Friday, 19 August 2016

Israeli air force seeks new training helicopter



15 AUGUST, 2016  BY: ARIE EGOZI  TEL AVIV
Israel’s air force is in the final stages of selecting new rotorcraft for use by its flying academy, with the AgustaWestland AW119, Airbus Helicopters H125 and Bell Helicopter 407GXP the remaining contenders.
A selection is expected before the end of the year, with the service seeking a replacement for aged Bell 206s. After receiving basic instruction, cadets are transferred to squadrons equipped with transport or attack helicopters before commencing operational flying.
The Israel defence force is seeking to enter into a private finance initiative arrangement, via which a private company will buy the new helicopters and sell flight hours to the air force.
Elbit Systems has previously entered into several such contracts with the Israeli air force on fixed-wing trainers including the Grob Aircraft G120, and also with the Israeli police for its new H125s.

Agusta / AgustaWestland A119 / AW119 Koala


Light Utility Helicopter

The Agusta A119 respectively AW119 is a light eight-seat single-engine multi-purpose helicopter produced by the Italian manufacturer Agusta (today AgustaWestland).
The AW119 is a single-engine variant of the Agusta A109 / AW109 with skid landing gear instead of the retractable wheel landing gear.
Crew
1
Passengers
6 - 7

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A

Propulsion
1 Turboshaft Engine
Engine Model
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A
Engine Power
747 kW
1002 shp

Speed
278 km/h
150 kts
 173 mph
Service Ceiling
4.572 m
15.000 ft
Range
1.013 km
547 NM
629 mi.

Empty Weight
1.430 kg
3.153 lbs
max. Takeoff Weight
2.720 kg
5.997 lbs

Rotor Blades (main/tail)
4/2
Main Rotor Diameter
10,83 m
35 ft 6 in
Tail Rotor Diameter
1,94 m
6 ft 4 in
Rotor Disc Area
92,1 m²
991 ft²
Length (Fuselage)
11,17 m
36 ft 8 in
Length
13,01 m
42 ft 8 in
Height
3,77 m
12 ft 4 in

First Flight
April 1995
Production Status
in production

ICAO Code
A119
EASA TCDS
R.005
Data for (Version)
Agusta A119
Variants
AW119 Ke (Koala enhanced)

H125 (formerly known as AS350)


The H125 AStar is a common sight at heliports, hospital landing pads, police department operations centers and airports across the United States. With built-in maneuverability, super visibility and low vibration levels in the cabin, the H125 has earned its reputation as a true multi-mission workhorse. The H125, outfitted with a FADEC-equipped 847-shp Turbomeca Arriel 2D, provides spacious cabin while boosting the speed up to 137 knots. The H125 offers the benefits of enhanced safety and reduced workload with the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) for pilots.

At a glance

Max weight: 5,225 lbs.
Capacity: 1 pilot + 5/6
passengers
Turbomeca Arriel 2D
Powerplant: 1 Turbomeca Arriel 2D
Fast cruise: 137 kts.

External dimensions

Overall length with blade in front: 42.4 ft.
Minimum width with all blades: 35.1 ft.
Overall width with blades folded: 8.3 ft.

General data

Empty weight of standard aircraft: 2,816 lbs.
Maximum takeoff weight: 5,225 lbs.
Useful load: 2,409 lbs.
Maximum takeoff weight (with external load):6,172 lbs.
Usable fuel capacity (standard tank): 143 gal.
Powerplant: 1 Turbomeca Arriel 2D
Cabin volume: 105.94 cu. ft.
Baggage compartment volume: 35.3 cu.ft.
Standard seating capacity: 1+5

*Performance data

Never exceed speed: 155 kts.
Fast cruise speed: 133 kts.
Maximum range (with no reserves): 336 nm.
Maximum endurance (with no reserves):
4.3 hrs.
Hover in ground effect ceiling (5 ft. skid height): 11,650 ft.
Hover out of ground effect ceiling: 9,450 ft.
Takeoff power: 847 shp.
Rate of climb: 1,773 fpm

Bell Helicopter 407GXP


The Bell 407GXP is a light, single-engine, commercial helicopter derived from the Bell 407GX offering performance improvements, payload increase (50-pound) and pilot workload reduction. The helicopter is powered by a single engine Rolls-Royce M250-C47B featuring Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC). The aircraft is also equipped with new avionics features such as a hover performance calculator improvement, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours that will lower maintenance costs. The Bell 407GXP suits corporate, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), homeland security and utility helicopter roles. Bell Helicopter launched this aircraft at Heli-Expo on March 3, 2015. Deliveries are slated to start before the end of 2015.

Rolls-Royce M250-C47B


Crew: 2
Main Rotor Blades: 4
Number of Engines: 1
Passengers: 5
Dimensions
Height: 3.30 meter (130 inch)
Length: 10.6 meter (416 inch)
Main Rotor Diameter: 10.7 meter (420 inch)
Width: 2.47 meter (97 inch)
Performance
Ceiling: 6,096 meter (20,000 foot)
Max Range: 612 kilometer (330 nautical mile)
Power
Max Power at TakeOff: 701 shp
Speed
Cruise Speed: 219 kph (136 mph)
Top Speed at High Altitude: 252 kph (157 mph)
Time
Flight Endurance: 4.50 hour (270 minute)
Weight
Max Takeoff Weight: 2,722 kilogram (6,001 pound)
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Sunday, 14 August 2016

China's Fleet of 'Carrier Killer' Destroyers Is Growing



RYAN PICKRELL   5:21 PM 08/10/2016
China recently produced another “carrier killer” destroyer, the latest in an ever-expanding fleet of Chinese ships capable of threatening American naval power in the highly-contested Asia Pacific.

The eleventh People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer, an elite class of guided-missile destroyers, took to the waters just last week. As is, China already has more of these ships than Japan has Aegis destroyers.

The newest addition to China’s collection of Type 052D destroyers was built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC). This is the second ship of this type that DSIC has completed. The first is currently in the process of being outfitted for combat, and a third is already being constructed.

The primary shipyard for the Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer is the Jiangnan Shipyard, which has already produced nine destroyers of this type. Its ninth Type 052D destroyer set sail last month on July 28.

According to a recent article in The Diplomat, China had initially signaled that it would only construct 12 Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyers and then switch to the production of Type 055D multipurpose cruisers, but China has since placed an order for four more Type 052D destroyers.

The Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer, nicknamed “China’s Aegis,” fits perfectly into China’s anti-access, area-denial (AA/AD) strategy, a largely projectile-based strategy which China has been using to keep other regional actors, specifically the United States, away from Chinese territory, both actual and imagined.

The Type 052D destroyer is often referred to as a “carrier killer” because it is designed to defend against aircraft carriers, submarines, and anti-ship missiles. These ships are expected to be deployed alongside China’s only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and any future carrier units.

Each Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer is equipped with a powerful Type 346A radar system, which gives the Type 052D intelligence gathering capabilities for AA/AD activities, and a dangerous supply of YJ-18 long-range, supersonic anti-ship missiles, which were specifically designed to counter the Aegis system.

According to Deagel.com, the Type 052 Luyang III-class destroyer’s anti-ship missiles travel at Mach 0.8 for 180 kilometers, at which point the warhead separates and a solid rocket engine causes the missile to accelerate to Mach 2.5-3 for 40 kilometers. The missile can maneuver at high speeds to avoid interception by air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles.

This new class of destroyers could easily represent an extension of the Chinese AA/AD strategy in that it has the potential to facilitate the construction of a “blue water” navy with the ability to carry out “far seas defense,” which could be interpreted as the “defense” of territories claimed by and possibly belonging to other countries in the region. The PLA South Sea Fleet commissioned the Yangsha, the fleet’s fourth Type 052D back in July, and another Type 052D participated in the massive live-ammunition drill the PLAN conducted in the East China Sea last week.

As these vessels grow in number, the Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer could pose a serious challenge for the United States, Asia’s primary security guarantor.



The Type 52D is not the only ship with supersonic anti-ship missiles the Sovremenny Class (Type 956) destroyer which China operates four vessels brought from Russia are being refitted with Chinese YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missile of Mach 4.

Related articles:

Beijing Installs Supersonic Missiles on South China Sea’s Most Lethal Destroyer



Type 052D destroyer



Sovremenny Class (Type 956) destroyer


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Russia Defense Ministry Unveils First Video of Amazing Next Gen T-50 Fighter Jet



21:41 13.08.2016(updated 22:03 13.08.2016)

The Ministry of Defense released incredibly footage of the next generation T-50 fifth generation fighter jet as well as a number of other high performance Russian aircrafts to celebrate Russia’s Aerospace Forces.

On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry published video footage of the PAK FA Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter jet to commemorate Russian Aerospace Force Day.
The super stealth fighter jet reaches a max speed of 1,516MPH (2,440kmh) with an astounding battle range of 3,418 miles with maneuverability and combat characteristics leading most defense analysts to deem the aircraft better than America’s F-22 Raptor which has long held the distinction as the most fearsome warplane to grace the skies.
The PAK FA T-50 has been somewhat controversial in Moscow circles due to its hefty unit cost, exceeding $50 million per aircraft, which far exceeds the cost of other Russian aircraft although coming in at a bargain basement price and with far greater capabilities when compared to the budgetary eyesore that is America’s F-35 stealth fighter. Not only does the T-50 have superior maneuverability compared to the F-35, but it also travels at a 30% higher speed with a range over 2,000 miles farther.
Although the debate rages on in Moscow whether the battlefield benefits of high-cost stealth aircraft technology is worth the money, the Russian Aerospace Forces will have the opportunity to put an initial purchase of a dozen such aircraft to the test in operational settings allowing Russia to garner more information before making a more expansive investment in the program.
In June, the T-50 was deemed by defense industry sources to have “reached a stage where it’s combat capable and ready for mass production and for use by the Russian Aerospace Forces.”
The incredible video footage provided by the Russian Defense Ministry features not only the PAK FA Sukhoi T-50 fighter jet, but also highlights the MiG29KUB naval fighter, Yak-130 advanced jet trainer, Su-35S fighter, Su-33 naval fighter, Tu-95 strategic bomber as well as the Strizhi and Russkiye Vityazi aerobatic performance teams.
Latest related post:


Russia tests sixth-generation fighter elements on fifth-generation jet

India, Russia to invest $4 billion each in final phase of 5th-generation fighter creation


Jet Set: Russia’s T-50 Stealth Fighter ‘Ready for Mass Production’



Sukhoi Pak Fa T-50 (Su-50): https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/sukhoi-t-50-pak-fa-russia/

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Saturday, 13 August 2016

India Rejects SAAB's Offer to Develop Tejas MK1A Aircraft

Defense News


SAAB’s desperate attempt to collaborate with Indian aeronautics firm in the co-development of India’s indigenously manufactured fighter aircraft Tejas MK1A has failed to find support in the Indian government.

Manohar Parrikar, India’s Minister of Defense, said, «There is no collaboration envisaged with any European Aircraft Manufacturer for development of the Tejas Mark 1A.”

Last month, SAAB’s India head and chairman Jan Widerström said that the company was in talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to develop the Tejas MK1A. SAAB offered to set up a production line in India under ‘Make in India’ scheme and to supply the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to HAL for Tejas MK1A.

However, the Indian government is not very keen to take this proposal forward as its own Defence Research Development Organisation is locally developing AESA at a cost of $67 million dollars. This project was approved by the government in January 2012 and is likely to be completed by May 2019, with a delay of 3 years.

The Tejas MK1A is a 4.5 generation aircraft which, the government says, will not lead to the development of indigenous fifth generation aircraft. Manohar Parrikar said in Parliament, “There is a separate program between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from Indian side and M/s Rosboronexport from the Russian side for Design and Development (D&D) of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA).”

India formed its first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) — Tejas squadron on 1st July, 2016 with two LCA Initial Operational Configuration (IOC) Series Production Aircraft. A further 18 IOC configured aircraft are planned for induction by 2018-19. This will be followed by 20 more aircraft in the Final Operation Configuration (FOC) standard, which are planned for induction from year 2019.


I thought India approached Saab for assistance as they have been struggling for 2 decades with the Tejas development.  So now I guess it will take another decade!


Related post:

HAL must be modernised, if Tejas are to be saved: Admiral Arun Prakash

https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/hal-must-be-modernised-if-tejas-are-to-be-saved-admiral-arun-prakash/


Desi power: Give Tejas a break



INDIA IN TALKS WITH SWEDEN OVER NEW FIGHTER JET UPGRADE


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