Americas
* Honeywell is working on improving the T55 turboshaft engine found on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Aimed at increasing its power efficiency by 25%, work has begun on developing a new improved compressor that would increase the T55’s engine power – from 4,700shp (3,500kW) to 6,000shp – and reduce fuel usage by 8%. The research coincides with Boeing’s Block 2 upgrade on the helicopter, which aims to increase its lost pay-load capability.
Middle East & North Africa
* The USS Mason, a US Navy guided missile destroyer, was targeted and attacked by missiles launched from Houthi rebel-controlled territory off the coast of Yemen. Both missiles launched during a one hour attack failed to reach the vessel instead falling short into the Red Sea. The incident comes just a week after a UAE vessel was hit by a Houthi anti-ship missile and the weekend bombing of a funeral by Saudi warplanes.
* Six German Tornado fighters, grounded last week over safety concerns, have returned to combating militants from the Islamic State. Issues with the planes were discovered last Thursday which involved loose screws that could not be properly tightened in some key cockpit equipment. The six jets are being used for surveillance flights out of Incirlik air base in Turkey near the Syrian border
Africa
* The Dutch government has said it will continue their peace mission in Mali in 2017 but will withdraw their helicopter contingent at the start of the year. As a result, the UN will be left struggling to find replacement aircraft. Potential supplier Canada has yet to commit and Germany, who has 570 soldiers stationed in Mali, are concerned that they may have to fill the gap.
Europe
* For those wanting a glimpse into the production of the Yak-152 then look no further. Russian journalist Felix Kondyor was given access to a small corner at Irkutsk where the trainer is being assembled.
* France has reacted angrily to Poland dropping a multi-billion helicopter deal with Airbus, warning that it would review defense cooperation with its NATO ally and cancelling a presidential visit to Warsaw. Winning support as a populist, right-wing, eurosceptics, the ruling Law & Justice party (PiS) said they would rather see the deal awarded to a company that could build the helicopters locally. Polish media reports that Warsaw has already begun negotiations with Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky, manufacturer of locally-produced Black Hawk helicopters that could be purchased by the Polish army as soon as this year.
Asia Pacific
* South Korea is looking to add two more Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft to their current fleet of four in order to boost operational capabilities. The increased number will also allow Seoul to use the aircraft as a deterrent against North Korea. However any acquisition will take time with a ministry source saying it could take up to five years for the necessary budget needed to start the project.
* Sources within the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department told reporters that the government is set to buy two military helicopters from Russia. Valued between $12 and $17 million, likely models being sought are the Mi-17 or the Mi-24. The same source added that Russia is willing to give deep discounts for the rotor-craft and offer extended payment schemes.
Today’s Video
Royal Air Force Eurofighters during exercises in Malaysia:
