India Opts For Western Suppliers When It Comes To Anti-Submarine Warfare

The Indian Navy has selected the S-70B SeaHawk over the NH Industries NH90 NFH. India will start negotiations to purchase 16 multi-role S-70B helicopters with an option for eight more, including logistics support and training.

A final contract has yet to be agreed upon, but is estimated to be worth around $1 billion. Once completed, the acquisition will fix a significant weakness in the Indian Navy with a number of ships not having the helicopters they're supposed to be equipped with.

The Indian Navy is currently short on naval helicopters. The existing Kamov Ka-28 and Sea King are both few in numbers and outdated. The new S-70B are expected to serve on both old and new ships, including the recently commissioned Kolkata class destroyers which can carry two helicopters.

The Sikorsky S-70B SeaHawk helicopter can perform a variety of missions, including:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)

India's selection of a western vendor for naval helicopters continues a recent trend where India has gone exclusively western when it comes to anti-submarine warfare.

Qatar Commits to Patriot SAM Batteries, Javelin Missiles and Apache Attack Helicopters

Qatar has committed itself towards purchasing over $11 billion worth of arms from the United States. Around $7 billion will be spent on Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile Air Defense Systems, another $3 billion on Apache attack helicopters and the remainder towards Javelin anti-tank missiles.

Around 10 batteries of Patriots with over 350 missiles are expected to be delivered and will include both Patriot Advanced Capability 2 (PAC-2) and PAC-3 variants. The PAC-3 variant was designed specifically to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, including those that Iran could potentially use in a conflict.

Qatar will join Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as countries in the region that have all acquired the Patriot system. Qatar's addition is another step towards a regional missile defense network using common equipment.

All four countries will also operate the Apache with Qatar's decision to acquire 24 AH-64 attack helicopters. Qatar will join Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates by purchasing 500 man-portable, fire-and-forget Javelin missiles.

However, Qatar has yet to make a decision on which fighter aircraft it will acquire. The F-15, F-18, Typhoon and Rafale are all competing to replace the French Mirage fighters that are currently being used by Qatar.


http://www.dsca.mil/news-media/news-archive/us-qatar-sign-letters-11-billion-helicopters-defense-systems

By Los688 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Qatar Buys Boeing 737 AEW&C, AH-64E and NH-90 Heicopters

Qatar continues to strengthen its armed forces with new acquisitions worth over $20 billion. The latest deals includes three airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems mounted on Boeing 737 aircraft, making it the fourth country to select the type after Australia, South Korea and Turkey.

The aircraft were originally developed for Australia under project Wedgetail and feature a non-rotating radar in contrast to the rotodome found on E-3 Sentry aircraft. They will join the C-130J and C-17 transport aircraft that Qatar previously acquired from the United States.

Qatar has significantly boosted its helicopter fleet with the purchase of 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing and 22 NH90 helicopters from NH Industries, consisting of 12 NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) variant and 10 NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) maritime variant.

Indonesia To Buy 8 AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters From The US

According to Chuck Hagel, the United States Secretary of Defense who is currently visiting Indonesia, the US will sell eight Apache AH-64E attack helicopters to the Indonesian Armed Forces for about $500 million.

The AH-64E from Boeing is the latest version of the Apache helicopter in use by the US Army and which has been exported to other countries in the region such as Taiwan and South Korea.

If the acquisition goes through, Indonesia would become the 14th country to have chosen the Apache helicopter. The other countries are Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian can be armed with rocket pods, Hellfire and other missiles. A 30 mm cannon is also mounted on the AH-64E. It is compatible with the Longbow radar.

The Apache AH-64E purchase is the latest in a string of acquisitions in recent years by Indonesia from all over the world, including:

• Leopard II Main Battle Tanks from Germany
• T-50 Golden Eagle trainer aircraft from South Korea
• C-802A and C-705 anti-ship missiles from China
• Super Tucano ground attack aircraft from Brazil
• Airbus C-295 transport aircraft from Europe
• Su-30MK2 fighter aircraft and Yakhont missiles from Russia
• F-16 fighter aircraft from the US

Indonesia has chosen to acquire arms from all over the world, which is unlike many other countries which tend to stick exclusively to for example western countries.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/26/us-indonesia-helicopters-idUSL4N0GR24I20130826

By Los688 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

US To Acquire 177 CH-47 Chinook Helicopters And 99 V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft

The United States Army has awarded a contract for 177 Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters in a deal worth roughly $4 billion. Also included is an option for an additional 38 CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Another contract soon to be awarded is for 99 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft for about $6.5 billion by the United States Navy. The V-22 Osprey is build by Boeing and Bell Helicopter.

The multi-purpose V-22 Osprey is the first tilt-rotor aircraft to have entered service. The V-22 Osprey specifications are:

• Length of 17.5 m
• Rotor diameter of 11.6 m
• Wingspan of 14 m
• Empty weight of 33140 lbs
• Maximum takeoff weight of 60500 lbs
• Maximum speed of 275 knots 
• Combat radius of 722 km
• Ceiling of 25000 feet

The Osprey is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce/Allison T406/AE 1107C-Liberty turboshafts with 6150 hp each.

The combination of a helicopter and fixed-wing turboprop aircraft delivers higher speed, increased range and higher payload, while maintaining vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability.

The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engined, heavy-lift transport helicopter that entered service in 1962. It's design is distinguished by two tandem rotors. The CH-47 specifications are:

• Length of 30.1 m
• Rotor diameter of 18.3 m
• Height of 5.7 m
• Empty weight of 23400 lbs
• Maximum takeoff weight of 50000 lbs
• Maximum speed of 315 km/h
• Combat radius of 370 km
• Ceiling of 18500 ft

The CH-47 Chinook is powered by 2 Honeywell Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshafts with 4733 hp each.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-scores-over-10-billion-123559578.html

By James Haseltine (USAF) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Spc. Russell J. Good [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Sikorsky To Deliver 4 CH-53K Transport Helicopters For Testing

The Pentagon has awarded Sikorsky a $435 million contract to deliver four CH-53K helicopters for testing purposes. The first CH-53K prototype helicopter was delivered to the United States Marine Corps by Sikorsky in December 2012.

The contract is to be complete by 2017. The CH-53K is meant to enter service with the United States Marine Corps and will replace the CH-53E in the heavy-lift transport helicopter role.

The CH-53K is based on the CH-53E Super Stallion and is externally similar. However, it does include a number of improvements, including:

• Increase in lift capacity, including under hot day conditions
• Reduction in maintenance costs by 42 percent
• Reduction in maintenance man-hour per flight hour by 63 percent
• Increased survivability
• Increased speed

The CH-53K features a new cockpit and engines. The specifications are:

• Length: 30 m
• Height: 8.5 m
• Rotor diameter: 24 m
• Payload: 35000 lbs
• Empty weight: 33226 lbs
• Maximum takeoff weight: 84700 lbs
• Cruise speed: 196 mph
• Combat radius: 125 miles
• Service ceiling: 14400 ft

The CH-53K is powered by 3 General Electric GE38-1B turboshafts with 7500 shp each.

The United States Marine Corps plans to purchase a total of 200 CH-53K helicopters. Included in the number are the above four. The CH-53K is scheduled to enter service in 2019.


http://www.courant.com/business/hc-sikorsky-ch-53k-contract-20130531,0,3487230.story

By US navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Afghanistan Will Receive An Additional 12 Russian Mi-17 Helicopters in 2013 From The US

Afghanistan will receive 12 more Mil Mi-17V5 transport helicopters from Russia before the end of 2013. It had previously received 21 Mi-17V5 helicopters as part of a $367.5 million deal signed in 2011.

In both cases, the helicopters will be bought and paid for by the United States, but delivered by Russia to the Afghanistan Armed Forces. The original contract included an option for additional helicopters, which has been exercised.

The additional purchases of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia occur despite opposition to Russian arms purchases by the US Congress, because of continued Russian support to Syria.

However, the US Department of Defense felt that is was best to honor Afghanistan request for the Mi-17 helicopters. Compared to other options such as the American Black Hawk helicopters, the Mi-17 is a better fit, including:

• The ability to use existing infrastructure, support and service already in place for Russian helicopters.
• Familiarity of Afghan pilots with the Mi-17 eliminates the need to train them to use a new helicopter type.
• The Mi-17 helicopters are lower in cost.

The Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan will not be completely Russian, but will be fitted with some US equipment.

The Mi-17 helicopters are meant to help Afghanistan fulfill its tasks now that military forces from the US and other countries are in the process of being withdrawn.

Further negotiations may result in additional purchases of the Mi-17, which is widely used around the world and noted for its ruggedness and reliability, despite being a very old design.

This is not the first time that the US has bought military equipment from Russia, but the purchases of Mi-17 helicopters are still notable since they don't occur very often between the two former rivals during the Cold War.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130516/181189483/Russia-to-Deliver-12-More-Mi-17-Helicopters-to-Afghanistan.html

By U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Keith Brown [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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

Australia Will Receive One Extra MRH90 Free As Compensation

Australia will receive an additional MRH90 helicopter from Eurocopter, a subsidiary of European Aeronautic, Defense & Space (EADS), as compensation for delays in delivery of the helicopters.

The MRH90 or NH90 Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) is a medium-sized, twin-engined, transport helicopter that is piloted by a crew of 2. It has a maximum payload of up to 4000 kg, including room for up to 20 soldiers.

The MRH90 is a variant of the NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for Australia. The extra helicopter from Eurocopter brings the total number of MRH90 to be acquired by Australia to 47.

Australia ordered 12 MRH90 in 2005 and an additional 34 in 2006 to replace existing Westland Sea King, Bell UH-1 Iroquois and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in the Australian Army and Navy.

Four were to be delivered from Europe and the remaining manufactured locally under license. Australia currently has 19 MRH90 and will receive 6 to 7 more every year until 2017.

However, the original program schedule has been delayed by 3 years due to problems, including those associated with the RTM322 engine in the MRH90, that appeared in Australia.

Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter that manufactures the MRH90, hopes to make up for these delays by providing the 47th MRH90 free of charge to Australia.

The problems with the MRH90 helped lead Australia to choose the Sikorsky MH-60R Sea Hawk over the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), a variant of the NH90 for naval use, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

Australia awarded a $3.15 billion contract for 24 MH-60R in 2011 to replace older S-70B Sea Hawk helicopters in service. All are to be delivered between 2014 and 2020.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-09/eurocopter-gives-australia-free-nh90-chopper-to-atone-for-delay.html

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

South Korea Decides to Buy 36 AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopters

South Korea has decided to buy 36 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the United States in a contract worth about $1.6 billion. The AH-64E was selected over the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Turkish Aerospace Industries T-129 attack helicopters.

The announcement was made by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Procurement Administration (DAPA). The AH-64E helicopters are scheduled to be delivered by 2018 over 3 years and starting in 2016.

South Korea becomes the 13th country to select the Apache attack helicopter. The previous 12 countries are Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In all, over 1800 Apache attack helicopters have already been delivered since 1984. The US Army was the first to receive the production version of the AH-64E, also known as the AH-64D Block III, in October 2011.

Taiwan is scheduled to receive the first of 30 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters in the last quarter of 2013. There they will join the 2 existing squadrons of AH-1W Super Cobras in Taiwan.

The AH-64E incorporates 26 new technologies designed to enhance the aircraft's capabilities, including:

• The improved drive system features a new gear transmission that increases power capacity to 3400 shaft horsepower
• The new composite main rotor blade accommodates that power increase, resulting in improved aircraft performance with an increase in payload.
• Integrating the new T700-GE-701D engine with the enhanced digital electronic control unit and other drive system technologies results in an increase in hover ceiling altitude at greater gross weight

The AH-64E can be armed with up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rocket pods and Stinger air-to-air missiles. A 30 mm dual-purpose cannon with 1200 rounds of ammunition is mounted under the chin.

South Korea will also soon decide the winning bidder for the acquisition of 60 new fighter jets. The candidates in that competition are the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-15 Silent Eagle and Eurofighter Typhoon.


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/04/17/4/0301000000AEN20130417010800315F.HTML

By Los688 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Brazil to receive last 3 of 12 Mi-35 helicopters

The last 3 Mil Mi-35 helicopters will be delivered by Russia to Brazil in the Fall of 2013, where they will join the 9 that have already been delivered. A total of 12 Mi-35 were ordered in 2008 in contract worth about $150 million.

The Mi-35 had been selected over the Augusta A-129 Mangusta and the Eurocopter AS-665 Tiger in a Brazilian tender. The first 3 helicopters were delivered in 2010, followed by 3 more each in 2011 and 2012.

Deliveries of the helicopters have been delayed from what was originally scheduled when the contract was first signed due to necessary Brazilian cuts in defense spending after the contract was signed.

The Mi-35 helicopters will be used in several roles, including to combat international drug traffickers and to help patrol border regions in the Amazon region with other surveillance aircraft.

The Mi-35 is an export version of the Mi-24 Hind helicopters. The Mi-24 Hind is a hybrid helicopter, able to fulfill the role of both a gunship/attack helicopter and a transport helicopter with room for up to 8 soldiers.

The Mi-24 in turn was developed on the basis of the Mi-8 Hip transport helicopter. The Mi-8 and its export versions, the Mi-17 and Mi-171 are one of the most widely used helicopters in the world and noted for their reliability and ruggedness.

Brazil has also expressed interest in other Russian weapons. It is looking into acquiring the Pantsir-S1 short and medium-range air defense system. The Pantsir-S1 is armed with dual 30 mm guns and up to 12 missiles.

Brazil may also acquire the Igla-S Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS). However, no actual contract has been signed for either systems as of this moment.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130410/180562334/Russia-to-Complete-Helicopter-Deliveries-to-Brazil-in-Fall.html

By Staff Sgt. Angelita Lawrence [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Peru may buy 24 Mil Mi-171 helicopters

Peru is considering buying another 24 Mil Mi-171 Hip helicopters from Russia in a contract worth $406.8 million. If the contract is signed, the first 21 will be delivered in 2014 and the remaining 3 helicopters in 2015.

The Mi-171 is already in service with the Peruvian armed forces. Russia delivered 6 Mi-171 helicopters in 2009. The helicopters are to be used in the fight against terrorists and drug traffickers.

The Mi-171 is a variant of the Mi-17, which are export designations based on the original Mil Mi-8. All are medium-sized, transport and utility helicopter and one of the most numerous helicopters of all time.

Many variations are in use by many countries all over the world. It is not unusual to see both sides of an armed conflict use the same helicopter from the Mil family. Its specifications are:

• a crew of 3
• a length of 18.47 m
• a rotor diameter of 21.25 m
• a height of 4.76 m
• an empty weight of 7489 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 13000 kg
• a payload of 4000 kg (internal) or 5000 kg (external)
• a speed of 250 km/hr
• a range of 465 km
• a ceiling of 6000 m

The Mi-171 is powered by 2 Klimov TV3-117VM turboshafts, each producing 1633 kW (2190 shp).

The Mi-171 can be armed with gunpods, rockets and bombs. The Mi-24 Hind is an gunship / attack helicopter variant whose roots can be traced back to the Mi-8.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130331/180352675/Peru-to-Buy-24-Russian-Helicopters--Media.html

By ILA-boy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Colombia receives 5 Sikorsky S-70i helicopters

Colombia has received 5 new multi-purpose Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from the United States.  It is the first country in South America to have bought the aircraft.

The S-70i were custom made for the Special Forces of the Colombian Army. The aircraft were build at PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky in Poland. They join 96 UH-60L aircraft already in service in Colombia.

The Sikorsky S-70i is a medium transport and utility helicopter with the following specifications:

• a crew of 2
• a length of 19.76 m
• a rotor diameter of 16.36 m
• a height of 5.33 m
• a payload of 4000 kg
• a empty weight of 5350 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 10000 kg
• a maximum speed of 361 km/hr
• a range of 463 km with 20 minutes reserve
• a ceiling of 4000 m

The S-70i is powered by 2 General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshafts with, 1409 kW (1890 shp) each.

The Black Hawk helicopters can perform a wide variety of missions including:

• troop transport and air assault
• search and rescue (SAR)
• medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• cargo lift
• VIP transport

Over 3000 Black Hawk helicopters of various types are in service in over 30 countries around the world.


http://www.sikorsky.com/About+Sikorsky/News/Press+Details?pressvcmid=bd8830d295e8d310VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD

By Julian H. [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Germany buys fewer NH90 and Tiger but more NH90 NFH helicopters

After more than a year of negotiations, Germany and Eurocopter have agreed on how to restructure the previous contract with the following:

• reduce the number of Tiger attack helicopters from 80 to 57
• reduce the number of NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) from 122 to 82
• buy 18 NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) / NFH90

Eurocopter will buy back 18 Tiger attack helicopters that have already been delivered. Once finalized, the amended contract will allow Germany to reduce costs.

The medium-sized NH90 NFH helicopter is the naval variant of the NH90 with:

• a length of 19.56 m
• a width of 16.30 m
• a height of 5.31 m
• an empty weight of 6400 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 10600 kg
• a maximum speed of 300 km/hr
• a maximum range of 982 km
• a maximum endurance of 5 hrs

The helicopter is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 turboshafts with 1662 kW (2230 shp) each. Alternative engines from General Electric are available.

The NH90 NFH is usually stationed on surface ships and can perform a wide range of roles, including:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
• Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
• Maritime surveillance and control 
• Logistic transport and utility support
• Special Operations such as counter terrorism and anti-piracy

To complete its missions, the NH90 NFH can be fitted with a range of equipment, including:

• Tactical 360 degree radar that is capable of multiple track while scan, auto initialisation and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) 
• Dipping sonar that is capable of Low Frequency Continuous Wave and Frequency Modulation
• Tactical Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) interfaced with the radar and navigation system 
• Electronic Warfare System including ESM and Counter Measures System
• Sonobuoys storage, launch and processing system
• Digital Map Generator system
• IFF Interrogator
• Data Link 11

The helicopters can be armed with a mix of 2 anti-ship missiles such as the Marte Mk2/S or 2 torpedoes such as the MU90, Mk46 or Stingray.

The NH90 NFH compact and efficient design allows it to perform several roles during the same flight. It can also quickly be reconfigured to a changing role should there be a need to.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/germany-cuts-eads-military-chopper-order-while-adding-navy-model.html

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

By Dmitrij Rodionov, DR [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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

Iraq expects delivery of 30 Mi-28NE and 50 Pantsir-S1 later this year from Russia

According to the Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Russia will start delivery of the Mi-28NE attack helicopter and Pantsir-S1 Self Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun as soon as financial matters have been resolved, which he estimates to be no later than the start of this summer.

Last October, Russia and Iraq announced a $4.2 billion contract for the delivery of 30 Mi-28NE attack helicopters and 50 Pantsir-S1 gun-missile, short-range, air defense systems.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev. The deal would be Russia's largest since 2006.

Shortly thereafter, Iraq announced that the deal had been put on hold pending review. In November, Iraq’s acting Defense Minister Sadun Al-Dulaymi denied reports that the deal had been cancelled due to corruption.

The Mil Mi-28NE Havoc is a tandem, all-weather, day-night, two-seat, attack helicopter with:

• a length of 17 m
• a rotor diameter of 17.2 m
• a height of 4.7 m
• an empty weight of 8600 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 11500 kg
• a maximum speed of 320 km/hr
• a ferry range of 1100 km
• a ceiling of 5700 m

The Mi-28NE is powered by 2 Klimov TV3-117VMA turboshafts with 1636 kW (2194 shp) each.

The Mi-28NE can be fitted with up to 16 Ataka anti-tank, thermobaric or other guided air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets and a 30 mm gun mounted beneath the chin.

The Pantsir-S1 from the KBP Design Bureau is a mobile, short-to-medium range, air defense system fitted with:

• 2 x 6 radio-command guided, 57E6 surface-to-air missiles with a range of up to 20 km and an altitude of 15 km
• two dual 2A38M 30 mm guns with a range of up to 4 km

The Pantsir-S1 is considered to be the successor of the Tunguska-M1.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130304/179805890/Iraq-to-Get-Russian-Weapons-by-June---Minister.html

By RuLavan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By A.Savin [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Taiwan to Begin Receiving P-3C Orion, AH-64E Apache and UH-60M Black Hawk

After some delay, Taiwan is set to finally receive the aircraft it had previously ordered during the first administration of President Ma Ying-jeou. The aircraft to be delivered by the United States include:

• a $1.96 billion contract for delivery of 12 P-3C Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace the S-2T patrol aircraft starting at the end of 2013
• a $2.53 billion contract for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to supplement the two existing squadrons of AH-1W Super Cobras starting in the fourth quarter of 2013
• a $3.11 billion contract for delivery of 60 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters to replace the UH-1H utility helicopters starting in March 2014

The total value is around $7.6 billion.

The Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion is a four-engined turboprop, anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance aircraft with:

• a length of 35.6 m
• a wingspan of 30.4 m
• a height of 11.8 m
• an empty weight of 35000 kg
• a max takeoff weight of 64400 kg
• a max speed of of 750 km/h
• a max range of 4400 km
• an endurance of 16 hrs
• a max ceiling of 10400 m 
• 4 Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines, 4600 shp each

The aircraft can be fitted with depth charges, torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and other air-to-surface missiles

By Los688 [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Army [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Navy [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

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

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

US orders 21 more V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft

The United States has awarded a $1.4 billion contract for 21 additional V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to Boeing and Textron's unit, Bell Helicopter.

The contract includes funding for advanced procurement of materials for 22 Osprey aircraft for the following fiscal year.

The multi-purpose V-22 Osprey combines the characteristics of a conventional helicopter with that of a turboprop aircraft to gain the benefits of both designs. It has both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability.

It will act like a helicopter during takeoff with both rotors in horizontal position. During flight the rotors are at an almost vertical position. This allows the Osprey to have higher speed, increased range and payload than would otherwise have been possible.

It is the first tiltrotor aircraft design to have entered serial production. The Osprey specifications are:

• a length of 17.5 m
• a rotor diameter of 11.6 m
• a wingspan of 14 m
• an empty weight of 33140 lbs
• a maximum takeoff weight of 60500 lbs
• a maximum speed of 275 knots 
• a combat radius of 722 km
• a ceiling of 25000 feet

The aircraft is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce/Allison T406/AE 1107C-Liberty turboshafts, each delivering 6150 hp each.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-textron-win-1-4-233236857.html

By James Haseltine (USAF) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons