Indonesia to license produce Chinese C-705 missiles

The Indonesian Navy has recently received its third KCR-40 out of a planned 16 fast missile boats, the KRI Beladau-643, after the KRI Clurit-641 and KRI Kujang-642. A fourth vessel will be delivered in November and the remaining 12 are expected in 2014.

According to First Admiral Untung Suropati, the KCR-40 boats will all be armed in 2014 with the C-705 missile imported from China. At a later stage, state aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia is expected to locally produce the C-705 missiles by 2017 or 2018.

If realized, Indonesia would be following in the footsteps of Iran, which is also producing Chinese missiles under license. Both the C-701 and C-704 are produced locally as the Kowsar and Nasr-1 respectively.

The C-705 family of cruise missiles can be launched from land, surface vessels and aircraft. It can be equipped with a modular seeker and is available in radar, television and imaging infrared versions.

The C-705 specifications depending on variant include:

• Weight: 320 kg
• Warhead: 110 kg
• Range: 140 km
• Cruise altitude: 12 m
• Seeker: radar, television, or imaging infrared
• Propulsion: turbojet with solid rocket booster

The anti-ship variant is marketed as a lighter and smaller alternative to the C-802 missile to target ships with a displacement of between 1500 and 3000 tons. The most recent version is the C-705KD.

Indonesia plans to continue with its ongoing naval modernisation with the acquisitions of major weapons systems, such as:

• submarines
• maritime patrol aircraft
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters
• light frigates
• guided missile destroyers

It has a current defense budget of 81 trillion Indonesian Rupiah or roughly $8.42 billion.


http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/01/26/third-locally-made-missile-ship-delivered.html

Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet

Russia Hands Over Upgraded Kilo Class Submarine to India

Russia has handed over the INS Sindhurakshak (S63), a Project 877 EKM / Kilo class to the Indian Navy as parrt of a contract signed in June 2010 for the refit and upgrade of the diesel-electric submarine at the Zvezdochka shipyard.

The shipyard has previously refitted 4 Indian submarines:

• INS Sindhuvir (S58)
• INS Sinduratna (S59)
• INS Sindhugosh (S55)
• INS Sindhudvhaj (S56)

The work done on the INS Sindhurakshak, which had been delivered to the Indian Navy in December 1997, includes the following modifications:

• integration of the Klub-S missile complex
• upgrading the onboard sonar system
• upgrading the communications suite
• modifing the cooling system

The Klub-S is the submarine component of the Klub missile (SS-N-27) complex.

In all, India has a total of 10 Project 877 EKM submarines, 8 of which were delivered by Russia between 1985 and 1990 and another 2 in 1997 and 2000.

Besides India and Russia, the Kilo class is in service with the navies of China, Algeria, Iran and has been ordered by Vietnam. Other variants of the Kilo class include the more modern Project 636 and Project 636M class submarine.

Specifications
Displacement:  2300 tons (surfaced)
Length: 70.0 m
Beam: 9.9 m
Draft: 6.5 m
Maxium Depth: 300 m
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
Maximum Speed: 12 knots (surfaced), 25 knots (submerged)
Maximum Range: 7500 miles (snorkel at 7 kn), 400 miles (submerged at 3 kn)
Endurance: 45 days
Complement: 52
Armament: six 533 mm torpedo tubes

http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130126/179045141/Russia-Hands-Over-Refitted-Indian-Sub.html

By DoD photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia receives another 5 Su-34 strike aircraft

The Russian Air Force has received another 5 Su-34 strike aircraft from the Novosibirsk aircraft plant and will be based at an air base in Voronezh, which had received its first 5 Su-34 aircraft last December.

The aircraft delivered are part of a contract for 32 Su-34 aircraft signed in 2008. Out of these aircraft, 6 were delivered in 2011.

Another contract for 92 Su-34 aircraft to be delivered by 2020 was signed in March 2012 to bring the total number of Su-34 aircraft ordered to 124.

The Su-34 was put into series production in 2008 and is meant to replace all Su-24 strike aircraft in the Russian Air Force and Navy.

Specifications
Crew: 2
Length: 23.34 m
Wingspan: 14.7 m
Height: 6.09 m
Normal takeoff weight: 39000 kg
Maximum payload: 8000 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 45100 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 or Mach 1.2 at sea level
Ferry range: 4000 km
Service ceiling: 15000 m
Wing loading: 629 kg/m²
Thrust/weight: 0.68
Powerplant: 2 Lyulka AL-31FM1 turbofans, 13500 kgf (132 kN) with afterburner


http://en.rian.ru/business/20130125/179017651/Sukhoi-Delivers-5-Su-34-Bombers-to-Russian-Air-Force.html

By Doomych [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Brücke-Osteuropa [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Airforce [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia Starts Work on Fifth Project 21631 Buyan Class Corvette

The Serpukhov, the fifth of the Project 21631 Buyan class missile corvette has been laid down at the Zelenodolsk shipyard. It was preceded by:

• the Grad Sviyazhsk in August 2010,
• the Uglich in July 2011,
• the Veliky Ustyug in August 2011,
• the Zelyony Dol in August 2012.

The Project 21631 is a modified version of the original Project 21630 class, of which 3 were commissioned into the Russian Navy. They are:

• the Astrakhan in September 2006,
• the Volgodonsk in December 2011,
• the Mahachkala in December 2012.

Unlike its predecessor, the Project 21631 is armed with 8 Kalibr (SS-N-27) missiles in 14UKSK Vertical Launch Cells and which replaces the A-215 Grad-M.
The 100 mm A-190 gun has been retained as is the Pozitiv-ME air/surface radar.

There are also an additional 4 3M-47 Gibka (Igla-1M) short-range anti-aircraft missiles and the original 2 AK-630 Close-In-Weapon System (CIWS) have been replaced by the improved AK-630-M2.

Specifications
Class	Project 21630	Project 21631
Displacement	550 tons	949 tons
Length	62 m	74.1 m
Beam	9.6 m	11 m
Height	6.57 m
Draft	2 m	2.6 m
Spped	29 knots	25 knots
Range	1500 miles
Endurance	10 days
Complement	29 to 26

http://en.rian.ru/business/20130125/179024032/Russian-Shipyard-Starts-Work-on-Fifth-Buyan-Corvette.html

By Vissarion [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

UK signs £14 million Brimstone missile contract with MBDA

The British Ministry of Defense has placed a £14 million or $22 million contract with MBDA Missile Systems for the delivery of air-to-ground Brimstone missiles to replenish Royal Air Force (RAF) stocks. The missiles are manufactured at Henlow, Bedfordshire and Lostock, Bolton.

The inventory of precision guided Brimstone missiles was depleted after campaigns in Afghanistan and especially Libya, where it proved highly effective in engaging moving or static targets in all-weather conditions with pin point accuracy.

The original Brimstone missile is equipped with a Millimetric Wave (mmW) radar seeker. The second version adds laser guidance to its dual-mode seeker. The mmW seeker allows it to target the most vulnerable part of the target and makes it highly resistant to jamming.

The Brimstone is fully programmable and can be used in autonomous fire-and-forget or semi-autonomous mode. The tandem shaped charge warhead is designed for low collateral damage and effective against reactive armor. Up to 3 Brimstones can be carried on a single launcher.


Specifications
Weight: 50 kg
Length: 1.8 m
Diameter: 0.18 m
Engine: Solid fuel rocket
Maximum range: 12 km
Guidance: millimetric wave radar or millimetric wave radar / laser guidance


http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/raf-brimstone-missiles-16012013

By Duch.seb [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Xian Y-20 Transport Aircraft Has First Flight on Chinese Media

The Y-20 had its first public test flight on Chinese state media for the first time. Developed by the the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Y-20 transport aircraft is to replace the Russian Ilyushin IL-76MD currently in service with the Chinese Air Force.

China originally bought 14 new and 6 used IL-76 starting in the early nineties, of which 14 are still used in the transport role. Four have been converted into KJ-2000 AEW&C aircraft and the remaining serve as test aircraft.

Further attempts to increase the number of available IL-76 airframes failed when a 2005 contract with Russia for the delivery of 34 IL-76 and 4 IL-78 refuelling aircraft could not be executed.

Only in 2010 has China been able to purchase another 10 used IL-76 airframes from Russia and Belarus, which are now in the process of being overhauled, with the first delivered this month.

To help speed up development of the Y-20, the Chinese sought assistance from the Ukrainian Antonov aircraft design bureau, with which has an extensive working relationship and which has extensive experience designing transport aircraft, including the An-124 and An-225.

Both the Y-7 and Y-8 transport aircraft currently used by the Chinese military trace their roots to aircraft originally designed by Antonov, which also helped in improving both aircraft for China.

According to Ukrainian claims, 3 design candidates were submitted to the Chinese to address their requirements for the Y-20.

• the turboprop An-70
• the An-77, a version of the An-70 with turbofans
• the An-170, a heavily modified and larger version of the An-70

The Y-20 design will address some of the shortcomings of the IL-76 design. The IL-76 fuselage and cargo hold is relatively narrow, which is a significant drawback in the transport role.

In general, most cargo tends to bulk out before they hit their weight limit. The Y-20 fuselage and cargo hold has thus been made wider and more efficient than the IL-76, allowing better cargo dimensions.

The Y-20 is also more aerodynamically efficient than the IL-76, which is a relatively outdated design. Modern composites and advanced avionics will also be incorporated into the Y-20. A supercritical wing may also be used.

The original design of the Y-20 also had to be changed to account for the increase in the weight of China's latest tank designs, which it must carry, such as the ZTZ-99A2, which comes in at around 60 tons.

The Y-20 will initially use the Russian Soloviev D-30KP2 engine, the same engine used in the IL-76MD. Three engines are in development for the Y-20:

• the WS-18 based on the D-30KP2
• the WS-20 based on the WS-10A engine
• the CJ-1000A and derivatives, which is best suited but may not be available as quickly as the previous two

Until an engine with more thrust than the D-30KP2 is available, the Y-20 will not be able to carry its maximum payload of up to 66 tons.

In the meantime, China has ordered 239 D-30 engines from Russia, 55 in 2009 and 184 in 2011. They will be used on the IL-76 and Y-20 aircraft, but also in the upgraded H-6K bomber aircraft.


http://news.cntv.cn/2013/01/26/VIDE1359192961355745.shtml

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8099537.html

Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet

First Indian C-17 transport aircraft delivered for flight testing

The first of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft has been delivered as scheduled and will now undergo flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

India signed a $1.8 billion Foreign Military Sales contract on June 15, 2012 with the United States for the delivery of 10 C-17 aircraft. India had previously purchased 6 Lockheed Martin C-130J turboprop transport aircraft.

Four more of the heavy transport C-17 aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2013, with the remaining 5 aircraft due in 2014.

Boeing has delivered 250 C-17 aircraft, 218 to the United States and the remaining 32 to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace.

Specifications
Crew: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster
Capacity: 158 troops, a M1 Abrams tank, three Strykers, or six M1117 vehicles
Payload: 77519 kg of cargo distributed at max over 18 463L master pallets Length: 53 m
Wingspan: 51.75 m
Height: 16.8 m
Empty weight: 128100 kg 
Max. takeoff weight: 265350 kg
Powerplant: 4 Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, 180 kN each
Fuel capacity: 134556 L
Cruise speed: Mach 0.76 (830 km/h)
Range: 4482 km, 10390 km with paratroops
Service ceiling: 13716 m
Takeoff run at MTOW: 2316 m
Landing distance: 1060 m


http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2568

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brett Clashman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Cambodia to Buy 12 Harbin Z-9 Helicopters From China

Cambodia will buy 12 Chinese Z-9 light utility helicopters using part of a $195 million loan, granted in late 2012 by China, as part of an effort to re-equip its armed forces according to Tea Banh, the Cambodian Defense minister. The aircraft are to be mainly used in humanitarian missions.

The Z-9 helicopter is a modified version of the licensed French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, manufactured by the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation.

The helicopter has previously been exported to a number of other countries, including Mali, which has recently been involved in an armed struggle in the northern part of the country.

Previous military aid to Cambodia by China includes the delivery of 250 vehicles, including jeeps, trucks and ambulances, free of charge to the Cambodian army in 2010.

Specifications Harbin Z-9

Crew: 1
Capacity: 9 passengers, 1900 kg payload internal, 1600 kg payload slung
Length: 11.44 m
Height: 4.01 m
Empty weight: 2050 kg
Max takeoff weight: 4100 kg
Maximum speed: 305 km/h
Cruising speed: 260 km/h
Ferry range: 1000 km with internal tank
Endurance: 5 hours
Service ceiling: 4500 m
Powerplant: 2 Zhuzhou Aeroengine Factory WZ-8A turboshaft, 848 hp each


http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/130123/cambodia-agrees-deal-buy-army-choppers-china

By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Wood [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Army (FM44-80 manual of the US army) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

KJ-2000 AWACS / AEW&C Specifications From China Media

The KJ-2000 is an Airborne Early Warning And Control (AEW&C) aircraft based on a modified Russian Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft and features a three-sided Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar from China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) housed in a radome on top of the fuselage.

The KJ-2000 was featured this month in a Chinese documentary shown on state television in honor of Wang Xiaomo, who this month had won China's top science award, the State Scientific and Technological Award, for his work, which includes the development of the KJ-2000.

According to Chinese media reports, the KJ-2000 radar is superior to that of the E-3A Sentry, IAI Phalcon and Beriev A-50.

-	KJ-2000	Beriev A-50	IAI Phalcon	E-3A Sentry
Maximum Radar Range	470 km	380 km	370 km	400 km
Number of targets tracked	60 to 100	50 to 60	100	100
Maximum Range	5500	5500	8500	7400
Maximum Speed	850	850	880	853
Maximum Endurance	12	12	12	11.5

The KJ-2000 radar is claimed to currently have the longest range in the world. Although under what conditions and Radar Cross Sections was not specified.

Only four KJ-2000 units are in active service after production was halted due to a shortage of available IL-76 airframes and a contract with Russia for the delivery of an additional 30 IL-76 aircraft fell through.

However, a recent purchase by China of ten used Il-76 aircraft from Russia and Belarus may make the IL-76 available again as a platform. The KJ-2000 is now supplemented by at least 10 KJ-200 aircraft.


http://news.cntv.cn/2013/01/18/VIDE1358481247397601.shtml

Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet

Sweden to Buy 60 Saab JAS 39 E / NG Fighter Aircraft

Sweden has decided to buy up to 60 Saab JAS 39 E fighter aircraft according to a a statement from the Swedish Defense Ministry with the first aircraft due for delivery in 2018. The Swedish parliament had last year given approval for the purchase of between 40 and 60 aircraft.

The decision to acquire the new aircraft was made on the assumption of the aircraft being acquired by a second country in addition to Sweden. Should a second buyer not materialize, the Swedish government then reserves the right to cancel the order for the Gripen E should it want to.

The fighter may be purchased by Switzerland, which is also participating in the development of the Gripen E and paying for its development. A final decision on the proposed acquisition of 22 Gripen E/F for 3.12 billion Swiss Francs has yet to be made by Switzerland.

The Gripen E/F, also known as the Gripen NG, is a much improved version of the previous Gripen C/D fighter featuring:

• More powerful engine, the F414G from General Electric
• Greater payload and internal fuel capacity 
• Two additional under-fuselage hard-points 
• New strengthened landing gear 
• New AESA radar from Selex Galileo
• Passive Infrared search and tracking sensor 
• New cockpit and avionics
• New electronic warfare (EW) suite

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/saab-idUSL6N0AM3BG20130117

By Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Chinese QLZ87 35 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

The QLZ87 was the first Automatic Grenade Launcher to be developed in China and can be operated by a single soldier. It includes both an optical sight and an iron sight.

The QLZ87 fires 35 x 32 grenades and uses 6 or 15 round drum magazines. Ammunition can include:

• DFS87 anti-personnel grenades,
• DFJ87 armor-piercing grenades,
• DFR87 incendiary grenades,
• DFN87 anti-personnel incendiary grenades,
• DFD87 smoke grenades

The QLZ87 can come in a standard light configuration or heavy configuration through an additional tripod with an elevation range of -10°-+70° and traverse range of 360°.

The QLZ87 is in service with the Chinese army and in other countries such as Bangladesh, Somalia etc.


Specifications
Action: air cooled, gas operation
Length: 1040 mm (light configuration)
Length: 1300 mm (heavy configuration) Weight: 12 kg (light configuration with optical sight)
Weight: 20 kg (heavy configuration with optical sight)
Weight tripod: 8 kg
Weight optical sight: 0.9 kg
Field of view: 11°
Magnification: 3X
Muzzle velocity: 190 m/s
Maximum range: 1750 m
Range for iron sight: 600 m
Firing mode: single, burst
Rate of fire: 15 to 20 rounds per minute (single mode)
Rate of fire: 30 to 40 rounds per minute (burst mode)
Weight drum magazine ( 6 rounds): 1.3 kg (empty) / 2.8 kg (loaded)
Weight drum magazine (15 rounds): 2.3 kg (empty) / 6.0 kg (loaded)
Grenades: 35 x 32 (0.25 kg)
Blast radius: 11 m
Armor penetration: 35 mm at 60°, 80 mm at 0°

First Airbus A400M aircraft rolled off production line for France

The first Airbus A400M has been rolled off the production line for France, where it is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2013. The A400M is a new multi-purpose military turboprop transport aircraft, that can:

• fly at higher speed and altitude than previous turboprops,
• is highly maneuverable, even at low speed,
• land on short and rough airfields,
• the cargo hold is designed to carry outsize equipment.

Specifications
Crew: 3 or 4 (2 pilots with 3rd optional, 1 loadmaster)
Payload: 37000 kg or 116 fully equipped troops / paratroops or up to 66 stretchers with 25 medical personnel
Length: 45.1 m
Wingspan: 42.4 m
Height: 14.7 m
Empty weight: 76500 kg
Max takeoff weight: 141000 kg
Fuel capacity: 50500 kg internal fuel
Max landing weight: 122000 kg
Powerplant: 4 Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop, 8250 kW each with 8-bladed, 5.3 m diameter propeller

Cruising speed: 780 km/h (Mach 0.68 to 0.72)
Initial cruise altitude at MTOW: 9000 m
Range: 3298 km at max payload (long range cruise speed, reserves as per MIL-C-5011A)
Range with 30 tonne payload: 4540 km
Range with 20 tonne payload: 6390 km
Ferry range: 8710 km
Service ceiling: 11300 m
Tactical takeoff distance: 980 m (aircraft weight of 100 ton, soft field, ISA, sea level)
Tactical landing distance: 770 m
Turning radius (ground): 28.6 m

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/240/ArtMID/681/PgrID/681/PageID/2/First-production-Airbus-Military-A400M-in-French-Air-Force-colours.aspx

By Pecon1 [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia will lay down another 2 upgraded Borey-A class SSBN submarines in 2013

This year, Russia will lay down another 2 upgraded Borey-A class / Project 955A submarines, which can carry 4 more Bulava ballistic missiles than the 16 of the previous Borey class submarines.

The first of the Borey class submarines, the Yury Dolgoruky, officially entered service with Russia's Northern Fleet on January 10. The second, the Alexander Nevsky, is undergoing sea trials and the third, the Vladimir Monomakh, was floated out on December 30.

The first of the upgraded Borey-A class, the Knyaz Vladimir, was laid down on July 2012. The second, the Alexander Suvorov, will be laid down during Navy Day celebrations on July 28 this year and the third, the Mikhail Kutuzov, will be laid down in November 2013.

The submarines are to replace all previous Project 941 and Project 667 class submarines. The Russian Navy plans to have 3 Borey class and 5 Borey-A class submarines by 2020.

http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130114/178766923/Russia_to_Lay_Down_Two_Improved_Borey_Class_Subs_in_2013.html

By Walle83 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Egypt orders 6 Airbus C295 and Kazakhstan receives first 2 C295 aircraft

Shortly after the Colombian order for the Airbus C295 transport aircraft, Egypt has also placed an order for 6 more Airbus C295 aircraft.

This third batch brings the total number of Egyptian C295 to 12. The turboprop aircraft are scheduled to be delivered from the end of 2013 onwards.

The Egyptian order brings the total number of C295 ordered to 121 in 17 countries, of which 7 are repeat customers. Meanwhile, the 2 Airbus C295 aircraft that Kazakhstan ordered last year have also been delivered.


http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/241/ArtMID/681/Egypt-signs-repeat-order-for-six-additional-C295-aircraft.aspx

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/245/ArtMID/681/Airbus-Military-delivers-first-two-C295-to-Kazakhstan.aspx

By Jwnabd [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

South Korea orders 8 AW159 AugustaWestland naval helicopters

South Korea has decided to purchase 8 AW159 helicopters from the Anglo-Italian AugustaWestland in a deal worth 600 billion South Korean won or roughly $567 million according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) making it the first export customer for the AW159.

Despite earlier reports to the contrary, the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk was the losing bidder in the selection process, where cost, technology level and off-set trade were important factors. The United States often has the advantage in South Korean competitions due to the close military alliance between the 2 countries.

According to officials, the MH-60R was disqualified mostly because it could not meet the price requested by South Korea. Previously, the DAPA had stated its determination to buy 8 helicopters for about $554 million . But in a report of a possible deal to the US Congress, the value of the MH-60R deal had been set at $1 billion.

According to Kim Seung Bok, director of maritime aircraft, the MH-60R is superior to the AW159 in terms of interoperability, which is often a deciding factor in South Korean competitions. Unlike the Wildcat, the bigger MH-60R can also conduct multiple missions simultaneously.

However, the AW159 offer was more compelling for South Korea based on cost, operational suitability and other contractual elements. Despite the losing bid, the MH-60R has recently won contracts in Denmark and Australia.The 2 helicopters may compete again in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The AW159 Wildcat is a larger and improved version of the Super Lynx, which is already in South Korean service. The multipurpose helicopter:

• carries a dipping sonar and 360 degree radar,
• can be armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and machine guns,
• can be used both in the anti-submarine and anti-surface role,
• can be adapted for various missions, including search-and-rescue.

The helicopters will be delivered between 2015 and 2016 and be stationed aboard the South Korean Navy's frigates and destroyers.

Specifications
Crew: 2 pilots
Capacity: 7 passengers, including door gunner
Length: 15.24 m
Height: 3.73 m
Max takeoff weight: 6000 kg
Powerplant: 2 × LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft, 1015 kW each
Maximum speed: 291 km/h
Range: 777 km
Ferry range: 963 km
Endurance: 1 hr 30 min (4 hr 30 min with auxiliary fuel)

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/01/15/96/0301000000AEN20130115009200315F.HTML

Taiwan to Receive First 6 AH-64E Apache Helicopters in October This Year

Taiwan will be the first country outside the United States to operate the latest Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, when it receives its first 6 in October this year. All are expected to have been delivered by July 2014.

The 6 are part of the 30 AH-64E helicopters ordered in 2008 in a deal worth $2.04 billion. The AH-64E, formerly known as the AH-64D Block III, was selected over the AH-1Z attack helicopter.

The Boeing AH-64E helicopter:

• has a crew of 2
• a length of 17.73 m
• a rotor diameter of 14.63 m
• a height of 3.87 m
• a max takeoff weight of 10433 kg
• has a maximum speed of 365 kph
• has an effective combat radius of 480 km
• has 2 GE T700-GE-701D turboshafts, 2000 shp each

The aircraft can be armed with up to 16 Hellfire missiles or up to 4 Stinger air-to-air missiles and carries a 30 mm cannon with 1200 rounds of ammunition.

The Apache attack helicopters will join the 2 squadrons of AH-1W Super Cobras Taiwan currently has in service.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/01/14/2003552496

By Los688 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Colombia orders another Airbus C295 transport aircraft

Colombia has ordered another Airbus C295 transport aircraft on top of the 5 it previously ordered. Four of these 6 are already in service with the first starting in 2008. The Colombian Air Force also operates 6 Airbus CN235-200 and 6 Airbus C212 aircraft.

The Colombian order brings the total number of C295 ordered to 115, of which 93 are in service in 15 countries. So far this year, 32 Airbus C295 and Airbus CN235 have been ordered.

The C295 is a versatile medium-sized tactical transport aircraft, which can be for a wide variety of civilian and military missions, including:

• personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation,
• casualty evacuation,
• communication and logistics duties,
• certified air-dropping capabilities,
• maritime patrol,
• environmental surveillance

 http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/238/ArtMID/681/Colombia-orders-additional-Airbus-Military-C295-transport.aspx

By Jwnabd [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

US Report Details Unresolved Issues With F-35 Program

An 18 page Pentagon report recently sent to the United States Congress has provided some details about the current state of the F-35 fighter Lightning II program, which at $396 billion makes it the most expensive weapons program in the history of the United States.

Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, is to build 3 different models of the F-35 fighter for the United States, which plans to purchase 2443 of the aircraft. In addition, the plane will likely be acquired by eight other nations that helped pay for its development, including:

• Australia, 
• Canada, 
• Denmark, 
• Italy, 
• the Netherlands, 
• Norway, 
• Turkey,
• the United kingdom 

While Lockheed Martin has reported the F-35 plan overall remains on track with continued progress on flight tests, software development, and was demonstrating exceptional stability, the highlights of the report include the following:

• the program has completed a third or 20,000 of all planned test flights and has 39,579 left to go
• certain tests planned for 2012 by Lockheed Martin were not accomplished, but overall the number of tests completed in 2012 of 1092 exceeded the number planned of 927 by performing some future tests earlier
• the F-35A completed 30 percent less tests than planned due to problems with the weapon bay doors, operating limits of the aircraft and problems with the air refuelling system, which required new instrumentation
• the F-35B for the Marine Corps has issues with the engine lift fan built by Rolls Royce, a supplier to the engine maker, Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp
• durability testing of the F-35B had to be halted after multiple cracks were found on the underside of the plane's fuselage
• the F-35C has problems with the ability to transfer video and imagery data to ships and a potentially serious problem with the coolant system
• during high-speed, high-altitude flights, the stealthy coatings peeled off on horizontal tail surfaces due to higher-than-expected temperatures
• software packages from Lockheed Martin needed to support flight tests were delayed or not complete when delivered
• both the advanced helmet and the computerized logistics system have issues that remain unresolved 
• weapons integration testing has been delayed by numerous factors, including problems with radar performance
• flight operations are currently banned within 25 miles of known lightning conditions due to issues with the system that protects the plane from fuel tank explosions caused by lightning
• the mean time between critical failures has increased and the aircraft weight has remained steady, but the aircraft's performance remains below the level expected at this point in time

Overall, the report revealed the F-35 fighter aircraft has yet to mature due the continued developmental problems of the program, which has already been restructured 3 times before to slow down production and allow continued development.


http://news.yahoo.com/pentagon-report-cites-lack-maturity-lockheed-f-35-012237872--finance.html

By U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Ahunt [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USMC [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USGov [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

By USGov [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Diehl Defense Successfully Tested IRIS-T SL Surface-to-Air Missile

A prototype of a Surface-to-Air (SAM) variant of the Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled (IRIS-T) air-to-air missile has been successfully tested in South Africa by Diehl Defense.

The validation trials of the radar-guided IRIS-T SL SAM included:

•  target cueing by external radar data
•  target acquisition after launch
•  target tracking by the missile

All test objectives were met after the missile homed in on the target drone.

The IRIS-T origins can be traced back to an agreement made where the United States would develop a new Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and its European allies, principally the United Kingdom and Germany, a new Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM).

The original ASRAAM was criticized for its manoeuvrability, especially the lack of thrust vectoring, which led Germany to abandon the ASRAAM project and develop its own IRIS-T missile. The United States would also develop its own short-range air-to-air missile, citing delays with the ASRAAM.

The result was that instead of a single replacement missile for the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, three short-range air-to-air missiles appeared:

• the ASRAAM from the United Kingdom
• the IRIS-T from Germany and partners
• the AIM-9X from the United States

The up to 30 km range IRIS-T SL is supposed to be integrated with the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) in Germany, which is being developed in collaboration with the United States and Italy.

The medium range IRIS-T SL will also be complemented by the shorter range IRIS-T SLS. Unlike the heavily modified IRIS-T SL, the surface launched IRIS-T SLS retains the basic missile body and imaging infrared seeker of the original air launched IRIS-T.

Specifications IRIS-T
Weight: 87.4 kg
Length: 2936 mm
Diameter: 127 mm
Wingspan: 447 mm
Engine: Solid-fuel rocket
Max range: 25000 m
Speed: Mach 3
Guidance: Imaging Infrared seeker

http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-group/press/air-defence-missile-iris-t-sl-tested-successfully/190.html

By Klingone86 [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

By Klingone86 [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

By Bin im Garten [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

India again selects A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft

India has again selected Airbus Military as the preferred bidder to supply its A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport to the Indian Air Force (IAF) after a long and thorough selection process, which resulted in a prior selection being cancelled in 2010. The Ilyushin IL-78MK from Russia was the losing candidate in the competition.

A contract for the supply of 6 aircraft in 2013, as expected, would bring the number exported to 34 and make India the fifth country to use the A330 MRTT aircraft, following:

• Australia order for 5 of which 4 have been delivered,
• Saudi Arabia ordered 6,
• the United Arab Emirates ordered 3,
• the United Kingdom ordered 14 with 1 delivered. 

The aircraft would join six IL-78 refuelling aircraft already in service with the IAF.
The wide-body Airbus Military A330 MRTT aircraft can be used both as a tanker and transport aircraft and is derived from the civilian A330-200 airliner. It supports both the Boom Refuelling system and Hose and Drogue Pod Refuelling system.

As a transport aircraft, the A330 MRTT can carry up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 ton. It can also function in the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) role with room for 130 stretchers.


Specifications
Crew: 3
Length: 58.80 m
Wingspan: 60.3 m
Height: 17.4 m
Maximum speed: 880 km/h
Cruise speed: 860 km/h
Range: 14800 km
Service ceiling: 12600 m
Empty weight: 125000 kg
Useful load: 45000 kg non-fuel payload
Max takeoff weight: 233000 kg
Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Trent 772B or General Electric CF6-80E1A4 or Pratt & Whitney PW 4168A turbofans, 320 kN (72,000 lbf) each
Fuel Capability: 111000 kg max, 65,000 kg at 1000 nmi with 2 hours on station

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/234/ArtMID/681/Airbus-Military-A330-MRTT-selected-by-Indian-Government-.aspx

By Peter Ellis [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

UAE receives Abu Dhabi ASW corvette and Ghantut FALAJ2 patrol vessel from Italy

The Abu Dhabi Anti-Submarine Warfare corvette and Ghantut FALAJ2 patrol vessel have been handed over to the United Arab Emirates Navy at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, Italy.

The Abu Dhabi corvette features:

• a length of 88 m
• beam of 12 m
• displacement of 1650 ton
• speed of 25 kn
• range of 3000 nautical miles at 14 kn
• crew of 70
• capable of multiple missions, including patrol, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and surface strike

The Ghantut patrol vessel incorporates a stealthy design with the following features:

• maximum speed in excess of 20 kn
• a length of 55 m
• a beam of 8.8 m
• a crew of 29 
• capable of multiple missions, including patrol, surveillance and surface strike

http://www.fincantieri.it/cms/data/browse/news/000486.aspx

India test fires Brahmos / Yakhont cruise missile

The Indian Navy has test fired a Brahmos cruise missile from a warship in the Bay of Bengal. The target ship was hit one meter above the waterline after performing S-type evasive maneuvers.

The Brahmos missile is derived from the Russian Yakhont (SS-N-26) missile, which in turn is the export version of the 3M55 Onyx missile. Its specification are:

• Length: 8.4 m
• Diameter: 0.7 m
• Wingspan: 1.7 m
• Weight: 3000 kg (surface-launched), 2500 kg (air-launched)
• Warhead: 300 kg
• Range: 290 km (Hi-Lo flight profile), 120 km (Lo-Lo flight profile)
• Cruise altitude: 5 m to 14000 m
• Max speed: Mach 2.8

The Brahmos missile is powered by a two-stage, rocket booster and liquid-fuelled ramjet engine.

The Brahmos missile has recently been upgraded with the addition of Russian GLONASS satellite navigation to the existing doppler-inertial system. A further upgrade, the hypersonic Brahmos 2, will be able to reach speeds of Mach 5 and Mach 7.

The Brahmos missile was developed by the Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited, a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia.

The name BrahMos is derived from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.

The Brahmos missile is currently in service with both the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The Indian Air Force plans to integrate an air-launched version of the Brahmos missile with up to 40 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130109/178664783/India_Tests_Sea-Based_Brahmos_Missile__.html

By One half 3544 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Xian AVIC Y-7 / MA60 / MA600 / MA700 turboprop airliner / transport aircraft

The Y-7 aircraft series was originally based on the Antonov An-24 / An-26 aircraft and has since been improved by Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation, part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), for both military and civilian use.

The latest versions incorporate western components such as turboprop engines and avionics and are marketed primarily for the regional airliner and cargo market.

These include the widely exported Modern Ark or MA60, which can carry up to 60 passengers and its latest version, the MA600. Another version under development is the MA700 and has room for up to 70 passengers.

Specifications Y-7
Crew: 3
Length: 24.218 m
Wingspan: 29.666 m
Height: 8.553 m
Empty weight: 14988 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 21800 kg
Payload: 5500 kg
Service ceiling: 8,750 m
Take-off run at max TOW 640 m
Maximum speed: 503 km/h
Cruise speed: 423 km/h (at 6000 m)
Range: 910 km (max payload), 1982 km (max fuel)
Powerplant: 2 Dongan WJ5A Turboprop with Baoding J-16-G10A propeller

Specifications MA60
Crew: 2
Capacity: 60 passengers
Length: 24.71 m
Wingspan: 29.20 m
Height: 8.86 m
Empty weight: 13700 kg
Service ceiling: 7620 m
Max. takeoff weight: 21800 kg
Maximum speed: 514 km/h
Cruise speed: 430 km/h
Range: 1600 km
Powerplant: 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J Turboprops, 2750 shp each

Chinese Amphibious Type 05 / ZBD05 / ZTD05 Family of IFV / AAV

The Type 05 family of tracked Amphibious Assault vehicles (AAV) are similar in design to the now cancelled Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) of the United States. The vehicles are launched at sea from amphibious assault ships and swim at high speed to shore.

To accomplish its mission, the specially designed planing hull in the shape of a boat reduces hydrodynamic drag and is propelled by 2 water jets mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The diesel engine is located at the front with the crew behind, which can enter or exit through a rear door.

The Type 05 family comprise several versions:

• the ZBD05 or ZBD2000 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
• the ZTD05 Light Tank replaces the ZTS63A amphibious tank
• command vehicle, recovery vehicle and other specialized variants

The ZBD05 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant carries a turret armed with a 30x165 mm gun, coaxial 7.62x54R mm gun, side-mounted HJ-73 / HJ-8 anti-tank missiles and smoke grenade launchers. Crew consists of a driver, commander and gunner and the vehicle can carry a squad of 9 marines in the crew compartment.

The standard hull armor provides:

• protection at the front against 12.7 mm AP round up to 100 m
• protection at the sides against 7.62 mm AP rounds
• protection at the rear against 7.62 mm AP rounds

The ZTD05 Light Tank variant carries a crew of 4 with the addition of a loader and a turret armed with a fully stabilized 105 mm gun, which can engage targets while still at sea. It can fire several types of rounds:

• Armor Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)
• High Explosive (HE)
• High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)
• laser Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) based on the Russian 9M117 Bastion 

Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7x108 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, coaxial 7.62x54R mm gun and smoke grenade launchers.

Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet

Chinese QBZ03 / Type 03 automatic assault rifle

Unlike the bullpup QBZ95, the 5.8 mm QBZ03 or Type 03 assault rifle from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) is of conventional design to succeed the 7.62 mm Type 81 and 5.8 mm Type 87 rifle.

The QBZ03 rifle has a two-piece receiver made mostly from stamped steel with the stock, pistol grip, and hand guards made of a polymer compound. A rail allows installation of various optics.

An export version of the rifle using 5.56 x 45 rounds is also available. In addition to semi-automatic and full automatic fire, this version includes a 3 round burst mode.

The QBZ03 rifle is used mostly by border guards, the People's Armed Police and sections of the military such as paratroopers.

Specifications
Weight without magazine : 3.5 kg
Length: 950 mm with stock extended or 725 mm with stock folded
Cartridge: 5.8 x 42 (QBZ03) or 5.56 x 45 NATO
Action: Gas-Operated, Rotating bolt
Rate of fire: 650 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 930 m/s
Effective range: 400 m point target
Feed system: 30 round box magazine
Sights: fixed front sight and flip-up diopter rear sight

Chinese SET MRAP armored vehicle from Poly Technologies

Developed for police and military use, the 4 x 4 wheeled Security Enforcement Transportation (SET) Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was developed by Poly Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of China Poly Group Corporation.

The SET MRAP is part of a range of MRAP vehicles developed based on technology and know-how provided to Poly Technologies by Mobile Land Systems, an armored vehicle manufacturer from South Africa.

The armored hull has been specially designed to protect its passengers from outside threats, including from explosives such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or land mines. Its infrared signature has also been reduced in its design.  

The vehicle has been exported and is currently used by the security forces of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Specifications
Length: 6837 mm
Width: 2546 mm
height: 2750 mm
Gross Weight: 14000 kg
Payload: 3200 kg
Engine: 260 hp water-cooled diesel
Ballistic Protection Level: BR-3 to BR-7 depending on customer needs
Mine Protection Level: 4 kg under belly and 7 kg under wheel

Bulgaria Intends to Buy 9 Used F-16 Fighter Aircraft From Portugal

Bulgaria has decided to purchase 9 F-16 Block 15 fighter aircraft in used condition from Portugal in a deal worth 700 million Bulgarian Lev or about $465 million according to Bulgarian media reports.

The Bulgarian Defense Ministry expects to use the aircraft for another 25 years. New Gripen fighters from Sweden and used Eurofighter aircraft from Italy were the losing candidates in the competition.

The aircraft are part of 25 second-hand F-16 aircraft Portugal has purchased from the United States in 1999 under the Peace Atlantis II Program, which were subsequently upgraded to the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) standard.

In the United States, these aircraft had been used by the Air Force for 10 years, starting from 1984, before they were placed in storage.

On September 2012, Romania had also expressed interest in 12 F-16 aircraft from Portugal for about $600 million. An earlier attempt 2 years before, to acquire used F-16 directly from the United States had been cancelled due to lack of funds.


http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=146529

By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By MSgt. Dean V. Kuhlman, USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons