The Russian Army will buy 18 Czech L-410s for the Special Forces

The Russian Army will buy 18 Czech L-410s. They will be assembled in Ekaterinburg

25. 12. 2017

The Russian Ministry of Defense will buy 18 L-410s of Czech origin, designed for the needs of special forces of the army. During a visit to the Yekaterinburg assembly plant on Monday, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said.

The army wants aircraft to adjust for difficult climatic conditions. "We have a firm contract for 18 aircraft. We plan to use modifications for landing on the water and on the snow for the needs of special operations operations, "said Deputy Borisov, according to TASS.

The assembly hall in Ekaterinburg was visited by President Milos Zeman during his November voyage to Russia. Chief Executive Officer Vadim Badech said he was preparing to build a new assembly operation to ensure a stable supply of aircraft to the Russian Federation. The departments of the Kunov company, Aercraft Industries, which manufactures the L-410 aircraft, have long been concerned about the shift of machine production to Russia. According to them, the Russian owner of the company is seeking a move.

The Czech L-410 aircraft are installed in the Ekaterinburg plant on the basis of the Aircraft Industries contract with Ural Civil Aviation (UZGA), which is a 100% owner of the former Kunovice company since 2013. The agreement for cooperation with UZGA was signed by the Russian owner of the Kunovice firm in July 2015.

The factory in Ekaterinburg wants to modernize the airplane, according to TASS. It involves the replacement of on-board equipment for Russian production systems and the reconstruction of the chassis for landing on snow and water. The aircraft should be able to land on a soft surface outside the standard runway.

Translated by Google - Original post: ceskatelevize.cz

L 410 UVP-E20

The all-metal, high-wing twin turboprop commuter in serial production, L 410 UVP-E20 aircraft is powered by two GE H80-200 engines and AV-725 propellers. The aircraft is intended for transport of up to 19 passengers, cargo or for special missions. The L 410 family aircraft are successfully operating in more than 50 countries on five continents; the largest part was shipped to Russia and then to Africa, Southeast Asia, South America and Europe. So far, over 1,200 aircraft in the L 410 series have been produced.

let.cz

The currently produced model L 410 UVP-E20 is popular for its excellent flight characteristics and has a number of advantages:

• Ability to land and to take off on short unpaved runways (STOL capabilities)
• Easy handling and low operating and maintenance costs
• Superb “hot and high” performance
• Ability to operate under extreme climatic conditions ranging from -50°C to +50°C
• Durable, rectractable landing gear
• Outstanding versatility with a number of quick change kits
• Large luggage compartment
• An excellent safety record
• The most spacious passenger cabin in its category

let.cz

The L 410 aircraft has been in production for over forty years and is successful primarily due to its safety and reliability.

let.cz

The L 410 UVP-E20 has been certified on the basis of FAR 23 regulation (Amendment 41) by the EASA and FAA.

GE H80-200 engine

Source: let.cz

F-35 may see combat in 2018

Airwolfhound, Flickr

US Marines are deploying the tech-heavy fighter to potential combat zones.

Jon Fingas, @jonfingas

After a very long and problematic development process, the F-35 Lightning II is about to serve on the front lines. The US Marine Corps is deploying the F-35B (the short takeoff and vertical landing variant) to ships in the Central and Pacific Command theaters in the spring and summer of 2018. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is traveling aboard the USS Essex, which is headed to the Middle East, while the 31st will be attached to the USS Wasp and might head to the coast of North Korea.

While it wouldn't exactly be heartening news if the F-35 did have to see combat, it would put the multi-role stealth fighter's many technological systems to the test. The B's clever STOVL system is its centerpiece, letting it operate from Marine ships and bases that don't have the space for conventional aircraft. It's also a pioneer inside the cockpit, with giant touchscreen displays and an in-helmet display that replaces the conventional HUD. Basically: where the F-22 is a relatively familiar design in some respects, the F-35 is more of a clean break.

The Marines will eventually field 420 F-35s, 67 of them being the carrier-oriented F-35C. They should eventually replace combat aircraft ranging from the Harrier (the original VTOL combat jet) to the Hornet. Not everyone is as thrilled with the design, though. Its development was plagued by numerous glitches, including software bugs and hardware design flaws (including one that led to a pre-takeoff accident). Also, cost overruns and high prices have led to scaled back orders. The F-35 may be a technical marvel, but there were many, many sacrifices involved in putting it into service.

Original post: engadget.com

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Japan eyes electronic-warfare jet, could jam missile bases

Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), the "Scorpions" Red Flag 17-1: Jan. 23 to Feb. 10, 2017 Las Vegas - Nellis AFB (LSV / KLSV) USA - Nevada, February 7, 2017 Photo: TDelCoro. wikimedia.org

January 1, 2018 2:12 am JST

Remote strike potential would draw nation closer to offensive capability

TOKYO -- Japan looks to deploy electronic-warfare aircraft that can neutralize enemy air defenses and command systems remotely, blurring the line between strict self-defense and offensive base-strike capability.

The country is exploring options including Boeing's EA-18G fighter jet -- nicknamed the "Growler" -- which emits large radio pulses to jam radar and communication systems. The EA-18G also carries missiles to knock out radar facilities.

The Defense Ministry intends to write the aircraft into its Mid-Term Defense Program when that plan is revised at the end of 2018, acquiring several jets between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2023.

Electronic defenses have a range of several hundred kilometers, according to the Defense Ministry's acquisition and technology unit. If necessary, Japan could deploy the aircraft over international waters off the coast of North Korea to disable missile bases and radar facilities.

The jets also would enhance the country's so-called Anti-Access/Area Denial strategy, which aims to keep Chinese aircraft and military vessels from encroaching on Japan's surroundings. China is deploying its own electronic-warfare aircraft under the military's recently formed Strategic Support Force.

Japan is stocking up on other equipment that theoretically could be used in a strike on enemy facilities. The government will buy air-to-surface joint strike missiles from Norway in fiscal 2018, letting Japan attack targets around 500km away. The Defense Ministry also has begun researching domestic production of cruise missiles.

The ministry may overhaul Japan's Izumo-class helicopter carriers to function as aircraft carriers, altering the vessels' decks so that fighter jets can take off and land. Some also have proposed purchasing F-35B stealth fighters to work with the retrofitted ships. This cutting-edge aircraft can take off from shorter runways than others in its class.

Japan denies these acquisitions are intended to give the country offensive strike capability, holding to its policy of exclusive self-defense. The new equipment is "ultimately meant to defend Japan," a Defense Ministry official said.

The government maintains that it relies on the U.S. for the ability to strike enemy bases and that weaponry violating the defense-only policy would be "used only in the event of a catastrophic breakdown among our allies," Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera has said. But Japan's stock of such equipment could grow, unless clear guidelines are enacted that distinguish between defense and offense.

(Nikkei)

Original post: nikkei.com

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100th JF-17 Fighter built for the Pakistan Air Force

Roll-out in the Pakistani state aircraft building enterprise Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Camrah, built on it the fighter JF-17 Thunder, 30.12.2017 (c) jetfight2000

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Suhail Aman pulls out the 100th JF-17 Fighter built for the Pakistan Air Force at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra. Source: Developing Pakistan

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Suhail Aman pulls out the 100th JF-17 Fighter built for the Pakistan Air Force at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra. Source: Developing Pakistan

The 100th JF-17 fighter was built in Pakistan

According to Pakistani sources, on December 30, 2017, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Pakistan held a ceremony of rolling out the hundredth JF-17 Thunder fighter built on it.

In total, so far, the RAS company has assembled 100 JF-17 (FC-1) fighters of joint Sino-Pakistani production. The JF-17 (FC-1) fighter was created as part of a joint Chinese-Pakistani program carried out by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Company (Group) (CAC) in Chengdu and the Pakistani Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Initially, Pakistan received six flight prototypes and eight pre-production JF-17 fighters (in 2006-2008), all of which were assembled by the Chinese CAC in Chengdu.

From 2009 to the end of 2013, the RAS in Camra collected 42 JF-17 Block 1 fighters from the Chinese vehicle kits for the Pakistan Air Force. In May 2011, the Pakistan Air Force signed a contract with CAC and RAS to receive 50 modified JF-17 Block 2 fighters, supplemented in 2016 by an additional 12 JF-17 Block 2. The delivery of Block 2 aircraft to Kamra was launched in 2015. In addition, in 2015 Pakistan received the first export contract for six JF-17 Block 2 fighters from the Myanmar Air Force, and in 2017 at least three planes were ordered by Nigeria.

As a result, as of the above-mentioned news, 58 Block 2 fighters out of 71 ordered ones have already been built (in the number ordered, six contracted for Myanmar and three for Nigeria, the first cars for Myanmar were built in 2017). The annual production level of the JF-17 in the RAS in 2017 exceeded 20 cars.

To date, JF-17 fighters are equipped with four Pakistani air force squadrons: the 16th and 26th squadrons (Block 1 planes, both deployed at Peshawar airbase), and the 2nd and 14th squadrons (Block 2 airplanes, Minas airbase / Kamra). In addition, JF-17 aircraft are also used in the Combat Commanders School (CCS) of the Pakistan Air Force at the Mushaf airbase. It is assumed that in early 2018, the JF-17 Block 2 of the 2017 release will re-equip the 7th Squadron stationed at the Masrur airbase and is now equipped with former Australian fighters Dassault Mirage IIIO. Source:  bmpd.livejournal.com

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F-35 testers wrap up Weapons Delivery Accuracy tests

An Edwards AFB F-35A Lightning II fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile as part of Weapons Delivery Accuracy testing. The 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Integrated Test Force completed WDA testing in early December, which concludes a large and important part of F-35 developmental test and evaluation. (Courtesy photo by Chad Bellay/Lockheed Martin)

By Kenji Thuloweit, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs / Published December 19, 2017

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Testers from the 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed a major test milestone bringing the F-35 Lightning II’s full combat capabilities closer to the battlefield.

Weapons Delivery Accuracy (WDA) flight tests began in July 2013 and testing wrapped up earlier this month. The WDA portion of the F-35 developmental test and evaluation mission ensures the fifth-generation fighter’s weapons system can deliver lethal ordnance both air-to-air and air-to-ground using the jet’s warfighting Block 3F software.

The ITF used all three F-35 variants and delivered air-to-air missiles including AIM-120s, the AIM-9X and the United Kingdom’s Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile. The WDA tests also confirmed air-to-ground delivery of the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb, GBU-39 small diameter bomb, GBU-12, GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon.

“Weapons delivery accuracy tests are important, because without proof that the F-35 can actually drop these weapons where we need them to go, then the F-35 is just an information-gathering system,” said Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, 461st FLTS commander and F-35 ITF director. “The F-35 proved it was extremely capable in delivering these weapons where we wanted it and how we wanted it delivered. These are the most complicated and intricate missions that we had and the jet did extremely well.”

Hamilton said the air-to-air accuracy tests finished in August with air-to-ground tests ending in October. The F-35 ITF then capped off WDA tests by completing testing on the F-35’s GAU-22 25mm gun at the beginning of December. The WDA gun tests included the Air Force’s A variant where the gun is internal carried and on the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s B and C variants, which employ a gun pod beneath the jet.

Each weapon test required multiple missions including software development, “dry runs” and then the actual weapon release. Not including the gun, Hamilton said the F-35 ITF delivered 55 weapons during WDA testing, which was mainly done over the military sea range off the California coast and at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California.

Maj. Jonathan Gilbert, 461st FLTS, completed the final air-to-ground WDA test as a new test pilot to the F-35 Integrated Test Force.

“I didn't even know it was a milestone, I just knew I was dropping a weapon,” said Gilbert. “It wasn't until after that I felt the excitement from the team and the squadron to close out the WDA program. It is a credit to the team and the planning as it did not appear this would be achievable in the time the squadron accomplished it in, but yet they were able to complete it. I just had the pleasure of dropping the last one.”

Hamilton said the F-35 Joint Program Office analyzes the data from all the WDA tests and any upgrades to the F-35 mission systems software will be sent out to the F-35 operational fleet.

“When they get their 3F software, the one that is going to be productionized for full 3F capability, [the fleet] will be confident they can load these weapons and drop them on the target they’re selecting,” Hamilton said.

The F-35 Integrated Test Force, operating at both Edwards AFB and at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, continues to conduct developmental flight test for the Defense Department’s F-35 Joint Program Office.  Ongoing testing at Edwards AFB includes mission effectiveness testing, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime interdiction, and offensive and defensive air-to-air combat testing.

“The ITF takes these extremely challenging and intricate data requirements and then finds a way to coordinate with multiple outside agencies, drones, tankers, ranges and basically conduct these missions and make them happen in a historical manner,” said Hamilton. “No one before them has ever been able to pull off executing weapons deliveries like the individuals in the ITF.”

Original post: af.mil

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FA-50s fly on patrol ahead of PyeongChang Olympics: Air Force

A three-plane formation of FA-50 fighter jets flies on patrol near the Olympic Stadium in PyeongChang on Jan. 1, 2018. (Yonhap)

2018/01/01 10:40

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- A formation of three fighter jets flew on patrol over the Korean Peninsula as part of a New Year's Day celebration and to highlight the country's aspirations for a successful PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games slated for next month, the Air Force said Monday.

The FA-50 light attack fighters from the 8th Combat Air Wing based in Wonju, Gangwon Province, made a flight, it said. PyeongChang is also situated in the same province.

The Air Force said it has bolstered readiness as part of efforts to ensure safety and security ahead of the start of the global sporting event. The first mega winter sports event in South Korea will be held from Feb. 9 to 25 under the slogan "Passion. Connected."

elly@yna.co.kr

(END)

Original post: yonhapnews.co.kr

KAI T-50 and FA-50: Details

Kazakh Air Force receives new Su-30SM fighters from Russia

© Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Russian Aviaton » Friday December 29, 2017 20:06 MSK

The Air Force of Kazakhstan received next batch of new Su-30SM fighters of 4++ generation from Russia, the Kazakhstan Defense Ministry says in a press release.

The fighters were received in the framework of the military-technical cooperation between  Russia and Kazakhstan.

Original post: ruaviation.com

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