Tuesday, 31 May 2022

The new "Kunlong" is here! Directly on the successful first flight of the new configuration AG600 Live video release! 20220531 | 军迷天下 - YouTube

cnbeta.com


新“鲲龙”来了！直击新构型AG600首飞成功 现场视频发布！20220531 | 军迷天下 - YouTube: 

May 31, 2022 The main content of this program: At 10:55 on May 31, Beijing time, the AG600 full-state new configuration fire extinguisher independently developed by the aviation industry made its maiden flight. The aircraft taxied and took off from Zhuhai Jinwan Airport, and completed test flight tasks such as constant speed climb, level flight deceleration, release flight, and simulated approach and go-around. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 60 tons and a maximum water carrying capacity of 12 tons, which fills the gap of domestic large-scale aviation fire-fighting aircraft.

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Friday, 27 May 2022

US Army awards Airbus contract for Continued Logistics Support

New Jersey National Guard / Mark C. Olsen



HeliHub.com : US Army awards Airbus contract for Continued Logistics Support - HeliHub.com

25-May-2022 

Source: Airbus Helicopters   

Airbus has signed a follow-on Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contract with the U.S. Army to provide spare parts, material, and engineering support for the Army’s entire UH-72A and UH-72 B Lakota fleet of 482 utility and training helicopters. 

The contract includes a six-month base and 4.5 option years, with a potential total value of more than $1.5 Billion. Airbus will provide support across 67 Lakota sites in the U.S. and overseas. This includes National Guard bases in 43 states, and Fort Rucker in Alabama, where the UH-72A performs the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing mission (IERW). 

The CLS contract with the U.S. Army is the largest helicopter performance-based support contract managed by Airbus worldwide. 

“Airbus has provided exceptional product and support services in the UH-72A for nearly two decades,” said COL Calvin Lane, U.S. Army Utility Project Manager. “This contract underscores the Army’s trust in the aircraft’s  capabilities, and we look forward to the continued support this contract provides to the UH-72 fleet.” 

“We are honored to be extending our relationship with the U.S. Army for another 5 years. Airbus continues to prove its commitment to providing high-quality platforms and outstanding support to the men and women who fly these exceptional aircraft,” said Scott Tumpak, Vice President of Military Helicopters division at Airbus in the U.S. “We are proud of our more than 15-year record of providing excellent service and hope to continue this partnership for many years to come,” he added. 

The UH-72B is produced at Airbus’ facility in Columbus, Mississippi while logistics are managed from the facility in Dallas, Texas.  The workforce supporting these platforms is approximately 40% U.S. military veterans. 

The U.S. Army utilizes the UH-72A and UH-72B models to perform a variety of missions including the counter drug and southwest border missions for the Army’s National Guard. 

Last year, the UH-72 Lakota fleet exceeded the 1 million flight-hour mark, some 15 years after the first Lakota UH-72A entered service with the U.S. Army. The Lakota platform is a highly capable, twin-engine aircraft with modern glass-cockpit, flight control, and navigation systems. The Lakota remains the Army’s lowest cost twin-engine helicopter to buy, own and operate. 

The contract will be managed by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. Headquartered in Arlington, VA. Operating under a Special Security Agreement, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. A long time U.S. government partner, Airbus in the U.S. leverages world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor, and fixed wing solutions to help our National Security focused customers meet their missions. 


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The Netherlands – AIM-9X Block II Missiles

Frank Crebas 2018 Bluelifeaviation.com


The Netherlands – AIM-9X Block II Missiles | Defense Security Cooperation Agency

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2022 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-9X Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $117 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. 

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy seventy-two (72) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missiles; and forty-three (43) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Missiles that will be added to a previously implemented case.  The original FMS case, valued at $16.8 million, included twenty-three (23) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missiles. The Netherlands has also requested a new FMS case for twenty-two (22) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missiles; forty-three (43) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Missiles; and one (1) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Guidance Unit.  Therefore, this notification is for a total of ninety-five (95) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missiles; forty-three (43) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Missiles; and one (1) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Guidance Unit.  Also included are containers; classified and unclassified software; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistical and program support.  The total estimated cost is $117 million. 

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. 

The proposed sale will enable the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) to provide stronger support for the Netherlands’ air defense needs.  This proposed sale of AIM-9X missiles will improve the RNAF’s capability to conduct self-defense and regional security missions, enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO members.  The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces. 

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. 

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ.  There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands. 

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. 

This notice of a potential sale is required by law.  The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements.  Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. 


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Wednesday, 25 May 2022

BTR-82 | What is good about the new armored personnel carrier of the Russian army - YouTube

vitalykuzmin.net


БТР-82 | Чем хорош новый бронетранспортер армии РФ | Распилить машину пополам - YouTube: 





BTR-82A APC: Details
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Saturday, 21 May 2022

Tu-142 aircraft of the Pacific Fleet completed anti-submarine missions over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk

Vadim


Самолеты Ту-142 ТОФ отработали противолодочные задачи над Охотским морем - Армия и ОПК - ТАСС

The crews of two aircraft carried out search operations using special standard means of detecting submarines of a mock enemy

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. The crews of Tu-142 aircraft of the naval aviation of the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet) worked out anti-submarine missions over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk during the exercises. This was reported on Monday in the press service of the Pacific Fleet.

"The Pacific Fleet conducted training flights to coordinate the crews of Tu-142 long-range anti-submarine aircraft and practice anti-submarine missions over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk," the report says.

According to the press service, the pilots performed tasks on Tu-142 aircraft based at one of the airfields of the naval aviation of the Pacific Fleet.

During the flights, the crews of two Tu-142 aircraft carried out search operations using special standard means for detecting mock enemy submarines.

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Tu-142M / MR / MZ Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aircraft: Details
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Marines Complete First H-1 Mixed Fleet Link 16 Flight

Joe Copalman


Marines Complete First H-1 Mixed Fleet Link 16 Flight > United States Navy > News-Stories

19 May 2022

From Joy Shrum



NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 successfully demonstrated the first two-way connection between an AH-1Z Viper, a UH-1Y Venom and a portable ground station using the new Link 16 software at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in November 2021.

The new digital interoperability (DI) suite includes Link 16 (L16) and Advanced Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) data links and allows information to be shared across various networks.

“The H-1 has a proven track record on the battlefield and the Marine Corps is always looking to improve capability to ensure the aircraft is fully equipped with the latest technology to support Marines on the ground,” said Col. Vasilios Pappas, H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter Programs Office program manager. “The integration of L16 and ANW2 provides a much-needed capability to the fleet and will ensure H-1s have better situational awareness and enhanced survivability for decades to come.”

In November 2021, a mixed-section flight was conducted to represent an operational scenario involving close air support and casualty evacuation missions. This event consisted of inserting ground troops in an objective area and communicating over the ANW2 network.

“The ground troops were able to receive information from the aircraft on their tablets,” said Marine Corps Maj. Jason Grimes, the first flight pilot and H-1 project officer with HX-21. “This event validated the ability to insert troops in an objective area, immediately connect to their radio and provide constant communication.”

The ANW2 network provided fast and secure communication to all parties connected to this encrypted network. The mission-based test evaluation was able to prove the effectiveness of this mode of communication and demonstrated the added capability it gives the warfighter.
The DI test team will conduct its final software update evaluation in the spring prior to the operational test squadron’s evaluation of the entire DI suite. The Marine Corps will continue testing the DI suite throughout the summer and anticipates L16 fleet integration in early 2023.

The DI suite is part of a defined road map of planned improvements designed to ensure the H-1 platform maintains its technological edge and combat capability throughout its service life.

Joy Shrum is a communication specialist with the U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Light/Attack Helicopters program office.


AH-1Z Viper: Details
UH-1Y Huey: Details
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Wednesday, 18 May 2022

Sierra Nevada to produce secure data communications avionics for MC-130J aircraft tactical networking

Dougie Edmond



AbMN provides secure voice and data communications, friendly force identification, threat identification, collaboration, chat, email, and data links.

John Keller

6 May 2022



ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – U.S. Air Force avionics experts are moving to low-rate initial production in equipping special operations versions of the Lockheed Martin C-130J four-engine turboprop aircraft with mission-critical secure data communications.

Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., announced a $34 million order Wednesday to Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, Nev., for MC-130J Airborne Mission Networking program (AbMN) low-rate initial production.

This order involves production kits, spare parts, interim contractor support, and weapon system trainer support. The AbMN tactical networking system enables aircrew and mission personnel aboard MC-130J aircraft to send and receive mission-critical data to and from tactical and operational nodes in the battlespace.

AbMN capabilities include secure line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight voice and data communications, friendly force identification, mission tracking, threat identification, full-motion video, collaboration, chat, email, and data links.

AbMN avionics enables Special Forces MC-130 aircraft to streamline command and control, improve situational awareness, and reduce operational risk through real time exchange of digital information among aircraft, components, and other tactical and operational nodes.

The special operations MC-130J Commando II aircraft flies clandestine, or low-visibility single or multiship low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft.

The MC-130J also performs infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of Special Forces by air or by land inside of politically sensitive or hostile territories. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. Its secondary mission includes the airdrop of leaflets.

On this contract modification Sierra Nevada will do the work in Centennial, Colo., and should be finished by January 2023. For more information contact Sierra Nevada Corp. online at www.sncorp.com, or the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center-Robins at www.robins.af.mil/Units/AFLCMC.


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The Russian Terminator tank is already in Ukraine near the front line - YouTube

(C) Uralvagonzavod Research and production Corporation JSC





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New batch of five 052DL destroyers is under construction at the same time

 Taiyuan (DDG-131) / Photo China Military Online



彩云香江 @louischeung_hk tweet


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Monday, 16 May 2022

Lukashenko said that the Russian S-400 air defense systems and the Iskander OTRK may remain in Belarus

mil.ru


Лукашенко заявил, что российские ЗРС С-400 и ОТРК «Искандер» могут остаться в Белоруссии


Russian anti-aircraft missile systems S-400, currently temporarily deployed on the territory of Belarus, may remain in the republic for good. As Alexander Lukashenko stated, Minsk expects to keep the anti-aircraft systems.


On Tuesday, the Belarusian president held a meeting on the state defense order for this year, during which he made several statements regarding Russia and Russian weapons. First, he said that Russia would help Belarus in the missile sphere, as well as the creation of an operational-tactical complex like the Russian Iskander. Now a statement has been made that Minsk plans to leave Russian S-400 air defense systems on Belarusian territory, which will control the skies over Europe.

We agreed with Russia that we will probably leave the S-400s that we have. He will "see" from Minsk to Berlin (...) The S-400 is good equipment. We agreed with the Minister of Defense that tomorrow he will simply train several groups of guys who will own this equipment.

- brought Lukashenka to those present at the meeting.

In addition, according to the Belarusian leader, the Russian Iskander-M OTRK deployed in the republic during the special military operation in Ukraine will not be withdrawn from Belarus either.

This is a much needed weapon . We have it today. And again: I agreed with the Russians that we would buy Iskanders from them. They will not be withdrawn from Belarus. They can be used to defend our space.

he added.

So far, there has been no reaction from the Russian Ministry of Defense to Lukashenka's statements, the military does not comment on the information that has appeared.


S-400 Triumph (SA-21 Growler): Details
Iskander Tactical Ballistic Missile System: Details
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Tank support combat vehicles "Terminator" of the Russian army spotted near Severodonetsk

Vladimir Vyatkin


Боевые машины поддержки танков «Терминатор» армии РФ замечены в районе Северодонецка

Author: My Moscow

May 15, 2022


The Terminator first appeared on the battlefield.

The publication "Military Affairs" reports that photographs of a mobile column of the RF Armed Forces with a tank support combat vehicle (BMPT) "Terminator" began to appear on the Web. Most likely, the equipment is located on the territory of Severodonetsk.


It should be noted that the Terminator is intended to operate as part of tank formations in order to destroy enemy anti-tank weapons: to effectively suppress enemy manpower equipped with grenade launchers, anti-tank systems, and small arms. The Terminator is armed with two 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannons, a 7.62-mm tank machine gun, AG-17D automatic grenade launchers and Kornet anti-tank systems.


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Friday, 13 May 2022

France orders 21 more TALIOS optronic pods | Thales Group

Mark McEwan



06 MAY 2022
 

  • Thales has received a firm order from the French defence procurement agency (DGA) for an additional 21 TALIOS optronic pods to equip French forces.
  • With this new order, a total of 67 TALIOS pods will be in service with the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy by 2025.
  • Since the TALIOS programme was launched, the pod has undergone a series of capability enhancements, including the Vision Permanent™ function, a new air-to-air identification mode, a colour sensor and new tactical air reconnaissance modes ordered as part of the Rafale F4 programme. The 21 pods in this additional order will support all these new capabilities.
The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has placed a firm order with Thales for 21 additional TALIOS pods. The new target designation pods will equip Rafale aircraft currently in service with the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy.

As theatres of operations become more complex, maintaining an accurate picture of the tactical situation is becoming increasingly crucial to the ability of pilots and commanders to make timely decisions and achieve a strategic advantage. Shortening the time it takes between gathering intelligence and defeating targets of interest is a key objective for armed forces all over the world.

In an increasingly connected operational environment, the TALIOS[1] pod will enable Rafale F4 standard aircraft to perform both air reconnaissance and ground/surface attack missions. The pod provides a wide-area search and target identification capability and can then switch instantly into target acquisition and tracking mode. Its high-resolution sensors provide a colour picture of the tactical situation to simplify the tasks of Rafale pilots. Thales has also developed a new Vision Permanent™ mode, which superimposes real-time video on a 3D map of the operational environment, enabling air crews to observe and understand the tactical situation in a significantly shorter time.

TALIOS will ultimately incorporate artificial intelligence algorithms to provide an unprecedented level of assistance in target detection and recognition and further accelerate the decision-making process, particularly in high-intensity engagements.

This order for 21 additional pods underscores the continuing confidence of the French forces, which have deployed TALIOS multiple times on expeditionary missions since the first pods were delivered in 2019. The new pods will be delivered between 2024 and 2025, straight after fulfilment of the initial order for 46 TALIOS systems.

"The TALIOS pod's new reconnaissance modes and automatic target detection and recognition algorithms will provide the French armed forces with an unprecedented level of operational superiority. Rafale pilots will be able to make better decisions with even greater speed at every decisive moment of their missions to detect, classify and safely engage a target and assess the results of a ground or surface strike." Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice President, Land and Air Systems, Thales

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French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded the order for conditional tranche 4 (TC4) of the SCORPION programme

Nexter


SCORPION programme: GRIFFON and JAGUAR order under 2019–25 Military Programming Law awarded to EBMR consortium | Thales Group

10 MAY 2022
 


The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded the order for conditional tranche 4 (TC4) of the SCORPION programme to Nexter, Arquus and Thales, operating through the EBMR* consortium.

Tranche TC4 corresponds to an additional 88 JAGUAR armoured reconnaissance and fighting vehicles and 302 GRIFFON multirole armoured vehicles. This new order will bring the number of JAGUAR and GRIFFON vehicles ordered to 150 and 909 respectively, in line with the target laid out in France’s 2019–25 Military Programming Law. This represents half of the French government's total commitment for JAGUARs and GRIFFONs (excluding the MEPAC variant) to be acquired under the SCORPION programme to renew the medium-tonnage segment of the French Army’s armoured vehicle fleet. The TC4 award comes shortly after an order was placed for 54 GRIFFON MEPAC versions, which are equipped with a 120-mm mortar, with deliveries scheduled from 2024.

These two awards were announced by the French Prime Minister during his visit to Nexter’s Roanne site on 19 February. This latest order underscores France's continuing confidence in the EBMR consortium partners, which have been ensuring on-time deliveries since the beginning of the programme. It provides Nexter, Arquus and Thales, as well as the entire land defence industrial and technological base in France, with better visibility of their industrial activity through to 2025.

*EBMR: Engin Blindé Multi Role (France’s multi-role armoured vehicle programme)

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First firing of MMP from a Jaguar armoured vehicle
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