Aviation Articles(English-Ori)

09.02.2012

Indonesia Has Paid For Indonesia Presidential Plane Ordered

Indonesia, Skyblu – Early this morning the local media reported that Indonesia Government has paid for ordering one presidential jetliner, Boeing Bussiness Jet 2 valued US$ 58,6 million. However the plane is ordered from Boeing without cabin layout and security devices installed. For that purpose Indonesia government might prepared additional budget about US$ 31,5 million more(comprises of cabin Interrior for US$ 27 million and security system for US$ 4,5 million)

to accomplish the set. Not yet to be anounced when and which firm might supply the cabin layout and security devices. Below picture is taken from one of printed media showed on the plane. The last payment was made in 19 January 2012 to Boeing using APBN.

Indonesia Financial Audit Agency reported that the purchase payment using debt and somewhat how the investigation show the government hide something from the public(intransparency). The overall cost reported to the DPR the price shall not more than US$ 85 million for single aircraft. Indonesia Goverrnement defended by saying the price is estimated to be US$ 85 million but doesn’t said it is the net price.

Indonesia presidential Airplane Carrier Boeing Bussiness Jet 2(via Kompas)

25 .10.2011

Indonesia Will Received F- 16 For Free

Indonesia, Skyblu – so really, Indonesia government agree in receiving for about 24 F-16 block 52 . Both type are ex-USAF. The agreement was signed by first comission DPR RI on  October 25th. DPR members agreed to freely in receiving F-16 Block 15 but insist to upgrade/retrofit all plane to block 52(so equal to Singapore F-16). DPR dealt to hands over the advance money about US$ 200 million next year. The rest will be discuss later in the next year budget meeting.

Why F-16? Indonesia is still need this type of plane because it is single engine and cheaper maintenance cost. Bring up some conformal fuel tank and SNIPER POD installed on the plane which Sukhoi-27/30 didn’t offered same technology. And most of all its free( Ex-USAF before upgrade). But hoping US didn’t give any military embargo in the future to make those plane still fly up in the air watching the Indonesia Air Space.

RSAF F-16D Block 52 model

23.08.2011

Super Tucano for Indonesia Air Force Arrived Next Year

Brazil, skyblu – Embraer(Empressa Brasileira de Aeronautica) said they will sell a squadron of  Super Tucano EMB-314 turbobrop trainer. The plane is planned to replace the aging Indonesia Air Force OV-10 Bronco. Embraer said the first phase delivery will go on March 2012 with 8 plane as preliminary. Embraer has production facility at Gavio Peixoto and Botucatu at Sao Paolo in producing EMB-314 for Indonesia. The several mission can be carried by the plane are patrol mission, Counter insurgent mission, training mission and  decoy plane.

The plane has digital display cockpits and more often is advancing from EMB-312 turbobrop trainer around 1990′s. The size of the plane is closely to Short Tucano, the same type were used by UK RAF. The only different is, Super Tucano using Pratt&Whitney PT6A-67R with 1,600 SHP in 5 blade made by Hartzell company. Super Tucano made its maiden flight at Spetember 9th 1991 and entering competition in gaining JPATS contract. The contract was issued by the US Army in order to replace US army aging fleet). In this contract, Embraer lost to Beechcraft and Pilatus design. Only by that, Embraer flag carrier became more well known both in publicity and military department around the globe.

The firm didn’t produce any sophisticate state of art combat fighter or bomber with high performance but more focusing in border surveillance and anti riots plane. It is also never built jetliner that able to carry 200 seat inside the cabin just like Airbus and Boeing do but focusing on 100 seat and bussiness jet category jetliner.

Eventough Super Tucano didn’t win JPATS, Embraer made certain overhauled to answer the Brazillian Air Force requirement. Meanwhile US Navy purchased the Super Tucano in doing irregular mission (spesial ops mission- irregular warfare). Officially user for this plane type only 5 countries such as Brazillian Air Force, Colombia Air Force, Chile Air Force(12),Dominique Republic Air Force and Indonesia Air Force.

The plane endurance flight is about 6 hours depend on warfare carried. It may bring certain sensors equipment , heavy cannon on each wings, carrying bombs, rocket pods and fuel pods. Another good thing is the plane can land on the unprepared air strips even on the grass refuel before re-teke off.

Embraer have several famous jetliners products line such as: Phenom, Legacy, Lineage, ERJ(Embraer Regional Jet)-145/170/190. Embraer itself was found by Alberto Santos Dumont at 1969 based in CTA(Center Technical Aeronautical) which set up at 1946 at Sao Jose dos Compos. This became the center of Embraer firm and well known as aeronautical town. Other agencies are Deparemento de Ciencia e Technologia Aerospacial and ITA(Instituto Technologico de Aeronautica) which built in 1950.How about Indonesia?

16.08.2011

Next Generation UAV able Refueling in Mid-Air

It is Israeli Aerospace Industries mentioned their plan to plant mid air refueling probe into their UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle). Due to this additional mid air refueling probe, the UAV endurance in the air can be strengthen from about 8 hours normal flight to 20 hours with gasoline refuel in the air.

The IAI offered this to upgrade the Heron 1 UAV Israeli Armed Forces but still hasn’t reply from arm forces about the offered. However Israeli Arm Forces agreed to upgrade the Heron UAV with new and more improved Elta system designed maritime radar, enhanced electro optical payload and sattelite communication. This new equipment is hoped abling the better patrol performance over the Hezbollah threat over Israeli owned offshore natural gas.

10.08.2011 

Russia Allocation in Purchasing Military Warfare

Russia, skyblu -Suddenly Russia allocated more than US$ 600 Billion for totally military equipments advancing until 2020. Earlier Russian government will spend only 3 trillion rubles for military procurement advancing. But military defense department said inadequate to renewal and maintaining operation of existing military equipments. Few days ago, Russia said will spend more than US$ 100 million to build brand new advance unmanned aerial vehicle with Israeli. In this joint cooperation, several prototypes have been released to the public. Although, Russia mentioned their interest on the Israeli built UCAV, Heron II. Russia was also spent multibillion dollar to purchase naval vessel from French in order replacing their old naval fleet. So far, Russia didn’t mention China as its closest ally for joint cooperation on its next defense project. China according to Russian defense manufactures company stolen or illegally copy of their products. You may check this article out(Indonesia language).

Several China defense products that are illegally copied are J-11, J-10(Israeli abandoned project, LAVI), J-15(copy of the Su-33) and Su-34′s.  So far China is silently reported that will direct compete with the Russian original Sukhoi product. China is said tend to sale more than 1,200 fighter jet outside of the country. Russia accused China for illegally copy tointernational trade.

05.08.2011

Boeing Ready Implementing IRST into SuperHornet

Boeing, Skyblu – Boeing defense system division got clearance from US NAVY to integrated the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) pod onto the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. It’s removable and hanging under the warplanes belly. The clearance was dated on July 13 th 2011.

The system will allow the warplanes detecting and targeting range more sharpen and longer. The meaning, additional higher lethality and survivability.

Who built the system? According to Boeing, the sensor is built by Lockheed Martin, fuel tank with sensor integrated assembly by GE Aviation and  cooling sub assembly by Meggitt Defense Systems Inc which based in Irvin, California.

With the new system integrated, here are several role that It can be performs ie:

• Multi role fighter airplane
• air superiority
• all weather
• striking on day/night with precision guided bombs/missile
• escort mission
• Close combat air support
• reconnaissance(EA-18G)
• Air Defense supression
• Maritime defense surpression
• Forward air control
• Acting as air refueling tanker

Soon or later the F/A-18 E/F will be closely similar to the EA-18G version. The EA-18G “growler” is electronic fighter warplanes that replacing the EA-6B “prowler” in the US Navy assets. US NAvy stated that want to made EA-18G, the descendant version of F/A-18E/F to be Next Generation Jammer warplane. For that, they wanted the war plane to be able operating for  40 -50 years ahead.

But however, the system won’t be cheap, contrary from Pentagon wish. High -end Technology with the cheapest price. The problem is enemy ‘s weapon in neutralizing jammer system sophisticate. The jammer system have to be able in minimizing enemies capability in detecting or targeting the US assets closing into their perimeter.

Because of complicated and expensive jammer technology, the system will not implement into the fifth generation stealth warplane F-35 Lightning II (meanwhile analyze about few years ago said that in theoriticaly can be detected by the new Russian built S-300 air defense system). Probably in suggestion Growler will operate in pair with F-35 during mission in the future to gain win.

The real problem in now is budget. The government has cut down the military expense budget since Obama administration force the armed forces to cut spending.  It’s mean that the system will get longer time to get done, because the budget for this year will continue for the next year.

(source: defencetalk, aviationweek)

Another 5 Superhornet for Australia Air Force

Australia, Skyblu – The fighter jets was part of 24 superhornet ordered by Australia defense department back on 2008. The F/A-18 F Superhornet is twin seater warplane built by Boeing defense division. It’s already 5 superhornet been delivered from the firm to Australia Air Force in 2 batch ie. 3 planes on July 14th and another 2 at August 3rd. The third batch is 5 superhornet delivered on August 5th.

Boeing said all the fighter planes acquired by Australian Air Force were built at facility in St. Louis. The firm also stated that all were delivered on budget. It’s mean no additional budget to make the plane deliver. Those planes are Block II and equipped with Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.  The price list for the fighter jet is US$ 55 million. Australia acquired 24 warplanes for US$ 4,6 billion including training and supporting. Australia Air Force is also acquiring conversion of 12 Superhornet into growler electronic fighter warplanes for about A$ 300 million additional with each of growler price about A$ 25 million.

The Growler will be used to replace the aging RAAF EF-111.

MiG building India Ordered Warplanes

Russia, Skyblu – India ordered 29 MiG-29K Fulcrum/Baaz D is now entering production phase. MiG aircraft sold the fighter jet for US$ 1,5 Billion, which make the plane price list about US$ 51 million each. MiG promising the plane will be delivered on year 2012. India made the purchase agreement in 2010.  India will operate the warplanes from INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier in 2013. The aircraft carrier itself was bought from Russia with the earlier name, Admiral Gorshkov. The ship might be only able to carry 24 MiG on its deck with 5 more as spare planes. India might also purchase new 4 generation fighter jet, EF-2000 or Rafale-M series to carry on the carrier along with Tejas II domestic built warplanes in the future.

03.08.2011

F-16 Line Production Closing Soon

Lockheed martin as the parent of the product has stated their concern about closing line production of F-16 soon if no countries intended to purchase. The production line is predicted close down at 2013 if Oman, Iraq, Taiwan, Turkish and Pakistan gave no more new order. Lockheed mention about saving the transaction until end of the year 2011. So far, no transaction has been made for this year.

However, Lockheed will completely deliver 40 unit F-16 C block 50 to Turkish Air Force at year 2012. But most of the fighters jet have to assemble in the Turkish Tusas Aerospace facility in order to give job for domestic.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Air Force will receive 10 upgrade kits for their F-16 A/B Fighting Falcon warplanes. For this transaction, Lockheed will receive US$ 42,3 billion. The transaction goal was made at the end of July 2011. Pakistan also requested to buy 2 unit F-16C block 52 for Pakistan Air Force training purpose.

Pakistan Armed Forces was also acquiring C-130 Hercules Military transport cargo plane, T-33 Trainer and Cessna T-37.  Pakistan Air Force was also purchasing about 17 from 18 new F-16 C Block 52 and already entered to service earlier this year.  The purchase deal was made at 2006. The country is also considering on upgrading 34 F-16 A/B Block 52 in mid-life upgrade.

(source: Aviation news)

More F-16 for Iraqi Air Force

Iraq, skyblu – Iraq made ordered to US government for exporting F-16 warplane to the countries since March 2009. The purchase requirement is made for 36 warplanes for the Iraqi air force. In allowance of the purchasing, Iraqi sent 10 pilots to the US Air Force for flight training.

But the US congress agreed to sell 18 F-16IQ as the first batch to Iraqi air force. The agreement was taken at September, 13th 2010.  Iraqi has to paid US for US$ 4,2 billion for the warplanes.  But the sales was halted on February 2011 due to different priorities for the Iraqi air force role. The priorities decision itself was made by the Iraqi government due to field asessement.

However Iraqi government which rule by Maliki was still want to goal the F-16 contract.  So far unknown from where and how does Iraqi government will pay for the planes unless the country allow US or other western countries in mining their oil in the Iraqi soil as the payment.

Eurofighter Will Introduce EF-2000 Naval Version to India

India, Skyblu – In order to win the competition of 26 India MMRCA program which worth US$ 10,4 billion, Eurofighter EF-2000 have to compete with French Dassault Raffale M. Eurofighter GMbH based in Germany design special batch EF-2000 which can be operated on the aircraft carrier same to Dassault Rafale M which has been served the French Air Force since back on 1998. French operate the Rafale M at their Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier run by nuke power.

BAE(British Aerospace) was in responsible to re-design the air superiority fighter jet to Indian aircraft carrier. Altough the Eurofighter itself were built by four nations such as : Germany, Italy, UK and Spain.

In result, the fighter jets will be quipped with 90 Kn of thrust vectoring gas nozzle and also catapult. The fighter jets will take off from ski jumped Indian aircraft carrier.Eurofighter Gmbh is also strengthening the aircraft structure in maintaining the plane from corrosion due to sea salt.

Indian aircraft carrier, INS Viraat is ussually carry 30 UK based Harrier jump jet on board. But up to now, only 10 Harriers can be operated with the others 20 out of service or crash during mission.

Indian said they will exile their INS Viraat sea aircraft carrier and replace with new Admiral Gorshkov sea aircraft carrier vessel(Ex-Russian built vessel). The vessel will be operate in within several years from now with sail name INS Vikramaditya. The vessel is now in Sevmash shipyard on Russia. INS Vikramaditya will be carrying  new Russian MiG-29 K naval based fighter jets on board. The take off phase was also using ski-jump take-off with arrested landing (STOBAR) feature.

India navy bought 2 aircraft carrier vessel from Russia along with about 45 MiG-29 K fighter jets. India was also planning their new domestic design fighter jet, Tejas could operate within their both aircraft carriers.

So for Eurofighter Gmbh., this will be the first challenge in fulfill the asian market need for the next generation fighter jets. Malaysia and Japan are also on the potential customer list. Lets hail for the Eurofighter consortium in fighting on these markets surely with the reasonable price.

(source: defence talk)

After Tragedy in Oslo, Norway Decided To Leave

Libya, Skyblu – On August, 1st 2011 Norway made its decision to pull out their fighter jets out from Odysey Dawn campaign leading by NATO.  Norway pull back the last 4 of their F-16 fighter jet which was based on Souda Base, Crete Island, Greek.

The plan on withdrawing the fighter warplanes took place at June 10 of this year. Norway was only sent 6 F-16 to the island to support the bombing campaign. Norway government said they will having trouble in supporting the campaign for too long of time. NATO says that Norway withdrawal may not affect their air raid on the Tripoli in ordered to bring the Qadaffy reqime out of the government. How long does it need to take the surpress war into an end?

(source :defence talk)

Who and What Warplanes Participate at MAKS 2011?

Russia, Skyblu – Russia will held their annual air show at Zhukovsky airport, outside Moscow capital city. The Airshow itself will take place from August 16 to 21 with 627 companies invite. The companies composition are 473 firms from Russia and 154 firms from foreign nations.

Here are the shortlist which will attend on the air show:

• Sukhoi : T-50 Su PAK FA; Su-30; Su-35 “super flanker”; Su-34 “strike flanker”; Superjet -100 airliner
• MiG(Mikoyan Gurveyich) : MiG-29; MiG-29K(naval based); MiG-35
• USAF : C-5 “Galaxy” ; A-10 “Thunderbolt”; P-3C “Orion”

Here are the shortlist of acrobatic team display:

• Russian Knights
• Strizhi
• Russian Falcons
• Rus
• Baltic Bees

Will it be extraordinary air show for MAKS 2011?

(source : defence talk)

Electronic Warplanes Over The Libya Mission

NATO, Skyblu- already half year mission above Tripoli in order to exile Qadaffy regime out of the city and tonnes of bombs dropped have not been given any good sign of Qadafy retreat. His reinforcement is still able to fight the oposition troops but looks like dare not to hit the NATO patrol jets over the Tripoli. Scared of being heavy hit back by NATO forces. But Qadaffy quoted on media said NATO alliance will face a revenge all along the Europe and western country for this campaign.

NATO said to strengthen its air campaign, they will added several electronic warplanes on the no flight zone over the Libyan countries. Those planes are 3 additional NATO E-3 Sentry Early Airborne and Warning Control System (AWACS) and 2 RAF E-3D AWACS which based on Trapani, Sicily.

US air force was also participate in added 2 E-3B/C based on Souda Base, Crete Island and 2 French Air Force E-3D based on Avord Air Base, central France. Total flight for each night over the Sidra gulf is last in 7 hours with 12 miles of flying range from the base. NATO E-3A will control over 50 aircraft and 28 air-air refueling airborne planes. The plane brings about 290 thousand pounds(lb) of fuel on board stash.

The AWACS plane from Trapani,Sicily will control about 6 fighter bombers CF-18 A Hornet;  1 CC-130 Hercules refueling tanker and 1 CC-150 T. The AWACS will acted as eye and control the enormous allied warplane traffic in the air. It is also relaying and tasking the warplanes action during campaign. The Canadian Hornet have mission on interdiction and recon mission on the sky.

For communication, NATO and RAF Sentry AWACS are using brand new Internet Protocol(IP) with chat capability, secure military IM, Military Internet relay chat (MIRC). Using this technology, the radio transmission can be wiped out, faster, quicker and reliable communication also encrypted message to made it difficult to be intercept and decoded.

The Sentry also have laptops(which may be replace by netbook/tablet pc in the future) in reducing workload. NATO also implemented Radar System Improvement Program(RSIP) at their Sentry AWACS which able It to detect and filtering aircraft, helicopter,  ship and small vehicle very near the ground spot.

NATO was also added some technology on the Sentry which named as Automatic Identification System to identified the embargo ship sail near the disputed areas. The system are mounted at the separating onboard plane laptop.

However, It’s look like NATO ‘s Sentry AWACS is more consumable fuel rather than the same unit belong to RAF and French Air Force AWACS. As describe, NATO’s E-3A engines are mounted with Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW‑100A turbofans engines with fuel lavish rather than CFM56 engines mounted at RAF E-3D and French E-3F. The service ceiling for the NATO’s AWACS is 29,000 feet with 140,000 pounds of fuel. The plane is ussually requesting for air refueling the mission in run. Not like the French AWACS with the same amount of fuel and height, it could travel from central of France to Libyan water then returning base without additional air refueling.

The question is why NATO didn’t refurbish or acquire new AWACS plane with more economical fuel?

(source: Aviation news week)