Saturday, 24 July 2021

Thales to provide new avionics equipment for Dassault Aviation Rafale

Bernie C



07/22/2021
  • Thales has received an order from the French defence procurement agency (DGA) for 350 Scorpion® helmet-mounted sight and display systems and 400 digital multi-function displays.
  • The systems deliver enhanced tactical situational awareness and slave the weapon or mission systems to the pilot’s line of sight to improve the effectiveness of air operations.
  • This new equipment will further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Rafale F4 standard.


Thales has been awarded the contract to supply Scorpion® helmet-mounted sight and display systems and digital multi-function displays for all the Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft in service with the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy.

From reconnaissance to air defence and precision strike missions, the Rafale has helped ensure the success of countless military operations. But future aircrews will have to analyse more data in less time on combat missions carried out in increasingly complex environments. Coupled with the aircraft's weapon systems, the Scorpion® helmet-mounted sight and display enhances tactical situational awareness and enables crews to respond more quickly and with greater agility to a whole range of threats. Its progressive rollout on the Rafale F4 standard will be a decisive advantage in ensuring the success of airborne missions and protecting populations.

The helmet-mounted display symbology brings together information from the aircraft’s onboard sensors to help pilots perform their missions even in the most challenging situations. It creates a continuum between the cockpit and the outside world to radically improve awareness of the tactical situation. Coupled with the weapon system, the display can be used to designate and track targets anywhere in the crew's field of view in daylight and at night.

Scorpion® delivers all of these capability enhancements in addition to the protection and survivability functions of a conventional flight helmet. It is optimised for weight and balance to maximise pilot comfort and mission effectiveness.

The 400 digital multi-function displays on order will replace the lateral displays on France's in-service Rafale aircraft, which are primarily used to inform the pilot about the status of the aircraft's systems and provide imagery from its onboard sensors. The new equipment offers a larger display area, an improved touchscreen interface and greater processing power.

“When the success of a mission is decided in a fraction of a second, aircrews must be able to understand the tactical environment quickly and interact intuitively with the aircraft’s systems. We are delighted to have this opportunity to provide future Rafale F4 crews with an operational advantage that will be critical to the success of their missions, thanks to latest-generation equipment offering advanced display capabilities and enhanced interaction with the weapon systems.” Jean-Paul Ebanga, Vice President, Flight Avionics, Thales.


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Launching of new "Hracats"

YUNARMEETS ZAPOLYARYA P340 / shipspotting.com / Alex Guikalov


Состоялся спуск на воду новых Грачат

16:16 07/23/2021

Projects: 21980 "Rook"

On the eve of the celebration of the Day of the Russian Navy, at the "Zelenodolsk Plant named after A.M. Gorky", which is part of the "Ak Bars" Shipbuilding Corporation, a solemn ceremony of launching 11 and 12 serial special-purpose boats of project 21980 took place.

The head of the shipbuilding department of the Main Command of the Russian Navy Ilyas Shigapov, the head of the Executive Committee of the ZMR Ilyas Ganiev, the deputy general director for general issues of Ak Bars Holding Company Elena Aleshina, the leading consultant of the department surface ships of the Directorate for Provision of the State Defense Order of Ships and Naval Weapons of the Department of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for Provision of the State Defense Order Yulia Andreeva, Acting General Director of Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation Alesya Zaripova, General Director of A.M. Zelenodolsk Plant . Gorky "Alexander Filippov,the commander of the lead special-purpose boat of project 21980 "Nakhimovets", which is part of the Baltic Fleet, senior warrant officer Maxim Filippov and other guests of honor. 
 
Launching new "Grachat" at the Zelenodolsk plant / Photo: Korabel.ru

The head of the shipbuilding department of the Main Command of the Navy noted the reliability of the boats of the Grachonok series: " Modern equipment and high seaworthiness allow these boats to solve a wide range of tasks typical of ships of much larger displacement ."

The head of the Executive Committee of the Zelenodolsk Municipal District of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ilyas Ganiev, noted the special merit of the enterprise and all those involved in the event, stressing that despite the difficult times, the production of the necessary products of proper quality continues here. 
 
Launching new "Grachat" at the Zelenodolsk plant / Photo: Korabel.ru

Deputy Director General for General Issues of Ak Bars Holding Elena Aleshina congratulated the participants of the event on behalf of the head of the company Ivan Mikhailovich Yegorov, wishing everyone health, success in work and all the best. 

Acting General Director Alesya Ilgizarovna Zaripova spoke on behalf of the Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation: “ The shipyard is able and continues to build ships that are the pride of our fleet. to the government of Tatarstan, the Ak Bars holding company, the command of the Navy and the Ministry of Defense of Russia. May all ships proudly pass all storms and always come out only as winners . " 
 
Launching new "Grachat" at the Zelenodolsk plant / Photo: Korabel.ru

The commander of the lead boat of project 21980 "Nakhimovets" congratulated the workers of the plant and thanked them for their professionalism and efforts in building the ship: " For more than 10 years of service in the navy, the boat has proven itself only from the best side, has shown excellent seaworthiness. weapons, modern means of navigation and communication. Also, I would like to note the cozy comfortable living conditions that allow you to successfully solve the assigned tasks in isolation from the basing point, even if the declared autonomy is exceeded . " 

And, of course, the general director of the shipyard, Alexander Filippov, spoke on behalf of all the workers. He noted that the employees are doing everything possible to fulfill the state defense order with dignity and within a strictly specified time frame, traditionally observing the most advanced approaches to creating reliable and modern ships and vessels for the Navy. 

At present, already 10 units of the Grachonok project are successfully on alert in the Baltic, Black Sea fleets and the Caspian flotilla. The boats have been involved in ensuring the safety of events such as the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup. For several years in a row, on the Day of the Navy, the lead boat of project 21980 "Nakhimovets" traditionally opens the dynamic part of the display of the Main Naval Parade of the country in St. Petersburg.

The launching ceremony also included the awarding of the plant workers who made a significant contribution to the development of shipbuilding production. 

At the end of the official part of the solemn descent, the godmothers smashed bottles of champagne on the sides of the boats.

#####



Project 21980 Class Counter-Sabotage Boat: Details
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Friday, 23 July 2021

The Syrian army last night destroyed four Israeli missiles with Russian-made air defense systems

xnir



07/22/2021 22:04:38

      *** Two Israeli fighters tried to attack targets in Syria from Lebanese airspace
      
       Moscow. July 22. Interfax - The Syrian government army has used Russian-made air defense systems to destroy four missiles fired by Israeli F-16 fighters from Lebanese airspace, the Russian military said.

       "On July 22, from 01:11 to 01:19, two Israeli Air Force F-16 tactical fighters from Lebanese airspace struck four guided missiles at targets in the province of Homs," the deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties sides in Syria, Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit.

       "All four missiles were destroyed by the Syrian air defense on duty with Russian-made Buk-M2E complexes," he said.

       Syrian state television reported last night that the Syrian air defenses were repelling an Israeli attack in the skies over Homs. provided no information on casualties or damage.

       Earlier Kulit reported that on July 19 Syrian army has used air defense systems of Russian production "Carapace-C" and "Buk-M2" to reflect Israeli missile strike fighter.

       The rear admiral said that on July 19, four Israeli F-16 fighters entered Syrian airspace through the US-controlled Al Tanf zone, striking eight guided missiles at targets southeast of Aleppo. "Seven missiles were destroyed by the Syrian air defense on duty with Russian-made Pantsir-S and Buk-M2 complexes. One missile damaged the building of a research center in the village of Sfira, Aleppo province," Kulit said at the time.


Buk M2E: Details
F-16C/D: Details
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Russia may supply AWACS aircraft to one of African countries - head of Rosoboronexport

Denis Akimov



07/21/2021 13:23:48

       Zhukovsky (Moscow region). 21 July. INTERFAX - Rosoboronexport is considering the possibility of supplying a long-range radar detection aircraft (AWACS) to one of the African countries, the head of the company Alexander Mikheev told Interfax.

       Rosoboronexport is working on a foreign customer's application for the supply of this aircraft to one of the African countries, "Mikheev said, answering the agency's question.

       He did not name the country of interest, as well as the modification of the aircraft, which the customer intends to purchase.

       The Russian Armed Forces have an A-50 AWACS aircraft, which is also called "flying radar" or Russian AWACS. The main weapon of the A-50 is the Shmel radio-technical complex, which can detect targets within a radius of up to 600 km and simultaneously conduct up to 300 targets: air, ground and surface.

       In 2003, the Russian Federation signed a contract with India for the supply of three A-50EI aircraft equipped with complexes of the Israeli company ELTA Electronics Industries Phalcon. All three machines were delivered to the customer in 2010. Other export deliveries of the A-50 were not reported.

       Currently, A-50 combat aircraft are being upgraded to the A-50U level. In the course of modernization, the detection range of various types of aircraft has increased and the number of simultaneously targeted attack aircraft has increased.

       In addition, on the basis of the A-50, a promising aircraft for the A-100 radar patrol and guidance is being created, the capabilities of which will allow detecting new classes of targets, guiding and controlling strike aircraft. The first flight of the A-100 took place on November 18, 2017, and the aircraft is currently undergoing testing.


Beriev A-50/A-100 AEW&C: Details
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Thursday, 22 July 2021

French Mirage 2000 crashes in Mali, pilots eject safely

Martyn William's Aircraft



on 20th July 

Clement Charpentreau

Image : Rob Schleiffert

A French Dassault Mirage 2000D crashed in a deserted area of the region of Hombori, central Mali, on July 20, 2021. Both crew members, a pilot and a weapons system officer, ejected and were recovered, according to the French armed forces. One of them was reportedly injured and transported to Gao military base.

The aircraft, belonging to the 3rd Fighter Wing of the French Air Force, had taken off from the projected airbase (BAP) of Niamey, in Niger. 

An investigation will be initiated to clarify the cause of this incident.

The Mirage 2000 is a multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. The D (Diversified) variant is an updated version of the airframe with two seats. Based on the Mirage 2000N (Nuclear), which was until 2018 the main nuclear strike platform of the French Air Force, the Mirage 2000D was designed for long-range precision strikes using conventional weapons. As for the nuclear role, it has since been taken over by the Rafale, another Dassault aircraft.

Source aerotime.aero


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Greece receives its first Dassault Rafale fighter jet

© Dassault Aviation


Greece receives its first Dassault Rafale fighter jet

on 21st July 2021    

Clement Charpentreau

Image : © Dassault Aviation - C. Cosmao

Dassault Aviation delivered the first Rafale fighter jet to Greece during a ceremony at the Dassault Aviation Flight Test Center in Istres, southeastern France, on July 21, 2021.

“Following the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, the Rafale is now proudly flying with the Hellenic Air Force colors," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. "It will play an active role by securing Greece’s leadership as a major regional power."

This first aircraft and the five to follow will help in the training of a first batch of HAF pilots and 50 technicians at the Dassault Aviation Conversion Training Center (CTC) in Mérignac, France. Four pilots of the HAF already started training with the French Air and Space Force in April 2021 with the objective to become Rafale instructors.

A total of 18 Dassault Rafale fighter jets were ordered by the Hellenic Air Force in January 2021. The contract includes 12 used Rafale jets of the French Air Force and 6 new ones, all to the F3R standard, as well as an array of weapons that include Exocet anti-ship missiles and SCALP cruise missiles. The deduction of the fighter jets from the French Air Force fleet allowed a faster and cheaper procurement for Greece, which became the first European customer of the aircraft.

The squadron will eventually be located in Tanagra, Greece, the home base of the 114th Combat Wing of the HAF. The wing is accustomed to French-made aircraft: after flying the Mirage F1CG fighter from 1975 to 2003, it is currently equipped with the Mirage 2000-5.

Source aerotime.aero


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Wednesday, 21 July 2021

First Super Tucano Light Attackers Delivered to Nigeria

Sierra Nevada Corporation


First Super Tucano Light Attackers Delivered to Nigeria | Defense News: Aviation International News

by David Donald - July 19, 2021, 5:57 AM

One of Nigeria’s first batch of Super Tucanos displays the “jungle” camouflage in which they are being delivered. (Photo: Sierra Nevada Corporation)

A first batch of six Embraer/Sierra Nevada A-29 Super Tucano training aircraft left the U.S. on July 14 on their delivery flight to Nigeria. The journey involved stops in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Algeria. The type will be formally inducted into Nigerian Air Force (NAF) service at a ceremony to be held in August.

Following several delays, a contract for 12 A-29s was placed by the U.S. Department of Defense on behalf of Nigeria with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer Defense & Security in November 2018. The country became the 14th air force to adopt the type. The contract provides for a comprehensive ground systems, training, and support package, including field service representatives.

The aircraft are built in Embraer’s plant at Jacksonville, Florida, before modification by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) at Centennial in Colorado. A number of the first batch have been based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, for pilot and technician training. The second batch of six is due to follow around the end of the year. Initial images released by SNC depicted an aircraft in a sand-colored, two-tone "desert" scheme, but subsequent images show aircraft with a green/brown “jungle” camouflage.

Procurement of the A-29s is part of a major NAF effort to expand its attack forces as it faces Islamic State and Boko Haram insurgents, mainly in the north of the country. With its armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability, and the ability to operate from austere bases, the A-29 is an ideal platform for counter-terrorism and irregular warfare operations.

In May this year, the NAF inducted three PAC JF-17 Thunder jet fighters for “type familiarization”, with an aim of possibly procuring as many as 40 from Pakistan. Nigeria also claimed in March to have 24 Leonardo M-346FA fighter/attack jets on order, although the manufacturer subsequently denied that a firm order had been placed. In the meantime, NAF technicians have been working hard to restore a number of retired fighter/attack assets to operational status, including Dassault Alpha Jet and Aero L-39ZA Albatros armed trainers, and Chengdu F-7Ni fighters.


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