Defense Projects and News

For the F-35 Defense heads out there... this is some interesting technology in the helmet...

UAE selects Piaggio Aero Hammerhead

The General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates Armed Force (GHQ) announced the signature of a contract with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) for the acquisition of eight P.1HH HammerHead aircraft, state-of-the-art multipurpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), designed and developed by Piaggio Aerospace. All the aircraft will be equipped with EO/IR (Electro-Optical Infra-Red) cameras, radar and advanced communications systems. Part of the contract is also the integrated logistic support, including training. The total contract value amounts to AED 1,327 million (€316 million).

The KC-46 Pegasus program is falling further and further behind schedule. The schedule took another hit because of nagging issues with respect to the fueling boom and other changes needed to be made in the production phases. The Cobham-made wing aerial refueling pods (WARPs) continues to face qualification challenges and are now expected for delivery to the USAF in October 2018, Boeing says. The first 18 aircraft delivered in the summer or fall of 2017 will come equipped with refueling booms and centerline drogue refueling systems, but the WARPs will not be available for another year.

First T-50A Trainer Takes To The Skies

Lockheed Martin announced that it will offer a new variant of KAI’s T-50 Golden Eagle for the USAF requirement for up to 350 training jets to replace the current Northrop T-38 Talon. The jet is intended to serve as a lead-in trainer for fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 fighters. “The aircraft in its new configuration with the fifth gen cockpit and other upgrades performed flawlessly,” stated Mark Ward, Lockheed Martin T-50A lead test pilot. “I have no doubt this aircraft will close the gap which currently exists between the trainer fleet and fifth generation fighters.”

The first Airbus A400M for the Spanish, has left the paint shop looking all pristine and proper. First flight is due for mid-July and for the time-being leading up to that date will be a myriad of ground tests to prepare the aircraft.

Embraer's KC-390 is set to make its debut appearance at the upcoming Farnborough Air Show. It is said that so far Brazil is perhaps the only major customer, with a deal for 28 units of the said aircraft. However, there are a couple of other nations with signed LOIs.

The F-35B has touched down at Farnborough ahead of the 2016 Farnborough Airshow (July 11-17). Excitement builds as it is the debut for this brand new combat fighter.

Lockheed Martin uploaded this video the other day which showcases the C-130J multirole aircraft.

A look a China's Y-20 transport aircraft which has now been pressed into service by the Chinese Defense Ministry. "The Y-20 entering into service marks a crucial step for the Air Force improving its strategic power projection capability," says Air Force spokesperson Shen Jinke.

174 A400M transport aircraft have been ordered by eight nations around the world so far. What is also interesting about this aircraft is that it has counter-rotating propellers. All you need to know about the A400M is here.

https://airbusdefenceandspace.com/our-portfolio/military-aircraft/a400m/

Ever seen a Cessna grand caravan EX with hardpoints for weapons? Cessna has one on static display at the ongoing Farnborough International Show (FIA'16). These hard points expand the aircraft’s versatility by allowing operators additional mission capabilities such as extended range with additional fuel tanks, increased cargo space, agricultural operations and the ability to configure the aircraft for missions that require armament.

Ever seen a Cessna grand caravan EX with hardpoints for weapons? Cessna has one on static display at the ongoing Farnborough International Show (FIA'16). These hard points expand the aircraft’s versatility by allowing operators additional mission capabilities such as extended range with additional fuel tanks, increased cargo space, agricultural operations and the ability to configure the aircraft for missions that require armament.

A C130 operated by the Portuguese Air Force crashed near the Montijo Air Base killing the three airmen onboard. The Lockheed Martin C130H is said to have been above 30-years old when it crashed on July 11th. The Portuguese Air Force operates a few C130 aircraft that are aging and highlights the need for the new transport aircraft. They seemed to have been looking towards the Airbus A400M initially but with an order put in for the Embraer KC-390 airlifter, it appears that will not happen. Here is an example of a C130H.

A look at China's new stealth fighter the J-20. There is not alot known about this aircraft as it is shrouded in secrecy. However, it is expected to be a long range interceptor with low observability. Not one but a number of them exist now suggesting that testing may be at an advanced stage.

It appears that the U.S Air Force has given the green light to Boeing to commence initial production of the KC-46 Pegasus. With 2.8 billion in hand to start Boeing will produce some of the aircraft in two batches called Lot 1 and Lot 2. In Lot 1, seven LRIP aircraft, two spare engines and five wing refueling pod kits are expected. Lot 2 will comprise of 12 LRIP aircraft, two LRIP spare engines and five LRIP wing refueling pod kits.

The first Airbus A400M for the Spanish Air Force has taken its maiden flight. The first flight was conducted from the company’s Seville final assembly site in Spain on the 5th September. MSN44’s sortie lasted 3h 45min. The Spanish Air Force has a number of these aircraft on order...potentially up to 27. 14 of that lot are firm orders while the rest the Air Force is yet to decide what time frame they want them delivered in.

The US Air Force has invited Boeing to submit a detailed proposal to supply and modify two passenger-carrying Boeing 747-8s to replace the 747-200-derived VC-25A fleet in the 2024 timeframe. A 375-page solicitation released by the Air Force on 12 September moves the programme closer to a contract award that would launch the development phase of the Air Force One replacement fleet. Having already awarded Boeing a $150 million contract to de-risk the design, the Air Force says it is emphasising “cost control and risk reduction” in the Presidential Aircraft Replacement (PAR) programme. (FG)

The United States Air Force has confirmed that a fire took place on a Lockheed Martin F-35A jet during an exercise on September 23rd. It happened at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. "The pilot had to egress the aircraft during engine start due to a fire from the aft section of the aircraft," Air Force spokesman Capt. Mark Graff said in an email. "The fire was extinguished quickly. As a precautionary measure, four 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen, three Airmen from the 366th Maintenance Group and the 61st Fighter Squadron pilot were transported to the base medical center for standard evaluation."

The first enhanced and upgraded Airbus A330 MRTT and taken to the skies for testing. It was flown out from the Airbus Defence & Space’s Getafe site near Madrid on 30 September. It flew in evaluation for approximately 3-hours. So it is an enhanced MRTT...what makes it different from the initial MRTT? It is the first to have been produced with a package of improvements introduced with the commercial A330, including upgraded avionics equipment and military systems, plus aerodynamic improvements which the company says result in a 1% fuel saving. According to Airbus, the aircraft – already carrying its advanced refuelling boom system and under-wing hose and drogue pods – “performed in line with expectations”.

Airbus Defence & Space has demonstrated the capability of its C295W transport to act as a tanker. A palletised refuelling unit was installed on a company-owned example for the 29 September trials, along with the computer system required to control the procedure. The medium transport successfully made multiple contacts with a probe-equipped C295 operated by the Spanish air force, with both crews reporting “extremely smooth operation” at speeds down to 110kt (203km/h).