12 Januari 2012

PAF will receive two C-130 ex US (photo : rnzaf)

MANILA, Philippines - Two C-130 cargo planes will be added to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) inventory within the first quarter of this year.

At present, the PAF is mainly relying on a lone C-130 Hercules aircraft in hauling of supplies and logistics, as well as troops for internal and territorial defense.

“We have two C-130 cargo planes coming in by March and April,” said Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda.

The first C-130 would be flying in from the United States, while the other is now being refurbished at Clark Field.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the two C-130 cargo planes will boost the Air Force capabilities in terms of troop deployment, logistic runs, and search and disaster operations.

“From one, we will soon have two more C-130 cargo planes,” he said.

“That’s really something that we are expecting.”

Okol could not say how much the government spent for the two refurbished Hercules aircraft.

The Air Force is also expecting the arrival of eight brand-new utility and combat-attack helicopters during the first quarter of this year.

President Aquino’s visit to the United States this April is expected to finally seal a deal for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the country intends to acquire a squadron F-16 fighter jet from the US.

(PhilStar)

10 Januari 2012

Perbaikan pesawat C-130H RAAF di Qantas Defence (photo : Qantas Defence)

Jurnas.com MESKIPUN tim teknis baru berangkat Februari mendatang, pesawat angkut Hercules yang dihibahkan pemerintah Australia dipastikan mendapat peremajaan di negeri Kanguru. Perbaikan dilakukan di bengkel milik maskapai Qantas.

Kini tengah dikalkulasi berapa biaya yang dbutuhkan untuk melakukan perbaikan dan membawa pesawat ke Indonesia. "Nominalnya baru diketahui setelah mendapat laporan dari tim teknis yang meninjau pesawat secara langsung ke Australia," kata Kepala Pusat Komunikasi Publik Kementerian Pertahanan Brigjen TNI Hartind Asrin di Jakarta, Selasa (10/1).

Kontrak kerja sama hibah empat unit pesawat itu juga akan ditandatangani setelah tim teknis melaporkan temuannya. Namun begitu, pemerintah Indonesia dan Australia telah melakukan komunikasi terkait hibah ini. "Amerika sebagai produsen Hercules saat ini juga telah menyetujui rencana hibah dari Australia ke Indonesia. AS dalam hal ini Presiden Barack Obama, memiliki kebijakan, alutsista buatan AS harus mendapatkan persetujuan negeri Paman Sam itu sebelum dihibahkan ke negara lain," katanya.

(Jurnal Nasional)

05 Januari 2012

PAF Fokker 28 for VVIP (photo : PAF)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to allot funds for the purchase of a new presidential plane to replace the 30-year-old Fokker 28 used by President Aquino.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the plane is too old and the President “cannot be renting planes all the time.”

He said officials are already cautious about taking the old plane.

Popularly known as F-28 “Fellowship,” the plane was manufactured by the now defunct Fokker Aviation BV based in the Netherlands.

The model came out of the Fokker factory in 1979 and was bought by the then Central Bank of the Philippines to be used by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

It was delivered to the Philippines in September 1980. Its ownership was transferred from the Central Bank to the Office of the President on Dec. 26, 1995. It was eventually donated to the

Philippine Air Force in May 2006.

As of March 11, 2011, its total flying time was 5,525 hours.

The plane’s last mandatory inspection was a “D” check, also known as a heavy maintenance visit, conducted in Indonesia in 2009. During the detailed inspection of the structure, additional

work was done on the plane – the cabin interior was refurbished, seats were reupholstered, in-flight entertainment was installed and the exterior repainted.

(PhilStar)

22 Desember 2011

C130 Hercules (photo : Vaclav Kudela)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- Responding to the problem of food scarcity in Typhoon Sendong devastated areas of the vity, President Benigno S. Aquino III promised to buy at least two more units of the C130 Cargo plane for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), next year.

During his visit to assess the devastation brought by ‘Sendong’ in the city, the president said that there is only one C130 Cargo Plane in the PAF inventory that has been bringing relief items to flashflood victims. He added that it is currently down for maintenance.

“We have offers of assistance coming in from America, Russia, Japan and other countries and the Americans will, most probably, provide us with the necessary airlift capability to fast track what we need,” Aquino said.

We have two other C130 cargo planes in the pipeline but they’re not yet ready for events like this and will be available only, next year, he also said.

According to him, the funds to buy the planes are readily available.

“We have at least two (2) sources to tap, domestic and foreign: the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be assisting us with a loan of US$3million grant and the World Bank (WB) facility that has also offered us,” the President added.

He said many Filipinos in the other parts of the country have responded to his call for help and the donated items only wait for the availability to transport them, where they are needed.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported to the president that PAF has airlifted some P21.53 million-worth of relief supplies from Dec. 18-20, as augmentation support to the on-going relief operations in Northern Mindanao.

These supplies included food and non-food items, such as, sacks of rice, boxes of instant noodles, canned goods, bottled drinking water, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, used clothing, medicines, cadaver bags and even coffins, among others.

In his orders as the Commander-n-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Aquino directed PAF’s Search and Rescue Squadrons (SRS) to help in the search, rescue, retrieval and recovery (SRRR) operations of the flashflood areas.

For this purpose, the 5053rd based in Davao City had established an advance command post (ACP) at the Tactical Operations Group, Northern Mindanao (TOG-10) Headquarters in Lumbia Airport, this city.

The team also deployed three UH-IH helicopters with tail numbers 517, 317 and 806 to do the SAR sorties in the flashflood-affected barangays of the city.

Helping out in the SRRR Operations in the Negros and Iloilo is the 5052ndSRS, which is based Mactan, Cebu City. (PIA-10)

(PIA)

10 Desember 2011

C-27J Spartan (photo : Militaryphotos)

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Australia’s air force has made it clear publicly that it prefers the Alenia C-27J over the Airbus Military C295.

The chief of the Australian air force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, says a letter of request (LOR) has been issued for the C-27J, but no such request has been issued for the C295. All that has been issued for the C295 is a request for information in regard to pricing, he says.

Australia has a long-standing requirement for tactical transport aircraft to fill the void created when the country’s military phased out its de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou aircraft. It is clear that the C-27J is a more expensive aircraft, so the Australians may be using the C295 pricing to negotiate a more competitive deal with Alenia.

Brown says the issue the air force has with the C295 is there are some types of Australian army military vehicles that the C295 is unable to transport. He cites as an example the army’s new G-Wagon all-terrain vehicles.

Airbus Military C-295 (photo : Adam Pniak)

He says armies in Europe may be content to just drive a G-Wagon, but “you have long distances in Australia,” so these vehicles have to be transported by air.

The Australian air force could use larger aircraft, such as its Lockheed Martin C-130s, to transport the G-Wagons. But Brown says “then you end up with small loads on the C-130 and this is not an efficient use” of the aircraft. He also says the air force wants to avoid a situation in which the Australian armed forces’ Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters are used for airlifting such cargo. These helicopters are “better for tactical scenarios,” he adds.

Brown spoke to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the LIMA Airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Dec. 7.

Airbus Military chief Domingo Urena-Raso also spoke to Aviation Week at the show. He says he hopes that Australia will open up the tactical transport requirement to a competition in which the C295 is allowed to participate.

(Aviation Week)

09 Desember 2011

Two future C-130 variants (all photos : DEWLine)

Lockheed Martin will develop a cheaper variant of the C-130J Super Hercules that removes several features from the tactical airlifter's basic design.

The C-130XJ will be offered to foreign and US customers that do not need certain advanced features of the standard J-model, including its enhanced cargo handling system, said Jim Grant, Lockheed's vice president of business development for mobility and special operations.

Grant cited the US Forest Service and South Africa as potential domestic and foreign buyers of the C-130XJ.

Lockheed could also propose the new variant to the US Air Force. Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, has warned that the USAF is considering the cancellation of the L-3 Communications/Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan.

Asked if the C-130XJ could be proposed as a substitute for the C-27J's direct support mission, Grant referred the question to the customer.

"There, the air force would have to do obviously the trade [studies] on commonality," Grant said. "There's no question the XJ will be an enormously capable airplane - maybe not as capable as the C-130J, but very close."

The C-130XJ will keep the same Rolls-Royce AE2100 turboprop engines and Honeywell-based avionics suite of the standard model, so its performance will be nearly identical. The new variant will also have the same outer-mould line as the J model, Grant said.

Lockheed did not provide details of the internal changes, except for the removal of the C-130J's automated cargo handling system. Instead, the XJ's crews will have to manually load and lock cargo to the floor of the aircraft.

The C-130XJ represents the latest iteration of the 57-year-old Hercules design. Lockheed hopes the refresh will allow the C-130 model to remain in production for the next 15-20 years.

It has also unveiled a notional design concept for a C-130NG, which features a new nose, tail and the addition of winglets to a familiar-looking Hercules fuselage.

The C-130NG design represents changes Lockheed believes are feasible for a replacement aircraft that would emerge after 2030. But some of the new design features, including the winglets, could be added as incremental improvements to the C-130J in the short-term.

"Any of the energy efficiency initiatives that are currently being worked could easily buy their way on the current programmes," Grant said.

(FlightGlobal)

22 November 2011

C-130H of the RAAF (photo : Jetphotos)

Australia's Herculean peace offering to Indonesia

AUSTRALIA will give four C-130 Hercules - worth an estimated $30 million - to Indonesia for disaster relief and humanitarian work in the first military swap of its kind between the two countries.
Three high-speed Australian naval vessels will also be deployed to Indonesian waters to launch an offensive against people smugglers.

The agreements struck yesterday in Indonesia's resort island of Bali between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono marked a series of new strategic partnerships in what appeared a peace offering to soothe tensions about Australia's deal to host more US troops on Australian soil.

The aircraft, which need about $25 million spent to restore them to airworthiness, were due to be sold on the open market as Australia upgrades its fleet.

But the Australian Defence Force has agreed to give them to the Indonesian military, following a request for more resources to boost disaster relief across the region.

"These aircraft are important to the movement of people and equipment and food in times of difficulty," Ms Gillard said.

In a further strengthening of military ties, Australia will provide support for an Indonesian armed forces peacekeeping centre.

(News.Com.Au)

16 November 2011

C-17 Globemaster III (photo : Flightglobal)

WASHINGTON, – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for one C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $300 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of one C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft, up to four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines, one AN/AAQ-24V(13) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System, spare and repair parts, supply and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $300 million.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in Operation IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, and peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional, political, and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

Australia currently has a heavy airlift capability comprised of five C-17As. This additional C-17 will further improve Australia’s capability to rapidly deploy in support of global coalition operations and will greatly enhance its ability to lead regional humanitarian/peacekeeping operations such as its current response to the Queensland flooding, cyclone aftermath and the New Zealand earthquake.

Australia has the ability to absorb and employ the additional C-17. The C-17 fleet is based at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley. RAAF Base Amberley is the primary base for airlift and tanker aircraft and is currently undergoing the infrastructure upgrades required to support the C-17 and other large aircraft Australia already received or is under contract to purchase.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company, in Long Beach, California. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(DSCA)

19 Oktober 2011

The C-27J Spartan (photo : Alenia)

The federal government has confirmed it has requested pricing and availability of 10 Alenia C-27J tactical transport aircraft for the RAAF.

The Air 8000 Phase 2 Battlefield Airlifter (BFA) project aims to replace the tactical airlift capability left vacant by the retirement of the RAAF’s DHC Caribou in December 2009, and has been put off by successive governments over a period of more than 20 years.

The C-130H and C-130J Hercules operated by Richmond based 37SQN have to some extent fulfilled this role in recent years, but the Hercules lacks the short field performance and is much heavier than the Caribou or its possible replacements, while helicopters lack the range or speed of a fixed wing aircraft.

In a statement released on October 19, Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare said the formal request was being sent now because production of 38 C-27Js for the US Air National Guard was coming to an end. “Due to the pending closure of the production line for US Air National Guard aircraft the Government has authorised Defence to issue a non-binding/no-commitment Letter of Request seeking price and availability information on the C-27J,” the statement reads.

While Defence was unable to confirm at time of writing to which organisation the request had been submitted, the ministerial statement suggests the C-27J may be acquired through the US Foreign Military Sales process. This would give Australia an opportunity to tie into the US’s sustainment and upgrade program for its fleet, as well as giving greater economies of scale for both operators.

Recent media reports suggest US politicians are pushing for an increase in the US ANG fleet to as many as 75 C-27Js, as the type is now in operation in Afghanistan and has proven to be far more economical than the larger C-130 with typical loads. The C-27J shares common engines and cockpit avionics architecture with the C-130J.

The formal request doesn’t mean the C-27J has been selected to fulfil the Air 8000 Phase requirement over Airbus’s rival C295. “The information from the Letter of Request will inform Government consideration of capability, cost and schedule issues associated with this project as well as consideration of the acquisition strategy, including whether a roader tender process will be pursued,” the ministerial statement said.

But the RAAF is known to have long favoured the more rugged structure and larger cargo hold of the C-27J over the smaller but longer C295, and is likely to push for a sole-source selection. The statement says it expects a response to the request by February 2012, after which “careful consideration of all the options will then proceed.”

The statement has also for the first time officially acknowledged that Defence is developing options to retain the C-130H fleet – of which about eight aircraft are operational out of a core fleet of 12 – beyond its planned retirement in 2013 out to 2016.

(Australian Aviation)

05 Oktober 2011

C-295 Spanih Air Force (photo : NAF 001)

Spain ready to help AFP modernization

MANILA, Philippines - Spain is ready to support the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and is willing to provide equipment to boost the military’s capabilities.

Constantino Mendez Martinez, Spain’s Vice-Minister of Defense, said yesterday they are willing to give second-hand defense articles if requested by the Philippine government.

“A government-to-government transaction is possible subject to existing laws. I must stress that it is the Philippine government that should enumerate its needs,” Martinez told The STAR.

“It is every country’s right to state its needs and our role is to facilitate the (acquisition) process so we could hasten it,” he added.

Martinez is in the country to meet with officials of the military and the defense department. He arrived in the Philippines last Sunday and is scheduled to return to Spain tomorrow.

He was accompanied by Spanish military officials and officials of Spain-based suppliers of defense equipment.

The suppliers are ISDEFE, a state-run firm engaged in defense systems engineering consultancy; Indra, a firm that specializes in information systems and electronic radars; EADS, which specializes in aircraft; EXPAL, which develops ammunition and mortars; and UME, a Spanish military unit that deals with disasters and emergency situations.

Martinez said Spain has naval and air assets that may be offered to the Philippines upon the request of the AFP.

“It is our understanding that there is a need for maritime watch ship vessel and air assets to be used to protect the country’s sovereignty and its boundaries,” Martinez said.

He said they have one unit of C-295 aircraft, vessels and radar systems that may suit the needs of the AFP.

He said Spanish firms are also willing to participate in the Philippine government’s bidding for the acquisition of military assets.

“We are open to agreements involving Spanish companies in terms of modernizing the armed forces. They (companies) are introducing themselves and are showing what they can offer based on the needs of the Philippines,” Martinez said.

The Aquino administration has vowed to support the AFP’s capability upgrade program to boost its territorial defense capabilities.

The government aims to acquire lead-in jet trainers, surface attack aircraft, air defense radars, long-range patrol aircraft and closed air support aircraft for the Air Force.

It seeks to buy new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored personnel carriers, force protection equipment like helmets and bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios for the Army.

Meanwhile, the Navy will be e provided with strategic sea-lift vessels with amphibious capability, off-shore patrol vessels, naval helicopters, coast watch stations, and weather-heavy endurance cutters.

(PhilStar)

23 September 2011

RAAF C-17 Globesmaster III (photo : Air Attack)

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced today that Australia is investigating the purchase of a sixth C-17A Globemaster III heavy-lift aircraft.

Australia has sent a Letter of Request to the United States regarding the potential purchase of an additional C-17A aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, formally seeking cost and availability information.

A sixth C-17 would give the Government increased options to support a wider range of contingencies that might require heavy-lift aircraft. Advice from Defence is that a sixth aircraft would double the number of C-17A aircraft available for operations at any one time compared to four aircraft.

Minister Smith made this announcement at the Amberley Air Force Base today at the ceremony marking the arrival into Australia of the Royal Australian Air Force’s fifth C-17A.

The acquisition of the fifth C-17A was announced by the Government on 1 March this year and was confirmed in the 2011-12 Budget.

On 14 September, Minister Smith took delivery of the fifth C-17A Globemaster III at Boeing’s Long Beach production facility near Los Angeles.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s five C-17A aircraft were delivered over the period 2006 to 2011. The first of these became operational in 2007, providing the Australian Defence Force with a global airlift capability.

The addition of the fifth aircraft to the Air Force’s fleet will expand Australia’s capacity to deploy personnel and equipment rapidly all around the world.

The C‑17A aircraft can lift very large and heavy cargoes over long distances providing a significant contribution to Australia’s ability to reach and respond to events. One C‑17A can carry up to four C-130 Hercules loads in a single lift and cover twice the distance in three-quarters of the time of a C‑130.

Events in Queensland, Christchurch and Japan earlier this year underlined the C‑17s as an essential part of Australia’s capacity to respond to natural disasters both within Australia and within our region.

The ability of C-17s to move equipment and people played a vital role in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi in north Queensland in February, helping to transport ADF personnel and civilians and airlifting more than 320 tonnes of cargo, including more than 200 tonnes of food supplies. C-17s also helped evacuate to safety in Brisbane more than 250 patients from Cairns Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital.

C-17s also delivered much-needed equipment, stores and emergency services personnel to New Zealand in the wake of the terrible February earthquake in Christchurch and returned more than 100 Australian civilians to Australia.

In March, following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, C-17s moved more than a million pounds (450 tonnes) of cargo, including 41 vehicles, as well as 135 passengers as part of Australia’s relief efforts in Japan. At one stage during the relief operation, Australia had three C-17 aircraft in Japan providing humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief support.

While disaster relief has been a recent public focus for C-17 operations, they also continue to support Australian and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, meeting their primary purpose in providing military long-range heavy airlift.

Following receipt of cost and availability information from the United States, the Government will make a decision about the purchase based on capability, cost and schedule assessments of the sixth C‑17A.

(Aus DoD)

15 September 2011

C-17 Globemaster III of the Royal Australian Air Force (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

LONG BEACH, Calif., -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered Australia’s fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at the C-17 program’s final assembly facility in Long Beach. A RAAF delegation led by Stephen Smith, Australia’s Minister for Defence, received the country’s latest C-17 at an event also attended by Chief of the Defence Force Gen. David Hurley, Australian Secretary of Defence Duncan Lewis, and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich.

“Australia’s fleet of four C-17s has been on the front lines of defense and humanitarian missions around the world, and continues to demonstrate the aircraft’s great versatility and capability,” said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. “We look forward to a continued close partnership with the Commonwealth.”

Australian C-17s were part of the relief mission to Japan following a devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. The fleet delivered more than 1 million pounds of cargo, including water cannons to help cool the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. RAAF C-17s also conducted relief operations following a major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and floods in Pakistan and Australia.

“Since 2006, Boeing has enjoyed a strong partnership with the RAAF and the crews who fly the C-17,” said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. “With this fifth C-17, the RAAF continues to expand and extend its global airlift reach. We’re certain that the C-17 we delivered today will continue to fully provide the reliability and versatility the RAAF has come to expect.”

The Commonwealth of Australia in April announced the signing of an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire its fifth C-17. The U.S. Air Force approved the Foreign Military Sale and assigned a C-17 already in production to be delivered to the RAAF.

The C-17 provides the RAAF with the capability to airlift large payloads across intercontinental distances and transport combat-ready troops to remote locations, by either landing or airdropping them directly where needed. The C-17’s unique maneuverability allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps. With a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg), the C-17 can take off and land on runway space measuring 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or less.

There are currently 235 C-17s in service worldwide – 24 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, has 211 C-17s. Other international customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

(Boeing)

30 Agustus 2011



RAAF's C17 Globemaster II (photo : busaustralia)



The fifth Boeing C-17A Globemaster III for the RAAF made its first flight from Boeing’s Long Beach, California, facility on August 25.



The aircraft, to be designated A41-210 in RAAF service, is scheduled to be handed over to the RAAF in early September, and delivered to 36SQN at RAAF Amberley later that month to join its four stable mates.



The fifth C-17 was ordered earlier this year instead of an additional two C-130J Hercules transports under Project Air 8000 Phase 1. The aircraft was already on the Long Beach production line, intended for delivery to the US Air Force.



(Australian Aviation)

01 Agustus 2011

C212-400 of the Vietnam Coast Guard (photo : Airbus Military)

Vietnam takes delivery of its first Airbus Military C212-400

The Vietnam Marine Police has taken delivery of the first of three C212-400 it ordered from Airbus Military.

The second aircraft will be delivered later this year, and the third in early 2012.

This modernized C212--400 series incorporates the latest systems and technologies, such as a Flight Management System (FMS). As a Coast Guard airplane, it will primarily be used in its Maritime Patrol role and carry out missions such as coastal surveillance, illegal fishing, drug traffic and smuggling, among others.

“We are very proud of the trust placed by the Vietnam Marine Police in Airbus Military, and look forward to the upcoming entry into service of one of our highly versatile products to help enforce law on the Vietnamese coast”, says Airbus Military Head of Light & Medium Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

Pilots and aircraft maintenance specialists were trained to operate the aircraft at the Airbus Military Training Centre in Seville.

This C212 is the first Airbus Military product that the Government of Vietnam will operate.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 477 C212 to 92 different operators.

(Airbus Military)

21 Juli 2011

Model of Il-112 airlifter (photo : Allocer-Wiki)

Voronezh Aircraft Company has stopped the assembly of the first sample light military transport aircraft Il-112V. About it as informs "Interfax" , said General Director Vitaly VASO Zubarev. "Project Il-112V is frozen. All questions - to the aviation complex 'Ilyushin'," - commented Zubarev stop work. As the agency, presumably IL-112B project was shelved due to design flaws and because of the lack of interest in the aircraft from the Russian Defense Ministry.

In mid-May 2011 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian company "Motor Sich" Vyacheslav Boguslayev said that the Russian Defense Ministry has decided to abandon the purchase of transport Il-112V in favor of modification of passenger cargo aircraft An-140. On these planes are established TV3-117VMA-SB-M1 produced by "Motor Sich". The Russian defense ministry this information has not been formally confirmed.

Design transporter IL-112V began in the first half of 1990. On this basis, also planned to create a civilian passenger version - Il-112T. First flight scheduled for the end of 2011, but in August 2010, the Russian Defense Ministry has suspended funding for the project. For whatever reason, funding has been suspended, did not specify.

It was assumed that the Il-112V can reach speeds of up to 550 miles an hour to fly a distance of 3.4 thousand kilometers. Payload transporter was to be six tons. The aircraft was planned to install engines TV7-117SE production Russian "Klimov."Earlier it was reported that as part of the Russian Air Force Il-112V replace obsolete An-24 and AN-26.

(Lenta)

20 Juli 2011

Kawasaki C2 (Photo : Katsunori Kimura)

SINGAPORE — The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is hoping that Kawasaki Heavy Industries can ramp up production of C-2 military transports once first deliveries start.

The C-2s are crucial because the air force’s Kawasaki C-1s were first developed in the 1960s and will need to be retired, says Lt. Col. Hiroshi Kawaguchi of the JASDF transportation office. He says there is no way the C-1s can be viable in the long term because they have Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines. This engine type is also on the Boeing 737-200, says Kawaguchi, referring to an aircraft version that most airlines have phased out.

Kawasaki C1 (photo : Kazuteru Sugawara)

Col. Shinichi Kaneko, head of the JASDF weapons systems programs division, says the air force has ordered 20 C-2s and the first will be delivered in Japan’s 2014 fiscal year. Currently the C-2 is in its test program, Kaneko says, adding that the two flight-test aircraft are now flying. Another two have been built for structural testing.

The C-2, a high-wing transport powered by two General Electric CF6-80C2s, also will replace some of the service’s NAMC YS-11s, Kaneko says.

NAMC YS-11 (photo : Scramble)

Some of the air force’s YS-11s have an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) role, Kaneko says, adding that there is a plan to equip some C-2s for ISR.

Kaneko and Kawaguchi spoke to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the Military Airlift Asia Pacific conference in Singapore last week.

(Aviation Week)

13 Juli 2011

The Hercules Observer Trainer. (Australian DoD)

A new type of C-130 Hercules simulator is set give aircraft loadmasters exposure to realistic combat environments, with the RAAF’s introduction of the Hercules Observer Trainer (HOT) on June 29.

Originally developed by Defence Research and Development Canada, the approximately $1 million HOT system will provide 37SQN C-130 loadmasters based at RAAF Richmond with a simulated view of the aircraft’s paradoor window of the rear cargo compartment, providing valuable experience to trainee loadmasters in threat identification.

Current C-130 aircrew training provider CAE Australia will provide instructors for the HOT system, which will be used to train loadmasters prior to deployment to the Middle East under Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

(Australian Aviation)

09 Juli 2011

Antonov An-178 airlifter (photo : militaryphotos)

Antonov has confirmed plans to launch flight tests in 2013 of its new An-178 airlifter, a potential rival to turboprop designs such as the Alenia Aeronautica C-27J and Lockheed Martin C-130J.

The twinjet derivative of the An-158 airliner and business jet still remains in the design stages, with the concept having been revealed less than two years ago.

An-178 is the further development of An-148 (photo : Keypublishing)

The An-178 adds a rear cargo door and ramp, but retains most of the features of the high-wing An-158, which is itself a stretched version of the 70-85-seat An-148 regional jet.

Antonov has released conflicting information about the payload capacity of the military development. In a recent interview, a company official described the maximum payload of the aircraft as being 18,000kg (36,700lb). But marketing documents distributed at the Paris air show list the same statistic as 15,000kg.

Antonov An-148 of the Myanmar Air Force (phota: Russian Planes)

Launched as a replacement for the An-12, the An-178 is one of several new light airlifters expected to enter the market during this decade. Embraer's KC-390 and the Hindustan Aeronautics/ United Aircraft multi-role transport aircraft are the closest competitors.

Antonov recently restarted production of its An-70 strategic transport, and also has revealed that preliminary design activities are being performed on a weaponised maritime patrol aircraft based on the An-168.

(Flight Global)

12 Mei 2011

C-212 400 can be used to transport personnel and army (photo : MoAC)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) of Thailand has taken delivery of the first of two C212-400 it has ordered from Airbus Military.

The MoAC will receive the second aircraft by the turn of the 2011/2012. They are joining a fleet of 11 C212s the MoAC is already operating.

Fitted with a specific kit, the main role of these aircraft is “rain-making” through cloud-seeding in the largely drought-affected country, as well as boosting water volume in dams. The C212 can also transport personnel, as well as bulky items thanks to the rear ramp. It has a 22 m3 cabin volume and is able to carry up to 2.8 tonnes of cargo.

This more modern C212-400 version incorporates additional equipment such as a Flight Management System (FMS).

“Airbus Military is very proud to contribute to this Rain Making programme initiated by the King of Thailand”, says Head of Light & Medium Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

C-212 300 of the Royal Thai Army (photo : Trevor Bartlett)

In addition to the C212, the MoAC also operates two CN235. Furthermore, the Royal Thai Army operates two C212. The Royal Thai Police also operates a CN235. Including this latest delivery, Thailand now has a fleet of 17 Airbus Military Light and Medium Family aircraft.

Before landing in Bangkok, the aircraft and its crew completed an eight day ferry from Seville with different stops in Italy, Greece, Jordania, Qatar, and India. The delivery, held at Nakhon Sawan Airport, was presided by Mr. Kiattisak Thangtrongsakol, Director of the Aviation Section from the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agriculture Aviation, MoAC, and was attended by Airbus Military’s Customer Support Director in the area, Arturo Ballesteros.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 477 C212 to 92 different operators.

(Airbus Military)

19 April 2011

C-17 Globemaster III, heavy transport aircraft (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the Commonwealth of Australia has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire a fifth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. The Foreign Military Sale allows the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to expand its C-17 fleet as it faces an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

RAAF C-17s supported relief efforts to earthquake- and tsunami-affected regions in Japan under Operation PACIFIC ASSIST for nearly two weeks in March. The RAAF delivered personnel and more than 1 million pounds of cargo -- including food and water, vehicles, disaster relief equipment, and pumps to help cool the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Weeks earlier, the RAAF supported relief efforts in Christchurch, New Zealand, following an earthquake there, and to several communities in Queensland, Australia, that were affected by flooding.

"Boeing thanks the RAAF, a C-17 customer since 2006, for its confidence in the airlifter's capabilities," said Bob Ciesla, C-17 program manager for Boeing. "We salute the RAAF and its crews, who helped save lives in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. We are proud to serve as their partner.

"Due to the RAAF's immediate need for an additional airlifter, the U.S. Air Force has approved Australia’s request to take delivery of its fifth C-17 in August. The airlifter will be assigned to RAAF Base Amberley’s 36 Squadron, near Brisbane.

The C-17 can transport large payloads across vast ranges, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extreme climates. It is the only airlifter that possesses both tactical and strategic capabilities. Boeing provides support to the RAAF's C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a Performance-Based Logistics program that includes an extensive support network.

Boeing has delivered 230 C-17s worldwide to date, including 20 to international customers. The U.S. Air Force -- including active National Guard and Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 210. Other customers include the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence.

(Defense Industry Daily)