[ferrol]

--Tactical computer TPAC, high speed multiprocessor, 6 buses 1553 to wing tip, 4 digital graphics channels and associated software  
--Two multifunctional colour screens  
--Upgraded communications systems (Have-Quick II radios)  
--Inertial GPS navigation system  
--Full targets identification capacity  
--Cockpit and external lights compatible with night vision  
--Digital mission recording system  
--MIDS pre-installation  
--IDM (Improved Data Modem)

O realmente importante de todo esto é o MIDS. Consiste nunha consola que recibe datos de todos os avións, barcos ou o que sexa aliados que están do teu redor. É como un CIC dun barco. No teu avión ves o mesmo que outro que está a 20 kms sen necsidade de acende-lo teu radar.
Este tráfico de información realízase a través de ondas codificadas polo Have-QuickII, entre outros.

O GPS inercial é necesario para adaptar os Meteor e os Iris-T, á espera de que o Galileo esté definitivamente en función.

O feito de que todo valga 180 millons para 65 aparatos, a case 3 millóns por aparato, quere dicir que a reforma só se fixo de parte elctrónica, non de sistemas mecánicos.

=====*******======

O MIDS. Neste .pdf http://www.rand.org/publications/MR/MR1235/MR1235.chap9.pdf hai unha interesante descripción do MIDS e da sua contrapartida americana, o JITDS, do que ó parecer provén o MIDS e que pretende se-lo sistema de intercambio de datos estandar na OTAN, polo que tamén terá que chegar a Portugal, máis cedo ou máis tarde...
España mercou 49, 29 para o EFA e 20 a razón de 5 para cada exército e 5 máis para I+D.
O custo é de 365.000$ cada un, e ven de serie a partir das F-100 en todos os novos desenrolos, S-80, Tigres, LHD, etc...
e ven indisolublemente unido ó Link-16 de transmision e codificación de datos.

Saúdos.

[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin Completes Deliveries of C-130J Super Hercules Airlifters to Italy
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; issued Feb. 11, 2005)
 
 
 MARIETTA, Ga. --- Lockheed Martin delivered the last C-130J Super Hercules airlifter for Italy on February 10, completing a 22-aircraft program for the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana, or AMI).  
 
"Our crew members have been operating in Iraq, Afghanistan, in all weather conditions and in very demanding and difficult environments, with enemy threat, and this has always been a very reliable aircraft," said General B. A. Settime Caputo, Chief of Staff, Force Command, Italian Air Force.  
 
"The C-130J is a strategic asset for the Italian Air Force and our fleet is performing all over the world well up to our expectations," said Brigadier General Vincenzo Lops, Head of 1st Department, ARMAEREO, Italian Ministry of Defence.  
 
"The Italian Air Force has demonstrated what is possible with a new aircraft and how quickly it can change a country's operational capability," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility. "Although we have seen several countries acquire and now operate the C-130J, it will take U.S. orders to sustain production."  
 
The first AMI Super Hercules was delivered in 2000 and shortly after, crews began flying relief supplies to Eritrea. In April 2002, an AMI crew returned exiled Afghani King Zahir Shah and now-President Hamid Karzi to Kabul on board one of the C-130Js. Because of the defensive systems on board the Italian aircraft, a second C-130J was dispatched to fly top cover as the leaders returned to their country. Earlier this year, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi paid a surprise visit to Italian troops at a base near Nasiriyah, Iraq, after traveling in a 46th Air Brigade C-130J in secrecy and under tight security.  
 
In addition to the aircraft, the Italian C-130J program also included construction of AMI's National Training Center (NTC), a two-story, 57,000 square-foot facility that includes an operational flight simulator and a cockpit avionics part-task trainer, as well as classrooms and training spaces for other aircraft types. The NTC opened in April 2003.  
 
The Italian Air Force first ordered 18 C-130Js in 1997, two more in 1999 and then two more in 2000. This final Italian aircraft is a long fuselage C-130J, which, in addition to highly advanced communications and defensive systems suites, features a strengthened cargo ramp and improved airdrop system, allowing crews to make airdrops at 250 knots, helping them avoid antiaircraft fire in hostile areas. These aircraft are 112 feet long, 15 feet longer than the standard-length C-130J aircraft, which translates to 30 percent more usable volume for increased seating, litters, pallets or airdrop platforms.  
 
The AMI received 10 of the longer aircraft (one of which was the 100th C-130J delivered worldwide), as well as 12 standard-length C-130s. These aircraft replaced a fleet of early 1970s-era C-130Hs.  
 
Six of the shorter aircraft will be operated as KC-130J tankers, a capability the AMI has not had previously. Using only wing and external tanks, the AMI KC-130Js, which are the same basic configuration as the U.S. Marine Corps tankers, have a 57,500 pound (8,455 U.S. gallon) fuel offload capability while being flown on a 500 nm radius mission. The KC-130J is also configured to accept a fuselage tank, which adds another 24,392 pounds (3,600 U.S. gallons) of available offload to a mission.  
 
The C-130Js are operated by the 46th Brigata Aerea (Air Brigade), the AMI's air transport wing at Pisa Air Base, which shares the runway with the commercial airport there. The 50th Gruppo (Squadron) flies the long-fuselage aircraft and the 2nd Gruppo operates the short aircraft and the tankers. The 46th Brigata Aerea will also soon operate the C-27J Spartan medium transport developed by Lockheed Martin and Alenia Aeronautica.  
 
Military technicians perform the on-aircraft maintenance for the AMI's C-130Js and depot-level parts repair is coordinated through the Integrated Contractor Support System (ICSS). Managed by Lockheed Martin, ICSS is also responsible for ensuring fleet-wide spare parts availability. ICSS was the AMI's first contractor logistics support operation.  
 
A total of 180 C-130Js are on order, and 121 have been delivered to date. In the United States, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J.  
 
International C-130J operators in addition to the AMI include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force. All four have recently operated, or are currently operating, deployed C-130J aircraft in the Middle East or Afghanistan. The capabilities and performance of the C-130J in supporting light, fast and lethal combat operations make it a true transformational asset.  
 
 
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, research and development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. 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 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

United Arab Emirates Award Contract for Eight AB139 Helicopters
 
 
(Source: Agusta Westland; dated Feb. 15, released Feb. 16, 2005)
 
 
 ABU DHABI, UAE --- Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company announced today that the United Arab Emirates Air Force has awarded the Company a contract for eight AB139 medium-twin helicopters. The value of the contract stands at about US$83 million. The contract award coincides with the biennial IDEX military exposition held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  
 
This order, combined with last week's from SEACOR Holdings for 20 AB139s, raises the backlog to more than 100 helicopters for over 40 customers worldwide.  
 
Six aircraft will be configured for search and rescue operations, while the remaining two will be assigned to VIP transport. The UAE is the third country to choose the AB139 for SAR applications, following previous orders by the governments of Oman and Ireland.  
 
Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company is a joint venture corporation that markets and supports the AB139 medium twin helicopter and the BA609 civil tiltrotor. The AB139 promises true medium lift capability combined with a class-leading interior designed for maximum utility. The BA609 features extended range and speed compared to traditional VTOL aircraft.  
 
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, with primary operations in Italy, United Kingdom and USA, is a commercial enterprise offering an unrivaled range of products designed to satisfy the most diverse requirements of civil and military customers. With turnover exceeding $2.5 billion, AgustaWestland is committed to delivering outstanding products and services in globally competitive markets.  
 
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 8,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.  
 
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[JLRC]

Defence Minister Kicks off Phase II of CF-18 Upgrades
 
 
(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Feb. 18, 2005)
 
 
 OTTAWA --- The second phase of the CF-18 Modernization Project kicked off today during a ceremony that saw the Boeing Company sign a contract with the Department of National Defence for $117 million. Defence Minister Bill Graham and Lieutenant-General Ken Pennie, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the ceremony held by Boeing in Mirabel, Québec.  
 
"The CF-18 is Canada's primary aircraft for maintaining air defence and air superiority," said Minister Graham. "The $2.1-billion CF-18 modernization program will ensure that the CF-18s continue to provide security to Canadians and defend Canada, both at home and abroad, well into the future."  
 
The fighter jets will be equipped with a secure data and communications link that allows CF-18 crews to stay in constant contact with other jets, ground stations, and airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) to maintain awareness in their constantly evolving environment. New state-of-the-art colour display panels will provide pilots with improved access to flight data and communications. Their helmets will feature new visors that display readings from the instrument panel, so that pilots can maintain visual contact with a target and not look down. The aircraft will also be outfitted with a new missile countermeasures chaff/flare dispenser.  
 
"This contract will ensure we have up-to-date aircraft and increased interoperability with our allies," said Lieutenant-General Pennie. "The CF-18 is key to the Air Force's job of guarding North American airspace and protecting Canada's interests abroad."  
 
The modernization program, based on the US Navy's F-18 Hornet upgrade, was found to be the most cost-effective and lowest risk solution for modernizing Canada's CF-18s. The first phase of modernization, also contracted to Boeing, has just passed the midway point and is on target for completion in 2006.  
 
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[JLRC]

TDN Exclusive: Turkey Re-Launches Troubled Helicopter Competition
 
 
(Source: Turkish Daily News; published Feb. 18, 2005)
 
 
 © Turkish Daily News; reproduced by permission  
 
 
Six international bidders obtain tender documents for the multi-billion-dollar contract for an eventual purchase of 90 attack helicopters New program involves an initial off-the-shelf purchase of 10 choppers; later, some critical subsystems, including the mission computer, electronic warfare suites and weaponry are to be installed on the remaining 20 platforms locally Some international heavyweights in the market may abstain from bidding because of too much local content.  
 
 
ANKARA, Turkey --- More than eight years after Turkey kicked off its ambitious program to co-manufacture dozens of attack helicopters for its Army, procurement officials in Ankara are almost back to square one.  
 
The “lost years” saw extended bickering with a leading U.S. helicopter manufacturer and wrangling with the Pentagon over technology transfer.  
 
When Turkey originally launched the chopper program, it faced two options: first, buying a few dozen helicopters off the shelf and simply operating them, and, second, co-producing the systems and in the meantime gaining key technological capabilities for its defense industry. Turkey has ended up with neither.  
 
Ankara is now once again inviting international defense contractors to a fresh bidding for the helicopter gunship business, but in the best case it may take another decade before the Army operates a strong fleet of attack helicopters.  
 
Turkey's defense procurement office, the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM), on Feb. 10 released a long-delayed request for a proposal, or a detailed bidding document, for the attack helicopter program. Turkey asks contenders to submit their bids by June 10.  
 
The 30 gunships are expected to cost anywhere between $1-2 billion, with Turkey eventually planning to buy some 90 helicopters.  
 
Six foreign contractors have already obtained the tender document. Potential bidders are the U.S. Boeing, maker of the AH-64 Apache; the U.S. Bell Helicopter Textron, with the AH-1Z; the U.S. Sikorsky Aircraft, with an armed version of its S-70 Black Hawk; Europe's Eurocopter, maker of Tiger; Italy's Agusta, maker of the Mangusta A129; and Russia's Moscow Helicopter Plant, maker of the Mi-28 Havoc.  
 
In the event Turkey, as expected, lifts procurement restrictions against South Africa soon, the country's helicopter manufacturer Denel, maker of the Rooivalk, is also expected to join the competition.  
 
Officials said the new program involves an initial off-the-shelf purchase of 10 choppers. Later, some critical subsystems, including the mission computer, electronic warfare suites and weaponry are to be installed on the remaining 20 platforms locally.  
 
One key matter is Turkey's insistence on indigenously developing and building those critical subsystems. Many analysts say some international heavyweights in the market may abstain from bidding because of “too much local content and related complications” for the program.  
 
“There are problems particularly for American companies,” said one analyst. “As Turkey can remember from its previous and collapsed chopper program, the U.S. government, for its own reasons, doesn't allow for assembling too many locally-produced subsystems on U.S.-designed platforms.”  
 
“And secondly how Turkey in the years to come will be able obtain a capability to develop, build, integrate and operate the subsystems it intends to make locally and assemble on purchased platforms is not clear at all.”  
 
In the now-defunct program, Turkey in 2002 selected Bell Helicopter Textron for contract negotiations for co-production of 50 AH-1Zs.  
 
But after four years of talks that failed to produce reconciliation on price and technology transfer, Ankara altogether cancelled the program last May and opted for fresh international competition.  
 
One reason why the talks collapsed with Bell was related to the mission computer, a device integrating a helicopter's electronic and aviation systems. Citing obstacles in U.S. export regulations, the Pentagon did not allow Turkey to install a nationally-designed mission computer in a U.S. helicopter.  
 
But Turkish officials say that gaining the capability to locally manufacture the mission computer and many other subsystems is critical to the development of a stronger defense industry.  
 
The government has already ordered the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) to begin work to develop the mission computer. TUBITAK will receive some $30 million in R&D money for the process.  
 
“The American position is clear on the issue, but Turkey is still is insisting on a local nature for the mission computer,” said one industry source. “In addition there are other major critical subsystems Turkey wants to manufacture itself. So, it will be very difficult for a U.S. company to meet these requirements if the Turkish government selects an American option.”  
 
Indeed there are early indications that the three potential U.S. contenders will evaluate the Turkish criteria in a very detailed way before deciding whether to bid for SSM's tender.  
 
Also it is not clear how Eurocopter and Agusta, two Western European defense powerhouses, will receive the Turkish position. Analysts said the Russians, however, are likely to agree to SSM's conditions.  
 
The Turkish Army presently has less than 10 AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, manufactured by Bell and purchased in the 1990s, and 20 earlier models of the Cobra family.  
 
“We don't know at this point if the SSM model will be successful, or if it will become another failure like the previous case,” said an industry source.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

First Japanese EH101 Completes Maiden Flight
 
 
(Source: Agusta Westland; issued Feb. 21, 2005)
 
 
 A major milestone was achieved on Tuesday February 15th when the maiden flight of the Japanese EH101 was successfully completed at Agusta Westland’s Yeovil facility in the UK. The helicopter, designated KHI-01, is the first of 14 aircraft ordered by the Japanese Defence Agency to meet its Transportation, Airborne Anti Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) and Antarctic survey requirements.  
 
Assembly of the aircraft at Yeovil was successfully completed in just 44 weeks, a record timescale for a ‘first of type’ EH101. Alan Johnston, Westland Helicopters Managing Director said: “Since contract award 16 months ago we have achieved all our major programme milestones on schedule and we are delighted that the first flight has now taken place.”  
 
Deputy Chief Test Pilot Andy Strachan, who took the controls for the 30 minute flight said: “The aircraft performed exactly as expected. We flew a standard initial test schedule including aircraft system checks and aircraft/engine handling as well as forward flight to 120 knots and low speed manoeuvres.”  
 
Following an acceptance phase in the UK, the first aircraft will support KHI Pilot training prior to being shipped to Japan later this year. The aircraft will then undergo completion work by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), which will include the installation of radio equipment, defensive aids suite and other customer-specific equipment.  
 
AgustaWestland and KHI signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese EH101s. KHI has established manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan. Fourteen utility RTM322 powered, rear-ramped variants of the EH101 have been ordered to replace the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s.  
 
Aircraft kits for the remaining 13 aircraft will be prepared by AgustaWestland in the UK with final assembly taking place in Japan. The KHI build line is due to receive the first two aircraft in the last quarter of 2005 with delivery of the first aircraft to the JDA in 2006. KHI personnel have worked closely with AgustaWestland in the UK over the last year, undergoing on-the-job training and assembly familiarisation. Two pilots from KHI will start a four month flight training programme in February at Yeovil.  
 
 
BACKGROUND NOTES:  
 
On 28th January the U.S. Navy selected the US101, an American variant of the EH101, for a new fleet of "Marine One" helicopters for the President of the United States. The 101 was selected based on its proven capabilities, superior cabin space and excellent safety. The selection of the US101 after an extensive evaluation alongside the competing helicopter clearly demonstrates the 101 is the best helicopter in its class for head of state transport requirements.  
 
The EH101 has also won competitions against its nearest competitor in Denmark, Portugal and Japan highlighting its clear advantage in capability and value for money. When its greater payload and longer range capability are combined with a cabin more than 30% larger than its nearest competitor, the EH101 provides a capability that makes it the new benchmark helicopter in its class.  
 
Orders for 146 EH101 have been placed till now by seven customers around the world comprising the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Italian Navy, Canadian Forces, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Portuguese Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. The EH101 has been ordered in a range of variants to perform many diversified roles including troop transport, logistic support, search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol, combat SAR, airborne early warning, amphibious support, airborne mine countermeasures and head of state transport, demonstrating the multi-role capabilities of the EH101 platform. Certified by military and civil authorities around the world the EH101 meets or exceeds the most stringent safety and certification requirements.  
 
The EH101 is powered by three General Electric or Rolls-Royce Turbomeca engines that provide superior one-engine inoperative performance over twin-engine designs, giving it a reassuring safety advantage. Additionally many critical systems are duplicated or triplicated giving the EH101 a large level of system redundancy and safety margin, something which is especially important when operating in hostile environments.  
 
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivaled range of helicopters to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, United Kingdom and the United States of America.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Boeing Awarded $117 Million Prime Contract for Second Phase of the Canadian CF-18 Aircraft Modernization Project  
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 22, 2005)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- After successfully passing the midway point on the first phase of modernization of the Canadian Forces' CF-18 aircraft, the Canadian Department of National Defence and Boeing today signed a new $117 million (Cdn) contract naming Boeing as the prime contractor for the next phase.  
 
The contract signing ceremony for Phase 2 of the CF-18 Modernization Project took place at Mirabel International Airport, Quebec.  
 
"Boeing is committed to continuing to provide the Canadian government, and Canada 's Air Force, with high quality service and timely delivery of the CF-18 Modernization Project," said Chris Chadwick, Boeing F/A-18 Programs Vice President. "We are very proud of the fact that we have delivered Phase 1 on time and on budget, and we intend to continue to uphold these high standards of performance for Phase 2."  
 
The aim of the CF-18 Modernization Project is two-fold: to bring the Canadian Air Force's fleet of 80 CF-18 Hornets into full inter-operability with the aircraft of key allies; and to extend the life of the aircraft through 2017. The eight-year, two-phased project includes modernizing specifications of newer models through an avionics configuration upgrade program. This approach allows Canadian Forces uninterrupted access and use of its CF-18 fleet.  
 
The contract for Phase 1 of the project, valued at $880 million (Cdn), was awarded to Boeing in April 2001 and concludes in 2006. Phase 1 equipped the CF-18s with improved communication and navigation capabilities, including a new, state-of-the-art mission system for communications purposes, an APG-73 radar system that is compatible with NATO ally air forces, a stores management system for weapon system and associated equipment control and a combined interrogator/transponder system that ensures allies recognize Canadian CF-18 aircraft as friendly aircraft. Boeing's sub-contractor for installation of these systems is L3Com Canada (Military Aviation Services) at Mirabel.  
 
Phase 2 of the modernization project will add a data link system, a helmet mounted sight system, new color cockpit displays and a new chaff and flare dispensing electronic warfare system to the CF-18 Hornets. Boeing will provide program management services, installation kits and color displays. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in 2006 and conclude in 2009.  
 
Boeing's quality execution of the CF-18 project has been recognized and acknowledged in Canada. Apart from the performance on the prime contract, the industrial offset obligations are ahead of schedule. "We feel this contract is a result of the Department of National Defence's confidence in Boeing, which is a positive advancement given other opportunities Boeing is pursuing in Canada," said Chadwick.  
 
Boeing contributes approximately $1 billion (Cdn) annually to the Canadian economy, directly employs around 1,500 highly skilled Canadians in four facilities and several thousand more indirectly through its supply chain of some 200 companies.  
 
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 $30.5 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 sustainment solutions and launch services.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Boeing Awarded $117 Million Prime Contract for Second Phase of the Canadian CF-18 Aircraft Modernization Project  
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 22, 2005)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- After successfully passing the midway point on the first phase of modernization of the Canadian Forces' CF-18 aircraft, the Canadian Department of National Defence and Boeing today signed a new $117 million (Cdn) contract naming Boeing as the prime contractor for the next phase.  
 
The contract signing ceremony for Phase 2 of the CF-18 Modernization Project took place at Mirabel International Airport, Quebec.  
 
"Boeing is committed to continuing to provide the Canadian government, and Canada 's Air Force, with high quality service and timely delivery of the CF-18 Modernization Project," said Chris Chadwick, Boeing F/A-18 Programs Vice President. "We are very proud of the fact that we have delivered Phase 1 on time and on budget, and we intend to continue to uphold these high standards of performance for Phase 2."  
 
The aim of the CF-18 Modernization Project is two-fold: to bring the Canadian Air Force's fleet of 80 CF-18 Hornets into full inter-operability with the aircraft of key allies; and to extend the life of the aircraft through 2017. The eight-year, two-phased project includes modernizing specifications of newer models through an avionics configuration upgrade program. This approach allows Canadian Forces uninterrupted access and use of its CF-18 fleet.  
 
The contract for Phase 1 of the project, valued at $880 million (Cdn), was awarded to Boeing in April 2001 and concludes in 2006. Phase 1 equipped the CF-18s with improved communication and navigation capabilities, including a new, state-of-the-art mission system for communications purposes, an APG-73 radar system that is compatible with NATO ally air forces, a stores management system for weapon system and associated equipment control and a combined interrogator/transponder system that ensures allies recognize Canadian CF-18 aircraft as friendly aircraft. Boeing's sub-contractor for installation of these systems is L3Com Canada (Military Aviation Services) at Mirabel.  
 
Phase 2 of the modernization project will add a data link system, a helmet mounted sight system, new color cockpit displays and a new chaff and flare dispensing electronic warfare system to the CF-18 Hornets. Boeing will provide program management services, installation kits and color displays. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in 2006 and conclude in 2009.  
 
Boeing's quality execution of the CF-18 project has been recognized and acknowledged in Canada. Apart from the performance on the prime contract, the industrial offset obligations are ahead of schedule. "We feel this contract is a result of the Department of National Defence's confidence in Boeing, which is a positive advancement given other opportunities Boeing is pursuing in Canada," said Chadwick.  
 
Boeing contributes approximately $1 billion (Cdn) annually to the Canadian economy, directly employs around 1,500 highly skilled Canadians in four facilities and several thousand more indirectly through its supply chain of some 200 companies.  
 
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 $30.5 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 sustainment solutions and launch services.  
 
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[JLRC]

Boeing Rolls Out First KC-767 Tanker for Italian Air Force
 
 
(Source: The Boeing Company; issued Feb. 24, 2005)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- Boeing officials and their Italian Air Force customers revealed the first KC-767A advanced aerial refueling tanker during ceremonies today at the Boeing site in Wichita, Kan.  
 
The rollout event marks completion of essential structural modification to the world's most advanced aerial refueling aircraft.  
 
"The KC-767A program represents the fulfilment of one of the most important goals in the Italian Air Force transport and support fleet modernization process," said General Giovanni Sciandra, the three-star general commanding the Italian Air Force Logistics Command. "As a transportation platform, the KC-767A will increase the expeditionary capability of the Italian Air Force." General Sciandra represented the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff at the ceremony.  
 
The aircraft unveiled at the ceremony is the first of four tankers being built for the Italian Air Force, and is scheduled for delivery in April 2006 after completion of flight testing and certification.  
 
"Boeing is proud to produce this completely new aerial refueling aircraft," said Jim Albaugh, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems president and CEO. "Due to the vision and commitment of our Italian customer, we have been able to design new capabilities into this aircraft that are uniquely suited for the security needs of today and tomorrow.  
 
"We have built upon 60-years of Boeing experience to provide our customers with the latest refueling technologies and incorporated advanced networking and communications capabilities into the KC-767," Albaugh said. "Those capabilities will ensure the Italians can operate in the battlespace of the future. To ensure this, the design team used an open architecture that allows for new and emerging technologies to be easily integrated into the KC-767A system, ensuring it will remain relevant for decades to come."  
 
To the more than 800 employees, suppliers and customers in attendance Albaugh emphasized the Company's commitment to its tanker program saying Boeing will continue to bring together the best of global industry and Boeing to meet its customers' specific requirements.  
 
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 $30.5 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 the Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.  
 
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[JLRC]

Ministry of Defence Announces AirTanker Ltd as Preferred Bidder on FSTA Programme
 
 
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Feb. 28, 2005)
 
 
 The Royal Air Force is a step closer to getting a modern air refuelling aircraft under a Private Finance Initiative programme worth £13bn.  
 
The British based AirTanker consortium has today been selected as Preferred Bidder for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, which will create hundreds of jobs in the UK and sustain thousands of others.  
 
Geoff Hoon, Defence Secretary said:  
 
"FSTA is the MoD's biggest Private Finance Initiative project. I applaud the positive spirit in which industry has engaged during these important negotiations over the past 12 months and I am sure that they will approach the final detailed negotiations with the same energy and commitment.  
 
It is expected that several hundred jobs will be created to support this programme throughout the United Kingdom. Several thousand more are expected to undertake work in support of the service.  
 
The Ministry of Defence and the AirTanker consortium are equally committed to making FSTA a success, bringing to bear the private sector disciplines to provide military capability."  
 
 
BACKGROUND NOTES:  
 
1. Proposals submitted by AirTanker Ltd last year were judged to offer the best prospect of providing a value for money PFI solution to meet the RAF's Air to Air Refuelling requirement. Since then AirTanker has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Ministry of Defence over the key terms of the contract.  
 
2. FSTA was nominated as a potential PFI project in 1997, when it was judged that the project, scoped as a service, could offer better value for money than conventional asset based procurement.  
 
3. Under a PFI contract, AirTanker would own and maintain the aircraft and provide training services, infrastructure and some personnel, whilst the RAF would undertake military operations. A PFI contract offers the potential for the contractor to make use of aircraft not required by the RAF in peacetime to generate revenue through commercial use.  
 
4. AirTanker Ltd. comprises EADS, Rolls-Royce, Cobham, VT Group and Thales.  
 
5. The AirTanker Ltd proposal is based on a service solution utilising Airbus A330-200 fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent engines. The aircraft would operate out of RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.  
 
6. AirTanker expects to employ, directly and indirectly, several thousand people in the UK particularly at RAF Brize Norton (construction of facilities and service delivery), Airbus UK at Broughton (wing manufacture), Cobham at Bournemouth & Wimborne (aircraft conversion and air refuelling equipment), Rolls Royce, Derby (engines) and Thales, Crawley (training simulator). Hundreds of UK suppliers are expected to benefit from the contract.  
 
7. The programme has an estimated whole life value of around £13Bn and is expected to provide the RAF with Air Refuelling capability under a 27-year service contract. Contracts have not been placed at this stage.  
 
8. FSTA is planned to replace the RAF's fleet of VC10 and Tristar Air Refuelling/ Air Transport aircraft. Air refuelling is a vital military capability that enables our armed forces to rapidly deploy offensive, defensive and combat support aircraft, as well as troops and equipment, over long distances, in as short a time-scale as possible.  
 
9. The enduring importance of air refuelling has been demonstrated on operations over many years and its importance was reaffirmed as part of the Strategic Defence Review.  
 
10. The FSTA Integrated Project Team is based at the Defence Procurement Agency at Abbey Wood, Bristol.  
 
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[JLRC]

Aermacchi: First Flight in "Dual FADEC" Configuration for the M-346
 
 
(Source: Aermacchi; issued March 8, 2005)
 
 
 VENEGONO, Italy --- Yesterday the M-346, the Aermacchi twin engine advanced trainer, has performed its first flight in "dual FADEC" configuration, with both engine featuring full functioning digital electronic engines control.  
 
The digital FADEC (Fully Authority Digital Engine Control) technology, developed by Honeywell for the F124-GA-200 engines installed on the aircraft, is superior to traditional control units, allowing accurate control of several functioning parameters and providing a more effective exploitation of the engine performance potential in flight.  
 
The new FADEC system developed by Honeywell for the M-346 is based on a MAC (Modular Aerospace Control) modular architecture control platform, specifically adapted for the new trainer of Aermacchi.  
 
The installation and testing of the FADEC control system has been accomplished one month in advance on the schedule and it's an important achievement in the experimental flight test campaign, currently aimed at widening the flight envelope and ultimately obtaining the type certification.  
 
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[JLRC]

Full Fleet of New Orions Delivered
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued March 15, 2005)
 
 
 The full fleet of 18 upgraded AP-3C Orions has been successfully delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.  
 
The last of the upgraded AP-3C Orion aircraft have been delivered from the production facility at Avalon airfield in Victoria and will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia. A ceremony to mark the delivery of the full fleet has been held at Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Victoria today.  
 
"The upgraded Orions are providing an improved surveillance capability to the Australian Defence Force and currently providing invaluable support to the Coalition Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The new information systems and advanced sensors on the AP-3C Orions provide a good basis for establishing the aircraft as an important element in our future network warfare capability.  
 
"The project was initiated back in the 1990s, primarily to upgrade the avionics on the P-3C Orion fleet. It has been a very complex project providing leading edge technology to Defence's number one surveillance and response aircraft."  
 
An AP-3C prototype was produced in Greenville, Texas by L3 Communications (then known as E-Systems); with the remainder of the fleet production completed under sub-contract to Australian industry at Avalon Airfield.  
 
Tenix Defence eventually took over the production in mid 2003 and completed the production of the final ten aircraft on schedule. BAE Systems was also involved in the many sub systems including simulation and software development facilities at RAAF Edinburgh.  
 
Australian companies will continue to be involved in ongoing maintenance and logistic support of the AP-3C fleet under a proposed alliance arrangement currently being developed.  
 
"Experience gained in this project has helped secure long term Australian industry involvement in the ongoing support and further enhancement of the Orion fleet," Senator Hill said.  
 
"This project is an example of how Australian industry combined with international manufacturers can deliver a leading edge capability for the ADF." (ends)  
 
 
 
 L-3 Communications and Tenix Deliver last Sea Sentinel Aircraft
 
 
(Source: Tenix Defence Aerospace; issued March 15, 2005)
 
 
 Tenix Defence Aerospace and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems have delivered the last AP-3C aircraft in the production phase of the Sea Sentinel upgrade program, on time and within budget.  
 
The Chief Executive Officer of Tenix Defence, Robert Salteri, said the delivery marked the completion of the largest and most complex aerospace modification and upgrade program in Australia to date.  
 
"In 18 months, the Avalon-based team was able to modify and deliver the final 10 RAAF AP-3C aircraft to L-3 and the Commonwealth – on time and within budget," Mr Salteri said.  
 
"The success of this production phase illustrates what can be achieved when you team Australia's largest defence business with one of the world's leading Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems providers."  
 
The AP-3C aircraft is widely recognised, both domestically and within the international maritime patrol aircraft community, as the most capable aircraft of its type in operational service anywhere in the world.  
 
The Sea Sentinel upgrade program involved modifying the P-3C aircraft to an AP-3C configuration, resulting in operational weight reduction and a significantly increased sensor capability. The major new systems include:  
 
--Electronic flight instrument system  
--Navigation system  
--Forward and aft radar system  
--Sensor stations  
--Inter-communication system  
--Communication suite  
--Acoustics system  
--Data management system  
--Direction finding system.  
 
These were interfaced with all existing systems, and then tested, accepted and delivered.  
 
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[JLRC]

South African Air Force 707 Re-fuelling Tanker Arrives in Sweden for Gripen Trials
 
 
(Source: Gripen International; issued March 22, 2005)
 
 
 Saturday 19 March saw the arrival of a South African Air Force (SAAF) Boeing 707 re-fuelling tanker aircraft, at Saab's facility in Linköping, Sweden.  
 
After a 15 hour flight from South Africa, the tanker and its team of 20 SAAF aircrew and ground crew landed at 13.00 where they were welcomed by Ola Rignell, Mikael Seidl and Mats Lundberg from Saab’s Flight Test organization. The team were also greeted by Chris Skinner, Charl Coetzee and Mike Edwards from the SAAF/Armscor Gripen Joint Project Team based in Linköping.  
 
The SAAF tanker will be based in Linköping for the next few weeks, where it will be taking part in a series of ground and air-to-air (AAR) re-fuelling trials with the Gripen new generation fighter.  
 
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[JLRC]

New Helicopters Selected for the NZ Defence Force
 
 
(Source: New Zealand Ministry of Defence; dated March 31, web-posted April 4, 2005)
 
 
 Minister of Defence, Mark Burton, announced today that NH Industries’ NH90 helicopter has been selected to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s ageing Iroquois. The new helicopters will represent another significant step in re-equipping all three services of the NZDF.  
 
“The NH90 is a modern, very capable helicopter with a growing international customer base and assured long-term support. It has been designed to meet current and future requirements and provides an excellent long-term investment.  
 
“It has the capacity to carry up to 16 fully equipped troops; and has a rear ramp that can be used to load small vehicles such as quad bikes with a large freight capacity that will also be particularly useful for tasks such as disaster relief operations.” Mark Burton said.  
 
Mark Burton noted that utility helicopters provide essential support for a wide range of military operations, peace support, civil emergencies and counter terrorism requirements.  
 
“We used our utility helicopters extensively on New Zealand’s missions in such places as the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Bougainville. They also provide important support to the police and civil authorities in New Zealand, in activities as wide ranging as disaster relief, search and rescue, fire fighting and counter-drug operations”.  
 
“This Government is committed to building a modern, sustainable, well-equipped Defence Force, and this investment in new helicopters is another clear example of that commitment. These helicopters will ensure interoperability with our security partners, allow New Zealand to participate in a range of operations, and provide valuable support to land force elements and other government agencies.”  
 
The other key element of the helicopter modernisation project is the replacement of the old Sioux training helicopter with a new training/light utility work helicopter. Work is well advanced and can move towards completion now that the preferred medium utility helicopter has been identified.” Mark Burton said.  
 
“Since the 2002 release of the Defence Long-Term Development Plan, 24 major re-equipment projects have been advanced. They include investments in seven new purpose-built naval vessels, a 15-year life extending upgrade of our C-130 Hercules aircraft, an upgrade of the P3 Orion aircraft, the purchase of two 757-200 jet aircraft and the recent acquisition of a new fleet of Light Operational Vehicles”.  
 
Discussions with NH Industries will now focus on cost finalisation, numbers to be purchased and delivery availability. This information will be made public once the commercial negotiations have been finalised and decisions have been made about the replacement for the Sioux training helicopter.  
 
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[JLRC]

Korea Aerospace Industries signs the Agreement for the 2nd Phase of the P-3 Project
 
 
(Source: Korea Aerospace Industries; issued April 8, 2005)
 
 
 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the only firm in Korea able to assemble complete aircrafts, announced on April 8 that it has finalized the P-3 aircraft upgrading project agreement with the Defense Procurement Agency of the National Defense Ministry for the Korean Navy, worth around 500 billion won.  
 
The project, which will be completed as a partnership with the leading worldwide systems integrator L-3 Integrated Systems, is to introduce the surplus P-3 aircraft used by the US Navy, extend their aircraft lifespan and modernize core on-board equipment by using cutting-edge software integration technology. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is scheduled to deliver all P-3 aircraft to the Korean Navy by 2010.  
 
Prior to the agreement, on March 21, KAI announced that it had signed a joint production agreement for technology related transfers of the P-3 project with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3/IS), a world premier aircraft upgrading company located in Greenville, Texas, USA.  
 
L-3/IS, an affiliate of the world class L-3/COM - producers of communications systems for information, reconnaissance and surveillance, aerospace electronics and marine products, has carried out the upgrading of more than 15,000 military aircraft including the P-3 marine patrol aircraft for the US Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.  
 
This agreement will enable KAI to extend the scope of its business to aircraft performance upgrading, alongside its activities in the finished aircraft sector - the KT-1 (basic training aircraft), T-50 (next generation training aircraft) aircraft - and the large civil aircraft parts business.  
 
KAI expects to secure more than 1 trillion won in exports by targeting aircraft in the Asia and Pacific region where the same system as the P-3 aircraft is being used, and by improving the capacity of the P-3 aircraft flown by the Korean Navy.  
 
Although most of Korea is surrounded by sea, the number of marine patrol aircraft operated by the Korean Navy is [small] while neighboring Japan has around 100 marine patrol aircraft. The need to develop our marine patrol strength will be critical in coping with our relatively weak marine patrol competence, which has been ignored until recently.  
 
A KAI official said, "The Korean Navy's P-3 aircraft were introduced in the mid 1990s and the time to upgrade them has arrived. In addition, we plan to penetrate into the P-3 aircraft capacity upgrading market, along with L-3/COM, given that some 450 aircraft operated in 16 countries worldwide have been used for more than 25 years."  
 
Chung Hae-joo, the President and CEO stated, "We intend to build up core technologies and experience in the aircraft upgrading sector through this agreement and cultivate the area as our key business for the long-term development of KAI."  
 
Meanwhile, KAI, the only general aircraft manufacturer in Korea, plans to reorganize the business ratio between munitions and the private sector from 8:2 to 6:4 with exports of KT-1 and T-50 aircraft and drive through an international joint development project including the civilian helicopter 429 (9 seater).  
 
Such an effort is intended to establish KAI as one of the top 10 aircraft manufacturers in the world by 2010. To do so, KAI is undertaking overall management innovation activities including the relocation of its headquarters to Sacheon.  
 
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