Orel . escribió:Iris, esa noticia, que puede hacernos parecer tontos, tiene una poderosa razón de ser: la inversión y puestos de trabajo que supone el A400M para España, que supera con creces cualquier indenminación que pudieran darnos... y que podría llevar sus consecuencias negativas para España y su carga de trabajo.
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii: Twenty-four F-22 Raptors and hundreds of Airmen deployed to the Pacific region for a three-month deployment in support of the Pacific global deterrence mission.
Twelve F-22s deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived Jan. 18 to Andersen AFB, Guam, and the week prior 12 F-22s from Langley AFB, Va., began arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
The F-22s and Airmen are part of ongoing rotations of forces to ensure security and stability throughout the region. Members of both squadrons will conduct air combat training with Air Force and other U.S. military assets in the region.
An F-22 Raptor cools down after a 10-hour flight Jan. 10 from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley AFB, Va., as part of an air and space expeditionary force rotation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Amanda
RICHMOND, BC: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that MDA conducted its first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight in Afghanistan on January 1, 2009. Flight operations are now underway from the Kandahar Airfield for the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND).
The service will support Canadian troops by providing critically important intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information directly to commanders and front line soldiers in real time.
In August, DND awarded the contract to MDA for a long endurance UAV surveillance solution to support the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. Only five months later, this service is operational in Kandahar, Afghanistan and fulfills a recommendation made by the Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan led by the Honourable John Manley.
David Hargreaves, a vice president within MDA's Information Systems group, said: 'This key milestone demonstrates MDA's ability to rapidly bring very sophisticated, cost effective surveillance services that will improve safety for Canada and NATO and significantly improve operational results.'
Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products. MDA employs more than 3,300 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Gripen Fighter Super Cruises
Gripen International
During a test flight today the Gripen Demo aircraft proved its ability to “Supercruise”, the ability to fly supersonic without the use of afterburner which results in fuel savings and an increase in range.
During last Autumn, the Gripen Demo performed 40 sorties as part of the development programme that focuses on opening up the flight envelope regarding speed, altitude, angle-of-attack and loads. This year, the testing has continued at the same high tempo. Today’s supercruise flight is part of the ongoing high speed supersonic testing that will include supersonic flights, with different load alternatives.
Saab test pilot Magnus Ljungdahl flew the Gripen Demonstrator aircraft in supercruise.
“The flight was conducted over the Baltic Sea, my altitude was 28, 000 feet and the speed achieved was above Mach 1.2. Without using afterburner I maintained the same speed until I ran out of test area and had to head back to the Saab Test Flight Centre in Linköping.”
“Important milestone”
“To show potential customers that Gripen can supercruise is an important milestone”, said Gripen International Marketing Director Bob Kemp, “and to perform this activity only nine months after the Gripen Demonstrator was shown in public for the first time, is something that few, if any aircraft can beat.”
The Gripen Demo aircraft is a flying test platform for the next generation of Gripen and for the further development of the present Gripen C/D aircraft. Together with a ground-based test rig, the Gripen Demonstrator will develop and prove the essential systems and capabilities for the future, including its more powerful General Electric F414G engine, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced communications and electronic warfare systems.
Boeing Completes Canadian Program for CF-18 Modernization
Boeing Company
OTTAWA: The Boeing Company has successfully completed its Industrial and Regional Benefits program for Phase 1 of the CF-18 Fighter Avionics Modernization Program for the Canadian Forces. This achievement, reached one year ahead of schedule, demonstrates the company's continued success in meeting its industrial participation (IP) commitments. Boeing has successfully implemented IP programs totaling more than US$29 billion in more than 35 countries over the past 30 years.
"The completion of the CF-18 Phase 1 Industrial and Regional Benefits program continues our long-standing commitment to investing in the regions where we do business," Gwen Kopsie, director of Industrial Participation for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said Jan. 21 in Ottawa. "This accomplishment further reinforces our focus on developing partnerships and issuing contracts that will result in long-term, high-value jobs for Canadians while further establishing Boeing as an enduring partner to Canadian industry."
With the completion of the CF-18 Phase 1 Industrial and Regional Benefits program, valued at nearly US$378 million, Boeing now has three active IP programs in Canada, each coordinated by Industry Canada. The IP program for Phase 2 of CF-18 Fighter Avionics Modernization, valued at nearly US$138 million, is on track for completion in May 2011.
The company also has two IP programs tied to the Canadian government's 2007 order for four C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, which have delivered and are already supporting Canadian Forces' military and humanitarian missions. As part of the C-17 acquisition and in-service support contracts, Boeing agreed to match the purchase price of the four aircraft and a 20-year maintenance and support contract with dollar-for-dollar investments, valued at US$1.5 billion, back into the Canadian economy.
Boeing has been a major contributor to the Canadian economy since 1919, generating approximately US$1 billion in business annually. The company employs highly skilled workers in Winnipeg, Richmond (British Columbia), Montreal, and Ottawa in support of both its commercial and its defense/space business units. Canada also is home to Boeing's third-largest international supplier base, including more than 200 suppliers in every region of the country.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
Decisions Looms For JSF Program
US Air Force
Washington DC: Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration.
The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill.
Based on initial indications and inquiries from President Obama's administration, Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis said he's confident the F-35 program begun during the Clinton administration will continue, even if budget restraints force scale-backs. General Davis made the comments here as keynote speaker at a Brookings Institution forum, "The Joint Strike Fighter and Beyond."
"Support throughout what appears to be three administrations has been relatively consistent," he said. "As of yet, we see no reason that that support is going to change. There is nobody on Capitol Hill who has said they want to cancel the Joint Strike Fighter."
That doesn't mean, he acknowledged, that the program to develop the next-generation strike aircraft weapon system for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and allied countries might not get scaled back.
General Davis conceded he gets many questions about the F-35's cost - expected to be $80 million to $90 million, depending on the variant - and delivery schedule. And if fewer aircraft are built, each will cost even more.
"We lose two airplanes in our [fiscal 2009] appropriation, and every other one of the airplanes being bought in that year goes up $3 million," he said.
Another consideration, he said, is the cost of maintaining the aging legacy fleets the F-35 would replace if production is cut.
Earlier yesterday, William Lynn, President Obama's deputy defense secretary nominee, told the Senate Armed Services Committee it would be "very difficult" for the Defense Department to keep all its weapons systems development programs on track in tight budget times.
Mr. Lynn said at his confirmation hearing he'll push for a speedy Quadrennial Defense Review to set priorities through fiscal 2015, and expects the tactical aviation force modernization issue to play heavily in those considerations.
In written responses submitted to the committee, Mr. Lynn recognized the capabilities of both the F-22 and F-35 aircraft - particularly when considered together.
"The F-22 is the most advanced tactical fighter in the world and, when combined with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will provide the nation with the most capable mix of fifth-generation aircraft available for the foreseeable future," he said.
The F-22, to replace the legacy F-15 fleet, brings "tremendous capability" and is a critical element of the department's overall tactical aircraft force structure, Mr. Lynn said. The F-35, on the other hand, "will provide the foundation for the department's tactical air force structure."
The F-35 is the first aircraft to be developed within the Defense Department to meet the needs of three services, with three variants being developed simultaneously.
It will replace the legacy F-16 aircraft for the Air Force and the F/A-18 and AV-8 aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as numerous legacy aircraft for the international partners participating in the F-35 program, Mr. Lynn told the Senate committee.
So the big question, he said, is determining the appropriate mix between the two aircraft. "If confirmed, I would expect this to be a key issue for the early strategy and program-budget reviews that the department will conduct over the next few months," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made no secret of his interest in reaching a decision and moving forward. During a June visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., he told Airmen at Air Combat Command the new administration will have to determine the proper balance between the two aircraft.
"End the debate, make a decision and move on," Secretary Gates said. "'Start getting stuff built' is just so important.'"
Secretary Gates told the Airmen he had allocated enough money to keep the F-22 production lines open so the next administration could make its decision. He did not know at the time that he would be part of that decision-making process.
General Davis told the Brooking Institution audience Jan. 15, "support from all three services has never been stronger" for the F-35 program.
The Marine Corps, slated to receive the "B" variant that has a vertical-lift capability, has been "the most vocal, avid and fervent customer," General Davis said. The Marine Corps leadership expects the F-35 to become "the most effective air platform they have ever had," he said. "Looking at their history of how they have used airplanes, that is quite a bold statement."
Similarly, the Navy, to receive the aircraft's "C" variant designed for carrier launches, "has never been more supportive of the program," General Davis said. He noted that the Navy has been "fighting aggressively" to keep its aircraft carriers fully outfitted.
In addition, the Air Force recognizes the need for a complementary mix of aircraft to meet its mission requirements, he said. Its "A" variant of the F-35 will provide conventional take-off and landing capabilities.
Meanwhile, nine partner nations continue to support the program, with other countries considering signing on, too, General Davis said. The F-35 program represents the first time in military procurement history that the United States has partnered with another nation to build an aircraft from the ground up.
"We believe that the coalition that was put in place when they signed up for this program is probably stronger than ever now," General Davis said.
This partnership, he said, brings the concept of coalition integration to a whole new level. In addition to funding and developing the F-35 together, the partners plan to use a single system to sustain it - sharing spares and repair capabilities to reduce costs.
"There is something very unique that Joint Strike Fighter offers that other programs I have seen do not," he said.
The big challenge for now, General Davis said, is to take advantage of the latest manufacturing processes to get the production line moving ahead.
"Even the manufacturing lines for some of our newest fighters, the F-22, started in the late '80s and early '90s," he said. "We have progressed almost two decades in manufacturing technology, but we have never really tried it out on a full-scale program."
Third Su-30MK2 Delivered to Indonesian Air Force
JSC “Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association named after Yury Gagarin” (KNAAPO) delivered the third Su-30MK2 fighter to Indonesia under the contract dated 23.07.2008 for the delivery of six aircraft - three Su-30MK2 and three Su-27SKM – to the Indonesian Air Force.
They plan to reassemble and fly out the newly delivered aircraft before January 22nd.
In last December two Su-30MK2 fighters were delivered to the Air Force of Indonesia. The Su-27SKMs are planned for delivery in 2009-2010.
Together with four early-bought Russian fighters the new ones are to form an air squadron [based] in Makasar. Indonesia bought four fighters – two Su-30MK2 and two Su-27SKM – in 2003.
The first flight tests of the new fighters were held on the 6th of January at “Hasanuddyn” airbase on Sulawesi. The official ceremony of the Russian fighters delivery to the Indonesian Air Force is scheduled until the end of January in Makasar.
Airpower: Reapers target enemy forces
US Air Force
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s on an enemy group firing mortars at coalition soldiers near Bari Kowt. The strikes took place after anti-Afghan personnel emerged from a cave and opened fire on the village where the patrol was located. The Strike Eagles also helped a coalition patrol locate enemy personnel attempting to flee the area.
Near Balocan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft targeted an anti-Afghan machine gun squad with a Hellfire missile. The enemy group was attempting to withdraw after firing upon coalition personnel from dwellings in a nearby settlement. Navy F/A-18A Hornet and F/A-18E Super Hornets performed shows of force and expended flares to deter additional enemy activity.
Another Reaper UA launched Hellfire missiles at enemy personnel shooting at a coalition unit in the Sangin area. An F/A-18A followed up with a show of force to discourage further enemy action.
A coalition aircraft flew shows of force around a friendly position near Tarin Kowt to drive off enemy personnel gathered in the area.
In Shurakian, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet flying armed overwatch for coalition ground forces flew a show of force expending flares to deter enemy forces.
On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Sixteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 41 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.
Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 475 tons of cargo was delivered and about 3,400 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Jan. 18, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 287 receiving aircraft.
An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft prepares to land after a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Reaper has the ability to carry both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
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