RUSSIA PLANS TO DEVELOP 5th-GENERATION "STEALTH" HELICOPTERS

Mei 14, 2010

Artist's impression of Kamov stealth helicopter (image : aimoo)

A Russian helicopter company is planning to develop the world's first fifth-generation combat helicopter, which experts say would be able to attack fighter jets and be invisible for radars, the Gazeta daily said on Thursday.

"We are working on the concept of the fifth-generation combat helicopter," the paper quoted the company's CEO, Andrei Shibitov, as saying at a news conference in Moscow.

Shibitov did not specify the characteristics of the helicopter, but said the company was going to spend some $1 billion on the project, with more investment expected to be allocated from the state budget.

The official said the Mil design bureau had been working on a classical rotor model, which features a large main rotor and a smaller auxiliary rotor, while the Kamov design bureau had been developing a coaxial rotor model.

Military experts believe that the coaxial rotor model is more stable and easy to fly while the classical model is more reliable and has a higher degree of survivability on the battlefield.

First deputy head of the Russian Academy of Geopolitical Issues, Konstantin Sivkov, told the paper that fifth-generation combat helicopters have never been built before, although the United States has recently begun working on a similar project.

He said a fifth-generation combat helicopter must have a low radar signature, a high noise reduction, an extended flying range, be equipped with a computerized arms control system, be able to combat fighter jets (existing helicopters are generally only intended to hit ground-based targets) and reach a speed of up to 500-600 km/h (310-370 mph).

The project cannot proceed, however, unless it is backed by the government.
"If the government does not sign a contract, the idea will die on the vine," head of the Russian Academy of Geopolitical Issues Leonid Ivashov told Gazeta. Ivashov said that with sufficient investment and good organization the new helicopter could be built within five years. Otherwise, the project may drag on for 20-30 years.

But he was somewhat skeptical about the chances of carrying out the project.
"We have been trying to tackle everything - fifth-generation planes, fifth-generation helicopters, but nothing of this have so far been supplied to the army - today the army still uses helicopters produced in 1970s," Ivashov said.

Russia's main combat helicopter, the Mi-24 Hind, is a third-generation helicopter, and a few Mi-28 Havoc, Ka-50 and Ka-52 Hokum, which have just started to arrive in the Russian army, are fourth-generation helicopters.

Source by : RIA Novosti

AIRBUS DEMONSTRATES TORPEDO LAUNCH WITH C-295

Mei 12, 2010

C-295 launches torpedo (photo : Airbus Military)

Airbus Military has demonstrated the ability of the C-295 to launch torpedos at submarines, improving the aircraft's resume for replacing Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions.

So far, the 82 C-295s sold to 12 operators have functioned as transports or surveillance aircraft. The torpedo demonstration shows the aircraft can be adapted to the maritime strike role against sub-surface targets.

In a statement released on 7 May, Airbus Military described the torpedo launch as an "important milestone" for the C-295 maritime patrol aircraft programme.

"It is also a significant entry for Airbus Military into the market of antisubmarine warfare aircraft," the statement adds.

An Airbus Military spokeswoman said she was unaware if the C-295 required additional launch tests. "There might be more," the spokeswoman told Flightglobal.com.

She also declined to answer whether existing or new customers have purchased the torpedo launch capability. "That is not something we are commenting about on behalf of potential customers."

Torpedos for the C-295 are installed on two under-wing pylons. The aircraft is also adapted with a store management system, which is linked to the fully integrated tactical system, a mission suite also developed by Airbus Military.

Source by : Flight International

IAe, BELL OFFER 412EP TO INDONESIAN ARMY

28 April, 2010

Indonesia's army plans to add 24 utility helicopters, with Indonesian AerospaceBell Helicopter teaming for the pitch. and

The army wants to have two squadrons of utility helicopters, totaling 24 aircraft, plus 18 attack helicopters, say industry sources.

For the utility helicopter requirement, state-owned aircraft-maker IAe is putting forward the Bell 412EP.

Indonesia's army has 31 412HP/SPs already in use, as listed in Flightglobal's HeliCAS database. IAe manufactured the airframes, which the army took delivery of between the late 1980s and the mid-1990s.

IAe plans to import the first batch of 412EPs in kit form, perform final assembly and be responsible for the installation of client equipment, industry sources say. However, it wants to also manufacture the fuselages for subsequent aircraft, they add.

Bell and IAe have already signed a memorandum of understanding, but have yet to sign a final contract, as some details need to be worked through. The army also has yet to sign a firm contract for the aircraft.

An enhanced performance version of the 412 with a dual digital automatic flight-control system, the EP uses a relatively old platform. However, one source notes that its advantage over rival AgustaWestland and Eurocopter product offerings is that some of the army's key decision-makers are familiar with the 412, having flown it in the past.

Source by Flightglobal

PENTAGON REJECTS TWO-ENGINE OPTION FOR F-35

March 30, 2010

An F-35 Lightning II marked AA-1

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has said that there is still no valid business case for buying two different engines for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, despite concerns raised by lawmakers and a new government audit indicating potential benefits.

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) reiterated in 24 March congressional testimony that buying both the Pratt & Whitney F135 and General Electric (GE) Rolls-Royce F136 engines may prove financially feasible and also provide non-financial benefits, such as better contractor responsiveness.







The F135 engine with lift fan, roll posts, and rear vectoring nozzle,
as designed for the F-35B, at the Paris Air Show, 2007

The costs of opening two separate production lines "could be recouped if competition were to generate approximately 10.1 to 12.6 per cent savings over the life of the programme", Michael Sullivan, the GAO's director of acquisition and sourcing management, said in written testimony submitted to the House Armed Services subcommittees on Air and Land Forces and Seapower and Expeditionary Forces.

However, Ashton Carter, the Pentagon's top acquisition official, said the DoD remains opposed to buying two engines; while acknowledging that competition may drive down costs in the long-term, he insisted the short-term costs are too high.

F-35B's thrust vectoring nozzle and lift fan

Source by : Jane's Defence

March 19, 2010

BMT Nigel Gee Ltd and BMT Defence Services Ltd, subsidiaries of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy, have unveiled their new design for a highly capable Fast Landing Craft (FLC).

Contracted by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) the BMT team developed a novel, tri-bow monohull platform using a parent hull-form derived from an internal BMT research and development programme, which included model tests to optimise performance.

Ed Dudson, Technical Director at BMT Nigel Gee, says: "Sized to occupy a similar footprint to the existing LCU Mk10 and thus capable of operating with UK amphibious support vessels, our innovative design meets the demanding UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) requirement for an FLC with high transit speed and high payload capacity whilst demonstrating excellent on-beach stability."

Made from aluminium for light weight and strength, BMT's specially developed FLC hull-form design allows:

* High-speed, heavy-payload operations (up to 28.5 knots fully fuelled and carrying four all-terrain vehicles, or up to 22 knots fully fuelled and carrying a main battle tank);

* Minimum speed loss in rougher seas (less than 1 knot speed reduction in Sea State 4);

* Excellent sea-keeping and manoeuvrability characteristics;

* On-beach stability.

Other features include:

* Three high-speed MTU diesel engines coupled to waterjets, providing reliability and redundancy;

* Dependable, easily accessible machinery.

BMT has a pedigree in independent naval design, strong technical capability, proven record of innovation and extensive portfolio of designs, particularly for high-speed vessels. BMT was awarded this important MOD contract as part of a DE&S Design Solutions Study to determine viable hull forms to satisfy a FLC requirement.

The MOD will, as part of its FLC Concept Phase, conduct a cost and performance based appraisal of this design with other options determined in the FLC Design Solutions Study.

Source by : BMT Group

UAV FOR BATTLEFIELD AMBULANCE

Marc 13, 2010

UAV for SAR (photo : Urban Aeronautics)

The Israel Defense Forces medical corps is looking at procuring an innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will evacuate critical casualties directly from the battlefield to the hospital. This would get more wounded to the hospital within the “golden hour,” the critical time in which a medical evacuation has the best chance of saving a wounded soldier’s life.

One of the candidates for the program is the AirMule, a vertical takeoff and landing UAV developed by Urban Aeronautics Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in Fancraft technology. Other aircraft being considered include helicopters converted to unmanned vehicles.

Lt. Col. Gil Hirschorn, a doctor and former flight medic who leads the medical corps’ trauma branch, says an important benefit of AirMule is its ability to land in areas of a fire-saturated battlefield that would be inaccessible to other vehicles. Hirschorn says the UAV, which is now being tested, will be equipped with stretchers, air conditioning and a communications system that establishes video contact between injured soldiers and the medical center. The wounded will be transported in a protected compartment and monitored throughout the flight. The current design holds two wounded soldiers lying prone. Future versions will include space for a medic.

The vehicle would add an important capability to the logistics of casualty evacuation, and be able to support amphibious operations as well as ground forces.

AirMule is a ducted-fan vehicle that uses Urban Aeronautics’ patented Fancraft lift system, based on internal rotors that provide lift and propulsion systems. The core of the technology is the Vane Control System (VCS), which consists of a cascade of vanes at the inlet and outlet ducts that can be deflected simultaneously (top and bottom) or differentially to generate side force or a rolling movement. Front and rear ducts are deflected differentially for yaw. “The VCS generates six degrees of freedom independent of one another. For the first time we have a vehicle that moves sideways without the need to roll,” says Rafi Yoeli, founder and CEO of Urban Aeronautics.

The company successfully completed the first phase of tethered flight trials, which consisted of autonomous hovers in which the vehicle maintained stable height and attitude. An onboard fly-by-wire system controls pitch, roll and yaw. The next series of tests will evaluate the AirMule’s position-keeping capability, and the vehicle will fly untethered for the first time.

The UAV is powered by a 730-shp. Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engine, which drives the fore and aft ducted rotors and aft thrusters through gearboxes and shafts. Its unique propulsion capabilities reportedly enable safe flight through areas of dense vegetation, in urban areas, over rough terrain and at high temperatures. The flight-control developed by Urban Aeronautics is a four-channel redundant system that relies almost entirely on inertial measurements and is augmented by GPS for translational position and velocity readings. Two laser altimeters indicate the vehicle’s height above ground. According to Yoeli, data show that the AirMule will hover with high precision even in gusty wind.

The vehicle carries a useful payload of 227 kg. (500 lb.). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 1 ton, and is designed to fly missions of 2-4 hr. at up to 100 kt. Its maximum ceiling is 12,000 ft. An operational version is expected to be available by 2012.

The concept of ducted-fan technology was popular among aircraft designers in the late 1950s and early 1960s when Piasecki Co. developed ducted-fan vehicles known as “flying jeeps” for the U.S. Army. The configuration was similar to the design used by Urban Aeronautics—two ducts, fore and aft, with a cabin in the middle. The concept, though, was ahead of the technology needed to develop a viable aircraft. The flying jeeps were difficult to control and had little endurance—only about 20 min. Because of this, vertical takeoff and landing remained a feature exclusive to helicopters. An array of technologies that have evolved since—efficient, lightweight engines, composite materials and flight-control computers—solved most of the problems associated with ducted-fan vehicles. What remained were aerodynamic challenges, notably in the areas of drag and controllability. Urban Aeronautics patented a package of innovations that reportedly resolves these problems.

The company is working on two other unmanned applications of the Fancraft technology—Panda, a small, electrically powered surveillance UAV, and Mule, a mid-sized UAV with a 500-lb. payload capacity.

In 2006 the company began working with Bell Helicopter to design the X-Hawk, a large, man-carrying ducted-fan vehicle for urban missions in the military and civilian sectors.

Source by : Combat Aircraft

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE SATELLITE LAUNCED BY CHINA

March 6, 2010

A Long March 4C carrier rocket carrying a remote-sensing satellite, "Yaogan IX", blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province. (photo : Xinhua)

China successfully launched another Earth observation satellite from the Jiuquan space base Friday, according to state-run media outlets.

The Yaogan Weixing-9 spacecraft blasted off from Jiuquan on a Long March 4C rocket at 0455 GMT (11:55 p.m. EST Thursday), or 12:55 p.m. local time. The three-stage rocket successfully delivered the secret payload to orbit, the state-owned Xinhua news agency reported.

The Jiuquan launch site is located in the Gobi desert near the border between China's Gansu and Inner Mongolia provinces. Jiuquan has hosted the launches of all three Chinese human spaceflights to date.


Yaogan 9 is the newest member of a series of satellites believed to harbor optical and radar military reconnaissance capabilities.

The satellite "would be used to conduct scientific experiment[s], carry out surveys on land resources, forecast grain output and help with natural disaster-reduction and prevention endeavor[s]," state media reports said.

But most experts believe the Yaogan series includes two variants with high-resolution electro-optical cameras and cloud-piercing radars designed to see targets through inclement weather or darkness.

In the past, optical Yaogan satellites launched from Jiuquan and radar-equipped spacecraft were shot into orbit from the Taiyuan space center in northern China's Shanxi province.

Before Friday's mission, analysts believed China had orbited three electro-optical Yaogan satellites and five radar payloads.

Previous Yaogan launches from Jiuquan used the less powerful Long March 2D booster. The Long March 4C launched Friday includes a restartable third stage to increase payload performance. Chinese officials did not address the change in rocket, but the more powerful launcher could indicate the mission carried an upgraded Yaogan satellite.

Official Chinese media did not announce the launch until Thursday, a typical communications procedure for closely-guarded military space missions.
Friday's launch was the second orbital flight of Chinese rockets this year, and it marked the ninth space launch to reach orbit worldwide so far in 2010.

Source by : STEPHEN CLARK (SPACEFLIGHT NOW)

Malaysia Postpones Purchase of New Combat Aircraft

March 2, 2010

Sukhoi- 30 MKM TUDM

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia will postpone the purchase of new fighter jets and delay the retirement of its Russian-made MiG aircraft for five years, the defense ministry said Wednesday. The plan to buy new multi-role combat aircraft has been held back by the economic downturn, a ministry official told AFP.

MIG-29NUB TUDM

"We initially wanted to ground the (MiG) jets and sell them to a third country but after much thought and deliberation, we have decided to hold on," Defense Minister Zahid Hamidi said according to the New Straits Times.

He did not say what type of new combat aircraft the government would eventually buy, or when. Last June, he said the air force would phase out its ageing 16 MiG-29N interceptor jets, purchased in 1994 for $380 million, and would be looking to buy new planes to fill the gap. Last June, he said the air force would phase out its ageing 16 MiG-29N interceptor jets, purchased in 1994 for $380 million, and would be looking to buy new planes to fill the gap. In December, former premier Mahathir Mohamad criticized the phasing out of the jets as a waste of money. In comments on his blog, Mahathir asked whether the interests of middlemen were influencing the decision to buy new aircraft as they would stand to make big profits. Defense ministry officials told AFP of Feb. 24 that 10 of the 16 MiGs would continue to fly, the other six have already been decommissioned.

F/A-18D TUDM

The Malaysian air force also flies Boeing F/A-18D Hornets and Sukhoi SU-30 MKM Flanker jet fighters. The ministry has recently come under fire over the 2008 theft of two U.S.-made engines for its Northrop F-5E reconnaissance aircraft, which saw charges laid against an air force sergeant and a businessman last month. The engines have been traced to Uruguay and Malaysian officials say they are working to get the engines returned.

Source by : AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE & Defense News

NEW ROYAL MARINES HOVERCRAFT

February 20, 2010

Artist's impression of Griffon 2400TD (image : Griffonhoverwork)

Britain's Royal Navy is getting four new 2400TD class hovercraft to replace the 2000TD models they have been operating for over a decade.

The new models have greater capacity, capability and reliability. The 2400TD class craft can carry sixteen marines, and their weapons, or 2.2 tons of cargo.

Griffon 2400TD hovercraft (photo : Griffonhoverwork)

The hovercraft can glide over water or land at up to 63 kilometers an hour, and will not set off mines. On internal fuel, the vehicle has a range of over 500 kilometers.

Griffon 2400TD hovercraft (photo : Griffonhoverwork)

The 2400TD model carries a 7.62mm machine-gun and has light weight armor, to provide protection from small arms fire and shell fragments. Each of the new hovercraft costs about $1.5 million.

Source by: Strategy Page and Griffonhoverwork

INDONESIA'S PINDAD DELIVERS INDEGENOUS APC TO ARMY

February 11, 2010

28 Jan 2010 8ak/PR: Indonesian defense ministry has taken delivery of 33 Pindad Armored Personnel Carriers APC-2 6X6. Pindad is a state owned weapons manufacturer and the Panzer is a product of Indonesia's effort to indigenous.
Present at the ceremony were Minister for State Owned Enterprises Mustafa Abubakar, Minister of Defense Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Minister of Research and Technology Suharna Surapranata and Director General of Defense Facilities, Ministry of Defense Eris Herryanto.
In his speech the Minister of Defense, Yusgiantoro affirmed, the government remains supportive and totally committed in raising the domestic defense industry that will reflect the Indonesian National Army and a strong national defense. Year 2010 is the year of resurrection for the defense industry and toward independence in the process of revitalization of the defense industry needs to bear the cost and not as easy as turning the palm of the hand.
With submission of 33 Panzers, the total number that have been submitted to the Ministry of Defense is 93 units from 150 units APC-2 6x6 and 4 units reconnaissance of the Ministry of Defense orders, while the remaining 61 units with a contract value of Rp. 473 billion scheduled to be completed in 2010. From the 33 units submitted, 13 units will use military forces for peace missions in Lebanon.
In the beginning Pindad received orders of 150 units of Panzer APC-2 6x6 and 4 types of reconnaissance from the Ministry of Defense in 2008. Pindad committed to completing the order in accordance with the agreed contract, irrespective of budget problems. President Director of Pindad, Adik A. Soedarsono expects the government to help strategic industries such as Pindad to realize some of the initial payment for each purchase that will help resolution of the main tools of weapons systems procurement program on time.
Besides provision of the main tools of weapons systems for domestic needs, Pindad is now preparing for the purchase plans of 32 Panzer Pindad by Malaysia that will be used by the Malaysian peacekeeping soldiers in Lebanon as well as opportunities Panzer orders of Nepal.
The baseline Panzer is fitted with a cupola on the left of the vehicle and armed with a 12.7mm/.50 caliber heavy machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. A fire-support version using a CMI Defense’s CSE-90 turret with the Cockerill 90 mm Mk III was unveiled at Indo Defense & Aerospace 2008, which was announced that the APS-3 fire-support version would be deployed into the Indonesian Army by 2010.

PANZER 6X6 PINDAD SPECIFICATION

Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) with 6 wheels symmetrical drove designed for military, especially cavalry need. Designed and produced by our engineers and designers for the military. Size and operation has been adjusted to suit Indonesian Military figures, doctrine and combat tactical strategy as our commitment to Indonesian Military needs. This type of panzer is able to carry 10 personnel with 3 crews, 1 driver, 1 commander and 1 gunner. 12,7 mm weapon mounting with capable for 360 degree rotation are also included

220Hp, 2500 Rpm
650 Nm, 1300 -1600 Rpm	650 Nm, 1300 -1600 Rpm
Compression Ratio	19.5
Model	ZF S6 - 680
Type	Manual
	6 Forward , 1 reverse
Gear Ratio	1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse
Axle
Model	ZF S6 - 680
Axle qty	3
	All moving
Axle steer	2 axle , front and center
Steering	Hydraulic system
Suspension	Independent suspension with torsion bar
Service	system Disc brake
Parking	Integral to drive line, Spring activated, hydraulically released
Electrical system
Battery	24 Volt 85 Ah ( 4 paces x 12v)
Wheel &Tire	1400 R20 / 18Ply
	Velg R20
BBM Capacity	160 liter
Body Construction
	Armored steel thickness 10 mm
Floor	Mild steel thickness 10 mm
	Iron square thickness 3,5 x 40 x40 mm
Glass	Armored glass thickness 30 mm
Exit Access
	Bar system torsion mechanic
	Ramp door hydraulic system and mechanic swing
Man Hole	5 unit mechanic swing torsion bar on the roof
Emergency door	Each unit at left and right body
ARMAMENT
Gun mounting	1 unit 12.7 caliber
Smoke grenade	Cal. 60 mm, each 3 at right side
Weapon	1 x 12,7 mm
Ammunitions	500 x 12,7 mm
Air conditioner	12 HP , 3 unit blower
Fire Extinguisher Tool	3 unit , 1 unit to front & 2 unit to back
Pioneer Tool	1 crowbar , 1 shovel , 1 axe
Equipment
Indicator	Battery , oil pressure, water cooler
Lamp	Light combat ( black out ) 2 in front and rear
Communication Port
Document Bag
Performance
Max Speed	92 km /hr
	45o
	45o
Side Slope	35%
Gradient	60%
	0,6 m
	1,5 m
OPTION COMUNICATION TOOL
Radio HF
- Frequency area	2 - 30 MHz
- Frequency Reference	HF-90M/INA (commercial type 718)
- Burst	100 Watt ( with PA)
- Antenna	3 m with Automatic Antenna Tuner
Radio VHF
- Frequency area	30 - 88 MHz
- Frequency Reference	PR1077, or VHF-90M/INA
- Burst	50 Watt ( with PA)
- Antenna	3 m with Automatic Antenna Tuner
Master Communication Control
- Radio I/O	Max 2 port (two way audio, PTT/Squeals’)
- Audio I/O	Communication bus ( Multi wire )
- Crew control sig	Communication bus
- PS Input	24 VDC from PSU
- PS to Crew	Communication bus 24 VDC

Source by : Manu Sood and Pindad