USAF Fairchild A-10 Inspections Ordered

WASHINGTON – The Air Force has issued a TCTO (time compliance technical order) requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 fleet. This action impacts approximately 130 A-10 aircraft with thin-skin wings installed during original manufacture and is being taken to ensure the continued operational safety of the aircraft. 

Such action has become necessary due to an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Materiel Command. 

The inspections are a necessary step in addressing the risk associated with A-10 wing cracking – specifically with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to the Air Force and is representative of a systemic problem for our aging Air Force fleet. 

Taking immediate action is necessary for the safety of our aircrews and to bring our A-10 fleet back to health. Accordingly, AFMC is working closely with ACC and the other Combat Air Force major commands to address all of the thin-skinned winged A-10s with a priority focus being on the A-10s we currently have in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The A-10 is a valuable asset to joint warfighters because of its unique capabilities. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close air support at low altitudes. The inspections, however, will not impact on-going or future operational combat missions.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services Announces Selection by EADS North America to Provide Support for U.S. Navy H-72A Fleet

SHELTON, Connecticut – Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today that Helicopter Support Incorporated (HSI), a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, has been chosen to provide a Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program for U.S. Navy Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) at Patuxent River, Naval Air Station under its contract with EADS North America.  Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

A modified version of the existing Army Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program will be provided to the Navy’s LUH fleet of five UH-72A helicopters to meet the Navy’s CLS program requirement. The CLS program for the Army provides total life-cycle support capability at a dollar per flight hour rate, and is being subcontracted to HSI by EADS North America, the prime contractor for the LUH program.

“This teaming effort demonstrates again that our industry-leading expertise in support capabilities is well recognized,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

The venture is the first of its kind to work directly with the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. It will enable the U.S. Navy to conduct test pilot training to meet the demands of multiple services. An estimated 1,000 flight hours will be flown annually by the test pilot school pilots.

Helicopter Support, Inc. will provide comprehensive fleet support which includes material provisioning, transportation, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), web-based maintenance management (HELOTRAC RL®) and web-based material management. This support platform allows for timely logistics and aircraft readiness management. Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance (SAM), a business unit of Sikorsky Aerospace Services, will provide on-site LUH/EC-145 trained and certified A&P mechanics to execute Navy CLS operations.

Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp

RAF Nimrod MRA4 Declared ‘Ready to Train’

Woodford, United Kingdom: The Nimrod MRA4 has made significant steps forward with the UK Ministry of Defence formally accepting the aircraft and declaring it ‘ready to train’.

This declaration follows the type acceptance of the MRA4 which allows the delivery of production aircraft and the start of aircrew training, and the handover of the first production aircraft, designated PA04, following a demanding series of acceptance tests.

The formal acceptance was made by Group Captain Jerry Kessell, UK MoD’s Head of Underwater Capability, at BAE Systems’ Woodford site on March 10.

Group Captain George Martin, the UK MoD’s Nimrod MRA4 Operations Manager said: “Today sees the end of the acceptance process for MRA4, namely type, production and last, but by no means least, that of capability. The acceptance journey over the last two weeks marks a key milestone in the delivery of the first MRA4 for service use. It is a great privilege to have been involved over the past few years in seeing all aspects of the programme being drawn together and indeed today to see my customer accept the aircraft from me”.

Steve Timms, BAE Systems Managing Director for Large Aircraft said: “It’s tremendous to have achieved this milestone, which means that the UK’s Royal Air Force aircrew can begin training, can further develop the capability of the MRA4 and fully evaluate how best to use the impressive range of systems this aircraft offers”.

PA04 has now moved from Woodford to BAE Systems’ Warton site, where RAF aircrew will be trained under what is termed the Transition Programme. The first of those trained will become trainers themselves.

The MRA4 will transfer to the aircraft’s future main operating base at RAF Kinloss in late summer once an initial release to service and a support contract are in place.

A further milestone was achieved on March 8, with the first flight of the second production aircraft, PA05, which is now being painted in RAF livery before undergoing acceptance flights. The remaining seven production aircraft are all in build and will be delivered on schedule.

The MRA4 will fulfil a number of roles, anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, maritime reconnaissance, intelligence collection, search and rescue and attack.

Nimrod MRA4 offers unrivalled operational effectiveness, incorporating an advanced technical and mission capability and a fully integrated training system and logistics support package. 

Equipped with more than 90 antennae and sensors and containing over six million lines of software code, the MRA4 is able to scan an area the size of the UK every 10 seconds. The aircraft is able to fly 6000 miles or 14 hours without refuelling.
Source and Picture: BAE

Red Arrows Diamond Nine fly together for the first time this year!

The world famous Red Arrows Diamond Nine formation has graced the skies of Lincolnshire for the first time this season as the Team reached a milestone in their 2010 display work up.

After more than four months of intensive training, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team flew their first display practice today (10 March) with all nine aircraft flying together in formation. It took place at the Team’s base at Royal Force Scampton and was a proud day for new Team Leader and Red 1, Squadron Leader Ben Murphy. 

Squadron Leader Murphy says: “The first time that we fly as a nine aircraft in formation is a big milestone for us. It means that we are a step closer to being ready to perform our display in public this summer. I would like to say a big well done to all of the pilots, the engineers and the support team who have all worked exceptionally hard over the winter months to enable us to get to this exciting stage.”

Since October, the Red Arrows pilots have been flying three slots a day, five days a week. The process begins with small formations of three or four aircraft as the new pilots learn flying references and formation shapes, slowing building up to larger numbers of aircraft.

The first nine-ship was also a big occasion for first year pilots Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank and Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore.

2010 will be the Red Arrows’ 46th display season. Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,200 displays in 53 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise. The Royal Air Force has some 3,000 servicemen and women deployed overseas on operations at any one time. Many of the Red Arrows’ pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily sent on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows. As soon as they leave the Team, all will return to duties which directly support the Royal Air Force’s operational commitments around the world.

Source: RAF
Picture: Rob Vogelaar ZAP16 Group

F-35B STOVL-mode Flight

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md, March 11th, 2010 –

The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter passes overhead at 40 knots (46 mph) prior to a slow landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on Wednesday, March 10. The flight was one of the last missions before the aircraft’s first vertical landing, and confirmed the jet’s power and controllability at very low speeds.

The aircraft’s short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion system generates more than 41,000 pounds of vertical thrust, and enables airspeeds from zero to Mach 1.6. The F-35B will be flown by the United States Marine Corps, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. It will be capable of operating from small ships and austere bases near front-line combat zones. F-35 Lead STOVL Pilot Graham Tomlinson was at the controls for Wednesday’s flight. (U.S. Navy photo by Randy Hepp)

Source: Lockheed Martin

First Airbus A400M Ferried From Seville to Toulouse

Airbus Military’s first A400M arrived March 9 2010 in Toulouse, France, where the multi-role airlifter will continue its flight test programme.

Touching down at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following an evaluation flight performed in the Seville region of Spain, the aircraft was welcomed by Airbus Military head Domingo Urena-Raso.

This new-generation transport is built by Airbus Military in Seville, where the aircraft made its first takeoff on 11 December and has since logged more than 40 hours of flight test activity.

In testing performed to date, the no. 1 aircraft has flown at the A400M’s maximum operating speed of 300 kt. (555 km./hr.), achieved the maximum Mach number of M0.72, and reached an altitude of more than 30,000 ft. It has operated extensively in both the direct and normal control laws of its fly-by-wire flight control system.

The first A400M is equipped with heavy test instrumentation, as is the no. 2 aircraft – which was handed over to Airbus Military’s flight test department at Seville on 6 March, and is due to fly in the coming weeks.

A third A400M is undergoing final production ground tests before engine installation, with its maiden takeoff planned for mid-year from Seville. Sections for a fourth aircraft are arriving in Seville for final assembly, enabling it to join the flight test programme in the second half of this year.

Five aircraft will be used in the A400M’s flight test and certification programme, logging a planned 3,700 flight hours before the start-up of deliveries in late 2012. Trials with three of these aircraft will be performed from Toulouse, while the two others will be operated from Seville – providing greater flexibility and taking advantage of the best weather conditions where available.

Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101 Helicopters

Strengthening AgustaWestland’s Growth Strategy For the Indian Market

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180 AW101 helicopters have been ordered by customers around the world so far to perform a wide range of government, public service and military missions. The AW101 has logged nearly 200,000 flight hours in service in Italy, UK, Denmark, Portugal, Japan and Canada whilst delivering exceptional performance and high levels of safety.

Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “This significant order by the Indian Air Force to meet its government transport helicopter requirement confirms the correct vision and strategy of AgustaWestland in India. Several years ago we identified India as one of the pillars of our expansion strategy, from both the market and the industrial points of view. Today we have a significant and growing presence in both the military and commercial markets Additionally we now have strong industrial relations with Tata Son, with whom we have established a Joint Venture initially for the production of the AW119 Koala but soon this will become a wider platform for our growth in the region. The particularly good personal relations with Ratan Tata, who recently visited AgustaWestland at Cascina Costa, will further enhance the joint commitment to the expansion of the helicopter industry in India to satisfy various requirements which are estimated to be valued at €5-6 billion in the short to medium term.”

AgustaWestland is proud to have been doing business in India for almost 40 years with the delivery, in 1971, of an initial batch of Sea King helicopters to the Indian Navy for anti-submarine warfare. AgustaWestland continues to provide support, training and upgrade services to the Indian Navy for its fleet of Sea King helicopters. In 2005 AgustaWestland sold its first AW109 Power helicopter to the Government of Rajasthan and since then sales of its civil product range have taken-off with orders being placed for over 30 aircraft including additional AW109 Powers, the new Grand light twin engine helicopter, the AW119Ke single engine and the AW139 medium twin. Recently orders in the commercial market have been made by AgustaWestland’s authorized distributor, Sharp Ocean, for two VIP-configured Grand New light twins and one AW119Ke, marking the entrance of the state-of-the-art Grand New type in the country. With a growing fleet and order book AgustaWestland has also expanded its service network in India to deliver greater levels of local customer service and support through OSS Air Management Pvt.Ltd and Air Works India Engineering Pvt.Ltd, to service and support AgustaWestland’s range of modern high performance commercial helicopters. Last month AgustaWestland and Tata Sons signed a Shareholders’ Agreement for the formation of an Indian joint venture company which will establish in India a final assembly line for the AW119 helicopter. The AW119 is also the AgustaWestland contender for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH) programme. An AW119 demonstrator is currently conducting a series of demonstrations to the Indian Armed Force’s as part of the evaluation process for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s RSH programme. The AW119 has already demonstrated its outstanding capabilities operating at altitudes in excess of 6,000 m in the Himalayas and will carry out further demonstrations in hot environmental conditions in the coming months. Additional Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard helicopter requirements for light observation, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, combat, border and coastal patrol duties allows AgustaWestland to foresee a potential market worth approximately €5-6 billion for over 600 military helicopters in India in the next ten years.

South African Air Force unveils new IRIS-T missile

The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the South African Air Force’s 90th anniversary parade held at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria.

2010-03-10 | In 2008 the SAAF selected the IRIS-T as an interim short range air-to-air missile. It will ultimately be replaced by the indigenously designed and produced A-Darter, which is still under development.
 
Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said:  “This missile is the state of the art high kill probability short range air missile with unrivalled performance capabilities which, when coupled to a helmet mounted display can engage air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft as is the case with the SAAF Gripens”.

South Africa has ordered 26 Gripen state-of-the-art fighters which are modernising the SAAF’s fast jet fleet and capability. It currently operates nine dual seat Gripen D aircraft and will soon receive its first of 17 single-seat Gripen C fighters

Source: SAAB

Saab receives order for development of Gripen

Defence and security company Saab has received an order from FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) concerning development of the existing Gripen fleet. The order value amounts to SEK 2 billion for Saab, split over a period of four years.

2010-03-10 | The capability of the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen C/D aircraft is continuously subject to adjustment and upgrading in order that it can operate and remain effective and advanced also in the future. The order includes further adjustments for increased operational effect, like for instance upgraded countermeasure and communication systems. The order also includes other measures to further reduce the operating costs, based on experience gathered from more than 130,000 flight hours.

Also included is integration of new weapons, and the existing radar is gaining an increased range along with new functions. Improvements are also being introduced to reduce the noise and emissions from test runs during engine maintenance.

Work will mainly take place at Saab’s plants in Linköping, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Kista and Arboga.

Source: SAAB

Aegis Weapon System Tested During International Multiple Ship Demonstration

MOORESTOWN, NJ, March 11th, 2010 — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), in support of the U.S. Navy, successfully completed Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) for Aegis Combat Systems installed aboard U.S. and Spanish navy ships. The last time these two nations participated in a combined CSSQT was in 2007.

The latest event was conducted at sea last week in the vicinity of Pt. Mugu, CA and involved U.S. Navy destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108) along with the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F-101).

During the CSSQT, the ships’ Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems’ tactical data link and air defense capabilities. 

“In addition to unmatched capabilities against all threats at sea, these qualification trials emphasize the global interoperability Aegis provides the U.S. Navy and its allies,” said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Moorestown, N.J.  “The contributions of our industry partners Navantia, Indra, RYMSA, Sainsel  and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of the Spanish F-100 frigate program, as well as in the support of the international fleet of Aegis-equipped ships.”

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy’s most advanced radar system. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on more than 90 ships around the globe with at least 14 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Korea, Norway, and Spain.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Capabilities of LITENING Targeting System on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., March 10, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced it successfully demonstrated its LITENING advanced targeting capabilities on the U.S. Navy’s premier fighter/attack aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking the eighth U.S. combat aircraft to fly the advanced targeting system.

“During the 1.5 hour flight conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., LITENING demonstrated its performance, flexibility and interoperability under operationally representative conditions,” said Mike Lennon, vice president of Targeting and Surveillance Programs for Northrop Grumman’s Targeting Systems Division. “With LITENING, Northrop Grumman offers advanced sensor technology, unique features, high reliability, proven worldwide support and a demonstrated ability to easily integrate emerging technologies, all at a very competitive price and delivery schedule. As a result of this successful integration of LITENING on the F/A-18E/F aircraft, potential international Super Hornet customers now have another advanced targeting system choice to maximize their targeting and surveillance capabilities.”

Northrop Grumman’s LITENING pod is a self-contained, multi-sensor system that enables operators with surveillance and situational awareness, and the ability to detect, acquire, identify, and auto-track targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. Fully integrated to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, LITENING features advanced image processing for target identification; coordinate generation for GPS weapons; a 640 x 512 or 1,024 x 1,024 pixel forward-looking infrared sensor for effective day and night operations; a 1,024 x 1,024 pixel charge-coupled device television sensor; a dual waveband infrared laser designator and eye-safe laser range finder; a laser spot tracker; an infrared laser marker; and optional air-to-ground video data link and digital video recorder.

To date, more than 600 LITENING pods have been ordered by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and seven allied nations. More than 500 systems have been fielded, the largest number of any advanced targeting and sensor system. LITENING is combat proven on the AV-8B, A-10A/C, B-52H, EA-6B, F-15E, F-16 (Blocks 15-52) and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Together, all variants of the LITENING pod have amassed more than 1,000,000 flight hours, with over 500,000 hours logged under deployed or combat conditions.

Source: Northrop Grumman

Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Is Effective, Suitable And Mission Capable For USAF Operations

MARIETTA, Ga., March 10th, 2010 — The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Center has rated the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] C-5M as “effective, suitable and mission capable” based on results from OT&E testing completed in January 2010.

The OT&E phase spanned four months, evaluating various performance aspects to validate the capability and reliability of the C-5M. These positive test results enable the Super Galaxy to continue to support critical missions flown in support of world-wide operational contingencies.

“The C-5M test was a resounding success because of teamwork between the test team, the user, the contractor and the program office,” said Col. John Scorsone, Director of Test and Evaluation for Air Mobility Command. “The integrated test team will now transition to an integrated fielding team which will build on past relationships to help this program achieve even more record-breaking results.”

In addition to setting 42 world records last year, the C-5Ms delivered needed cargo to the warfighter during OT&E and continue to perform combat support missions today. Performance during OT&E proved the modernized A and B models of the C-5 are redefining strategic airlift for the military and will be a force multiplier for decades to come.

Payload and range improvements in the C-5M enable a fully loaded aircraft to fly unrefueled for more than 5,000 miles and bypass traditional en route stops. This not only saves thousands of gallons of fuel, but decreases the amount of time needed to get precious cargo to the warfighter’s destination.

“The C-5M is a game-changer and we are excited about the world record-breaking capabilities it provides those protecting freedom across the globe,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. “We greatly appreciate the dedication and exceptional work of the Air Force active and reserve crews flying and maintaining the C-5M during OT&E.”

Current USAF plans call for 52 fully-modernized C-5Ms by 2016 with the next delivery scheduled for September 2010 to Dover Air Force Base, Del.

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