[Fábio G.]

Digital flight control system on US Army CH-47F to use BAE Systems CsLEOS™ real-time operating system
An open-architecture real-time operating system developed by BAE Systems has been selected for use on the newest version of the U.S. Army’s CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopter, the CH-47F. The CsLEOS™ operating system will underpin the helicopter’s digital flight control system.

The digital control will replace analog flight controls on CH-47D helicopters as Boeing upgrades 300 of the aircraft to the F-model standard under contract to the U.S. Army. Its digital design will provide significantly greater reliability, maintainability, and flexibility than the existing analog control. The system also will incorporate a built-in diagnostic system for detecting and analyzing system failures and faults.

“The operating system that runs an aircraft flight control computer must be exceptionally robust,” said Milan Dedek, CsLEOS product manager for BAE Systems Aerospace Controls. “Our operating system was developed specifically for use on flight control and other mission-critical aircraft systems and is ideally suited to this use. We are proud that CsLEOS has been chosen to demonstrate its capabilities on this important Army program.”

An ARINC-653-compliant, fault-tolerant, hard-real-time operating system, CsLEOS was designed from the ground up for safety- and mission-critical applications that place a premium on security, predictable real-time response, and safety. Utilizing hardware memory protection, CsLEOS provides “Brick-wall” time, space, and resource partitioning between the kernel and applications operating on the same hardware platform. It also assures resource availability in both the time and space domains.

This combination facilitates the robust partitioning defined in ARINC 653, enabling applications with different DO-178B safety levels to run concurrently on the same processor. CsLEOS also supports “on-the-fly” application rescheduling, giving it the flexibility needed to meet a broad range of today’s safety-critical applications.

To assure fast recovery for time-critical events without compromising system safety, CsLEOS synchronizes all redundant channels on a frame-by-frame, lock-step basis, ensuring that all channels process the same data concurrently. In the event of a fault on one of the channels, the RTOS restarts the channel within milliseconds. To further enhance fault tolerance, CsLEOS provides a built-in health monitor.

To streamline application development, upgrades, and D0-178B certification, CsLEOS supports independent loading of application modules. Unlike approaches in which a portion of the kernel must be linked to each application, CsLEOS interacts exclusively with applications through its applications programming interface. This enables existing applications to be modified and new applications to be built and installed without the entire system having to be recompiled and rebuilt.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defense systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately £12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers’ needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Platform Solutions Sector provides a wide range of products and capabilities that include fly-by-wire flight controls, digital autopilots and flight directors, full-authority digital engine controls, inertial sensors and navigation guidance systems, displays, integrated avionics, power management systems, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, low-visibility precision landing systems, air traffic management systems, launch-vehicle controls, and hybrid electric vehicle drive systems. The sector is based in Johnson City, N.Y., and employs more than 6,000 people at facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

[Fábio G.]

Segurança e Defesa

RAFAEL anuncia nova versão do míssil Spike-ER
A RAFAEL anunciou o aparecimento de mais um membro da família de mísseis israelenses Spike: trata-se da variante PBF (Penetration, Blast and Fragmentation, ou Penetração, Sopro e Fragmentação) do Spike-ER. A nova versão foi desenvolvida para possibilitar o uso em áreas urbanas e conflitos de baixa intensidade com um mínimo de danos colaterais. A variante básica do Spike-ER contém duas cabeças de guerra em tandem, capazes de penetrar a blindagens de carros de combate pesados em alcances de até 8km. Pode ser disparado de dia ou de noite a partir de helicópteros, veículos leves e plataformas navais, dispondo ainda das capacidades de poder ter a missão abordada após o lançamento, atacar alvos ocultos e realizar vigilância e avaliação de danos em tempo real.

[Fábio G.]

Segurança e Defesa

3 de julho de 2004
FAB negocia aeronaves de segunda-mão
A FAB está estudando uma proposta sul-africana para o fornecimento, por US$2 milhões, de dois lotes de treinadores bipostos Atlas Impala Mk.1. O primeiro seria de 22 aeronaves, a serem entregues juntamente com 48 motores Viper; no segundo, viriam mais 23 aviões. O Atlas Impala Mk. 1 é a versão do Aermacchi MB326 construída sob licença na África do Sul em número de 151 exemplares. Com esses aeronaves, a combalida frota de Xavante da FAB seria reforçada, podendo o tipo se manter em serviço até 2010.

[Fábio G.]

Segurança e Defesa

3 de julho de 2004
Sensor sul-africano escolhido para o Rafale
O sistema de determinação e acompanhamento da posição da cabeça do piloto desenvolvido pela Denel foi escolhido para instalação nos caças multifunção Rafale encomendados pela França. O equipamento é vital para a utilização de displays e/ou visores de tiro acoplados ao capacete do piloto, e também foi selecionado para uso no Gripen e no Eurofighter Typhoon. Utilizando diodos emissores de luz, o sistema é imune a variações do ambiente eletromagnético do cockpit, e não requer recalibragem quando da instalação de outros equipamentos.

[Fábio G.]

Egypt requests upgrade of three CH-47Cs to D configuration

On 6 July 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt to upgrade three CH-47C Chinook medium lift helicopters to the newer CH-47D configuration as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $108 million.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale to upgrade three CH-47C Chinook medium lift helicopters to the newer CH-47D configuration, eight T55-L-712 turbine engines, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, communications equipment, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government Quality Assurance Team, contractor representatives, contractor engineering and technical support services, preparation of aircraft for shipment, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $108 million.

This proposed sale would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been an important force for political stability in the Middle East.

The Egyptian Armed Forces will use these helicopters for troop transport and logistics support. They may also be deployed in future joint exercises with the United States such as Operation Bright Star. Egypt, which already has CH-47 helicopters in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing the upgraded helicopters.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Boeing Helicopter Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require a U.S. contractor representative for up to two years in Egypt. Additionally, four contractor representatives and several

U.S. Government Quality Assurance personnel will be required for one week following the arrival of the aircraft.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency

[Fábio G.]

Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman team delivers first Longbow radar hardware to Japan

ORLANDO, FL, July 6, 2004 --

Longbow International, a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) joint venture, delivered the first two of 23 Longbow Fire Control Radar units to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) in support of the Japanese Defense Force.

“This delivery is important because it is the first in support of a licensed production program in which Longbow International transfers technology to MELCO,” said Tom Eldredge, Longbow International program manager.  “This technology transfer will enable MELCO to perform final assembly and test of fire control radar line replaceable units.”  

MELCO representatives visually inspected the assembled hardware, and the Longbow International program quality manager signed the certificate of conformance, establishing that units meet procedures and requirements for final acceptance and sell-off of the units.

“Customer inspection of the deliverable hardware was highly successful,” said Bill Liable, Longbow International quality manager.  “This was the first time MELCO representatives were exposed to the hardware.  They were very satisfied with the inspection and data review, noting that the Longbow fire control radar team had demonstrated commitment and dedication to deliver nothing but the best quality products.”

With U.S. government approval, Longbow International is transferring technology in exchange for license fees and royalties. The government of Japan selected the Apache in August 2001, and decided to enter a licensed production program contract rather than a direct purchase.  MELCO was selected as the fire control radar customer-teammate. The agreement specifies that approximately 60 aircraft and 23 radars will be procured in annual contracts for two or three fire control radars per year for 10 years.  

The Longbow system comprises a fire control radar, a radio frequency (RF) interferometer, a fire-and-forget RF Longbow Hellfire missile and an M299 launcher. The Longbow system’s integrated capabilities enhance the Apache’s lethality fourfold and its survivability sevenfold.  Longbow’s radar enables the pilot to rapidly and automatically search, detect, locate, classify and prioritize multiple moving and stationary targets.

“This contract for delivery of fire control radars and RF interferometers to the government of Japan through MELCO continues a tradition of providing the world’s finest attack helicopter equipped with the latest technology sensor systems to our allies,” said Richard Russell, Longbow International president.

The licensed production work scope includes all of the hardware in line replaceable unit kits consisting of line replaceable modules, shop replaceable units, cables and chassis for final assembly and test of the mast mounted assembly, programmable signal processor and low-power radio frequency units by MELCO.  It also includes the test equipment required for final assembly and test, training for production and documentation.  

Current contract work is performed in Orlando and Ocala, FL; Baltimore, MD and Owego, NY.

Baltimore-based Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense and commercial electronic systems and sensors, including airborne radar, navigation systems, electronic countermeasures, precision weapons, airspace management systems, communication systems, space sensors, marine and naval systems, government systems and logistics services.

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.

[Fábio G.]

GE Delivers First CT7-8E Engines For US101/EH101 Helicopters
July 06, 2004 -- LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS -- GE has delivered the first set of three CT7-8E engines to Agusta Westland for the US101/EH101. The CT7-8E has been selected as the powerplant for the US101 helicopter being proposed for the U.S. Marine Corp VXX program.

"We are very pleased to be a part of the US101 team," said Ed Birtwell, vice president of Turboshaft Engines at GE. "With the recent FAA certification, the CT7-8E provides the most advanced engine in its class for the US101 and the EH101, delivering 20 percent more power with a state-of-the-art FADEC (full authority digital electronic control) system. This is an important milestone for GE Turboshaft Engines. For over two years, we have been working with the helicopter team to develop the growth engine for the US101/EH101, and we are proud to now deliver this superior product on schedule."

GE delivered the first set of engines for the first model of the EH101 19 years ago. Since then, the GE-powered EH101 has amassed over 100,000 engine flight hours, serving a worldwide customer base.

The CT7-8E, the newest member of the CT7/T700 engine family, incorporates improvements derived from over 50 million flight hours on over 30 different helicopter and fixed-wing applications powered by CT7/T700 engines throughout the world. The CT7-8E features an advanced, higher-flow compressor designed with new 3D aerodynamic technology, a modern FADEC system, a hot section and turbines proven on GE's CT7-9 engine, and significantly increased hot-temperature/high-altitude performance.

GE Transportation, Aircraft Engines, part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and GE. In addition, GE Transportation, Aircraft Engines provides comprehensive maintenance support for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.

[Fábio G.]

Eurocopter Romania completes first Royal Air Force Puma upgrade

6th July 2004



An important phase has been covered on the delivery, today, in Brasov, to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom, of the first PUMA helicopter completely refurbished and overhauled by EUROCOPTER ROMANIA. After the investments made in 2002 and 2003 to provide EUROCOPTER ROMANIA with a modern production hall, this delivery demonstrates factually what the company is capable of offering on the worldwide, highly competitive market, referring to overhaul/repair and upgrading works for both civil and military PUMA helicopters.

Starting this moment by the end of the year, other three PUMA helicopters will be delivered to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom.

Another important phase will be covered at the beginning of September on starting the upgrading works for 24 PUMA helicopters belonging to the UAE Armed Forces, in cooperation with S.C. IAR S.A. Brasov. The works are complex, looking at a complete re-motorization, the installation of a new automatic pilot and of a new avionics system.

In the same time, EUROCOPTER ROMANIA develops its activities so that it may cover the civil market needs in Romania as well as in the neighboring countries.

Thus, at the beginning of January, the company was certified by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority, as per European regulations, as a JAR 145 repair and overhaul centre for the EC 135 helicopter. This agreement allows the company to assure the technical support for the civil customers operating such type of helicopter in Romania. Two such helicopters are going to be delivered next week to the Ministry of Health. An extension of this agreement is in preparation for other types of helicopters (EC 120, EC 155, AS 350, AS 365) in order to cover the entire range of helicopters currently operated in Romania by both civil and para-public customers.

Source: Eurocopter

[Fábio G.]

Team US101 selects Applied Geo Technologies to supply wiring harnesses for Marine One helicopter

Choctaw, MS, July 1, 2004 – The US101 team competing to offer the next Marine One helicopter for the President of the United States expanded by one today with the announcement that Applied Geo Technologies (AGT), a CHAHTA Enterprise company owned by the Mississippi Band of the Choctaw Indians, will supply wiring harnesses for the US101 medium-lift executive aircraft.
 
“The Choctaw Indians are the latest addition to Team US101, a partnership of more than 200 small and medium-sized American companies in 41 states that are creating thousands of long-term jobs to build the most capable and best-equipped helicopter for the President at a time of increased threat,” said Stephen C. Moss, AgustaWestland Inc's president.

CHAHTA Enterprise is a leading supplier of wiring harnesses for the automotive industry with manufacturing facilities in Choctaw, MS and Mexico. Customers include Ford, General Motors and Daimler-Chrysler. Under this agreement, US101 team member AgustaWestland will enter AGT into a mentoring protégé program that will allow AGT to expand into the aerospace industry; AgustaWestland will also assist AGT in further developing its aerospace capability to compete successfully in both the commercial and military markets. This agreement paves the way for the creation of new employment opportunities in Choctaw, MS.

“AGT is yet another solid example of Team US101’s commitment to create jobs by building, integrating and maintaining the US101 helicopter in the United States,” said Stephen D. Ramsey, Lockheed Martin’s US101 vice president and general manager.

“The Choctaw Indians have a proud heritage of faith in their country and their freedom and it’s an honor for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to be part of the team that will build the US101 for the President of the United States,” said Chief Phillip Martin.

“AGT is proud to be a part of the US101 team building the most technologically-advanced medium lift helicopter in the world,” said Allen Hines, AGT’s president.  “The expansion of our business into the military and civil aerospace markets will create additional jobs in Mississippi.”

[JLRC]

Galileo and GPS Will Navigate Side By Side: EU and US Sign Final Agreement
 
 
(Source: European Commission; issued June 28, 2004)
 
 
 The European Union and the United States concluded an agreement on GALILEO and GPS at the end of the Summit held in Ireland on 26 June 2004.  
 
The agreement on the promotion, provision and use of the two satellite-based navigation systems and related applications that was signed by Commission Vice-President Loyola de Palacio and US Secretary of State Colin Powell will allow each system to work alongside the other without interfering with its counterpart’s signals and thus give a huge boost to users worldwide.  
 
Vice-President Loyola de Palacio said: “This agreement will allow the European project GALILEO to become the world standard for civil and commercial use of satellite navigation; it will offer the best possible level of services to all users”.  
 
After more than 4 years of intensive talks, the results for GALILEO, and, more importantly, users of GALILEO and GPS worldwide, are highly satisfactory. The agreement confirms that GPS and GALILEO services will be fully compatible and interoperable and therefore makes the joint use of GPS and GALILEO and the manufacturing of equipment much easier and cheaper.  
 
GALILEO has now become the de facto world standard of open signals in the GNSS mass market. GALILEO will not need to rely on a “GALILEO-only” user community; instead it will be instantly accessible and used by millions of people who today use GPS. This means that all users of satellite radio-navigation will be able to simultaneously, with only one receiver, use one or the other of the two systems, or both at the same time.  
 
In addition of being the first civil system specifically dedicated to civil users, the additional feature of GALILEO is its commercial nature. The agreement with the United States does confirm the quick introduction of GALILEO in all user segments (mass market and professional) throughout the world. The market potential is indeed considerable: 3 billion receivers and revenues of some 250 billion euros per year by 2010 worldwide, and the creation of more than 150.000 high qualified jobs in Europe alone.  
 
The agreement represents a major asset for the business case of the future GALILEO operator expected to finance at least two-third of the deployment of the system (1.4 billion euros), one-third being financed by the public sector (700 million euros). Such promising prospects will intensify the current competition between the three pre-selected consortia of companies which are running to get the concession to operate the system.  
 
Results of this competition which is run by, the Galileo Joint Undertaking (the programme’s management-arm), will be disclosed by the Commission in October in view of a decision by the Council in December to move to the successive phases of the programme and open the way for the conclusion of the concession contract in 2005.  
 
Finally, this agreement allows the last system specifications to be set, a crucial aspect for the swift operation of GALILEO. After the current development phase (2 satellites under construction will be launched by the end of 2005 and 2 shortly after), the deployment of the remaining 24 satellites (and related ground stations) is expected by 2008, date at which the system should start operation.  
 
 
BACKGROUND NOTE:  
 
The total cost of Galileo amounts to 3.2 billion euros, respectively 1.1 billion euros for the development phase (2002-2005), fully financed by the public sector (half by ESA and half by the Commission) and 2.1 billion euros for the deployment phase (2006-2007), co-financed by the private (the concession holder) and public sectors (the Commission).

[JLRC]

Czech Republic’s Airspace Protection with Multi-Role Supersonic Aircraft
 
 
(Source: Czech Ministry of Defence; issued June 14, web-posted June 18, 2004)
 
 
 
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the most detailed review available of the process which led the Czech Republic to sign on June 14 a lease agreement for Swedish-supplied Gripen fighters.)  
 
 
**In 1993, MiG-29 supersonic fighter aircraft were decommissioned from the inventory of the Czech Armed Forces.  
 
**In 1995, the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic Parliament resolved that modernizing the MiG-21 aircraft would be ineffective.  
 
**In 1997, the Government decided in favour of supersonic aircraft acquisition and endorsed a plan to procure 72 L-159 subsonic aircraft.  
 
**In 1999, Concept on the Development of the MoD Department, including procurement of supersonic aircraft, was approved by the Government. In the same year, MiG-23 and Su-25 aircraft were decommissioned from the inventory of the Czech Armed Forces.  
 
**In 2000, public bidding process began in order to select supersonic aircraft supplier.  
 
**In 2001, a report on bids evaluation was submitted. The government decided to initiate contractual negotiation with BAE/SAAB. Furthermore, the Su-22 aircraft were decommissioned and the L-159 aircraft introduced in this year.  
 
**In May 2002, draft agreement on the procurement of 24 Gripen tactical supersonic aircraft was submitted. The draft agreement was approved by the Government. With that, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic rejected the draft bill on the aircraft’s procurement financing.  
 
**On July 9, 2003, the Government of the Czech Republic, by decree No. 686, endorsed the draft provision for completing the Concept on the Development of the Air Force of the Czech Armed Forces in the area of airspace protection by means of a supersonic aircraft, and, commissioned the Minister of Defence, inter alia, to:  
--send a request for submitting Feasibility Study to the Governments of the Kingdom of Belgium, French Republic, Canada, the Kingdom of Netherlands, Republic of Turkey, United States of America, Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Sweden;  
--assess the Feasibility Studies received, including that of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, develop a proposal on further procedure and submit these to the government for decision.  
 
**On July 25, 2003, multilateral working session was held where the tender specifications and further requirements by the MoD were conveyed to the bidders.  
 
**September 11, 2003, expert workshop attended by representatives from the countries addressed was held AFB Caslav to specify the terms of the procurement process.  
The workshop was not attended by UK representatives. The British party, having analysed the requirements that were submitted to all addressed countries on July 25, 2003, decided not to continue in the process of searching an interim solution to securing the Czech Republic’s airspace.  
The aim of the Caslav meeting was to specify technical, financial and time aspects concerning the bids processing.  
The workshop participants were apprised of the operational conditions and parameters of the airbase where the aircraft are planned to be operated in future.  
 
**On October 20, 2003, the Government, by decree No. 1051, determined the aircraft procurement is a strategic order.  
 
**On October 31, 2003, the three-month period for development of feasibility studies was terminated and the bidders’ proposals were submitted:  
--7 countries presented their bids – Belgium, France, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden and the USA.  
--Turkey withdrew on 15 Oct 2003.  
--By the decree No. 1050, dated 20 October 2003, Bids Review and Evaluation Commission was appointed. This nine-member joint commission was included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance.  
 
**On November 30, 2003, the interdepartmental commission completed the Feasibility Studies’ assessment and, based on the set criteria, established bids’ order which was then presented to all government members by the Minister of Defence. The Commission recommended the bid submitted by the Kingdom of Sweden on the JAS-39 Gripen complex system as the most favourable. The bid on F-16 MLU aircraft by the Kingdom of Belgium placed second, bids submitted by Canada, Netherlands and the USA followed.  
 
**On December 17, 2003, the Government of the Czech Republic decided the Swedish bid is the best one for the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. Minister of Defence Miroslav Kostelka, Minister of Finance Bohuslav Sobotka, Minister of Industry and Trade Milan Urban and Minister of Foreign Affairs Cyril Svoboda were commissioned to negotiate  procurement of fourteen aircraft exclusively with the Kingdom of Sweden.  
 
**In December 2003, the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, along with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Industry and Trade, initiated negotiations on the Swedish bid.  
 
**On May 28, 2004, documentation on the prepared supersonic aircraft lease was presented to the Government.  
 
**On June 2, 2004, the Government held deliberations on draft Memorandum of Understanding, Lease Agreement and Industrial Co-operation Agreement.  
 
**On June 9, 2004, the Government of the Czech Republic, based on successful negotiation between the Czech ad Swedish parties, by Government decree No. 596,  decided on the lease of Gripen aircraft, and entrusted the Ministry of Defence with finalizing negotiations with the Swedish party and signing contractual obligations.  
 
**On June 14, 2004, agreements between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the lease of JAS-39 Gripen aircraft for the needs of the Czech Armed Forces were signed at the Ministry of Defence. By these agreements, the Czech Republic’s airspace protection will be secured through leasing the JAS-39 aircraft for the duration of 10 years (from 2005 till 2015).  
 
In 2005, service life of the MiG-21 supersonic aircraft of Czech Armed Forces’ inventory will be over. (ends)
 
 
 Agreements on Gripen Supersonic Aircraft Lease Signed Today
 
 
(Source: Czech Ministry of Defence; issued June 14, web-posted June 18, 2004)
 
 
 On Monday, 14 June 2004, a set of agreements were entered into and signed at the Czech Ministry of Defence by the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Sweden on the lease of JAS 39 Gripen supersonic fighter aircraft to be operated by the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.  
 
The agreements are as follows:  
 
--Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, which regulates the use options of JAS 39 Gripen fighters by the Czech Republic;  
 
--Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), on lease of the aircraft, support system  and provision of related services;  
 
--Agreement on Industrial Cooperation Program, through which the Gripen International undertakes to perform in the Czech Republic so-called offset programs valued at 130 percent of the contract value.  
 
A press conference was held after the agreements were signed, attended on behalf of the Czech party by Minister of Defence Miroslav Kostelka, Deputy Minister of Defence for Armaments Jaroslav Kopriva, Chief of General Staff ACR Lieutenant-General Pavel Stefka and the Head of the Czech negotiation team COL Vladimir Ficenec; and Minister of Defence Leni Bjorklund, Director of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Jan-Olof Lind and Executive Director of Gripen International Ian McNamee representing the Swedish party.  
 
Pursuant to the signed contracts, the Czech Republic will lease 14 new JAS 39 Gripen supersonic fighters. The lease period starts on the day of acceptance of the first plane and terminates as at September 30th, 2015. The first 6 fighters are to be delivered to the Czech Armed Forces in April 2005, the remainder in August and October 2005. Pilot training will be launched in August 2004.  
 
The total contract price, amounting to CZK 19.650 bn., is fixed and will not be subject to possible future exchange rate fluctuation. The Czech Republic will repay the lease on annual basis. Thirty projects have already been agreed upon in the framework of the offset program, while 20 percent of the Swedish investments will be directed immediately into the Czech defence and aviation industry.  
 
“The Czech Republic becomes the first NATO nation to use a fourth-generation supersonic aircraft. You will be proud of it“, said Leni Bjorklund, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, in conclusion of the press conference.

[JLRC]

South Korea Chooses Three Helicopter Bidders
 
 
(Source: Korea Information Service; issued July 9, 2004)
 
 
 Two European consortiums and Bell from the United States were picked by the Defense Ministry on Friday (July 9) as the three final contenders for Korea's 10 trillion won ($8.6 billion) "miracle" helicopter project, which would give this country a fleet of next generation craft and generate lucrative exports.  
 
The three are AugustaWestland consortium from Britain and Italy, the Franco-German Eurocopter and Bell.  
 
Boeing and Sikorsky, both from the United States, were cut from the field as the heated global competition for the Korea Multirole Helicopter project, the country's single largest arms procurement undertaking, entered its closing stages.  
 
The ministry refused to disclose any specific data of its review, or why Boeing, which has rarely failed to win military bids in Korea, was excluded.  
 
The objective of the multi-billion dollar project is to replace the country's aging choppers with 477 new aircraft by 2012. Another several hundred helicopters will be built simultaneously for export purposes. Korea wants the foreigner manufacturer to design an aircraft that combines the concepts of cargo delivery and attack.  
 
Though this design may be economical, some experts say it is not practical for a real combat situation and they point to previous failures.  
 
The ministry exploratory team's next move is to learn if the three bidders can meet Korea's procurement standards and help Korea develop 34 core components.  
 
The selection process is to end late next month and by mid-September the ministry will chose a winner.  
 
"We will take into consideration the bidder's development plan and its credit in deciding a final winner, but the bottom line is we want a bidder who could provide stable research and development," said Park Sung-kuk, a head of the KMH project in the ministry at a news conference.  
 
Park was referring to the government expectation that a partnership with any one of these companies can help Korea develop its own brand.  
 
Another ministry official added that they will choose whoever suggests the best and lowest bid.  
 
The ministry aims to set the price of a helicopter for utility operations under 15 billion won and the model for attack 20 billion won.  
 
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute, a pool of major aircraft developers, has been contracted to work on the project with foreign bidders on 18 key components such as engines and computer-guided operations.  
 
The Agency for Defense Development has been reviewing proposals from domestic bidders who are to develop 16 core techniques on computerized cargo and data recording systems.

[JLRC]

Graz: Federal Councilor Samuel Schmid Hands Over First F-5E Tigers to Austria
 
 
(Source: Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports; issued July 8, 2004)

(Issued in French; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
 
 
 Federal Councilor Samuel Schmid is due to hand over the first four F-5E “Tiger” combat aircraft to the Austrian air force today, Friday July 9. In total, Austria has leased 12 “Tiger” aircraft belonging to Switzerland to ensure the surveillance of its air space until the service introduction of its fleet of Eurofighter combat aircraft.  
 
The Austrian Defence Minister; Günther Platter, will take part in the hand-over ceremony, which will take place at Graz-Thalerhof air base. Federal Councilor Samuel Schmid will be accompanied by the commander of the Air Force, Corps Commander Hans-Rudolf Fehrlin, and by defence procurement chief Alfred Markwalder. The two ministers will also discuss bilateral security issues.  
 
Austria and Switzerland signed an umbrella agreement governing the four-year lease of 12 F-5E aircraft in April 2004. In addition to the aircraft, the agreement also covers logistical aspects, maintenance and personnel training. In exchange, Austria will pay Switzerland the amount of 54 million euros.  
 
The United States authorized the transfer of the aircraft on June 14. American authorization is required as the aircraft were originally procured by Switzerland from the United States.  
 
Pilot and ground crew training began at Dübendorf immediately after this agreement.  
 
The first four aircraft, already sporting Austrian air force livery, will be flown to Graz by Austrian pilots.

[Fábio G.]

Defensa

NUEVA ZELANDA ADJUDICA A INDRA UN CONTRATO PARA EL SUMINISTRO DE UN SISTEMA DE DEFENSA ANTIAÉREA.

Indra se ha hecho con un contrato del Ministerio de Defensa de Nueva Zelanda para la implantación, integración y mantenimiento de un sistema de defensa antiaérea por un importe global de diez millones de euros. Este contrato supone el primer suministro de la empresa española a las Fuerzas de Defensa neocelandesas. El puesto de mando de integrará en el sistema táctico de comunicaciones móviles del Ejército. El sistema entrará en servicio a finales de 2006.

[Fábio G.]

Defensa

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON EN SINGAPUR.

El pasado 28 de junio dos aviones Typhoon de la Royal Air Force –RAF- salieron de las instalaciones de BAE Systems en Warton – base actual del Typhoon en el Reino Unido – con rumbo a Singapur, donde el avión ha sido seleccionado para la fase final del programa de sustitución del avión de combate de este país. Tras cinco días de navegación y 13.000 kilómetros recorridos en varias etapas, los aviones llegaron a su destino el viernes día 2 por la tarde. Los aviones Typhoon se quedarán en Singapur alrededor de dos semanas. Este desplazamiento representa un gran reto, ya que el avión ha entrado en servicio en la RAF solo a finales de 2003 y que se encuentra en la fase inicial de vida operativa. El requerimiento de Singapur de realizar la evaluación “in situ” ha coincidido con la necesidad de ensayar algunos elementos del Typhoon. El desplazamiento del avión a Singapur cumple así con una serie de objetivos, incluidos ensayos operativos iniciales de reabastecimiento en vuelo, ensayos de soportabilidad del avión y evaluación de sus prestaciones en ambientes cálidos y húmedos.