This thread will be primarily for foreign fighter/attack aircraft development: Eurofighter, Rafale, Gripen, Sukhois, MiGs, Indian, Chinese, etc.

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Dassault accelerates Rafale F2 testing

Flight International
Nov 11, 2003

Dassault is speeding up Rafale test and development work at Istres, France, as it prepares to deliver the first F2 standard fighters next year.

The Rafale F2 adds air-to-ground capability to the F1's air-to-air mission, and includes a combined forward-looking TV and infrared sensor, Link 16 datalink, digital database terrain-following capability and provision for the MBDA Scalp EG long-range cruise and AASM air-to-surface missiles. An in-flight refuelling pod will be available on naval variants of the fighter.

The first air force and navy F2s are due for delivery next year, and a full air force squadron based at St Dizier should be operational by early 2005. Yves Robins, Dassault Aviation vice-president international relations, defence, says the manufacturer is planning to deliver six Rafales next year and up to 15 annually in subsequent years, depending on the French government's procurement timetable.

Robins says the delay in the French government's finalisation of funds for a second tranche of 59 Rafales is financial rather than technical (Flight International, 21-27 October). "The government's commitment to 294 Rafales is not in question, but it's up to them how many years they want to spread the acquisition over," he says, adding that later acquisition would lead to more-capable aircraft.

A total of 13 F1 standard Rafales have been delivered to date - 10 single-seat Rafale Ms on the navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier form the only operational squadron, and two two-seat Rafale Bs and one single-seat Rafale C are with the air force's test and evaluation unit. Eventually, about 40 of the navy's 60 Rafales will be two-seater Rafale Ns, and more than half the air force's aircraft will be Rafale Bs.

Preparations are under way for the first live firing of the Scalp EG from the Rafale. Recent tests include the simultaneous firing of two MBDA Mica air-to-air missiles (AAM) at two jamming targets, and Dassault has also studied mounting the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range AAM on the Rafale.

The fully multirole, reconnaissance-capable F3 version of the Rafale will be delivered from2007. Three-dimensional radar terrain-following will replace the F2's digital database and the F3will also incorporate an MBDA AM39 Exocet and second generation ASMP air-launched nuclear missile capability.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sgt_Schlappy,

(Source: Eurofighter Typhoon; issued Dec. 11, 2003)

Elsewhere in the Eurofighter fleet, flight testing and clearances for delivery of aircraft to the four partner nations have moved on a pace.

Eurofighter DA1 EADS CASA, Getafe, Spain - Eurofighter Typhoon DA1 has completed a first series of air-to-surface weapons flight test. The aircraft was armed with two 2000lb GBU-10 weapons, fitted under the wing in the central station. The flight lasted 55 minutes and during this time, EADS CASA Test Pilot Alfonso de Castro, performed different flight conditions at altitudes from 10,000 to 40,000 feet and at speeds of M 0.4 - M 0.9.

Eurofighter Typhoon will conduct nine more GBU-10 flight tests before the end of the year. The programme will then continue testing different air-to-surface weapons and stores. Testing will involve Development Aircraft and Series Production Aircraft including the first single-seat production aircraft IPA 4. IPA4 is expected to make its maiden flight by the end of the year. IPA 4 is currently in the final stages of testing at the EADS CASA Military Aircraft final assembly line in Spain.

Eurofighter Typhoon DA7 Air Weapons Range, Decimomannu, Sardinia – DA7 has completed a number of key milestones in firing trials conducted over the last ten days at the Air Weapons Range in Decimomannu. Tests included AIM-9L Sidewinder firing trials from the outboard wing station - conducted by Marco Venanzetti, Alenia Aeronautica, Eurofighter Typhoon Project Test Pilot. A second series of trials featured firing tests from the outboard wing station of the new generation short range air-to-air missile – ASRAAM. This trial was undertaken by Matteo Maurizio, Alenia Aeronautica, Eurofighter Typhoon Project Test Pilot.

Commenting on this recent activity Filippo Bagnato, Chief Operating Officer, Eurofighter GmbH stated ‘The pace of flight testing and clearances for the Eurofighter fleet is now proceeding at a good pace. Over the next weeks I am confident in our ability to deliver aircraft to each of the four partner nations air forces and to start flight trials with the first production single seat aircraft.

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Eurofighter Typhoon on Top of the World

(Source: Eurofighter Typhoon; issued Dec. 11, 2003)

Eurofighter Typhoon today participated in a memorial event organized by the Italian Ministry of Defence to celebrate 100years of manned flight and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of the famous Italian racing driver, Nuvolari.

The event took place at the Italian Aeronautica Militare air base at Grosseto, home of the 4th Stormo (Wing) comprising 9th and 20th Squadrons – the first Italian units to receive Typhoon in Italian service.

The event featured a unique presentation of Eurofighter Typhoon IPA 2, flown by Alenia Aeronautica Chief Defence Aircraft Test Pilot, Maurizio Cheli, and the Ferrari F1 F2003-GA car driven by F1 2003 World Champion, Michael Schumacher. The presentation included a series of race challenges over 600m, 900m and 1200m. The challenge is a modern day reenactment of the historic challenge between an Alfa Romeo 8C2300, driven at that time by Nuvolari, and a Tiger Moth that first took place in 1931. To mark this unique occasion the Alfa Romeo and Tiger Moth also re-ran their historic challenge.

Results:

Challenge 1 – 600m
--Eurofighter Typhoon IPA2 - 9.6 secs
--Ferrari F1 F2003-GA - 9.4 secs

Challenge 2 – 1200m
--Eurofighter Typhoon IPA2 - 14.2 secs
--Ferrari F1 F2003-GA - 16.7 secs

Challenge 3 – 900m
--Eurofighter Typhoon IPA2 - 13.0 secs
--Ferrari F1 F2003-GA - 13.2 secs


Following the challenge a presentation was made to the two competitors by Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence, Filippo Berselli.

Commenting on the event Chief Executive Officer Eurofighter GmbH stated ‘This challenge represents a demonstration of excellence for both motor racing and aeronautical engineering in delivering world beating technology. The spirit of the occasion and the two competitors also highlights the long and historic connection between these two challenging and exciting industries.’

Eurofighter tests

Flight International 06 Jan 2004

The Eurofighter development aircraft (DA) fleet has completed a series of firing trials of MBDA's ASRAAM and Raytheon's AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. Alenia Aeronautica of Italy's DA7 aircraft completed a 10-day series of tests at the Decimomannu air weapons range in Sardinia in early December. Germany, Italy and Spain will eventually field BGT's IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile with their Eurofighter fleets, while the UK Royal Air Force's Typhoons will deploy the in-service ASRAAM.

The Upgrade of the Spanish Air Force F-18 Hornet Fleet Has Started

(Source: EADS Military Aircraft; issued Jan. 15, 2004)

MADRID --- Last December 29, once finalised the development phase, the Spanish Air Force and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have signed a contract, valued aprox. 186 Millions Euros with a duration of four years, for the F-18 Hornet fleet mid life upgrade.

Today the first aircraft, serial nº 62, belonging to Ala 12 (Wing) based at Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), has landed at the company facilities in Getafe, where the upgrade works will be carried out. The arrival at the hangar is scheduled with a rhythm of one aircraft per month. EADS CASA Military Aircraft is planning to deliver to the SpAF, at least, dos aircraft before the end of this year.

The software team of the Spanish Air Force Armament and Experimental Logistics Centre (CLAEX) and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have actively collaborated in the design and development of the software and in the integration and testing of the new avionics equipment, as well as in the complete development of the modified system integration software.

“This upgrade is very important for our Air Force, that participates continuously in the OTAN entrusted missions and that from now on will rely on the highest equipment levels offered by the most pre-eminent Air Forces. The upgraded F-18, together with the Eurofighter, will guarantee a modern, precise, functional and tactical defence thanks to the adopted advanced technology”, said Pablo de Bergia, President of de EADS CASA Military Aircraft.

New characteristics of the upgraded aircraft:

--Tactical computer TPAC, high speed multiprocessor, 6 buses 1553 to wing tip, 4 digital graphics channels and associated software
--Two multifunctional colour screens
--Upgraded communications systems (Heve-Quick II radios)
--Inertial GPS navigation system
--Full targets identification capacity
--Cockpit and external lights compatible with night vision
--Digital mission recording system
--MIDS pre-installation
--IDM (Improved Data Modem)

(Source: Reuters; published Jan. 23, 2004)

STOCKHOLM --- The Swedish air force said on Friday its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, a model offered to the air force of Brazil, had suffered technical problems prompting some restrictions on flights at night and in cloudy weather.

The planes -- built by Gripen International, a consortium co-owned by Swedish aerospace and defence group Saab and Britain's BAE Systems -- have already been sold to South Africa and Hungary.

The Czech Republic decided last month to lease 14 new Gripen fighters for 10 years, saying it had chosen the Swedish jet and rejected a rival offer for U.S. Lockheed Martin's F-16 mainly on technical merit.

Swedish public service SR radio news reported that radars on Gripen jets had ceased to function on at least 10 occasions in the past two years -- hampering navigation and leading to flight restrictions.

The air force inspector, Major-General Jan Andersson, acknowledged 15 such operational restrictions but classified these as normal procedure for handling technology glitches. "We reject totally any suggestions of significant problems relating to Gripen´s avionics systems," he said in a statement.

Gripen International spokesman Owe Wagermark said the fighter jet's electronic communications system had suffered some teething problems. "The problem is being fixed," he said.

Brazil will select, perhaps by the end of this month, the winner of an initial contract for 12 fighter jets worth up to $700 million.

In addition to Gripen International and Lockheed Martin, Brazil's Embraer together with France's Dassault Aviation as well as the Russian makers of Sukhoi and MiG jets have submitted offers.

Brazil's fighter jet purchase would be Latin America's biggest arms contract in years.

Russian air force to concentrate budget on upgrading strategic and tactical aircraft and SAMs

Flight International 27 Jan 2004

The Russian air force will concentrate its limited 2004 budget on upgrading its strategic and tactical aircraft and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, and acquiring a limited amount of new equipment for evaluation by combat units.

The air force intends to equip one aviation regiment with the upgraded Sukhoi Su-27SM fighter this year. The service received its first five modernised aircraft last December, and will hand over a further 20 airframes for conversion at Sukhoi's KnAAPO plant. It will begin operational trials later this year with the developmental Su-34 (Su-27IB) strike aircraft, which made its flight debut last month. An upgrade to the air force's Su-25 ground-attack aircraft is unlikely to extend beyond re-equipping one regiment. "Su-25s are able to perform current tasks, but it is time to think of a new design," says air force commander Col Gen Vladimir Mikhailov.

The air force's Tupolev Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers will receive navigation, targeting and weapon systems improvements, with a focus on air-launched weapons.

Mikhailov says the air force remains under-resourced, having been allocated around 15% of the national defence budget. The service raised additional funds last year through the sale or lease of redundant and excess hardware.

The air force is also considering other options for its redundant and excess aircraft.

(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Feb. 3, 2004)

The Ministry of Defence confirms that Mrs. Alliot-Marie, minister of defence, has decided an audit of the Rafale program, notably to determine the technical and financial impact of integrating complementary services and capabilities, and the evolution of payment and invoicing schedules.

Various solutions to these issues are being examined.

In any case, no major program milestone will be affected: the schedule of operational milestones set out by the multiyear defense blueprint will be met; the air force’s first operational Rafale squadron, based at Saint Dizier, will enter service in 2006 as planned; and the first nuclear-capable squadron will enter service in 2008.

Compared to these goals, additional decisions regarding the delivery rates of aircraft already on order may be taken; any such decision will however have no impact on the coherence of the production organisation. In particular, a second multiyear order of Rafale aircraft will be awarded in the course of 2004.

Regarding the contract for the development of the F3 standard, its technical definition was completed at the end of 2003; the procedure for the approval of the related contract has been audited and authorized, and the defense ministry intends to award the contract by the end of this month.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
_(Source: Reuters; published Jan. 23, 2004)_

STOCKHOLM --- The Swedish air force said on Friday its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, a model offered to the air force of Brazil, had suffered technical problems prompting some restrictions on flights at night and in cloudy weather.

The planes -- built by Gripen International, a consortium co-owned by Swedish aerospace and defence group Saab and Britain's BAE Systems -- have already been sold to South Africa and Hungary.

The Czech Republic decided last month to lease 14 new Gripen fighters for 10 years, saying it had chosen the Swedish jet and rejected a rival offer for U.S. Lockheed Martin's F-16 mainly on technical merit.

Swedish public service SR radio news reported that radars on Gripen jets had ceased to function on at least 10 occasions in the past two years -- hampering navigation and leading to flight restrictions.

The air force inspector, Major-General Jan Andersson, acknowledged 15 such operational restrictions but classified these as normal procedure for handling technology glitches. "We reject totally any suggestions of significant problems relating to Gripen´s avionics systems," he said in a statement.

Gripen International spokesman Owe Wagermark said the fighter jet's electronic communications system had suffered some teething problems. "The problem is being fixed," he said.

Brazil will select, perhaps by the end of this month, the winner of an initial contract for 12 fighter jets worth up to $700 million.

In addition to Gripen International and Lockheed Martin, Brazil's Embraer together with France's Dassault Aviation as well as the Russian makers of Sukhoi and MiG jets have submitted offers.

Brazil's fighter jet purchase would be Latin America's biggest arms contract in years.

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Seems the computers handling the instability steering system dies, for a while in certain flight modes, like when a a/c trails another and comes too close, and the air disturbance by the first fighter have an impact on the trailing a/c.
seems the latest incident was about this, and the pilot almost ejected, when his a/c got uncontrollable for a while.

[This message was edited by komma2 on Thursday, 05 February 2004 at 02:03.]

Indian-Russian fifth generation fighter

Flight International 3-Feb-04

India and Russia will jointly develop a new fifth-generation fighter aircraft, under an agreement concluded during Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov's recent visit to New Delhi. India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Russia's Sukhoi design bureau will collaborate on the joint project, which is expected to cost around $2 billion. Design and development work on the Sukhoi-derivative aircraft will take between five and seven years, with initial production slated for 2010.

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I bet Israel will become a partner in this program as well.

France to audit Rafale programme

Flight International 10-Feb-2004

French defence minister Michèle Alliot-Marie has asked for an audit of the Rafale fighter programme to evaluate the technological and financial impact of a dispute with Dassault Aviation. Thiscentres on who should meet the costs of replacing obsolete components used in the Rafale F1 air-superiority version.

One option is to slip the delivery of 11 aircraft until 2008, which would save the defence ministry c550 million ($680 million)from its current five-year procurement budget.

Dassault has been negotiating the components issue with the government for several months. "The dispute centres on electronic components that are 10 years out of date. We are not to blame if the programme is 10 years behind schedule, so we are arguing over who should pay to replace them," the company says.

A decision to slip deliveries would see production slowed from two aircraft a month to one-and-a-half from 2006. If approved, the air force would receive 12 of its 13 planned aircraft that year, and the navy five, instead of six. Sixteen would be delivered in 2007, against the 20 initially planned, and 17 in 2008, down from 22.

The defence ministry and Dassault say the dispute will not affect France's total requirement for 294 Rafales. The defence ministry says it will place a contract for the development of the Rafale F3 multirole version before the end of this month, and place its second order for 59 aircraft this year.

Italian Air Force Gets the First Eurofighter

(Source: Italian AirForce via Alenia Aeronautica; issued Feb. 20, 2004)

The first Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft was delivered 20 February to Cameri Air Base after Italian Air Force and Alenia Aeronautica concluded the necessary acceptance procedures.

The Base Aircraft Maintenance Wing will use the jet for the initial training of Air Force personnel.

The Typhoon, a two-seat aircraft called IT001, is the first of 121 Eurofighter’s to be delivered to Italian Air Force, while Grosseto AFB, home of 4th FW, will shortly receive the second jet (IT002).

Eurofighter, developed and produced in Italy by Alenia Aeronautica (aircraft) and Avio S.p.A. (engine), is an air superiority fighter aircraft that will replace the F-104 Starfighter in the air defence of national airspace.

The aircraft, capable also of performing air-to-ground mission, can be air-refuelled, and carries last generation radar, weapon and avionics.

The production of Eurofighter has been planned for 620 aircraft: United Kingdom (232), Germany (180), Italy (121) and Spain (87).

In addition, the aircraft has been ordered by Austrian Air Force, has been selected by Greece and down-selected by Singapore.

Spanish Single-Seat Eurofighter Airborne

(Source: EADS Military Aircraft; issued Feb. 27, 2004)

MADRID --- This afternoon the aircraft registered as PS001, the fourth Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA4) successfully carried out its first flight. This new Eurofighter test aircraft assembled and operated by EADS CASA Defence and Security Systems - Military Aircraft, implements the most advanced technology of the programme.

Among several new features, the aircraft stands out by being the first single-seat production aircraft coming out of the final assembly line. IPA4 offers the highest hardware/software integration, which technically and functionally means the evolution of the systems towards new capacities. IPA4 also incorporates an enhanced EJ200 standard engine that has been tested in the air for the first time during its maiden flight.

As well as the other aircraft destined for flight-tests, the main objective of IPA4 is to continue with the certification of the design and functionality of the systems under EADS CASA Defence and Security Systems - Military Aircraft until the operational demonstration of the client specific requirements are obtained. The test plans involve flights directed towards verifying the new communications functionalities with Audio and MIDS. Moreover testing of air-to-surface armaments launches is also planned.

A special chapter will be dedicated to the environmental flight-testing. EADS CASA Defence and Security Systems - Military Aircraft, leader of the environment control systems, is responsible for demonstrating the complete functionality of the aircraft in extreme temperature conditions.

To fulfil these objectives IPA4 will carry out flight-testing in extremely cold weather next winter and hot weather testing during the summer of 2005.

Pablo de Bergia, President and CEO of the division in Spain manifested his satisfaction for the re-launch of flight-testing. “This programme is as alive as the first day. Although we have started delivering the first production units to the national customers, our duty is far from finished. With IPA4 we will keep on developing technology and demonstrating the continuous growth of the weapon system Eurofighter” he said.

Su-34 begins precision-guided munition trials

Flight International 9-Mar-04

Sukhoi's Su-34 bomber has deployed its first precision-guided munitions using navigation assistance from Glonass and Navstar satellite "double-GPS" receivers. The aircraft has demonstrated a targeting accuracy within several metres, says Sukhoi. The trials will also include strikes using data collected by satellites equipped with electro-optical and synthetic-aperture radar sensors.

Hungarian Gripen Program Progresses

(Source: Gripen International; web posted Mar. 12, 2004)

Ongoing and coming activities within the Gripen for Hungary program. During 2004 and 2005 there will be a lot of activities within the Gripen for Hungary program. Besides from the production of the aircraft, the training of Hungarian personnel will start.

Status of the Gripen for Hungary program:

++4 aircraft in production right now, Mars 2004

++Operational familiarization-training course in April 2004 (in November 2003 we had a technical training-training course)

++Pilot centrifuge and parasailing training in August 2004

++Tests with the Laser Guided Pod (Litening GIII) continues in 2004

++In the summer of 2004 we will start tests with Air-Air-Refueling from a Swedish Air Force C-130 Hercules

++Final assembly of the first Hungarian Gripen in Linköping, October 1, 2004

++Hungarian pilots will start Gripen training in the beginning of 2005, 3 groups 5 in each group

++Hungarian technicians also start their Gripen training in 2005, 2 groups 19 in each group

Update: FC-1/JF-17

Flight International 23-Mar-2004

Chengdu Aircraft has completed around 20 sorties of its first FC-1/JF-17 prototype since the type made its maiden flight last August. The company will roll out a second flying prototype at the end of this month, while the programme's third flight-test airframe and a fatigue-test article are in assembly. A fifth, static-test article is already in use.

Russia's Klimov RD-93 has been picked to power the fighter, and the prototype aircraft are equipped with Chinese avionics. A more advanced avionics suite will be installed after the project's performance evaluation phase concludes late this year and before the systems evaluation phase begins.

Pakistan, expected to acquire about 200 JF-17s, will decide on an avionics package next year. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex-assembled Fiar Grifo S7 and Elta EL/M-2032 fire-control radars are among the systems under consideration to equip its aircraft.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
_Update: FC-1/JF-17_

_Flight International 23-Mar-2004_

Chengdu Aircraft has completed around 20 sorties of its first FC-1/JF-17 prototype since the type made its maiden flight last August. The company will roll out a second flying prototype at the end of this month, while the programme's third flight-test airframe and a fatigue-test article are in assembly. A fifth, static-test article is already in use.

Russia's Klimov RD-93 has been picked to power the fighter, and the prototype aircraft are equipped with Chinese avionics. A more advanced avionics suite will be installed after the project's performance evaluation phase concludes late this year and before the systems evaluation phase begins.

Pakistan, expected to acquire about 200 JF-17s, will decide on an avionics package next year. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex-assembled Fiar Grifo S7 and Elta EL/M-2032 fire-control radars are among the systems under consideration to equip its aircraft.

http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/aproudam.gif

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In what regard does the JF-17 differs from the chinese "Lavi" look-a-like J-10?

The JF-17/FC-1 is a light air defense fighter...(similar to F-5E/F)...and the J-10 will be in the "multi-role fighter" class...(similar to F-16C/D)

quote:

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Originally posted by LemHoskins:
The JF-17/FC-1 is a light air defense fighter...(similar to F-5E/F)...and the J-10 will be in the "multi-role fighter" class...(similar to F-16C/D)

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I guess You are right there. I think there is much talk in Pakistan to acquire this JF-17 fighter. Instead of the F-16s they ordered in the 1980ies. A deal which was later shelved after the paki's nuclear activities.

y

Yeah...the JF-17 is suppose to replace the Pakis Mirage F-1s and they would still like to get some late-model F-16s if possible.

Rafale Marine Operational with French Navy

(Source: Thales Group; issued June 25, 2004)

NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, France --- Thales welcomes the entry of the Rafale F1 standard into operational service, announced by the French Navy at the Landivisiau naval airbase on 25 June 2004.

The entry into operational service is a sign of the Rafale’s operational success with the Aéronavale (the French Navy’s air arm) and confirms the program as a key element of France’s defense for the coming decades.

The air defense mission of France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is conducted using the ten Rafale F1 standard aircraft that make up 12F Squadron. Thales supplies most of the onboard equipment needed to ensure system implementation and mission success, including the RBE2 electronic scanning radar, the Spectra electronic warfare suite (in partnership with MBDA), the IFF identification system and airframe equipment such as the mission and data-storage computer, displays, communication systems, backup instruments and electric power generation systems.

The entry into operational service of the Rafale F1 standard and the success of the Agapanthe 04 mission are the results of major development efforts conducted since the Héraclès campaign, in which Thales played a major role. Initial feedback in 2002, following deployment in critical naval operating conditions, led to a series of modifications to the onboard equipment in order to optimize its implementation and operational deployment. These modifications were made in close collaboration with French Navy’s pilots and technicians. The current success is the result of all the development, production engineering and final adjustment efforts that have gone into the F1 standard.

The entry into operational service is the first vital stage in this long-term program. The subsequent stages are already scheduled. They include the development of the F2 standard, the first multi-role standard that will support additional air-to-surface functions, and the production of forty-eight aircraft. In addition to improvements to the existing equipment, the F2 standard will feature new equipment, including the forward sector optronics system (in partnership with Sagem), the MDPU(1) modular computer and the MIDS(2) tactical datalink. The entry into operational service will commence with an initial testing phase at Mont-de-Marsan military flight test center from September 2004.

The F3 standard, which entered development in early 2004, will give the Rafale complementary operational capabilities, including deployment and fire control of ASMP-A medium-range air-to-ground missiles and AM39 anti-ship missiles, as well as accommodating the RECO NG optronics pod and high-resolution air-to-ground mapping with the RBE2 radar. Finally, Thales is preparing for the future with new developments planned: these include the integration of the Damocles laser designation pod and improvements to the forward sector optronics system, Spectra electronic warfare suite and RBE2 active antenna.

Secret Iranian fighter could steal Tiger's thunder

Flight International
20-Jul-04

Iran's long-rumoured steps to develop an indigenous fighter aircraft have taken form in what appears to be a radically altered version of the US Northrop F-5E Tiger, which has been in use with the Iranian air force for more than 30 years.

Iranian media released a low-quality image of the aircraft - dubbed Sa'egheh (Thunder) - following a successful test flight from Hamedan air base on 8 July.

The image shows an aircraft similar in appearance to the F-5, although it features a revised "butterfly" tail configuration in place of the F-5's original vertical tail surface. While the aircraft's horizontal stabilisers have been retained on another published image of a model, they cannot be distinguished in the new photograph. Its engine intakes also appear to introduce a raked configuration.

The reasons for the design modifications are unclear, but could indicate a desire to develop an aircraft with lower drag, enhanced manoeuverability and potentially a reduced radar cross signature. The aircraft was not pictured in flight.

Iran's aviation industry has previously conducted work to overhaul and modernise ageing US-sourced equipment such as the air force's legacy fleets of F-5s and Grumman F-14A fighters. It has also conducted work to enhance the capabilities of the Iranian army's ageing fleet of Bell AH-1 attack helicopters.



IRIBnews.com

French MoD Updates Rafale Program Status

(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 24, 2004)

{Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com}

As indicated by the Minister of Defence on Sept. 22, 2004, the ministry and the manufacturers involved in the Rafale combat aircraft program have successfully concluded negotiations for a further order of 59 aircraft.

This order is valued at about 3.1 billion euros.

This agreement covers the acquisition of 11 Rafale B two-seater aircraft, 36 Rafale C single-seat air force aircraft and 12 Rafale M naval single-seat aircraft. All of these aircraft will be delivered to the F 3 multirole standard, whose development contract was awarded in February 2004.

The new order will bring to 120 the total number of production Rafale aircraft ordered to date by France, 82 for the air force and 38 for the navy.

It includes remedial action for some electronic components which have become obsolescent, for which an equitable cost-sharing agreement has been concluded.

The new order will be translated into several contract awards to industry, the main contracts going to Dassault Aviation (1.5 billion euros), SNECMA (600 million euros) and Thales (500 million euros). MBDA and SAGEM are also included.

These contracts will be awarded before the end of 2004, at the completion of the review process.

Delivery of the newly-ordered aircraft will take place between June 2008 and January 2012.

Eurofighter Pushing for Foreign Sales

(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; issued Oct. 6, 2004)

Defence Ministers Support Eurofighter at Defendory

A very strong combined government and industrial delegation from all four Eurofighter Typhoon nations is visiting this week’s Defendory exhibition in Athens. The defense procurement Ministers from Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have been joined by the Chief Executives of the Eurofighter partner companies.

The delegation’s purpose is to show its strong commitment to the Eurofighter Typhoon project and in particular to progress a number of export opportunities. Austria has selected Eurofighter Typhoon and the aircraft is on the final shortlist in Singapore. Eurofighter Typhoon was also judged in 1999 by the then Greek government to meet the Greek Air Force’s next generation fighter requirement. The Eurofighter Typhoon delegation is making clear its support for Greek involvement in the project and for related industrial activities in Greece.

Eurofighter Typhoon is being brought into service with the partner nation air forces, and is winning enthusiastic support from all the pilots who have flown it. Its world-class performance is matched by its exceptional reliability and availability. Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft recently demonstrated their air-to-air capability when they flew 10.000 km to Singapore for trials and evaluation activities - an outstanding achievement for an aircraft so soon after its introduction into service.

Thursday September 23, 2004
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) - The Swedish government cannot negotiate a deal with Thailand to trade jet fighters for raw chicken meat, Prime Minister Goeran Persson said Thursday.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who met with Persson in the Swedish capital Thursday, told Thai media earlier this week he hoped to broker a poultry-for-planes deal with Sweden, as his country's chicken exports have suffered badly from a bird flu outbreak.

Persson said he would love to see the JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter sold to Thailand, but that it was up to Saab, the aircraft maker, to negotiate the terms.

``I realize the Thai Prime Minister always makes deals that are extremely keen on the current economic situation,'' Persson told reporters during a joint news conference with Thaksin.

``But how they should arrange (a deal) is not up to the Swedish government, it's up to the commercial partner, Saab,'' he said. ``We will try to figure out which conditions we should have, state to state, for Saab to make a commercial deal.''

Thaksin reiterated his hopes for agricultural products to be used as currency.

``We would prefer to have a countertrade, instead of paying cash up front,'' Thaksin said. If Sweden should have a need for chickens or other agricultural products, ``then that can be arranged, easily.''

Thaksin did not say how many jet fighters Thailand wants to buy.

A Saab spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Thailand, among the top four poultry exporters in the world, has been badly hit by two outbreaks of avian influenza that killed 28 people in Asia this year, including nine in Thailand. Thaksin said earlier this week that the country has a huge inventory of raw chicken meat stored in warehouses.

``My government will do whatever to help chicken farmers sell their chicken meat,'' he told Thailand's state-owned Channel 9.

Thaksin has also tried to trade chickens for arms with Russia.

Sweden has previously sold or leased Jas 39 Gripen planes several other countries, including the Czech Republic and Hungary.


Birdflu chickens are very tasty

quote:

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Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
_ Eurofighter Pushing for Foreign Sales_

_(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; issued Oct. 6, 2004)_

Defence Ministers Support Eurofighter at Defendory

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Bid to seal Greek Typhoon buy

Flight International
5-11 Oct 2004

Eurofighter says it will use this week's Defendory show in Athens to resume efforts to complete a 90-aircraft deal with the Greek government. Eurofighter chief executive Aloysius Rauen says the company will use the event to "re-emphasise the campaign" following a freeze in major Greek military procurements forced by the country's hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Greece has a new government and a new requirement since it selected 60 Typhoons, plus 30 options, to meet its future fighter requirements, and Eurofighter is waiting to see the new administration's stance towards pursuing a fighter aircraft acquisition, says Eurofighter export director Pierluigi Romagnoli. He says a window of opportunity exists to around 2015 to sell the Eurofighter Typhoon before the availability of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which he does not view as a competitor.

In a new development, Romagnoli says Turkey is also "starting to talk about an emerging requirement for the Eurofighter". <-- part of their efforts to win EU membership perhaps?

They offered the same deal to the Russians I believe...crazy.

French MoD Orders 59 Multi-role Rafales

(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 7, 2004)

(Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

PARIS --- Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie announced on December 6, 2004, during the Senate debate on the 2005 defence budget, the formal award of an order for 59 Rafale combat aircraft.

This order, awarded by the defence procurement agency, DGA, to Dassault Aviation, covers 47 aircraft for the air force (11 two-seaters and 36 single-seaters) and 12 single-seat aircraft for the navy. All of these aircraft will be delivered to the F3 multi-mission standard, whose development contract was awarded in February 2004. They will be delivered between 2008 and 2012.

The 118 engines needed for the aircraft, as well as the related spare parts, have also been ordered, in two batches, from Snecma Moteurs.

Additional orders are currently being processes for the radars, the countermeasures suites and other equipment intended for these aircraft. The contracts also cover the updating of obsolete electronic components.

In addition to Dassault Aviation ad Snecma, the principal manufacturers concerned by the Rafale combat aircraft program are Thales, Sagem and MBDA.

These latest contracts bring to 120 the number of production-standard Rafale combat aircraft ordered for the French armed forces, including 82 for the air force and 38 for the navy.

The first Rafale-equipped “flotille” (naval aviation squadron) is already in service. The first air force Rafale squadron is scheduled to become operational in 2006.

The latest F3 version of Rafale, which will be capable of operating the ASMP-A improved air-launched nuclear stand-off missile, is to enter operational service in 2008.


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Thales Welcomes Order for 59 Rafale Combat Aircraft

(Source: US Navy; issued Dec. 6, 2004)

NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, France --- As a major partner of the Rafale programme, Thales welcomes the order for 59 Rafale F3 standard combat aircraft awarded by the French defence ministry. This new contract confirms the programme as a key component of France’s defence capability for the coming decades.

This latest order takes the total number of Rafale combat aircraft ordered by France to 120 and follows the first two batches already ordered: 13 aircraft in 1994 and 48 in 1999. Thales has been involved in all three orders and has already equipped the French Navy’s Rafale F1 standard aircraft, which entered operational service last June, and the Rafale F2 standard aircraft for the French Air Force and Navy.

Thales is supplying the electronic equipment that constitutes the Rafale’s navigation and attack system, including the RBE2 electronic scanning radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, IFF identification equipment, mission and data-storage computer, displays, communication equipment, backup instruments and electric power generation systems.

Denis Ranque, Chairman and CEO of the Thales Group, commented: “This programme is of great importance for Thales and we are proud to contribute to the operational excellence of the Rafale by supplying our electronic systems.”

For Thales, this contract adds to the three contracts already won since early 2004:

--Development of the Rafale F3 standard, which gives the aircraft the capabilities that make it the first multi-mission combat aircraft of its generation. This new contract gives the Rafale complementary operational capabilities, including deployment and fire control of ASMP-A medium-range air-to-ground missiles and AM39 anti-ship missiles, as well as accommodating the RECO NG optronics pod and high-resolution air-to-ground mapping with the RBE2 radar.

--Development of a second demonstrator for the RBE2 combat radar with active antenna. The Rafale is the only European multi-role combat aircraft with this capability.

--Through-life support of all equipment supplied by the Thales Group for a duration of seven years. This equipment will be used on the first 120 Rafale combat aircraft.

The four contracts awarded to Thales since early 2004 total 1 billion euros.



[This message was edited by Sgt_Schlappy on Fri, 10 December 2004 at 20:19.]

Third Phase Su-30MKI Delivery to India Started

(Source: Irkut; issued Dec. 7, 2004)

Irkut Corporation has started delivery of the third phase multifunctional two-seat fighter Su-30MKI to the Indian Air Force.

Thus, Irkut together with Sukhoi Design Bureau, RPKB, NIIP, Saturn and other companies participating in cooperation on the project, are completing fulfillment of contract signed with Indian Ministry of Defence in November 1996. Certification of the third phase Su-30MKI was successfully accomplished.

The Su-30MKI equipped with a phased array radar and an engine with thrust vector control (TVC) is currently the only aircraft of this level in the world being under series production.

The contract with the Indian Air Force provided for delivery of the Su-30MKI fighters developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau in the period from 2002 to 2004. The contract was split into three phases. Ahead of contract terms and in contrast to the Su-30K aircraft delivered before, the first phase Su-30MKI was equipped with canards and TVC. The first phase aircraft were mostly intended for fighting aerial targets.

At the second phase, the fighter was upgraded to apply the Kh-31A missile and simultaneous attack of four aerial targets by guided air-to-air missiles. Besides, additional radar modes were introduced including the digital map mode and application of a long range TV-guided missile Kh-59M.

The third phase Su-30MKI fully implements all navigation and combat modes according to contract commitments. The fighter is capable of employment of the whole nomenclature of aerial weapons, including simultaneous attack of up to 4 targets by guided missiles into front and rear hemispheres, corrected aerial bombs 500 and 1500 kg with designation from laser designation pos. all aerial weapons can be applied with designation from the radar.

The third phase aircraft ensures simultaneous operation on a surface target with retention of air space search and attack of an aerial target as well as group action mode. Su-30MKI radar, the N-011 designed by NIIP named after Tikhomirov, is equipped with an antenna with phased array and ensures simultaneous tracking of up to 15 targets and attack of up to 4 targets, in the free space and against earth background, as well as surface mapping with high, medium and low resolution.

Further more, according to contract requirements, the third phase Su-30MKI implements all navigation and combat employment modes including launch of weapons in the super-maneuverability mode. Su-30MKI super-maneuverability is ensured due to outstanding aerodynamics and application of the AL-31FP engine with TVC developed by Saturn Corporation. Unique aerodynamics and TVC considerably improve safety of flight in all modes, prevent spin stalling and provide a critical advantage in the close combat. The first TVC engine in the world under series production, the AL-31FP complies with international standards for fighter engines and has no equivalent in Russia in terms of its life time performance (MTBO: 1000h; assigned life: 2000h; nozzle MTBO: 500h).

Su-30MKI avionics is integrated in a suite that provides implementation of navigation and combat employment tasks. The main avionics systems (including the mission computer) were developed by the Ramenskoye Design Bureau (RPKB). Besides, RPKB was responsible for integration of avionics and development of corresponding software. Maintenance and mission planning are provided through a ground suite Sapfir of RPKB.

The whole work on integration of avionics and weapons was conducted with participation of an India Air Force Project Team working in Moscow on a permanent basis.

Within the frames of developing cooperation with the Indian Air Force, Irkut is actively participating in the implementation of a contract signed in December 2000, for licensed production of the Su-30MKI fighters in India at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities.

Presently, two first Su-30MKI of HAL are undergoing flight trials in the city of Nasik. According to the contract that reaches through 2017, the Indian side is manufacturing the Su-30MKI including engines, aircraft systems and avionics.

USAF and European Air Forces Adding Important New Capabilities to their F-16s

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Dec. 16, 2004)

FORT WORTH, TEXAS --- The U.S. Air Force (USAF) and five European Participating Air Forces (EPAFs) - Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal - are receiving new technologies for their F-16s that will ensure the latest combat capabilities, along with an unprecedented degree of interoperability and cost savings among these NATO allies. The capabilities are being implemented mostly through software developed by Lockheed Martin.

The U.S. Air Force and five European Participating Air Forces are adding new software capabilities to their F-16s to ensure an unprecedented degree of interoperability and cost savings among these NATO allies. Upgraded F-16 Block 50s have distinctive electronic interrogation antennae in front of the canopy.

The new software packages for the USAF F-16s, designated M3+, and the corresponding EPAF version, designated M3, were released this summer and are being implemented on aircraft having received appropriate avionics upgrades (described in text below). There is a high degree of commonality in the software, with some differences owing to features that are unique to the various aircraft models.

The most notable common new capabilities are the Link 16 data link and a helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS). The USAF F-16s also will be receiving a capability to deliver the Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and have compatibility with the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR targeting pod, both recently certified on the F-16. The European F-16s will gain the capability to deliver the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

"This M3/M3+ software release is an important event for both the USAF and EPAF operators," said Col. Scott W. Jansson, F-16 Systems Group commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "Not only will they receive the latest enhanced capabilities, the common systems path they are following is providing significant cost savings in development, fielding and support."

The M3+ software is being installed on the 200-plus USAF Block 50 F-16C/Ds that are receiving the F-16 Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) modification, which is providing a common hardware upgrade to the cockpit and avionics of these and approximately 400 Block 40 F-16C/Ds. This M3+ software update is being installed as a field retrofit to Block 50 aircraft already modified with CCIP hardware, and the rest of the aircraft will receive the software loads during the initial depot modification at the Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah. Modification of the Block 40 aircraft will begin in 2006.

The M3 software will be installed on approximately 350 EPAF F-16A/Bs that have already undergone the F-16A/B Mid-Life Update modification and are now receiving hardware changes associated with the M3 upgrade. The M3 modification will take place at depot facilities in each country.

"The USAF/EPAF joint software development program has been a great success," said June Shrewsbury, vice president, F-16 programs. "The M3/M3+ update has been on schedule since it was initiated in March 2000. We are currently in work on M4/M4+ to be released in 2007 and M5/M5+ to be released in 2009. This commonality ensures a high degree of interoperability among these NATO allies. It also means these capabilities are available for other F-16 customers."

The Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) provides a secure, jam resistant, high-capacity data communications link with other fighters, airborne control aircraft and ground control centers. The NATO-standard Link 16 ensures a high degree of interoperability between the USAF and allied air forces, increased battlefield control, and excellent situational awareness for the pilots. Link 16 ensures that F-16s will be at the leading edge of network-centric warfare initiatives and that they will interface well with next-generation combat aircraft, such as the F/A-22 and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The helmet-mounted cueing system allows various weapons and sensors to be cued to the pilot's line of sight, and the pilot's eyes to be cued to targets that sensors are tracking, or targets data-linked from other sources. The system is particularly useful in cueing and launching agile weapons, such as AIM-9X, at high angles off the aircraft's nose.

The value of these enhancements was made evident during separate initial operational test and evaluation activities performed in the United States and in Norway earlier this year.

First Flight of the Single-Seat Eurofighter Typhoon for the Italian Air Force

(Source: Alenia Aeronautica; issued Dec. 20, 2004)

The first single-seat Eurofighter Typhoon (IS002) to be delivered to the Italian Air Force has made its first flight from the air-field of Alenia Aeronautica’s plant near Caselle airport (Turin).

The Typhoon, piloted by the chief test pilot of Alenia Aeronautica’s defence aircraft, Commander Maurizio Cheli, has flown for 65 minutes (take-off at 12.54 p.m., landing at 1.59 p.m.) successfully completing the planned tests.

This flight is a further and important step in the aircraft’s production phase, after the acquisition, last December 14th, of the second production contract (Tranche2) for a further 236 units (46 of which for the Italian Air Force).

The single-seat Eurofighter IS002 is the seventh unit of those to be delivered to the Italian Air Force and is part of the first contract, “Tranche 1”, envisaging 148 units, of which 29 for Italy.

In Italy, six twin-seats Typhoons have been delivered (one to Cameri Base near Novara and five to Grosseto Base) to the Italian Air Force.

The IS002 first flight follows the type acceptance for series production single-seat aircraft, achieved last December 13th, granted by the four nations participating in the programme (Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) and already ratified by the National Certification Authority of the Italian Defence Ministry (ARMAEREO).

Pilots and technicians of both Alenia Aeronautica and Italian Air Force have expressed full satisfaction: the Eurofighter IS002, once completed test and acceptance activities will join the other six twin-seats Eurofighters already in service within the Italian Air Force.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the result of a quadrilateral collaboration of Governments and industries (Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain) for the manufacturing of an advanced swing-role combat aircraft.

First Hungarian Gripen Rolls Out

(Source: FMV Swedish Defence Procurement Agency; issued Jan. 25, 2005)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden --- At a ceremony today, Saab presented the first Hungarian Gripen to roll off the production line at its factory in Linköping, Sweden. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Hungarian Defence Minister Mr Ference Juhász and the Swedish Defence Minister Mrs Leni Bjorklund as well as representatives from the Hungarian MOD, the Hungarian Air Force, the Hungarian Ambassador to Sweden. From Sweden, FMV’s acting Director General, Saab’s Deputy CEO and the MD for Gripen International were also in attendance.

“The roll-out of the first Hungarian Gripen is a significant milestone in the Gripen for Hungary program. I am delighted that the Swedish government and Swedish industry have demonstrated their technical and program management excellence in the delivery of Gripen aircraft to the Hungarian government” says FMV Program Director Mats Hansson.

During 2005 there will be another 5 Hungarian Gripen aircraft in production. They will be completed during 2006 with the first aircraft being delivered in March 2006.

After the final assembly stage, the aircraft goes in to a period of ground test and flight testing conducted by Swedish Gripen pilots from Saab and FMV.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
_USAF and European Air Forces Adding Important New Capabilities to their F-16s _

_(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Dec. 16, 2004)_

...

The most notable common new capabilities are the Link 16 data link and a helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS). The USAF F-16s also will be receiving a capability to deliver the Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and have compatibility with the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR targeting pod, both recently certified on the F-16. The European F-16s will gain the capability to deliver the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

---

Fighting Falcons Tackle 'DEAD' Mission

F-16CJs Take on “Wild Weasel” Missions

(Source: US Air Force; issued Jan. 28, 2005)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --- The CJ model of the F-16 Fighting Falcon offers cutting-edge war-time fighting capabilities. Three new upgrades have helped the aircraft here transform from suppressing enemy air defenses to destroying enemy air defenses.

“With the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, the targeting pod and the Link 16, we can find something faster, share the information quicker (and) more accurately, and destroy it more unequivocally,” said Lt. Col. John Montgomery, 55th Fighter Squadron commander.

The cueing system upgrade on a helmet shows heads-up display data on the helmet visor and allows the pilot to select a target without changing the jet’s direction. The system enables the pilot to visually identify, lock the weapons system on and engage an air or ground target without looking through the heads-up display on the aircraft itself.

When seconds count in combat encounters, the system gives the F-16 pilot an exceptional edge, said Col. Philip Ruhlman, 20th Fighter Wing commander.

The targeting pod is another upgrade incorporated on the aircraft. It has a forward-looking infrared sensor which displays an infrared image of the target for the pilot. The pod helps with precise delivery of laser-guided munitions by using a laser to determine range to a target and to the ground, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, 20th Operations Support Squadron weapons and training flight commander.

In the future, pilots will have even greater capability with an advanced targeting pod known as the Sniper XR.

“The Sniper will give us a 5-fold increase over our current targeting capability. Because of our use of the (current pod) and our focus on training, Shaw’s pilots are already prepared for Sniper delivery,” Maj. Roberson said.

The third upgrade for the aircraft is the Link 16. The Link 16 allows aircraft to share cockpit data and lets pilots merge into one display what all the airplanes are seeing. The data link helps pilots quickly gain situational awareness, and it gives them a combat edge in having complete knowledge of the battle space around them.

Although each upgrade has helped in developing the dominance of F-16s, it is the combination of the three that has given the aircraft tactical superiority.

“The technical transformation of the F-16CJ has enabled evolutionary changes beyond its counter-air mission,” Colonel Ruhlman said. "Current capabilities now allow for a natural progression to fully incorporate counter-land roles of close air support and precision interdiction in addition to a foundation of SEAD (and) DEAD excellence.

"This provides the combatant commander an exceptional range of capability from which to execute key roles and missions, all the while force multiplying limited assets across a wide spectrum of threats and employment challenges," he said.

IAF set to place first order for LCA

Flight International
15 Feb 2005

India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is poised to receive an order for an initial production batch of 20 Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) plus 20 options for the Indian air force, says service chief of staff Air Marshal S P Tyagi. Announcing the expected deal during last week's Aero India 2005 air show in Bangalore, Tyagi underlined his service's continued commitment to the LCA project, which has suffered years of delay and technical difficulty. First deliveries to the Indian air force are expected in 2008-9, and Tyagi says the type will enter operational service between 2010-13.

Today, the ADA has three LCAs - two technology demonstrators and one prototype (PV1) - with the fleet having exceeded 360 flights totalling almost 200h. Launched last year, phase two development activities, including the integration and testing of the aircraft's air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons, external tanks, multi-mode radar and open-architecture mission computer, will require a further 700-800 flight hours, says R K Ramanathan, the ADA's project director for technology development.

Test activities will be accelerated with the expansion of the current LCA fleet to seven aircraft by mid-2006. PV2 will make its flight debut before the end of this month, with the programme's third and fourth prototypes to follow by late 2005. The remaining prototype - an air force two-seat trainer - will make its first flight in March 2006.

Integration of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment Kaveri engine with PV1 will also commence in 2006, says Ramanathan, with the indigenously-powered aircraft to resume flight activities in 2007. India's first 20 production aircraft - and potentially also its 20 options - will be powered by General Electric F404 engines.

CRAIG HOYLE / BANGALORE

100th Eurofighter Fuselage Centre Section Delivered; Preliminary Goal Reached in Eurofighter Production

(Source: EADS Military Aircraft; issued March 2, 2005)

MUNICH / MANCHING, Germany --- The 100th fully-equipped Eurofighter fuselage centre section has left the assembly station at EADS Military Aircraft's Manching site.

Dietmar Schrick, Head of Programmes at EADS Military Aircraft, officially handed over the centre section to the Spanish partner EADS CASA. This milestone fuselage centre section is destined for the Spanish single-seater bearing the production number SS007 and will be integrated into the aircraft on the final assembly line at Getafe.

"Today we have achieved an important preliminary goal in the Eurofighter programme. With the completion of the 100th fuselage centre section, we can look back on an eventful period since the start of the programme. At the same time, we can also confirm that the quality and production standards reached are extremely high," commented Schrick during the handover ceremony. "The customers have also expressed their appreciation of this and it has helped us to acquire the order for the second tranche last year as well as achieve the first export success in the contract with Austria in 2003."

In line with the single-source work-shares in Eurofighter development and production, each partner company (Alenia in Italy, BAE Systems, and EADS in Germany and Spain) is individually responsible for the production of “its” specific main assemblies.

These are produced by the respective company for all aircraft ordered, are fully equipped and tested and delivered to the other partners. Assembly of the aircraft destined for the respective countries then takes place on the national final assembly lines of the Eurofighter partner companies.

EADS Military Aircraft in Germany is responsible for the manufacture of the technologically highly challenging fuselage centre section for all 638 Eurofighters ordered up to now as well as for the final assembly of the 180 aircraft destined for service with the Bundeswehr.

Of the 148 aircraft ordered in the first delivery tranche, 37 (including five Instrumented Production Aircraft, IPAs) have already been handed over to the air forces. The other aircraft from the first tranche are at various stages of completion. All the individual components for these aircraft have been manufactured and are currently being equipped and installed.

On 14 December 2004, the contract was signed for a second production tranche comprising 236 more of these aircraft. The four Eurofighter partner nations Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain will procure at least 620 units in all, while Austria has ordered 18 Eurofighters.

F-15K Makes First Flight

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued March 3, 2005)

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company's reputation for delivering the most lethal fighter aircraft to militaries around the world continued today when their newest fighter aircraft, the F-15K Strike Eagle, made its first flight in St. Louis.

Flown by Boeing Chief F-15 Test Pilot Joe Felock and Chief Weapons Systems Officer Rick Junkin, the F-15K completed an aggressive speed run easily surpassing Mach 2, accomplished both engine shut-downs and restarts, and breezed through instrument and avionics checks of primary backup systems.

"The F-15K flew magnificently," said Felock. "With its new technology and the reliable structure of the Eagle, it will become a dominant multi-role fighter. Korean fighter pilots will love this airplane."

The Republic of Korea (ROKAF) selected the F-15K Strike Eagle for its Next Generation Fighter Program in 2002. Under a $3.6 billion contract, Boeing will deliver 40 aircraft to the ROKAF beginning this year and ending in August 2008.

"The F-15K's first flight was a great success, allowing us to move forward with the program," said Steve Winkler, Boeing F-15K program manager. "We couldn't have made this first flight early without tremendous support and teamwork from the ROKAF, the U.S. Air Force, and our suppliers. We're looking forward to the F-15K rollout ceremony on March 16 in St. Louis."

An advanced derivative of the U.S. Air Force F-15E, the F-15K is the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions during the day or at night, in virtually any weather. It can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload, reach Mach 2.5, and incorporates the latest military technologies.

These include the APG-63(V)1 radar, a helmet-mounted cueing system, infrared search and track, third-generation navigation and targeting systems, and weapons-control systems supporting advanced weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Harpoon Block II, Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.

Boeing Rolls Out First F-15K for Republic of Korea Air Force

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued March 16, 2005)

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company revealed the first F-15K Strike Eagle fighter aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) today at the Boeing site in St. Louis, Mo.

The aircraft unveiled at the event completed its first flight March 3 and is the first of 40 F-15Ks being built for the ROKAF. The ROKAF is investing $4.2 billion for the 40 F-15Ks and deliveries will begin this year and end in August 2008.

“Boeing is thankful we can produce this world-class fighter for the Republic of Korea,” said Jim Albaugh, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems president and CEO. “It has advanced technologies and weaponry never seen before on any F-15.”

Albaugh emphasized the incredible teamwork between the United States and the Republic of Korea to the hundreds of employees, customers, and suppliers in attendance at the rollout ceremony.

An advanced derivative of the U.S. Air Force F-15E, the F-15K is the world’s most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload, reach Mach 2.3, and incorporates the latest military technologies. These include the APG-63(V)1 radar, a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), infrared search and track, third-generation navigation and targeting systems, and weapons-control systems supporting advanced weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Harpoon Block II, Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.

“Integration of the world’s best multi-role fighter into our force will certainly be a great momentum in improving our air power” said General Lee, Han-ho, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) Chief of Staff, at the rollout. “Moreover, the F-15K will enhance the interoperability between ROK and U.S. Air Forces. I believe that this new fighter jet will make a great contribution in maintaining the solid ROK-US combined operational posture.”

Here are some photos from the roll out...

F-15K Flies with Latest F110 Engine

(Source: GE Aircraft Engines; issued March 24, 2005)

EVENDALE, Ohio --- General Electric Company's F110-GE-129 engine is powering Boeing's newest fighter aircraft, the F-15K, in flight tests this month in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Republic of Korea (ROKAF) selected the F110-GE-129 engine (rated at 29,000 pounds of thrust) to power 40 F-15K Strike Eagle aircraft for its "Next Generation Fighter" program. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year and end in August 2008.

"We are so pleased to be powering a new generation of F-15 fighters," said Al DiLibero, general manager of the F110 engine program at GE. "The selection by the ROKAF will enable other militaries to better evaluate our engine's inherent operational advantages in powering new F-15s, and as a re-engining solution for mature F-15s in service."

The United States Air Force (USAF) completed a highly successful field service evaluation of the F110-GE-129 powering the F-15E in 1999, after the engines surpassed 1,900 flight hours on the aircraft. The USAF extended the program beyond the originally planned 1,000-hour mark due to the engine's excellent performance, and high mission readiness rate of the aircraft/engine combination. GE's F110 has been the best-selling engine for F-16C/D aircraft for almost two decades.

Seventy-eight of the 88 F110 engines will be assembled through a licensing agreement with Samsung Techwin Co, LTD., which has assembled GE's T700, J79 and J85 engines currently powering ROKAF aircraft. GE and Samsung are also working together on the ROKAF's T-50 advanced trainer/light combat aircraft, to be powered by GE's F404 engine.

Gripen Successfully Completes Air-To-Air Refueling Campaign with NATO Standard Compatible Tanker

(Source: Gripen International; issued April 15, 2005)

During the past month, the Gripen has been undertaking an air-to-air refueling campaign with a Boeing 707 tanker at Saab’s facility in Linköping, Sweden.

The campaign had the objective of verifying Gripen’s air-to-air refueling capabilities with a NATO standard compatible tanker. It included a total of 19 sorties with the latest standard of Gripen, the Gripen C single-seat and Gripen D dual-seat, and a South African Air Force Boeing 707 tanker; the results were very successful.

“The verification flights have been conducted according to plan and all the objectives have been fulfilled. The campaign has been very successful and the cooperation with the South African Air Force has been excellent. During the campaign the full available envelope for Gripen air-to-air refueling has been examined, including refueling at various speeds, altitudes and with various external loads.” says Mats Thorbiörnson, Deputy Chief test pilot at Saab Aerosystems.

The aim of the campaign has been to technically verify Gripen’s refueling capability, which is part of the aircraft’s export adaptation. The Gripen C and D are fully NATO-interoperable and meet the demands for both national and international operations. The air-to-air refueling capability increases Gripen’s operational range and endurance, a major advantage in international operations.

The sorties were carried out in close cooperation with a South African Air Force Boeing 707 tanker and its aircrew and ground crew of twenty, who arrived in Linköping on 19 March. The South African Air Force has extensive experience of air-to-air refueling and has previously verified a number of different aircraft from several air forces during similar trials.