October 23, 2015, 8:18 pm
24 Oktober 2015
Setelah KRI Viper (820), KRI Tarihu (829), dan KRI Boa (807) diturunkan menjadi KAL, dua lagi KRI dengan platform fiberglass KRI Sanca (815) dan KRI Kobra (867) diturunkan menjadi KAL (photo : JurnalMaritim)
Komandan LANTAMAL III Jakarta Memimpin Upacara Penurunan Bendera Ular-ular Perang KRI Sanca815 dan KRI Kobra-867
Komandan Pangkalan Utama Angkatan Laut (Danlantamal) III Jakarta Brigadir Jenderal (Brigjen) TNI (Mar) R.M. Trusono, S.Mn., memimpin upacara penurunan bendera ular-ular perang Kapal Republik Indonesia (KRI) Sanca – 815 dan KRI Kobra – 867 di dermaga Jakarta Internastional Container Terminal (JICT) Tanjung Priok Jakarta Utara, Jumat (23/10).
Pada sambutannya, Danlantamal III Jakarta Brigjen TNI (Mar) R.M. Trusono, S.Mn., mengatakan ular-ular perang merupakan salah satu syarat sebuah kapal menjadi kapal perang yang selalu berkibar di tiang Gafel. Oleh sebab itu, upacara penurunan ular-ular perang yang kita laksanakan saat ini, merupakan peristiwa bersejarah sekaligus menandakan peralihan beberapa unsur KRI tersebut dari satuan patroli Koarmabar menjadi unsur patroli di jajaran Lantamal III Jakarta atau lebih kita kenal dengan sebutan Kapal Angkatan Laut (KAL), hal ini dilaksanakan berdasarkan Keputusan Kasal Nomor Kep/1171/VII/2015 Tanggal 21 Juli 2015.
Lebih lanjut, Danlantamal III Jakarta Brigjen TNI (Mar) R.M. Trusono, S.Mn menjelaskan KRI Sanca–815 dibuat di galangan kapal Fasharkan Manokwari Papua Barat pada tahun 2004, diresmikan pada tanggal 20 Januari 2005. Sedangkan, KRI Kobra-867 dibuat di galangan kapal PT. Palindo Tanjung Pinang pada tahun 2002, diresmikan pada tanggal 29 Mei 2003. Kapal-kapal tersebut merupakan kapal patroli cepat yang diproduksi oleh bangsa Indonesia sendiri. Sungguh sebuah inovasi yang sangat membanggakan, kapal-kapal tersebut dirancang untuk melaksanakan tugas-tugas operasi keamanan laut terbatas. Dengan dimensi yang relatif kecil, kapal-kapal tersebut dapat bermanuver dengan lincah, bahkan di alur perairan yang sempit, sehingga dapat melaksanakan tugas pengejaran dan pengintaian terhadap berbagai ancaman kejahatan dan pelanggaran hukum di laut.
Pada akhir amanatnya, Komandan Lantamal III Jakarta, menyampaikan harapannya dengan beralihnya KRI Sanca-815 dan KRI-867 menjadi KAL dalam pembinaan Lantamal III hal ini berarti tugas-tugas keamanan laut diwilayah Lantamal III akan dapat melaksanakan lebih optimal lagi.
Kepada seluruh prajurit pengawak kapal Danlantamal III menginstruksikan agar tetap memelihara disiplin, semangat dan profesionalisme sebagai prajurit matra laut untukmelaksanakan tugas-tugas yang dipercayakan kerpada kita.
Turut hadir pada acara tersebut, Para Asisten Danlantamal III, Para Kepala Dinas (Kadis), Kepala Satuan Kerja (Kasatker) Lantamal III dan perwakilan Perwira serta Pegawai Negeri Sipil (PNS) Lantamal III Jakarta.
(TNI AL)
↧
October 23, 2015, 10:04 pm
24 Oktober 2015
RNZN Anzac class frigate (photo : Naval Today)
Ottawa, Ontario, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Canada marked an important milestone toward modernizing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s two ANZAC Class ships. The company announced that the ANZAC frigate systems upgrade project has successfully completed the combat system critical design review on schedule and to New Zealand’s satisfaction.
The government-mandated review proves a contractor's progress and planning for all elements of a program. It covered in detail all of Lockheed Martin Canada’s plans for shipboard systems and designs. With the successful review, Lockheed Martin Canada can begin implementing detailed designs and plans for the system’s key components, which will in turn lead to ship installation. The milestone is the latest achievement for Lockheed Martin Canada’s ANZAC team in the 16 months since contract award.
In April 2014, following an extensive worldwide competitive tender, Lockheed Martin Canada was selected as the Prime Systems Integrator by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to upgrade the combat systems on their ANZAC class ships. Lockheed Martin Canada’s Combat Management System 330 is the backbone of the technical solution for this project and many of the sub-systems to be supplied by Lockheed Martin Canada are common to the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax Class Modernization Project.
“Our success on this program is a direct result of our collaborative approach to building relationships and demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders through complex projects,” said Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president for Lockheed Martin Canada Mission Systems and Training.
Echoing this sentiment of collaboration, New Zealand Ministry of Defence project director Gary Collier added, “I continue to be impressed with Lockheed Martin Canada’s flexibility, responsiveness and pragmatic approach to achieving a successful outcome for both parties. We are pleased to have Lockheed Martin Canada as the prime contractor and partner for this critical project for New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence and the Royal New Zealand Navy.”
Lockheed Martin Canada’s combat management system was also down-selected as one of two solutions qualified to compete for the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Maritime Sustainment Capability – the future replenishment tanker - which will maintain afloat replenishment capability for the New Zealand Defence Force.
Rosemary Chapdelaine continued, “This project has truly placed our products and capability in a global spotlight and positioned us for future international growth, demonstrating our ability to create jobs and economic growth for Canada. ANZAC leverages the expertise and record of success established through Canada’s Halifax Class Modernization Project – and now other customers can take full advantage of the modern combat system integration methodology and lessons learned from both of these sophisticated programs.”
(Lockheed Martin)
↧
↧
October 24, 2015, 12:14 am
24 Oktober 2015
KFX/IFX fighter (image : wasco)
SEONGNAM, Gyeonggi - Despite the recent controversy about Washington’s refusal to transfer technologies essential to building advanced fighter jets, Korea has already managed to develop some of the required systems, the JoongAng Ilbo learned Thursday.
Washington informed Seoul in April that it would not issue licenses for the transfer of four technologies considered crucial for Korea’s project to develop new multirole fighters with more advanced capabilities. Under the KF-X program, the government planned to invest a total of 18.4 trillion won ($16.2 billion) to develop 120 jets by 2025.
The U.S. rejection of the technology transfer was considered a major setback. Seoul’s calls for technology export licenses from Washington were repeatedly rebuffed, and the latest refusal came as President Park Geun-hye was visiting the United States earlier this month.
The JoongAng Ilbo learned Thursday that the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has managed to develop two out of the four core technologies on its own.
The ADD even showed trial versions of an infrared search and track (IRST) system and electro-optical target tracking devices (EO TGP) at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. The products, built in cooperation with Korean companies, were not available for public viewing but presented in a separate exhibition room to a small group of selected guests.
The exposition is taking place from Tuesday to Sunday at Seoul Air Base in southern Gyeonggi.
In addition to those two technologies, the United States refused to transfer technologies for the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and radio frequency (RF) jammer.
The ADD said Korea has also completed development of the RF jammer, but the test product was not shown at the exposition.
US had refused to export four of 25 technology suites requested as part of an offset package agreed in the 2014 acquisition of Lockheed Martin's F-35A Joint Strike Fighter under FX-III programme (image : KoreaTimes)
While the ADD managed to obtain three out of the four core technologies, it needs more work to develop the AESA radar, officials said. The researchers have succeeded in developing a half-size module, and it will take time to build a real-size system that works on a fighter jet, they said.
“We did build the trial products for some technologies,” an ADD official said. “But when a new automobile is developed after investing tens of billions of won, you still find a malfunction during a test drive. Just like that, we are not sure what will happen when these new systems are placed on a fighter jet. Because they still must be applied to a real fighter jet, I would say this is incomplete development.”
Of the test products displayed, the IRST system was built for a maritime vessel, and top military officials said it just needs a little work to be installed on an aircraft.
“We secured the necessary technology while developing the IRST system for a ship,” said Hong-yong, president of the Agency for Defense Development. “Modifying the system to place it on a fighter jet is just a matter of time.”
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jeong Kyung-Doo, after reviewing the product, said the technologies can be used for the KF-X project with mere modifications.
The ADD said it started developing the four core technologies since the mid-2000s.
“It is the basis of war to hide your location while critically wounding the enemy,” an ADD official said. “Because the weapons systems are improving rapidly, we selected those technologies as our next mission after completing the T-50 trainer jet development.”
The T-50s are Korean supersonic advanced trainers developed by the Korea Aerospace Industries in cooperation with American defense company Lockheed Martin. It is Korea’s first indigenous supersonic aircraft, and it entered active service in 2005.
Despite the progress in development of the core fighter jet technologies, Korea still is not out of the woods on the KF-X program, another ADD official said. Because fighter jets are operated under extreme conditions, there is the possibility of malfunctions when newly developed systems are placed on aircraft, he said.
(KoreaJoongAngDaily)
↧
October 25, 2015, 3:53 pm
26 Oktober 2015
The candidate for the third Hamilton class cutter for PN is USCGC Boutwell (photo : Timothy Kalweit)
MANILA (PNA) --- The Philippine Navy (PN) is interested in acquiring another decommissioned Hamilton-class cutter from the United States Coast Guard (USGC).
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Finance, Modernization and Materiel Fernando Manalo in a text message to the Philippine News Agency.
He made the statement when queried if the Philippines is interested in acquiring the services of the USCGC Boutwell, one of the 12 Hamilton-class cutters the US Coast Guard is phasing out in favor of the heavier and more modern National Security Council cutters of which five now are in service.
"I don't know if Boutwell is the cutter the DND is proposing to acquire. What I know is the PN is interested in acquiring (an) additional cutter," Manalo said.
The PN presently operates two ex-Hamilton class cutters, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15 and ex-USCGC Hamilton) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16 and formerly the USCGC Dallas).
These two ships are the PN's most up-to-date surface combatants and capable of patrolling the vast expanses of the West Philippine Sea.
Despite being armed with only a 76mm Oto Melara auto-cannon and small caliber weaponry, the Hamilton-class cutters are ideal for the PN since these are capable of sailing even in adverse weather condition and capable of housing naval helicopters aside from serving as a training platform for Filipino naval officers and crewmen expected to man the new SSVs and missile-armed frigates coming within the next two years.
A Hamilton-class cutter has a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.
The ship has cruising range of 14,000 miles and a sea and loiter time of 45 days.
It has a complement of 167 officers and men.
(PNA)
↧
October 25, 2015, 7:36 pm
26 Oktober 2015
Polaris Defense MRZR (photo : Polaris)
American company Polaris Defense has partnered with Malaysian company Weststar in order to promote its MRZR light tactical vehicle to the Malaysian military and law enforcement agencies, Shephard learned at GPEC Asia.
The company has had international success with the MRZR with customers in the UK and the US as well as recently signing a contract with Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in Malaysian for a number of the vehicles.
‘There is a trend globally towards a lighter all-terrain vehicle and this is why we are hoping that we can tap into the Asian Market,’ Steve Hersman, business development manager at Polaris told Shephard.
‘The partnership with Weststar will also allow for service and maintenance to be carried out on the vehicles locally, if they are selected, rather than having to remain in the US,’ Hersman added.
The MRZR can be transported via a CV-22 and can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the customer requirement. Two versions of the MRZR are available: one capable of carrying two people including the driver, the other for four.
The company began deliveries of the MRZR to the US Special Operations Command in August 2015 as part of a sole source contract worth $83 million. The contract was awarded as part of the light tactical all-terrain vehicle (LTATV) programme in July of the same year.
Under a blanket purchase agreement, Polaris Defense has been delivering MRZR vehicles to USSOCOM since 2013.
Meanwhile Weststar subsidiary, Global Komited, signed a contract with the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia for the procurement of eight IAG armoured personnel carriers (APC) at GPEC Asia in 21 October. The contract is valued at 16 million Ringgit (around £2.4 million).
The vehicles will be deployed under the provision of the Royal Malaysian Police’s security operations and deliveries of the vehicles are expected to be completed at the end of November 2015.
The IAG APC is a twin turbo diesel engine high mobility vehicle which makes use of a COTS chassis. The vehicle armour is designed to protect the driver and passengers from any angle with the floor designed to be resistant to incoming blasts from any angle.
The vehicle has a weight of 4,940kg and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg and can be equipped with a roof mounted turret.
(Shephard)
↧
↧
October 25, 2015, 9:40 pm
26 Oktober 2015
Australia ordered a total of 46 MRH-90s in 2004-06, 40 to replace the Army’s S-70A Blackhawks, and six to replace the Navy’s Sea Kings. (photo : keypublishing)
The Australian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is still voicing concern about the capabilities and performance of its NH Industries MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet, nearly eight years after it received the first pair. But a senior official from Airbus Group Asia Pacific (AGAP) said that a series of remedies are pending, or already in effect. The developments were reported by Asia-Pacific Aerospace Report, an Australian newsletter.
Australia ordered a total of 46 MRH-90s between 2004 and 06, 40 to replace the army’s S-70A Blackhawks, and six to replace the navy’s Sea Kings. Most were to be assembled in Australia at a facility in Brisbane that is now part of AGAP. Delivery delays and initial technical issues led the MoD to place the MRH-90 on its “projects of concern” watch list in late 2011. At that time, a government minister said that many of the issues were shared with other customers for the NH-90.
The senior management of NHI has since acknowledged that the NH-90 was slow to reach maturity, and has reported a new effort to improve availability for all customers. But Rear Admiral Terry Dalton, the Australian MoD’s head of helicopters, said last month that the time taken to overhaul components was a major problem. He also noted that some capabilities had yet to be introduced, such as separated side guns, a fast roping repelling system, and a cargo hook for operations at sea. Initial versions of the latter two items proved unsatisfactory.
Charles Crocombe, AGAP vice president for government helicopters, this month told a naval aviation symposium in Australia that 33 Taipans had now been delivered, and the fleet is exceeding the flight hour “rate of effort” set by the MoD. He said that the army would test the new fast roping system next month, and that a new cargo hook had been designed. Better seating for fully combat-equipped soldiers had also been designed. Corrosion issues were being addressed, and the rotor head would be modified.
(AIN Online)
↧
October 25, 2015, 11:43 pm
26 Oktober 2015
KFX radar (image : ilbo)
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean defense officials are in a quandary over how to acquire an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a key component for the country’s fighter development program code-named KF-X, following the US refusal to transfer the advanced radar technology.
South Korea had expected to learn the AESA technology for the KF-X jet through offset deals connected to its F-X III contract to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-built F-35As.
South Korea seeks to develop a twin-engine KF-X fighter jet on par with the F-16 and produce 120 units starting in 2025 to replace its F-4 and F-5 fleets. The project is estimated to cost some US $16 billion.
But the US government refused to transfer four of the 25 fighter technologies South Korea wanted, citing the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Those technologies concerned AESA, an electro-optical targeting pod, infrared search-and-rescue systems, and a radio frequency jammer.
During the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), which ran from Oct. 20 to 25, European radar makers sought to woo South Koreans apparently disappointed by the US.
Saab new AESA radar (photo : SAAB)
Sweden’s Saab offered to develop an AESA with South Korea.
“We’ve done the flight test with the backend system and antenna elements,” said Tom Bratt, marketing executive of Saab Electronic Defence Systems. “We’re ready to go to the next phase once we have a platform available. Then we can start to make all the proper integrations.”
Bratt said Saab could complete the development of the AESA system with South Korea, as the Swedish company had been engaged in a joint study on the radar with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which is affiliated with South Korea’s arms agency.
“Once we have a contract, it will take about two years to deliver the first system,” he added.
Finmeccanica’s Selex is pitching its Captor-E radar fitted for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The British and Italian aerospace group recommends Seoul adopt the Selex radar and subsequently localize it in phases.
“The bottom line is we’ll try to meet the Korean demands as much as we can,” a Selex official said on condition of anonymity.
“The best option right now is for Korea to produce the Captor-E radar under license first, and with Selex’s tech transfer, Korea would be able to localize the AESA technology,” he said.
Selex Captor-E AESA radar (photo : Finmeccanica)
Israel also has joined the radar competition, capitalizing on its previous works with South Korea.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied its EL/M-2032 pulse Doppler radar for the FA-50 jet, a light armed variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer aircraft. The company now is offering the EL/M-2052 airborne AESA fire control radar for the KF-X plane.
“We’re willing and looking forward to cooperating with Korea,” said Igal Karny, deputy director of Elta Systems’ marketing and sales division. “The whole radar is our radar. We’re exporting the radar according to our regulations,” Karny said, apparently referring to Korea’s wariness of AESA export control.
Unlike European and Israeli firms, US radar manufacturers were cautious when talking about AESA cooperation with Korea.
“I can only tell you that right now we don’t have a license required for us to discuss KF-X radar cooperation,” a Raytheon official said.
Northrop Grumman was a bit more active in participating in the KF-X effort, as it seeks to sell its scalable agile beam radar to Korea.
“We’re very interested in it, and we’re following the [KF-X] program actually,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s electronics systems. “We have a long partnership with Korea, and we want to be here for a long time in the long-term view.”
Northrop Grumman SABR AESA radar (photo : Northrop Grumman)
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which is in charge of KF-X integration, puts a priority first on reducing risk before locally developing an indigenous AESA system. KAI favors buying an AESA either from the US or other nations to develop a KF-X prototype.
“We favor a two-track approach toward acquiring AESA technology,” a KAI spokesman said. “We can develop a KF-X jet equipped with either US or European AESA system over the next five years,” he said. “In the meantime, the ADD and a foreign radar company could push for developing an indigenous AESA within 10 years at the earliest, so the next KF-X block models would be fitted with the locally developed radar.”
The presidential office backs the two-track approach as a way of easing public anger over US rejection of tech transfer.
“I believe we can develop our own AESA and other key technologies within 10 years,” National Security Adviser Kim Kwan-jin said in a National Assembly audit Oct. 23.
“We’re seeking technical assistance from a foreign partner in order to manage or reduce risks of independent development of key systems,” he said, adding the ADD has implemented research and development of AESA since 2006.
The ADD has been in contact with radar companies from the US, Europe and Israel to find ways of purchasing an AESA system and gaining technical cooperation, according to sources. A selected partner company is expected to work with LIG Nex1, a precision weapons maker, to develop an indigenous AESA.
Engine Contest
Competition is also heating up between US and European engine companies. Eurojet Turbo is offering its 4.5-generation EJ200 engine to power the KF-X, touting the product’s exportability and growth potential.
IAI EL/M 2052 AESA radar (photo : IAI)
“We’re delighted to offer the EJ200 engine for the KF-X program. This is the latest, proven engine,” said Clemens Linden, CEO of Eurojet. “The engine has an easy maintenance concept with 15 modules that can be exchanged at the base without going back to the test house.”
Linden stressed Eurojet would offer lenient technology transfer so Korea could export Eurojet-based engines to third nations free of US export control.
“When the KF-X program advances and grows, we can have joint development with the Korean industry to grow the engine further,” the CEO said, adding that his company will help Korea learn engine integration skills.
General Electric is pitching its F414 engine, highlighting its long experience producing engines under license with the Korean industry.
GE stresses the development roadmap for the F-414, which powers the US Navy’s Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, and GE’s succesful work on a number of international programs, including KAI’s T-50, the Saab Gripen and the Hindustan Aeronautics Tejas.
“KF-X is the largest ever military weapons development program in Korea’s history, and it will require low-risk solutions in terms of cost, technology and life-cycle management,” Al Dilibero, vice president of GE Aviation, said. “GE will bring the best and the most diverse fighter engine integration experience around the world to KF-X, which will lower overall risk of KF-X development.”
KAI issued the request for proposals for the engine weeks ago and responses are due Nov. 4. The winner is scheduled to be announced by February and stands to sell about 400 engines.
(DefenseNews)
↧
October 26, 2015, 3:42 am
26 Oktober 2015
A CH-47D Chinook conducts load lifting trials with HMAS Canberra in Jervis Bay. (photo : RAN)
The Navy’s Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit along with C Squadron, 5 Aviation Regiment has conducted a ‘quick look’ trial of the CH-47D Chinook onboard the Navy’s Flag Ship, HMAS Canberra. The trials were conducted over a week with preliminary work being conducted at HMAS Albatross and the flying trials conducted at sea on 20-21 October 2015.
The Chinook helicopter conducted a series of evolutions to HMAS Canberra’s flight deck including launch and recoveries along with an assessment of external load operations known as vertical replenishment or VERTREP. An assessment was also made of aircraft lashing schemes and refuelling procedures.
This trial was the precursor for a full First of Class Flight Trial planned for the CH-47F in late 2016. The CH-47D and CH-47F are both operated by C Squadron from Townsville in Queensland.
Commander Air HMAS Canberra, Commander Paul Moggach, said the trial represented another milestone in operational capability for the ship.
A CH-47D Chinook on the deck of HMAS Canberra during First of Class Flight Trials in Jervis Bay. (photo : RAN)"We are already authorised for deck operations with MRH-90 Taipan and S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters, and the Chinook activity this week has further expanded our knowledge," he said. "We look forward to operating with Army helicopters in support of our amphibious roles."
The outcome of the trial is to provide a limited CH-47D operating envelope to the Landing Helicopter Dock or amphibious assault ship.
(RAN)
↧
October 26, 2015, 7:14 pm
27 Oktober 2015
AV-8 Gempita with LCT30 turret and Ingwe anti-tank guided missile from Denel-South Africa (photo : Sekut Gulo MMP)
Denel Land System is supplying 176 turrets for the Malaysian project; the contract covers 69 armed with the DLS 30 mm CamGun; 54 armed with the same cannon and the Denel Dynamics Ingwe missile; and an overhead weapons station for the armoured personnel carrier variant of the Malaysian vehicle.
The LCT30 ATGW variant is the most well-armed variant of the AV8, and is equipped with the LCT30 ATGW turret from Denel Land Systems. The LCT30 ATGW turret is armed with a Denel GI30 30mm gun and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun as well as four ZT3 Ingwe 127mm anti-tank guided missiles. The Ingwe is a laser beam riding missile with a range of 5000m and the ability to engage moving targets. 54 units of this variant will be produced in the first batch of 257 AV8s.
12 of the IFV-25 variant which is fitted with a one-person FNSS Sharpshooter turret armed with a stabilised ATK Armament Systems M242 25 mm dual-feed cannon and an FN MAG 58M 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG) are assigned to the 19th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, which is said to require 88 Gempitas in total. This beast is already in operational in Sabah.
(Malaysia Military Power)
↧
↧
October 26, 2015, 8:48 pm
27 Oktober 2015The Royal Australian Air Force flies the Northrop Grumman LITENING advanced targeting pod on its F/A-18 aircraft as the Hornet Target Designation System. (photo : RAAF)
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has extended its contract with Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) to provide logistics support for its F/A-18 Hornet Target Designation Systems, which use the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING pod.
The contract is the second four-year extension of the agreement between the RAAF and Northrop Grumman. Under the terms of the award, Northrop Grumman will continue to provide in-service support for the RAAF's LITENING targeting pods and data links at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.
"This extension strengthens the Northrop Grumman-RAAF partnership and our company's long-term commitment to the Commonwealth," said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. "In addition to the support award, several enhancements have recently been authorized for the Hornet Target Designation System to improve tactical effectiveness. These may reduce costs by aligning the RAAF's pod configuration with that of U.S. forces."
Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 700 LITENING pods to customers worldwide. The systems have accumulated more than 2 million operating hours.
(Northrop Grumman)
↧
October 27, 2015, 12:11 am
27 Oktober 2015
KRI Weling 822 (photo : Kompas)
Kupang, NTT (ANTARA News) - Komandan Pangkalan Utama TNI AL VII/Kupang, Brigadir Jenderal TNI (Marinir) Denny Kurniady, mengatakan, akan menerima satu kapal patroli untuk membantu tugas-tugas penjagaan dan pengamanan di perairan NTT.
"Kami sudah kirim surat ke pemerintah pusat sebagai syarat administrasi formal dan berharap dalam waktu dekat sudah terealisasi sesuai komitmen Jakarta," katanya, di Kupang, Senin.
Penambahan kapal patroli tersebut, menurut dia, akan sangat membantu proses patroli di wilayah perairan NTT yang akhir-akhir ini sering ada kapal-kapal asing dan nelayan-nelayan lokal yang melakukan penangkapan tidak ramah lingkungan di perairan NTT.
Perairan NTT juga cukup rawan dari hal-hal serupa itu ditambah posisinya yang berbatasan langsung dengan perairan negara Timor Timur dan Australia.
Nelayan-nelayan asing dan lokal yang masuk dan menangkap ikan di perairan NTT sering kedapatan oleh nelayan-nelayan NTT menggunakan jaring atau pukat harimau yang berujung pada pengrusakan ekosistem laut.
"Kami hanya dapat satu, sebab daerah-daerah lain juga meminta. Tetapi tidak apa-apa karena sebelumnya kita juga punya KAL Kembang yang beroperasi di perairan kita walaupun sudah tua," ujarnya.
Selain dua kapal patroli, Pangkalan Utama TNI AL VII/Kupang juga telah mendapatkan bantuan dari Komando Armada Indonesia di Kawasan Timur TNI AL, berupa sebuah KRI Weling yang ditempatkan di Kupang.
Sementara itu terkait aksi nelayan-nelayan NTT yang nekat mengejar kapal-kapal pengguna pukat harimau di perairan NTT, ia meminta agar bisa dihentikan, karena bisa berbahaya bagi nelayan-nelayan NTT.
"Saya takutnya nanti nelayan-nelayan kita akan ditembak atau semacamnya, karena kita tidak tahu nelayan-nelayan asing atau yang nakal tersebut membawa senjata-senjata berbahaya," ujarnya.
(Antara)
↧
October 27, 2015, 1:38 am
27 Oktober 2015
Cockpit of T-50 Golden Eagle (photo : kaidom)
Honeywell Aerospace will supply avionics for the Royal Thai Air Force’s T-50 Golden Eagle fleet under a new contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The agreement will see Honeywell supply its Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI), radar altimeter, lighting and Electric Flight Instrument system for the aircraft. The new equipment will improve aircraft performance and reliability, and increase aircrew safety.
The EGI navigation system is designed to aid crew in navigation, pointing, stabilization and flight control applications.
The radar altimeter provides pilots and flight control computers with an indication of height above the nearest terrain point below the aircraft. It ensures the pilot and crew have the most accurate information about the landscape around their aircraft to maneuver and conduct missions safely and precisely.
Mark Burgess, vice president, APAC, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace, said: ‘This contract with KAI cements our commitment to the South Korean defense market as the country strengthens its position as a defense manufacturer.
‘Honeywell is working very closely with KAI as it seeks to grow market share for the T-50 globally and build on its successes in Indonesia, Iraq and the Philippines. We will also continue to support KAI on its T-X programme for the United States Air Force.’
The T-50 Golden Eagle is a supersonic advanced trainer and multirole light fighter developed by KAI.
(Shephard)
↧
October 27, 2015, 2:25 am
27 Oktober 2015
The Forgacs-built landing craft, VOEA Late, which has been donated by the Australian government to Tonga. (photo : Aus DoD)
The Kingdom of Tonga has inducted a new Australian-built landing craft, the country's Ministry of Information and Communications confirmed to IHS Jane's on 26 October.
The vessel, which has been named VOEA Late (pennant number A401), was donated in an arrangement, understood to be worth approximately AUD5 million (USD3.6 million), with the Australian Department of Defence (DoD). The deal was announced in May 2014, and IHS Jane's reported in September that the landing craft was undertaking final sea trials ahead of delivery.
A ministry spokesperson told IHS Jane's that the vessel was commissioned on 23 October.
According to specifications provided by the vessel's shipbuilder, Forgacs Engineering, Late has an overall length of 30.4 m and a beam of 8 m. The steel-hulled vessel has a top speed of 10 kt and a cruising speed of 8 kt. Late can accommodate six crew members and has deck space capacity for up to four 20 ft ISO shipping containers with approximately 295 dwt.
Besides the transportation of stores, personnel, and military vehicles of up to 85 tonnes, the vessel can be used for emergency towing. The vessel "will also allow Tonga to participate in regional disaster relief operations, such as the response effort following Cyclone Pam in March this year when a Tongan patrol boat was one of the first assets to assist Vanuatu", said the Australian DoD in an August statement issued during a visit by Tonga's chief of defence staff, Tonga Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, to the Forgacs shipyard in Newcastle, Australia. The visit was timed to coincide with the vessel's sea trials.
(Jane's)
↧
↧
October 27, 2015, 7:04 pm
28 Oktober 2015
Boeing MD-530G light attack scout helicopter (photo : mdhelicopters)
When November Comes..
SHAH ALAM: MALAYSIA is expected to sign for at least eight MD-530G light attack scout helicopter in late November. The helicopters to be operated jointly by the RMAF and the Army are expected to be deployed in ESSCOM once delivered.
Industry sources told Malaysian Defence, officials were working feverishly to ensure that the signing ceremony could be held in November when Malaysia is scheduled to host the East Asia summit.
However, if the agreement could not be worked out for the signing ceremony this November, the deal could be made official at the DSA 2016 exhibition next April.
Apart from the MD530G, Boeing AH-6i and ex-US Army Kiowa Warriors were also considered to fulfill the Light Scout Attack Helicopter requirement.
It is not known what type of weapons are to be procured for the Little Birds. According to MD Helicopters, the MH-530G could be fitted with a range of weapons systems from the Dillon Aero M134D minigun, the FN Herstal 50 caliber Heavy Machine Gune Pod or the Heavy Machine Rocket Gun Pod, the Talon guided rockets and the Hellfire ATGM. The helicopter could also be fitted with personnel carrying rig.
It is expected that the Little Bird version to be procured is the same as the example displayed at LIMA 2015 earlier this year.
Among others, the MD 530G displayed at LIMA featured the 650 shp Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine, longer main-rotor blades, high-capacity landing gear, the Moog Stores Management System (SMS), Harris Corporation’s RF-7850A-UA tactical radio and the Thales’ Scorpion helmet-mounted cueing system.
It also featured the Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons Wing(ER2W), FN Herstal Machine Gun Pods and Rocket Machine Pods, Dillon Aero M134D-H Mini-Gun, the L-3 Wescam MX-10, and M260 rocket pod with TALON laser-guided rockets.
(Malaysian Defence)
↧
October 27, 2015, 9:23 pm
28 Oktober 2015
Bell 205A of the PAF (photo : PAF)
MANILA (PNA) --- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of Php6,000,000 for the acqusition of spareparts needed for the repair and maintenance of one of its Bell-205A helicopters
Bid opening is scheduled at Nov. 10, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
The Bell-205 is the civilian version of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopters.
It is type-certificated in the transport category and is used in a wide variety of applications, including crop dusting, cargo lifting and aerial firefighting.
The PAF is known to operate four to six units of the said helicopter.
(PNA)
↧
October 27, 2015, 11:28 pm
28 Oktober 2015
Cutaway pesawat N219 (image : PTDI)
JAKARTA. PT Dirgantara Indonesia tengah merampungkan pembuatan pesawat perintis bertipe N219. Pesawat berkapasitas 19 penumpang ini akan mulai dipamerkan November 2015 mendatang.
Kepala Divisi Perencanaan Dirgantara Indonesia , Sonny Saleh Ibrahim mengungkapkan, pesawat dengan misi penerbangan antar pulau ini telah dipesan oleh tiga maskapai penerbangan.
“ Sudah mulai dipesan oleh tiga maskapai, 2017 akan mulai dijual,” ujar Sonny kepada KONTAN, Jumat( 23/10). Tiga maskapai tersebut yakni PT Aviastar Mandiri, PT Trigana Air, dan PT Nusantara Buana Air.
Meski enggan merinci satu persatu, jumlah unit N219 yang dipesan oleh ketiga perusahaan tersebut, Sonny bilang, secara total ada 30 pesawat N219 yang telah dipesan dengan total opsi pembelian mencapai 30 unit.
Pihaknya secara bertahap akan mulai mendistribusikan N219 ke ketiga maskapai tersebut pada 2017 mendatang. Untuk harga perunit, N219 dibandrol sebesar US$ 4 juta- US$ 5 juta.
Selain itu, untuk pembuatan bahan pembuatan pesawat, Sonny bilang diawal pembuatannya N219 telah menyerap sekitar 40%-50% kandungan lokal dalam negri. Pihaknya berencana akan meningkatkan kandungan lokal hingga 70%-75%.
Namun sebelum produksi massal yang direncanakan pada 2017 mendatang, Sonny bilang pihaknya harus mengurus izin sertifikasi nasional yang diperkirakan mencapai satu tahun.
JIka sudah diproduksi secara massal, Dirgantara menargetkan penjualan N219 tidak hanya memenuhi kebutuhan pesawat perintis dalam negri, namun pihaknya juga akan menjual pesawat tersebut hingga ke negara negara Asia Tenggara lainnya.
Terkait target penjualan Sonny enggan memberitahu target penjualan N219. Namun pihaknya akan fokus memenuhi kebutuhan pesawat perintis di Asia yang diperkirakan mencapai 800 unit hingga 20 tahun kedepan.
“ Makanya kami akan terus tingkatkan produksinya dari empat unit ditahun pertama, delapan unit tahun kedua dan 12 unit pada tahun selanjutanya,” ujar Sonny.
(Kontan)
↧
October 28, 2015, 8:16 am
28 Oktober 2015
KD Kasturi and KD Lekiu of the Royal Malaysia Navy (photo : watan)
Malaysia has cut its defense budget by over 2% for 2016 in yet another sign that budget constraints are undermining the country’s defense spending plans, Prime Minister Najib Razak revealed in an annual speech to the nation delivered October 23.
As I have noted before, Malaysian defense officials have repeatedly called for a boost to the country’s maritime and aerial capabilities in the face of rising threats ranging from piracy to terrorism and Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has begun to affect the country to a greater extent in recent years.
But according to Najib’s annual budget speech delivered on Friday, the amount allocated for defense was just 17.3 billion ringgit ($4 billion), a decrease of 2.25% relative to the 17.7 billion ringgit allocated for 2015. The 2015 defense budget, by contrast, had constituted a 10% increase over 2014 levels.
The decrease is not surprising. Najib’s budget speech comes amid severe concerns about Southeast Asia’s third largest economy. Economic growth, already sluggish this year due to falling commodity prices, a weak ringgit, and a state investment fund scandal implicating Najib himself, is expected to slow to just 4% – 5% in 2016. Najib’s own political survival has been questioned, with a no-confidence vote tabled by the opposition in parliament (even though it is unlikely to succeed).
To be sure, the cut is not that drastic, and Malaysia’s defense spending as a percentage of GDP continues to hover at 1.5% as it has for years. Furthermore, Najib emphasized in his speech that the government was “committed to implementing capacity-building plans for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in stages.” His remarks confirm that existing procurement plans – including the acquisition of six littoral combat ship vessels and an air defense weapons system – would not be affected by the budget cut.
Yet concerns will continue to linger about Malaysia’s lagging capabilities in the face of the manifold threats the country faces, including piracy, smuggling, kidnapping, terrorism, illegal fishing, and encroachments by regional neighbors like Indonesia and the Philippines. Some new programs being mulled had already been shelved due to budgetary constraints, and the current economic environment only compounds existing problems in funding the country’s much-needed capability boosts.
(The Diplomat)
↧
↧
October 28, 2015, 5:22 pm
29 Oktober 2015
Progres prototipe pesawat N219 di PT DI (all photos : Detik)Pesawat N-219 Karya PT DI akan Dikenalkan November, First Flight Mei 2016
Bandung - Pesawat N-219 buatan PT Dirgantara Indonesia akan di-roll out (dimunculkan ke publik untuk pertama kali) November mendatang. Rencananya, Presiden Joko Widodo akan hadir menyaksikan pesawat buatan anak bangsa itu.
Chief Engineering N-219 PT DI Palmana Bhanandhi mengatakan saat ini persiapan prototipe pesawat N-219 sudah mencapai 90 persen. "Ini cukup cepat. Kita first cutting September tahun lalu. Saat ini sudah mulai terlihat bentuknya. Insya Allah November nanti kita roll out," ujarnya saat ditemui di hangar PT DI, Jalan Pajajaran, Rabu (28/10/2015).
N-219 merupakan program pesawat terbang nasional kelas 19 penumpang yang dimulai melalui nota kesepahaman antara LAPAN dan PTDI tentang kerjasama di bidang pengembangan teknologi dirgantara pada tahun 2009.
"Sebenarnya idenya sudah sejak 2006 lalu. Kita mulai survei ke Papua lalu merumuskan desainnya dan lainnya. Baru bisa terealisasi 2014 setelah ada komitmen dari pemerintah menjadi produk ini sebagai pesawat terbang nasional," ungkapnya.
Menurut Palmana awalnya roll out akan dilakukan Agustus lalu. Namun karena ada penyempurnaan desain, akhirnya molor. "Ya mudah-mudahan target November nanti terkejar," katanya.Rencananya kemunculan N-219 akan langsung disaksikan oleh Presiden Jokowi. "Kami masih sesuaikan jadwal dengan Pak Presiden," ujar Palmana.
Setelah roll out, pesawat akan dilengkapi dengan sistem yang memungkinkan untuk terbang. "Februari ground test, lalu development dan sertifikasi dari Kemenhub yang menyatakan sistem di pesawat laik terbang. Setelah ada izin, Mei 2016 untuk first flight," kata Palmana.
Pemerintah mengucurkan dana sebesar Rp 400 miliar untuk pembuatan pesawat ini. Anggaran ini untuk membiayai desain, pembuatan prototipe, engineering flight simulator, landing gear drop test, mockup, dan lainnya. "Mungkin nanti saat first flight bisa mencapai Rp 500 miliar," katanya.
Pesawat bermesin dua buah ini multi purpose. Bisa mengangkut penumpang ataupun kargo. "Bisa angkut orang, angkut barang. Dia juga point to point. Tidak perlu landasan yang bagus, tidak perlu diaspal sudah bisa landing. Dan tidak perlu landasan yang panjang," pungkasnya.
(Detik)
↧
October 28, 2015, 7:47 pm
29 Oktober 2015
F-35A and KFX (image : militaryphotos)
President Park Geun-hye asked the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Tuesday, to make efforts to push forward the country's KF-X project to develop indigenous fighter jets by 2025 as scheduled.
The comments from the President came amid growing concerns that a delay in the project could be unavoidable because the National Assembly may cut the relevant budget following the U.S. refusal to allow Lockheed Martin to transfer core technologies related to its F-35 stealth fighters to Korea.
She made the remarks when DAPA head Chang Myoung-jin visited Cheong Wa Dae to brief her about the procurement agency's measures to handle the crisis facing the project.
Chang was quoted as saying by lawmakers of the National Assembly Defense Committee, "After listening to my report, President Park asked me to do the best to push the KF-X as planned, because it is the nation's most important project."
According to officials, Chang told Park about DAPA's plans to push for domestic development of related technologies along with cooperation with foreign companies.
Chang attended the Defense Committee's subcommittee meeting hours after he visited Park.
The Defense Committee has been holding this meeting from Monday to examine the defense budget for next year, but the evaluation is being dragged out with lawmakers saying that they need more time to look into KF-X funding.
Rep. Kim Sung-chan of the ruling Saenuri Party said, "We decided to further examine the reliability and feasibility of the KF-X project."
Rep. Yoon Hu-duk of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) also said, "We need more time to decide whether to go with or reduce or increase the KF-X budget."
Lawmakers say the plenary session will possible be held on Thursday.
Observers say with the President expressing willingness to go forward with the project as scheduled, it would be difficult for the members of the ruling party to cut the KF-X budget.
The subcommittee is examining whether the 67 billion won submitted by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance is reasonable to be earmarked next year for the KF-X project.
The ministry and the DAPA were hoping the Assembly would increase the funding, as the money was already cut in September by the finance ministry from the 161.8 billion won that the DAPA initially requested.
But concerns grew that there would be a cut again in the 67 billion won after the U.S.'s refusal, which dealt a serious setback to the KF-X, weakening the feasibility of the 8.5 trillion won project.
Defense ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said it would be improper to delay a national project because a few technologies are currently unsatisfactory.
"We are hoping that the necessary budget will be approved so that the project can go forward," he told reporters in a regular briefing. "The KF-X is a very important project for the Air Force and for the development of the aviation industry. It should be completed."
In April, the U.S. government refused to allow the transfer of four technologies ― the active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and tracking, an electronic optics targeting pod and an RF jammer.
(Korea Times)
↧
October 28, 2015, 11:17 pm
29 Oktober 2015
F/A-50 Fighting Eagle (photo : KAI)
MANILA (PNA) --- There is a very high chance that the South Korean-made F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" will be making an appearance during the 80th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in December.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez during an interview Thursday, said, "ninety percent the (first two) F/A-50s will play a role in the coming 80th AFP founding anniversary."
Galvez said that it is very likely that the F/A-50s will play the centerpiece of this year's celebration.
"I don't know whether the planes will perform a high-speed pass or not but I know the aircraft will be the centerpiece of the celebration," the DND spokesperson disclosed.
The Philippines contract with Korea Aerospace Industries is worth Php18.9-billion.
The 12 aircraft deal was signed last February 2014.
An initial two units is expected to be delivered by December this year.
The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines gets enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities such as the use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and Korean Aerospace Industries.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
(PNA)
↧
