Americas
In a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) recently carried out radiometric data gathering on two C-130H aircraft. The purpose of this initiative was to compare the heat signatures of the two aircraft and utilize the collected data to update and validate their signature in GTRI modeling and simulation. The ultimate goal is to enhance the aircraft’s flare pattern effectiveness against adversarial infrared threats. The C-130H aircraft involved in this study were sourced from the 731st Airlift Squadron based in Colorado Springs and the 180th Airlift Squadron located in St. Joseph. Both aircraft have been modified with the T-56-15A Rolls-Royce 3.5 engines, but the primary difference lies in the propeller design. The 731st Airlift Squadron employs the new 8-bladed MP-2000 propeller, while the 180th Airlift Squadron continues to utilize the legacy 4-bladed propeller.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has achieved a major breakthrough in laser technology for aircraft with its recent successful flight-test campaign. The project, known as HARDROC (Hybrid Aero-Effect Reducing Design with Realistic Optical Components), brings us closer to the future of directed energy laser systems integrated onto aircraft. The HARDROC program, a joint effort between AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate and the Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, along with MZA Associates, a leading contractor, focused on testing a new beam director concept. Their goal was to assess the effectiveness of different aerodynamic flow control techniques in reducing distortions that occur when a laser beam is emitted from a fast-moving aircraft.
Middle East & Africa
Lockheed Martin won a $17.6 million modification under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The value of this contract is increased from $1,060,802,488, to $1,078,436,140. Under this modification, the contractor will procure and install one General-Purpose Electronics Test Station (GETS) and eight Test Program Sets (TPS), with associated spares, and provide technical support through the contract. The work will be performed in various locations to include primarily Dallas, Texas; and Sunnyvale, California, with an expected completion date of March 1, 2028.
Europe
British Royal Air Force fighter jets were twice scrambled over the course of 24 hours to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace, the Ministry of Defense in London said Friday. RAF Typhoons based in Estonia and Swedish Gripen fighters were on Thursday evening scrambled to “intercept” a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft and a Su-27 fighter jet “flying close to NATO and Swedish airspace,” the ministry said.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan’s Republic of China Navy has contracted Jong Shyn Shipbuilding to build two light frigates for $295 million. The Taiwanese shipbuilder will begin work this month and deliver the vessels by October 2026, multiple Taiwanese outlets reported.
A team from Hanscom Air Force Base recently completed a major upgrade on an E-767 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) jet, which has now been returned to Japan. The International AWACS Division of the Digital Directorate, based in Hanscom, provided the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) with a mission computing upgrade (MCU) for one of their AWACS aircraft, along with supporting ground systems for mission planning and training at several Japanese air bases.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Dassault Rafale vs Eurofighter Typhoon: A 2023 comparison
