Kemenhan Yakinkan DPR Soal IFX/KFX

18 Juni 2013

Pesawat tempur KFX/IFX akan memakai radar AESA serta material dan sistem elektronik penyerap gelombang radar (image : EagleOwl)

Meski pihak Korea Selatan masih menunda dan belum menjelaskan kapan kerjasama perancangan jet tempur masa depan IFX/KFX (Indonesia/Korea Fighter Experiment) diteruskan, pihak Indonesia tetap berusaha melanjutkan proyek ini sebatas pada bagian-bagian yang bisa dikerjakan sendiri. Di dalam negeri, program ini dikerjakan tim dari Balitbang Kementerian Pertahanan, BPPT, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Institut Teknologi Bandung dan lain-lain. Proyek ini menggantung setelah tim Korea-Indonesia menuntaskan tahap pertama, yakni Technology Development, dalam waktu 18 bulan, pada Desember 2012.

Demikian ungkap Pembina Tim Komunikasi PT DI, Sonny S. Ibrahim, terkait proyek bilateral yang digagas Pemerintah Korea Selatan pada 2010 itu. Pernyataan tersebut disampaikan  Jum’at (14/6) menanggapi pertanyaan Angkasa seputar penjelasan  Wakil Menteri Pertahanan Sjafrie Sjamsuddien tentang IFX/KFX kepada anggota Komisi I DPR RI saat meninjau kesiapan dan fasilitas enjiniring IFX/KFX di DI, Bandung, Kamis (13/6) kemarin. Di pihak Indonesia, Kementerian Pertahanan menjadi penanggung-jawab utama atas proyek prestis yang pernah dikatakan menelan ongkos 8 miliar dollar AS itu.

Kelebihan dari AESA adalah kemampuan untuk membentuk beberapa pancaran/beam,  menggunakan setiap  small solid-state transmit/receive modules (TRM) untuk peran yang berbeda secara bersamaan, seperti deteksi radar, dan, yang lebih penting, beberapa pancaran simultan dan frekuensi pemindaian menciptakan kesulitan bagi detektor radar. (photo : DefenseIndustryDaily)

Ditambahkan, Wamenhan berhasil meyakinkan rombongan Komisi I DPR RI yang dipimpin TB Hasanudin perihal kelanjutan proyek ini. “Program pesawat tempur IFX/KFX adalah program nasional demi kepentingan bangsa dan negara. Oleh karena itukita harus mewujudkannya demi kemandirian bangsa dalam membangun  kekuatan pertahanannya,” tekan Sjafrie Sjamsuddien. Pernyataan ini ditanggapi TB Hasanudin dengan kata-kata: “Siapa pun kekuatan politik (yang akan memimpin Indonesia) di masa depan, tetap harus mendukung program ini agar terus berjalan.”

Dikemukakan, saat ini DI tengah mempersiapkan diri untuk memasuki tahap kedua, yakni Engineering Manufacturing Development. Ahli dari pabrik pesawat terbang ini akan coba mempelajari 30 dari 72 item teknologi pesawat tempur stealth generasi 4,5 ini yang belum dikuasai agar saat dilanjutkan, mereka siap melaksanakannya. Angkasa mencatat, teknologi tersulit yang masih terus dikejar ilmuwan kedua pihak adalah radar AESA serta material dan sistem elektronik penyerap gelombang radar. Keduanya akan sangat menentukan keunggulan dari pesawat yang semula direncanakan operasional pada 2020 ini.

Isyarat penundaan selama sekitar satu-setengah tahun dilayangkan Pemerintahan Park Geun-hye tak lama setelah dirinya terpilih sebagai presiden ke-11 Korea Selatan pada Februari 2013. Belakangan Pemerintah Korea disebut-sebut sedang tertarik dengan  jet tempur siluman F-15SE Silent Eagle buatan Boeing, AS, yang ditawarkan sudah siap pakai. Ketertarikan ini kemungkinan muncul karena Korea Selatan terus-menerus mendapat tekanan dari tetangganya, korea Utara. Bagi Korea Selatan, KFX sendiri diproyeksikan untuk mengganti jajaran F-4 Phantom dan F-5 Tiger yang sudah menua. Proyek diawali dengan tahapan Feasibility Study, dilanjutkan dengan Technology Development, lalu Engineering Manufacturing Development, dan diakhiri dengan Production Phase.

(Angkasa)

All PAF W-3A 'Sokols' Operational

17 Juni 2013

PAF W-3A Sokol helicopter (photo : helihub)

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday said that all of the country's eight W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters are operational and mission capable.

"They are all operational," said PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol.

Okol said that six of the helicopters are now being used for various missions from search-and-rescue, to administration lift duties.

"While two are for transition training. All are with the 505th Search and Rescue Group," the PAF spokesperson said.

The last batch of four W-3A "Sokol" arrived in pairs last Nov. 26, 2012 and Feb. 17 this year.

This is the last batch of four out of the eight ordered from Augusta PZL Swidnik of Poland sometime in 2010.

The four earlier delivered was commissioned and put in service on March 9, 2012.

The PAF's W3-A "Sokols" or "Falcon" combat utility helicopters are equipped with the latest navigation and avionics systems including a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, allowing it to operate day and night in all weather conditions.

This six-ton class helicopter can transport up to 11 troops in the cabin or can lift up to 2,100 kilograms using its external cargo hook.

This helicopter can also be fitted with a M-60D machine gun on each side of the cabin.

PZL-Swidnik is Poland’s the biggest aerospace manufacturer with the capability to design, develop and manufacture its own helicopters. 

(ZamboTimes)

"Killer" Submarine Hunting Helicopter

17 Juni 2013

Ka-28 of the Vietnam Navy (photos : Tuoitre, ttvnol) 

TT - 954 Regiment (372nd) is the only regiment in VN with a helicopter squadron and submarine hunting helicopter is the most modern submarine hunting in Southeast Asia.

6pm, at the airbase of 954 regiments. "525 for permission to take off," turn off the permit and report. "Lets take off" - command flying from the bridge over the machine to say no.

Minutes platoon consists of two Ka-28 hunting ground - was dubbed "assassins hunting ground" on the beach with numbers 525 and 520 - was ordered to come to the sea to carry out all the flight training the most complex scientific : hung at a height of 25m above the sea to drop submarine detection equipment and destroy submarines ...

Submarine detection

In the morning, sun blind murky. Sea and sky joined together like a giant ribbon, can not distinguish between the sea, where the horizon is. 6.30. Change "hunter killer submarine" was present at Ka-28 X coordinates, about 60km from shore. The 525 fly at an altitude of 100m to detect submarine duty. Meanwhile at the top, the 520 mounted missiles flying at an altitude of 300m circle willing to destroy the submarine duty. "525 would allow the region to be conducted detect submarines" - the pilot said over 525 Ka-28 number of machines does not. "It is possible to detect submarines" - orders from headquarters said.

The glider circling 525, starting from 100 meters down to 25 meters high and plane crashes (keep the plane in the state of rest in the sea). Today tailwind to fly a plane go faster speed makes the control plane more difficult. Under the sea, the wind from the propellers of the twin-engine "assassins hunting ground" created hundreds of huge circular rings connected together by a gorgeous white water. "Plane crashes well," the pilot reported. In the rear seat pilot, navigation officer 2 start button drop-submarine detection equipment to position VGS suspected enemy submarine. The pilot operation VGS drop detector too good, not location services, wireless VGS down perpendicular to the surface.

1 Officers navigation (navigation task and use the media throw shooting) reported detecting submarines. Radar screen clearly displays coordinates, azimuth, distance goal. After dropping buoys mark the location submarines, about 525 headquarters and quickly obtained VGS detectors, escape from the coordinates. Immediately, the "hunter killer submarine" Ka-28 number 520 is flying circles above descend coordinates submarines. "520 has better identify submarine location, ask permission to destroy." "Allowed to kill" orders from headquarters allowed.

Just less than two minutes, 520 were in the right position and destroy missile submarines. The successful implementation of all flight training, Strike "hunter killer submarine" straight towards the base. Two pilots were selected in a training flight this morning at 8X generation: lieutenant Chu Van Duong (born in 1983) and lieutenant Nguyen Manh Vietnam (b. 1981). Two officers led the way: Lt. Col. Andy Tran Van Thang powder and those with long years of experience working with Ka28.

Portrait of "killer"

Currently Ka28 is considered one of the "hunter killer submarine" formidable world. With maritime reconnaissance missions, search and destroy submarines, Ka-28 be regarded as anti-submarine force's major naval VN.

What makes the Ka-28 unique structure is designed to raise two coaxial rotors turning in opposite directions instead of just one main rotor helicopters tradition. The engine is equipped with two turbine shaft Ka28 TV3-117V allows maximum speed 270 km / h, range up to 980km.

In addition, the advantages of this intelligent innovation is totally eliminates tail rotor, reducing noise and aircraft size width. Also, it helps helicopter maneuverability and flexibility. And because it has no tail rotor "hunter killer submarine" can landing in all weather conditions. Ka28 can land on those small boats and helicopters that others can not.

"Submarine hunter killer" features the versatile tactical skills, have the ability to find and destroy submarines with three different schemes with the most modern equipment currently at a depth of three times the depth of operation of submarines.

Earlier, Ka-25 helicopter hunting ground only one option detector detectors from APM (magnetic probe generated from submarine shells). Ka-28 also has the ability to detect submarines with sonar buoy radio RGB (with radio waves to detect submarines emit radio signals over the air) and humidity VGS (sound detection of submarines propeller) .

Ka-28 is equipped with surveillance radar and surface mount devices more resistant to interference, jamming unable to detect submarines. Its weapons bay itself leads carry torpedoes, depth bombs and mines. While helicopters have retrofitted pontoon boat, life jackets for marine landing on the Ka-28 is equipped with life jackets for aircraft to float on water in emergencies. The rear of Ka-28 have rubber boat was packed. 2 officers tasked navigation push boats, inflatable orchestrated to jump into the sea when a situation to an emergency landing in the sea.

The only hunting ground Squadron VN

Most of the crew members was the forerunner of Ka-28 forces moved from bases Cat Bi (Haiphong) on. The next generation of young pilots are due to class first Ka28 pilots trained, trained in Russia.

In addition to the theory of helicopter pilots other pilots to learn Ka-28 working principles, composition, failures and how to handle and overcome, learn airport rules, meteorology, navigation and flight safety, air though ... What is special Ka-28 main driver (pilot) has the ability to do all the technical work.

"It has been far out at sea operations, the control system so complex Ka-28 pilot training harder than the other helicopters, take more time - Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hai, head of politics, said - Ka28 Pilots want learners to have 300 hours flying on another helicopter.

Newly graduated pilots to undergo long training on Mi8 then learn to drive Ka28 regrading. Take at least two years of continuous training (usually three years) due to long training syllabus, the training of complex scientific, uses feature extraction system equipped submarines difficult search. " "Learning Theory complex, while also using less complex" - pilots lieutenant said Nguyen Manh Vietnam.

Vietnam and lieutenant Lieutenant Chu Van Duong, born in 1983, the youngest member of the fleet. In particular, the new lieutenant was flying single general Duong difficult position: Applications combat flying extremely low altitude over the sea (25m). To accomplish all this hard flying, he took a few years to fly on land with all different flight.

"The hard part of all is when flying sonar located at X, the pilot must calculate how the plane landed in the 5-10km radius to hear the submarine signal. If down too far or misses misses to the right than the X position, it will not signal gain submarine ".

"Perfect Couple"

Currently, two missile warships guard Gepard 3.9 class stealth naval VN (Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai) is the airport's taxiways Ka-28 helicopters. "Hunter killer submarine" with special strong anti-submarine ability of the warship Gepard 3.9 (with navigation system-2em VDS modern sonar in the present type of sonar to locate, scan width and radius of up to 800m deep) will become the "perfect couple" powerful in detecting and destroying enemy submarines in combat.

Night flight training


Not only flight training days, Ka-28 pilots also fly coach all night, from simple to complex. "Prior to flight a day, regimental commander or flight commander flying in to board and inspect the quality of the crew prepared - Vietnamese Colonel Nguyen Hung, 954 Regiment regimental said - if achieved requirements of 7 points or more will be allowed to practice flying. Less than 7 points will start or stop the flight test. On deployment flight, pilots must fly to the airport an hour before, health care, the task of flying ... If necessary, the regimental commander or commander added last test flight. We caution that because the sea air very complex, many potential risks. Such as hanging plane but a broken engine. If not handled well, calm easy plane plunged into the sea! Due to frequent flying away to the sea and sea should be staying Ka-28 pilots and so the new field handling situations quickly and accurately. That's what makes them proud. "

(TuoiTre)

Philippines Plans to Tap Israel for Missile Launchers

16 Juni 2013

DND plans to  acquire anti-aircraft guided missiles, which will be positioned in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as part of the country’s first-ever missile defense system. (photo : Rafael)

Amid rising tensions over territorial disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea, the government is planning to buy anti-aircraft guided missiles from Israel, reliable sources told the Manila Standard Friday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the surface-to-air missiles or multiple launch rocket systems were being offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Military Industries Ltd., both based in Israel.

“SAMs and MLRS are mobile anti-aircraft weapons designed against jet fighters,” the source said, adding that these had been suggested some time ago but had not been taken seriously because the defense establishment had no interest in investing at the time.

“Now, here comes the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, and at last they’ve opened their eyes,” the source added.

Another source said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was planning to go to Israel next week to forge an agreement with the prospective suppliers.

“If you have an agreement this would hasten the procurement process, say in three to six months you would already have the weapons. The agreement gives you the leeway to access all the information you want know about a particular weapon you want to procure,” the source said.

Manila Standard tried to reach Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo and spokesman Peter Paul Galvez for confirmation, but both did not return calls or answer text messages.

In his first year in office, President Benigno Aquino III had released P75 billion to fund the upgrading of the military’s capability through the procurement of ships and aircraft.

Gazmin then said they had some 138 big-ticket defense items that were being considered on a government-to-government procurement basis.

Part of this buildup was the recent procurement of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a rehabilitated US Coast Guard cutter introduced in the 1960s.

The refurbished cutter, procured for will be the country’s most modern warship and is expected to arrive in July or August.

But Senator Gregorio Honasan seemed unimpressed with the extent of help offered by the United States, and called for a review of the US Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty, which he described as useless.

“We are not getting anything out of it. We have many international economic, military and security arrangements with other nations but why did they not say anything while the Scarborough Shoal standoff was heating up?” said the former Army colonel.

Because of this, Honasan said the country should abrogate all treaties that do nothing to help the country.

At the same time, however, he said a joint fishing agreement with Taiwan would be beneficial because it would afford protection to fishermen from both countries.

His remarks follow the May 9 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coast Guard personnel in the Balintang Channel that soured relations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Also on Friday, the Foreign Affairs Department said it welcomed the filing of a resolution in the US Senate in support of a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

“We understand that the resolution has yet to undergo the necessary congressional process before it is passed by the US Senate, nonetheless, we extend our appreciation on the mere fact that some US senators have deigned it necessary to express their views on a fundamental issue that affects the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region,” the department said in a statement.

“The Philippines especially appreciates the reaffirmation of the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration; its condemnation of the use of threat or use of force; its recognition of the significance of the role of ASEAN and of the code of conduct; and its support for the ongoing and deepening efforts of the US in the region relating to ensuring freedom of navigation, maintenance of peace and stability, and respect for universally recognized principles of international law.” 

(Manila Standard Today)

Thales Delivers 1,000th Bushmaster PMV to Australia

15 Juni 2013

Bushmaster - protected mobility vehicle (photo : Dirk Bruin)


Bushmaster – 1,000 strong and still going 

The 1,000th Bushmaster vehicle to be produced at Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility will be delivered to the Australian Defence Force this Friday.

The Bushmaster is an Australian success story, delivering for the ADF, the local defence industry and Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability.

Most importantly, the Bushmaster has saved hundreds of Australian lives.

The milestone will be marked at an event at Thales’s Bendigo facility in Victoria, where the 1,000th Bushmaster will be officially handed over to the Department of Defence.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said: “This is a very important day because the Bushmaster has become such a recognised life-saving vehicle thanks to its performance on overseas operations with the ADF and other customers. 

“To have produced 1,000 vehicles is a testament not only to the Bushmaster’s innovative design and technology, but also to the high quality of its manufacturing. This is due to the skills and expertise of the workforce we have in Bendigo, where 200 people are dedicated to ensuring the continued success and evolution of the Bushmaster platform.

“Australian industry has played a vital role in this achievement. There are around 120 companies in the Bushmaster supply chain, many of them local SMEs whose hard work, innovation and commitment to delivery have helped make the Bushmaster what it is today.” 

“Working together, Defence, Thales Australia and our industry partners have created a vital strategic capability, fully proven and ready to produce the next generation light protected vehicle, Hawkei, for the ADF and export markets.”

During the event Thales Australia will also formally launch its partnership with Soldier On and sponsorship of the 2013 Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge. 

Walking With The Wounded raises funds to train the wounded, injured and sick, assisting them to find a career outside the military. The Challenge involves three teams of wounded servicemen and women from the UK, US and the Commonwealth (Australia and Canada) racing to the Geographic South Pole in November and December. http://soldieron.org.au

(Thales)

BRP Ramon Alcaraz Run up to 25 Knots Without Any Trouble

15 Juni 2013

PF-16 BRP Ramob Alcaraz (photo : philippineembassyusa)

MANILA, (PNA) – Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic on Wednesday said that BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter in the country's service, was able to run up to 25 knots without experiencing any trouble in main propulsion system.

This took place Tuesday (American time).

The top speed of the Filipino warship is estimated at between 29 to 31 knots.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz uses a combined diesel and gas propulsion system.

This consist of two Fairbanks-Morse 38TD8-1/8-12 12-cylinder diesel engines generating 7,000 horsepower (5,200 kW) and two Pratt & Whitney FT4A-6 gas turbines producing 36,000 horsepower.

"The Hamilton cutter was able to run at 25 knots without any trouble. Everything was very satisfactory," Fabic added.

He stated that the ship is now headed for San Diego, California passing through the Panama Canal.

The Filipino warship left Charleston, South Carolina Monday (American time) for her voyage home to the Philippines. 

(Balita)

New Release Animation Highlights AWD Capability

14 Juni 2013

Australian AWD project (video : AWD Alliance)

A computer-generated animation has been released today which highlights the multi-mission capability of the three naval destroyers being built as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer Project.

AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the animation will increase understanding of the exceptional capabilities available in the Hobart Class and provide an insight into how the ships can be used in-service.

“The destroyers will provide the Royal Australian Navy with the most capable warships they have ever operated, with a sophisticated range of both offensive and defensive weapons,” Mr Equid said. 

“They will be able to assume a leading Command and Control role with Australian and Coalition forces.”

“The animation will be shown to defence personnel and is also expected to be used for recruiting purposes to help attract people interested in joining the forces and serving on the ships in the future.”

Each AWD will be crewed by 180 men and women from the Royal Australian Navy, with initial training scheduled to start in early 2014.

The AWD Project is progressing well with the first destroyer, Hobart, now almost 50 per cent consolidated at Techport in Adelaide.  Since September last year, 15 of 31 blocks have been joined or are in the process of being joined to form the rapidly growing structure. 

It is expected that the consolidation of the entire hull will be complete early in 2014 with the launch planned for the second half of 2014.

The AWD project is the most complex naval ship construction program ever undertaken in Australia and is currently Australia’s largest defence procurement project.  It is building Australia’s industry capability and skills in the naval shipbuilding sector for future naval shipbuilding projects.

The Alliance is made up of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) representing the Australian Government, ASC as the lead shipbuilder and Raytheon Australia as the mission systems integrator.

(AWD Alliance)