Italian Army Receives First NH90 TTH Helicopter In FOC Configuration

The Italian Army has taken delivery of its first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) in Final Operational Capability (FOC) Configuration from NHIndustries.

The NH90 TTH is a twin-engined, medium-sized helicopter configured to perform tactical transport missions in all environments by day and night. Possible missions include:

• internal/external load transport
• heliborne operations
• special operations
• search and rescue (SAR)
• medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• training missions
• electronic warfare
• airborne command post
• parachuting
• VIP transport

A second variant of the NH90 is the NH90 Nato Frigate Helicopter (NFH). Possible missions with this variant include:

• anti submarine warfare (ASW)
• anti surface unit warfare (ASuW)
• vertical replenishment (VERTREP)
• SAR
• troop transport
• mine laying

NHindustries is a consortium owned by Eurocopter with 62.5%, AgustaWestland with 32% and Stork Fokker with 5.5%. To date it has received orders for 529 NH90 units.

Besides Italy, the NH90 is in service with 13 other countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia, New-Zealand, Spain and Belgium.

Italy has now received 21 NH90 TTH helicopters with orders of 60 for the army and 10 for the navy. The Italian Navy has also ordered 46 NH90 NFH helicopters.

According to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, France is now expected to place the second order for 34 NH90 TTH helicopters to bring the total number of French units to 68 as originally planned.

There were some doubts that the second order could be cut or postponed, but it now looks that the contract will be signed later this month. The contract is estimated to be worth over $900 million.


http://www.agustawestland.com/news/italian-army-takes-delivery-its-first-nh90-tth-helicopter-foc-configuration

www.esercito.difesa.it [CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

FREMM Frigate starts sea trials for delivery to Morocco in 2013

The Mohammed VI, the FREMM frigate destined for the Moroccan Navy has started sea trails and is on schedule to be delivered in late 2013. Morroco had ordered the French anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant in 2008 to become the first and to date only export customer of the FREMM frigate.

Developed by France and Italy, only one FREMM frigate, the Aquitaine, has so far been commissioned in France. Like the Mohammed VI, the Aquitaine is also of the ASW variant. The next FREMM frigate, the Normandie, is set to be delivered in 2014.

In all, France intends to acquire 9 hulls of the ASW variant and another 2 hulls of the FREDA variant. The FREDA is a version of the FREMM frigate dedicated to providing air defense.

Italy intends to acquire 4 units of the ASW variant and another 6 units of the general purpose variant. The first general purpose variant, the Carlo Bergamini, is set to be commissioned into the Italian Navy in late 2013.

All the FREMM frigates share a common hull design, but the Italian and French versions differ from each other and are relatively easy to distinguish. The FREMM frigate specifications are:

• a lenght of 142-144 m
• a beam of about 20 m
• a draught of 5 m
• a displacement of 6000 tonnes
• a maximum speed of 27-30 kn
• a range of 6000 nautical miles at 15 kn

The FREMM powerplant is based on COmbined Diesel eLectric Or Gas (CODLOG) using electric motors for silent low speed and gas turbine power for high-speed propulsion.

There are many differences between the French and Italian versions in terms of sensors, weapons and other equipment fitted. Some notable differences are:

• the French version uses the Herakles radar, while the Italian verison uses the EMPAR radar
• both versions use the Otobreda Super Rapid 76 mm gun, but the Italian version is fitted with one on the hangar and the Otobreda 127 mm gun
• both versions have 32 VLS cells, but differ in the type of SYLVER modules that are installed
• the French version carries a single NH90 helicopter, while the Italian version can carry an additional NH90 or EH101 helicopter

Some of the equipment is subject to changes pending construction. The FREDA version, especially, has yet to have its design finalized.

The FREMM frigates will succeed the HORIZON class frigates. Only 4 units of the HORIZON class were build for the French and Italian Navies.


http://en.dcnsgroup.com/2013/04/18/dcns-debute-les-essais-en-mer-de-la-fregate-multimissions-fremm-destinee-a-la-marine-royale-du-maroc/

By Fabius1975 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Fabius1975 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Marte anti-ship missile tested on Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

An inert Marte MK2/S anti-ship missile round was successfully released from underneath the wing of an Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), also known as the Persuader.

The test was conducted by Airbus in collaboration with MBDA to validate the aerodynamic integration of the Marte missile on C295, the handling qualities and performance tests.

The ability to install weapons such as missiles under the wing of an C295, gives the C295 MPA the option of performing new missions. The C295 MPA currently has the ability to carry MK46 torpedoes in the anti-submarine warfare role.

The Marte MK2 from MBDA is a family of light-weight, subsonic, fire-and-forget, medium-range, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles that can be used in all-weather conditions. The Marte specifications are:

• a length of 3.85 m
• a finspan of 1 m
• a diameter of 0.32 m
• a weight of 310 kg
• a warhead of 70 kg
• a maximum range of 45 km depending in release altitude

The Marte MK2 is powered by a solid-fuel rocket booster and sustainer and guided by an active radar seeker. It also incorporates some advanced features such as waypoint planning.

Besides the C295, the Marte Mk2/S is already integrated on the AW-101 and the NH90 NFH helicopters in service with the Italian Navy. An extended range version, the Marte ER with a turbojet engine, is being developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The Airbus C295 is a twin-engined turboprop aircraft originally developed for the transport role. In addition to the maritime patrol role, a variant of the C295 is being developed for Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C).

This version comes fitted with a 360 degrees, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar housed in a radome and mounted on top of the fuselage. The radar is provided by Israel.


http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/news-files/PR_2013-04-15_EN-1-236.pdf

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

South Korea to Buy 60 Fighter Jets in June 2013

South Korea will decide in June 2013 who the winning bidder is of the competition to provide 60 new fighter aircraft. Currently, negotiotions are still ongoing regarding pricing.

South Korea plans to acquire 60 fighter jets from one of 3 candidates, who have been competing since 2010 for the contract:

• the American F-35
• the American F-15 Silent Eagle
• the European Eurofighter Typhoon

The purchase was initially estimated to cost around 8.3 trillion Won or about $7.3 billion, but may now cost a lot more.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the most mature platform of the 3 competitors. While its air-to-air capability is fairly well developed, its air-to-ground capability does remain significantly behind.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is in service in a number of countries already and has won recent contracts in Oman. It may also win in other countries such as the United Arab Emirates.

Both the F-35 and F-15SE are not ready at this point and still have a lot of testing and development ahead of them. The F-35 is probably the most advanced on paper and a true fifth generation fighter.

However, the F-35 has encountered lots of problems recently. A number of countries have reduced or cancelled some orders and the cost of the aircraft is rapidly escalating.

The F-15SE has the advantage in that it is the next iteration of the F-15, which is already in service in South Korea after placing orders for 61 F-15K aircraft. The F-15K is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle modified for South Korea.

The F-15SE improves on its predecessors by reducing its Radar Cross Section. It offers some fifth generation features such as internal weapons carriage. However, if South Korea orders it, it will be the only operator of the aircraft.

South Korea does have the tendency to favor American companies in arms purchases for strategic reasons. Increased tensions with North Korea recently can only increase emphasis on interoperability with American equipment.

However, American companies do sometimes lose in South Korea. This was proven again when the European AW159 was surprisingly selected over the American Seahawk helicopter.

There is currently no clear favorite to win the competition. All three parties are still jockeying for position. EADS just recently offered South Korea local production of 48 Typhoons instead of the earlier offer of 30.

As the date of the final decision comes closer, candidates may decide to sweeten their offer in the hopes of securing the win. Whatever the outcome, it's likely to be only decided at the last moment.


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2013/04/03/0200000000AEN20130403004700315.HTML

By U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery.Jogrkim [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

US funding for MEADS restored

Funding for the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) that had earlier been cut by the United States Congress has been restored by congressional appropriators, who control the actual funding for arms programs.

Lockheed Martin and US officials had urged them to do so as this move helps prevent termination fees and diplomatic backlash from Germany and Italy, who are partners of the US in the development of MEADS.

The contract calls for the US to pay termination fees that are roughly equal to the $380 million that the US has made available. The last year of funding had been blocked earlier, because it didn't make sense to help fund a program that will not be used by the US.

The United States is currently confronting some cuts in defense spending and MEADS was seen as a good candidate to help reduce spending. However, thanks to some politicians, MEADS is now set to again receive funding.

About $4 billion has already been spent on MEADS, a successor of the Patriot Air Defense System. In the event that the UC withdraws from the program, Lockheed Martin has stated that it intends to keep working on MEADS with Italy and Germany.

MEADS will be tested later this year if it can interecept a ballistic missile target. Lockheed Martin claims MEADS will offer capabilities that the US lacks. It will be cheaper to operate and be able to provide wider coverage.

MEADS is to use the new Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE). The PAC-3 MSE is an improved version of the PAC-3 missile, featuring improved manoeuvrability and extended range of up to 50 percent.

In Germany, it may also be complemented by the shorter-range IRIS-T SL missile. This missile is derived from the air-to-air IRIS-T missile, somewhat similar to how the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) came to be.

Still, even if development of MEADS does get completed, it will find it hard to find widespread adoption in many countries due to competing systems with the possible exception being Germany.

In the US, MEADS will have to compete with the Patriot Defense System, which continues to be constantly upgraded and modernized. In Italy, there is the SAMP/T Air Defense System that has already entered service and performs a similar role as MEADS.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/25/us-lockheed-missiles-idUSBRE92O02F20130325

AGM-88E AARGM and GBU-39 SDB to be integrated on Tornado aircraft

NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) and Panavia Aircraft GmbH have signed the MET 27 contract regarding the Tornado aircraft. The work will be carried out in Italy and completed by 2015.

The contract calls for the integration of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) on the Tornado RET 7 and RET 8 configuration.

The AGM-88E AARGM is the latest version of the AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), which is used for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD).

The medium-range, air-to-ground AARGM was jointly developed by the United States and Italy and has:

• a length of 417 cm
• a diameter of 25.4 cm
• a wingspan of 112 cm
• a weight of 361 kg
• a maximum speed of Mach 2+
• a maximum range of 105 km

The AARGM is guided by a multi-mode seeker, including GPS/INS, passive Anti-Radiation Homing and terminal Millimeter Wave (MMW) radar.

The addition of a Millimeter Wave radar to the original passive radar homing seeker increases the AARGM effectiveness when used against targets such as mobile or relocatable Integrated Air Defense Systems, including those that shutdown their radars.

The GBU-39 SDB is a 250 pound glide bomb guided by GPS. It has a length of 1.8 m and a width of 0.19 m and a maximum range of 105 km. Its small and compact size allows a greater number to be carried by aircraft or using internal carriage. 

The SDB has a diamondback foldout wing and is designed to penetrate hardened structures such as bunkers with little collateral damage. An improved version will have a multi-mode seeker to engage mobile targets.


http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Media/News/Pages/Panavia-Aircraft-GmbH-has-signed-a-major-contract-with-NATO-Eurofighter-and-Tornado-Management-Agency-%28NETMA%29-to-upgrade-th.aspx

By David Monniaux [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

SAMP/T Aster 30 Intercepts Tactical Ballistic Missile Target

The Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain (SAMP/T) air defense system from Eurosam was again tested against a simulated 300 km range tactical ballistic missile target that was launched from an aircraft.

After the target was acquired by the ARABEL multi-function radar, a Aster 30 B1 missile was fired and scored a direct hit against the target. Two other successful tests had been carried out earlier in 2010 and 2011.

The SAMP/T system is part of the Aster family of surface-to-air missiles (SAM), which are designed for:

• Point defense on naval platforms with Aster 15
• Area defense on naval platforms with Aster 30
• Area defense on land platforms with Aster 30

The SAMP/T fulfills the third requirement. An upgraded Aster 30 Block 2 Ballistic Missile Defense version is under development.

The SAMP/T is usually mounted on eight-wheeled trucks with up to eight vertically launched Aster 30 missiles. Each two-stage Aster 30 missile has:

• a length of 4.9 m
• a weight of 450 kg
• a maximum range of 120 km
• a maximum altitude of 20 km
• a maximum speed of Mach 4.5

The Aster 30 missile is guided by an active radar seeker.

Eurosam has so far delivered 14 SAMP/T units to Italy and France. Ten of those will be deployed in 5 French air defense squadrons, of which 4 are currently equipped or being equipped.

The remaining four SAMP/T units, that have been delivered, currently serve in a single Italian regiment in Mantova. The regiment is to have a total of five units. The SAMP/T may also be exported to Turkey and Singapore.


http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3039

By Georges Seguin [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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

Russian Airborne Troops will receive GAZ-2330 Tigr armored vehicles

The Russian Airborne Troops will be mainly equipped with Russian GAZ-2330 Tigr light armored vehicles, manufactured by MIC, a GAZ Group division, at the Arzamas machine-manufacturing plant.

The Tigr family of 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles comprises many different variants for both military and police forces, such as the SPM-2 GAZ-233036 Tigr vehicle.

The Russian Defense Ministry had earlier announced that it would not acquire anymore Italian Iveco LMV M65 Lynx 4x4 light armored vehicles. The Lynx vehicle had been selected over the Tigr under the previous Defense Minister Anatoly Sedyukov.

That decision was unusual in that Russia in principle tends to buy from domestic companies. The new Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has now insisted that domestic companies must receive priority in procuring weaponry for the Russian military.

The first 57 Lynx vehicles were assembled last year with 10 percent local content at a plant in Voronezh. In 2013, the remaining 301 vehicles under the existing contract will be assembled at a new KAMAZ plant in Tatarstan. A total of 1775 Lynx vehicles are planned to be acquired by 2015 for $1 billion.

The Russian Airborne Troops may also be equipped with KamAZ 6x6 armored personnel carriers, provided the design is tailored to meet the requirements of Russian paratroopers.


http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130226/179682507/Russian-Paratroopers-to-Receive-Indigenous-Armored-Vehicles-----.html

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

UAE signs 750 MRAP deal and other contracts worth $1.42 billion

The United Arab Emirates has signed 17 contracts worth 5.2 billion Dirham or roughly $1.42 billion, including:

• a 1.4 billion Dirham or $381 million contract with the Oshkosh Corporation from the United States for the delivery of 750 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs) in 2013
•  a 722 million Dirham or $196 million contract with General Atomics for export Predator XP unmanned aircraft
• a 720 million Dirham or $196 million contract with Tawazun for the purchase of CIRIT laser guided missiles
• a 472.7 million Dirham or $128.7 million contract with Russia’s KBP for the delivery of ammunition
• a 375.4 million Dirham or $102.2 million contract with the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company for the installation of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM)
• a 140 million Dirham or $38 million contract with the Italian Fincantieri to provide technical support for naval vessels it recently acquired

The M-ATV is lighter, smaller and more maneuverable than previous generation MRAP vehicles, while maintaining their levels of protection with its Plasan composite armored hull. The vehicle has a:

• length of 6.27 m
• width of 2.49 m
• speed of 105 km/hr
• range of 510 km
• maximum weight of 14700 kg

The Oshkosh M-ATV has been selected by the armed forces of the United States as its primary MRAP vehicle.

The Predator XP is an export version of the medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Predator has:

• a length of 8.22 m
• a wingspan of 14.8 m
• a height of 2.1 m
• an empty weight of 512 kg
• a max takeoff weight of 1020 kg
• a max speed of 217 km/hr
• a max range of 1100 km
• a max endurance of 24 hrs

The Predator XP cannot be armed, but is suitable for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The CIRIT is an air-to-surface missile developed by Turkey's RoketSan for helicopters and UAVs. The missile has:

• a length of 1.9 m
• a diameter of 70 mm
• weighs 14 kg
• a warhead of 3 kg
• a maximum range of 8 km

The CIRIT is fitted with a semi-active laser-guided seeker.

Earlier this month, the UAE received the first of 3 A330 MRTT multi-role tanker and transport aircraft it ordered from Airbus. The UAE is also negotiating the potential purchase of the Typhoon or Rafale fighter aircraft, but no contract has been signed.


http://gulfnews.com/business/general/uae-armed-forces-sign-17-deals-1.1147973

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Marine Corps [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Gov [public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Indian purchase of 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters under scrutiny

India has instructed the country's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the purchase of 12 AW101 helicopters from the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland. The $752 million contract was signed in 2010 and the aircraft involved are the Very Very Important Person (VVIP) variant of the AW101.

The Italian police have arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the chairman and chief executive of Finmeccanica, on February 12. Bruno Spagnolini, the chief executive of AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, has also been placed under house arrest.

Both cases are thought to be related to allegations of bribery connected to the purchase of the 12 AW101 by India, which is now under investigation. The Indian Defense Ministry has stated that the contract may be cancelled if corruption and illegal payments are involved.

The AW101 or Merlin in some countries, was formerly known as the EH101 and in addition to the VVIP variant comes in a military transport and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant.

Specifications
Crew: 2
Length: 22.83 m
Height: 6.66 m
Rotor diameter: 18.60 m
Max cruise speed: 278 km/hr
Max takeoff weight: 15600 kg
Max range: 1058 km (VVIP)
Max endurance: 5 hours and 10 minutes (VVIP)
Powerplant: 3 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 turboshafts, 1566 kW / 2100 shp each


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-21438275

By Arpingstone [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Army [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

MEADS problems continue with US funding cut

The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has suffered another setback with the decision by the United States Congress to cut $400.9 million of funding for the program. 

The decision was made despite the US government urging Congress to approve the final payment citing backlash from Germany and Italy. Law makers have stated that the United States does not intend to procure the system.

There is a chance funding will still go through if congressional appropriators, who control the actual funding for arms programs, allow it to happen. If not, the US may be penalized with termination fees.

A total of $4 billion has been spent over the last 10 years on the MEADS, which is being developed jointly by:

• Lockheed Martin from the United States
• MBDA Deutschland GmbH from Germany, 
• MBDA Italia from Italy

The US, Germany and Italy provide 58, 25 and 17 percent of funding respectively.

MEADS is intended to replace the MIM-104 Patriot, MIM-14 Nike Hercules and MIM-23 Hawk. It can provide air defense against:

• tactical ballistic missiles
• cruise missiles
• unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
• aircraft
• large caliber rockets

MEADS will primarily use the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), although plans exists to supplement it with the IRIS-T SL missile in Germany.

The PAC-3 MSE is an improved version of the hit-to-kill Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile, featuring improved manoeuvrability and extended range of up to 50 percent. The MEADS consortium has scheduled a test in the fourth quarter of 2013 to prove that it can intercept a ballistic missile.

Meanwhile, the Patriot system, which is supposed to be replaced by MEADS, continues to be upgraded and modernized by Raytheon. This is increasingly making the MEADS a redundant system, if it isn't already one, to the US, which won't offer anything more than what it already has. Not to mention that the US has to share control over the MEADS with Germany and Italy.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/02/germany-meads-idUSL5N0B20PI20130202

By MEADS International Inc. [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By MEADS International Inc. [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By MEADS International Inc. [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By MEADS International Inc. [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By MEADS International Inc. [CC-BY-3.0], 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

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

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

Philippines purchases 3 AW109 AgustaWestland helicopters and 72 vehicles from South Korea

The Philippines has signed a contract with the Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland for the delivery of 3 AW109 naval helicopters in a deal worth 1.34 billion Philippine Pesos or roughly $33.5 million dollar.

Another contract worth 300.78 Philippine Pesos or $7.5 million dollar was signed with the Korean KIA Motors Corp. for 60 ambulances and 12 five-ton trucks to be used by the army.

All are part of a military modernisation programme on the part of the Philippines, which in recent times has been involved in an ongoing territorial dispute with the People's Republic of China.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/27/890578/dnd-signs-p1.6-b-purchase-deal-choppers-ambulances

By Duch.seb (Own work) [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Oman Purchases 12 Typhoon Fighter and 8 Hawk Trainer Aircraft

BAE Systems has signed a contract for the delivery of 12 Typhoon fighter aircraft and 8 Hawk trainer aircraft to Oman in 2017.

This makes Oman the seventh country to order the Typhoon after the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia.

The order was a much needed win for BAE Systems after it was eliminated from India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition to acquire 126 fighter aircraft, which was won by the French Dassault Rafale.

The Typhoon is also competing against Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle and Lockheed Martin F-35 to supply South Korea with 60 aircraft for its F-X III program.

Negotiations with Saudi Arabia to adjust contract prices from the 2007 deal have yet to make any progress after 2 years. Only 24 of the 72 Typhoon aircraft contracted have so far been delivered.

The 8 aircraft to Oman brings the total number of Hawk aircraft sold or on order to 998.


http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_155046/we-welcome-oman-order-for-typhoon-and-hawk-aircraft

By Dmitry A. Mottl [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons