South Korea and China Have Put Forward Offers of Submarines

21 Februari 2010

Korea's Type 209 Changbogo class (photo : bin2k1)

Thai Navy Seeks Second-Hand Submarines

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has submitted a proposal to government to procure two second-hand submarines from 2011, a senior RTN officer has told Jane's.

Securing the budget for such a purchase - which has been earmarked by the RTN at around THB20 billion (USD603 million) - remains the biggest stumbling block, he said, although the RTN is hopeful that the bid will be approved by the government over the next few weeks following a series of strong representations from RTN officials.

The source, who has been involved in composing the proposal, said the RTN was open-minded about the supplier of the submarines, stating that the required capability plan was still being finalised. He indicated, however, that South Korean-made Type 209s were the most likely target.

"We have been talking to South Korea about this purchase for a long time and just two weeks ago the South Korean government offered us two Type 209s," he said on 18 February, "but we are not ready to make a decision because we don't yet have the funds.

"The source also revealed that China's People's Liberation Army Navy in late 2009 repeated an offer to sell to Thailand two Type 039 Song-class submarines. The source said that, unlike the offer from South Korea, the Chinese boats would need extensive modernisation before they were operational.

China's Song class (photo : Sinodefence)

He also said that submarines from France and Russia were also being considered, although he indicated that platforms from South Korea and China were a more probable purchase.

The source also stressed that the RTN's requirements were not just tied to the submarines themselves. As Thailand does not currently operate any such vessels, a budget would also need to be allocated to building a submarine base, which would probably be located at the RTN's main base in Sattahip, around 180 km southeast of Bangkok.

Thailand's last serious bid to procure submarines ended in May 1996 when the government announced that due to financial pressures it would not follow up on a project to acquire two or three Swedish Kockums platforms at an estimated cost of around USD500 million.

While similar economic challenges exist today the RTN believes that the purchase has become necessary because Thailand's neighbours have all made recent submarine acquisitions.

These developments have seen Malaysia purchase two Scorpene submarines, both of which were commissioned in 2009; Singapore relaunch the first of two Västergötland-class (A 17) submarines in June 2009; Vietnam enter a deal with Russia in 2009 to purchase six Project 877EKM ('Kilo'-class) boats; and Indonesia, which already operates two Type 209-class submarines, announce that it will purchase two more platforms over the next two years, possibly from South Korea or Russia.

Possibly in response to this build-up, in September 2009 the RTN secured funds to procure as yet unspecified anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems for the RTN's six Sikorsky S-70B7 Seahawk helicopters. Jane's understands that additional ASW equipment is also planned in the RTN's spending proposal.

Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, spokesman for Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, told Jane's that the RTN's purchase proposal - along with that of the army and air force - would be evaluated by various budget committees over the next few weeks for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which commences in October 2010. Decisions on this budget will be made in May.

He said that to get the submarine purchase proposal through these reviews "it might be necessary for the RTN to re-arrange their priorities and negotiate with the two other services".

(Jane's)

Poland Unveils New Light Tank

20 Februari 2010

Artist's impression of new light tank (photo : Wosiu-Network54)

Polish Light Tank

The project is carried out OBRUM light tank based on multi-tasking platform battle. Polish tank is a main link in the construction of the entire system of direct support of armored vehicles and trucks to accompany. Changing the type of tank with light to medium would be mainly related to the change of the thickness of the basic armor.

In the current phase of the program has been running since 2008 and is to end in 2010, proposing a solution design light tank with a preliminary verification of the assumptions tactical and technical studies and construction technology demonstrator, which should at a later stage to give the opportunity to develop and implement targeted Polish light tank.

The structure of new light tank (photo : Altair)

Substantive scope of the program includes:
-Preliminary development of tactical and Technical Assumptions for the light tank based multitasking platform,
-Development and validation (in consortium) of technical requirements for the major groups of configuration,
-Developing the concept of a light tank in two variants configuration and selection of components,
-Choice of concepts - the assessment of the quality of light battle tank in combat under its jurisdiction,
-Development of a model of the vehicle, the test model, the determination of dynamic loads acting on the crew and equipment inside the vehicle base and the tank light for different traffic conditions,
-Exploration and development of impact resistant lightweight tank support structure and the loads from the shooting with his own gun, when you hit the bullet that causes no break,
-Designation and analysis of powertrain assemblies,
-Performance technology demonstrator,

Experimental studies and analysis of properties of traction and dynamic loads,
weapons tests within the capabilities of technology demonstrator.

The designers assume that the tank will be able to participate in stabilization and peacekeeping missions, but also in asymmetrical conflicts or pełnoskalowych. Area of its operations will be up, urban areas, zones, destruction or conventional weapons of mass destruction, and semi-arid areas of forest. With these assumptions derive such characteristics as mobility strategy - aeromobilność, low weight, small size, high power factor of the unit, raise the high angle guns, ballistic resistance to the particular purpose, agility, and increased traction parameters, systems samoosłony (OBRA III + Upper półsfera) , a system of self defense, extra armor and armor systems, additional to the fighting in the urban area.

Development of tank's platform (photo : Altair)

Characteristics of Polish light tank OBRUM conception are:
-Chassis - Multi-purpose platform,
-Propulsion system - front,
-Driving range, a range of fire,
-Separate compartments: battery, fuel, ammunition for the guns, the range of landing and emergency exit in the back,
-Systems increase the survival rate (eg reduction of thermal signature)
-The possibility of peaceful mission (working with generator)
-Modular construction allows mutations
-Residual tower with an automatic loading,
-Range of fire up to the upper chassis plate (podłożyskowej)
-Armored bulkhead from the machine,
-Dwupłaszczyznowo stabilized observation system for trainer to work in hunter-killer mode and autotrackingu,
-The possibility of rapid construction of additional weapons such as automatic grenade launcher, or remotely-controlled position WKM.

The current projections assume that the Polish defense industry will provide the following new tank assemblies, parts and materials: steel materials, including permanent armored hull of the chassis, the body of the tower, tracks, suspension components, elastomer bumpers, teams of electrical equipment, electronic equipment, vision systems (drivers, observation instruments), teams of automation and control, machine loading, seats, bearing podwieżowe, drives a cannon in the elevation and the horizon, ammunition nomenclature (caliber 120 mm, 12.7 mm, 7.62 mm), auxiliary weapons (anti - machine gun - a remote-controlled, coupled gun, smoke grenade launchers, 40 mm caliber grenade launcher), drive and stability system, fire control, communication, self-defense system (new solution), a system samoosłony (OBRA III +), ink absorption of electromagnetic waves, antyradiacyjne floor, equipped to fight in the city and the urbanized area, power generator and air conditioning, fuel, lubricants, rubber parts, textiles and plastic products.

Components Polonized import or include it according to plans gun - Ruag Switzerland (alternative concepts gun OBRUM sp z oo and HSW CPW), extra armor, fire control system (an alternative to solve the PCO, RADWAR): ITS Dynamics or Galileo or Sight (Vernelli) or Zeiss Germany, drives, electrical -- Curtiss Wright, Switzerland (an alternative to RADWAR), type of propulsion system power-pack - or Caterpilar Perkins, engines - such as Scania, Fiat, IVECO.

The work schedule for 2011 foresees the implementation of the prototype documents that should arise in the following year. In the years 2012-2013 would be the test of competency.

(Altair)

Raytheon Wins RAAF Super Hornet Training Contract

20 Februari 2010

RAAF's Super Hornet (photo : Armybase)

Raytheon Australia has won a contract to provide training support services to the RAAF’s fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley when they arrive next month.

Under the contract, Raytheon will provide “maintenance, logistics, and training services to support the Super Hornet flight simulators, visual environment maintenance trainers and electronic classrooms,” according to a release from Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet. “The signing of the Super Hornet Training Support Services Contract is worth approximately $21.5 million over three years, and secures about 25 jobs at RAAF Base Amberley for that period,” it adds.

Raytheon will draw upon staff and experience with systems from the RAAF’s current classic Hornet Aircrew Training System (HACTS) simulators located at RAAF Williamtown and Tindal, and the F-111 simulator at Amberley. “This is a welcome addition to the Raytheon Australia force preparedness portfolio,” Raytheon Australia’s managing director, Michael Ward said, in a statement. “The contract extends our existing pedigree to ready and sustain the force that has been built upon designing innovative solutions such as the Hornet Aircrew Training System and the RAN Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI).”

(Australian Aviation)

TNI AU Bangun Radar di Sanggau Ledo

20 Februari 2010

Singkawang, Kalimantan Barat (image : GoogleMaps)

Panglima Koopsau I Marsekal Muda Imam Sufaat, mengatakan TNI AU dalam mengawasi wilayah pertahanan udara Indonesia yang masih belum dijangkau, akan menempatkan radar yang rencananya finishing pada 2014.

Menurut mantan Danlanud Supadio periode 2000-2002 ini, radar yang akan dibangun di Singkawang II terletak di Sanggau Ledo. Fungsinya untuk mendeteksi atau Early Warning terhadap pesawat asing yang melintas di wilayah udara Indonesia.

Demikian dikatakan Imam saat menjamu Gubernur, Cornelis dan Muspida Kalbar dalam makan malam bersama di sebuah hotel, Kota Pontianak, Rabu (18/2) malam.

Pada kesempatan itu, Imam juga menginformasikan status Lanud Supadio naik status menjadi type A sehingga komandan Lanud nantinya harus bintang satu (Marsekal Muda).

Selain Gubernur dan Muspida, hadir dalam jamuan tersebut, Kapolda Kalbar Brigjen Erwin TP Lumban Tobing, Danlanud Spuadio Kolonel (Pnb) Yadi Indrayadi, Wakil Walikota Pontianak, Paryadi serta Bupati KKR Muda Mahenrdrawan.

Menindaklanjuti pembangunan pangkalan udara type C di Putusibau, Pati kelahiran Wates, Yogyakarta 21 Januari 1955, ini menjelaskan, Lanud tersebut nantinya akan difungsikan sebagai pertahanan TNI. Selain dekat perbatasan, juga sangat mendukung operasi yang dilaksanakan TNI baik AU, AD dan AL, sehingga perlu pangkalan dekat perbatasan.

Gubernur Cornelis yang hadir malam itu menyampaikan, terkait pembangunan Lanud di Kalbar, Pemprov siap membantu sesuai kapasitas agar pembangunannya berjalan lancar.

Mengenai status Lanud Supadio yang menjadi type A tinggal menunggu realisasi dan persayaratan untuk Lanud A minimum ada dua skuadron tempur. "Saat ini kita baru satu skuadron. Jadi nanti tunggu satu skuadron baru diresmikan," jelas Imam sembari mengabarkan bahwa Lanud di Indonesia yang naik status selain Supadio adalah Lanud Pekan Baru.

(Borneo Tribune)

Russia Displays Helicopters in the USA

19 Februari 2010

Kamov Ka-226T (photo : Airliners)

Houston ­– Russian Helicopters will showcase a lineup of rotorcraft built for the North American market and Latin America at Heli-Expo 2010, starting 21 February. Russian Helicopters is the holding company of the Russian rotorcraft industry. Consolidation of industry enterprises was completed in 2009, and helicopters are now offered under a unified brand in all segments: light, medium, and heavy.

Mil Mi-34C1 (photo : Gidroaviasion)

Russian rotorcraft are currently operated in 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and Canada, and also Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, and other countries in Latin America. Russian Helicopters offers a diversified Russian rotorcraft lineup to partners in the Americas capable of performing any missions, from carrying people and commercial operations to special operations in natural disaster areas. Light helicopters feature the Mi-34C1, Ka-226T, and Ansat. The Mi-17, Ka-32A11BC, and Mi-38 are in the medium segment, while the Mi-26T is a heavy helicopter. These rotorcraft may be employed in corporate, passenger, cargo, search and rescue, construction, patrol, and firefighting missions. The Mi-34C1, capable of the most complex aerobatics, is the helicopter of choice for amateur pilots and professional sports pilots.

Kazan Ansat (photo : Joseluiscel)

The combination of ease of operation and maintenance, reliability, low cost, and unique payload and altitude capabilities make Russian rotorcraft one of the most rational options on the global market.

Russian Helicopters is creating a global support network based on certified MROs and joint service enterprises. This will allow the company to support Russian rotorcraft throughout their entire lifecycle, from delivery to scrapping. New MROs are being opened and existing ones are being certified in line with this initiative.

Kamov Ka-32A11BC (photo : avia-russia)

The existing MRO infrastructure coincides with the Russian Helicopters sales geography. For instance, several service and repair centers are undergoing certification in Europe, ultimately leading to the creation of a legitimate system of integrated logistics support in that region. Russian Helicopters MRO centers exist in virtually all countries of the CIS. In 2009—2010 such centers will be built in South-East Asia, Central and South Africa, and in Latin America.

“Our American partners are already well acquainted with the Mi-8/17 type and Ka-32A11BC helicopters that are among the most reliable and popular rotorcraft in the world. They are effectively operated in 100 countries worldwide. We are openly cooperating with our existing partners and will be happy to establish new partnerships on both American continents,” Russian Helicopters COO Andrei Shibitov.

Mil Mi-171 (photo : Defpro)

Russian Helicopters showcased its light helicopters. The Mi-34C1 fitted with the piston engine was custom-built for the Russian helicopter sports team. The sports version of the Mi-34C1 is capable of performing the entire aerobatics program of the ultra-maneuverable MiG-29M2 fighter with vectored thrust.

The light multi-role Turbomeca Arrius 2G2-equipped Ka-226T can be employed in urban high-rise construction, surface surveillance, and police operations, including drug interdiction. According to Russian Helicopters experts, this can be particularly useful on the Latin American market. The coaxial (dual rotor) configuration gives the Ka-226T an advantage in payload and altitude (up to 23000 ft).

Mil Mi-38 (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

Russn-made corporate helicopter with a spacious cabin that can accommodate any additional equipment. For other missions the Ansat can be fitted with an emergency system for landing on water, searchlight, hoist, firefighting or crop spraying equipment. Additional fuel tanks may be installed to increase maximum range.

The medium multi-role Mi-17 (and modifications) is used in passenger and cargo transportation. They are very popular in the world with 12 thousand delivered to date. The helicopter can perform a number of tasks both day and night in any weather and climatic conditions at any spot on the globe, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The Mi-17 is the helicopter of choice for oil development companies with offshore sites. It can land on ships and oil platforms. The Mi-171 can stay up in the air for 8 hours and cover up to 746 miles. Such helicopters were employed in rescue operations after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

Mil Mi-26T (photo : Aviastar)

Ka-32A11BC can be employed in a wide number of missions. It can carry passengers and cargo, perform construction and engineering, firefighting, search and rescue, emergency, and patrol tasks. The helicopter may be fitted with any necessary additional equipment according to mission. October 2009 saw EU certification of the Ka-32A11BC. The Russian-made helicopter was granted type certificate EASA.IM.R.133 allowing any company to operate it commercially on the international markets.

The new cargo and passenger Mi-38 is designed for transportation, forestry, construction, loading/unloading, search and rescue, emergency, medevac, and geologic exploration operations and may also be used as a comfortable corporate shuttle for 20—30 passengers.

The Mi-26T is the world’s heaviest-lifting helicopter to go into production, boasting unrivalled performance and economy. These helicopters are employed by the ISAF in Afghanistan in a wide range of missions, including the evacuation of US troops and recovery of damaged ISAF helicopters. US President Barack Obama officially thanked the crew of the Mi-26T belonging to the Russian company Vertikal-T for successfully recovering a CH-47 Chinook from the Kandahar region in October 2009. In China, the Mi-26T took part in rescue operations after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Its unique performance allowed it to transport rescue teams and heavy equipment, and to evacuate people in significant numbers at a time. The Mi-26T is capable of carrying up to 20 tons internally or externally.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM, Helicopter Service Company (VSK), Novosibirsk Aircraft Repairing Plant and Ural Works of Civil Aviation.

(Russian Helicopters)

RNZAF’s New Helicopter Makes its First Flight

19 Februari 2010

A-109 will use for training (photo : Scoop)

The first of the Air Force’s five new A109 helicopters has taken to the air in Italy.
“This is part of the major renewal of the Air Force,” Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today. “The A109s are a significant acquisition for the NZDF. This first flight brings them a step closer.”

The A109 Light Utility Helicopter is the replacement for the NZDF’s current training helicopter, the Sioux. It is a major step up, with twin turbine engines, carrying three crew and up to five passengers, and with a winch. The existing Sioux date from the 1950s and are only useful as basic trainers.

The A109s will be used for training NZDF pilots and helicopter crew for the Air Force’s new NH90s and the Navy’s Seasprites. They can also carry out a wide variety of light roles, such as moving small groups, carrying light loads and rescue work with the winch.

Bell 47 Sioux (photo : Airliners)

“These helicopters will be the basis of training our people for helicopter operations. They will also complement the NH90s and Seasprites in other areas, both military and in support of other agencies,” Dr Mapp said.

Manufacturer Agusta is scheduled to deliver the first A109 to the Air Force late this year.

(Scoop)

Canberra to Delay Decision on Growler Upgrade for F/A-18Fs

19 Februari 2010

EA-18G Growler (photo : FlightGlobal)

Australia may not immediately convert its 12 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets that are being wired for the E/A-18G Growler electronic-attack configuration and could receive them in their original standard instead.

The aircraft - drawn from a 24-strong order - are being wired so that they can be converted in Australia, but the government and the Royal Australian Air Force are not about to make a decision.

"There is an acknowledgement that we need a fighter that will perform non-kinetic electronic attack roles, and the [Super Hornet] fighters could fit that role," says Gp Capt Steve Robertson, head of the RAAF's air combat transition wing and officer commanding its Super Hornet wing. "But we could take all 24 aircraft in the Super Hornet configuration and then convert some of them into Growlers at a later stage. It will not be a simple task, but we will have the capability to do it."

Robertson says Australia's strategy is something that the US Navy is considering as well. "They realise that this is a good option to consider as you refine your requirements," he adds.

Industry sources say that the decision to convert the Super Hornets into Growlers could also depend on when the RAAF takes delivery of its Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. While it is scheduled to receive its first aircraft in 2014, there remain worries that this could be delayed because of ongoing problems with the programme.

Such a delay could result in Canberra ordering another 12-24 Super Hornets, allowing it to convert some from the initial batch into Growlers while retaining its air combat capability.

But Robertson says there is no indication of whether there will be an order for additional Super Hornets. "The government has to make that decision," he says. "The focus is now on getting the Super Hornets in service and looking at getting the F-35s on board on time."

(Flight International)

See Also :

Australia Plans for Longer Service Life with Super Hornet Fleet
18 Februari 2010

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (photo : Boeing)

Australia envisages that its Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets, which will begin entering service from March, could become a "long bridge" for an air force capability gap, and remain operational well into the 2030s.

Canberra has ordered 24 of the two-seat aircraft to cover a capability shortfall between the retirement of the Royal Australian Air Force's General Dynamics F-111s by year-end and the induction of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, projected to take place from 2014.

However, they could stay in use much longer, says Gp Capt Steve Robertson, head of the service's air combat transition wing and officer commanding the Super Hornet wing.

"The aircraft is on time, on budget and over-delivering on capability," says Robertson. "The Super Hornet is giving us flexibility and options, and will be combat-relevant up to the next generation. While we have forecast that they will be operational up until the 2020s, the US Navy plans to use them until the 2030s and there is no reason why we can't do the same."

Australia is due to take delivery of around four Super Hornets in the first quarter and 12 in total this year, when it also aims to declare initial operating capability. Its remaining aircraft, which will also be wired for possible conversion to the E/A-18G electronic-attack configuration, will be delivered by 2012.

With the RAAF already operating older F/A-18A/B Hornets, Robertson says the service has bought the "most easy platform that it could adapt to". The new model "has the same philosophy as the classic Hornets, but with more capability", he adds.

"The Super Hornet has increased performance and better flight sensor suites than anything in the Australian Defence Force. With Australia's network-centric capability it can perform a maritime strike role if needed, but it can also take on the air combat role. This is a true multirole fighter that it is built to perform almost any mission," says Robertson - one of the first Australians trained to fly the F/A-18F.

The RAAF's support model for the Super Hornet taps on the US Navy's capabilities, and Boeing says it is working with its launch export customer to develop the in-country systems needed to maintain its fleet.

"We have had to work out which roles are better for the RAAF and which are better for Boeing," says Robertson. "But that is a much better system than what we've had before."

With preparations for the type's introduction having run for more than a year, Robertson says the air force has learned several important lessons - some of which could be vital for potential other regional customers such as India and potentially Japan.

"There is a great deal to do to get everything ready - including the infrastructure and the workforce - to induct a new-generation multirole combat aircraft. The type of training and specialisation needed is totally different from, say, the F-111 or the classic Hornets. It requires a lot of work to ensure that we are prepared."

Engaging the community is also important, he points out, saying that officials from air base Amberley have been working with their neighbours to ensure that there is little impact from noise pollution.

"We have used the Super Hornet as a community consultation process," Robertson says. "A noise flightpath system is now in place, and we did that with them. Their support will be evident in a few weeks, when we believe several hundred of them will come out to welcome the aircraft."

(Flight International)