BAE, AgustaWestland and CAE Team on HATS

02 Maret 2011

A HATS contender. (photo : Australian Aviation)

BAE Systems Australia has teamed with AgustaWestland and CAE for the ADF’s Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircraft Training System (HATS) requirement.

The teaming will combine BAE’s large domestic rotary wing support base with CAE’s experience in supplying and operating synthetic training devices, and will be based around a variant of the AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter.

“With this team, we have brought together the world’s foremost rotorcraft capability provider in AgustaWestland, a global leader in simulation-based training with CAE, and one of the world’s most capable through life support partners in BAE Systems,” said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO of AgustaWestland. “We look forward to highlighting the breadth of our combined capabilities in support of Australia’s Air 9000 Phase 7 requirements.”

The team is yet to decide which variant of the AW109 it will offer, with Orsi telling media at the teaming launch that it would depend on the requirements issued by the Phase 7 project documents. Orsi also said he believed the contract would more likely be a direct buy by the Commonwealth as opposed to the option of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

BAE Systems CEO Jim McDowell said that the teaming with CAE should in no way infer that the same partners would also team for the Air 5428 fixed wing Pilot Training System as well.

(Australian Aviation)

TNI AL Akan Ujicoba Tembak 3 Senjata Strategis

01 Maret 2011

KRI Diponegoro 365 (photo : Kaskus Militer)

JAKARTA (Pos Kota) – Sedikitnya tiga jenis senjata strategis terbaru TNI Angkatan Laut dalam waktu dekat akan dilaksanakan uji coba penembakan. Ketiga senjata tersebut yakni Peluru Kendali (Rudal) Yakhont, Rudal Exocet MM 40 dan Rudal Penangkis Serang Udara Mistral.

Demikian dikatakan Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (Kasal) Laksamana TNI Soeparno, Selasa (01/3), saat memberikan pengarahan dihadapan 300 Pejabat TNI AL, Pangkotama, dan Perwira Menengah setingkat Kolonel Kotama wilayah Jakarta, di Gedung Serba Guna Mabesal, Cilangkap, Jakarta Timur.

Menurut Kasal, rencana uji coba penembakan Rudal Yakhont akan dilakukan dari KRI Oswald Siahaan-354, sebuah kapal perang TNI AL jenis Vanspeik, sedangkan Rudal Exocet MM 40 dan Rudal Penangkis Serangan Udara Mistral akan ditembakkan dari kapal tercanggih milik TNI AL saat ini jenis Sigma class KRI Diponegoro-365. “Ketiga senjata itu saat ini telah selesai diinstalasikan di kapal,” kata Kasal.

Pada kesempatan tersebut Kasal menginstruksikan kepada Perwira yang terlibat untuk mempersiapkan segala sesuatunya dengan baik. “Siapkan dan rencanakan dengan sungguh-sungguh agar tugas yang diemban dapat berjalan dengan baik dan lancar,” tegasnya.

Pertemuan dan pengarahan Kasal yang dikemas dalam bentuk acara minum kopi ini digelar sebagai sarana silaturahmi antara Pemimpin TNI AL dengan para Pejabat Struktural di jajaran TNI AL, sekaligus merupakan sarana penyampaian informasi terkini serta media informill untuk mendiskusikan situasi dan kondisi TNI AL saat ini. “Diharapkan dengan diselenggarakannya acara ini hubungan tali silaturahmi di antara kita semua dapat lebih terjaga dan lebih erat, sekaligus akan didapatkan masukan yang bersifat bottom up demi kebaikan dan kemajuan kita,” kata Kasal.

Pada kesempatan tersebut, dalam rangka validasi organisasi, Kasal juga mengungkapkan tentang rencana peresmian beberapa Pangkalan Angkatan Laut (Lanal), diantaranya Lanal Morotai dan Lanal Saumlaki yang berkedudukan langsung di bawah Pangkalan Utama Angkatan Laut (Lantamal) IX Ambon, kemudian Lanal Simeulue yang berkedudukan langsung di bawah Lantamal II Padang, serta Lanal Melonguane yang berkedudukan langsung di bawah Lantamal VIII Menado. “Diharapkan adanya beberapa Lanal tersebut akan dapat memberikan kontribusi positif dalam peningkatan kemampuan dukungan kepada unsur-unsur operasional TNI AL serta guna menjamin tetap tegaknya keutuhan NKRI,” tambah Kasal.

Acara minum kopi dengan pejabat struktural TNI AL tersebut dihadiri pejabat TNI AL antara lain Irjenal Laksda TNI Harry Yuwono, SMN, Asops Kasal Laksda TNI Slamet Yulistiono, Aspers Kasal Laksda TNI Bambang Budianto, Asrena Kasal Laksda TNI Among Margono, SE, Koorsahli Kasal Laksda TNI Adi Prabawa, S.IP, M.M., serta Kadispenal Laksma TNI Tri Prasodjo.

(Pos Kota)

DCI Trains the Malaysian Army

01 Maret 2011

A-109 Low Observation Helicopter of the Malaysian Army (photo : Scramble)

DCI-COFRAS announces the set-up of a tactical course on foreign equipment, which is a big first since the company's creation in 1972. DCI provides the Malaysian Army with a course on the tactical employment of helicopters by day and at night using night-vision goggles. This course is taught on the Malaysian A 109 LOH and has made it possible to apprehend the outstanding added value that helicopters contribute to joint operations, up to patrol level.


The purpose of this course, recently renewed for a foreseeable period of 3 additional years, is to lead to the integration of the airmobile dimension, at heterogeneous module level (helicopters with different or differentiated functions) into air land maneuver planning and conduct.

"Our presence alongside the Malaysian Army shows the recognition of DCI-COFRAS know-how, and ability to transfer, by adapting them, the concepts of operational use to equipment that differs from that in service in the French forces" declares General de Zuchowicz, Executive Vice-President of DCI-COFRAS.

(DCI)

Twisting Through the Skies at the Avalon Airshow

01 Maret 2011

MAJ Too soaring through the skies in the F-16 for his aerial display at the Avalon Airshow. (photo : Mindef)

The S-Climb, the Quadruple Roll and the High-Gravity Turn. These are just some of the thrilling aerial manoeuvres that F-16 pilot Major (MAJ) Desmond Too will perform at the 2011 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exhibition.

Also known as the Avalon Airshow, the exhibition is being held at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia, from 1 to 6 Mar.

Alongside an international array of participants from other military forces, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating for the first time with a daily solo aerial display in the airshow, as well as static displays of two Super Puma helicopters and one F-16C Fighting Falcon.

MAJ Too, who also serves as detachment commander of the 40-odd RSAF contingent at the airshow, is no stranger to putting up an exciting show for big crowds. With over 1,000 hours of flying training under his belt, he has also flown in aerial displays at exhibitions such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in 2009, and the Singapore Airshow in 2010.

RSAF's F-16C (photo : clearskies image)

Describing the most challenging aspect of his performance, MAJ Too noted that his last manoeuvre, the Vertical Spiral, was also the most difficult.

When performing the Vertical Spiral, MAJ Too typically starts with a speed of 500 knots, but as his plane climbs, the pull of gravity affects the aircraft - which is spinning as it ascends vertically - causing the speed to eventually decrease to about 200 knots.


The smooth and seemingly effortless movement of the aircraft soaring through the skies belies the hard work and effort behind his performance.

Said MAJ Too: "After flying the aircraft for so many hours in training, it feels like the aircraft is an extension of myself. This helps me to perfect the manoeuvres faster, and every manoeuvre that I do is sharper because of our regular operational training back in Singapore."

The RSAF's Super Puma helicopter (photo : Jetphotos)

MAJ Too had previously completed his basic wing course in 1999 at the RSAF Flying Training Institute in the Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce. He returned to the same air base in 2005 to serve as an F-16 flying instructor for about one and a half years.

"I value the opportunity to perform at Avalon because I was here in my younger days, about 14 years ago. It’s a great pleasure to represent the RSAF and Singapore, and come back here to perform for the Australian public," he added.

This year's airshow is the tenth in its series and also the centrepiece of celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The RSAF's participation in the Avalon Airshow reflects the close and long-standing ties between the two air forces. The RAAF had participated with its aerobatics team and F-111 aircraft for static and flying displays at the Singapore Airshow in 2008 and 2010, while the RSAF is a regular participant in Exercise Pitch Black, a multilateral air exercise hosted by the RAAF.

(Mindef)

Chinook Maitenance Contract Signed

01 Maret 2011

CH-47 Chinook of the Australian Army (photo: Chinook Helicopter)

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Defence had signed a contract with BAE Systems to maintain the Army’s fleet of Chinook Helicopters.

The $20.9 million contract means that BAE will maintain and support the Chinooks over the next six years.

“Chinooks were an important part of the Defence Force’s response to the Queensland floods,” Mr Clare said.

“They transported the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and emergency service workers as well as food and shelters into places like Condamine.

“They have also been hard at work supporting our troops in Afghanistan in recent times providing logistical support and moving combat units into battle.

“None of this happens if they aren’t well-maintained.”

Mr Clare said the Chinook fleet was based in Townsville and BAE Systems Australia is working there with Army Aviation.

“BAE Systems Australia’s bid represented the best value for money,” Mr Clare said.

BAE Systems have been maintaining the Chinook fleet since 1995.

There are currently six helicopters in the Chinook fleet operated by the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.

Since 1995 Chinook helicopters have been the Australian Defence Force’s deployable medium-lift helicopter capability.

(Australian DoD)

Australia will Increase C-17 Fleet

01 Maret 2011

Australia may buy fifth C-17 Globemaster II (photo : Air Attack)

C-17A Globemaster III Letter of Request

Australia is investigating the purchase of an additional C-17A Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft Minister for Defence Stephen Smith said today.

Australia has sent a Letter of Request to the United States regarding the potential purchase of an additional C-17A aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, formally seeking cost and availability information.

Mr Smith said the Royal Australian Air Force currently had four C-17A Aircraft. They were delivered over the period 2006 to 2008. The first of these became operational in 2007, providing the Australian Defence Force with a global airlift capability.

Recent events in Queensland and Christchurch have underlined the C‑17s as an essential part of Australia’s capacity to respond to natural disasters both within Australia and within our region.

While disaster relief has been a recent public focus for C-17 operations, they continue to support Australian and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, meeting their primary purpose in providing military long-range heavy airlift.

The C‑17A aircraft can lift very large and heavy cargoes over long distances providing a significant contribution to Australia’s ability to reach and respond to events. One C‑17A can carry up to four C-130 Hercules loads in a single lift and cover twice the distance in three-quarters of the time of a C‑130 Hercules.

Members of No. 3 Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) with cargo and vehicles inside a No. 36 Squadron (36SQN) C-17, prior to a para insertion to Charters Towers during Exercise Hamel. (photo : Australian DoD)

Mr Smith said that acquisition of an additional C-17 would almost certainly obviate any need for the acquisition of two additional C-130J-30 aircraft under project AIR 8000 Phase 1.

As outlined in the Public Defence Capability Plan, the additional C-130J acquisition is planned for final decision by Government in the period 2013-14 to FY 2014-15.

Following receipt of cost and availability information from the United States , the Government will make a decision about purchase based on capability, cost and schedule assessments of an additional C-17.

(Australian DoD)

Brunei will Increase CN-235 Fleet

01 Maret 2011

CN-235 of the Royal Brunei Air Force (photo : Airliners - matthew Johnston)

Government to evaluate defense-related SOEs

The government reaffirmed on Monday its commitment to support the domestic weapons industry by setting up programs for the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP) to be implemented this year.

“This year’s programs include evaluating the performance of defense state-owned enterprises,” Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro told a press conference after a KKIP plenary meeting at the Defense Ministry.

“There are already plenty of funds for us to procure domestic-made weapons,” he said without giving exact numbers.

The one-day meeting also evaluated KKIP’s programs in 2010.

Purnomo, who heads the KKIP, said the government was also encouraging state defense companies to enter the ASEAN’s US$20 billion defense market.

Also at the meeting were State-Owned Enterprises Minister and KKIP vice chairman Mustafa Abubakar, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Research and Technology Minister Suharna Surapranata, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo and Defense Deputy Minister and KKIP secretary Lt. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Executives from defense SOEs and other stakeholders also attended the meeting.

Mustafa said the state should empower defense SOEs, adding that a commercial approach would not be sufficient.

“We still have problems from the past, such as debts, which need to be resolved.“

Defense SOEs may need their organizations restructured, financial assistance and marketing drives,” he said.

Mustafa said that multi-year contracts had been awarded to defense SOEs to add and replace the TNI’s aging weapon systems.

“Defense companies have also received orders from foreign countries.

“They have received plenty of orders although have not yet reached an economy of scale or the break even point.”

Hidayat said while the country aimed to procure much of its weapons domestically, Indonesia might still need to create synergies with other countries for technologies it had yet to master through technology transfers.

The KKIP would allow users to define what they needed so that the Research and Technology Ministry could conduct necessary research, Suharna said.

The TNI and the National Police also asserted a commitment to use domestic-made systems, with Agus saying TNI would use as many local defense industries as possible.

Timur urged domestic defense industries to be competitive and efficient.

Currently there are three major state defense industries: aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI), weapons and ammunitions maker PT Pindad and shipyard PT PAL Indonesia.

Sjafrie who recently returned from a visit to Brunei Darussalam, said the oil-rich sultanate has stated its interest in buying Pindad-made assault rifles and armored personnel carriers as well as increasing its fleet of PT DI-made CN-235 medium transport airplanes.

(The Jakarta Post)