August 09, 2012 Military Aviation News

Florida Based Company Obtain New Zealand’s Remaining A-4s to Support Military Training Missions

08/09/2012

Draken International has signed an agreement with the New Zealand government to purchase eight Douglas A-4K Skyhawk strike fighters formerly used by the Royal new Zealand Air Force. Draken has already received the necessary approval from the US State Department and expects to have the aircraft operational by the first quarter of 2013. In the 1990s these planes formed the New Zealand strike force. They flew until 2001, when the unit was disbanded and its aircraft put for sale.

The X-47B Doesn’t Need A Pilot to Land on an Aircraft Carrier

08/09/2012

As the role UAVs in the US military expands, the demands placed on these unmanned platforms grow as well. One of the most important new abilities these autonomous fliers must have is the ability to land atop a thin strip of tarmac rolling on the high seas. And that's just what the new Northrop Grumman X-47B will do.

American military hardware's 'faulty' Chinese spare parts under lens

08/09/2012

India, which has emerged as a major importer of American military hardware, is verifying reports about "faulty spare parts made in China" being used in defence equipment sold by the US to other countries. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, defence minister A K Antony said the entire issue of Chinese spare parts being used in US weaponry was being examined. "There have been media reports in this regard which are being verified," he said.

Saudis seeks military aircraft support

08/09/2012

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports that Saudi Arabia has requested follow-on support and services for its military aircraft. The deal, if approved by Congress, would include support and services for aircraft, engines and weapons; publications and technical documentation; airlift and aerial refueling; support equipment; and spare and repair parts.

Sukhoi Tests New Radar Array for 5th-Generation Fighter

08/09/2012

Russia’s Sukhoi aircraft maker has started tests of a new onboard radar system for its 5th generation T-50 fighter jet, the company said on Wednesday. The new X-band active phased array radar has been installed on the third prototype of the T-50 fighter and showed a stable and effective performance comparable with the most advanced existing radar systems.

Sukhoi Continues Tests of Su-35 Fighter Jet

08/09/2012

Russia’s Sukhoi aircraft company is carrying out state acceptance trials of its Su-35 advanced fighter jet at the Russian Air Force’s flight test center, the company said on Wednesday. The aircraft has already undertaken more than 650 flights as part of the trials. The Air Force will accept another six Su-35s before the end of the year.

Oman Takes Flight

08/09/2012

A new C-130J Super Hercules for the Sultanate of Oman conducts a test flight at the Lockheed Martin facility here. This is the first of three C-130Js on order for Oman and is scheduled for delivery later this year. Oman currently operates a fleet of three C-130Hs purchased in the early 1980s. The new C-130J will be used to support internal country operations where its ability to operate out of remote austere airstrips will be invaluable.

Boeing Delivers Smaller, Lighter Radio Relay for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

08/09/2012

Boeing has delivered production units of a smaller, lighter version of its Tactical Compact Communications Relay (TCCR), which allows a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to function as a tactical, range-extending communications repeater for military handheld radios.

Saudi becomes world's largest non-US F110 customer

08/09/2012

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has ordered 193 F110-GE-129E engines to power 84 new twin-engine Boeing F-15SA aircraft. With the order the RSAF becomes the largest operator of F110 engines other than the U.S. government. This follows earlier RSAF orders for 156 engines to power 71 re-engined F-15S aircraft.

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