November 15, 2016, 6:22 pm
16 November 2016
MV Aishah Aims 4 (photo : Sinar Harian)
Kapal MV Aishah Aims 4 laksana pengukuran hidrografi
PELABUHAN KLANG - Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) hari ini menerima kapal MV Aishah Aims 4 (Aishah Aims 4) yang berkeupayaan dalam melaksanakan liputan data pengukuran hidrografi yang meluas dan komprehensif.
Panglima TLDM Laksamana Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin berkata Aishah Aims 4 diperoleh melalui kontrak sewaan bagi menggantikan dua kapal hidrografi sedia ada milik TLDM iaitu KD Mutiara dan KD Perantau yang akan melalui proses lucut tauliah secara berperingkat.
"KD Mutiara yang telah berusia 40 tahun tidak dapat dioptimumkan fungsinya sebagai platform ukur disebabkan memerlukan kos operasi dan selenggara yang tinggi. Perbelanjaan untuk operasi KD Mutiara dan KD Perantau melibatkan kos antara RM25 juta ke RM30 juta setahun.
"Sehubungan itu, TLDM telah mengambil pendekatan di luar kotak dengan mendapatkan Aishah Aims 4 melalui konsep sewaan yang mana kos operasinya jauh lebih rendah tetapi mampu keluarkan input lebih cepat dan berkesan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyempurnakan majlis penerimaan kapal itu di Jeti Pusat Hidrografi Nasional (PHN) di sini.
Bagaimanapun, beliau enggan menyatakan kos operasi kapal baharu itu.
Pada majlis itu Ahmad Kamarulzaman turut menyaksikan upacara menandatangani penerimaan Aishah Aims 4 antara Ketua Pengarah Hidrografi, Laksamana Muda Datuk Pahlawan Zaaim Hasan dan Pengerusi Breitlink Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (BESSB) Datuk Seri Wan Adnan Wan Mamat.
BESSB yang berpengalaman dalam industri minyak dan gas merupakan firma yang diberi kontrak sewaan Aishah Aims 4 bagi tempoh tiga tahun.
"Melalui kontrak sewa ini, kita hanya akan bayar sekiranya kita puas hati dengan kualiti data yang diperolehi. Pendekatan ini juga secara tidak langsung dapat menghasilkan kecekapan iaitu melaksanakan tugas yang lebih efisien dan pada masa sama penjimatan yang tinggi.
"TLDM mensasarkan keluasan pengukuran sekurang-kurangnya 18,000 km persegi dalam tempoh setahun supaya kontrak ini benar-benar kos efektif," kata Ahmad Kamarulzaman.
Terdahulu, dalam ucapannya, Ahmad Kamarulzaman berkata menerusi kontrak sewaan itu, BESSB perlu memastikan Aishah Aims 4 dapat dioperasikan sepenuh masa selama 300 hari setahun berbanding kapal-kapal biasa yang hanya beroperasi selama 100 hari setahun.
Beliau berkata kapal itu yang ditauliahkan pada September lepas dilengkapi dengan sistem pengukuran 'multibeam' yang terkini di pasaran dan mampu mendapatkan liputan kedalaman yang luas dalam densiti yang tinggi.
"Sistem pengukuran hidrografi akan dikendalikan sepenuhnya oleh 24 pegawai dan anggota TLDM secara giliran, berbanding dengan keanggotaan KD Mutiara yang mencecah 120 orang, manakala kru marin dan teknikal dipertanggungjawabkan kepada BESSB," katanya.
(Sinar Harian)
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November 15, 2016, 10:42 pm
16 November 2016
Helikopter Panther versi ASW (photo : Augustas Bidzgalviz)
PT DI Kembangkan Helikopter Anti-Kapal Selam Pesanan TNI-AL
TEMPO.CO, Bandung – Direktur Utama PT Dirgantara Indonesia Budi Santoso mengatakan tengah menyiapkan pengembangan helikopter pesanan TNI Angkatan Laut dengan kemampuan anti-kapal selam. “Tahun depan kami mulai membuat pesanan TNI Angkatan Laut untuk helikopter anti-kapal selam,” katanya di Bandung, Selasa, 15 November 2016.
Budi mengatakan helikopter anti-kapal selam itu dibangun bersama Airbus Helicopters Perancis. Fisik helikopter Panther itu mirip dengan pesawat operasional yang dipergunakan Basarnas, yakni AS365 N3+ Dauphin. “Kalau Dauphin itu versi sipil, helikopter Panther itu versi militernya,” ucapnya.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia mendapat pesanan dari TNI Angkatan Laut untuk membangun 11 unit helikopter anti-kapal selam. “Angkatan Laut memesan 11 unit, sudah 2 tahun lalu. Tinggal delivery mulai tahun depan,” kata Budi.
Budi mengatakan pengerjaan helikopter Dauphin menjadi modal bagi PT Dirgantara Indonesia untuk mengembangkan helikopter anti-kapal selam Panther. Helikopter pesanan Basarnas itu, misalnya, diserahkan hari ini. “Dengan mengerjakan pesanan Basarnas, ini menjadi pengetahuan dasar kami untuk mengembangkan pesawat ini,” tuturnya.
Menurut Budi, tipe militer Panther itu menjadi pilihan TNI Angkatan Laut karena kemampuannya mendarat di kapal yang berukuran relatif kecil, yakni kapal laut dengan tipe sigma class ship. “Trennya bagus, karena makin lama kapal Angkatan Laut di mana pun itu makin kecil, enggak pakai kapal-kapal besar. Meriam udah enggak ada yang gede-gede lagi di kapal itu, juga makin kecil, sehingga semua peralatan yang dibutuhkan semakin kecil,” ujarnya.
Budi mengaku, kendati belum rampung, rencana PT Dirgantara mengembangkan helikopter anti-kapal selam sudah menarik minat sejumlah negara. “Beberepa negara Timur Tengah yang punya kapal kecil juga tertarik menggunakan hal yang sama, tapi kami selesaikan dulu pesanan Angkatan Laut. Kalau selesai, baru kita ke negara lain,” ucapnya.
Menurut Budi, PT Dirgantara berencana memperbanyak konten lokal untuk helikopter Panther anti-kapal selam pesanan TNI Angkatan Laut itu. Sejumlah sistem akan ditanam di helikopter anti-kapal selam pesanan TNI Angkatan Laut itu. Di antaranya, peralatan sonar yang bisa diturunkan dalam laut hingga persenjataan torpedo anti-kapal selam. “Panther untuk Angkatan Laut ini kita bongkar habis karena harus diisi peralatan sonar, torpedo, dan lain-lain.”
Direktur Niaga dan Restrukturisasi PT Dirgantara Indonesia Budiman Saleh mengatakan PT Dirgantara menggandeng sejumlah vendor untuk memasok peralatan mendukung sistem helikopter hingga persenjataan. “Contohnya torpedo, roket, kemudian sensor-sensor macam-macam, ada juga FLIR, serta sonar yang dicelupkan ke laut. Yang merakit dan mendesain itu PT Dirgantara Indonesia, bukan domainnya Airbuss,” katanya.
Menurut Budiman, lewat produk itu, PT Dirgantara memegang property right atau license mission helikopter itu. “Nah, yang memegang paten, property right, intellectual property right helikopter anti-kapal selam itu kami. Kalau Airbuss mau jualan itu monggo, tapi dia jualan platform saja.”
Budiman mengatakan harga pesawat yang telah dipasangi berbagai sistem mission itu bisa lebih mahal ketimbang penjualan platform dasar pesawatnya. Dia mencontohkan penjualan pesawat CN235 yang kosong berkisar US$ 26–28 juta. Tapi, dengan tambahan berbagai sistem mission, seperti untuk kebutuhan patroli maritim, harganya bisa melonjak menjadi US$ 45–60 juta.
(Tempo)
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November 16, 2016, 12:12 am
16 November 2016
The first F-35A aircraft is due to arrive in Australia in 2018. (photo : Lockheed Martin)
In a major coup for the national Defence Industry, Australia has won 10 of the initial 11 component categories available to partner countries for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter regional sustainment. Starting in 2025, RUAG Australia will have lead responsibility within the Pacific Region for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Joint Strike Fighter components in four Repair Technology Groups - Valves (RTG F), Auxiliary Power Systems (RTG G), Landing Gear Components (RTG L) and Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Pneudraulics & Hydro-Mechanical (RTG H) – all of which are consistent with RUAG Australia’s core capabilities.
As a significant, long-standing provider of in-country component maintenance and repair capabilities to the Australian Defence Force, RUAG Australia is extremely well qualified to now extend such services to the regional Joint Strike Fighter fleet and is particularly appreciative of the recognition accorded to RUAG Australia by the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.
The assignments to RUAG Australia are the result of three years of discussion and close collaboration by RUAG Australia staff with Joint Strike Fighter component Original Equipment Manufacturers, including Honeywell, UTC Aerospace Systems, Eaton, Moog and Parker, and with its industry partners and suppliers in Australia, including TAE and H.I.Fraser. RUAG Australia also acknowledges the consistent support provided to Australian industry by Defence’s Joint Strike Fighter Division and the strong advocacy for Australian companies by the Hon Christopher Pyne, Minister for Defence Industry.
“This assignment is a genuine reflection of the quality and skill of our people and the treasured reputation for reliable service that they have developed over many years of serving the military customer,” said John Teager, Managing Director of RUAG Australia. “The Joint Strike Fighter will be the cornerstone of the Royal Australian Air Force, and a number of other air forces, for many years to come. RUAG Australia is committed to being a successful and valued member of the global team supporting the platform,” he added.
“We look forward to collaborating with our chosen partners in delivering the best possible Australian contribution to the Joint Strike Fighter program, both in terms of manufacturing and deeper level repair. There is still much work to be done before component repair assignment becomes actual work, but the laying of the foundation can never start too early. We will continue to extend and broaden our existing manufacturing contracts as well as bidding, alongside our partners, for additional Joint Strike Fighter sustainment opportunities as they emerge.”
(RUAG)
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November 16, 2016, 6:12 pm
17 November 2016
Four inshore patrol vessel was launced in 2007 and commissioned in 2009. (photo : rnzngunners)
New Zealand to phase out Lake-class inshore patrol vessels
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will progressively phase out its Lake-class in line with plans to acquire a third offshore patrol vessel (OPV), a document released by the country's Ministry of Defence on 16 November has confirmed.
The service currently operates a class of four 55 m Lake-class inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) that were commissioned between April and May 2009. The boats were originally intended for maritime patrols and surveillance duties along New Zealand's coastline out to 24 n miles.
The 345-tonne platform has a standard range of 3,000 n miles at 15 kt, and can accommodate a crew of 20 with spare berths for 16 personnel.
(Jane's)
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November 16, 2016, 8:37 pm
17 November 2016
P-8A Poseidon with body number A47-001 at Canberra Airport. (all photos : Australian Aviation)
Australia’s newest maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, has been welcomed into the Air Force.The P-8A Poseidon is a cutting edge maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft which will dominate the skies around the nation’s coastline. It will greatly enhance Australia’s ability to keep our borders secure and guard our maritime approaches.The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, the Minister for Defence Industry the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP and the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, together with the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, welcomed the new Poseidon aircraft at a ceremony in Canberra on 16 November 2016.These new aircraft will strengthen our existing comprehensive maritime surveillance capability, helping secure Australia’s borders, play a vital role in the fight against people smugglers and providing state of the art anti-submarine defences.
The P-8A Poseidon is a modern, highly reliable aircraft based on the commercially-proven Boeing B737, modified to incorporate the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities.This aircraft has been designed by the US Navy to dominate in Anti-Submarine Warfare and will work closely with existing Australian Border Force assets to protect our border.This is the first of 15 aircraft the Government committed to in the 2016 Defence White Paper, with 12 already contracted to be delivered by March 2020.These aircraft will be based and sustained at Edinburgh, creating over 30 direct jobs.The acquisition includes development and sustainment cooperation with the United States Navy and will keep the RAAF P-8A at the forefront of maritime patrol aircraft innovation for years to come.The 15 P-8A Poseidon aircraft and up to seven MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft will together provide an advanced maritime surveillance capability to replace the ageing AP-3C Orion platform.
(RAAF)
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November 17, 2016, 1:13 am
17 November 2016
KRI Teluk Ratai 509 (photo : Kolinlamil)KRI Teluk Ratai 509 Debarkasikan Satgas Pamtas Yonif 312
Jakarta ------ Salah satu kapal perang TNI AL dari jajaran Komando Lintas Laut Militer (Kolinlamil), KRI Teluk Ratai 509 melaksanakan debarkasi pasukan Batalyon Infanteri 312 Kala Hitam Subang usai melaksanakan operasi Pamtas RI – Malaysia.
KRI yang berada di bawah pembinaan Satuan Lintas Laut Militer (Satlinlamil) Surabaya tersebut mengangkut lebih dari 600 pasukan Batalyon Infanteri 312 Kala Hitam Subang. Penerimaan pasukan Satuan Tugas Pengamanan Perbatasan (Satgas Pamtas) RI-Malaysia di Kalimantan Barat ini, dilaksanakan di Dermaga Kolinlamil, Mako Kolinlamil, Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Rabu (16/11).
KRI Teluk Ratai 509 (photo : Rudi Winarso)
Upacara penerimaan dipimpin Kepala Staf Kodam III Siliwangi Brigjen TNI Yosua Pandit Sembiring yang dihadiri Kepala Staf Kolinlamil Laksma TNI R. Edi Surjanto, S.E., M.M.
Kapal perang jenis Landing Ship Tank (LST) dengan komandan Letkol Laut (P) Wijayanto, saat ini tengah sandar di Dermaga Kolinlamil setelah Selasa kemarin (15/11) tiba di Dermaga Kolinlamil.
Pergeseran pasukan ke seluruh wilayah nusantara merupakan salah satu tugas pokok Kolinlamil sebagai pembina tunggal sistem angkutan laut militer. Selain mendukung pergeseran pasukan TNI ke daerah perbatasan dengan negara tetangga, Kolinlamil juga aktif dalam mendukung pergeseran pasukan, material dan logistik ke daerah-daerah rawan dan pulau-pulau terluar RI.
KRI Teluk Ratai 509 (photo : Lanal Palembang)
KRI Teluk Ratai-509 yang sehari-hari dibawah pembinaan Satuan Lintas laut Militer (Satlinlamil) Surabaya memiliki spesifikasi berat 4080 ton dan mampu mengangkut 17 tank dengan beberapa jenis kendaraan, memiliki kemampuan kecepatan berlayar sampai dengan 9 knot atau 9 mil per jam.
Kapal perang yang diproduksi Amerika tahun 1944 dan memperkuat jajaran TNI AL sejak tahun 1967 dan selanjutnya dibawah pembinaan Komando Lintas Laut Militer sejak Tahun 1990. Kapal perang yang telah berumur puluhan tahun dan memperkuat jajaran TNI AL ini, telah terlibat dalam berbagai kegiatan latihan dan operasi, maupun kegiatan bantuan sosial mengangkut bantuan bencana alam maupun angkutan transmigrasi pada masa lalu ke luar pulau Jawa.
Dan kapal ini selalu dalam keadaan siap setiap saat mengawal NKRI…Old Ship Never Die, Just Past Away.
(TNI AL)
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November 17, 2016, 2:02 am
17 November 2016
RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet (photo : Nick-D)
Australia's Super Hornets have undergone their first major upgrade.
The job was finished on budget and two weeks ahead of schedule by the Electronic Attack Enterprise team, consisting of Air Force, Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Boeing Defence Australia and Raytheon Australia.
The work was the first stage of the Super Hornet Spiral Upgrade Program under which the fleet will receive incremental capability upgrades.
The program is being conducted in parallel with the US Navy F/A-18F upgrade program to ensure the technology remains in line with the world’s largest and only other Super Hornet operator.
The 12-month Increment 1 program delivered updates to the aircraft training system, as well as to software and hardware.
These included the installation of Navigation Warfare to provide GPS navigation protection, a Distributed Targeting System to enable precision targeting, and an upgraded Solid State Recorder for the cockpit.
Five separate structural modifications to improve fatigue life and eliminate hazards were incorporated with the hardware upgrades.
OC Air Combat and Electronic Attack System Program Office GPCAPT Jason Agius said the program’s success demonstrated a mature and integrated support capability.
“The completion of Increment 1 was essentially a coming-of-age for the Super Hornet support system,” he said.
“It was the first time we brought together every element of the support system, from program management, logistics and engineering through to training and deeper maintenance.
“The project’s completion on budget and ahead of schedule is a testament to how well it worked.
“As prime contractor, Boeing Defence Australia exhibited ingenuity and innovation in foreseeing and addressing challenges.
“They used their knowledge to add value and insight at every stage and worked in close partnership with both Air Force and training system services provider Raytheon to guarantee the program’s success.
“The project’s completion ahead of schedule is a strategically important achievement for Air Force and one of which all involved should be proud.”
Boeing Defence Australia’s Super Hornet Program Manager, Chris Gray said the program demonstrated the value of Air Force and industry working as one team.”
(RAAF)
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November 17, 2016, 8:40 am
17 November 2016
Japan is willing to hand over two decommissioned patrol vessels to MMEA (photo : Taka0923)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that Tokyo will give Malaysia two patrol boats, a move that visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak welcomed as an aid to promoting stability in the South China Sea.
Najib arrived in Japan on Tuesday on a visit that comes just weeks after he was in China on a six-day visit in which he agreed to buy four Chinese patrol boats in his nation's first significant defense deal with China.
"Today's agreement - Japan is willing to hand over two decommissioned patrol vessels to our maritime enforcement agency - shows the nature of our relationship is now broad-based," Najib said.
Malaysia, along with three other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei - are among the countries contesting territorial claims with China over the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire body of water as its territory.
Najib said talks with Abe touched on this issue, adding: "Malaysia continues to play its part to ensure the South China Sea will be an area of peace and stability, without which we cannot achieve prosperity."
Discussions also included the planned high-speed rail link between Singapore and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, set to be built by 2026 and with the two neighbors set to finalize a bilateral agreement in December.
Japan has expressed interest in the project, and Najib said he had assured Abe that the bidding process would be conducted in a fair and transparent way.
(Reuters)
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November 17, 2016, 4:11 pm
18 November 2016
Damen has been contracted by Indonesia to procure a range of 'fitted for but not with' systems. Specific equipments include MBDA's VL Mica point defence missile system and its MM 40 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missile system, and the Rheinmetall Millennium 35 mm cannon (photo : Thales)
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) is in negotiations with several suppliers for the procurement of a package of weapons and equipments for backfitting to two SIGMA 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) frigates being delivered to the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL).
The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and DSNS as prime contractor, signed a contract in December 2012 for the first PKR. An option for the second vessel was exercised in mid-2013. Modular construction of the ships has been shared between the Vlissingen, Netherlands, facility of DSNS and the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya, with final assembly, integration, and testing performed in Indonesia.
Lead ship KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata completed sea acceptance trials in September 2016 and is planned for delivery at the end of January 2017, following completion of crew training. Work continues at Surabaya on the completion of the second vessel, to be named Gusti Ngurah Rai. Delivery is scheduled for October 2017.
While the PKR vessels are being delivered with a core mission system supplied by Thales Nederland - including the TACTICOS combat management system, SMART-S Mk 2 surveillance radar, STIR 1.2 EO Mk 2 radar/electro-optical tracking system, and Kingklip hull-mounted sonar - the only weapon system included in the original contract was a single Leonardo (Oto Melara) 76/62 Super Rapid gun. However, space, weight, and service provisions were included in the SIGMA 10514 design to enable the retrofit of additional 'fitted for but not with' (FFBNW) weapon systems, including a point-defence missile system, a surface-to-surface missile system, and a close-in weapon system.
(Jane's)
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November 17, 2016, 7:52 pm
18 November 2016
RNZAF C-130 Hercules (photo : NZDF)
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has today launched the Defence Capability Plan 2016, detailing the NZ$20 billion investment in capability needed out to 2030.
The Plan is the next step in delivering on the Defence White Paper, released in June this year.
“Since then the government has agreed to the procurement of an ice-strengthened naval tanker and high mobility vehicles for the Special Air Service,” Mr Brownlee says.
“It has also approved upgrades to the underwater surveillance capability of the P-3 Orion and has requested tenders for a littoral operations vessel.
“In response to the assessment of New Zealand’s strategic outlook in the Defence White Paper, the government will also invest in an ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel, replacement of our maritime surveillance aircraft in the 2020s, and a cyber protection and support capability for deployed forces.”
Other major investments over the period include: -- Replacing the ANZAC frigates with modern combat vessels; -- New transport aircraft to replace the C-130 and B757 fleets; -- Digitising land forces through the Network Enabled Army programme; -- Rolling purchases of modern weapons and protective equipment; -- Protected mobility vehicles; and -- Secure strategic communications capabilities.
“For the first time, the Defence Capability Plan includes indicative capital cost and schedule bands for major projects, to demonstrate the relative scale and timing of the investments.
“For New Zealand suppliers, knowing the size and scope of capability investment opens up opportunities for partnering with other contractors to provide through-life support arrangements for major assets, or to suggest niche technology solutions.
“The $1.7 billion programme of capital investment to rejuvenate the Defence Estate is one of the biggest opportunities for New Zealand suppliers to be involved, particularly for the local construction sector.
“New Zealanders expect NZDF personnel to be well equipped and trained for operations, and the significant investment in new capabilities detailed in this Plan will ensure that this occurs,” Mr Brownlee says.
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November 17, 2016, 9:35 pm
18 November 2016
BRP Andres Bonifacio PF-17 (photo : US Navy)
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF 17), the former U.S. Coast Guard cutter Boutwell, arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 15 for a regularly scheduled port visit en route to the Philippines.
The ship and crew were greeted by Capt. Stanley Keeve Jr., the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) commanding officer upon arrival. During the port call, Bonifacio is scheduled to host a reception onboard and interact with their host ship USS Halsey (DDG 97).
Bonifacio was transferred to the Philippine navy at a ceremony in Alameda, California, July 21, as part of an agreement to transfer Hamilton-class 378-foot high endurance cutters to the Philippines through the Office of International Acquisition's Excess Defense Articles program.
The ship and crew just completed a four month upgrade and training period with the U.S. Coast Guard in Alameda that included one-on-one training with Coast Guard sailors and formal training on the ship's systems.
Bonifacio is the third Hamilton class cutter in Philippine Navy service after the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF 15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) which were acquired in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
Foreign Navy ships regularly come to Pearl Harbor-Hickam for scheduled port visits. In recent months Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was visited by ships from Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
(US Pacific Fleet)
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November 17, 2016, 11:19 pm
18 November 2016
Embraer is proposing to modify the KC-390 with a 360-degree surface search radar installed in the nose, similar to the configuration offered to Canada in that country’s long-range search-and-rescue competition, together with a palletized maritime patrol mission system. (photo : DefenseNews)
MELBOURNE, Australia — Embraer has responded to a recent New Zealand request for information (RFI) for a Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC), with an offer for five KC-390 multimission transport aircraft.
The KC-390 is under development against a contract for 28 aircraft to replace the Brazilian Air Force’s fleet of Lockheed C-130H Hercules, with first deliveries beginning in 2018. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said it also holds letters of intent, for a further 32 aircraft, from five different countries and is actively marketing the aircraft to potential customers in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
The New Zealand proposal marks the company’s first opportunity for the KC-390 in the Asia-Pacific region, and the bid is supported by Boeing defense products division under the terms of a teaming agreement announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s FAMC program seeks to acquire a fixed-wing transport capability to replace the country’s five C-130Hs and two Boeing 757s, either with two new aircraft or a single type able to meet essential requirements in both strategic and tactical airlift roles.
Delivery of the first aircraft is required by February 2020 and for initial operational capability (IOC) to follow in February 2021. Final operational capability (FOC) is required no later than February 2024. The first replacement aircraft for the 757 fleet is required to arrive in New Zealand before Feb. 1, 2025, and IOC declared by Feb. 1, 2026.
“We are very positive that we can provide the best solution for New Zealand for the mission requirements that they have presented to us (and) I think they are very interested in the KC-390. But we understand and respect that this is a competition and we will fulfill all the required steps of the process,” Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Jackson Schneider said at the company’s corporate headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil, last week.
“We are in advanced talks with New Zealand (but) we are not negotiating contracts at the present time. The process is advanced, but it is a competition and we’re not the only bidder,” he said.
Schneider said that the only other manufacturer with a product in the same class as the KC-390 currently in production is US giant Lockheed Martin, with the C-130J Super Hercules.
He also revealed that Embraer is negotiating with what he considers a global civil customer for the KC-390, which will be certified to US Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness requirements, but declined to provide specific details.
“There is one specific discussion with a global company for a fully civil application. It will not require too much customization for the specific mission that they are talking to us about,” he said.
Another senior Embraer executive also revealed that the manufacturer is considering the development of a maritime patrol version of its new E190-E2 commercial airliner at the invitation of the New Zealand government to meet a forthcoming RFI for a Future Air Surveillance Capability.
See full article DefenseNews
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November 18, 2016, 4:23 am
18 November 2016
Pesawat NC121i buatan PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Pemerintah Filipina memesan dua unit pesawat jenis ini dengan harga 19 juta dollar AS. (photo : Kompas)
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Kementerian Perindustrian (Kemenprin) mendorong PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) untuk ekspor pesawat ke beberapa negara dengan memanfaatkan dana penugasan khusus, national interest account (NIA), yang digunakan sebagai kredit pembeli dan modal kerja.
Skema NIA dinilai potensial untuk memperkuat kemampuan ekspor perusahaan di tengah kondisi ekonomi global yang melambat.
“Dukungan dari pemerintah pada tahap pertama adalah buyers credit untuk ke beberapa negara yang memang memerlukan pembiayaan dari kita," jelas Kepala Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Industri (BPPI) Haris Munandar melalui keterangan resmi, Jumat (18/11/2016).
Menurut Haris, mekanisme kredit pembeli bisa diterapkan pada ekspor ke negara-negara yang kemampuan finansialnya terbatas, seperti Senegal atau Nepal, agar aliran kas PT DI tidak terganggu.
PT DI juga bisa memanfaatkan dana NIA sebagai modal kerja produksi pesawat untuk diekspor ke negara-negara yang memiliki pendanaan kuat seperti Uni Emirat Arab maupun Thailand.
“Selanjutnya, pinjaman bisa untuk memperkuat working capital supaya pengadaan bahan baku lancar, delivery lebih cepat dan tidak ada hambatan. Soalnya banyak aktivitas ekspor perusahaan terganggu karena modal kerja ini,” tuturnya.
Pemerintah menyediakan dana NIA melalui Indonesia Exim bank untuk memberikan pembiayaan ekspor atas transaksi atau proyek yang secara komersial sulit terlaksana, namun dinilai perlu.
Pada tahun 2016, dana yang tersedia dalam NIA mencapai Rp 2,2 triliun dan tidak sepenuhnya terpakai.
Pada tahun depan, pemerintah kembali menyuntikkan dana ke dalam NIA hingga total dana yang tersedia pada 2017 mencapai Rp 4,2 triliun.
“Dana yang disiapkan Indonesia Exim bank cukup besar, dan itu dana bergulir,” kata Haris.
Sementara itu, Direktur Utama Budi Santoso menjelaskan, dana Indonesia Exim bank akan digunakan untuk mendukung rencana ekspor pesawat N-235 dan N-212.
PT DI mengajukan penggunaan dana NIA senilai Rp400 miliar untuk mendukung aktivitas ekspor perusahaan ke beberapa negara Afrika dan Asia.
"Kami mencoba untuk ekspor, beberapa negara punya uang, tetapi beberapa negara masih butuh financing,” tuturnya.
Menurut Budi, kedua jenis pesawat tersebut layak mendapatkan dukungan dana dari NIA karena merupakan produk hasil pengembangan nasional hingga dikuasai 100 persen oleh PT DI.
"Pesawat-pesawat itu adalah milik kita seluruhnya. Harga pesawat N-235 sekitar 25 juta dollar AS, sedangkan N-212 kira-kira separuhnya,” ujarnya.
(Kompas)
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November 18, 2016, 5:35 pm
19 November 2016
First Yak-130 of the Myanmar Air Force (photo : Alexei Korshunov)
Irkutsk -,The first Yak-130 advanced jet trainers for Myanmar Air Force first flew in Irkutsk.
Combat training aircraft Yak-130, built by an aircraft factory "Irkut" Corporation, it was designed as an advanced trainer aircraft and has light strike capability.
Took to the skies over Irkutsk, Yak-130 has an "export" serial number and is intended for delivery to Myanmar under the contract in 2015. Myanmar should get about ten of these aircraft, the first three aircrafts under the contract will be delivered up to the end of 2016.
Myanmar will become the fourth foreign buyer of Russian combat training aircraft Yak-130, also bought Algeria, Bangladesh and Belarus.
(Riafan)
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November 18, 2016, 7:15 pm
19 November 2016
Airbus A350 XWB work undertaken at CTRM and Spirit Aerosystems currently includes the manufacture of components for wings and engine nacelles (photo : Airbus)
Manufacture of parts for the first of six new Airbus A350-900s for Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) has begun around the world – including here in Malaysia.
CTRM and Spirits Aerosystems, two of Airbus’ Malaysia-based industrial partners, have begun producing components for the aircraft at their plants in Melaka and Subang, respectively.
Airbus A350 XWB work undertaken at CTRM and Spirit Aerosystems currently includes the manufacture of components for wings and engine nacelles.
Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, MAB’s six new A350-900s will be acquired on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) and will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2018. The airline will operate the aircraft on its premium routes with a luxurious three class layout.
The A350 XWB is the world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.
To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 810 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
(Airbus)
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November 18, 2016, 8:15 pm
19 November 2016
MiG-21 of the Cambodian Air Force (photo : Gilles de Maximy)
Cambodia has allocated USD455 million for the country's 2017 defence budget, the government in Phnom Penh has announced.
The expenditure represents a 19% increase over the 2016 defence budget of USD383 million.
According to government statements covered by national media, the 2017 defence budget accounts for around 9% of the total government expenditure in the year.
Hun Manet, the eldest son of prime minister Hun Sen, who is also a lieutenant general in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), told the Phnom Penh Post that a large part of the 2017 defence budget will go towards a pay rise for military personnel.
(Jane's)
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November 18, 2016, 11:00 pm
19 November 2016IMI Lynx mobile launching system (photo : Maxdefense)Philippine defense and military officials today have seen how Israeli missile system work. Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-ELTA jointly conducted a live-fire demonstration in Israel, Friday afternoon (Manila time), according to MaxDefense Philippines.
The said live-firing was to demonstrate Israeli firms’ offer for Philippine Army’s Shore Based Missile System (SBMS) acquisition project, MaxDefense said.
“Among those demonstrated were the IMI Lynx mobile launching system, the EXTRA, Accular, and Predator Hawk guided rocket systems, and smart ammunitions for the 155mm howitzers, which are offered to the AFP as well,” MaxDefense said.
IAI-Elta ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (photo : Maxdefense)
Present during the said demonstration were National Defense Undersecretary for Finance and Material Raymund Elefante, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Ricardo Visaya, Army commanding general Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Philippine Marine Corps commandant Major General Andre M. Costales Jr., Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano, and other officials from the Army and Navy.
MaxDefense Philippines is being managed by Max Montero, an Australia-based defense analyst and a former naval reservist officer in the Philippine Navy.
In mid-2015, a reprioritization in the AFP modernization program was made by senior defense and military officials shelving the planned SBMS acquisition project (at that time) in favor of equipment that can be used for internal threats. (Update)
The Shore Based Missile System: A Background
MaxDefense previously discussed the Shore Based Missile System project, which was the most expensive project in the Philippine Army’s request under the Horizon 1 phase. It has an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) worth Php 6.5 billion, and is to be procured by direct negotiation under a government-to-government (G2G) procurement deal with Israel and Israel Military Industries (IMI).
The original offer made by IMI involves the acquisition of a small battalion, with 2 batteries composed of 2 platoons per battery of mobile guided rocket / missile system that could be fired against threats from the sea, including ships, landing crafts, and even fixed positions on sea features. It also involves the acquisition of a battery of short-range air defense system that will defend the SBMS against aerial threats.
Each platoon will have its truck-mounted launchers and ammunition reload carrier/loader, radar, and platoon fire direction centre, while the battery has its own command post, FDC, support equipment, forward observation equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for surveillance and target acquisition.
The system is centred on IMI’s Lynx MLRS modular launch system, which is configured to fire different rocket and missile systems. To be able to hit small moving targets at sea, IMI has offered their 306mm EXTRA guided rocket which has a published range of 150 kilometres, and can carry several types of warheads up to 120 kilograms.
EXTRA, Accular, and Predator Hawk guided rocket systems (photo : konflikty)
EXTRA is guided to its target by a GPS-augmented inertial navigation system developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI). According to inside sources, the rocket adjusts its trajectory as the target’s position changes while in flight. This results to a circular error probable (CEP) of only 10 meters, although MaxDefense was informed that actual CEP is lower than published.
The project was already in the advanced stages when it was cancelled by then PhilippineArmy chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri for reasons explained in our previous blog entry. Instead, he proposed to use the Php 6.5 billion budget to frontload the acquisition of sniper rifles, force protection equipment, and other items for the Philippine Army that are originally scheduled for acquisition on the Horizon 2 phase. This proposal was ultimately not approved for implementation even until now. While the general said he didn’t cancel the project and just moved it to a later date, the project is still not implemented as of this writing.
(MaxDefense)
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November 19, 2016, 12:06 am
19 November 2016
Teropong tipe Theon Damon (photo : Theon)
Pindad dan Theon Luncurkan Pindad Optronics Workshop
Pada pagelaran Indo Defence 2016, PT Pindad (Persero) dan perusahaan system optronic dari Yunani, Theon meluncurkan proyek kerjasama bersama yang diber nama PIndad Optronics Workshop. Menteri Pertahanan Yunani, Panos Kammenos menghadiri acara peluncuran ini dengan didampingi dengan Direktur Utama PT Pindad (Persero) Abraham Mose dan jajaran manajemen.
Ruang lingkup kerjasama Pindad dan Theon meliputi produksi bersama Teropong Bidik Senapan Malam (TBSM) di Pindad, pembangunan lini assembly dan penjualan bersama. MoU kerjasama telah ditandatangani sejak Februari 2015, saat ini pembangunan fasilitas dan lini produksi memasuki tahap akhir sehingga pada awal 2017 dapat memasuki proses produksi.
TBSM hasil kerjasama Pindad dan Theon ini akan diproduksi di Indonesia dengan memaksimalkan penggunaan material dari dalam negeri, didesain untuk memiliki resolusi tinggi, performa yang baik dan praktis penggunaannya. Teropong dibuat untuk memenuhi kebutuhan prajurit di lapangan dalam operasi militer di malam hari dan memenuhi Minimum Esential Force (MEF) TNI dengan potensi pasar meliputi Mabes TNI, TNI AD, Polri dan pasar Ekspor.
Teropong tipe Theon Erebus (photo : Theon)
"Senapan kami sudah mendukung performa TNI sejak lama dan menjadi senjata organik yang dipakai para prajurit di lapangan. TBSM yang akan kami produksi bersama akan didesain khusus agar kompatibel dengan senjata yang diproduksi Pindad dan sudah dipergunakan di lapangan," tutur Direktur Utama Pindad, Abraham Mose.
Teropong tersebut nantinya dapat dipasang untuk berbagai senjata, terutama buatan Pindad yang telah tersebar di berbagai satuan seperti SS2 dan kompatibel dengan Trijicon. Tipe teropong yang akan dibuat meliputi Damon, Erebus, Mini Weapon Sight serta jenis night vision lainnya sesuai kebutuhan.
Instrumen Optik dalam TBSM dibuat dengan teknologi tinggi yang memungkinkan pemakainya melihat dalam keadaan gelap pada kondisi malam hari, di dalam hutan dan medan dengan kondisi cahaya yang minim.
Kerjasama yang dirintis Pindad dengan salah satu pemimpin pasar global memiliki harapan bahwa proses alih teknologi yang dilakukan akan berjalan secara lebih maksimal dan akan berujung pada penguasaan teknologi perusahaan akan meningkat.
(Pindad)
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November 20, 2016, 4:38 pm
21 November 2016
Fly past pesawat tempur TNI AU (photo : Tempo)
6 Jet Tempur Milik Indonesia, Mana yang Paling Hebat?
Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Presiden RI Joko Widodo telah berkomitmen untuk meningkatkan kemanan Indonesia. Terlebih isu Laut China Selatan terus diramaikan di dunia internasional.
Salah satu elemen penting dalam menjaga kedaulatan NKRI ialah TNI-AU. Saat ini kekuatan TNI-AU menjadi yang diperhitungkan di Asia Tenggara.
Selain didukung kemampuan seluruh personel yang dimiliki, berbagai alutsista yang dimiliki TNI-AU dinilai juga cukup mumpuni, seperti salah satunya pesawat tempur.
Saat ini TNI-AU telah memiliki enam jenis pesawat jet tempur. Jet-jet tempur ini memiliki fungsi dan kemampuan masing-masing, apa saja itu?
Hawk 209 TNI AU (photo : ipenk)
1. Hawk 209
Jet ini merupakan pesawat buatan Hawker-Siddeley. Hawk Mk 209 yang dimiliki TNI-AU ini memiliki fungsi sebagai pesawat jet latih untuk pesawat tempur generasi 4. Adapun jet tempur generasi 4 diantaranya seperti F-15, F-16 dan lain sebagainya.
Pertama kali TNI-AU membeli pesawat ini pada tahun 1997. Hawk Mk 209 merupakan varian single seater dari keluarga Hawk. Pesawat jet ini dikhususkan untuk mengemban misi air superiority dan ground attack.
Malaysia juga memiliki sejumlah Hawk Mk 108/208 yang merupakan varian Hawk pertama yang bisa melakukan pengisian bahan bakar di udara.
Pesawat T-50i TNI AU (photo : Motty)
2. T-50 Golden Eagle
Memiliki fungsi hampir sama dengan Hawk 209, T-50 Golden Eagle adalah pesawat latih (trainer) supersonik buatan Amerika-Korea.
Dikembangkan oleh Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), dengan bantuan Lockheed Martin. Program ini juga melahirkan A-50, atau T-50 LIFT, sebagai varian serang ringan. Program T/A-50 dimaksudkan sebagai pengganti dari berbagai pesawat latih dan serang ringan.
Program ini pada awalnya dimaksudkan untuk mengembangkan pesawat latih secara mandiri yang mampu mencapai kecepatan supersonik untuk melatih dan mempersiapkan pilot bagi pesawat KF-16 (F-16 versi Korea).
T-50 mmembuat Korea Selatan menjadi negara ke-12 yang mampu memproduksi sebuah pesawat tempur jet yang utuh. Beberapa produk korea lainnya adalah KT-1 produk Samsung Aerospace (sekarang bagian dari KAI), dan produk lisensi KF-16.
Sebagian besar sistem utama dan teknologinya disediakan oleh Lockheed Martin, secara umum bisa disebut T/A-50 mempunyai konfigurasi yang mirip dengan KF-16.
Pesawat F-16D TNI AU (photo : TNI AU)
3. F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon adalah jet tempur multi-peran supersonik yang dikembangkan oleh General Dynamics (lalu di akuisisi oleh Lockheed Martin), di Amerika Serikat. Pesawat ini awalnya dirancang sebagai pesawat tempur ringan, dan akhirnya ber-evolusi menjadi pesawat tempur multi-peran yang sangat populer.
Kemampuan F-16 untuk bisa dipakai untuk segala macam misi inilah yang membuatnya sangat sukses di pasar ekspor, dan dipakai oleh 24 negara selain Amerika Serikat.
Pesawat ini sangat popular di mata international dan telah digunakan oleh 25 angkatan udara. F-16 merupakan proyek pesawat tempur Barat yang paling besar dan signifikan, dengan sekitar 4000 F-16 sudah di produksi sejak 1976.
Pesawat ini sudah tidak diproduksi untuk Angkatan Udara Amerika Serikat, tapi masih diproduksi untuk ekspor.
Pesawat F-5F TNI AU (photo : Efendy)
4. F-5E Tiger II
F-5E/F Tiger II adalah sebuah bagian dari keluarga pesawat tempur supersonik ringan yang dirancang dan diproduksi oleh Northrop, di Amerika Serikat, sejak tahun 1960-an. Ratusan pesawat ini masih dipakai oleh berbagai angkatan udara di dunia sampai abad ke-21.
Pesawat ini juga menjadi dasar untuk pengembangan beberapa pesawat lainnya. Produksi pesawat F-5A dan F-5E berakhir pada tahun 1972 dan 1987.
F-5E Tiger II, juga banyak digunakan oleh negara sekutu Amerika Serikat, dan di Amerika Serikat sendiri dipakai sebagai pesawat latih tempur. Jumlah Tiger II yang diproduksi sampai tahun 1987 mencapai 1400 buah. Pesawat F-5 yang masih dipakai sampai tahun 1990-an dan 2000-an telah melalui banyak modifikasi pembaruan.
Pesawat Su-27SKM TNI AU (photo : Reska KN)
5. Sukhoi Su-27 (Kode NATO : Flanker)
Sukhoi Su-27 merupakan pesawat tempur yang awalnya diproduksi oleh Uni Soviet, dan dirancang oleh Biro Desain Sukhoi. Pesawat ini direncanakan untuk menjadi saingan utama generasi baru pesawat tempur Amerika Serikat yaitu F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, dan F/A-18 Hornet.
Su-27 memiliki jarak jangkau yang jauh, persenjataan yang berat, dan kelincahan yang tinggi. Pesawat ini sering disebut sebagai hasil persaingan antara Sukhoi dengan Mikoyan-Gurevich, karena Su-27 dan MiG-29 berbentuk mirip.
Ini adalah keliru, karena Su-27 dirancang sebagai pesawat interseptor dan pesawat tempur superioritas udara jarak jauh, sedangkan MiG-29 dirancang untuk mengisi peran pesawat tempur pendukung jarak dekat.
Pesawat Su-30MK2 TNI AU (photo : Richard S)
6. Sukhoi-Su-30 (Kode NATO: Flanker-C)
Sukhoi Su-30 adalah pesawat tempur yang dikembangkan oleh Sukhoi Rusia pada tahun 1996. Pesawat ini adalah pesawat tempur multifungsi, yang efektif dipakai sebagai pesawat serang darat. Pesawat ini bisa dibandingkan dengan F/A-18E/F Super Hornet dan F-15E Strike Eagle Amerika Serikat.
Pesawat ini adalah pengembangan dari Su-27UB, dan memiliki beberapa varian. Seri Su-30K dan Su-30MK telah sukses secara komersial. Varian-varian ini diproduksi oleh KnAAPO dan Irkut, yang merupakan anak perusahaan dari grup Sukhoi. KnAAPO memproduksi Su-30MKK dan Su-30MK2, yang dirancang dan dijual kepada Tiongkok. Su-30 paling mutakhir adalah seri Su-30MK buatan Irkut.
(Liputan6)
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November 20, 2016, 6:10 pm
21 November 2016
RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet (photo : news)
Maintenance keeps the Hornets flying
Keeping Australian Hornets in Middle Eastern skies for Operation Okra requires a dedicated maintenance workforce, led by Squadron Leader Aleisha Broadhead.
Normally serving as Senior Engineering Officer (SENGO) for No. 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, Squadron Leader Broadhead is deployed to Australia’s main air operations base in the Middle East.
The experience counts as a career highlight for Squadron Leader Broadhead.
“There are few SENGO positions within the Air Force, so you’re very fortunate to be able to get one,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
“To be able to come on deployment, particularly for air combat operations, is just absolutely huge and has been really personally satisfying.”
“I’ve served nearly 19 years and this has been my first deployment.”
Under Operation Okra, Australia has deployed Air Task Group 630 to the Middle East Region, which includes six F/A-18 Hornets strike jets that routinely fly missions of up to nine hours.
Much of that time is spent over Iraq and Syria, delivering precision strikes against Daesh terrorists and their warfighting capability.
The Air Task Group is part of a broader Coalition Force supporting Iraqi Security Forces in reclaiming their home territory, including the liberation of Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul.
The maintenance workforce led by Squadron Leader Broadhead ensures the Hornets can deliver on that mission.
“The maintenance workforce works extremely hard – 12 hour shifts covering 24 hours per day, six days a week,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
RAAF F/A-18E Super Hornet (photo : airwars)
“Even compared to the Northern Territory, it is very hot over here and so we have to ensure that we have suitable heat management policy and procedures for our maintenance personnel,”
“We could be doing anything from routine servicings to before-flight and after-flight maintenance, launches, rectifications, and fault-finding.”
The Hornet was originally designed for the United States Navy, and features robust a construction that was built for the rigors of flying from aircraft carriers.
Upgrades have ensured Australia’s Hornets can hit ground targets with pinpoint accuracy, but the aircraft are now reaching the twilight of their career.
“The Hornets have been operating for up to 30 years now, so we are very used to working with them,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
“They are an older jet, so we obviously have different things go wrong with them.”
“We have a myriad of people, from those who have worked on Hornets for their whole careers, some others who have come from other aircraft types and they bring a wealth of experience as well.”
As the SENGO, Squadron Leader Broadhead carries responsibility for the maintenance work conducted on the Hornets.
“I have a regulatory responsibility to make sure that all maintenance is conducted in accordance with regulations,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
“We also have an obligation to make sure that we have jets to meet the flying program.”
Conditions on the flight-line at the base can routinely exceed 50 degrees Celsius during the summer, impacting the work needed to keep jets serviceable.
The job of maintenance has been aided this year by construction of a dedicated hangar that can be used for major servicing work to the Hornets, freeing the Australians from the need to ‘borrow’ space in Coalition hangars.
“The hangar is an excellent facility,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet (photo : theavionist)
“The technicians are working in very hot and arduous conditions over in the Middle East, particularly during the summer time.”
“It is excellent for the maintainers to come into an air-conditioned facility and do their work with far less interruptions.
Each Hornet represents a complex collection of systems bound into a relatively small space, requiring perfect cohesion for the aircraft to fly and fight over the course of a 4000-kilometre mission.
That complexity keeps the Strike Element on its toes, requiring them to manage, plan and predict the spare parts they need to keep in stock.
“We’re a long way from home, and you can’t keep every single spare in the warehouse here,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
“There are a lot of people in the logistics system working very hard to make sure that we have the right part at the right time.”
Never the less, the Hornet’s high-serviceability rate in the Middle East, and its success in supporting Iraqi Security Forces, is evidence that Squadron Leader Broadhead’s team is doing the job right.
“There is no doubt that the jets are performing excellently over here,” Squadron Leader Broadhead said.
“We speak with our aircrew all of the time and they are really impressed and happy with our performance.”
“They’re performing really well.”
(Aus DoD)
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