Feb. 20, 2012 Bell Textron will be getting $56.7 million to acquire parts needed to upgraded USMC helicopters to new standards
for increased performance and reliability.
Air India Seeks Dreamliner Compensation
Click on the picture to read about the 787.
Feb. 20, 2012 Air India is asking Boeing for US$840 million in compensation to cover their losses for the delayed deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner. The
airline company ordered 27 of the aircraft in early 2006. The first Air India Dreamliner is expected to be delivered prior to the end of this month.
At its current rate of sales, the 787 Dreamliner may not earn a profit for Boeing for some 23 years.
F-35 Strike Fighter Purchase Cuts
Click on the picture for the F-35.
Feb. 20, 2012 The Pentagon announced that US$15.1 billion payments to Lockheed will be postponed with the
delay in deliveries of some 179 F-35 Strike Fighter aircraft over the next five years.
Rather than accepting deliveries and paying for Strike Fighters which need rebuilding, the Pentagon
anticipates saving billions of dollars that would be spend rebuilding the aircraft. They will do this by delaying production until
Lockheed can deliver the aircraft in ready for combat condition.
Lockheed has thus far delivered 63 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, but the Pentagon says none will be combat
ready without major rebuilding. Only test pilots are currently cleared to fly those aircraft.
The Pentagon says that they will only delay purchases, but not cut the number of F-35 Strike Fighters planned.
In related developments, Italy will be reducing the number of F-35 Strike Fighters they anticipate purchasing from 131 to 90.
Lockheed announced that the delayed purchases are going to mean a rise in the cost of the F-35 aircraft, but would not specify by how much.
Jan 18, 2012 Lockheed announced that acceleration of the F-35 Strike Fighter in the transonic speed flight envelope
probably will not be able to meet original specifications.
The problem is that Lockheed engineers did not properly anticipating the drag on the aircraft due
to its stealth design, particularly the model C aircraft with larger wings, designed to fly from aircraft carriers.
According to Lockheed, it was originally anticipated that the F-35 would have performance similar to the F-16 and F-18 fighters when they are flown
without external ordnance or fuel tanks. The F-35 Strike Fighter specifications were written based on those conditions. However, when
those aircraft are fitted for combat, their performance is diminished due to the drag of the fuel tanks and weapons mounted outside of their
fuselages. Performance of the F-35 in stealth mode, when all of its fuel and ordnance are carried internally, is superior to those aircraft when
they are equipped for combat or carry external fuel tanks.
It should be noted that the F-18 Hornet can carry about 17,750 lbs. of ordnance. The F-35 USAF and USN models can carry about 4,000 lbs. of ordnance
when in stealth mode, less than 25% of the capacity of the F-18. The USMC model F-35 Strike Fighter can only carry about 2,000 lbs
of ordnance in stealth mode due to the space taken by its lift fan.
Lockheed did not comment on how much the performance of the F-35 degrades when equipped with external fuel tanks or
external weapons when not flying in stealth mode.
Eurocopter Receives 16 Helicopter Order
Click on the picture for the Super Puma.
Feb. 19, 2012 Milestone Aviation Group has entered into a contract with Eurocopter for the purchase of sixteen EC225 Super Puma
helicopters worth some US$480 million. Deliveries of the helicopters will begin next year and should be completed by 2017.
Metro Aviation Expands Emergency Heli Fleet
Click on the picture for the EC 145.
Feb. 18, 2012 Five new Eurocopter EC145 helicopters will be joining Metro Aviation's fleet. The first helicopter will be delivered next month, with the balance delivered
before the end of this year. The helicopters provide safe, reliable transportation for emergency medical situations, as well as hospital
to hospital transport. After the additional deliveries, Metro will operate a total of 22 EC145 helicopters.
Sukhoi Plans 14 Prototype Stealth Fighters
Click on the picture for the Sukhoi T-50.
Feb. 17, 2012 Russia announced that it will be increasing production of their prototype stealth Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA aircraft to a total of fourteen within three years.
Three prototype T-50 PAK FA prototype jets are currently undergoing testing. An additional three aircraft are anticipated to be ready for testing before the end of 2012.
According to the Russian Air Force, the T-50 PAK FA will be the world's best performing stealth fighter bomber with regard to speed, range, and payload.
New ATC Has US$4.2 Billion inOverruns
Feb. 17, 2012 A recent GAO audit shows that costs to modernize the US. air traffic control system are currently running about US$4.2 billion over budget with final implementation running about four years late.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Agency has contracted with thirty companies to upgrade from the current air traffic control system to a satellite global
positioning system by 2025. Anticipated final costs may exceed US$40 billion. Thus far eleven of the thirty contractors are responsible for the majority of the delays and the cost overruns.
It is hoped that the new system will shorten flight times, save fuel, lower pollutants, and increase safety by allowing far more accurate tracking of aircraft.
Agusta Westland Shows Off Its AW609
Click on the picture for the AW609.
Feb. 16, 2012 Agusta Westland has recently been flying its new AW609 tilt-rotor aircraft before the public. Agusta Westland Is anticipating initial sales of some 70 AW609 aircraft when deliveries begin in 2016.
Israel Acquiring 30 Aermacchi M-346 Trainers
Click on the picture for the M-346.
Feb. 16, 2012 Israel has recently completed negotiations with Alenia Aermacchi for the purchase of thirty M-346 advanced trainer aircraft for delivery to Israel in 2014. The deal is
said to be worth about US$1 billion. Italy will, in turn, purchase an equal value in Israeli manufactured arms.
In 2010 the Singapore Air Force ordered
12 M-346 advanced trainer aircraft and a flight simulator for pilot training in a
contract worth US$432.6 million. The first aircraft produced under the contract
is scheduled for delivery to Singapore in December of 2012.
Click on the picture for the KAI T-50.
The Korean Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer was also being considered by Israel. In exchange, Korea
would have purchased an Israeli manufactured rocket defense system.
Indonesia Purchasing Nine Airbus Transports
Click on the picture for the CASA C-295.
Feb. 15, 2012 Indonesia and Airbus entered into an agreement for the purchase of nine CASA C-295 transport
aircraft. The US$325 million contract also includes instruction and additional equipment.
It is anticipated that Airbus will produce the aircraft components, with final assembly taking place in Indonesia.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2012 with the final aircraft arriving in Indonesia by mid 2014. All
of the Airbus CASA C-295 aircraft will be deployed by Indonesia's air force.
Lion Air Orders Hawker Business Jets
Click on the picture for the Hawker 900XP.
Feb. 12, 2012 Lion Air, Indonesia, announced the purchase of nine Hawker 900XP business jets to be used in its new charter business.
Total cost is reported to be about US$70 million. Lion Air anticipates beginning offering private jets for charter in July of 2012.
Indonesian Army to Buy 8 Apache Helicopters
Click on the picture for the AH-64 Apache.
Feb. 11, 2012 The Indonesian Army announced plans to contract with Boeing to purchase a total of eight AH-64 Apache helicopters through 2014. Total
purchase price is expcted to be around US$25 million.
Dec. 9, 2011 The U.S. Army announced that their primary battlefield attack helicopter, the AH-64 Apache, will be receiving major upgrades. Among
them are more powerful engines combined with longer, lighter weight rotors. Not only will the Apache be able to cruise at faster speeds,
but rate of climb and payload will be increased. In addition, pilots of the Apache will have the ability to guide UAV's on surveillance and
attack missions. The upgrades will affect some 634 existing and an additional 56 yet to be produced helicopters. It is anticipated that
the AH-64 Apache will continue to be deployed with the U.S. Army until at least 2030.
RAF Plane Cancellation Reveals Hidden Costs
Click on the picture for the Nimrod MRA4.
Feb. 10, 2012 The British parliamentary Public Accounts Committee reports that although the RAF
canceled the Nimrod MRA4, program costs had already reached some US$5.34 billion. The Ministry of Defence anticipated a cost savings
of about US$2.98 billion over the next ten years by ending the program. However, total cancellation costs to compensate BAE,
manufacturer of the aircraft, for the cancellation of the program thus far have not been determined.
Pakistan Upgrades its F-16 Falcons
Click on the picture for the F-16 Falcon.
Feb. 10, 2012 Pakistan received its final three F-16 Falcons today, the conclusion of a contract with the U.S. for the upgrading
of a total of 35 of the jets to improve their all-weather flight capabilities. In addition, Pakistan has purchased 18 new F-16 Falcons.
In 2009 Pakistan contracted with Turkish Aerospace Industries to upgrade another 41 F-16 Falcons. This includes the installation of
new avionics plus wing and fuselage strengthening. The contract is ongoing through 2014 with three of the refurbished aircraft also arriving in Pakistan today.
Feb. 6, 2012 The U.S.A.F. has announced that it plans to ask Ratheon and Northrop Grumman for competing bids to upgrade the
avionics and airframes of some 350 F-16 Falcon aircraft through 2020. Overall
improvements to the aircraft are expected to run about US$2.8 billion.
Airbus A380 Additional Inspections
Click on the picture for the Airbus A380.
Feb. 10, 2012 The European Safefy Agency has now directed that all Airbus A380 aircraft have their wing covering attachment brackets
checked after more cracks were found on another Quantas aircraft during a routine inspection. A total of 85 Airbus A380 aircraft have been built to date.
Jan. 19, 2012 In late December 2011 cracks were detected in attachment brackets used from the wing ribs to the wing
covering on a Quantas Airbus A380 undergoing unscheduled engine repairs. This prompted Airbus to check eight additional high hour A380 aircraft.
Cracks were found in brackets on one of those aircraft. When this was reported to the European Safety Agency they issued a directive
calling for inspection of an additional eleven high hour A380 aircraft prior to their normal inspection dates.
Checking the brackets takes around one day due, in part, to the number of brackets, plus the necessity of draining adjacent fuel tanks
before inspections can commence. Replacement of defective brackets could add
several more days to the procedure. Each Airbus A380 has some 4,000 such brackets.
Airbus has found that the cracks are probably due to over torquing during aircraft assembly. This has
resulted in a modification of the assembly processes that Airbus hopes will resolve the issue.
THE RAF PURCHASES ANOTHER C-17
Click the picture for the C-17 Globemaster.
Feb. 10, 2012 The British RAF will purchase an additional Boeing C-17 Globemaster, bringing recent purchases to a total of eight aircraft.
The C-17 sells for about US$218 million per aircraft.
Jan. 23, 2012 The United States Air Force will be purchasing an additional five C-17 Globemaster
aircraft from Boeing under an existing contract. The purchase raises the total contract value by US$693.4 million. The aircraft are
manufactured at Boeing's Long Beach, California facility.
V-22 Osprey Purchase Reductions
Click on the picture for the V-22 Osprey.
Feb. 6, 2012 The U.S. Navy will purchase 24 less V-22 Osprey rotorcraft through 2017 than originally anticipated to bring its
budged in line with current military cuts. As now budgeted, the Navy will eventually
have 98 Ospreys. Estimated budget savings from the cuts will be some US$1.75 billion.
On Jan. 13, 2012 The Pentagon reported that software upgrades have helped improve overall performance of the V-22 Osprey in the last half of 2011.
Mission availability of the V-22 Osprey has most recently been tracked at 53%, slightly down from its 2010 57% availability rate.
A-10 Warthog Budget Cuts
Click on the picture for the A-10 Warthog.
Feb. 4, 2012 The U.S. Dept. of Defense will reduce the
number of A-10 Warthog ground support aircraft to lower the overall Air Force budget.
There will be 20 active-duty aircraft, 20 reserve, and 62 National Guard aircraft retired.
That will leave about 169 A-10 Warthog aircraft actively deployed, plus 28 reserve and 46 National Guard aircraft.
The A-10 is best known as a highly maneuverable, low flying anti tank, anti armor aircraft that can also provide control to guide other aircraft toward ground targets.
The Air Force claims that the F-35 Strike Fighter will be able to take over the missions of the A-10.
Critics disagree, citing the inability of the F-35 to maneuver at low speeds, its short loiter time over target, vulnerability to
ground fire, and minimal ordnance payload when flying in stealth mode.
Russia Upgrades their Strategic Bombers
Click on the picture for the Tu-22M3.
Feb. 2, 2012 The Russian Air Force will be enhancing the avionics on about thirty of their Tuplov
Tu-22M3 long-range heavy bombers to extend their service life while waiting for
a new generation of bombers to be deployed. The Tupolev Tu-22M3 was produced through 1993. About 140 of the aircraft are currently deployed.
India Wants the French Rafale Fighter
Click on the picture for the Dassault Rafale.
Feb. 1, 2012 Dassault has entered into exclusive negotiations with India to sell them 126 Rafale fighter aircraft. The Rafale
prevailed over the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed F-16
Falcon, Mikoyan MiG-25, and Saab Griffen in what was termed the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft Competition (MMRCA).
Sources say that the French built Rafale has been determined to be the best overall value. Its initial unit cost is about 25% less than the nearest
competitor, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and projected maintenance costs over its deployment life are also significantly lower. A contributing factor in the
selection of the Rafale may also be that India has previously purchased Dassault Mirage fighters and their air force is already familiar with French aircraft.
It is expected that a contract worth up to US$18 billion will be finalized between April and October of 2012.
U.S. COAST GUARD GETS NEW AIRCRAFT
Click the picture for the Ocean Sentry.
Jan. 31, 2012 The United States Coast Guard took possession of its latest Airbus Military HC-144A Ocean Sentry turboprop search and
rescue aircraft. A total of 36 of the new aircraft are anticipated to be ordered, replacing the current fleet of HU-25 jets. The
turboprop aircraft have over two times the flight time of the jets that they are replacing. This is the 13th aircraft received.
U.S. Navy orders 15 Hornets from Boeing
Click the picture for the F-18 Hornet.
Jan. 26, 2012 Boeing will be producing an additional 15 F-18 Hornet aircraft for the United States Navy with deliveries commencing
in early 2015. One Hornet will be the two seat "F" variant and the remainder will be the single seat "E" models. Value of the order is US$687.5 million.
Northrop Gets New E-2 U.S. Navy Order
Click the picture for the E-2 Hawkeye.
Jan. 24, 2012 The U.S. Navy will be purchasing five new E-2 Hawkeye AWAC aircraft from Northrop Grumman in a deal worth some US$781.5 million
with deliveries starting in May 2015.
Syria Contracts for 36 new Yak-130 Aircraft
Click on the picture for the Yak-130.
Jan. 23, 2012 It was announced today that Syria entered into a contract to purchase a total of 36 new
Yakovlev Yak-130 aircraft. The advanced jet trainer is capable of being equipped with weapons for light attack.
In addition to eleven Yak-130 aircraft deployed in Russia, Algeria is currently flying three of the
aircraft. Libya originally contracted for six of the aircraft, but the order was later canceled.
Australian UH-60 Blackhawks Grounded
Click on the picture for the UH-60 Blackhawk.
Jan 21, 2012 Defective bolts were found during the inspection of a Australian UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The results
has been that all Australian UH-60 helicopters are grounded while inspections and repairs ensue. We do not have any information at
this time about how long the helicopter fleet of 33 aircraft will be grounded.
Bahrain International Air Show 2012
Click on the picture for the Russian Knights.
Jan. 17, 2012 Bahrain announces the arrival of the Russian Knights aerobatic team. They will be participating in BIAS 2012 beginning on Jan. 19th
and running through Jan. 21st. The show will include static aircraft displays as well as demonstrations from the air forces of various
nations and the Bahrain Air Force.
Additional Boeing Helicopter Orders
Click on the picture for the CH-47 Chinook.
Jan. 11, 2012 Boeing reports receiving orders for an additional fourteen CH-47F Chinook helicopters worth approximately US$370 million.
Seven of the rotocraft will go to Australia, six to the UAE, and one to the U.S. Army. Deliveries will start in 2014.
A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft for Afghanistan
Click on the picture for the Super Tucano.
Dec. 30, 2011 The United States announced that they will be purchasing twenty A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft for the Afghanistan A.F. in a contract worth some US$950 million.
Boeing Gets US$30 Billion Saudi Contract
Click on the picture for the Boeing F-15.
Dec. 24, 2011 Today Saudi Arabia contracted with Boeing Aircraft to purchase 84 of their F-15 Eagle fighters, ordnance, supplies, training, and upgrading 70 of their current
aircraft, plus sundry items in a US$30 billion deal. It is anticipated that over 50,000 people will be employed throughout the United States for at least the next ten years to enable the
additional manufacturing in order to fulfill the provisions of the agreement.
Upgrades to current Saudi aircraft should commence by June of 2014 and deliveries of the first new fighters are expected in early 2015.
The strengthening of Saudi Arabia's air force is seen as a further deterrent to Iran's military ambitions in the area.
Last C-130J Hercules Delivered to India
Click on the picture for the C-130 Hercules.
Dec. 24, 2011 The last of six Lockheed C-130J Hercules transports arrived in India today. The first aircraft of a total of six in a contract
worth some US$1.2 billion was delivered in January of 2011. All of the aircraft are being deployed with India's Special Forces whose
missions include deliveries of emergency relief supplies and search and rescue. It is anticipated that a contract will be completed
shortly for an additional six new aircraft.
New Su-27 Flankers for Russia
Click on the picture for the Su-27 Flanker.
Dec. 23, 2011 Today the Russian Air Force took delivery of 12 new Su-27 Flanker aircraft. The Russian
Ministry of Defense contracted with Sukhoi for the new aircraft in August of 2009.
Russia Sells More Su-30 fighters to India
Click on the picture to read about the Su-30.
Dec. 22, 2011 India announced the purchase of an additional 42 Sukhoi Su-30 advanced fighter aircraft from Russia, bringing the total number
of Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft scheduled for deployment by the Indian Air Force by 2018 to 272. Under a licensing agreement, India is also
producing their own Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft. It is also importing some partially assembled Su-30 fighters for final assembly in India.
F-22 "Not At Fault" in Pilot's Death
Click on the picture for more about the F-22.
Dec. 21, 2011 The United States Air Force issued their final report involving the death of F-22 pilot Capt. Jeff Haney
and the crash of his F-22 Raptor. The report concludes that a malfunction of the F-22 air intake system caused the shut down of the
oxygen supply to the pilot to protect itself from additional damage. Therefore it functioned as designed, and was not at fault in the
pilot's death. The origin of the malfunction that caused the system to shut down could not be determined, although part of the emergency oxygen
supply activation mechanism was found to be improperly installed.
When the oxygen supply to the pilot was cut off, standard procedure for the F-22 called for the pilot to dive
the aircraft to an altitude where supplemental oxygen is not necessary and manually engage an emergency oxygen system. This
involves finding a silver dollar size ring near the pilot's left thigh with a gloved hand while wearing night vision googles. Once the ring is found,
about 40 pounds of force are necessary to engage the system, all the while maintaining control of the aircraft while in an emergency dive and not being able to breathe.
Some aviation experts point out that it is virtually impossible to engage the emergency oxygen system of the
F-22 by an oxygen deprived pilot and maintain control of a diving, speeding aircraft. They conclude that while the aircraft's systems may have
operated properly, the initial malfunction that caused them to shut down is the cause of the crash.
It should be noted that the oxygen system of the F-22 is unique in that it uses the aircraft's engines
to provide air. Other fighter aircraft oxygen systems use an oxygen tank independent of the aircraft's engines. We have to wonder why such a sophisticated aircraft has an emergency oxygen system that requires manual activation.
Japan to Purchase F-35 Strike Fighters
Click on the picture to read about the F-35.
Dec. 20, 2011 In a move that surprised aviation experts around the world, Japan announced that they will purchase 43 F-35 Strike Fighters from
Lockheed. At this time it is unclear which version of the aircraft they intend to purchase, although it is rumored to be the F-35B STOVL
version. The aircraft will arrive in Japan with about 60% of their components already assembled. The final assembly will take place in
Japan. The deal is worth approximately US$7 billion to Lockheed.
Airbus Announces 2012 A380 Deliveries
Click on the picture to read about the A380.
Dec. 16, 2011 Airbus announced today that it anticipates a minimum of thirty of their Airbus A380 airliners will be delivered to carriers
during 2012. Airbus A380 airliners sell for between US$370 million to US$380 million each.
Lockheed F-22 is Cleared to Fly Again
Click on the picture to read about the F-22.
Dec. 6, 2011 The Lockheed F-22 Raptor, the most advanced U.S. jet fighter, is no longer grounded for ongoing system oxygen problems. However, it is
unclear whether the cause of the problems has been discovered. Production of the aircraft has resumed, with the 177th aircraft
currently undergoing testing before being deployed. The 187th and final F-22 Raptor is anticipated to leave the production line by April 2012. There
are currently no plans for any additional aircraft.
F-35 Not Ready to Train Pilots
Click on the picture for the F-35 full story.
Dec. 6, 2011 In a recently interview with AOL Defense, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral David Venlet disclosed that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is far
from ready for deployment. Lockheed, primary contractor of the aircraft, stated that they disagree with the Admiral's conclusion.
Tony Capaccio of Bloomberg News wrote on December 5th, that there are currently 725 change orders to the F-35 program as yet
unaccomplished. One example is the tail hook of the F-35 Navy version. It has thus far failed to function during all of its
testing. Should the airframe of the F-35 need redesign to accommodate a new tail hook system, the stealth aspects of the
aircraft may be further compromised.
Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Director of Testing Michael Gilmore have ordered that pilot training in the F-35 be delayed
pending the mitigation of risks associated with flying the newly delivered aircraft. Presumably implementation of the change orders and retrofitting of the aircraft will be a factor in their decision to let the aircraft fly.
Switzerland to Buy 22 Saab Gripen Fighters
Click on the picture for the Saab Grippen.
Dec. 1, 2011 Switzerland announced that they have contracted with Saab of Sweden to
purchase 22 Gripen fighter aircraft to replace their aging Northorp F-5's in a deal worth about US$3.4 billion.
Dassault Fails in UAE Bid
Click on the picture for the Dassault Rafale.
Nov. 20, 2011 UAE officials say price and terms of a bid by Dassault to sell them 60 Rafale fighter aircraft are unacceptable.
Will V-22 Osprey Program See Cuts?
Click on the picture for the V-22 Osprey.
Nov. 19, 2011 U.S. aircraft including the V-22 Osprey, B-2 Spirit, F-35 JSF,
and F-22 Raptor are among the most sophisticated in the world. Their advanced technologies enable them to perform missions
no other aircraft can. Yet the sophistication and technology makes them extremely expensive to maintain. Down times can mean that almost as
many as half the aircraft deployed aren't mission ready. These programs are seriously being scrutinized, with budget cuts looming.
Lion Air Orders 737's
Click on the picture for the Boeing 737 story.
Nov. 17, 2011 Indonesia's Lion Air has contracted with Boeing to purchase 230 Boeing 737 airliners, worth some US$21.7 billion.
Emirates Airline Orders More 777's
Click on the picture to read about the 777.
Nov. 15, 2011 Today Emirates Airlines announced the purchase of an
additional 50 Boeing 777 airliners, worth about US$18 billion.
RAF Aircraft Grounded
Click on the picture for the Red Arrows.
Nov. 10, 2011 The British RAF grounds some 350 aircraft after the ejection seat of a Red Arrows BAE Hawk deploys unexpectedly.
Dassault says Rafale Proven over Libya
Click on the picture for the Dassault Rafale.
Nov. 1, 2011 Dassault officials state that their Rafale played a greater
role over Libya than the Eurofighter by engaging and destroying ground targets. They claim that
Eurofighter aircraft only played a supporting role by providing intelligence support, while never engaging the enemy.
Hindustan Aeronautics head leaves Company
Ashok Nayak
Oct. 31, 2011 The head of Hindustan Aeronautics, Ashok Nayak, leaves the company.
Eurofighter Claims Lead in India Bid
Click on the picture for more about the Eurofighter.
Oct. 30, 2011 Eurofighter, due to its excellent performance over Libya,
claims that they have taken the lead to sell 126 aircraft to the Indian government worth some US$11.3 billion.
AEROSPACE NEWS
