Netherlands and Nigerian Airports get bodyscans

The Netherlands and Nigeria will begin using body scanners on airline passengers following the attempted terrorist attack on a U.S.-bound flight on Christmas Day, authorities in both nations said Wednesday.

The millimeter-wave body scanners will be in place at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in about three weeks and will be used on all passengers traveling to the United States, Dutch Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst told a news conference at The Hague.

“We’ve escaped a very serious attack with serious consequences, but unfortunately in this world there are individuals who do not shy away from attacks on innocent people,” she said.

Nigeria did not say when it would begin the new scans. “In combating the new threat of terrorism as unfolded recently, Nigeria will be upgrading its security screening system to 3D Total Body Imaging Scanner,” the country’s airport authority said in a statement. It gave no further details.

Source: Ministerie van Binnenlands Zaken

Egypt buys 24 Lockheed Martin F-16s

Lockheed Martin is to sell 24 F-16 jet fighters to Egypt in a $3.2 billion deal, a company spokesman said Dec. 29.

The Egyptian Air Force is the fourth largest F-16 operator in the world, according to defense industry reports. It began flying the F-16 in 1982, after years of using military equipment supplied by the former Soviet Union.

Japan Air Lines bankruptcy in January 2010?

Creditors of debt-ridden Japan Airlines would incur losses of some 700 billion yen (US$7.6 billion) if the struggling carrier enters a bankruptcy process, a report said on Wednesday.

The state-backed body overseeing JAL’s restructuring, Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp (ETIC), had submitted the estimate to JAL’s major creditors, Jiji Press reported, without revealing its sources.

ETIC also told the creditors it expected a bankruptcy filing would be made on January 22, although some officials remained unconvinced by the idea, Jiji reported.

JAL, battered by the global recession and the swine flu pandemic, is scrambling to slash costs and is seeking its fourth government bailout since 2001 in the face of mounting losses.

Local media had already reported that ETIC was considering the possibility of the carrier filing for protection from creditors under court-led bankruptcy proceedings. Such reports dragged down shares in Asia’s biggest carrier to a record low on Wednesday.
Japan’s government has ruled out allowing JAL to collapse, but has left the door open to possible bankruptcy proceedings to allow the group to restructure more easily.

Cabinet ministers were meeting late on Thursday to discuss JAL’s problems.

Sukhois PAK-FA or T-50 started taxi trials, first flight early in January

Sukhois PAK-FA or T-50 is started taxi trials with an aim to make first flight early in January 2010. Zelin said that by 2009 will be ready three fifth-generation aircraft. All of them are currently undergoing tests and are more or less ready. The PAK-FA development is still classified, so images of the stealthy fighter are expected to appear only after the first flight. Delivery to VVS planned for 2015 as Russia’s basic front-line fighter.

Estimated Performance:
———————————-
Dimensions (m):
- wing 14,2; S=78,8 m2
- length 22
- height 6,05
Weight (kg):
- max 37000
- normal 26000
- empty 18500
Fuel (kg): 10300
Combat load (kg):
- max 7500
- AA max 2260 conformal
Speed (km/h):
- max 2100; M2,0;
- rate of climb 350 m/s
- min 0 OVT
- cruise 1300
Alt (m): 20000
Flight range (km): 4000/5500 (2×2000kg)
- supersonic 2500
Runway (m): 350 (w/o OVT)
G-force (g): 10-11
EPR: 0,05 m2
Wing overload (kg/m2):
- max 470
- normal 330
Thrust-to-weight ratio:
- max 0,84
- normal 1,19
Fuel rate: 2,55 kg/km
Flight time: 3,3 h

Engine: AL-41F
- thrust 2×15500/2×9800
- compressor: diameter 932mm, 3 steps
- weight 1350 kg
- pressure increase 4,2-4,5
- life time 4000 hours
- overhaul life 1500 hours
- nozzle:
weight: 380 kg
deviation angle +-16 deg in any direction, +-20 deg flat
deviation speed: 60 deg/sec

Electronics:
N050(?)BRLS AFAR/AESA
Freq: 3mm
Diameter: 0,7m
Targets: 32 (8)
Range: 400 km; EPR 3 m2: 160 km; azimut +-70 deg; 90/-50 deg
Power: 4000 Wt
Weight: 65-80 kg

Armament: ? 2×30mm gun
Hardpoints: ? 8 (conf.), 2*4

Two new pilots for 2010 Red Bull Air Race season

With the conclusion of the 2009 Red Bull Air Race season and a new world champion, the focus moves to the new pilots who will enter the ranks next year. Adilson Kindlemann, 36, from Brazil and Czech pilot Martin Sonka, 31, both add their names to the growing list of top class pilots who have qualified to race in the world’s fastest motorsport.

The two pilots were awarded the Super Licence after proving their worth at the week-long Red Bull Air Race Qualification Camp at Casarrubios, just outside Madrid in Spain this October and recently received confirmation that they both have a seat to race in 2010.

In order to join the elite group of pilots who compete in the Red Bull Air Race, potential candidates must complete a rigorous qualification process which ensures only those who are completely ready for the challenge are awarded the prestigious Super Licence.

Kindlemann, a current airline pilot with over 11,000 flight hours in his logbook, lives south of Rio de Janeiro in Curitiba. The Brazilian had his first flight at 15 and has been hooked ever since, taking on aeroplane maintenance jobs while studying for his commercial pilot’s licence. He says working towards becoming a race pilot has been his main focus since the 2007 race in Rio de Janeiro, where he displayed in front of 1 million spectators as part of the side act programme. Kindlemann has been building up to this moment since he first witnessed the competition. “This year is the most important in my career,” he admits, saying his stubborn determination throughout his flying career has helped to make this dream a reality. The taste for competition flying began in 1994 for Kindlemann and he was Brazilian national aerobatic champion at Unlimited level for three consecutive years between 2001-2003. “Achieving the Red Bull Air Race Super Licence is the result of dedication,” he adds. “My focus earlier in the year was the World Aerobatic Championships and for me one good result is made step by step. I work on small details for big results.”
With only months to form a race team ahead of the season opener in Abu Dhabi, the Brazilian newcomer remains realistic about his potential for success in his debut year. “My goal for next year is to compete as a race pilot, gain experience in the track and then work on improving the aeroplane ahead of my second season,” explains Kindlemann, echoing the thoughts of one of last year’s rookies, Canada’s Pete McLeod. “I’ll then combine both to achieve good results.”

Another new face in the line up for 2010 is Czech air force pilot Martin Sonka. At just 31, he will be the second youngest pilot to compete in the championship. “I love speed, low flying, strong machines and I like competing against other pilots,” says Sonka. “My career as a fighter pilot, display pilot and aerobatic competitor prepared me to work towards becoming a race pilot. The Red Bull Air Race is a huge challenge for me and I am ready to face it now.”

Sonka originally got his wings flying gliders in 1999 and has been Czech aerobatic champion across both unpowered and powered civilian categories for the past decade while simultaneously progressing within the military as a fighter pilot. His impressive CV will have caught the attention of the Red Bull Air Race Committee but it is his insight into the role of a race pilot that demonstrates he has the right attitude for the sport. “This motorsport needs young, well-experienced pilots like me and I am ready to push the sport higher and higher,” he enthuses. “Taking part will be a huge responsibility, honour, challenge and a lot of hard work. It will be a new way of life.”

Outstanding achievements in international flying competitions are a prerequisite to obtaining the elusive Super Licence but pilots must also be comfortable handling high performance aircraft at low level in front of crowds. It’s the combination of these two areas of experience that make a great race pilot. Precision is essential to make it through the aerial race tracks without incurring penalties but a safe approach to flying in close proximity to buildings, bridges and people is absolutely vital. Even the most skilled pilots can be denied the coveted Super Licence if they are not totally comfortable in this environment.

Following the retirement of American Mike Mangold and South African Glen Dell from the Red Bull Air Race at the end of the 2009 season, the two new pilots will bring the total to 15 pilots competing in 2010. Kindlemann and Sonka will be up against current World Champion Paul Bonhomme (GBR), Hannes Arch (AUT), Matt Hall (AUS), Kirby Chambliss (USA), Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA), Nigel Lamb (GBR), Peter Besenyei (HUN), Matthias Dolderer (GER), Michael Goulian (USA), Sergey Rakhmanin (RUS), Alejandro Maclean (ESP), Yoshi Muroya (JPN) and Pete McLeod (CAN).

The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will touch down in familiar as well as new and spectacular locations in 2010. The full race calendar will be announced in the New Year.

Source and pictures: RedBullAirRace.com

First Dutch NH90 Frigate Helicopter offered to accept

The first Dutch NH90 is in Italy offered to accept a so-called team defense. Together with specialists from the Project Office under review team the NH90 helicopter in the coming months on an extensive inspection and several tests. This will assess whether the helicopter meets the agreed requirements.

 ”The first unit is now offered for acceptance, we are hard at work now dot the I’s.” project leader leaves Colonel Jan Verhulst.

The Ready for Acceptance, to offer is called, of Dutch first NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) Took place in Italy with producer Augusta Westland. Lieutenant of the first class Schultz, took over as head of underwriting team in receiving the helicopter supplier NHIndustries. 

Temporary Configuration

The first NH90 (the NNLN03) is a temporary, called Meaningful Operational Capable (MOC), Configuration offered. This means that not all contractual specifications of the final version meets, but already can be used for such education, training and coastguard duties.

 After acceptance, the helicopter also to Navy Air Station De Kooy in Den Helder flown, the Defense Helicopter Command which starts with the first courses and training in-house.

Helicopter crash in Kamchatka Krai, Russia

According to preliminary information during emergency landing 1 crew member died and two were seriously injured. Koryak Airlines Mil Mi-8T helicopter is destroyed.

VLADIVOSTOK, December 29, PrimaMedia. In Kamchatka Krai today 12.30 local time, 70 km south of. Esso made an emergency landing the helicopter, belonging to FGUP Koryaksky airline. ” As RIA PrimaMedia in the press center of the SU EMERCOM for Kamchatsky Krai, MI-8 helicopter, tail number RA-24209, crew commander Budnikov AO, the carriage of cargo from s.Anavgay in s.Tigil. On board was the crew – 3 persons, and 2 tons of cargo (food products).

According to preliminary information during emergency landing 1 crew member died and two were seriously injured. Corps helicopters destroyed.

Weather conditions in the area of the incident satisfactory: it is clear without precipitation, temperature -20 ° C, wind south-east 3 m / s, the appearance of 10000. m.

To coordinate actions in the aftermath of an emergency helicopter landing in the SU MES of Russia Kamchatsky Krai established an operational headquarters

At 12.57 for medical care and determine the cause of a forced landing flew Task Force on Mi-8 helicopter flights from Kamchatka Esso. On board, the public prosecutor, Rosaeronavigatsia, the center of disaster medicine, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Emergencies.

At 13.45 MI-8 helicopter landed in the vicinity of the accident. Members of the crew of the helicopter emergency medical assistance. Causes of the accident is being investigated.

USAF MC-12 arrives at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

12/28/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) – The newest aircraft to the Air Force’s inventory arrived Dec. 27, 2009, to Bagram Airfield. The MC-12 aircraft, tail number 090623, was the first of an undisclosed number of aircraft for the new 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here.

Following the MC-12’s arrival, the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated to carry out MC-12 operations in the Afghan theater of operations.

Col. Patrick McKenzie, the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, presided over the brief ceremony attended by approximately one hundred Airmen and Soldiers.

“The MC-12 is much more than just a fleet of aircraft, its pilots and maintainers. It also consists of equipment and personnel that collect and broadcast full-motion video and signals intelligence, as well as crews that process, exploit and disseminate the information,” Colonel McKenzie said. “In addition, the MC-12 encompasses a host of communications experts that support and maintain the added capability that the aircraft brings to the warfighter.”

Taking the reins of the 4th ERS was Lt. Col. Douglas Lee, deployed from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., and a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

“As a boy growing up in the Air Force, I could only imagine this day and for this opportunity to come along – [serving] in combat is why we raise our right hand to begin with,” he said. “Knowledge is power and that is what we provide. This knowledge will help protect Afghans, provide security and protect Coalition lives. All of these things directly contribute to the combined effort that secures the battlespace and helps the Afghan people to defeat the insurgency.”

As the demand for Air Force ISR increases assets, the MC-12 is positioned to meet that demand.

The first of its kind for the Air Force in Afghanistan, the MC-12 provides real-time ISR in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The aircraft bring another capability to Operation Enduring Freedom because the MC-12 is not just an aircraft, but a complete collection, processing, analysis and dissemination system of Airmen committed to securing Afghanistan and protecting Afghan and coalition lives.

Eighteen months ago, ‘Project Liberty’ was on the drawing board. Today, the aircraft and its crews and maintainers supporting the 4th ERS are operational and ready to go at Bagram Airfield.

“We are not the first to provide ISR, but we hope to enhance the joint effort through synergy with our sister services,” Colonel Lee said.

Overall, the MC-12 will augment information gathered by other ISR assets already operating in Afghanistan and complement existing capability. The platform will enhance how Air Force ISR complements the total intelligence ‘picture’ in the respective commander’s scheme of maneuver in the battlespace.

With a unique mission to execute, members of the 4th ERS are eager to “look for trouble,” as their squadron motto states, but hope to see it first so U.S. and coalition ground forces can avoid it.

Source and picture: USAF

South African Beech Bonanza crashed and killed four passengers

The airplane a Beech Bonanza crashed in Harrismith in the Free State, South Africa.

The plane crashed into the side of the Platberg Mountain in thick mist. All four passengers on board the plane died
The Civil Aviation Authority’s Phindile Gwebu said: “We still do not know exactly who they are, but it is believed that they are members of one family.”

Santjie White of the SA Search and Rescue Organisation (SASAR) said the aircraft, en route from Vereeniging to Margate, diverted to Harrismith due to a technical problem. “Our aeronautical rescue co-ordination centre in Johannesburg was activated after the problem was reported.”

“Contact was lost with the aircraft and shortly thereafter the wreck was spotted by an over flying aircraft when the weather cleared sufficiently,” said White.

The airplane crashed into a nearly inaccessible part of the mountain.

Security ramped up at airports in U.S. and Europe

Passengers on US-bound flights from Britain are facing delays and extra security measures after a man was charged with trying to blow up a plane.

Security has also been ramped up at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, where the suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, went through “normal security procedures” before boarding the flight, according to security officials.

Abdulmutallab, 23, was charged in a federal criminal complaint Saturday with attempting to destroy the plane Friday on its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and placing a destructive device on the aircraft, the Department of Justice said.

At Schiphol, secondary screenings were boosted Saturday with body searches and bag checksand being restricted to one item of hand luggage, officials said.

Nigerian Tries To Blow Up U.S. Plane In Christmas Attack

A Nigerian man linked to Al-Qaeda tried to set off an explosive device aboard a U.S. passenger plane as it approached Detroit on Christmas Day.

Passengers say the 23-year-old man was trying to ignite some kind of explosive device as the airliner approached Detroit. The flight from Amsterdam landed safely after the man was overpowered by passengers and crew. Witnesses said he burnt his leg but no-one else was hurt among the 278 passengers and 11 crew on board. Officials have described the device as a mixture of powder and liquid which failed to go off properly.  Northwest Airlines Flight 253 had begun its descent towards Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Friday afternoon when the incident occurred. The Airbus 330, which had originated in Amsterdam, was about 20 minutes from landing when passengers noticed something was wrong.

The suspect flew into Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on a KLM flight from Lagos, Nigeria, and is not believed to be on any “no fly” list, although his name does appear in a U.S. database of people with suspect connections. He did not undergo secondary security screening in Amsterdam, an administration official said.

Northwest is a subsidiary of Delta Airlines.

Boeing, Air Austral Announce Order for Two Next-Generation 737-800s

SEATTLE, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Austral announced an order for two Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at $152 million at list prices.

The two 737-800s will be the airline’s first of this model, replacing one 737-300 and one 737-500 in the airline’s fleet.

“The Boeing 737-800 is the natural choice for the modernization of our medium haul fleet,” said Gerard Etheve, president of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Air Austral. “Our pilots and technicians with experience on our 737 Classics will be able to transition smoothly to these new additions to our fleet.”

Air Austral, headquartered in St. Denis, Reunion, a French Department island located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, operates regional routes to Mauritius, Madagascar, South Africa, Mayotte, Seychelles and Comoros. The carrier also operates long haul routes to Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse in mainland France and to Australia and New Caledonia with a fleet of 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 777-200ER exclusively.

“The 737-800 provides the right capacity and economy for Air Austral’s routes,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to continuing our 20-year strong relationship with Air Austral that began with the 737 Classic.”

The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class. The 737-800 flies higher, faster and farther, and seats more passengers than previous models. In addition, its flight deck features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management capabilities.

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