Third and Fourth Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Helicopters Complete Production, Begin Training

27 Februari 2014

Third and Fourth Romeo of the Royal Australian Navy (all photos : Lockheed Martin)

OWEGO, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The third and fourth MH-60R "Romeo" helicopters take flight from the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) facility in Owego, N.Y., to join the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) first pair of helicopters training at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

On Jan. 24, the U.S. Navy officially delivered two Romeos to the RAN, marking a significant milestone for the international alliance between the U.S. and Australia. The advanced, proven helicopters are currently the cornerstone of the U.S. Navy's anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) operations, and the RAN will benefit from the next-generation capabilities with a fleet of 24 Romeos.

"The first time we pack a punch now using the Hellfire missile that we've never had before," said RAN Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost, at the Jan. 24 delivery ceremony. "It's been a capability gap that we're now going to be able to fill with this aircraft. It's an aircraft that's jam-packed with sensors the likes of which we've never seen and the US Navy are still coming to grips with. It's an incredible aircraft."

The entire fleet of 24 aircraft will be delivered to the RAN by 2017.

(PRNewswire)

Kamaz to Assemble Trucks in Indonesia

27 Februari 2014

PT Tehnika Ina will cooperate with PT Pindad to assemble Kamaz trucks (photo : carwallpapers)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Russian truck company, Kamaz, plans to assemble and distribute its product in Indonesia and ASEAN region in coordination with local company PT Tehnika Ina.

"We have agreed to marketing Kamaz trucks in the ASEAN region and to assemble the product starting on September 2014 in Indonesia," the President of PT Tehnika Ina, Panca Tazakka, said here on Tuesday.

According to him, there are four types of trucks which are ready to be marketed in Indonesia.

In the meantime he said Kamaz will provide trucks in the first quarter of 2014 which are completely built-up until September.

"Kamaz will provide completely built-up trucks for the first quarter of 2014. We hope the Tehnika Ina can assemble the 4x4 and 6x4 truck types on September 2014," Panca said.

He added PT Tehnika Ina will cooperate with PT Pindad to assemble the trucks in Bandung, Indonesia.

Panca said the total sales target for Kamaz trucks in 2014 is set at 500 units.

"We are cooperating with PT Pindad to assemble the truck in Indonesia. We believe that Kamaz has its own consumers due to its capability in various applications," Panca said.

PT Tehnika Ina will distribute Kamaz trucks in Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Brunei Darussalam.

The company will also provide the spare parts of the trucks which are potential to be made in Indonesia after Kamaz gives the license.

The Kamaz and PT Tehnika Ina have agreed on the cooperation after following Intergovernmental Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation in Jakarta.

Russias Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday along with 40 business persons from Russia to explore the potential cooperation with Indonesia.


The delegation was welcomed by Economic Coordinating Minister Hatta Rajasa and other related business parties including Indonesian state officials and private executives.

(Antara)

Sikorsky Training Academy Graduates First Class of S-70i™ Aircraft Pilots and Maintainers

26 Februari 2014

Sikorsky S-70i Blackhawk of the Brunei Armed Forces (photo : Kualalumpur trade) 

STRATFORD, Conn/PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced its first graduating class from the Sikorsky Training Academy (STA). A team of Brunei pilots and maintainers recently completed in-depth flight and maintenance training in Stuart, Fla. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"We have taken the concept of single-source training and created a new paradigm with the creation of the Sikorsky Training Academy.  We are able to provide high quality, customized classroom, simulator and hands-on aircraft instruction," said Lawrence Varholak, Director, Sikorsky Fleet Analytics & Product Support Engineering. "Our advanced training programs teach BLACK HAWK pilots and maintainers to execute complex missions safely, effectively and confidently.  Graduates will return to their units with unrivaled core competency."

The Sikorsky Training Academy is focused on the needs of international military BLACK HAWK helicopter operators, and delivers comprehensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training for pilots, aircrew and maintainers. Sikorsky has purchased its newest international variant, the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK aircraft, exclusively for customer training purposes. The academy offers formal pilot and aircrew training including initial qualification, crew resource management, transition courses for experienced pilots, and pilot maintenance test flight.

Additionally, the Sikorsky Training Academy provides complete BLACK HAWK maintenance training ranging from BLACK HAWK occupational specialties through a comprehensive 24-month program designed to produce FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensed mechanics with a strong BLACK HAWK technical competency.

Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

(PRNewswire)

Setelah N219, PT DI dan Lapan Bakal Bikin N245 dan N270

26 Februari 2014

Meskipun N219 belum selesai, Lapan telah siap untuk mengembangkan pesawat N245 dan N270 (photo : Runway)

Merdeka.com - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) makin berambisi mengembangkan dan membuat pesawat produksi dalam negeri. Walau sertifikasi untuk pesawat N219 belum tuntas, PT DI sudah menyampaikan ambisinya mengembangkan pesawat N245 dan N270.

Deputi Bidang Teknologi Lapan, Soewarto Hardhienata mengatakan, dalam pengembangan pesawat ini, Lapan akan membantu pembiayaan dengan timbal balik SDM bidang mesin yang dimiliki Lapan akan bekerja di PT DI.

"Program ini anugerah besar sekaligus merupakan tantangan, taruhan. Kalau ini jalan mulus maka pemerintah dan masyarakat akan percaya kepada kita, menjalani penerbangan selanjutnya," ucap Soewarto di kantor pusat Lapan, Jakarta, Selasa (25/2).

Pesawat N245 merupakan pesawat dengan dua engine (mesin) dengan kapasitas angkut 45 penumpang. Sedangkan N270 merupakan pesawat dua mesin dan punya daya angkut lebih besar yakni 70 penumpang. Pengembangan dua pesawat ini rencananya dilakukan pada 2017.

"Sekarang belum ada anggaran, mungkin pertengahan 2016 kita ajukan. Pengembangan setelah selesai sertifikasi N219 (2016)," tegasnya.

Kepala Pusat Teknologi Penerbangan Lapan Gunawam Setyo Prabowo menambahkan, kerja sama pengembangan pesawat N245 dan N270 dengan PT DI akan sama dengan pengembangan N219.

"Mirip seperti ini dan setelah N 219 selesai. Kita ikut pengembangan sampai sertfikasi dengan memasukkan enginer kita. Kita ikut dalam model perencanaan," tutupnya.

(Merdeka)

New Pilot Training Scheme for New Zealand

26 Februari 2014

Beechcraft T-6C for RNZAF (image : Beechcraft)

WELLINGTON — Beechcraft’s T-6C aircraft has been chosen to provide new pilot training capability for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced the NZ $154 million (US $127 million) package, which includes 11 T-6C turboprop aircraft, together with simulators, classroom and computer based training packages to complement practical flying experience.

Infrastructure improvements will include a new training/simulation center and an upgraded hangar at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF’s) Ohakea base.

The capability is expected to produce up to 15 graduate pilots and 12 qualifying flying instructors per year over the next 30 years, Coleman said.

The aircraft will be assembled in Wichita, Kan., and are expected to enter service with the Pilot Training School and the Central Flying School at Ohakea early in 2016. Both fixed and rotary wing pilot training is conducted at the base.

RNZAF pilot training currently relies upon 13 single piston-engined CT-4E Airtrainers and four leased turboprop Beech King Air B200s. While the Airtrainers will be retired in the next couple of years the B200’s lease doesn’t expire until 2018.

A company-owned T-6C aircraft is expected at Ohakea in midyear to assist Beechcraft’s Global Mission Support team in training maintenance crews, followed by the first four NZDF aircraft later in the year. The training facilities and simulators are expected around mid-2015, to coincide with the first T-6C Flying Instructors Course. The first Wings Course on the new aircraft is scheduled for January 2016.

Designed by New Zealand and built by Pacific Aerospace, Airtrainers have served with the RNZAF for more than 35 years. The CT-4B entered service in 1976 followed by the current 4E version in 1998.

The pilot training project not only aims to provide fully trained pilots, the aircraft itself is almost entirely off the shelf, with only minor amendments to the basic specification. Moreover, Beechcraft will handle the logistics aspects, subcontracting local labor and technical support to CAE Australia and New Zealand company Safe Air.

The simulation package includes two operational flight simulators. These CAE devices feature a domed 270 degree x 70 degree field-of-view system and what Beechcraft describe as “a single-axis dynamic seat that provides tactile simulation of inflight movement and sensations.”

The simulators will be complemented by 12 desktop avionics trainers that feature touch-screen computers.

The T-6C basic specifications include Martin Baker Mk16 zero/zero ejection seats, Esterline’s CMC 4000 glass cockpit, three multifunction displays, a SparrowHawk head-up display, plus an FN Herstal weapons control system with six under-wing hard points, two of which are plumbed for fuel tanks.

Although the RNZAF’s existing Airtrainers have for decades been painted yellow with black control surfaces, the T-6Cs will be black. Apparently black is regarded as effective for catching sight of high performance aircraft, and with nearly double the cruise speed (297 knots versus 152 knots) and more than twice the climb rate of the CT-4E, the T-6C qualifies as a high performer.

(DefenseNews)

Prototipe Tank Medium Pindad Selesai Awal 2016

26 Februari 2014

Prototipe tank medium dengan berat 25 ton direncanakan selesai awal tahun 2016 (image : istimewa)

Seperti Apa Wujud Tank `Misterius` Buatan Pindad dan Turki?

PT Pindad dan FNSS Turki sedang mengembangkan pembuatan tank kelas sedang untuk TNI AD. Rencananya prototipe ini akan selesai pada awal tahun 2016.

"Awal 2016, harapannya prototipe jadi," tulis Juru Bicara PT Pindad Tuning Rudyati melalui pesan singkat kepada Liputan6.com, Jakarta Selasa (25/02).

FNSS Turki pernah mengirimkan prototipe tank ringan ACV-300 untuk dijajal oleh TNI AD. Apakah desainnya akan dikembangkan dari ACV-300?

"Untuk joint dengan Turki, model tidak mengacu pada ACV-300 tapi akan ditentukan oleh Pindad dan FNSS dalam Forum Intergrated Planing Team Meeting," imbuh Tuning.

Saat ini PT Pindad juga melakukan riset dengan Pussenkav TNI AD. Kadispen TNI AD, Brigjen Andika Perkasa saat dihubungi terpisah mengatakan, dari hasil riset ini akan dipelajari desain yang cocok agar bisa sesuai dengan kondisi geografis Indonesia.

"Tes dilakukan sendiri oleh PT Pindad dengan mempertimbangkan kebutuhan user (TNI AD)," tulis Andika melalui pesan singkatnya.

Tank kelas sedang pengembangan 2 negara ini akan memiliki berat 24-25 ton. Untuk kanon menggunakan kaliber 105 mm dan chasis untuk kavaleri dengan silhouette maximum 2.5 meter.

"Chasis tank termasuk tinggi turent dan kanon. Chasis tank ini dapat dikembangkan amphibious sehingga dapat dipakai juga oleh marinir," tambah Tuning.

Kerjasama PT Pindad dan FNSS Turki sudah dilakukan sejak beberapa tahun yang lalu. Pada 6 Februari 2014, kedua industri pertahanan ini melakukan penandatangan kerjasama di Gedung Soeprapto, Kementerian Pertahan, Jakarta dengan disaksikan Dirjen Potensi Pertahanan, Timbul Siahaan.

Turret Oto Melara Hitfact 120 mm (photo : Finmeccanica)

Transfer Teknologi Turret Oto Melara Hitfact

Selain dengan FNSS Turki, Indonesia juga sedang membicarakan kerjasama tank kelas sedang lainnya yaitu Marder milik perusahaan Rheinmetal Jerman. Pembicaraan ini terkait transfer teknologi salah satunya terkait turret Oto Melara Hitfact 120 mm.

"Mengenai IFV Marder Jerman sejauh ini masih dilakukan tahap pembicaraan kerjasama, khususnya dalam hal transfer teknologi," kata Andika.

PT Pindad salah satu industri pertahanan yang bernaung dibawah Badan Usaha Milik Negara telah banyak membuat kendaraan lapis baja beroda seperti APS-3 Anoa 6x6, Rantis Komodo 4x4 dan beberapa kendaraan lainnya. Untuk kendaraan lapis baja rantai, PT Pindad masih melakukan pengembangan pada prototipe untuk tipe angkut personel (APC).

Sedangkan FNSS Turki telah banyak membuat lapis baja berantai seperti ACV-19, ACV-15, LAWC-T, ACV-30 dan beberapa tipe lainnya. Malaysia juga bekerjasama dengan FNSS Turki dalam pembuatan lapis baja berantai ACV-300 dan beroda 8x8 AV8. 

(Liputan6)

Singapore Announces SGD12.56 Billion Defence Budget

26 Februari 2014

2014 Defence Budget increase 3.2% than spending in 2013 (photo : Shephard)

Singapore has announced a 2014 defence budget of SGD12.56 billion (USD9.93 billion), a 3.2% increase over spending in 2013, the government said on 21 February.

The allocation amounts to 22% of total annual government expenditure and about 3.3% of GDP. Both figures are in line with the country's long-term approach to defence spending, which is geared towards maintaining the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) relative high degree of military capability.

While expenditure as a percentage of GDP is higher than the global average of around 2%, it remains significantly below the Singapore government's sanctioned cap of 6%. The reduction from 3.4% of GDP in 2013 to 3.3% in 2014 follows a general trend of decline with regards to this particular metric since 2009.

(Jane's)