[JLRC]

Lockheed UK Submits Proposal for Merlin CSP Program
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Nov. 10, 2004)
 
 
 HAVANT, United Kingdom --- Lockheed Martin UK Ltd submitted its proposal for the next phase of the Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopter program; the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (Merlin CSP) programme, which is aimed at securing Merlin’s capabilities into the foreseeable future.  
 
The Merlin CSP programme aims to solve future obsolescence issues and provide a significant reduction in whole life costs. This will be achieved through investment in new technology which, while primarily aimed at solving obsolescence, also brings with it improvements in capability with benefits such as an open computing architecture system with processing speeds and memory storage more than 250 times greater than current systems.  
 
The proposal is the culmination of a successful assessment phase of nearly 18 months which has brought together the strengths of Lockheed Martin as prime contractor and lead systems integrator, with the world-class helicopter platform skills of AgustaWestland to create a strategic business alliance.  
 
Ron Christenson, group managing director of Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems said: “Merlin is at the core of our business in the UK and we are committed to taking this sophisticated multi-mission weapons system into the future. Our focus on best value for the customer throughout the assessment phase provides the MoD with confidence that a reliable, supportable weapon system is developed and delivered within affordable time and price constraints.”  
 
A competitive subcontractor selection process is a key factor in Lockheed Martin’s ‘whole system’ approach as the prime contractor. By focusing on every level of the contract from procurement to critical support factors such as intellectual property rights and support costs, Lockheed Martin UK will provide the Royal Navy with the best overall value through each phase of the program’s lifecycle.  
 
Mr. Christenson added: “Our contractor selection approach balances the use of domestic industrial resources and technology transfer, and builds on existing Merlin Mk1 partnerships where appropriate. It is anticipated that Merlin CSP will sustain more than 1400 high technology jobs in the UK. Additionally the domestic technology advances on Merlin CSP will allow UK industry to export competitively to other markets.”  
 
Lockheed Martin UK, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader in systems integration working on major programs spanning the aerospace, defense, civil and commercial sectors. In the UK, Lockheed Martin has annual sales in the range of £400-600 million working with more than 75 business partners. Lockheed Martin employs approximately 1,000 people across the UK at facilities including London, Havant, Southampton, Yeovil, Swindon, Hertford, Reading, Bristol and Cornwall.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.  
 
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[JLRC]

Mirage 2000 Crashes Surprising and Alarming: Air Force
 
 
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Nov. 10, 2004)
 
 
 NEW DELHI --- Terming the recent spate of Mirage 2000 fighter crashes as “surprising and alarming”, the Air Force today said that IAF’s frontline fleet had recently been put to a strenuous checks and some of the components of the accident-involved aircraft were being examined.  
 
Giving details of the last night’s crash of the Mirage fighter near the Gwalior Airbase, Air Marshal S K Malik, Vice Chief of the Air Staff said preliminary reports indicated that the pilot could have orientation problems leading to the crash.  
 
He said the flight data recorder of the aircraft had been recovered and would be thoroughly examined by the court of inquiry instituted to probe the crash.  
 
The Vice Chief said preliminary reports of earlier two crashes last month - one near Gwalior and other during air show at Mauritius - had indicated technical problems, so some of the components like blades had been sent for examination to the National Metallurgical Labortary in Jamshedpur.  
 
“Once the report expected within a week is received, it would be sent for expert study by the French manufacturers”, Malik said.  
 
The Vice Chief said the recent crashes were surprising as the Mirage of all fighters in the inventory of IAF had the cleanest safety record, with only six aircraft involved in accidents since their induction in 1987  
 
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[JLRC]

Thailand and Singapore Sign Long-Term Air Force Training Agreement  
 
 
(Source: Government of Singapore; issued Nov. 12, 2004)
 
 
 1. Thailand and Singapore have entered into a long-term reciprocal agreement which would allow their air forces to conduct training in each other’s countries.  
 
2. Minister for Defence Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean and Thai Defence Minister General (Retired) Sumpun Boonyanun signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today concerning mutual training and logistical support between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).  
 
3. The MOU expands the scope of cooperation between the RTAF and RSAF, thereby creating more opportunities for the two air forces to train together. Such cooperation enhances professional development and inter-operability.  
 
4. Thailand and Singapore share longstanding and close defence ties, and the two armed forces interact regularly through a wide spectrum of visits and professional exchanges. The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence relationship and underscores the excellent cooperation between the RTAF and RSAF.  
 
5. Given Singapore’s limited land and airspace, overseas training is very important for the SAF. RSAF, in particular, conducts a significant portion of its flying training overseas and this is made possible through the support of friendly countries like Thailand. The SAF has been training in Thailand since 1978 and this MOU further demonstrates the trust and commitment between the two defence establishments toward long-term cooperation.  
 
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[JLRC]

First Production Global Hawk UAV Arrives at Beale Air Force Base
 
 
(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued Nov. 16, 2004)
 
 
 SAN DIEGO --- The first production RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle has arrived at its new home at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.  
 
Designated AF-3, the UAV arrived on Oct. 28 following a short ferry flight from the Birk Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Northrop Grumman produces Global Hawk for the U.S. Air Force.  
 
"This is the first Global Hawk to arrive on base, but it's not new to us," said Col. Larry Wells, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base. "For quite some time, our pilots and sensor operators have been operating the system in theatre from half a world away. During its current deployment, just one RQ-4A air vehicle has flown more than 1,000 combat hours, providing tremendous support to our fighting men and women on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan."  
 
"AF-3's arrival at Beale symbolizes Global Hawk's transition from a development program to an operational system," said Carl O. Johnson, Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk vice president and integrated product team leader. "Its performance in theatre has surpassed all expectations. Northrop Grumman is extremely proud to provide our customer and our country with this remarkable reconnaissance system."  
 
AF-3's arrival at Beale recently followed the first flight of N-1, the first Global Hawk for the U.S. Navy. N-1 is currently in test at Edwards Air Force Base. It will ferry to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., next summer to prepare for the Navy's Global Hawk maritime demonstration scheduled to begin in mid-2005.  
 
To date, the Global Hawk system has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in test flights over the western U.S; on deployments to Florida, Australia, and Germany; and while conducting combat missions supporting the war on terrorism. More than 2,000 of those hours are attributed to the system's operational service.  
 
The company recently began production of an enhanced Global Hawk air vehicle, designated the RQ-4B, at its Antelope Valley Manufacturing Center in Palmdale, Calif. Compared to the RQ-4A, the RQ-4B features a larger wingspan (130.9 feet), a longer fuselage (47.6 feet) and a generator that can deliver 150 percent more power, enabling it to accommodate a 50 percent increase in total payload weight. Northrop Grumman plans to deliver the first three RQ-4B air vehicles in 2006 as part of the Lot 3 low rate initial production contract.  
 
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is a premier aerospace and defense systems integration organization. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., it designs, develops, produces and supports network-enabled integrated systems and subsystems optimized for use in networks. For its government and civil customers worldwide, Integrated Systems delivers best-value solutions, products and services that support military and homeland defense missions in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space access; battle management command and control; and integrated strike warfare.  
 
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[JLRC]

Upgrading the CF-18 Fighter Aircraft: First Phase is on Time and within Budget
 
 
(Source: Auditor-General of Canada; dated Nov. 23, issued Nov. 24, 2004)
 
 
 OTTAWA --- Fourteen years will have elapsed from the time National Defence identified the need to modernize 80 of its CF-18 fighter aircraft until the first phase of upgrades is completed in 2006. But now that upgrades are proceeding, they are going reasonably well, says Sheila Fraser, the Auditor General of Canada, in her Report tabled today in the House of Commons.  
 
The challenge for National Defence is to finish the upgrades on time so that full advantage can be taken of improvements before the aircraft reach the end of their useful lives.  
 
“The CF-18 project team worked hard to overcome problems and keep much of this complicated project on track and within contract costs,” said Ms. Fraser.  
 
The Department was able to minimize the impact of delays in two of its projects. At the time of the audit, Canada had taken delivery of 33 upgraded fighter jets, which are now being flown and are meeting the Department’s performance expectations.  
 
The Department plans to fly the CF-18 until 2017, at which time the airframe is expected to be close to its maximum flying time. Therefore, the sooner the upgrades are installed, the longer National Defence can fly the aircraft with modernized equipment on board.  
 
The audit identified some problems—staff shortages, approval delays, and deficiencies in risk management and project management. Unless addressed, these problems could delay the successful completion of the project and prevent the Department from getting the full benefits of its investment in the CF-18 upgrade.  
 
“The Department needs to complete this upgrade on schedule by 2009 in order to take full advantage of its projected C$2.6 billion investment,” said Ms. Fraser.  
 
Ms. Fraser also noted that the Department needs to ensure that it has enough qualified pilots, maintenance technicians, spare parts, and funding to keep the upgraded CF-18 fleet fully operational until the expected end of its useful life. (ends)  
 
 
 
EDITOR’S NOTE: While this point is not mentioned in the above press release, the Auditor-General’s report expressed concern that the decision to upgrade just 80 of Canada’s CF-18 fighters was made without any analysis of the air force's real needs, and that of the 80 upgraded aircraft only 34 will be available for front-line service. We reproduce the salient excerpt from the Auditor-General’s report below.)  
 
 
Excerpt: Decision to Upgrade 80 aircraft.  
 
“We expected to find an analysis to support why the Department chose 80 aircraft as the number to modify. We expected that this analysis would take into account the many variables affecting the estimated useful life of the aircraft, including its expected attrition rate, age, and roles as defined in National Defence policy.  
 
“We were unable to find such an analysis. However, Department officials told us that upgrading 80 CF-18s was reasonable, financially. Yet, new threats to North America in light of global events over the past two years may increase the demands on the upgraded 80-aircraft fleet and may put even greater pressure on the Air Force to manage its fatigue life, maintenance, and flying hours.  
 
“Air Force analysis indicates that modernizing 80 aircraft does not mean that 80 aircraft would be available on a daily basis. The planned allocation of the 80 CF-18s is four operational squadrons of 12 aircraft each, with the remaining 32 available for training, testing and evaluation, and depot level maintenance. Of the 48 aircraft in operational squadrons, only 70 percent, or 34, are normally mission-ready on a daily basis.  
 
“With an expected attrition rate of one aircraft every two years, National Defence has recommended a review of how well the modernized 80-aircraft fleet will meet Canada's ongoing commitments, particularly in a post-September 11, 2001 environment.” (end of excerpt)  
 
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[JLRC]

MQ-1 Predator Crashes in Southwest Asia
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Nov. 24, 2004)
 
 
 SOUTHWEST ASIA --- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle crashed at 10:20 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on Nov. 24 at an undisclosed military installation in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.  
 
Combined Air Operations Center officials said the accident was not the result of enemy fire, and the aircraft was recovered.  
 
A board of officers will investigate the accident.  
 
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[JLRC]

French Eurocopter to Deliver Helicopters for Bulgarian Army
 
 
(Source: Sofia News Agency; issued Nov. 24, 2004)
 
 
 French aircraft maker Eurocopter has been picked to supply a squadron of Cougar transport helicopters for Bulgarian Air Forces, Defence Minister Nikolay Svinarov said.  
 
The minister signed a protocol to this effect on Wednesday after a 15-member commission preferred the French company to US Sikorsky and Italia's Augusta.  
 
Minister Svinarov would not disclose any parameters in the deal, including its price. “We need to fix a few parameters on the contract financing and an offset agreement,” he told journalists.  
 
The contract is expected to be inked by December.  
 
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[JLRC]

Israel to Purchase ALH from India to Ferry VIPs
 
 
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Nov. 26, 2004)
 
 
 JERUSALEM --- Israel is expected to purchase indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, from India for transportation of VIPs and defense officials, a media report said here.  
 
Talks were on between the two sides over the deal, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) spokesman Doron Soslik was quoted as saying by 'Ha'aretz' daily.  
 
The terms of the deals are yet to be finalized, he said.  
 
IAI and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have joined hands to market Dhruv.  
 
IAI, which has supplied the avionics system and glass cockpit for the 'international version' of the ALH, has been negotiating with the Israel Air Force on the deal.  
 
The Israel Air Force dispersed its light helicopter squadron a year ago.  
 
The deal is said to be part of the reciprocal procurement from India in exchange for its purchase of the Phalcon early warning system.  
 
IAI officials told PTI that a joint team from India and Israel recently performed helicopter tests in Chile, which has shown keen interest in procuring Dhruv for its combined armed forces.  
 
US Customs are also likely to purchase Dhruv, which is said to have proven reliability even in battlefield conditions, defense sources said.  
 
The ALH set a new world record by flying at an altitude of around 8,000 meters in the Himalayan mountain ridge.  
 
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[JLRC]

RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean Opens Changi Air Base (East)
 
 
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Nov. 29, 2004)
 
 
 Minister for Defence, Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean, officially opened Changi Air Base (East) this afternoon. The opening of Changi Air Base (East) is a milestone in the development of the RSAF as it is a significant enhancement to the operational capability of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to defend Singapore’s airspace.  
 
Changi Air Base (East) is an extension of the existing Changi Air Base. It will house 145 Squadron, which operates the F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcons. Changi Air Base (East) gives the RSAF greater flexibility in the dispersal of its assets while providing easier access to the training areas over the South China Sea.  
 
Jointly conceptualised and developed in close collaboration by MINDEF, the RSAF and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Changi Air Base (East) is built on about 200 hectares of undeveloped land. It was developed and designed with the latest information technology and innovative engineering solutions to optimise the use of land to meet the RSAF’s operational requirements.  
 
The innovative and sophisticated features at the base include an airfield lighting system and supervisory control and data acquisition system, anti-condensation system, aircraft arresting system, energy conserving lighting management system, and ergonomically-designed consoles at the air traffic control tower.  
 
Besides 145 Squadron, Changi Air Base (East) will also house support squadrons like the Flying Support Squadron, the Air Logistics Squadron and the Airfield Maintenance Squadron.  
 
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[JLRC]

Sukhoi 30MKI Fighter Handed Over To IAF
 
 
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Nov. 29, 2004)
 
 
 OZAR AIRBASE, NASIK, India --- Marking a new chapter in the history of the Indian Air Force, the first indigenously built multi-role Sukhoi 30MKI fighter aircraft was today handed over to the force here.  
 
Built by HAL with Russian technology, the frontline twin-seater was rolled outat the Ozar airbase here.  
 
Addressing the ceremony at the sprawling air force base, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India's defence policy is based on a very basic foundation and the country does not have any territorial ambition.  
 
"We don't have any territorial ambition. We don't want to play the role of aggressor. But that does not mean we should not be careful about our defence requirements.  
 
"We are equally determined not to allow anyone to annex even a small portion of our land," Mukherjee said.  
 
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[JLRC]

B-52 Upgrade Meets Net-Readiness Criteria  
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Nov. 23, 2004, web-posted Nov. 29, 2004)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- A Boeing program to modernize the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber is the latest Integrated Defense Systems program to meet the Company's key requirements for networked combat readiness.  
 
Boeing defense programs are required to meet internal Company criteria ensuring the systems and platforms are delivered with the inherent ability to seamlessly share data and voice communications via mobile wireless networks. This capability Ð known as interoperability Ð is a key tenet of network centric operations, in which networked systems share information and are able to dynamically reallocate resources based upon operational needs.  
 
The Boeing criteria for NCO readiness incorporate customer requirements while helping to ensure the interoperability of enduring Boeing platforms. Boeing Strategic Architecture, the organization that developed the collection of interoperability standards and interfaces known as the Strategic Architecture Reference Model, is responsible for setting the internal criteria and certifying each of the programs. Compatibility with the SARM is among Boeing's key internal NCO requirements and ensures Boeing-built systems remain compatible with standards recommended by the newly formed Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium, of which Boeing is a founding member.  
 
"This important milestone is also a solid indication of Boeing's commitment to provide our nation's warfighters with the networked tools and technologies they need to prevail in battle and return safely from the fight," said Strategic Architecture Vice President Carl O'Berry. "It also demonstrates the adaptability of the reference model as an architecture approach enabling new systems, such as Future Combat Systems, and Joint Tactical Radio Systems as well as fielded systems, such as the B-52, to operate in a network centric environment."  
 
T he B-52 Stratofortress has proven its flexibility over 40 years, from dropping bombs at 50,000 feet to providing close-air support. Through this upgrade, these planes will be able to share data seamlessly with the newest platforms that are now being built.  
 
The B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) program is now in an initial phase at the Wichita Development and Modification Center. The program will improve the B-52's ability to share data with other military systems and platforms through enhanced communications, added tactical data links for increased situational awareness, and new technology to allow aircraft crews to dynamically retask missions and weapons during flight.  
 
"We see the B-52 CONECT program as the enabler for Network-Centric operational capability on the B-52. CONECT will allow B-52 mission transformation through information integration, both on-board and off-board the aircraft, creating new warfighting roles not previously anticipated," noted Scot Oathout, B-52 program manager for the IDS Aerospace Support business.  
 
Boeing built a total of 744 B-52 aircraft. The first B-52 flew in 1954. The last one built, a B-52H, was delivered in October 1962. Today 94 of the H model planes remain in the Air Force inventory, assigned to the Air Combat Command and the Air Force Reserves.  
 
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.  
 
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[JLRC]

Air to Air Refuelling of the Eurofighter Typhoon
 
 
(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; dated Nov. 19, web-posted Nov. 30, 2004)
 
 
 HALLBERGMOOS, Germany --- Eurofighter GmbH announced the successful completion of the first full night-time Air to Air Refuelling by Eurofighter Typhoon. The trial, performed by Eurofighter Typhoon IPA2, flying out of Practica di Mare Air Base, Italy, was conducted under the cover of darkness as part of an Air to Air Refuelling campaign focusing on qualifying the aircraft for night-time refuelling missions.  
 
The test was carried out by Alenia Aeronautica as the first in a series of eight integration exercises consisting of both day and night refuelling flights. During the night sortie, particular attention was paid to aircraft performance in terms of operating with the aid of only the lights from the refuelling aircraft and from the basket. The tests also validated the design decision of not including lighting in the refuelling probe with the aircrew involved encountering no difficulties in the execution of the tests.  
 
During the campaign, close attention was paid to potential interference with visibility from internal cockpit lighting, as well as the ability to refuel with rear-seat instruction. In both instances, the Eurofighter Typhoon successfully demonstrated the suitability of the cockpit design.  
 
Commenting on the evaluations, Alenia Aeronautica Chief Test Pilot Com Te Maurizio Cheli, stated “With this positive step forward, Eurofighter Typhoon has demonstrated the rate at which the flight test programme is progressing. The aircraft is in service, the Tranche 2 development and qualification work is well underway and we are clearly and quickly realising the potential of this aircraft.”  
 
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[JLRC]

EADS Welcomes Go-Ahead from Bundestag for Second Tranche of Eurofighters
 
 
(Source: EADS Military Aircraft; issued Dec. 2, 2004)
 
 
 MUNICH --- "With today's approval from the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag, on the German side the way has been opened up for the signatures to be set to the long-awaited four-nation call-off contract for the second batch of Eurofighter aircraft," Rainer Hertrich, Co-CEO of EADS, stated on Thursday, commenting on the parliamentary release of funds for Eurofighter procurement.  
 
Tom Enders, CEO of the Defence and Security Systems Division of EADS (DS), underscored the positive signal this decision would send out for the ongoing final deliberations of the other participating nations. "This is a good day for the NATO and EU partner air forces of Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain, who will now receive a further total of 236 modern fighter aircraft. Furthermore, as the aircraft are equipped with the latest information and data transmission systems, complete compatibility with the global military information, command and control networks within the European and transatlantic defence alliances is ensured. Eurofighter is thus the first European combat aircraft that without reservation meets the requirements of the NATO and EU forces relating to Network Enhanced Capabilities."  
 
Johann Heitzmann, who heads the Military Aircraft Business Unit within DS, expressed relief at today's Bundestag decision, which means that several months of uncertainty regarding the continuation of the programme have now come to an end and the necessary planning security for all involved is well on track. "Through this parliamentary approval, the German side has fulfilled all the preconditions to enable the contract between the contracting authority NETMA and Eurofighter GmbH, which had already been initialled on 24 November, to be signed before the end of the year. This is an important milestone for the Eurofighter consortium and the European aeronautics industry including its small and medium-sized companies, which are also participating in the programme as suppliers," said Heitzmann.  
 
Tranche 2, as now approved by the Budget Committee of the Bundestag, is the second sub-contract within the umbrella contract for a total of 620 aircraft destined for the air forces of the four partner nations. Of the 236 aircraft in this production batch, the German Air Force will receive 68 and the Spanish Air Force 33, which will undergo final assembly in the EADS manufacturing plants in Germany and Spain. The tasks for Tranche 2 include both production and development for the extended air-to-ground mission capability of the Eurofighter, which will involve integration of state-of-the-art precision weapons for this role.  
 
The four partner nations' air forces have already received 34 of the 148 Eurofighter aircraft in the first production tranche. Currently a further 50 are on the industry's final assembly lines and the others are at various stages of series production.  
 
In the Military Aircraft Business Unit, which is an integrated part of the EADS Defence and Security Systems Division (DS), are concentrated all the EADS capabilities in the areas of high-performance combat aircraft, unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), manned mission aircraft and training aircraft and the ground support equipment for these systems.  
 
With revenues of approx. EUR 5.2 billion in 2003 and roughly 24,000 employees across nine nations, DS forms the defence pole within EADS. It offers integrated systems solutions to the new challenges confronting armed forces and homeland security units. It is active in the areas of military aircraft, missile systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems with manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), battlefield management systems, defence electronics, sensors and avionics, and related services.  
 
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, the Group generated revenues of EUR 30 billion and employed a workforce of more than 109,000.  
 
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[JLRC]

The RADA Advanced Israel Air Force A-4 "Skyhawk" Aircraft Successfully Performs its Inaugural Flight
 
 
(Source: RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.; issued Dec. 8, 2004)
 
 
 NETANYA, Israel --- RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. announced today that the first upgraded Israel Air Force A-4 Skyhawk has successfully completed its inaugural flight. This critical milestone of the program was accomplished within a tightly planned schedule of only 11 months following the program initiation.  
 
The A-4 Skyhawk is the IAF's advanced trainer used in the flight academy and as a lead-in fighter trainer for both the modern fighters (F-15 and F-16).  
 
The program, activated on January 1st, 2004, includes replacements of out-dated avionic units onboard the aircraft with newly designed equipment. The modernization aims at improving the training environment of air cadets flying the aircraft, enables a complete debrief of each flight using 3 dimensional graphic displays synchronized with video and audio recordings, while significantly reducing the aircraft's cost of ownership.  
 
The flight testing phase is scheduled to be completed within 3 months; with serial production and installation continuing until the third quarter of 2005.  
 
RADA's President, Brig. Gen (Res.) Herzle Bodinger, a former IAF Commander and former IAF Flight Academy Commander, commented on the successful flight: "We have justified the confidence the IAF and Ministry of Defense have put in RADA, by selecting and trusting us to perform this task. We thank the IAF and Ministry of Defence for their cooperation and salute our partners in this venture: Israel Aircraft Industries, Vectop and Nir Or for their outstanding performance."  
 
Zvika Alon, RADA's V.P of Business Development, added: "This program enables RADA to provide similar affordable solutions to other customers operating various trainers with common needs worldwide. Our solutions allow Air Cadets to train in an environment very similar to the one they will find later on their flying career in most advanced fighters."  
 
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is an Israel-based company involved in the military and commercial aerospace industries. The company specializes in Avionics, Ground Debriefing Stations (Video, ACMI and Maintenance) and Automatic Test Equipment.  
 
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[JLRC]

Statement on Participation in Airbus Design and Manufacturing Programme
 
 
(Source: South African Ministry of Transport; issued Dec. 9, 2004)
 
 
 Government is pleased to announce that it has accepted an invitation from Airbus Military for South Africa to participate in the A400M multi-role mission transport aircraft design and manufacture programme.  
 
In return, the Government has committed to procure and take delivery of between 8 and 14 aircraft as the programme matures between 2010 and 2014. The cost of 8 aircraft would be Euros 837 million.  
 
Negotiations are currently underway between the Government and Airbus Military to determine the terms of agreement for the country’s participation. At the same time, Denel and Aerosud have engaged Airbus Military to develop the details of industrial partnership contracts around specific dedicated work-share packages that will become effective as soon as an agreement has been signed between Government and Airbus Military. We are confident that a Memorandum of Agreement will be signed in the coming weeks.  
 
Further announcements will be made as soon as more information becomes available.  
 
 
BACKGROUND NOTES:  
 
1. Since at least 2000, the SA Government, through the Departments of Trade and Industry, Public Enterprises and Defence have been developing a strategy for the long-term development and sustainability of South Africa’s high technology aerospace sector.  
 
2. Government’s Integrated Manufacturing Strategy (through the dti) and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (through the Department of Science and Technology) both emphasise the importance of building globally competitive capabilities in knowledge intensive industries, of which aerospace is a prime example, if we are to grow our economic and industrial development away from resource-based industries. We have already had marked successes beyond all initial estimates in the automotive industry in this regard.  
 
3. South Africa boasts strong engineering capabilities in the aerospace sector which provide a solid foundation for future development. However, shifts in the global environment towards mergers and acquisitions and increased pressure on profitability of country-specific programmes have encouraged governments and the industry to contemplate multinational, long-term investments in specific, high volume contracts. The A400M Programme is the only global aviation programme of its kind, offering launch countries unequalled opportunities to participate in ways that sustain and enhance their own industrial and technological base.  
 
4. Of critical importance to Government is the fact that the A400M programme provides the country with the opportunity to meet its growing international obligations, particularly in regard to peacekeeping and support disaster relief and management, and a range of other civil, commercial and military missions.  
 
5. The SANDF’s current military transport and airlift capability is carried by a small fleet of 9 Hercules C130 aircraft. They are reaching the end of their working life, and will need to be replaced by about 2010.  
 
6. More important, experience has shown, and projections indicate, that the cargo carrying ability of the C130 and its various upgrades are insufficient to modern and future needs. Already over the last three years, South Africa has had to spend over R100 million to contract in privately owned airlift capabilities so that the SANDF could deploy personnel, resources and material into certain African peacekeeping operations.  
 
7. The current proposal contains specific benefits for South Africa:  
 
-- Firstly, guaranteed work-packages to industry, designed to meet global standards, will be in place for the next 17 years. Being in at the beginning also gives our industry a strong chance to bid successfully for maintenance and upgrade work in the future. This will allow South African companies to be integrated into what could be the world’s largest aviation supply chain.  
 
-- Secondly, the partnership allows South African industry and the Defence Force to influence the design and industrialisation of the aircraft that will ensure, amongst other things, that the aircraft we are committed to purchase already incorporate many of the features we consider necessary for deployment according to our own needs.  
 
-- Thirdly, the cost benefit to the country as a whole is greater than following a simple procurement process in 2010 as the country’s investment is linked directly to the number of aircraft to which we commit, but the return on that investment will derive from the success of the whole programme. Furthermore, the payments are stretched over the whole period of the programme, thus ensuring that costs are more easily managed on a year-by-year basis, rather than on large commitments over a short period of time.  
 
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