Bell Completes Bahrain AH-1Z Program

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Bell Completes Bahrain AH-1Z Program: 

Bell completed the 12th and final AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for Bahrain. Six are already in country

 

Bell, February 20, 2023 - Fort Worth – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has completed the AH-1Z program of record (POR) for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bell delivered the final production aircraft to Naval Air Systems Command in December of 2022.

The first Bahrain AH-1Zs made their in-country debut during the Bahrain Air Show and six have been delivered in country. The final six helicopters will be prepared for shipment to Bahrain with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) before being transported to Bahrain in 2023.

“Congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on obtaining the latest generation of the AH-1Zs,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell vice president and H-1 program director. “As a leader in the region, Bahrain’s defensive capabilities will be further bolstered by the advanced technologies of the Viper.”

The completion of the Bahrain AH-1Z program of record comes on the heels of Bell completing the U.S. Marine Corps program of record, signifying two major H-1 production milestones in one year. The AH-1Z Viper is Bell’s newest generation of dedicated attack helicopters manufactured by Bell. The U.S. Marine Corps currently operates the AH-1Z around the world, taking advantage of the minimal logistics requirements for shipboard and expeditionary operations.

“Capabilities are only part of the equation when it comes to modernizing an aircraft fleet,” Deslatte added. “By ensuring the aircraft can operate with minimal logistics support, the Viper enables leaders to react with greater speed and agility to rapidly evolving operations.”

Bell continues to work with Kingdom of Bahrain on post-shipping inspections and re-assembly to guarantee configuration as defined in the FMS case. In addition to manufacturing and delivering the new Vipers, Bell will support the lifecycle of the aircraft to ensure reliability, survivability and lethality on the modern battlefield.

About Bell : Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron : Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

Source helis.com

Lockheed Martin to build electro-optical targeting systems for Bahrain, Czech Republic attack helicopters

AH-1Z Viper: Details

Lockheed’s F-35 Has Fewer Unfixed Defects as Key Test Approaches

U.S. Marine Corps photo / Sgt. Samuel Ruiz

Lockheed’s F-35 Has Fewer Unfixed Defects as Key Test Approaches - BNN Bloomberg

Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg News

(Bloomberg) -- The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Corp. have reduced the laundry list of deficiencies on the contractor’s F-35 with the fighter jet, the world’s costliest weapons program, due for a key combat simulation by mid-year.

The number of “open deficiency reports” now stands at 831, the Defense Department’s F-35 program office said, down from 845 in September 2021. Earlier last year the total stood at 864, including eight “Category 1” defects deemed the most serious to pilot safety, flight operations or both.

Five “Category 1” defects remain, but none of them are in group described as potentially jeopardizing “safety, security or another critical requirement,” according to Russell Goemaere, a spokesman for the F-35 office.

Lockheed spokesperson Laura Siebert said in a statement that “we continue to work” with the Pentagon “to address open items, with approximately 80% categorized as low priority” or “in resolution.”

In August, the F-35 program will attempt to complete a simulation of combat against the most advanced threats posed by Chinese and Russian aircraft and air defenses. The simulation has been delayed by years.

©2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Northrop Grumman Developing the Next Generation Radar for the F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Lightning II: Details

Air Guard Updates 148th Fighter Wing F-16s with Radar Pods

Air Guard Updates 148th Fighter Wing F-16s with Radar Pods > Air National Guard > Article Display

Published Feb. 2, 2023

By Audra Flanagan,

148th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DULUTH, Minn. – Subject matter experts from Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command, the Air National Guard, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Reserve Test Center and the 148th Fighter Wing exercised end-to-end employment of the recently fielded AN/ASQ-236 radar pod and planned how the Air National Guard will operationalize the pods for all ANG F-16 fighter aircraft.

The exercise Jan. 24-26 followed months of modifications to the aircraft, software and support equipment. The 148th Fighter Wing was the first to accomplish all of the requirements for the F16 operational fleet.

The AN/ASQ-236 pod is an externally mounted Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) pod that provides detailed maps for surveillance, coordinate generation and bomb impact assessment. The pod enables combat air forces to geo-locate points of interest day or night in adverse weather. It complements the recent fielding of the APG-83 AESA Fire Control Radar by the 148th Maintenance Group.

After Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. Air Force recognized the need for an all-weather precision geo-location and reconnaissance system with the reliability inherent in AESA radars. The Air Force and Northrop Grumman designed, fabricated and tested the system now known as the AN/ASQ-236. The pod is already operational on the F-15E Strike Eagle.

The 148th Fighter Wing, which flies the Block 50 F-16CM, has been designated as the Air National Guard’s center for excellence for the AN/ASQ-236.

“As the center of excellence, the 148th will retain expertise in the loading, distribution, training and employment of the AN/ASQ-236 and the capabilities it brings to the warfighter,” said Col. Nathan Aysta, 148th Fighter Wing commander.

The team of experts from operations and maintenance had clear objectives for the week-long visit, including installing the ASQ-236 and validating flight operations on Post-Block F-16s using unique software programs.

“Pilots were trained by AATC subject matter experts on the pod’s software and aircraft systems integration, including troubleshooting and emergency procedures management,” said Maj. Michael Kuzmuk, chief of wing weapons for the 148th Fighter Wing. “Additionally, we trained to and refined best practices for mission planning and post-flight analysis, which included post-mission intelligence distribution.”

Aircraft armament systems specialists, alongside AN/ASQ-236 program managers, installed the pylons for the pod, while fighter aircraft integrated avionics specialists installed the AN/ASQ-236.

Kuzmuk flew the first Post-Block F-16 with the AN/ASQ-236 Jan. 26.

“This effort has been ongoing for many years,” said Annette Becker, F-16 program manager assigned to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. “The continued partnerships, successful execution and effective cross-talk have established courses of action for the Air National Guard to operationalize the AN/ASQ-236.”

AN/ASQ-236 pod

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U.S. Air National Guard recommend fielding Leonardo’s BriteCloud 218 decoy after successfully completing an extensive US Defense Department test programme

F-16C/D: Detail

Nexter has been awarded a new order for renovated Leclerc tanks

SHAPE NATO

NEXTER HAS BEEN AWARDED A NEW ORDER FOR RENOVATED LECLERC TANKS | Defense Arabia

On 29 December 2022, the French defense procurement agency (DGA) awarded Nexter an order for 50 renovated Leclerc tanks (XLR). Industrial qualification tests are continuing in close collaboration with the DGA and the French army. A first prototype tank was delivered to the DGA at the end of 2022, and the first 18 operational tanks will be delivered to the Army in 2023, according to the planning of the renovation contract awarded to Nexter on 1 June 2021.

A renovated tank integrated into the SCORPION collaborative warfare system

The first objective of this renovation is to integrate the Leclerc main battle tank, known as “XLR”, into the SCORPION collaborative warfare system with a new combat information system (SICS). The XLR is equipped with the CONTACT radio and the vetronics common to SCORPION vehicles. In addition, its protection and aggression capabilities are raised to the highest level, thanks to:

• Enhanced protection against mines and rockets;
• The addition of a 7.62 mm remotely operated turret for urban combat;
• The development of a new fire control system with the ability to fire ammunition with a programmable effect or trigger.

The Leclerc tank, operational since 1993

The Leclerc main battle tank has been deployed by the French Army in overseas operations in Lebanon, Estonia and very recently in Romania. Nexter has been maintaining it in operational condition in the Army’s training parks since the implementation of a vertical support contract in 2010.

The Leclerc tank is a 3rd generation 60-ton class tank, manufactured by Nexter in Roanne until July 2008. Its crew is composed of 3 operators: the tank commander, the gunner and the pilot. It is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun and a 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun. 200 Leclerc tanks will be renovated for the Army by 2029.

After Rafales, Now AUKUS Snubbed France Likely To Offer Its Leclerc Main Battle To Indian Army -YouTube

Leclerc Main Battle Tank: Details

UAC announced a new flight of a deeply modernized "strategist" Tu-95MSM

Александр Шипиленко

ОАК сообщила о новом полете глубоко модернизированного "стратега" Ту-95МСМ -

Moscow. January 16th. Interfax-AVN - A prototype of the deeply modernized Tu-95MSM strategic bomber has made another flight, the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) reported.

      "As part of the test program, another flight of a deeply modernized Tu-95MSM missile carrier took place. During the flight, the necessary checks of systems and equipment were carried out," the press service said.

     As a result of the modernization jointly carried out by Tupolev and TANTK im. Beriev, the efficiency and reliability of the aircraft will increase significantly, the press service reported.

     Tu-95MSM is a prototype strategic bomber, a new modification of the world's fastest turboprop bomber Tu-95MS.

Tu-95MS / MSM Strategic Bomber: Details

Biden administration plans to ask Congress to approve F-16 sale to Turkey - Panorama

Philip Taylor

Biden administration plans to ask Congress to approve F-16 sale to Turkey - Panorama | Armenian news

The Biden administration plans to ask Congress to approve a $20bn sale of new F-16 jet fighters to Turkey alongside a separate sale of next-generation F-35 jets to Greece, in one of the largest weapons sales in recent years, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

According to US officials, the arms sale is contingent upon Turkey agreeing to Sweden and Finland's accession to Nato. Turkey has held off on agreeing to their joining the alliance over what it claims is their support for Kurdish militants, and Sweden last week said it cannot fulfill all of Turkey's demands, Middle East Eye said.

Next week Congress is expected to be notified of the deal at the same time Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visits Washington.

The sale to Turkey is larger than expected. Turkey would receive 40 new aircraft and kits to modernise 79 of its existing F-16 fleet, according to unnamed officials cited by the WSJ, in addition to 900 air-to-air missiles and 800 bombs.

Congress will receive notification of the sale at the same time it is notified of a separate sale of at least 30 new F-35 fighter jets to Greece. The Greek government requested the sale in June 2022.

While officials told the WSJ the timing of the sales was a coincidence, the deals underscore how the Biden administration has tried to juggle between two key Nato allies in the Eastern Mediterranean amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Source Panorama.am

US may approve Turkey's request for the purchase of F-16 fighters, media write

F-16 Fighting Falcon: Details

Elbit Systems Awarded a $180 Million Contract From the Israeli MOD to Provide a new Mission Training Center for its F-16 Fleet

NickJ 1972

Elbit Systems Awarded a $180 Million Contract From the Israeli MOD to Provide a new Mission Training Center for its F-16 Fleet | Elbit Systems: 

Haifa, Israel, January 10, 2023 – Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) announced today that it was awarded a contract in an amount of approximately $180 million from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMoD) to provide, operate and maintain the new Mission Training Center (MTC) for the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) F-16 fleet. The contract will be delivered over a three-year period with an additional fifteen year period that will include operation and maintenance services.

The new Mission Training Center will be added to the existing MTC, that will be upgraded as part of the contract. Both MTCs will improve the quality of aircrew training, doubling the number of training sorties for the IAF’s F-16 and F-15 aircrew. The Air Force’s new MTC will include ten simulators with advanced high resolution displays, accurate weapon simulation and Elbit’s arena generator, that combine to enable simulation of both current and future battlefield environments.

Elbit Systems Mission Training Center

Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, commented: “Elbit Systems appreciates the strong partnership and the confidence of the IMoD and the IDF. Armed forces around the world are reshaping their training capabilities while striving to improve combat readiness and efficiency. This contract award emphasizes Elbit Systems’ leading position as a provider of advanced mission training systems.”

F-16C/D: Details

Northrop Grumman Developing the Next Generation Radar for the F-35 Lightning II

Calum John

Northrop Grumman Developing the Next Generation Radar for the F-35 Lightning II | Northrop Grumman

BALTIMORE – Jan. 11, 2023 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is developing AN/APG-85, an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the F-35 Lightning II. Northrop Grumman currently manufactures the AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar, the cornerstone to the F-35 Lightning II's sensor suite.

Northrop Grumman is developing the next generation radar for the F-35 Lightning II. Credit: Northrop Grumman

The AN/APG-85 is an advanced multifunction sensor that will be compatible with all variants of the F-35 aircraft and will be capable of defeating current and projected adversarial air and surface threats.

The development and integration of APG-85 will incorporate some of the latest technologies available and help ensure air superiority. This advanced sensor will provide unparalleled battlespace situational awareness that translates into platform lethality, effectiveness and survivability.

Northrop Grumman plays a key role in the development, modernization, sustainment and production of the F-35. In addition to producing the AN/APG-85 and AN/APG-81 radars, the company manufactures the center fuselage and wing skins for the aircraft, produces and maintains several sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies.

Magellan Aerospace Signs Agreement With BAE for F-35 Aircraft Assemblies

F-35 Lightning II: Details

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced the flight of MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors over the Pacific Ocean

Nik Pilgrim

Минобороны РФ сообщило о полете истребителей-перехватчиков МиГ-31БМ над Тихим океаном -

MiG-31BM         press service of the VVO

Moscow. January 8. Interfax-AVN - Two MiG-31BM interceptor fighters based in Kamchatka have flown over the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

      "Pilots of the MiG-31BM high-altitude interceptor fighters practiced their skills in performing flights at low temperatures with instrument piloting in the absence of visible landmarks," the military department's website said in a statement.

     "The main task during the event was to improve the skills of performing the assigned tasks by the crews of the MiG-31BM fighters when on combat duty for air defense in the regions of the Far North," the ministry said.

     The MiG-31 (NATO codification: Foxhound - "Foxhound") is a two-seat long-range supersonic fighter-interceptor designed for long-term patrols and combating high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, strategic bombers and low-flying targets. The aircraft is capable of simultaneously hitting 6 and tracking up to 10 air targets.

The Ukrainian command announced the arrival of "Daggers" on military targets in Vinnitsa

Mikoyan MiG-31: Details

Air Force test fires missiles on the new F-15EX weapons stations

Sunil Gupta

Air Force test fires missiles on the new F-15EX weapons stations

The upgraded F-15EX can carry up to four more air-to-air missiles than its predecessor.

BY MAX HAUPTMAN | PUBLISHED JAN 4, 2023 1:33 PM

 

Flying locally over the Gulf of Mexico, two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft launched missiles from their new weapon stations, known as Stations 1 and 9, on November 29, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo).

The Air Force’s new F-15EX Eagle II conducted its first successful missile launch from the two new weapons stations that are part of the aircraft’s significant upgrades during a recent flight over the Gulf of Mexico.

During the test, conducted on Nov. 29, 2022, at the Eglin Test and Training Complex, two F-15EXs fired an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile from the aircraft’s new weapons stations. The two new weapons stations will allow the F-15EX to carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles, four more than the F-15C/D Eagles, which operate today.

“Having been a part of the Eglin F-15EX team from day one, it’s exciting to see the progress made and new milestones achieved as we work to field the most combat-capable F-15EX,” said Maj. Brett Hughes, who fired the AIM-120.

Development of the F-15EX was first announced in 2018, with the Air Force granting a $1.2 billion contract for eight aircraft in 2020. It took its first flight in February 2021. The Eagle II conducted its first successful missile launch in January 2022, when one of the test aircraft from the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida fired an AIM-120D missile at a BQM-167 aerial target drone.

Designed to replace the Air Force’s aging fleet of F-15C/D fighters, the F-15EX contains numerous upgrades to just about every aspect of the aircraft, including a new electronic warfare system, radar, and fly-by-wire controls. It also significantly upgrades the amount of ordnance the aircraft can carry with the addition of the two new weapons mounts, which are located toward the wing tips. This allows the aircraft to carry up to four additional air-to-air missiles — 12 in total — such as the AIM-120D. That missile has an estimated range of 75 miles, and possibly up to 100 miles, and was used for what the Air Force called the “the longest known air-to-air missile shot to date,” during a March 2021 test fire.

“The F-15EX is an incredible addition to the USAF inventory. This event, executed by a top-notch team of test pilots, engineers, and experts, proves yet again the F-15EX will be ready if, and when, our adversaries challenge our nation’s interests,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Wee, commander of the Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force.

Following this successful demonstration of the aircraft’s expanded missile capability, the F-15EX will continue undergoing operational testing before the jets begin being delivered to units later this year.

Air National Guard director wants boost to F-15EX buy

F-15E ‘Strike’ Eagle / F-15 Eagle II: Details