are 10 women fighter jet pilots in the Indian Air Force.
The Political Work Department of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) released a propaganda video on September 19 and in the video, the H-6K bomber from the 28th Air Regiment was shown launching a missile strike on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Chinese propaganda video borrows heavily from Hollywood and depicts an airstrike on an island some observers say resembles the US base in Guam. The presentation suggests that it was produced as a warning to any country of base within the strike range of the bombers.
Today’s Video
Watch: HOW POWERFUL IS MQ-8 FIRE SCOUT
Sep 22, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Goodrich won a $64.2 million contract for the manufacture of surface ship sonar domes to support ship classes DDG-51, CG-47, and FFG-7 antisubmarine warfare requirements. DDG-51 or Arleigh Burke Class is a class of destroyer built around the Aegis Combat system. CG-47 or Ticonderoga Class were the first surface combatant ships equipped with the Aegis Weapons System. FFG-7 is a class of guided missile frigates. Work will take place in Florida. Expected completion date is in September, 2025. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September 2027.
Raytheon won a $60.5 million deal to exercise options for design agent and engineering support services for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) MK-31 Guided Missile Weapon System improvement program. The MK-31 RAM Guided Missile Weapon System is a cooperative development and production program conducted jointly by the US and the Federal Republic of Germany under memoranda of understanding. Per the agreement, the company will provide support for the maintenance of current weapon system capability. Additionally, the unit will resolve issues through design, systems, software maintenance, reliability, quality assurance and logistics engineering services. Work will take place in Arizona and Kentucky. Estimated completion will be by December 2021.
Middle East & Africa
Hiller Measurements won a $66.3 million contract for the Marine Corps Automatic Test Systems program. The deal involves Foreign Military Sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Marine Corps employs Automatic Test Systems that are capability targeted and fielded to units that will only utilize the inherent functions of the ATS they have on hand. This flexibility maximizes mission accomplishment and reduces the unit’s overall operational footprint. Work will take place in Texas, Indiana and Alabama. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.
Europe
According to the British Royal Air Force, RAF Hercules transport aircraft enabled a historic first jump into southern Ukraine by over 200 British paratroopers. Flying directly from their base at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and carrying out air-to-air refuelling on route, the C-130 aircraft dropped 250 soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade into the Ternivsky training area from a height of 600 feet as an opener for Exercise Joint Endeavour. The UK and Ukraine have built a strong defense relationship in recent years, with British troops having trained over 18,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the five years since the start of Operation Orbital, the UK’s training mission in the country.
Asia-Pacific
L3Harris Technologies won a maximum $21.7 million deal for P-8 aircraft sonobouy rotary launchers. L3Harris designs and manufactures pneumatic powered sonobuoy launching systems for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare applications. The Boeing-built P-8A has been designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Work will take place in New York. Performance completion date is March 18, 2024.
The Philippine government confirmed on September 19 that four A-29 light attack aircraft landed around 1:06 pm at Clark Air Base that day. Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said two more aircraft are still in India waiting for clearance to depart. Andolong said Embraer pilots will train PAF pilots selected to fly the “Super Tucano” for two months as part of the agreement under the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee. The A-29s were earlier scheduled to be delivered by the end of July but the coronavirus disease pandemic and subsequent travel bans have skewed the delivery timetables.
Today’s Video
Watch: Super Powerful US Transformer Hybrid V-22 Helicopter in Action: Boeing-Bell V-22 Osprey
Sep 21, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin won a $70.8 million contract modification, which provides requirements decomposition through system functional review for the F-35 Super Multi-Function Aircraft Data Link Band 5 receiver warning capability in support of the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and non-Department of Defense participants. Multifunction Advanced Data Link is a fast switching narrow directional communications data link between stealth aircraft. Work will take place in New Hampshire, California, Texas and Maryland. Expected completion will be in June 2023.
Testek LLC won a $38.1 million contract, which is for the production and delivery of up to 42 Aircraft Generator Test Stands (AGTS), 41 for the Navy and one for a Foreign Military Sales customer. The AGTS will be used to conduct full functional testing of the new F/A-18E/F and EA-18G G4 generator converter units, the V-22 Constant Frequency Generator and Variable Frequency Generator, the ALQ-99 Ram Air Turbine Generator and generators tested by the legacy Aircraft Engine Component Test Stand (AECTS) at those sites where the AECTS is being replaced by the AGTS. Work will take place in Michigan and estimated completion date is September 2026.
Middle East & Africa
Afghanistan received a further four Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)-Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop aircraft, with a delivery ceremony held at Kabul International Airport on September 17. The delivery, announced by NATO the same day, brings to 23 the total now fielded by the Afghan Air Force (AAF), of which 18 are in-country with the remainder located at Moody Air Force Base in Virginia. The Super Tucano has been active in Afghanistan from early 2016, since which time it has served as the AAF’s only fixed-wing combat aircraft. The Super Tucano’s range, speed, service ceiling, and availability (coupled with its ability to dispense precision-guided munitions), enables it to operate effectively throughout Afghanistan.
Europe
Russia is reviving one of the Soviet-era space concepts, the nuclear-powered space transportation, by building a space tug for a trip to the Moon, Venus and Jupiter. The space tug is part of the Nuklon space complex, a scientist from Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos told TASS. The space tug is being assembled by KB Arsenal under the project name Transport and Energy Module (TEM.) Alexander Bloshenko says the nuclear-powered space tug’s – propelled by electric engines – first flight will be a full-fledged scientific mission that will deliver a research satellite to the Moon and head for Venus. It will then perform a gravity assist maneuver to head towards Jupiter.
Romania officially took delivery of the first set of Patriot air defense missile system on September 18. The country was cleared to buy the system in July 2017. It was reported then that the deal was worth approximately $3.9 billion. A total of seven PAC3+ fire units were bought.
Asia-Pacific
Bangladesh has taken delivery of the third second-hand C-130J that it purchased from Britain. The aircraft arrived at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu on September 17. Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, and High Commissioner of British High Commission in Bangladesh H. E. Robert Chatterton Dickson were present at the base to welcome the crew.
Today’s Video
Watch: 350 STRONG CHINESE NAVY FLEET AGAINST 293 WARSHIPS LOADED U.S NAVY FORCE – ITS QUANTITY vs QUALITY !
Sep 18, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Boeing won a $41.4 million deal, which provides intermediate level repair capability at Fleet Readiness Centers. Additionally, it provides for the development of support equipment to test and troubleshoot aircraft armament equipment specifically pylons, bomb rack units, sonobuoy launchers, armament control panel and the aft pneumatic source in support of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and is also successful at search and rescue. Operating with a smaller crew, yet delivering an extended global reach, greater payload capacity, higher operating altitude, open-systems architecture and significant growth potential, the P-8A provides more combat capability. Work will take place in Missouri, Indiana, Washington and Florida. Estimated completion date is in September 2024.
The US Air Force confirmed that it has designed, built and flown at least one prototype of its next-generation fighter jet. Officials revealed that the prototype has begun flight testing Tuesday during the Air Force Association’s virtual Air, Space and Cyber Conference. The development of the prototype happened in secret, and other details will likely remain under wraps due to the classification of the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance Program, which connects air warfare systems that could include fighters, drones and other networked systems.
Middle East & Africa
The Heron UAV, which was developed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), landed on September 16 at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, becoming the first drone ever to navigate commercial airspace and land at an international airport alongside commercial flights. The UAV took off from Ein Shemer airfield, landed at Ben Gurion, and flew back to Ein Shemer. The takeoffs, flights, and landings were all conducted from the Ein Shemer control station. According to IAI, the historic landing proves the maturity and safety of the company’s Long Runner operating system, which allows UAVs to take off and land automatically on long-haul routes of 1,500 km or more using satellite communications technology and a combination of accurate takeoff and automatic landing capability.
Europe
On September 27th, Swiss voters will go to the polls to decide on the purchase of new fighter jets. The Air Force’s $6.4 billion purchase of new fighter jets has been challenged to a referendum by pacifists and left-wing political parties. Parliament has given its approval for the government-backed plans to boost and modernize Switzerland’s Air Defense Capabilities. It is the third nationwide vote in almost 30 years about the acquisition of new military aircraft for the Swiss Air Force. Voters will decide on the credit package alongside four other issues on September 27.
The German Bundeswehr announced that C G Haenel has been selected to supply its new assault rifle. Haenel is offering its MK 556 to replace the Bundeswehr’s G36 assault rifle from Heckler & Koch (H&K). According to the Bundeswehr, the decision was not yet legally effective, leaving open the possibility of an appeal from H&K, which was competing with its HK416 and HK433 assault rifles. The necessary funding for the new assault rifle must be approved by the Bundestag, the German parliament, which the Bundeswehr expected by the end of the year.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Air Force lost a Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance on September 16 due to bad weather. The two pilots and two air crew members in the aircraft were killed in the crash. The helicopter belonged to the 545th squadron. They were on their way to Jolo, Sulu to pick up a patient when the helicopter crashed at the village of Upper Manggas.
Today’s Video
Watch: Full F-22 Demo: Exclusive Look Inside the Raptor
Sep 17, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Northrop Grumman Systems won an $8.1 million modification to exercise an option for the production of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The modification authorizes the production of one SSMM unit. The SSMM is a Longbow Hellfire missile that will be added to the surface warfare mission module aboard the LCS. The littoral combat ship (LCS) is a family of surface ships for the US Navy. The LCS is a fast, highly maneuverable, networked surface combat ship, which is a specialized variant of the family of US future surface combat ships known as DD(X). Work will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, Bethpage, New York and Hollywood, Maryland. Expected completion date is in June 2022.
Marvin Engineering won a $132.5 million contract, which provides for the production and delivery of a maximum quantity of 1,339 BRU-32B/A ejector unit rack assemblies and a maximum quantity of 1,056 LAU-127E/A guided missile launchers in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G series aircraft. The LAU-127 is part of a family of single rail missile launchers (MRL or Missile Rail Launchers) which are capable of the carriage and release of either AIM-9 Sidewinder of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Work will take place in California. Expected completion is in September 2027.
Middle East & Africa
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he personally would have “no problem” selling the advanced F-35 fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates, despite objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I would have no problem in selling them the F-35, I would have absolutely no problem,” Trump told Fox News in an interview ahead of a signing ceremony at the White House for agreements normalizing relations between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain. Trump also said he would be willing to sell other Middle Eastern countries the same weapons systems sold to Israel. He noted the region’s wealth and said it would be good for the United States and American jobs.
Europe
Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail with a task group of nine vessels, including a nuclear submarine. The vessels will participate in the UK’s Carrier Strike Group exercise (GROUPEX) and Joint Warrior 20-2 (JW202). HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail with HMS Kent, HMS Defender, HMS Diamond, HMS Northumberland, RFA Tideforce, RFA Fort Victoria, Dutch Frigate HNLMS Evertsen, American Destroyer USS The Sullivans and an unnamed British nuclear submarines.
Asia-Pacific
A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 has crashed near Pindigheb on September 15. The pilot ejected safely. Martin-Baker also confirmed it was a JF-17 by announcing on Twitter. The jet uses its PK16LE ejection seat. This was the first ejection from a JF-17.
Taiwan has decided to approach Thales and Raytheon as potential suppliers for ship-borne phases array radar that will equip its new missile frigates. The original plane was to use an indigenous AESA radar from National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST). However, the weight of the radar system was found to be too heavy and the design of the warship will have to increase its tonnage from 4,500 to 6,000. The plan is to complete the Hsün Lien naval combat system first in 2021 and then select the radar that can be integrated smoothly with the system. If everything proceeds according to plan, the contract for the radar will be awarded in 2022 and the first warship will be ready in 2026.
Today’s Video
Watch: PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE (PRSM) TO HAVE ANTI SHIP ROLE ! CHINESE NAVY ON ITS TARGET
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