Americas
Bell Helicopter Textron won a $27.5 million contract modification for stabilizer bar assemblies, pylon mast assemblies, trans case assemblies, quill assemblies and rotary wing blades in support of UH-1N and TH-1H helicopters. The Bell UH-1N Iroquois is a light-lift utility helicopter capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. Its primary missions include airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift. The UH-1H helicopters are also known as the Huey. They were modified into a new configuration, the TH-1H, in December 2004 to be used as a new training helicopter for student pilots. Bell Helicopter Textron will perform work under the modification in Texas. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2023.
Raytheon won a $40.2 million modification to produce two AN/SPY-6(V) configuration variants – the SPY-6(V)2 Rotator Radar and the SPY-6(V)3 Fixed Face Radar. The AN/SPY-6(V) is an active electronically scanned array air and missile defense radar. The Navy’s next generation radar system will address Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Air Defense capability gaps identified in the Maritime Air and Missile Defense of Joint Forces Initial Capabilities Document. AN/SPY-6(V)1 provides surface combatants with the Joint Battlespace Threat Awareness and Defense capability to counter current and future threats in support of joint forces ashore and afloat, providing the combat system with simultaneous sensor support of the IAMD mission with ancillary support of Surface Warfare missions. The single-face rotating array designated AN/SPY-6(V)2 variant is for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz Class carriers. The three fixed-face array designated AN/SPY-6(V)3 variant is for Ford Class aircraft carriers and the future FFG(X) guided missile frigates. Raytheon will perform work in Marlborough, Massachusetts and is scheduled to be finished by June 2020.
Middle East & Africa
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the USA won’t sell F-35 jets to Turkey after the country purchased a Russian Missile Defense System. Turkey had decided to take delivery of nine S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile defense systems from Russia last week. The US is concerned that deploying the S-400 with the F-35 would allow Russia to gain too much inside information of the stealth system. The S-400 system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range ones. In a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the president officially said that the US won’t sell any F-35s to Ankara. The United States had also threatened to impose sanctions against Turkey in reaction to the deal. However, Trump didn’t comment on potential sanctions during the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.
Europe
Britain’s first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft took off in an inaugural flight by Boeing test pilots from Renton, Washington. According to a press release by Boeing, the aircraft took off at 10:00 am Pacific on July 12, marking the first flight of the UK Royal Air Force’s nine Poseidons. Britain is among six international customers for the P-8A Poseidon. The others are Australia, India, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea. During the 90 minute flight, key testing took place before the aircraft touched down and moved to the next phase of preparation before customer delivery, installation of military systems. The plane’s next move will be to Boeing’s facility in Tukwila, Washington, a P-8 installation and checkout facility, where mission systems are installed and further testing happens before final delivery to Britain.
US Air Force fighter and mobility aircraft deployed to bases in Poland, Lithuania and Estonia under the operation Rapid Forge on July 16. F-35s, F-15Es, and C-130Js arrived at Powidz Air Base, Poland, to conduct refueling and re-arming operations using inert munitions. The same refueling and re-arming exercise was carried out at Siauilai Air Base, Lithuania with F-15Es and C-130Js. F-15E Strike Eagles and MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Amari Air Base, Estonia for refueling operations.
Asia-Pacific
Shipbuilding company Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) launched the second Maya Class guided missile destroyer for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The vessel is named “Haguro“. The destroyer, which will be the eighth JMSDF ship to be equipped with the Aegis Combat System, is 5m longer than the Atago Class destroyers operated by the JMSDF. Haguro will use the Aegis Baseline J7 supported by the Lockheed Martin/Raytheon AN/SPY-1D(V) phased array radar and the Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B X-band high-resolution fire-control radar. DDG-180 Haguro is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF in 2021. The first ship of the class, JS Maya, commenced her sea trials a month ago.
Today’s Video
Watch: ANOTHER RUSSIAN PROJECT DELAYED – THIS TIME ‘KAZAN’ YASHEN M CLASS SUBMARINE !