Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Manturov spoke about the possibility of export deliveries of a two-seat version of the Su-57

Vladislav Perminov 



November 14, 2021 11:26 pm

Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, in an interview with RT, spoke about the possibility of export deliveries of a two-seat version of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet.

© RIA Novosti / Pavel Bednyakov

“We always strive to find compromises with foreign buyers based on what the needs are and what the technical capabilities are to fulfill these requests. Of course, if we are talking about a two-seat version of the Su-57, such a request is on the agenda, we have carried out the appropriate study, we can confirm the appropriate possibility, if there is a serious, as they say, not a request, but a serious decision, ”Manturov said.

Earlier, the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of Russia, Dmitry Shugaev, told RT about the Checkmate light single-engine fighter, also called the Su-75.

The head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Yuri Slyusar, at the Dubai Airshow in the UAE  spoke about plans for the serial production of the  Checkmate fifth-generation single-engine fighter jet .

#####


Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 15 November 2021

Calidus Unveils Giant Attack Aircraft

(c) Mikhail Zherdev via bmpd.livejournal.com


Calidus Unveils Giant Attack Aircraft | Defense News: Aviation International News

by David Donald - November 14, 2021, 10:21 PM

A mockup of the Calidus B-350 turboprop sits on the Dubai Airshow static park.

One of the big surprises at the Dubai Airshow proved to be the public unveiling of the mock-up of the Calidus B-350, a large turboprop-powered attack aircraft. Equipped with 12 underwing hardpoints, the B-350 can carry a huge array of weaponry, ranging from precision-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

The B-350 follows on from the Novaer-designed Calidus B-250, which appeared at Dubai in 2017 and is on show again this year. The much larger B-350 takes the turboprop trainer/attack/counter-insurgency aircraft to a whole new level. Power comes from a 2,600-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop and the wingspan extends more than 50 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is in the region of 9 tonnes. As well as the 12 hardpoints, the B-350 has under-fuselage carriage points for sensors, including a large multi-sensor targeting/surveillance turret, and radar/electronic warfare antennas.

The plethora of wing stores and powerful engine have drawn comparisons with the legendary Douglas Skyraider of Vietnam war fame. However, the two-seat B-350 is a thoroughly 21st-century aircraft. Like the B-250, it is mostly constructed of carbon-fiber composites.

Powered by a 1,600-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68, the earlier B-250 is also an advanced/weapons trainer and light attack platform akin to the AT-6 Wolverine and AT-29 Super Tucano. It has seven hardpoints for up to 3,960 pounds of stores and can carry an electro-optic/infrared targeting turret. At the 2019 Dubai Airshow, the UAE announced an order for 24.

Calidus is also marketing the B-250T, a dedicated trainer version with a 950-shp PT6A-62 engine. The company markets the aircraft as both a basic and advanced training vehicle, with virtual training functions such as radar and sensor simulation, simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, and night vision goggle compatibility offered to meet advanced training requirements.


#####

(full-size mock-up, left) and Calidus B-250 (prototype, right) of the Emirati group Calidus LLC in the prepared exposition of the international air show Dubai Airshow 2021. Dubai (UAE), 11/13/2021 (c) Mikhail Zherdev Design images of the combat turboprop aircraft Calidus B-350 of the Emirati group Calidus LLC (c) Calidus LLC (via CHARVÁT magazin)


Calidus B-250: Details
Posted by at No comments:

Royal Thai Air Force Awards Contract for Fleet of Beechcraft AT-6 Aircraft, Becomes Int'l Launch Customer for Latest USAF Light Attack Aircraft

Nick Challoner


Royal Thai Air Force Awards Contract for Fleet of Beechcraft AT-6 Aircraft, Becomes International Launch Customer for Latest USAF Light Attack Aircraft | Business Wire

From left to right: Thomas Hammoor, president and chief executive officer of Textron Aviation Defense LLC, hosts the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Marshal Pongsawat Jantasarn, Chairman of the RTAF Procurement Committee, for the signing of the official Thai contract procuring a fleet of 12 Beechcraft AT-6TH aircraft. Witnessing the contract signing are Thomas Webster, Textron Aviation Defense regional sales director for Asia Pacific, and RTAF Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya. (Photo: Business Wire)
 

November 13, 2021 10:11 PM Eastern Standard Time

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Aviation Defense LLC today announced a $143 million contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for an Integrated System in support of the 41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. The historic contract — for eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft, ground support equipment, spare parts, training and other equipment — establishes Thailand as the international launch customer for the USAF’s latest light attack aircraft. The work in support of this procurement will take place at the company’s Wichita, Kansas facilities.

“We are honored the Royal Thai Air Force has competitively selected the Beechcraft AT-6 to conduct a broad array of missions in support of its border security and its anti-smuggling, counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking operations”

The Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

“We are honored the Royal Thai Air Force has competitively selected the Beechcraft AT-6 to conduct a broad array of missions in support of its border security and its anti-smuggling, counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking operations,” said Thomas Hammoor, president and chief executive officer of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “The RTAF is a key U.S. security ally and operator of one of the most advanced air forces in Asia Pacific. Its extensive market research and stringent procurement process sought the alignment of best cost, schedule, and performance to replace its existing fleet of aging Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft and advance the capabilities of its fleet with the latest technology.”

The contract for the AT-6 — designated the Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand — supports the modernization and interoperability objectives at the forefront of the mutual defense cooperation between the U.S. and Thailand. The contract also contributes to the growth of Thailand’s aerospace industry detailed in the 10-year Royal Thai Air Force Purchase and Development (P&D) Plan, complies with requirements set forth by the Thai National Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) and empowers RTAF light attack aircrew with a vital technological advantage.

“RTAF pilots and concerned parties found the attributes of the AT-6 procurement program extremely favorable,” stated AM Pongsawat Jantasarn, RTAF’s chairman of the procurement committee. “It will also benefit both Thai and U.S. mutual interests, strengthening the enduring strategic partnership between our nations.”

The contract signing, witnessed by RTAF Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya, aligns the procurement with the Thai government’s S-Curve 11 strategy — a program that pioneers development of the Thai domestic defense industry, cultivates diversity and supports involvement across foreign and Thai companies.

The Beechcraft AT-6TH becomes the second RTAF procurement contracted in support of S-Curve 11. The first procurement under the new strategy was the Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II, awarded in 2020. The Ministry of Defense supports the S-Curve 11 strategy and the two procurements.

Textron Aviation Defense training of RTAF maintenance professionals is set to begin in Thailand in 2023, while pilot training is set to begin in Wichita in 2024. The Beechcraft AT-6TH will join the Royal Thai fleet in 2024.

About the Beechcraft AT-6TH & Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine

Purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO) missions, the high performance, low risk Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine capitalizes on the proven heritage of the T-6 Texan II and delivers 4th generation capabilities at 2nd generation acquisition, operating and sustainment costs. The U.S. Air Force is the first U.S. operator of the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine and Thailand is the first international operator.

About the Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II & Beechcraft T-6C Texan II

Purpose-built for a wide range of capabilities, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II prepares military pilots for real world missions. Tens of thousands of aviators worldwide have begun their aviation careers in the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II. Textron Aviation Defense designed each training capability – from initial pilot screens to advanced operational training – to support military requirements, equipping pilots with the expertise and confidence to graduate and achieve success in their next phase of training. In operation across two NATO military flight schools and 12 nations, the global fleet of nearly 1,000 T-6s has surpassed 4.6 million flight hours and achieves daily readiness rates of up to 91% among the international T-6 fleet. Thailand is the first Asian nation and the eleventh international fleet operator of the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II.


Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, 14 November 2021

Russia has strengthened the air defense of Kaliningrad with the longest-range anti-aircraft missiles

mil.ru


Russia has strengthened the air defense of Kaliningrad with the longest-range anti-aircraft missiles



In the West, they are again talking about the strengthening of the "Russian military clique", including in the Kaliningrad region of Russia. On social networks, "analysts" from NATO countries are discussing the addition of Russian air defense systems to the ranks.

According to them, the Russian Federation has strengthened the air defense of Kaliningrad with the most long-range anti-aircraft missiles. Allegedly, one of the S-400 air defense systems divisions in the 183rd Guards Molodechno of the Order of Alexander Nevsky anti-aircraft missile regiment was replenished with two 51P6A launchers (PU), armed with anti-aircraft guided missiles of over-the-horizon interception 40N6. At the same time, transport and launch containers (TPK) were removed from them. These missiles can hit targets at ranges of up to 400 km. A satellite image was provided as evidence.


The 183rd air defense missile regiment is part of the 44th air defense division of the Baltic Fleet Coastal Forces (Gvardeysk), which also includes the 1545th air defense missile regiment and the 81st radio technical regiment. As of the beginning of 2019, the Russian group in the semi-exclave had a total of six deployed S-400 divisions and two S-300PS divisions. At the same time, the number of non-deployed, but located in the region, air defense systems is unknown.


In addition, the 568th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 28042, Samara) was reinforced. It was replenished with one PU 51P6A. At the same time, the TPK with 40N6 missiles was also removed. The regiment is part of the 76th Air Defense Division, which is an integral part of the 14th Air Force and Air Defense Army (Central Military District).

Photos used: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation


Posted by at No comments:

Antonov postponed the start of An-178 flight tests: what is known

Steve Lynes



November 12, 2021 at 10:59 PM  

Photo: Ukroboronprom

According to journalists, tests will begin next spring. The reason for this is the unavailability of the aircraft: it has no avionics and no engines installed.

The first test flight of the An-178 aircraft, which is now actively being built for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was postponed from the original date. It is reported by Defense Express.

During a press conference, Antonov Logistics SALIS Director Andrei Chernyavsky said that the first test flight will begin in the spring of 2022 . At the same time, the portfolio of orders for the An-178 is complete.

"The portfolio of orders for the construction of the An-178 aircraft is full. One has only to complete the construction of these three An-178s ordered by the Ministry of Defense," Chernyavsky said.

As the newspaper writes, the general director of Ukroboronprom, Yuri Gusev, said in May that the test flight would be in 6-8 months . It turns out about November - January 2022. At the same time, the general director of the state concern mentioned that the aircraft fuselage was assembled in a record 5 months. His words were supported by the general director of Antonov.

A month later, the general director of Antonov, Sergei Bychkov, also shifted the timing of the first flight from November-January to the first quarter of 2022. At the end of next year, it should already be transferred to the Ministry of Defense.

Reporters also note that as of September 2021, the aircraft does not look ready for flight tests. At the moment, according to Gusev, the plane is "about 80% ready." At the same time, the airframe, engines, avionics and a significant part of the internal systems were not even completely assembled from the aircraft.

Avionics and aircraft control systems in the An-178 cockpit are invisible inside the aircraft.

Recall that all tests will be carried out on the first An-178. To certify an aircraft, you need to make about 600 flights . It is also emphasized that all three aircraft will be built without Russian parts, the share of which reached 54%.


Posted by at No comments:

Shipyard to christen Navy submarine USS New Jersey

USS Virginia (SSN 774) / U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason J. Perry-Released



Author: Mike Gooding

Published: 5:48 PM EST November 12, 2021
Updated: 10:40 AM EST November 13, 2021


NEWPORT NEWS, Va. —

The ceremony is set to begin at 11 a.m. on November 13. To watch it, click here.
Virginia's largest industrial employer is about to reach another important milestone.

On Saturday, at Newport News Shipbuilding, they'll christen the Navy's newest and most technologically advanced attack submarine: the future USS New Jersey.

When she is eventually commissioned, hopefully in 2022, the New Jersey will be the 23rd Virginia-class submarine, and the 11th to be delivered from Newport News Shipbuilding.

The 377-foot-long nuclear-powered vessel was said to be 82% complete on Nov. 12.

The Navy can't wait to get another Virginia Class sub in its arsenal.

"Our biggest advantage over the legacy subs like the Los Angeles-class, really, it's the stealth, and our ability to operate quietly in all different parts of the world, in all different types of water against different adversaries," said the commanding officer, CDR Carlos Otero.

This submarine will even be different than its 22 Virginia-class predecessors.

"What's unique about New Jersey is, it's actually the first ship constructed for gender integration with a modification from the start, so, this will allow for gender-neutral crews to support the defense of the country," said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president.

The New Jersey has been under construction since March 2019. The 4,000 shipbuilders who worked on it are happy to reach the christening.

"It's an amazing milestone for us," said Foreman Patrick Veloso. "I love it when we get to this point, you know, we take a lot of pride in this." 

"It's pretty special growing up near the Battleship New Jersey, I've seen that," said engineer Nicholas Panagotopulos. "Seeing the new New Jersey is pretty special and cool."

The $3 billion Virginia-class submarines are built jointly (two per year) in a special partnership between Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.

Meanwhile, labor contract talks between Newport News Shipbuilding and the United Steelworkers Local 8888 continue, with the current agreement set to expire at midnight Sunday.

A spokesman for the union told 13News Now: "Negotiators for the union and the company are still locked in tough, tense and prolonged negotiations."

The spokesman added: "The union's bottom line hasn't changed: equity for essential shipbuilders now."

#####



Posted by at No comments:

Features of the unmanned version of Checkmate revealed

TASS



UAC: unmanned Checkmate will allow for new tactics

Photo: UAC / Globallookpress.com

The unmanned version of the Checkmate light tactical aircraft (LTS) will provide an opportunity to implement new tactical techniques. Features of the stand-alone version of Checkmate General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yuri Slyusar revealed to TASS .

He emphasized that Checkmate was originally created as the basis for a family of aircraft complexes. The aircraft will become a platform for unmanned and optionally piloted modifications.

“Unmanned modification is not just a tribute to fashion. Already at an early stage of the project, we lay in it ample opportunities for use in network-centric military operations. The aircraft will be able to exchange information and direct other aviation complexes and unmanned aerial vehicles to targets. The use of unmanned versions of the vehicle will allow, among other things, to implement new tactics, ”Slyusar said.

LTS was presented at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2021 in July. The aircraft will receive a radar station with an active phased antenna array, an electronic warfare system, as well as optical and electronic reconnaissance equipment. As the head of "Rostec" Sergey Chemezov noted , the cost of the aircraft will be from 25 to 35 million dollars.

At the presentation of the aircraft in July, Yuri Slyusar spoke about the creation of the Checkmate unmanned modification. According to him, the single-engine fighter could arouse interest in the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Only what is important to you - in the "Feed of the day" in Telegram. Subscribe

Daniil Irinin


Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)