PARIS: Boeing hunting Chinook sales to fill multiyear buy

By: James Drew Paris
Source: Flightglobal.com
a day ago

Boeing is searching for about 35 Chinook CH-47F sales to fill the production options remaining on its second multiyear procurement contract with the US Army.

The contract, awarded in 2013, secures 155 of the heavy-lift helicopters for the Army, and 60 options were included to support foreign military sales.

Just 25 of those options have been awarded as of May, and the US Defense Department’s display of its latest F-model CH-47 at the show could be the opportunity Boeing needs to secure more orders.

The company’s cargo helicopter business development director Randy Rotte says the lead time for delivery is about 36 months from the initial contract award.

“Those options can be exercises not just by foreign military sales but also the US government,” he said at a pre-Paris media briefing. “It could be FMS, it could be wartime replacement aircraft.”

The company’s Chinook production house in Philadelphia is currently setup to build five aircraft per month, and the final Army delivery of the 2013-2017 multiyear is slated for November 2019. “Thirty-six per year is our lowest number if no other sales come in,” Rotte says.

CH-47Fs are delivered new and “renew” – which is essentially a zero-timed, new airframe delivered with restored parts. The new avionics suite and “digital automatic flight control system” are the most noticeable improvements over the D-model.

“Literally you can put the aircraft in a hover and let go of the controls and it will hold you right there,” Rotte explains. “You can fly a programmed flight route, so image if you’re in a dust cloud, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re drifting or not.”

There are current 875 Chinooks operated by 18 nations. Boeing also delivers the extended-range MH-47G to US special operations forces and a Block II version is in design. Boeing is confident the US Army will establish a third multiyear buy once the current contract expires.

RMAF Q&A: Part 1

Marhalim Abas
June 15, 2015

SHAH ALAM: As part of the RMAF 57th anniversary celebrations, its chief Jen Tan Sri Roslan Saad responded to written questions from the media. Below are part of the Q&A for Malaysian Defence. A short analysis of the answers are also posted based on the latest developments, namely those concerning the RMK11 plans.

Hawk SLEP.
Q: Is the Hawk SLEP registered for the RMK11? What kind of upgrades being sought for the fleet, does it involved avionics and radar upgrades? Will the upgrade allow for the use of GPS-guided bombs?

A: The upgrade involved the avionics and increasing the capability of the radar.

Q: We have been informed that BAE Systems is in talks to buy back a number of Hawk aircraft from another air force. Has RMAF been informed about this development and is there any plans to buy these aircraft to boost the number of Hawk fleet?

A: There is no requirement for RMAF to increase its Hawk fleet. RMAF’s focus is to ensure the obsolescence issue on the Hawks are addressed and its role and capability remained relevant to its operational needs.

Analysis
Industry sources told Malaysian Defence that the SLEP is one of the programmes to be undertaken under RMK11. It is expected BAE Systems will be working with Airod to conduct the SLEP. As for the decision not to increase the number of the Hawk fleet, I believed it is a lost opportunity.

With the increase in operational tempo, mostly due to the deployment to Sabah, securing around 12 to 14 single and dual seat Hawks especially during the SLEP will be very beneficial to RMAF. Perhaps the lack of funding is the main reason.

MPA
Q: The LOA for two Thales AMASCOS system was signed at the recent Lima 2015. Has the system been installed on the aircraft? Does this mean all of the B200T in service with RMAF will undertake the ISR role?

A: The project is currently on-going. The B200T aircraft will undertake all roles tasked to the squadron and that include ISR missions too.

Q: Does RMAF has any plans to install the AMASCOS system on board the C130 or CN235 aircraft already in service? or does RMAF wants to procure an MPA like that of the CN-235MPA as promoted by PT Dirgantara?

A: At the moment, RMAF has no plans to install the same system on the C130 or CN235 aircraft. As for the procurement of the MPA, RMAF conducting a detailed study of the MPA and its mission systems.

Analysis
In one of my posts during LIMA 2015, I wrote that we will not be buying any MPA soon. I could be wrong on this note as my sources are saying recently that the MPA is one of the programmes that will be funded under RMK11.

They said most likely that four aircraft are to be procured. During LIMA 2015, PT Dirgantara representative told the media that they were talking about 4 aircraft during the discussions with Malaysian officials.

FINMECCANICA – SELEX ES TO PROVIDE SAGE ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEM TO INDONESIA



This is the first time that the SAGE ESM has been chosen for a fixed-wing maritime patrol requirement. It will be used by the Indonesian Air Force for maritime patrol missions

* SAGE can identify and geolocate RF emitters, from a single platform providing situational awareness and intellingence
* The system will be integrated onto an Indonesian Air Force CN-235 aircraft
* SAGE has been developed for easy integration on any platform types including helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems
 
Finmeccanica – Selex ES has signed a contract with US-based prime contractor Integrated Surveillance and Defense Inc. (ISD) to provide a SAGE 600 digital Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system for the Indonesian Air Force. The system will be delivered in September for integration onto a maritime patrol mission system for an Indonesian Air Force Airbus CN-235 aircraft.
 
SAGE is an electronic warfare system for RF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It passively collects emitter data from RF sources at a tactically significant range, compares them with an emitter library and then identifies and geolocates any threats.
 
This is the first selection of SAGE for a fixed-wing maritime patrol requirement. The system has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing ease of integration onto a wide range of aerial vehicles – from fixed to rotary wing, up to unmanned aerial systems – and has previously flown on a number of other platform types including the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 remotely-piloted air system. SAGE is in use with the UK MoD and has been provided to the Republic of Korea as part of a package of electronic warfare equipment for the country’s Maritime Operational Helicopter (MOH) programme.
 
SAGE is part of Selex ES’s portfolio of advanced electronic warfare capabilities that range from individual sensors to fully integrated defensive aid suites, all backed up by the company’s dedicated Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) facility.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has ordered two AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters to boost the search and rescue (SAR) capabilities of Indonesia.

15 June 2015

Airbus Helicopters will deliver these twin-engine rotorcraft to PTDI within one year. These helicopters will be reassembled, tested, qualified, completed and customized by PTDI with mission equipment including hoists, flotation systems, direction finder, an electronic optical system, and casualty evacuation devices.

“We are very familiar with the Dauphin platform and are confident that with the installation of dedicated SAR equipment, we will offer the right solution to the Indonesian Government for its SAR demands,” explained PTDI’s President Director Budi Santoso, during the signing ceremony at the Paris Airshow.

The strategic alliance between PTDI and Airbus Helicopters have seen them manufacturing and delivering more than 130 helicopters over the last 40 years. “PTDI knows the needs of Indonesia and has been instrumental in securing the right assets and equipment for the country’s defense. This acquisition is another good example,” said Fabrice Rochereau, Vice-President of South East Asia & Pacific Sales and Customer Relations at Airbus Helicopters.

There are currently five Dauphin helicopters in service in Indonesia, for the Police and Basarnas for law enforcement and SAR missions respectively. The Indonesian Navy ordered 11 Panthers (the military version from the same family) for anti-submarine warfare last year, which will also be delivered by PTDI within the coming three years.

Malaysian defence minister outlines procurement priorities over next five years

Dzirhan Mahadzir, Kuala Lumpur - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
14 June 2015

Malaysian defence minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has outlined some of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF's) procurement requests under the 11th Malaysia Plan of 2016-2020.

Speaking in parliament on 10 June, Hishammuddin said future procurement would be based on the Malaysian Armed Forces' Fourth Dimension Development Plan (4D MAF) and that the Defence Ministry and the armed forces were discussing what programmes to move forward.

However, Hishammuddin cautioned that everything would be subject to the country's finances and that the government had to be realistic about what it could afford.

He cited the RMAF's Multi-Role Combat aircraft (MRCA) procurement as an example of a capability that Kuala Lumpur might not require and said limited finances meant any procurement made must be in line with the threats Malaysia faced.

PARIS: UAC reaffirms plan to export Su-35 to China

By: Stephen Trimble Paris
Source: Flightglobal.com
a day ago

China could still become Russia's first export customer for the Sukhoi Su-35 by the end of the year.

United Aircraft (UAC) chairman Yuri Slyusar on 15 June re-affirmed the Russian government's plan to complete the deal with China in 2015.

"Our position is we still believe that we will sign the contract to sell 24 aircraft [to China] this year," Slyusar told reporters at the Paris air show.

Russia and China have been negotiating the deal for several years already.

The Su-35 represents the latest version of the venerable Flanker-series of thrust-vectoring fighters.

The new model adds the Tikhomirov Irbis-E passive phased array radar and a modern cockpit.

Bila Malaysia?? 

so far we just had static demo not that war game

unlesss we alrady did with USA but no video recorded   

India, Russia talks on to modernize Su-30MKI fighters

June 16, 2015 TASS

Russia and India are holding talks on comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI fighter jets, Konstantin Biryulin, head of the Russian delegation, said at the 51st International Paris Air and Space Show. Russia is also pitching to supply Su-35 aircraft to Indonesia, but will not manufacture engines for fighters in China.

Russia and India are discussing comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI fighters, Konstantin Biryulin, head of the Russian delegation, said at the 51st International Paris Air and Space Show.

Responding to a question from TASS about modernization of the Indian Su-30 MKI fleet of fighters, Biryulin, the Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, said, “together with our Indian partners, we are now holding talks on the comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI aircraft, which were delivered about 20 years ago”.

“The modernization package would include on-board communications and data transfer systems, as well as radar equipment of the Su-30MKI fighter jets. All of these systems will be modernized,” he said.

According to Biryulin, Russia and India are preparing contracts for joint programmes involving development work on a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and a military transport multi-purpose aircraft (MTA).

“The preliminary technical design stages for these aircraft have already been completed,” said Mr. Biryulin. “At present, negotiations are under way to conclude final contracts on research and development work for the creation of these aircraft,” the Russian delegation head said.

Biryulin also stated that Russia had submitted tender documents to supply Su-35 aircraft to Indonesia.

“The necessary documentation to participate in the Su-35 tender was submitted in accordance with the procedure established by our Indonesian partners,” he said.

According to Biryulin, the Russian company Rosoboronexport OJSC is participating in the competition to supply new fighter jets to Indonesia.

“During preliminary negotiations, the parties agreed that the most appropriate fighter jet for the country is the Su-35. These aircraft are currently being flown by the Russian Air Force, and have racked up a good track record. In addition, the Indonesian Air Force already has experience in operating Sukhoi aircraft,” Biryulin noted.

We need MPA so badly.
lucky we got FPDA.

jangan hisaputing lagi ...

Analysis
In one of my posts during LIMA 2015, I wrote that we will not be buying any MPA soon. I could be wrong on this note as my sources are saying recently that the MPA is one of the programmes that will be funded under RMK11.

They said most likely that four aircraft are to be procured. During LIMA 2015, PT Dirgantara representative told the media that they were talking about 4 aircraft during the discussions with Malaysian officials.

On his address to Parliament on June 10, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein confirmed that the procurement of the MPA will be funded in RMK11. He did not specified the numbers or budget allocated though.

Russia Plans to Offer Advanced Su-35 Fighters for Indonesia Tender

17:24 18.06.2015 (updated 18:27 18.06.2015)

Russia has announced plans to compete for an Indonesian Air Force contract to purchase fighter planes; it hopes to export Su-35 jets.

Russian-made Su-35 fighters are due to compete for a forthcoming tender; the Indonesian Air Force is considering purchasing these multi-role aircraft to replace its aging fleet of US-made jets, according to Sergey Kornev, a spokesman for Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

He made the statement during the 2015 Le Bourget Airshow, which is currently underway near Paris, France.

"We are waiting for the tender, and we are going to participate in it", he said, stressing the necessity of developing the export potential of the Su-35 fighters.

Representatives of Indonesia have repeatedly expressed interest in buying the Su-35s. In February, Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Vice Marshal Agus Supriatna signaled his readiness to replace the country's outdated US F-5 fighters, which are currently in service, for the sophisticated Su-35s. Even so, purchase agreements have yet to be signed. 

Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau (part of United Aircraft Corporation), the Su-35 Flanker-E is a "4++"-generation super-maneuverable multi-role fighter. The fifth-generation technology being used during the development of this plane grants it superiority over other fighters of this class.

The Su-35 is equipped with a state-of-the-art avionics suite based on a digital information-control system, new radar with phased antenna, and new engines with increased thrust vector control.

Last year, the US magazine National Interest heaped praise on the aircraft's advanced avionics, which the magazine said "makes the Su-35 an extremely dangerous foe to any US fighter, with the exception of the stealthy Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor."

Russia mulling participation of its Sukhoi-35 jet in bidding contest in Indonesia

Russia June 18, 16:22 UTC+3

Rosoboronexport official said that the Russian manufacturers and exporters should boost the export capabilities of the Sukhoi-35’s


© ITAR-TASS/Dmitry Rogulin

LE BOURGET, France, June 18. /TASS/. Russia is eyeing participation of its Sukhoi-35 fighter jet in a bidding contest in Indonesia where multirole fighters will be selected for that country’s Air Force, Sergei Kornev, the chief of the Air Force department at the Russian state weaponry trading corporation Rosoboronexport said on Thursday.

"We’re looking forward to a bidding contest and we’ll take part in it," he told reporters on the sidelines of the annual aerospace show at Le Bourget, adding that the Russian manufacturers and exporters should boost the export capabilities of the Sukhoi-35’s.

Malaysia is a Typical Battleground for the Euro-Canards

by Chris Pocock - June 18, 2015, 5:10 AM


A French air force Rafale takes off to display at the Langkawi airshow in Malaysia last March, in support of a bid to sell the French jet there. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

At the ILA Berlin Airshow three years ago, the head of the European Defence Agency (EDA) publicly bemoaned the fact that the continent’s prime aerospace companies were engaged in damaging and wasteful competition to export three rival fighters. That nothing has changed was quite evident at the recent Langkawi International Marine and Aerospace (LIMA) airshow and exhibition in Malaysia. Dassault, Eurofighter and Saab were again scrapping to secure an order–from a country that hasn’t even allocated funding for the purchase and could buy American or Russian warplanes if and when it does.

Malaysian officials have been talking about a new multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) for the past five years. The first priority of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) was supposedly to replace the MiG-29s that were acquired 20 years ago. Based at Kuantan on the country’s east coast, 18 aircraft served in two squadrons originally, but two crashed and half of the remaining fleet has been grounded and cannibalized to keep the remainder flying.

The RMAF also operates one squadron of eight Boeing F/A-18D Hornets acquired in 1997, a squadron of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs acquired in 2007 and a squadron of 18 BAE Hawks that have a primary combat, rather than training, role. A squadron of elderly Northrop F-5E/Fs has been retired.

In March 2013, at considerable expense, the air forces of France, Sweden and the UK all dispatched operational versions of their respective Euro-canards to the LIMA show–the Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon. Boeing sponsored the appearance of two U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and presumably also the cost of getting them there by refuelling from an Omega Air KDC-10 tanker. Moscow sent the Russian Knights aerobatic team of five Su-27 Flankers, eyeing the possibility that the RMAF might opt to buy more Su-30s to meet the MRCA requirement.

All this made for a great airshow on an otherwise sleepy island that was developed for tourism by Malaysia’s energetic former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammed. But no choice of a new fighter was forthcoming.

The federal government in Kuala Lumpur allocates funding for big-ticket items in five-year development plans, and the MRCA was not in the current plan. Moreover, some informed observers–and at least one senior RMAF officer that spoke to AIN–believe that the air force should prioritize spending on an airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft and more maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Besides, just how many different fighter types should a country like Malaysia seek to operate?

Soon it will be like we call for tender and on one will come and bid for it

Perhaps the sponsors of these jets had better reserve their exhibition space for LIMA 2017.

Or perhaps not. Two weeks ago, RMAF commander Gen Rosland told the Malaysian media that the MiG-29N fleet would be upgraded after all. He said, “Initially there were plans to phase out the aircraft and replace them with another multi-role combat aircraft. However, we have decided to upgrade the aircraft to ensure it has similar capabilities with fighter jets owned by other countries.” o

Indonesia to re-establish dedicated ASW aviation squadron

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
19 June 2015


An Airbus AS565 Panther helicopter similar to the one that will be operated in the TNI-AL's Skuadron Udara 100. Source: Airbus Helicopters

The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, TNI-AL) is reviving an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aviation squadron that was last operational in the 1970s, the service's chief of staff, Admiral Ade Supandi, has said.

The formation, known as Skuadron Udara 100, will provide operational support for the TNI-AL's incoming batch of AS565 Panthers on order from Airbus Helicopters. The service is anticipating the delivery of 11 AS565s that will be fitted with the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo-launching system.

"We want to ensure that our combat capabilities are in line with the new platforms and weapon systems that we are receiving", said Adm Supandi in a report carried by state news agency Antara on 17 June. The admiral also emphasised the need for a dedicated squadron to operationalise naval aviation capabilities and doctrine that are specific to submarine prosecution.

A TNI-AL source told IHS Jane's on 19 June that plans to revive the squadron are under way but he was unable to give a timeline for its establishment. "The squadron will only be commissioned closer to the date of the first Panther's delivery", he said.

Skuadron Udara 100 will be based at the TNI-AL airbase in Juanda, Surabaya. The service is scheduled to receive all 11 Panther ASW helicopters by 2017 and will operate the aircraft primarily from the navy's SIGMA 10514-class guided-missile corvettes. The service also told IHS Jane's in October 2014 that it will equip its three Bung Tomo-class corvettes with the Panther.

Indonesia Soon to Field new Submarine Killer Unit

A new helicopter fleet with greatly boost Indonesia’s underwater detection capabilities.

By Franz-Stefan Gady
June 20, 2015
 
The Indonesian Navy will re-establish an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aviation squadron, according to IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly.

The article, based on a report published by Indonesia’s state news agency Antara, notes that this will be the first time since the 1970s that the Indonesian Navy will have a naval aviation unit dedicated solely to ASW.

The aviation squadron, named Skuadron Udara 100, will be established to provide operational support for Indonesia’s new fleet of 11 ASW configured AS-565 MBe Panther helicopters, according to Indonesian military officials.

“The Panther now becomes one of the world’s most capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platforms, with an advanced ASW suite and the capability to operate from corvettes or small frigates,” emphasized Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus.

There is no set date yet when the squadron will become operational. According to a source within the Indonesian Navy and cited by IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly: “The squadron will only be commissioned closer to the date of the first Panther’s delivery.”

This would imply that the unit could be stood up as early as next year, since all 11 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2017. Once operational the squadron will be stationed at an Indonesian Navy airbase in Juanda, Surabaya.

“We want to ensure that our combat capabilities are in line with the new platforms and weapon systems that we are receiving,” noted the Indonesian Navy’s chief of staff, Admiral Ade Supandi in an interview on June 17.

The helicopters will operate from the Indonesian Navy’s SIGMA 10514-class guided-missile corvettes and Bung Tomo-class corvettes.

The AS-565 Panther helicopter will be equipped with either Raytheon Mk 46 or Whitehead A.244/S lightweight ASW torpedoes and will also be fitted with dipping sonar DS-100 helicopter long-range active sonar (HELRAS). According to the website Defense Update:

The DS-100 is A 1.38 kHz version of the popular AQS-18A dipping sonar. The DS-100 is capable of operating at depths to 500 meters designed for long-range surveillance and underwater search. Using high resolution doppler processing and long shaped pulses, it can detect submarines even very low speed (near zero doppler signal). According to L-3, the DS-100 is also suited to redetection, target localization and weapon delivery against submarines at deep and shallow waters. 

The helicopter will also be fitted with unnamed indigenously developed hardware as some media reports state.