Turkey has yet again postponed the selection of
it's preferred tender for it's $4billion attack helicopter competition. Under the
requirement a total of 145 helicopters are required. Among the contenders for the contract
are Kamov/Israel Aircraft Industries Ka-50-2 , Boeing's
Longbow Apache AH-64, Bell Textron's King Cobra, Eurocopter's Tiger, and Agusta's A-129
International Mangusta. The Spanish Air
Force has sigined a contract for a further 9 C-295 transport aircraft, these are to be
delivered by 2004 and will join 20 C-235 aircraft already in service. The CASA C-295 is
based on the CN-235 and provides 50% more payload (9,700 Kg) over the same range, it
is capable of transporting up to 78 troops, five 88" x 108" standard
pallets or up to 27 stretchers for medical evacuation. The basic modifications over the
C-235 are the addition of six new frames so that the total length of the cabin is
increased by 3 m., now reaching 12.69 m, increased wing fuel capacity and strengthened
wing structure to bear the new weights. It also adds the Pratt & Whitney 127G engines
which drive six bladed Hamilton Standard HS-568F-5 propellers.
Boeing has completed of NATO's fleet of 17 Airborne
Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft the E-3, with the installation of Radar System
Improvement Programme (RSIP) kits. RSIP improves the E-3's radar by increasing the
sensitivity of the pulse Doppler radar so the system can detect and track targets at
increased ranges. The upgrade includes a radar computer, a radar control maintenance
panel, electrical and mechanical hardware and new radar software.
The US Navy has announced the winner of its Vertical
takeoff and landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) competition, as the Northrop
Grumman's Model 379 VTUAV which is based on the Schweizer Model 330SP manned helicopter.
The VTUAV is to provide real-time and near real-time intelligence surveillance and
reconnaissance. It is expected that the system will perform several roles including the
detailed area surveillance and reconnaissance and battle damage assessments. It is also to
be used to identify targets, relay communications, conduct chemical or nuclear monitoring
and observe naval gunfire support. The contract includs funding for three VTUAV's.
The first of 20 C-130J's on order by Italy made its first
flight. It is to complete a flight test program before being inducted into Italian
service. The Italian Air Force is also looking into the possibility of further orders.
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has passed its operational
evaluation (OPEVAL) with the US Navy giving it it's best possible grade. As part of the
tests over 1,200hrs were flown in over 800 sorties, in addition over 400,000lb of ordnance
was expended in testing. The USN report has recommended the induction of the aircraft into
the fleet.
Elta has been selected by Australia as the preferred
tenderer it's EL/L-8222 jamming pod for the RAAF's F-111 strike aircraft. The selection is
part of a wider program of upgrades to the F-111 fleet to improve their capabilities and
survivability in the modern warfare environment.
The Netherlands is to upgrade 10 of its P-3C 'Orion'
martime patrol and anit-submarine aircraft, with Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems
as prime contractor. The upgrade is to include satellite communication systems, secure
communications systems, missile warning systems, countermeasures dispensing systems,
aircraft cockpit enhancements, acoustic receiver and processor system, missile warning and
missile countermeasures dispensing systems, and a data management system. The upgrade is
reported to cost over $200million.
Elbit Systems is set to supply the central mission
computer, advanced display processor, the new generation DASH IV Display and Sight Helmet
system, stores management systems and other avionics, for the Israeli Air Forces F-16Is
that are currently on order. The deal between Elbit and Lockheed Martin is worth some $70
million.
The Boeing candidate for the JSF is to get voice
recognition software. The system will allow the pilot to complete some tasks using voice
commands and thus maintain a better command of on his/her environment.
The Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter for the French and
German Armies are to be equipped an EW suite. The suite will include a radar warning
receiver, laser warning device, missile launch detector and an evaluation system for
analysing the data and warning the crew through optical and acoustic systems. The suite
will also be linked with the Tiger's counter-measures equipment.
Boeing is to produce 8000 JDAM kits for the US DoD. Over
7,200 are to go to the USAF and the remainder are to go to the USN. An estimated total of
87,000 kits are expected to be ordered by the US government. |
