LLEGA A AUSTRALIA HELICOPTERO NH-90 PARA FRAGATAS/NH-90 ARRIVES TO AUSTRALIA FOR TEST WITH RAN

Un Antonov 124 llegó al aeropuerto de Brisbane Airport, con un helicópter naval NH90 para pruebas con la Royal Australian Navy (RAN), el 19 de enero(RAN)
La llegada fue organizada por Australian Aerospace, el unico constructor de helicópteros australiano y NH Industries. Ambas empresas esperan convencer a la Armada Australiana con el NH90, para sustituir a su flota de helicópteros actual.
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An Antonov 124 arrived to Brisbane Airport, with a NH90 NATO frigate helicopter for testing with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on January, 19
The arrival of the aircraft had been organised by Australian Aerospace, Australia's only helicopter manufacturer, and NH Industries, the prime contractor for the NH90 helicopter.
The two firms hope to convince the Australian Navy to replace its fleet of choppers with the new NH90 combat model.

AYUDA NORTEAMERICANA A HAITI/US SUPPORT TO HAITI

La USAF ha lanzado 14.000 comidas desde el aire, así como agua a la población de la capital de Haití, en un intento de paliar los fuertes daños causados por el terremoto
Aunque el Pentágono era reacio a utilizar este medio, para evitar posibles disturbios, dadas las cirscuntancias se ha pensado que esta era la mejor forma y mas rápida de distribuir ayuda..

La USAF pone orden en el aeropuerto de Puerto Príncipe
Cuando las Fuerzas Especiales de la USAF, llegaron el miércoles noches, se encontraron con un gran caos. Un día despues empezaban a llegar los aviones, sin ninguna coordinación, lo que hacía que la ayuda no pudiera distribuirse.
La torre de control estaba inservible, por lo que sargentos de la USAF, acostumbrados a hacerlo en Iraq o Afganistán, instalaron algo parecido a un puesto de control cerca de la pista,. Por esas cosas de la vida, dos jovenes sargentos empezaron a dirigir el tráfico aéreo de la mayor operación humanitaria de la historia.
En mi opinión personal, hay que dar gracias a la iniciativa que tiene los americanos. Mientras Europa y la ONU, se pierden en farragosas discusiones sobre como hay que repartir la ayuda, estos ya tienen a 6.000 personas sobre el terreno, ayudando realmente. Con cosas así Obama se merece el Nobel realmente.
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The Air Force airdropped more than 14,000 packaged meals and water supplies into Haiti’s capital Monday in an attempt to overcome severe supply bottlenecks, including a lack of fuel, that are still plaguing relief efforts
The Pentagon had said previously it was hesitant to use airdrops because it could start riots among Haitians suffering from hunger since last week’s earthquake.
“There is no other way” to effectively distribute aid right now, said Agron Ferati of International Medical Corps, a medical aid agency.

Air Force brings order to chaotic air traffic
When Air Force special operations controllers stepped off a transport plane Wednesday night at Haiti’s main airport, they found chaos.
One day after the earthquake struck, relief planes were coming in from all directions, landing on a first-come-first-served basis and getting too close to one another on the ground. Nobody was coordinating. Aid wasn’t moving.
The air-traffic control tower was damaged and unsafe. So Tech. Sgt. Chris Grove, whose expertise extends to calling in airstrikes from the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, brought his squad to a spot near the runway and set up what would become an air-traffic control center. They went to talk to pilots on the ground.
“We told them, hey, we’re Air Force combat controllers. We’re taking over the airfield,” Grove said. From a dirt patch, two young American sergeants began directing air traffic for one of the largest humanitarian operations in history.

ALAS NUEVAS PARA EL A-10/A-10 NEW WINGS

Boeing ha comenzado el ensamblaje de las primeras nuevas alas para el A-10 La USAF concedió a Boeing un contrato valorado en 2 billones de USD en Junio de 2007 para suministrar 242 nuevas alas para los A-10 hasta 2018. Personal de la USAF las instalará en la Base Aérea de Hill (Utah), donde llegarán las primeras unidades en Septiembre.
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Boeing has begun assembling the first A-10 Thunderbolt replacement-wing USAF awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $2 billion in June 2007 to provide as many as 242 A-10 replacement-wing sets through 2018.
Air Force personnel will install the replacement wing sets at Hill Air Force Base in Utah with the first wing set due to arrive in September. Up to 50 wing sets a year will follow at peak production

MAS RAFALE PARA FRANCIA/MORE RAFALES FOR FRANCE

According Defense-aerospace.com and Key Aero, French Ministry of Defence awarded Dassault Aviation a contract through to 2015 to deliver 60 Rafale F3.

50 serán para L'Armee de l'Air y 10 para la Marine Nationale. De los 286 Rafale planeados, 180 han sido ya pedidos, con 80 entregados hasta ahora.Defense-Aerospace.com sugiere que se pedirán 9 mas, incrementando el total a 295.
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According Defense-aerospace.com and Key Aero, French Ministry of Defence awarded Dassault Aviation a contract through to 2015 to deliver 60 Rafale F3.

Fifty aircraft will go to the French Air Force and ten to the French Navy. So far 180Rafales from a planned total of 286 aircraft have been ordered, with 80 delivered to date. .Defense-Aerospace.com suggests that an additional nine aircraft will eventually be ordered, making a total of 295 aircraft.

F-15 SILENT EAGLE

Han comenzado las pruebas del Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle, con características semi- furtivas. Boeing se está centrando en Corea del Sur como posible cliente, ya que ha lanzado el programa F-X3, para dotarse de 60 cazas.

Las pruebas tuvieron lugar entre Agosto y Septiembre de 2009. Esta variante del F-15 va dirigida a clientes que ya operan el F-15 y están buscando unidades adicionales y se presenta como alternativa al Lockheed Martin F-35. Si bien no tiene las mismas características de furtividad, es mucho mas barato. El primer vuelo está planeado para Julio. Una vez completadas las pruebas de armamento, comenzará la campaña de marketing. Se esperan ventas por 190 Silent Eagle, a pesar de que Israel no está interesado, y se ha decantado por el F-35.
Arabia Saudi, que tiene que sustituir sus F-15 mas antiguos, y Singapur, son vistos tambien como posibles clientes. El coste estimado por Boeing es de unos 100 millones USD/Unidad.
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With radar-cross-section (RCS) trials for Boeing’s Silent Eagle semi-stealthy F-15 prototype complete, company officials are now focusing on South Korea as a possible first customer.

The RCS testing took place during a two-week period last August and September, although Boeing has only just acknowledged it. The company is eyeing South Korea’s forthcoming F-X3 competition for 60 fighters as the first sales opportunity for the Silent Eagle. Boeing is developing the variant for international customers that already operate F-15s and are seeking additional aircraft. The system is a possible alternative for nations interested in the Lockheed Martin F-35. buto the Silent Eagle is not as stealthy as the JSF, but it is cheaper.
The RCS testing is a step leading toward first flight, which is slated for late July.
Following the weapons demo, the team will turn its attention toward marketing and sales. Bass says the company has not tempered its hope of selling 190 Silent Eagles despite lackluster support from Israel, which is aggressively pursuing the F-35.
South Korea is expected to issue a request for proposals by early 2011 for new fighters. At a later date, Saudi Arabia may accept solicitations to replace up to 80 early model F-15s.Singapore is also a possible customer.
Boeing has cited a rough cost for Silent Eagle of $100 million per aircraft, although that would depend on factors such as co-development plans that have not yet been established.

SEGUNDO C-5 ENTRA A MODERNIZACION/SECOND C-5 FOR MODERNIZATION

A pesar de que la USAF no está muy de acuerdo con la modernización del C-5Lockheed Martin ha anunciado que ha intoducido en su línea de producción el segundo Galaxy dentro del programa RERP (Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, que consiste en mas de 70 modificaciones en la célula, así como la instalación de motores mas potentes y fiables, que previsiblemente darán lugar al C-5M.
El avión que ha entrado en la línea es un C-5B basado en Dover (S/N 85-0002), entregado en 1986, y con mas de 19.000 horas de vuelo. Se preveé modernizar 52 C-5 hasta 2016.
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Lockheed Martin recently inducted its second C-5 Galaxy strategic transport into the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) production line at its Marietta, Ga., facility. The RERP modifications consist of more than 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems, and include the installation of new higher-thrust, more reliable turbofan engines.

"Each RERP aircraft induction is a major milestone for our program. We are making great strides with our first RERP induction and expect to keep up the same productive pace with this aircraft," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 vice president. "Every C-5M we produce gives added strength to the U.S. Air Force fleet and the warfighters who protect our country."
The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides the aircraft a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments. Nearly half of the C-5 fleet has already undergone the AMP modifications. RERP is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort.
The second aircraft to enter the RERP production line is a C-5B based at Dover AFB, Del. This aircraft, U.S. Air Force serial number 85-0002, was first delivered to Travis AFB, Calif., on Sept. 30, 1986, and was stationed there for much of its career, until it moved to Dover. This C-5 Galaxy currently has more than 19,000 flight hours.
Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 C-5Ms (modification of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A) by 2016. Three C-5Ms, the former Super Galaxy test fleet, have been redelivered to the U.S. Air Force at Dover AFB.

MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA BRITANICO NIEGA QUE EL PORTAAVIONES ESTÉ EN PELIGRO/MOD SAYS CARRIERS ARE NOT UNDER THREAT

The Guardian ha publicado la respuesta al artículo 'Reducción de cazas Stealth. (ver artículo):
En la carta habla de que no hay motivos objetivos para justificar esta medida, critica las posibles salidas existentes para salvar al menos uno (venta a la India) y niega situación crítica de las tropas en Afganistán.
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A response from Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, has appeared in The Guardian newspaper in response to an article which appeared in the paper entitled 'Stealth fighter jets to be slashed'. (see article):

Your correspondent's article in Wednesday's Guardian on defence procurement, 'Stealth fighter jets to be slashed', is nonsense personified.
Our new carriers are not 'under real threat'. There will not 'certainly be a big reduction in Joint Strike Fighter numbers'. The article goes on to state 'among other options being considered are: downsizing the second carrier … building both carriers but selling one perhaps to India'. No such fantastic 'options' are being considered at all.
As for the phrase 'at a time when troops in Afghanistan are being deprived of helicopters and surveillance systems', it is about as far from the truth as it is possible to be. We are currently in the midst of a dramatic increase in helicopter numbers in Afghanistan, up by 50 per cent from June 2009 - June 2010, we are adding new Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and will be introducing the Watchkeeper in the coming months.
If your correspondent would like a briefing on the real position I should be happy to arrange one for him, or to give him one personally, at any time.
Quentin Davies MP,
Ministry of Defence,
Whitehall, London.

MAS NOTICIAS SOBRE INDIA

Boeing Co. has received initial requests for information from India's federal government for supplying six refueling tankers, in what is likely to further expand the U.S. aircraft maker's presence in this burgeoning market for defense equipment.
India, ,wants to buy the new airlifters to modernize its fleet of Russian-built AN-32and IL-76 airlifters.
India and Russia are set to agree a 1.2-billion-dollar deal for 29 MiG-29 fighter jets which will cement Moscow's role as New Delhi's principal arms supplier, an official said Monday.
This is in addition to 16 MiG-29 planes New Delhi will acquire for deployment on an aircraft carrier.
F-35 OFRECIDO A LA INDIA.Representatives of Lockheed Martin, which is developing the aircraft, have indicated in the past that the aircraft could be available to India if the Indian Air Force (IAF) opted for the F-16 Super Viper in its quest for some 200 Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCAs) but recently, the company made a presentation to the Indian Navy without this condition.

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Boeing ha recibido interés inicial por parte del Gobierno Indio para el suministro de 6 aviones de reabastecimiento en vuelo.
India, desea comprar nuevos aviones de transporte para sustituir su flota de AN-32y IL-76.
India y Russia están a punto de firmar un contrato de 1.2 billones USD por 29 MiG-29.
Se sumarían a los 16 recientemente comprados para usos navales..
F-35 OFRECIDO A LA INDIA.Lockheed Martin, ha indicado que el avión estaría disponible si la Fuerza Aérea India optara por el F-16 Super Viper en el concurso de aviones de caza abierto.

ARMADA INDIA ESPERA AUTORZACION PARA COMPRA DE ADMIRAL GORSHOV/INDIAN NAVY WAITS FOR APPROVAL ADMIRAL GORSHOV

According PTI News,With the completion of protracted talks between India and Russia to fix the cost of Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, the Navy today said it was waiting for the government's approval to the final price
Navy Chief told that he cannot speak about final pricing, until goverment approval, aunque este ya ha sido acordado.
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Según PTI News,se han completado las conversaciones entre India y Rusia para fijar el precio de compra del portaaviones Admiral Gorshkov, a la espera de la aprobación del Gobierno
El Jefe de la Armada India, dijo que no podía hablar de la cantidad ya acordada, hasta el visto bueno del gobierno.

PARALIZADA LA FLOTA DE SU-27 EN RUSIA/SU-27 GROUNDED

RIA Novosti reports that the Russian Air Force has grounded its fleet of Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’ fighter aircraft following the fatal crash of one on January 14.
Según RIA Novosti, la Fuerza Aérea Rusa ha paralizado los vuelos de su flota de Sukhoi Su-27,tras el fatal accidente sufrido de 14 de enero por uno de ellos.
El avión desapareció de la pantalla del radar a 30 km de la base de Dzemga, en el lejano oriente ruso. El cuerpo del piloto y la caja negra, fue recuperada el sábado 16. No está claro si ha sido paralizada solo la flota de biplazas, de los que hay unos 30 en servicio, o al resto de los 270 restantes.
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Accordin RIA Novosti, Russian Air Force, has grounden SU-27 Fleet, after fatal crash of 14/01/10.

A Su-27SM a 30 'Flanker-B', disappeared from radar screens 30km from Dzemga air base in Russia's Far East, with the pilot’s body and the jet’s flight data recorder found on Saturday.
The Russian Air Force (VVS) operated 32 Su-27SM 'Flanker-B' fighters before the crash, an upgrade to the Su-27S of which the VVS has more than 270. It is not clear if the grounding order relates to all Su-27s or just the ‘SM model.

INDIA RECIBIRA SEGUNDO AWACS EN MARZO/INDIA WILL GET SECOND AWACS IN MARCH

Según India Times, la Fuerza Aérea India, (IAF) obtendrá su segundo AWACS en Marzo, un poco mas tarde de lo previsto. Esto incrementará inmensamente las capacidade de la IAF.
La IAF ha comprado 3 AWACS de Israel, llegando el primero en Mayo de 2009. El radar Phalcon que porta, será integrado también en un IL-76 y tendrá su base en Agra, una de las bases mas importantes y estratégicas del pais.
India forma parte del selecto club de naciones que poseen AWACS ( Estados Unidos, Rusia, Gran Bretaña, Japón, Australia y Turquía, otros como Pakistán, Brasil y Grecia, operan otros AWACS mas limitados).
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According India Times the Indian Air Force (IAF) will get its second AWACS in March, a little delayed than scheduled. It would enhance IAF's capabilities tremendously.
The IAF has purchased three AWACS from Israel.The first one arrived in May last year. Like the first one, the cutting-edge technology Phalcon airborne radar is being integrated with the IL-76 heavy-lift aircraft, and will be based also at Agra Air base, home of IL-76 and IL-78 too, and one of the largest in the country and with strategic importance.
India is in the select club of nations - the US, Russia, Britain, Japan, Australia and Turkey - that operate such a sophisticated system. Other countries - notably Pakistan, Brazil and Greece - too operate AWACS but at a much lower end of the scale in terms of capability.

¿FINAL DE MISIONES NUCLEARES PARA BOMBARDEROS USA?USAF MAIN LOBBYING GROUP WANTS END OF BOMBERS NUCLEAR ROLE

Según AirForceTimes, un informe emitido por la Air Force Association, el lobby mas influyente en la fuerza aérea, desea el fin de las misiones de bombardeo nuclear para los bombarderos de la Fuerza Aérea.
Dos antiguos oficiales quieren que el servicio deje esta misión, excepto para misiles intercontinales (ICBM), dedicando la siguiente generación de bombarderos a armas convencionales. Este informe llega cuando la siguiente generación de bombarderos está bajo fuerte discusión. El Pentágono está elaborando un informe en el que recomienda pasar de las misiones nucleares de ICBM, submarinos y bombarderos, a sólo ICBM y submarinos.
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According AirForceTimes, a report issued by Air Force Association, the Air Force’s main lobbying group, wants end of nucler strike role for bombers.
Two former Air Force officials want the service to drop its nuclear mission except for intercontinental ballistic missiles, dedicating its next-generation bomber solely to conventional weapons.
Released through the Air Force Association’s think tank, the Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies, the report comes at a time when both the nation’s nuclear forces and the next-generation bomber are already generating much discussion.
Air Force leaders are hashing out what they want in a new bomber, scheduled for delivery in 2018, and the Pentagon is finishing a congressionally mandated nuclear forces review due in March.
The report recommends the U.S. gradually shift from three ways of deploying nuclear warheads —land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and bombers — to two ways, the ICBMs and submarines.

ISRAEL AUMENTA SU FLOTA DE KC-707/ISRAEL AUGMENTS KC-707 FLEET

Según Aviation Week, debido a la posible amnenaza de conflicto con Iran, la Fuerza Aérea Israelí, ha incrementado su flota de KC-707 (“Re’em”) de reabastecimiento en vuelo con un octavo avión, lo que mejoraría la capacidad de ataque en caso de un raid sobre instalaciones nucleares iraníes.
El trabajo, valorado en 23 millones de USD, fue realizado por IAI, dentro del esfuerzo israelí por mejorar su capacidad ataque de largo alcance.
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According Aviation Week, with the threat of a conflict with Iran looming, the Israeli air force has augmented its fleet of KC-707 (“Re’em”) aerial refueling aircraft with an eighth tanker, bolstering the strike capacity the country would have if it tries to undertake a raid on Teheran’s nuclear facilities.
The $23-million contract to reconfigure the aircraft was awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in late 2008, as part of a strategic effort to rapidly enhance the country’s long-range strike capabilities.

TERREMOTO EN HAITI/HAITI EARTHQUAKE

La ayuda de Francia llega desde sus bases en las Antillas/France help arrives from Antilles

Un Global Hawk de la USAF tambien ayuda.../Global Hawk from USAF

Ante la catástrofe, incluso Cuba permita a Estados Unidos utilizar su espacio aéreo/Cuba allows USA to fly over cuban airspace to help Haiti

La Força Aérea Brasileira tambien ayuda/Força aérea brasileira helps too

Estados Unidos también envia al USS Carl Vinson/US Navy sends USS Carl Vinson

COMIENZA CONVERSION DE P-3 DE TAIWAN/FIRST TAIWANESE P-3 FOR CONVERSION

El primero de los 12 P-3C Orion comprados por Taiwan ha sido entregado a Lockheed Martin, donde será transformado antes de la entrega.

Todos los P-3C son ex-US Navy, y proceden del AMARC en Davis-Monthan,Tucson, Arizona.
El contrato de compra fue firmado en Diciembre de 2007. El contrato de overhaul fue otorgado a Lockheed Martin en Marzo de 2009. Las entregas se realizarán en el perido 2012-2015.

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The first of 12 P-3C Orion purchased by Taiwan has been delivered to Lockheed Martin’s facility, where it will be overhauled and upgraded prior to delivery.

All 12 P-3Cs have been chosen from stored aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
The final aircraft is scheduled to leave Davis-Monthan in June 2013.
Agreement for the supply of the 12 former-US Navy aircraft to Taiwan was reached in December 2007. The contract for overhaul and upgrade was to Lockheed Martin on March 2009. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to Taiwan in 2012, with the work finishing on the project in 2015.

PATRIA (FINLANDIA) MODERNIZARA LOS HAWK DE LA FUERZA AEREA FINLANDESA/PATRIA TO UPGRADE FINISH HAWKS

Según KeyAero, Patria Aviation Oy ha recibido un contrato para modernizar la flota de 18Hawk Mk66 de entrenamiento de la fuerza aérea finlandesa. Estos proceden de la Fuerza Aérea Suiza y son similares a los 49 Hawk Mk51 que ya posee Finlandia. La modernización incluye el cockpit y a la aviónica, similar a la de los cinco Mk51A ya modernizados, y que se prolongará hasta 2013.

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EADS subsidiary company Patria Aviation Oy has received a €40 million order from the Finnish Air Force to upgrade its fleet of 18 Hawk Mk66 trainers.
The 18 aircraft are former Swiss Air Force, and are similar to the Mk51, of which the Finnish Air Force has 49 examples. The planned upgrade will include a revised cockpit and avionics to bring the jets to a standard common with that of the upgraded Mk51A fleet, currently comprising five aircraft, and will last until 2013.

EADS A LA ESPERA DE RESPUESTA PARA FUTURO UAV/EADS SEEKS ANSWER FOR FUTURE UAV

Según Defense News,EADS necesita respuesta de Francia, Alemania y España, para saber si sigue con el desarrollo del programa de UAV Talarion.
EADS está financiando el proyecto con sus propios medios, pero solo puede hacerlo hasta mitad de 2010, por lo que necesita una respuesta, según el presidente de EADS. El año pasado ya se produjo un vuelo con éxito del demostrador UAV Barracuda, de propulsión jet. EADS remitió una propuesta a Francia, Alemania y España para el desarrollo del UAV Talarion. Este costaría unos 1,4 billones de euros, 380 millones de desarrollo hasta 2014. EADS piensa que este UAV es una buena oportunidad para que Europa consiga autonomía en este campo, que actualmente lideran sees the Advanced UAV project as a means of acquiring an autonomous European capability in the next generation of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones, which would break a virtual lock on the market held by Israeli and U.S. industry.
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According Defense News EADS needs to know whether France, Germany and Spain will commit to the development of the Talarion Advanced UAV program
EADS Chief Executive told that they are self financing development, until mid 2010, but EADS need to know what will happen later. A successful test flight of the jet-propelled Barracuda demonstrator UAV was carried out last year.
EADS submitted last year a proposal to France, Germany and Spain for development of the jet-propelled Talarion Advanced UAV.
Talarion would cost 1.4 billion euros , shared between the three countries, and require 380 million in development by 2014.
EADS sees the Advanced UAV project as a means of acquiring an autonomous European capability in the next generation of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones, which would break a virtual lock on the market held by Israeli and U.S. industry

CHINA PODRIA TENER LISTO SU PRIMER PORTAAVIONES PARA 2012/FIRST CHINESE CARRIER SCHEDULED BY 2012

Según Defense News, oficiales norteamericanocss, indican que China está modernizando sus arsenales navales, su aviación de combate y su armada con gran rapidez.
Han indicado que China podría tener un portaaviones operativo en 2012, y una fuerza de portaaviones múltiple para 2020.
EL Ejército Popular, dispone de un gran número de aviones de propósito múltiple y se está centrando en mejorar las habilidades de sus pilotos para enfrentarse a todo tipo de aviones, incluso en operaciones sobre el mar. Los oficiales indican que el esfuerzo es considerable en misiles aire-aire, antiaéreos y en misiles antibuque, en especial contra porta aviones. Gran parte de la Fuerza Aérea China son aviones de 4ª generación J-10 de fabricación propia, y los mas modernos cazas rusos. Esto ha hecho que el tradicional dominio de Taiwán sobre el espacio aéreo del estrecho de Taiwán, haya pasado a manos de China popular. Este dominio se verá potenciado cuando vayan entrando en servicio mas cazas modernos y los aviones cisterna previstos.
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According Defense News, senior U.S. officials told that China continues modernizing its missile, naval and fighter aircraft arsenals at a rapid rate.
The U.S. officials told that China could have an operational aircraft carrier by 2012 and a multiple operational aircraft carriers by 2020.
The PLA also has a "growing number" of multimission fighter aircraft and that they are focused on improving pilot skills in "multiplane scenarios, including operations over water." He said China has put "considerable effort" into fielding air-to-air and anti-air systems, and has developed an anti-ship ballistic missile to target aircraft carriers. A larger portion of the Chinese Air Force are its own F-10s and Russian-made aircraft. These fourth-generation fighters, as well as China's improved air defenses, "have reversed Taiwan's historic ability to maintain dominance of the airspace over the Taiwan Strait," Gregson said.
This reversal will be further bolstered in coming years, he said, when the PLA fields even more modern aerial combat assets, such as aerial tankers that can refuel its fighter jets.

PROBLEMAS EN LAS ALAS DE LOS P-3 BRASILEÑOS

los aviones están en proceso de modernización por EADS CASA en España, y es posible que sea necesaria su sustitución. El problema podría venir de la no participación de Brasil en el programa ASLEP de Lockheed Martin, que supone una revisión de los elementos estructurales del avión, incluyendo las alas.

ROLL OUT DEL PRIMER C-130J CANADIENSE/CANADA FIRST C-130J

Según KeyAero.com, el primer C-130J para las Fuerzas Armadas Canadiense ha sido presentado por Lockheed en su planta de Marietta, Georgia, Estados Unidos.

El total del pedido es de 17 unidades, efectuado en enero de 2008, para sustituir a los C-130E, en servicio desde 1964. Las entregas finalizarán en 2013.
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According KeyAero.com, the first Lockheed Martin C-130J for the Canadian Armed Forces was rolled out of the company's paint facility in Marietta, Georgia.

Canada ordered 17 C-130Js on 2008 with deliveries scheduled for completion in 2013. The new aircraft will replace the CC-130E, in service since December 1964

REINO UNIDO REDUCE PRESUPUESTO PARA EL F-35/BRITAIN CANNOTN AFFORD 140 F-35

Los mandos del Ministerio de Defensa han decidido que el Reino Unido no puede afrontar los planes actuales de la compra de 140 F-35, ya que su precio ha subido 25 millones de libras desde su inicio. El precio del F35 ha subido desde los 37 millones de libras hace 4 años, hasta los 62 millones actuales, y se está preparando un recorte que dejará a la mitad el número de unidades, hasta llegar a 70 para la RAF y la Royal Navy. Esto se suma al previsible futuro recorte en la flota de Tornado y Harrier. Otras víctimas de los recortes son los 2 grandes portaaviones proyectados, ya retrasados, y que tampoco se van a poder construir, lo que dejará a los aviones para la Royal Navy sin plataforma.
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Defence chiefs decide UK cannot afford current plan
Cost of 140 US-built planes has risen by £25m each
The F35 Joint Strike Fighters' price has risen from £37m each four years ago to £62m now. Defence chiefs are preparing drastic cuts to the number of American stealth aircraft planned for the RAF and the Royal Navy's proposed new carriers, according the Guardian. They will be among the first casualties, with existing squadrons of Harrier and Tornado jets.The Ministry of Defence is going to halve its order from 140planes to 70. It´s well known too that Britain will not be able to afford to build the two large aircraft carriers, already delayed, let alone the planes due to fly from them.

REINO UNIDO SUSTITUIRA NIMROD POR EC-135/BRITAIN WILL REPLACE NIMROD WITH RC-135

Según Fligth Global y Flight International, El Reino Unido firmará proximamente un contrato para sustituir sus Nimrod R1 de inteligencia electrónica, por 3 RC-135 Rivet Joint, que serán modificados por L-3 Communications Integrated Systems en EE.UU Tres prototipos del Nimrod MRA4 de nueva generación de la RAF, han sido rechazados, debido al estado un tanto anticuado en que se encuentra la flota de Nimrod. La retirada del Nimrod MR2 de patrulla Marítima fue anunciada por sorpresa el pasado diciembre por el Ministerio de Defensa británico. Los vuelos cesarán el 31/03/10, un año antes de lo planificado, y dos antes de que su sustituto, el Nimrod MRA4 fuera entregado. El Nimrod R1 será utilizado hasta que el Rivet Joint esté disponible, gracias al ahorro que supondrá la retirada de la flota de Nimrod MR2.
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According Fligth Global and Flight International, UK Ministry of Defence will sign a contract within the next few weeks to replace its British Aerospace Nimrod R1 electronic intelligence aircraft, having deemed the capability an essential element of its future military equipment inventory, for 3 RC-135 Rivet Joint that will be modified for operational use by L-3Communications Integrated Systems in the USA
Three development examples of the Royal Air Force's new-generation Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft has been rejected, a senior military source says the Rivet Joint contract will be signed "within weeks".
Long-term activities with the RAF's three Nimrod R1s had appeared to be at risk following the MoD's surprise move in December to accelerate the retirement of its remaining Nimrod MR2 maritime patrol aircraft. Its last Kinloss-based MR2s will stop flying by 31 March, a year sooner than previously planned, and two years before the last of nine replacement MRA4s will be handed over.
Ops with the R1 will be safeguarded until the new Rivet Joint assets become available, partially by using cost savings generated by the MR2 fleet retirement.

LA FUERZA AEREA CHECA RECIBE SU PRIMER C-295/CZECH AIR FORCE RECEIVES FIRST C-295

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La fuerza Aérea Checa ha recibido el primer EADS CASA C-295M de los cuatro que tiene bajo pedido
El C-295 sustituirá a los An-26 y realizará misiones de transporte de tropas, logísiticos y evacuación médica.Los An-26 serán dados de baja en 2012, cuando estén en servicio todos los C-295.
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The Czech air force has started fielding EADS CASA C-295M military transports. The first of four airlifters was handed over this week:
The aircraft will replace An-26s. The Czech air force plans to use them for troop transport, logistics tasks, but potentially also medical evacuation.
The An-26s are to be phased out around 2012, with the C-295Ms to be all in-hand by then.

BOEING ENTREGA EL CUARTO KC-767 A JAPON/BOEING DELIVERES 4TH KC-767 TO JAPAN

El pasado 8 de enero Boeing entregó el último de los 4 KC-767 contratados por el Ministerio de Defensa Japonés. Asignados al Ala 1 de Transporte de la Fuerza Aérea de Autodefensa de Japón (JASDF) en la base aérea de Komaki. El avión llegó a Japón el 20 de diciembre, procedente de la planta de Boeing en Wichita, Estados Unidos. Los tres primeros fueron entregados en Febrero y Marzo de 2008, y Marzo de 2009. La flota de Japón de KC-767 está siendo evaluada por la JASDF, y alcanzó la capacidad inicial operativa en Marzo de 2009. Boeing tambien tiene un contrato para suministra 4 KC-767 a la Aeronautica Militare Italiana, tres de los cuales ya están efectuando pruebas.

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Boeing Company on Jan. 8 delivered the last of four KC-767 aerial refueling tankers to the Japan Ministry of Defense.
Assigned to the 1st Airlift Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Komaki Air Base, it is the third consecutive KC-767 tanker to be delivered to Boeing's Japan customer within the contracted schedule and budget.
The fourth tanker flew to Japan on Dec. 20 from Boeing's tanker modification facility in Wichita, Kan. The KC-767 is a military derivative of the proven 767-200ER commercial widebody airplane built at Boeing's commercial production facilities in Everett, Wash.
Boeing delivered the first three KC-767 tankers to Japan in February 2008, March 2008and March 2009.
The Japan KC-767 fleet is currently undergoing Operational Evaluation by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The fleet achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2009.
Boeing also is on contract to deliver four KC-767s to the Italian Air Force. Three of the four tankers are in flight test.

LA USAFE SE REDUCE/ USAFE REDUCTION

Según KeyAero.com la USAFE (Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos en Europa), ha comunicado la reducción en el número de los F-16C estacionado en Spangdahlem, Alemania.
Así lo ha confirmado durante su visita a Alemania el Jefe de la USAFE (General Roger Brady). Esto forma parte de un plan para disponer de una fuerza aérea mas pequeña, pero mas capaz. En lugar de dos escuadrones con veintiún aviones, se dispondría de solo uno con 24, junto al escuadrón de A-10 Thunderbolt II allí desplegados.
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According KeyAero.com USAFE has confirmed the drawdown of F-16C fighters at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.
During a visit to Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Commander General Roger Brady confirmed the drawdown of F-16C fighters at the base.
As part of the US Air Force’s plan to retire ‘legacy’ fighters to fund a smaller and more capable force, a squadron would be stood down at Spangdahlem with 24 aircraft, in addition to the A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron," he said.
The reduction plan will also include a possible reduction in manpower by approximately 450, and 18 F-16s will be removed saving around $355 million in 2010. With only two squadrons at the base, its future has also been in doubt.

LA USAF QUIERE C-17 A CAMBIO DE C-5/USAF WANTS TO REPLACE C-5 WITH C-17

Según CombatAircraft.com ,diez nuevos C-17 Globemaster se van a añadir a la USAF, según los presupuestos recientemente aprobados, para 2010, pero los comandantes de la USAF, quieren retira un C-5A Galaxy por cada 10 nuevos C-17 EL presupuesto incluye 5,8 billones de dólares para nuevos aviones y modernizaciones. La inversión de 2,5 billones USD, fue aprobada por los legisladores, para apoyar el plan industrial que mantiene a 5.000 trabajadores y la planta Boeing de Long Beach. Sin embargo la USAF no ha presupuestado por ellos, y no se sabe como los pagará. Los 59 C-5A de la USAF, necesitan muchas revisiones para mejorar su disponibilidad, que en los últimos años ha caído al 50%. El gobierno sin embargo parece no tener en cuenta este asunto, y pide continuamente stificación para su retirada.
El motivo que esgrime el gobierno para mantener al Galaxy es que puede transportar un 60% mas de carga que el C-17 (270.000 libras frente a 170.000), vuela a mas distancia sin necesidad de abastecimiento en vuelo. Tan solo un C-5A (C-5M Super Galaxy), ha sido modernizado con nuevos motores y aviónica, y las pruebas se esperan que terminen a finales de 2010. En 2008, la USAF canceló la modernización del C-5, debido a su alto coste (148 millones USD por avión), por lo que solo espera modernizar las versiones mas recientes (47 C-5B y 2 C-5C).
Estas son las adquisiciones previstas por la USAF en 2010.

* 544 millones USD por 5 RQ-4 Global Hawks
* 489 millones USD por 24 MQ-9 Reapers.
* 80 milliones USD para MQ-1 Predators.
* 2.3 billones USD para 10 F-35 Lightning II.
* 600 millones USD para 5CV-22 Osprey.
* 905 millones USD para 5 C-130 cisterna, y luz verde para 20 mas.
* 140 millones USD para 5 HH-60.
* 319 millones USD para 8 C-27J de transporte.
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According CombatAircraft.com, ten more C-17 Globemasters are heading to Air Force flight lines, but there are strings attached.
Air Force leaders have said they want to retire one C-5A Galaxy for each of the 10 new C-17swhich were approved by Congress and the president in December as part of the 2010 budget. Air Force wants to retire one C-5A Galaxy for each of the 10 new C-17s, which were approved by Congress and the president in December as part of the 2010 budget.The $2.5 billion investment in C-17s was added by lawmakers supportive of the aircraft and the 5,000 workers who build them at Boeing’s plant in Long Beach, Calif.
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VENEZUELA INTERCEPTA P-3 AMERICANO/VENEZUELA TRACKS AMERICAN P-3 OVER AIRSPACE

El presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, ha declarado que el pasado sábado se enviaron 2 F-16 de la FAV (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana), a interceptar un avión militar norteamericano, que invadía su espacio aéreo.
Mostró la fotografia de un avión, que el describió como un P-3, según Chávez procedente de bases de Estados Unidos en Colombia o las Antillas Holandesas. También según el presidente, las incursiones duraron de 15 a 19 minutos.
La Casa Blanca no se ha pronunciado al respecto.
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President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, stated that las saturday, 2F-16 of the Venezuela Air Force (FAV), tracked an military north-american aircraft, invading airspace of Venezuela. He showed an image, that he described a an P-3 Orion, that had taken off from USA Air bases in Colombia or Caribbean, and that lasted 15 and 19 minutes.
US Govermment has not any comment at the moment.

EXITO DE LA MISION TIGRE FRANCES/FRENCH TIGER SUCCESS IN AFGHANISTAN

Desde agosto de 2009, los tres helicópteros Tigre desplegados por Francia en Kabul, han jugado un activo papel en el teatro de operaciones. Pertenecientes al 5 Regimiento de Helicópteros de combate, con base en Pau, pronto alcanzaron la plena capacidad operativa, y fueron autorizados a formar parte de ISAF, tras realizar pruebas de tiro. Forman parte de la "Musketeer Task Force", que incluye a los 11 helicópteros franceses desplegadso en Kabul(3 EC725 Caracal, 2 AS 532 Cougar, 3 SA 342 Gazelle y 3 EC 665 Tigre). Desde su llegada a Kabul, su nivel de operatividad ha sido del 95%
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Since August 10, 2009, the three Tiger combat helicopters deployed by France in Kabul have been playing an active operational role in Afghanistan.
The three helicopters from the 5th Combat Helicopters Regiment, Pau, first of all underwent firing certification tests, successfully completed, and the Tigers and their crews were then granted "full operational capability", authorizing them to serve as part of the ISAF. They are today part of the "Musketeer Task Force" which comprises the 11 French helicopters deployed at Kabul airport (three EC725 Caracals, two AS 532 Cougars, three SA 342 Gazelles and three EC 665 Tigers). Since arriving in the Afghan theater of operations, the Tiger helicopters have maintained an availability level of around 95%: a remarkable statistic for such a relatively young aircraft.

MAS LAKOTAS PARA EL US ARMY/MORE LAKOTAS FOR US ARMY

Four UH-72A Lakota LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) have been delivered to the Alabama Army National Guard’s Army by EADS North America.. Pertenecen al 1 Det, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment. Será utilizado para control aéreo y reconocimiento del territorio nacional. Han sustituido al OH-58 Kiowa en la unidad. Hasta la fecha han sido entregados 93 Lakota al US Army y 5 a la US Navy, de un total de 345 hasta 2015.
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Four UH-72A Lakota LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) have been delivered to the Alabama Army National Guard’s Army by EADS North America.. They belong to Detachment 1, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment. UH-72As will be used for aerial command, control and reconnaissance in homeland security operations and have replaced the unit’s OH-58 Kiowas.
To date, EADS North America has delivered 93 Lakotas to the US Army and five to the US Navy. A total of 345 Lakotas is expected to be acquired through to 2015.

AUSTRALIA COMIENZA A UTILIZAR UAV HERON EN AFGANISTAN/ AUSTRALIA BEGINS HERON UAV OPS IN AFGHANISTAN

El Ejército Australiano ha comenzado las operacion con el Heron UAV en AfganistanSe trata de un aparato en leasing para apoyo de las tropas allí desplegadas.Bajo el proyecto Nankeen, Australia ha firmado un contrato con MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA). Australia tambien ha desplegado AP-3C Orions para proporcionar inteligencia en tiempo real.
Un destacamento de la RAAF ha estado preparando la llegada del Heron a Kandahar, donde ya operan Heron canadienses, con objeto de aprovechar su experiencia operacional e instalaciones.
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The Australian Army has began Heron UAV ops in AfghanistanThis leased UAV support operations of Australian troops in Afghanistan. Under Project Nankeen, Australia has signed a contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) to provide Heron Unmanned Aerial System services.
Australia have also deployed RAAD AP-3C Orions to provide intelligence.
A RAAF detachment has been preparing for the delivery of the Australian Heron, at Kandahar airfield, near Canadian detachment, to learn for their operational knowledge, experience and facilities.