Geg's Blog

Australian Army Abrams

2004-03-10T22:55:00.000+11:00

I havn't been updating this blog as much as I would like..so my first update is about the "new" Australian Army Abrams we just bought..

M1 Abrams Chosen as Australian Army’s Replacement Tank.
The Government will equip the Australian Army with a fleet of 59 United States M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks to replace the ageing Leopards, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today. The project cost is about $550 million. The Abrams tanks are significantly more capable than the current tank and will contribute to the Army becoming more lethal in future close combat. The Government accepted Defence’s advice that the Abrams is the best capability and the best value for money with the lowest risk of the three replacement tank options examined.

Official Government Release.

The M1A1 AIM tank was selected for the following reasons:

The M1A1 AIM has the best overall survivability of the options considered. It offers battlefield proven protection for its crews.
The M1A1 AIM in Australian service will be very similar to the remainder of the large user community. It is part of a large fleet with stable, known operating costs, which will be in service beyond 2020.
They will be configured as part of a fleet of 3,500 similar vehicles across the world. These particular vehicles will be very similar to over 2,500 vehicles operated by the US to at least 2020.
The M1A1 AIM has the best potential to support network centric warfare. It offers a proven integrated and highly capable radio and battlespace management system.
The M1A1 AIM is assessed to have the least technical acquisition risk as the vehicle type and configuration for Australian service is already in production. It is a proven design, which is already in contract.
The M1A1 AIM is the right tank for Australian service. It is a highly survivable and affordable vehicle, with excellent potential for network centric warfare. The M1A1 provides the best value for Commonwealth dollar with low production and technical risk.
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) offer for the M1A1 includes, spares, training, support vehicles, Armoured Recovery Vehicles, simulation systems, radios and ancillary equipment as part of the overall package.
The M1A1 that ADF will procure are essentially remanufactured vehicles. They have been returned to a zero miles zero hours condition. This will provide substantial cost benefits in comparison to purchasing new vehicles.
The M1A1 Abrams weighs less than 63,000 kilograms (<63 tonnes) when fully combat laden. This is only slightly heavier than the Leopard 2 and is lighter than the Challenger takes that were considered. All three tank options that were considered are within 1000 kg of each other in combat configuration. In transport configuration the M1A1 will weigh around 59-60 tonnes.
Additional Heavy Equipment Transporters and trailers will be procured under Project Land 121.
The crane that loaded tanks in Darwin would be capable of doing the same for M1. We have an ongoing discussion about strategic rail transport in Australia and the issue of appropriate rolling stock will continue to be discussed.

And from The Australin..

Despite concern among military experts about its suitability, the National Security Committee of cabinet decided yesterday to buy the state-of-the-art US tank instead of the lighter, German-built Leopard II.
The decision to go American follows a deal two weeks ago giving unprecedented access to US naval technology for Australia's new air warfare destroyers.
The Abrams M1A1 fleet will replace Australia's 100 30-year-old Leopard tanks, which lack firepower and the armour to adequately protect crew from mines and hand-held anti-armour weapons.

Now there's talk of the JSF/F-35 being late.

But the decision came as a senior US official, visiting Canberra yesterday, expressed concern over "growing pains" with another US defence project -- the development of the $US200billion ($264billion) new-generation F-35 joint strike fighter.
Australia is expected to order up to 100 of the fighters, to be delivered in 2012, but the project has been plagued by cost overruns and delays. This has raised concerns as to whether Canberra should buy an interim fighter to cover a gap between the retirement of the F-111 fighter bomber, which is to be retired from 2010, and the delivery of the F-35.

If we bought an interim fighter...what would we do once we got the F-35s? Seems pretty pointless...may as well just "hire" some American (or British) jets like we did with the Phantoms.

World War 2 for Strike Fighters!

2004-01-25T01:09:00.000+11:00

Also some great stuff from the SF:P1 community.

Prop planes being made for SF.

WWII Photo's.

2004-01-25T00:57:00.000+11:00

This week a whole lot ofWW2 photo archives were released. But there are also some more photos floating around...

"Andy" as he is known, from the EAW community has made an exciting discovery.

"Yesterday evening I talked with a friend about WWII and that my grandfather was a Luftwaffe pilot and that I would really like to talk to him with all the knowlegede I have today. But this is not possible anymore cause he died in the 80ies. Then my friend (I've been knowing him now for about half a year only) started to tell me his story on this topic:
The brother of his granddad was a very famous illustrator. He worked for many (military) journals in the late 30ies and early forties. As you might know these 'journalists' often visited the frontline and since he was interested in the aerial warfare most he often flew with bomber crews to make his drawings as realistic as possible.

.....That's all very interesting isn't it? But the best is still to come. My friend continued and told me, he himself has 3 boxes with journals that have been illustrated by his granduncle, photographs, pictures and lots of stuff from the SCW and the early years of WWII. And he showed one of these boxes to me.
It included about 20 original volumes of the Luftwaffe journal 'Der Adler' (the eagle) of the years 38 to 41, illustrated by my friends granduncle with lots of photographs also, showing all sorts of Luftwaffe aircraft in fligt, in battle, simply in all situations you can imagine. I diddn't know a single of these photographs and believe me, I know a lot lof pics. Now these journals alone are a true treasure. But the box also included lots of other pics and photographs of ships, tanks, aircraft and 'normal' soldiers."

Truly amazing!

Read it all here.

Gorshkov deal; signed.

2004-01-21T00:13:00.000+11:00

"India and Russia have signed the over $1.5 billion deal for the purchase of the 45,000 tonne aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
According to a Defence Ministry statement, the deal also covers the related purchase of equipment and systems for the carrier which was approved by the Cabinet Committee of Security on January 17."

India's fighting force just got a whole lot stronger. MiG-29's too.

Story-Times of India

Singapore to get new aircraft soon...

2004-01-10T19:19:00.000+11:00

"Singapore expects to decide early next year on its choice of 20 new combat planes worth over one billion US dollars to replace its ageing fighter fleet, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said in remarks released here Friday.
"We expect a decision on this matter early next year," Teo told reporters in France on Thursday as he wrapped up a visit there, according to excerpts of a press conference released by the government.
The island-state, which has one of Asia's most modern air, land and naval forces, is shopping for 20 warplanes to replace its current fleet of A-4SU Skyhawk combat jets in a deal valued at over a billion dollars.
Last year, Singapore trimmed its list to three possible choices -- the Typhoon by European consortium Eurofighter, France's Rafale and Boeing's F-15 Eagle."

Full Story.

I'm just a bit surprised the F-15 is on that list. I would be looking at some of the F-16's Israel is selling...

Invisable bombs

2004-01-10T19:08:00.000+11:00

"Pakistan Air Force has acquired the invisible target bombs for its arsenal.
The sophisticated bombs of the H-4 and H-2 series can target the enemy installations at a distance of 120 kilometers and 60 kilometers respectively.

According to a report, the bombs manufactured under a joint venture of National Engineering and Scientific Commission (Nescom), Pakistan Missile Organisation and Aeropean Complex, has reinforced the defence of Pakistan Air Force considerably. "

India-Pakistan-China. In that area the military manpower and firepower is extraordinary. I hope they develop new aircraft, for aviation's sake, because I just love planes, but not go to war. Obviousley.

"After their successful testing, the invisible bombs have been handed over to the PAF men, who have installed them at PAF’s fighter planes.

Interestingly, the presence of bombs equipped with infrared technology has made the vulnerability of Indian bombs, AA 11 and AA 12, completely exposed.

The report further said, after the induction of J F-17 Thunder planes, a joint venture of Pakistan-China Defence cooperation, the fighter planes would be equipped with the bombs. "

SF New: A-5B/RA-5C Vigilante

2004-01-07T19:19:00.000+11:00

The A-5B/RA-5C Vigilante for Strike Fighters is out, by Monty CZ. Check the threads here.

SFSimHQ Thread 1
SFSimHQ Thread 2

Some pictures...

Israeli F-16I first flight.

2004-01-07T02:22:00.000+11:00

"The F-16 flew for 55 minutes and landed safely at the Lockheed Martin facility. The initial flight assessed basic aircraft operation including flight controls, landing gear and environmental control, cockpit and basic avionics systems.

"The successful first flight of the F-16I is truly a major milestone in our continuing commitment to Israel," said John Bean, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-16 programs. "This achievement further strengthens our bond, which spans three decades through the F-16." "

From defencetalk.com

Romania wants to equip Iraq army.

2004-01-07T02:15:00.000+11:00

Quick on the gun, so to speak. But it wouldn't be suprising if they do get it..as the Coalition (mainly US, UK) now controls Iraq (as such) they effectivley, dont have a govrnment to sell them to.

"BUCHAREST: Romania proposed Monday to supply the new Iraqi army with weapons, the state secretary for Romania's arms industry said.
"We have submitted a proposal to equip the future Iraqi army with artillery ammunition and Kalashnikov rifles at competitive prices," Decebal Ilina said, adding that "a formal offer will only be made when the United States opens the bidding process."
"Theoretically we should stand a good chance of securing such a contract considering that we have contributed to the international stabilisation force in Iraq," he said.
According to Ilina, Romania can supply military equipment to Iraq "according to demand and at low cost."
"A market like Iraq, which is not necessarily seeking to acquire top of the line weaponry, is just what a producer like Romania needs because we are faced with low demand."
Romania supported the US-led invasion of Iraq and has 700 soldiers stationed in the country as part of the post-war international stabilisation force."

Lockheed Tactical Tomahawk WCS Approved for Operation
"Lockheed Martin announced today that its advanced Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS), the U.S. Navy’s next generation cruise missile weapons control system, has been approved for initial operating capability (IOC). TTWCS brings new command and control capabilities to carry out missile strikes and can redirect the advanced Tactical Tomahawk missiles to new targets while in flight."

Full story from Defencetalk.com

US Military Bases in Poland.

2004-01-07T01:42:00.000+11:00

Lifted from F-16.net

"US vice-minister of defense, Douglas Feith, arrived in Poland on December 8th. His visit started unofficial negotiations concerning opening a US military base in Kshesin, nearby Poznañ (West Poland).

Unofficial information claims that Kshesin can receive one US group of 16 battle machines from Germany and military unit servicing F-16 airplanes.

An extract from the local newspaper: "Feith's visit has proved that the United States was stepping up discussions with key European allies about the overhaul of US global military deployments. Donald Rumsfeld, the secretary of US defense, who passed on that new during the last NATO debate, informed of US state representatives' visits in countries chosen by the US and subsequent arduous negotiations. Anyway, Feith highlighted that the first decisions on possible movement of American military bases to Poland will not be finalized in close future. Negotiations of conditions can last even couple of years. According to general Slawomir Petlicki, founder of GROM (special commando unit), the decision about setting up the US military base in Poland has been already made by the Americans."

Prime Minister Leszek Miller said in an interview that "Poland is ready to allow US bases on its territory if such a request was made".

The airfield in Kshesin was modernized, and the base now fulfils all NATO standards. "

F-15 v Su-27

2004-01-05T18:06:00.000+11:00

"The Ministry, in consultation with External Affairs, had turned down Krishnaswamy's request as it did not want to ``reveal'' its top air combatant to the world. Come February 16 and the IAF's Su-30K (air defence version) will duel with American F-15C Eagle; in July, IAF's Jaguars will be the first combat aircraft to fly to Alaska for a multilateral air exercise."

Man, this is something I'd love to see.

"Little wonder then that short of the SU-30 MKI, the IAF is fielding its finest fighters _ from the Mirage-2000 and SU-30K to the upgraded MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29 interceptors and MiG-27 ground attack aircraft in a strike role. The two forces will work out various war tactics through the exercises from February 16 to 26.

Day One will see IAF pilots leading the six US F-15C aircraft that will fly in from Elendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, which falls under the US Pacific Air Command. IAF planners and their USAF counterparts are known to have finalised air combat scenarios during the initial planning conference in September, 2003. A US KC-135 Hercules air-to-air refueller is also expected to escort the F-15Cs and giving the IAF an opportunity to see how the USAF functions with its refuellers."

Full Story.

Want some F-16's to keep your street in check?

"F-16 fighter planes, assault helicopters, and tanks are all available at knock-down prices in an end-of-year sale being staged by the Israeli army, an Israeli newspaper reported today.

The defence ministry has released a catalogue of military hardware which has been taken out of service and is deemed surplus to requirements.

The annual sale is expected to be worth some 100 million USD to the army which is facing major budget restraints amid the economic downturn in Israel.

Any would-be purchasers must first prove that they have no connection with organisations hostile to Israel.

Sales of weapons systems produced in the US must also be approved by Washington to ensure that they do not fall into "enemy hands"."

Some pics from Pegase's

2004-01-04T23:50:00.000+11:00

Just been browsing the 'new pics' at Pegase Airshow Pictures. They were taken from a Tiger meet from last year.

Love those Mirages!

Second Patch, Vampire, Mirage F-1C, for Strike Fighters released.

2004-01-04T23:46:00.000+11:00

It's here! The long awaited Service Pack 2 for Strike Fighters:Project 1.

Check the thread here at SF-SimHQ forum.

And the excellent Mirage.

And the Vampire.

Purdy :)

F-15 for Strike Fighters; but what about the losses?

2004-01-04T23:20:00.000+11:00

On the SF forum @ SimHQ, the F-15 has been built and should be released soon. An interesting question was posed, however, on the losses of the F-15.

I googled around a bit, and found information from F-15 Strike Eagle.com about the F-15's losses...well the ones operated by the USA anyway.

07 Apr 2003 88-1694 SJ 335 EFS Combat Loss (Operation 'Iraqi Freedom')
There also had been an F-15 lost in the latest desert Storm. I was interested to see how it was lost. Did a bit more research...

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar â€” Coalition rescue teams were searching early Wednesday for two U.S. airmen from a F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that went down over Iraq two days earlier.

Foxnews from Tuesday, April 08, 2003

A U.S. military source said the plane went down near the city of Tikrit, the hometown of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The town is believed to be a stronghold of Iraqi resistance.
It was unclear whether the plane was shot down, the U.S. Central Command said.
The fighter vanished early Monday, but its loss was not announced until later for security reasons, said Marine Maj. Brad Bartelt, a Central Command spokesman.
"You want to protect the lives of any survivors on the ground," Bartelt said. "As soon as you send that information out, what you can do potentially is tip off an adversary or an enemy as to where or what happened."
Central Command said the airmen and their aircraft were deployed from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
"The coalition expects Iraqi forces and Iraqi citizens to abide by all Geneva Conventions relating to the treatment of prisoners," the command said in a statement.
A coalition A-10 "Warthog" warplane was shot down near Baghdad early Tuesday in the first reported downing of a coalition aircraft by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile.
Its pilot ejected safely and was recovered by coalition ground forces near the airport, U.S. Central Command said. The pilot was reported to be in good condition.

While looking for this, I found some interesting stuff on coalition leaflets dropped during the war.

http://www.psywarrior.com/OpnIraqiFreedomcont1.html

Been away a while

2004-01-04T22:34:00.000+11:00

From blogland. I will soon start putting up some news after I post some stuff that Wilbur has posted over the past few days.

China's SU-27s are being equipped with an extremely long range version of the Russian Kh-31P (called by NATO; AS-17 Krypton) Anti-Radiation Missiles.

With derivatives of the SU-27 being snapped up by China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, this aircraft and missile combination- if widely exported- could make for a major shift in airpower in the region.

This large missile, which reaches speeds of Mach 4.5 and has a range of 70 kilometers, is designed to take out radar systems like those used for the American Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, as well as the powerful U.S. Aegis radars found on many warships.

PROTECTING THE F-35
The new F-35 JSF is being engineered so that it can't easily be reverse engineered. A very interesting write up from Strategy Page;

The big-ticket item in that category is technology to prevent reverse-engineering, a major concern since the F-35 will be the first stealth aircraft exported to other countries. There have been instances where advanced American fighters have found their way to unfriendly countries – the most notable being the defection of an Iranian F-14 crew to Russia, although some rumors persist that the Iranians provided information on the Tomcat to Russia. This assisted the Soviets in developing the AA-9/R-33 Amos air-to-air missile, primarily used on the MiG-31 Foxhound aircraft. China has apparently acquired at least one F-16 from Pakistan, which was used for developing the J-10, a modified version of the cancelled IAI Lavi.

And heres one you should read from Wilburs blog yourself...:)

GRUMMAN PANTHER Vs MIG-15
http://www.wilbursblog.blogspot.com/2003_12_28_wilbursblog_archive.html#107305589626267529

Czechs Select the Gripen

2003-12-18T15:02:00.000+11:00

"Ministers from the junior coalition parties the Freedom Union and the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) should support the recommendation of an independent commission and vote to lease new Swedish Jas-39 Gripen supersonic fighter planes, the daily Pravo reports Tuesday.

The government is to meet on Wednesday to make a final decision. Pravo says the Gripens could already have a majority in the 17-member Cabinet.

IT Minister Vladimir Mlynar, Local Development Minister Pavel Nemec and Deputy Premier Petr Mares, all from the Freedom Union, have reportedly committed to back the commission's recommendation of the new Gripens over offers for used F-16s from the US, Belgium and the Netherlands and an offer of F/A 18s from Canada. "

Full Story

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy (apparently) prefers the Rafale over the Mig-29. Well, obviousley you WOULD pick the Rafale of the Mig-29, but thats for the gov to decide.

"The Indian Navy recently stated its preference for the French Rafale-M fighter over the MiG-29K for its new aircraft carrier, the ex-Admiral Gorshkov. Seven Rafales currently operate from the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. Originally, India had agreed to buy some of the Gorshkovâ€™s existing complement of MiG-29K aircraft to equip the shipâ€™s air wing. However, this deal has been bogged-down for over four years in bargaining over price and options."

Czech's to decide on F-16 deal..

2003-12-16T17:06:00.000+11:00

"NATO member the Czech Republic is set to decide on a replacement for its fleet of ageing, Soviet-built MiG-21 fighters amid intense diplomatic lobbying and mud slinging.

U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic Craig Stapleton issued a blunt warning that U.S-Czech relations would be harmed if the country goes ahead and selects a Swedish offer of JAS-39 Gripen fighters to protect its skies.

An advisory commission reviewing offers received by the government unanimously recommended a Swedish offer for JAS-39 Gripens earlier this month. However, the US would like those countries offering the Czech Republic US-made F-16 fighter planes to have the chance to renegotiate the price of their offer. "

F-16 Net-News

Everyone seems to have gone into mass upgrading of their Air Forces. I.E, the Chinese, as Wilbur noted on his blog, looks more modern now with the enetering of service of Su-27, Su-30's, J-10 and soon the J-XX, F-7 and FC-1/Super 7 makes the PLAAF look an ever increasing, menacing force.

And...

"The revelation came after the plane, known as "Shanying" in Chinese , made its maiden flight in the southwestern province of Guizhou at the weekend.

According to Wu Hailing from the China Aviation Industry Corp I (AVIC I), mass production of the plane will begin in 2005 to satisfy the needs of domestic and foreign markets.

"Shanying"s excellent maneuverability , advantageous price, plus its flexibility to cater to customer requirements will make it very competitive internationally, said Wu, director of the Military Aircraft Development Department of AVIC I.

"Shanying" can be used to train pilots before they take to both second and third-generation fighters,'' he said. "Apart from training members of the Chinese air force, it can serve developing countries, including those who have imported Chinese-made fighters.''

The backer of China's fighter-pilot trainer -- the "Mountain Eagle" -- is looking to get the machine flying both in Chinese and foreign skies, a military aviation official said yesterday in the national capital. "

China News Daily

Screenshots from the Falklands sim.

2003-12-16T16:17:00.000+11:00

Can be found HERE.

I am definately looking foward to this release!!

New Falklands Sim.

2003-12-16T16:13:00.000+11:00

Looks Promising

Thunder Works

"What this project is about

Jet Thunder (working title) is a project to create a realistic flight simulator based in the air war in the South Atlantic, in 1982 - the Falklands/Malvinas conflict. It's being developed by a group of military aviation enthusiasts, mainly based in South America. As we're getting organized as a development studio, under the name Thunderworks, more info on ourselves and our goals will be available online, in an institutional website that will follow soon at this same webspace.

Developing a realistic flight simulator is a very difficult job, requiring an enormous amount of expertise in different areas, from realtime 3D computing to physics knowledge and artistic skills. Of all game* genres, possibly the combat flight sims are in the top as the most complex to develop, and with really long development circles. And they're expensive to develop, too. That's why we see so few flight sim developers around, and realistic jet combat sims are even more of a rarity. But, for us, it was a nice surprise to see the huge amount of interest that our project generated, we already received a lot of emails (through the old, temporary page that was online here), and periodically, we see topics in different flight sim forums around commenting or informing other players about our project. I must thank all the flight simming community for the interest demonstrated, and we'll work hard to meet the expectatives."

Just to let you know.

2003-12-16T00:39:00.000+11:00

No comment from me here.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5365.htm

Just thought people would like to know.

Happy Holidays.

2003-12-15T17:01:00.000+11:00

Hope everyone out there in Blogland has a great holidays, and stay safe :)

Some F-16 News.

2003-12-14T01:19:00.000+11:00

"The first eight of the F-16 E/F Block 60 fighter jets custom developed for the Emirates will be delivered to the Gulf country next year. The Emirates signed a contract with the defense giant in 2000 to acquire 80 F-16s with particular requirements.

The deal with Lockheed cost the Emirates US$6.4 billion, plus more than US$1 billion it will pay to the U.S. government for ammunition to support the fighter.

According to Del Spann, deputy program director of the F-16 Block 60, three of the aircraft will be turned over to the Emirates in April at the Lockheed Martins headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, and five will be brought to the Emirates by the end of next year. While developed to the Emirates' requirements, the plane can be sold to other countries."

F-16 Net

Qatar could also aquire F-16's...

F-117 to get new scheme, while a fool gets rescued.

2003-12-14T01:11:00.000+11:00

"We use the (F-117) for everything from new tactics development
to the evaluation of new software or hardware," said Maj. Tre Urso,
a Det. 1 pilot. "Det. 1 has been involved in all the F-117
modifications and upgrades over the years. Now we want to evaluate
the feasibility of using the F-117 during daylight operations."
Air Force leaders will approve additional jets for the gray
scheme only if the test results show the change is warranted,
Rogers said. Whether or not the rest of the jets are painted, this
project is worth the time and effort spent on completing it, Urso
said."
Story

Bloody Fool
Jon Johanson was to have flown out of McMurdo-Scott Base in Antarctica Saturday after becoming the first pilot ever to fly an experimental single-engine aircraft over the South Pole. Now, Johanson is at the center of a controversy between Australia and its two closest allies -- New Zealand and the US. Officials from New Zealand and the United States see Johanson's attempt as a huge imposition and have refused to sell him the fuel he needs to get home. Hence, Johanson has been stranded.

The Story

When he asked the New Zealanders and Americans if they would be able to supply him with fuel if he got stranded, America said no and NZ did'nt reply.
Who encouraged this raving lunatic?

Thales open to joint project on French carrier

2003-12-12T02:01:00.000+11:00

"THALES, the French defence company, said yesterday that Paris should look seriously at building its new aircraft carrier in co-operation with Britain.

Such a move, helping to cement European defence co-operation, would bring work to Britain and might also help the UK Government to cut the cost of its own carrier programme.

Thales, one third owned by the French Government, is working with Britain’s BAE Systems to build two carriers for the UK, a deal initially worth about £3 billion. "

Story-Keypublishing Forums

Oh Dear...

2003-12-12T01:54:00.000+11:00

"Two Belgian F-16s collided in mid-air during a Forward Air Controler exercise, killing one of the pilots. They crashed into the ground in the wooded area of Marche-en-Famenne in the Belgian Ardennes. "

SALUTE to Lieutenant-Colonel Ronny Vaerten. My prayers are with your family and friends.

A-16 Close Air Support

2003-12-08T21:45:00.000+11:00

Now THIS is very interesting indeed.

"In the 1980s, the USAF started setting aside F-16s for the planned A-16 modification, a dedicated close air support version of the F-16. In 1989, the designation Block 60 was reserved for the A-16. The A-16 Block 60 was to be equipped with a 30 mm cannon and provided with a strengthened wing structure for anti-tank weapons such as 7.62 mm min pods. This project failed because the 30 mm gun would heat up and senge the inner components of the left fuselage."

F-16 Net

More upgrades!! And a new deal!

2003-12-08T21:43:00.000+11:00

"The Commonwealth and the Australian Submarine Corporation have today signed a contract worth up to $3.5 billion over 25 years to refit the Collins class submarines.

The contract was signed at a special ceremony in Adelaide attended by Defence Minister Robert Hill and the Minister for Finance and Administration, Nick Minchin.

The contract will build on the remarkable achievements made by Australian industry during the construction of the Collins Class, which are widely regarded as the most capable conventional submarines of their kind in the world. "
Department of Defence.

MAJOR deal.

Australia to join the Missile Defence System.

"For some, it's 'Son of Star Wars', for others the project to hit a speeding bullet with another bullet, but whatever you choose to call it, Australia signed up today to America's missile defence plans. Our defence scientists are to join the United States in trying to create a system to shoot down ballistic missiles. Various US estimates put the cost at anything from $30 billion upwards. But the Federal Government says Australia's initial role and costs will be modest. The joint Australia-US intelligence facility at Pine Gap in the Northern Territory and Australia's over-the-horizon radar expertise will contribute to the research. The Defence Minister, Robert Hill, spoke to Graeme Dobell."

But of course..

"Australian missile defence plan may cause regional uncertainty: Indonesia "

"Australia's decision to take part in the controversial US program to develop a missile defence shield could create uncertainty in the region, Indonesia's foreign ministry said on Friday.

Spokesman Marty Natalegawa said Jakarta's view at present was that "these things offer more uncertainties and potential complications rather than solutions"."

Read Here.

AND

Arms race fear over 'star wars'
"Australia's plan to join the United States missile defence shield has raised strong objections from China, which believes the plan could spark a new arms race.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Beijing was upset by the plans when briefed privately by Australia's ambassador Alan Thomas. China is also concerned the shield could be used to protect Taiwan.

China's concerns were echoed yesterday by Indonesia, which urged Australia not to try to isolate itself from the region. "Our view has always been research into such a system opens the potential for a new round of arms race, it could be potentially destabilising," government spokesman Marty Natelgawa said."
Read Here.

Indonesia is to buy some warships, too.
"Indonesia is negotiating the possible purchase of four warships from the Netherlands, its navy chief said on Friday."

First flight of the F-16 Block 60

2003-12-08T21:28:00.000+11:00

"The newest, most advanced Lockheed Martin F-16 completed a successful first flight on Saturday.The aircraft is the first of the Block 60 line, which has been designated the F-16E/F version. It is the first of 80 F-16E/F Block 60 aircraft being produced for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under an order placed in early 2000."

F-16 Net

More here...

"The F-16E/F resembles earlier F-16 aircraft in appearance only.
Internally, the Block 60 has an all-new cockpit that features
all-digital instruments and three 5x7-inch color displays. It is
powered by a General Electric F110-GE-132 engine that produces
32,500 pounds of thrust. Additionally, the F-16E/F features a new
avionics suite with highlights including a revolutionary Electronic
Warfare (EW) system, the new APG-80 Agile Beam Radar (ABR) and a
new Integrated FLIR Targeting System (IFTS), all provided by
Northrop Grumman."

Leuchars Tornado in 200mph crash-landing
"AN RAF crew were forced to land a Tornado fighter jet without any wheels at a speed approaching 200 mph at Leuchars last night after a mid-air scare during a training exercise."

Hog.

2003-12-07T20:31:00.000+11:00

The A-10A for Strike Fighters:Project 1 is now available for download.

SimHQ thread.

odd!

2003-12-05T23:34:00.000+11:00

odd looking aircraft...
F-26
SM-27

"The F-26 STALMA (Short Takeoff Advanced Light Multi-role Aircraft) is an advanced, sixth generation multi-role fighter suitable for Direct Commercial Sales to U.S. and NATO/allies. Designed to replace F-16C and F/A-18C/E combat aircraft in U.S. and NATO air arms, the F-26 is a single seat, single engine, high performance weapon system incorporating variable geometry, supercruise, pitch/yaw thrust vectoring, integrated avionics, enhanced agility and low observability characteristics. Conceived for maximum performance and combat capability, the F-26 is designed for all-weather, supersonic operation at both low and high altitudes. Optimized for air-to-air interception, combat air patrol, air dominance, close-in air-to-air engagements ('dogfight'), carrier air defense, anti-shipping strike, wild weasel/anti-radiation strike, all weather precision attack, interdiction, battlefield close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, tactical reconnaissance, conventional bombing and tactical nuclear penetration, the F-26 STALMA will counter threats to US and NATO allied air superiority."

Gorshkov deal finalized

2003-12-03T17:51:00.000+11:00

" "We have successfully concluded the price neogtiations and the deal had been put forward to Government for investment decision as a composite package along with MiG-29K," Singh addressing a news conference said."

Read it here.

Also from that site, the Saudi's have accepted a new tactical trainer.

Russia defense price.

2003-12-01T16:55:00.000+11:00

"The Russian Armed Forces will get 412 billion rubles ($13.7 billion) or 20 percent of the entire budget according to the draft 2004 of federal budget recently approved by the State Duma, which is 67 million rubles ($2.2 million) more than the 2003 figure.

However defense industry experts are unhappy, believing that an insufficient level of financing leads to insufficient professionalism in the army. At a recent top-brass conference Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov severely criticized Colonel-General Vladimir Mikhailov, commander of the Russian Air Force, for there have been eight fatal air crashes this year.

A Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber crashed near Saratov this September, two Mi-24 helicopter gun ships collided in Primorye during large-scale military drills in August and a MiG-29 Fulcrum air-superiority fighter recently crashed in the Armenian mountains. Ivanov blamed pilot errors and mistakes made during servicing for seven out of the eight crashes. Any military expert understands that all these faults are the direct consequence of inadequate professionalism on the part of engineers, technicians and pilots alike."

Vladivostok News

"In 1972, airmen confronted possibility of having to shoot down a hijacked airplane"

2003-12-01T16:47:00.000+11:00

"On that dreary day in 1972, a military controller was ordering the Air National Guard captain to get ready to destroy a hijacked DC-9 airliner filled with Americans."

Very interesting story on some American pilots who were going to shoot down a hijacked plane.

Story

Pictures of the JSF (F-35)

2003-11-30T21:34:00.000+11:00

Can be found here.

Though unfortunately they're rather small pics..wouldn't mind one for my desktop background.

The price of upgrading.

2003-11-30T20:38:00.000+11:00

"TAXPAYERS will foot the $230 million bill to extend the life of the air force's 75-strong fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

Another $60 million will be spent on three flight simulators for the frontline fighters based at Tindal in the Northern Territory and Williamtown in NSW"

Full story

It also points out that... "Earlier this month, RAAF chief Air Marshal Angus Houston said there would be no "gap" in Australia's air defence before the arrival of the next generation Joint Strike Fighter. " in regards to the retirement of the F-111's.

Addition: Australia has picked up some more contracts on the JSF program. Read here.

Australia has always bought aircraft from other countries for fighter/bomber/defence etc (apart from Wirraway and Boomerang?). We have also modified the aircraft we have bought, even improving on the original, ie the CA-27 Sabre (version of the US F-86 Sabre). Would we be doing that to the JSF? Obviousley, we'll test and use the radar, missiles, counter measures etc that the Air Force/Department of Defence chooses, but seeing something Australian designed, built on Australian shores, from Australian material would be fantastic. The French Mirage was our first supersonic fighter. From the third Mirage, the aircraft were made in Australia using French parts. The RAAF decided on the F-16 or the F/A-18 to replace our Mirage III's, in the 1970s and the F/A-18-A was chosen, and the first two were built at McDonnell-Douglas' St. Louis factory. We received them in May 1985, after flying from California to Williamstown (with air to air refuelling on the way). The rest of the RAAF F/A-18 aircraft were built in Australia by the GAF and/or CAC.
Upgrades even started before some were delivered, bringing them up to the standards of the C's and D's. Our F-111s were ordered for delivery in 1967. We didnt receive these until 1973, during which time we used US F4 Phantoms.

On the subject of new aircraft....

2003-11-30T18:32:00.000+11:00

Picked up info of two new Chinese planes being designed/developed, via SinoDefence.com.

The J-XX (which is probably designed to match/better the F-22) and J-7MF

J-XX: "Stealth and thrust vectoring are two must-have features in all aircraft being designed in the 21st century. If is not clear that how much progress Chinese designers have made in these areas, and Chinese aircraft industry may have to take Western/Israeli/Russian helps to make the J-XX truly fouth-generation (or fifth-generation using the Russian standards). Once introduced, the J-12's immediate rival will be U.S. F/A-22, JSF and India's MCA (Medium Combat Aircraft)."

J-7MF: "On the 2000 Zhuhai Air Show, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) revealed the latest variant of its famous J-7/F-7 family: F-7MF (M: export, F: developed). It is estimated that development of the F-7MF is still in its early stages. The F-7MF is aiming at the export market, especially those third-world air forces, which are desperate for a low-cost fighter, with relatively high performance and decent avionics and weapon systems, to replace their aging F-5s and MiG-21s."

Pictures & Information of the JF-17.

2003-11-30T18:27:00.000+11:00

Been searching around for info and pictures on the JF-17.

Pictures (Defence Talk).

Information from Sinodefence.com

"Initially it was anticipated that the Super-7/FC-1 would be a high-performance, low-cost fighter plane to replace outdated F-5s and MiG-21s in many third-world air forces. But with the participation of MASPG, the Russians are using the Super-7/FC-1 as a continuation of the MiG-33 (R33) programme developed in the 1980s. Like the MiG-33, the Super-7/FC-1 uses the RD-93 turbofans, though the Super-7/FC-1 features air inlets on the lateral sides of the fuselage rather than the ventral inlets of the MiG-33. With Russian technical assistance the redesigned Super-7/FC-1 has improved climb out performance and steering capabilities along with a stronger fuselage."

Video of Pakistani-Chinese fighter jet.

2003-11-30T17:46:00.000+11:00

Found a rather nice video of the testing of the Pakistani-Chinese JF-17.

Formal Test flight Of FC-1/JF-17 "Thunder" Video On Sept. 03, 2003

F-84F for strike fighters has been released.

2003-11-29T17:25:00.000+11:00

http://oldsite.simhq.com/simhq3/sims/boards/bbs/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=55;t=007385

Can be downloaded from Check-Six and ACFC.

India deal to buy Russian carrier, with a matching set of aircraft, soon to be finalised

2003-11-29T10:08:00.000+11:00

Deal between India and Russia for India to buy aircraft carrier 'Gorshkov' and some Mig-29K A/C is soon to be finalised

"Russia has offered the ship "free" to India but wants $750 million to "retrofit" it. Besides, the deal would involve the supply of 24 Russian MiG-29K aircraft for $1.5 billion for being operated from the carrier."

Times of India

There's also an interesting debate about this on KeyPublishing forum.

And heres an interesting article on Russia's MiG's.

"....the impressive looking MiG-29 constantly losses sales to more expensive Western aircraft. While designed as a "two engine F-16", the MiG-29 is part of a family of aircraft that have a dismal combat record versus American warplanes."

Can't find the right gift for a loved one?

2003-11-29T09:19:00.000+11:00

Give them a MiG-21! Or buy it for yourself..only a cool $10, 000 (but expect that price to rise).

eBay-MiG-21 for sale
via KeyPublishing forum

"This jet is in fine state, including all original details, instruments and engine. The main power wire has been cut due to international regulations, therefore the jet cannot fly.

The jet originates from the polish airforce and has been used as eye catcher for a company in The Netherlands for the last two years. It is being auctioned on eBay now because the company needs the space to build extra offices. "

New Su-37 to be built

2003-11-29T09:14:00.000+11:00

" "The Su-37 fighter is supposed to become a transitional model to the fifth generation fighter. It maintains design continuity with the Su-30MK fighter with the introduction into its design of several solutions worked out on the Su-47 experimental fighter with the forward swept wing," Yu. Chervakov said. "

Full story-Key publishing forums

Some pictures.

2003-11-29T08:42:00.000+11:00

Some nice pictures from the Belgian Navy/Army/Air Force open day.

via Zap 16

New hypersonic bomber plans

2003-11-29T03:00:00.000+11:00

"The robotic bomber would streak eight times the speed of sound and have a 20,000-mile (32,200-kilometer) range, putting the entire globe within its deadly reach."

Full Story

Debate over the F-22

2003-11-29T02:14:00.000+11:00

Not as good as it seems?

"Either the F/A-22 Raptor is the hottest and deadliest jet fighter that the Air Force has ever rocketed into the sky - or it's a relic of a Cold War machine that's too costly and too full of testosterone for current military needs in the worldwide war on terrorism."

Full Story

Huzzah! More on the Ju-52!!

2003-11-29T01:50:00.000+11:00

Apparently this happened on October 4th, yet hardly anyone knows about it until now?
Found some more info after finding it on Wilbur's blog.

"Nicknamed Tante (Auntie) Ju by German fliers, the three-engined plane first flew in 1931 and was widely used by the German air force in WWII operations, including the air-launched capture of Crete in 1941. Seven of the nearly 5,000 aircraft built are still in flying condition."

Greek News Story

Yet more upgrades

2003-11-28T17:37:00.000+11:00

"...(Australian) navy to get increased satellite communications capability..."

More..

M-113 Upgrade

2003-11-28T17:27:00.000+11:00

"Australia is upgrading 350 of its M113A1 APCs to M113AS4 standards, which they hope will then see another 30 years of service. Two demonstration models have been produced. The $500 million M113AS4 upgrade by Tenix will add two feet in length to 171 of the vehicles, along with new armor, machinegun turrets and armored external fuel tanks. Due to enter service in 2006, Cosgrove believes the upgraded APCs will be ready on time and on budget. - Adam Geibel

Tenix product description online at: http://www.tenix.com/Main.asp?ID=437

Australian Army M113 background information, online at:
http://www.thunderandsteel.co.uk/m113.html"

From Strategy World

New Israeli F-16's

2003-11-28T01:17:00.000+11:00

"The long-awaited Israeli F-16I Sufa ('Storm') rolled off Lockheed Martin's production line in Texas.It is the first of 102 ordered by Israel in 1997. The estimated $4.5 billion dollar F-16I deal will be financed by the annual U.S. military aid package and concludes the largest Israeli military purchase in history.

The F-16I is a heavily modified two seat version of the F-16D Block 50/52. In addition to the new and more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, the F-16I boasts numerous internal and external advancements and modifications.The Sufa has for example been customized with new avionic technologies, internally mounted FLIR (forward looking infrared) viewers, and cutting edge weapon system hardware provided by the Israeli defense company Lahav - a division of Israel Aircraft Industries. "

Full Story.

The Israeli's give each aircraft a good thorough working don't they?

Upgrading the military.

2003-11-27T22:54:00.000+11:00

"The Federal Government (of Australia) has announced that as part of the Defence Capability Review, Army's ageing Leopard 1 main battle tanks are to be replaced. Although a choice has not been made, the Government says the decision will be between the US M1A2 Abrams, the German Leopard 2 and the British Challenger 2."
Full Story

One would hope we'd stick with the Leopard series, failing that, buy British.

This also coincides with the scrapping of our ageing F-111's, upgrading of the F/A-18's and joining in the JSF program.

Personally, I think its about time we replaced the F-111's. Great planes, but they're going to get too old, unsafe and costly to keep in the air.
However, Dr Carlo Kopp has a different opinion.

JF-17

2003-11-27T19:07:00.000+11:00

Looks as though the Pakistani's and Chinese are going to make a new fighter jet.

"A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign office Kong Quan hoped that the sale of JF17, a multi-purpose fighter aircraft jointly manufactured by Pakistan and China will draw wide attraction home and abroad."

Should be interesting...I always love seeing new aircraft designed, doesn't matter who by.

Falcon

2003-11-27T16:51:00.000+11:00

The F-16 has reached another milestone...

"Over the past 25-years, 4,092 F-16s have been built in 123 different versions on production lines in five countries SABCA in Belgium, Korean Aircraft Industries in South Korea, Fokker in the Netherlands, Turkish Aircraft Industries in Turkey and at its home - Fort Worth, Texas in the United States."

Story-Airforces Monthly

Dawning of a new error.

2003-11-27T16:37:00.000+11:00

Ah, welcome, to what shall be a rather....plain experience. I don't plan to update much..and it will be mainly Aviation related topics-no politics from me!