[p_shadow]

PS : Este é o Pilatus construído nas OGMA?

Não. As OGMA fabricam parte do PC-12.


Cumptos

[Major Alvega]

Este PC-21 é a evolução do PC-9M para fazer face ao Super Tucano, seu arqui-rival de mercado aviões de treino que foi recentemente introduzido pela Embraer para substituir e como evolução do EMB312 Tucano.

 O PC-12 que a OGMA, sub-contratada da Pilatus, produz a fuselagem e vários componentes é uma aeronave monomotor de 9 lugares.

[JLRC]

Taiwan Agrees to Purchase Lockheed Martin's Battle-Proven Hellfire II Missiles
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Jan. 4, 2005)
 
 
 ORLANDO, Fla. --- The U.S. Army has executed a letter of agreement with Taiwan, setting the stage for the sale of more than 400 AGM-114M blast-fragmentation Hellfire rounds under a foreign military sales contract (FMS). The value of the Taiwan order is in the range of $50 million.  
 
The Taiwanese Hellfire purchase comprises the largest part of the U.S. government's Hellfire missile Buy 10 contract award to Lockheed Martin. The new contract equates to approximately six months of activity on the Hellfire production line at Lockheed Martin's manufacturing plant in Troy, AL.  
 
The total U.S. Government contract will include more than 600 AGM-114M blast fragmentation and AGM-114K high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. It represents the largest single sale of the AGM-114M to date, either domestically or internationally. The Taiwan portion represents approximately 70 percent of the rounds to be delivered; between 5-10 percent are earmarked for Israel under FMS, with the balance going to the U.S. Army. Work on the missiles began earlier this year.  
 
"Hellfire's lethality and combat-proven performance, coupled with its precision-strike capability, provides the Taiwanese armed forces with the best air-to-ground weapon system in the world," said Mark Stenger, director of the Air-to-Ground Missile Systems program area at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando. "In Afghanistan and Iraq, Hellfire not only proved to be superior against buildings, but was extremely effective against ships, light armor and urban targets."  
 
Hellfire II and Longbow Hellfire have been used in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), with more than 600 Hellfire rounds fired to date. At one point, the Lockheed Martin Hellfire team was asked to accelerate delivery of 84 blast fragmentation rounds, from six months to less than two weeks, to support the war effort; the missiles arrived a day ahead of schedule.  
 
Army users reported excellent Hellfire II missile performance and durability in the desert environment: According to the Hellfire II Durability Field Report from OIF, "With the amount of dust, impact shock from bouncing on the metal floor of a truck traveling at 30, 40, 50...mph across bumpy, off- road terrain, being dropped or thrown down, seeker domes exposed to dust/wind, fins grabbed in awkward ways, etc. ...the missiles ... have been superb!"  
 
Taiwan's decision to purchase Hellfire ensures its military's interoperability with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Forces' deployed worldwide. With more than 18,000 rounds produced for U.S. and international customers, Hellfire has been successfully integrated with every leading attack helicopter in the U.S. and Allied fleets. It is approved for international sales both through the foreign military sales system and direct commercial sales.  
 
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.  
 
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[JLRC]

B-1 Fleet Grounded After Landing Gear Collapses
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Jan. 4, 2005)
 
 
 SAN ANTONIO --- B-1 Lancers Air Force-wide were grounded after one aircraft’s nose-gear collapsed at a forward-deployed location supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Air Combat Command officials said Jan. 4.  
 
The 67 aircraft fleet will be grounded until each aircraft goes through a one-time inspection. Officials said they expect the inspections to be completed within a few days.  
 
After landing safely at the deployed location, the pilot taxied the aircraft to its parking spot. When the engines were shut down, the nose landing gear collapsed, officials said.  
 
No one was injured in the incident. The aircraft and its four-person crew are deployed from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the 40th Air Expeditionary Group.  
 
A board is investigating the cause of the collapse and determining the extent of damage to the aircraft.  
 
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[JLRC]

CF-18 Modernization Celebrates Midway Point of Phase I
 
 
(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Jan 6, 2005)
 
 
 OTTAWA – The Canadian Forces took delivery of the 40th “Phase I” modernized CF-18 Hornet from Boeing International today. This marks the midway completion point for Phase I modernization.  
 
The $880-million contract with Boeing, awarded in 2001, includes procurement and installation of a sophisticated technical upgrade package that will help extend the life of the CF-18 until at least 2017. The package is based on the US Navy's F-18 Hornet upgrade program and was found to be the most cost-effective and lowest risk solution for Canada's CF-18 modernization requirements. Under sub-contract, the aircraft modifications are being done by L-3 MAS at its facilities in Mirabel, Quebec.  
 
“This contract was undertaken as part of a thorough mid-life upgrade of our CF-18s that will ensure we have a modern and interoperable fighter fleet for years to come,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. “We are meeting the challenges of today's global security environment with the cost effective acquisition of a fully tested and proven system.”  
 
“The CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project reflects the first step to ensuring Canada is able to maintain a supportable, survivable and operationally capable fighter force,” said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. “The modernized aircraft will allow us to better serve Canadians at home and abroad.”  
 
Phase I constitutes the greater portion of the two-phased modernization program and is being conducted in parallel with several other upgrades, from new simulators to new air-to-air missiles. The upgrade package, which has been extensively tested and flown operationally by the US Navy, includes: a new radar; “Have-Quick” jam-resistant radios; a combined interrogator-transponder; stores management systems; mission computers; and embedded global positioning and inertial navigation systems.  
 
Phase I modernization is on target for completion by summer 2006.  
 
-ends-

[TazMonster]

Não costumo colocar post nesta área, mas aki vai.

em: http://www.defencetransformation.com/news/f162.htm

USAF and European Air Forces adding new capabilities to their F-16s
The U.S. Air Force and five EPAF countries - Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal - are receiving new technologies for their F-16s that will ensure the latest combat capabilities, along with an unprecedented degree of interoperability and cost savings among these NATO allies.

Upgraded F-16sThe capabilities are being implemented mostly through software developed by Lockheed Martin.

The new software packages for the USAF F-16s, designated M3+, and the corresponding EPAF (European Participating Air Forces) version, designated M3, were released this summer and are being implemented on aircraft having received appropriate avionics upgrades (described in text below). There is a high degree of commonality in the software, with some differences owing to features that are unique to the various aircraft models.

The most notable common new capabilities are the Link 16 data link and a helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS). The USAF F-16s also will be receiving a capability to deliver the Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and have compatibility with the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR targeting pod, both recently certified on the F-16. The European F-16s will gain the capability to deliver the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

[JLRC]

Boeing Signs $549 Million Chinook Contract  
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Jan. 12, 2005)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company and the U.S. Army signed a $549 million contract Dec. 21, 2004, for 17 new-build CH-47F Chinook helicopters.  
 
“The contract underscores the importance of the Chinook to U.S. Army aviation and validates the steps we've taken to improve the aircraft's cost, quality and performance,” said Jack Dougherty, Chinook program manager. “Our ability to respond rapidly to customer needs has made the Chinook more attractive in domestic and international markets.”  
 
The contract, the largest Chinook order by any domestic or international customer since the mid-1980s. It includes seven aircraft authorized in December 2003 as part of the FY '03 supplemental defense appropriation bill and 10 aircraft approved in the current fiscal year defense budget. Manufacturing preparations have continued since the FY '03 authorization under an undefinitized contract agreement. Deliveries of the 17 new-build Chinooks will begin in September 2006 and continue through the end of 2008.  
 
The U.S. Army Systems Acquisition Review Council, the Army's highest acquisition review panel, approved a new acquisition plan that increases the Chinook fleet from 463 to 513 aircraft. Under the plan, the Army will modernize its entire fleet of 397 CH-47D Chinooks to the new F-model configuration and procure at least 55 additional new-build CH-47F Chinooks. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command will increase its inventory of 34 MH-47D/E Special Operations Heavy Assault Chinooks to 61 MH-47Gs, with an option for future growth.  
 
The CH-47F and MH-47G feature numerous upgrades over earlier models, including reduced vibration, improved avionics and more powerful engines to help improve mission performance and reduce operation and maintenance costs. The aircraft's improved cockpit design offers improved situational awareness to support interoperability 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 $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]

O'Dea Signs Contract for New Air Corps Helicopters
 
 
(Source: Irish Ministry of Defence; issued Jan. 12, 2005)
 
 
 The Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O'Dea, T.D., has today signed a contract for the purchase of four new helicopters for the Air Corps.  
 
The four AB 139 Utility Helicopters are being acquired from the Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of 49 million euros including VAT and will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. Two helicopters will be delivered in 2006 and the other 2 in 2007.  
 
A contract for the purchase of two light utility EC135 helicopters from Eurocopter SAS will be signed shortly. These machines will be delivered later this year.  
 
“I am looking forward to these helicopters coming on stream over the next three years” commented Mr. O'Dea. “The Air Corps are performing a superb job and deserve the very best of equipment to support them in their work. These new helicopters will provide a very significant boost to the Defence Forces and Air Corps. The purchase of the helicopters is another positive indication of the Government's commitment to ensure that all branches of the Defence Forces are fully equipped to carry out their day-to-day roles.”  
 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  
 
The tender competition for helicopters was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 29 May 2004.  
 
A comprehensive evaluation process was carried out on three tender proposals by an evaluation team comprising officials from the Department of Defence, the Air Corps and the Army and that process was completed in November 2004.  
 
A total of 6 helicopters are being purchased for the Air Corps at an overall cost of €60m approx. Bell/Agusta Aerospace will supply 4 AB139 Utility Helicopters and 2 Light Utility EC135 helicopters will be supplied by Eurocopter SAS.  
 
The four utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in general purpose military operational and training roles. Primary taskings will include training and operations with Special Forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland Search and Rescue, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks.  
 
The AB139s helicopters will be built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy.  
 
The AB139 is a twin turbine helicopter with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation. It is ideal for Military training and operational roles because of its modern design and compliance with the latest safety and certification standards combined with an exceptional power to weight ratio and high-speed capability.  
 
The AB139 is in full production, with firm orders for over 80 helicopters for more than 40 customers, for offshore, corporate, law-enforcement, paramilitary and military roles worldwide.  
 
First deliveries to customers commenced in 2003.  
 
BellAgusta Aerospace Company (BAAC) is a joint venture company formed in 1998 between Agusta SpA of Italy and Bell Helicopters of the USA. BAAC was established for the joint design, manufacture and product support of the AB139 helicopter and BA609 tilt-rotor aircraft. Agusta has product leadership for the AB139 and the helicopters are built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy.  
 
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[JLRC]

Maiden Flight for South Africa's First Locally-Assembled Hawk Fighter Trainer  
 
 
(Source: Denel; dated Jan. 13, web-posted Jan. 17, 2005)
 
 
 South Africa's first locally-assembled Hawk fighter trainer aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight earlier today.  
 
The aircraft, a BAE Systems Hawk Mk.120, was flown by South African industry test pilot, Dave Stock, together with Gordon McClymont, test pilot for the UK aerospace and defence group, BAE Systems. They took off from Denel Aviation at Johannesburg International Airport at 10h20 on a 80 minute test flight during which the aircraft's flight controls and response and essential systems functionality were confirmed.  
 
Denel Aviation, under contract to BAE Systems, assembled the new fighter trainer at its recently refurbished facility. Denel which manufactures Hawk aerostructures including the tailplane and airbrake, is assembling 23 of the 24 new jet trainers.  
 
The sole UK-assembled aircraft is currently based at the SA Air Force's Test Flight & Development Centre near Bredasdorp, where it has been engaged in flight testing the navigation and combat training systems designed and developed by the local company ATE (Advanced Technologies and Engineering).  
 
"We are proud of this milestone in the Hawk programme," said Mr Knox Msebenzi, Denel Group Executive Director (Aerospace). "Chief of the South African Air Force, Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, recently visited the Hawk final assembly line, congratulating Denel and BAE Systems on the outstanding work done in South Africa."  
 
Hawk deliveries to the SA Air Force are on schedule to commence by mid-year, continuing at a rate of two aircraft a month until mid-2006.  
 
BAE Systems Vice President for South Africa, Jonathan Walton, said "the progress which has been made is due to the successful close collaboration of the joint South African Hawk programme team, most notably the invaluable contributions from the SA Air Force, Armscor, Denel, ATE and Rolls-Royce".  
 
"At the same time that we are building and developing South Africa's new aircraft, we are also getting on with the job of delivering US$8.7bn of new economic benefits to the country through our various and wide-spread industrial participation activities in the defence, aerospace and numerous civil sectors," he added.  
 
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[JLRC]

Aermacchi and the Hellenic Government Sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the M-346 Production
 
 
(Source: Aermacchi; issued Jan. 19, 2005)
 
 
 VENEGONO, Italy --- Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company leader in the field of military training aircraft, and the Hellenic Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the potential cooperation of the Hellenic industry in the production of the advanced LIFT trainer M-346. This MoU initiates the discussion to define a partnership agreement, which would make Greece a primary partner in the programme.  
 
Currently in its early industrialisation phase, the M-346 programme is fully supported by the Italian Government.  
 
Greece is the first European nation signing a MoU to join the programme. In case the agreement is finalised, it would be the first time that this country enters an aircraft partnership programme. Aermacchi is now identifying other potential European partners, which should participate in the programme with either a primary or secondary role, according to their respective level of involvement.  
 
Giorgio Zappa, General Manager of Finmeccanica and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alenia Aeronautica stated: “We are delighted to see the commitment of Greece in joining first our project. The signature of this MoU strengthens our strategy to build an international network of partnerships around the M-346, starting from its industrialisation phase. The involvement of European industrial partners in this programme will permit a fruitful exchange of know how and will accelerate the manufacturing process. This will favour the success of the M-346 in Europe, through agreements that could involve, in particular, some of the EU founding countries.”  
 
The M-346 is a twin-engine transonic trainer covering the advanced and Lead-in-Fighter phases of the syllabus. Its “design-to-cost” and “to-maintain” philosophy, vortex-lift aerodynamic, high thrust-to-weight ratio and entirely Fly-by-Wire flight control system permit the aircraft to combine a performance close to that of front-line fighters and highly competitive acquisition and operational costs. For these reasons the M-346 is the ideal platform for innovative Integrated Training Systems.  
 
Unveiled in June 2003, the M-346 performed its maiden flight on July 15th, 2004. Today the programme includes two prototypes. The first prototype is already conducting an extensive flight test campaign in view of the type certification. This aircraft confirms the design and production leadership of Aermacchi in military training. In more than 40 years of activities, the company sold 2,000 units to several Air Forces worldwide.  
 
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[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Praised by Air Mobility Command
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Jan. 19, 2005)
 
 
 MARIETTA, Georgia --- In a release issued today detailing the success of the U.S. Air Force deployment of C-130Js to South West Asia General John W. Handy, commander of Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command said "I am extremely pleased with the performance of the C-130J during this deployment," he said. "That success is a testament to the dedicated, professional team of airmen supporting the mission and the magnificent C-130J. Together, they are setting a pace that will be hard to beat!"  
 
Col. Lawrence Gallogly, commander of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, said the C-130J has performed admirably, and all indications are the aircraft is ideally suited for conditions that require the higher power settings and increased cargo-carrying capacity of the C-130J.  
 
"We have only had [about four weeks] of flying in the theater, but we have already logged in excess of 393 flying hours, carried over 1,743 passengers and over 627 tons of cargo," said the colonel. And, he said as unit personnel become more familiar with the J model and its payload capacity, he expects those numbers will be even higher.  
 
Colonel Gallogly said one of the biggest benefits of the J model has been the aircraft's increased cargo capacity. He said two C-130Js can provide the cargo carrying capacity of almost three E and H model C-130s. "This is a force multiplier for the theater commander," added the colonel.  
 
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]

12 Cougars and 6 Panthers for the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense  
 
 
(Source: Eurocopter; issued Jan. 28, 2005)
 
 
 MARIGNANE, France --- On January 28, 2005, Mr. Svinarov, the Bulgarian Defense Minister and Mr. Luc Barrière, the Eurocopter Senior Vice-President for Sales & Marketing, signed a contract in Sofia for the supply of twelve AS 532 AL Cougar helicopters and six AS 565 MB Panther helicopters.  
 
The deliveries of the 18 helicopters are scheduled on a 3 years period. The 3 first aircraft of the Cougar type will be delivered by end 2006.  
 
This contract specifies the delivery of 12 Cougars to the Bulgarian Air Force . Eight of these aircraft will perform tactical transport missions and the four others will fly Combat SAR missions.  
 
The six Panthers for the Bulgarian Navy will perform sea surveillance and search and rescue missions; along with anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface operations.  
 
The acquisition of the Cougar helicopters is part of the restructuring initiated following Bulgaria's entry into NATO in March 2004. If necessary, the aircraft, which will be operated by the Air Force, may be sent to external theater of operations to assist NATO and UN missions.  
 
The AS 532 Cougar is a twin-engine helicopter designed for tactical transport with a maximum take-off weight of 9,000 kg (9,350 kg with a sling load). The aircraft is powered by two Turboméca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines each developing 1,877 shp. In its AL version, the helicopter may be equipped with side- or pod-mounted guns and rocket launchers. 682 aircraft from the Super Puma/Cougar and EC 225/EC 725 family have already been sold to 90 customers in 48 countries.  
 
The AS 565 MB Panther is a twin-engine helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 4,300 kg, which offers exceptional performances. The aircraft is equipped with two Turboméca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines each developing 977 shp, governed by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The FADEC provides unbeatable advantages over competing helicopters in terms of increased performance and engine service life, and heightens safety by reducing crew workload, a particularly valued asset in combat zones.  
 
835 Dauphin/Panther/EC 155s have been ordered by 164 customers in 59 countries.  
 
Eurocopter is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global company specializing in the aerospace and defence sectors and related services. In 2003, EADS generated revenues of EUR 30.1 billion, and employed a workforce of over 109,000. EADS includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus; Eurocopter, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer; and joint venture MBDA, the world's second largest missile company. EADS is also the biggest partner in the Eurofighter consortium and is developing the A400M military transport aircraft. EADS is the lead industrial partner in the European Galileo programme for satellite-based navigation.  
 
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[JLRC]

The Spanish EF-18 MLU Entry Into Service
 
 
(Source: EADS Military Aircraft; issued Feb. 2, 2005)
 
 
 MADRID --- The first EF-18 MLU production aircraft has been delivered to the Spanish Air Force during a ceremony celebrated at EADS Military Aircraft facilities at Getafe that was honoured with the attendance of the Chief of the Air Staff and other military and civil authorities.  
 
Pablo de Bergia, President of EADS Military Aircraft in Spain has commented, “The modernization of the EF-18 is, at present, one of the most important programmes for the Spanish Air Force that will obtain a fundamental increase its operational capabilities. The MLU will guarantee Spain more homeland security and the interoperability with Allied Forces in international missions. The confidence of the Spanish Air Force in this project and the excellent collaboration between client and industry, have allowed, in only a few months, the achievement of highly qualified results”.  
 
On 29th December 2003, EADS Military Aircraft in Spain and the Spanish Air Force signed the contract, valued aprox. 186 Millions Euro, which started the EF-18 MLU process.  
 
The first aircraft arrived at Getafe on January 2004 and since than EADS has respected the contractual agreement and has punctually received one aircraft per month.  
 
The software team of the SpAF Armament and Experimental Logistics Centre (CLAEX) and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have actively collaborated in the design and development of the software and in the integration and testing of the new avionics equipment, as well as in the complete development of the modified system integration software.  
 
New characteristics of the upgraded aircraft:  
 
--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)  
 
The Spanish Air Force will upgrade 67 aircraft in total (65 + 2 prototypes modified during the certification of the new systems), operated by the 12th and 15th Wings at Torrejón and Zaragoza Air Bases respectively.  
 
The Military Aircraft Business Unit focusses the EADS competence on high-performance combat aircraft, unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), manned mission aircraft, trainer aircraft and related ground-based equipment and is an integrated part of the EADS Defence and Security Systems Division (DS). DS, with revenues of about EUR 5.2 billion in 2003 and roughly 24,000 employees across nine nations, forms the defence pole within EADS.  
 
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, the Group generated revenues of over EUR 30 billion and employed a workforce of more than 109,000.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

EADS Missile Warning Sensor Successfully Tested on Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighter Aircraft  
 
 
(Source: EADS Defence Electronics; issued Feb. 2, 2005)
 
 
 ULM, Germany --- EADS Defence Electronics has successfully conducted first ground tests with its missile launch detection sensor MILDS-F on a Royal Danish Airforce F-16.  
 
As reported by EADS on Wednesday, the objective of the tests was to prove that MILDS-F can be integrated into the F-16 Electronic Warfare System and furthermore to collect neccessary data for the MILDS-F software adaptation to the environmental conditions on F-16 aircraft. Successful results were achieved in both parking position and taxiing the aircraft. Stimulation of the sensors caused corresponding indications on the Advanced Threat Display in the cockpit of the testbed aircraft. As the next milestone in the project, flight tests with MILDS-F installed on the testbed F-16 are planned in the first half of this year.  
 
The Royal Danish Air Force in July 2004 had awarded EADS Defence Electronics (DE) a contract for the delivery of 30 Systems AN/AAR-60 (V)2 MILDS-F to be installed on the Danish F-16 fleet in order to protect the aircraft especially against electro-optically guided surface-to-air missiles which cannot be detected by the aircrafts' radar warning system.  
 
“MILDS F with its very low false alarm rate and fast detection combined with automatic initiation of countermeasures relieves the pilot’s workload in time-critical situations and ensures the safe return of both crew and aircraft”, explains Bernhard Gerwert, CEO and President of EADS Defence Electronics.  
 
MILDS F is a passive, imaging sensor detecting the UV radiation signature of approaching missiles. The extremely high resolution combined with rapid processing enables a very reliable identification and virtually eliminates false alarms. Several sensors linked to a Countermeasure Signal Processor provide full spherical coverage and rapid reaction. The system is optimised for the installation either in pylons or in the fuselage of fighter aircraft. MILDS-F is based on the MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System) sensor proven in service aboard a huge variety of rotary wing and wide body aircraft, including Tiger, NH90, CH-47 and C-130.  
 
For the Danish programme, the EADS DE self-protection system will be integrated into TERMA A/S’ Pylon Integrated Dispenser System (PIDS+) and Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System (ECIPS+) and linked to the AN/ALQ-213 EW Management System. The Danish solution will be marketed worldwide by the companies EADS DE and TERMA A/S.  
 
EADS Defence Electronics, supplier of radar, avionics and electronic warfare systems, is an integrated part of the EADS Defence and Security Systems Division (DS). DS, with revenues of about EUR 5.2 billion in 2003 and roughly 24,000 employees across nine nations, forms the defence pole within EADS. It offers integrated systems solutions to the new challenges confronting armed forces and homeland security units.  
 
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, the Group generated revenues of over EUR 30 billion and employed a workforce of more than 109,000.  
 
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[JLRC]

Iraqi Air Force Receives Helicopters
 
 
(Source: US Central Command; issued Feb. 2, 2005)
 
 
 TAJI, Iraq --- Iraqi air force officials welcomed the arrival of two UH-1H Huey helicopters Feb. 1 to Taji Air Base.  
 
The completely refurbished helicopters will provide airlift support and important troop-moving capabilities for the growing Iraqi air force command. A gift from Jordan, this is the first in a series of scheduled deliveries to occur during the next 12 months.  
 
A total of 16 UH-1H aircraft are slated to arrive in Iraq by February 2006. The Iraqi flag is displayed on the fuselage of both aircraft.  
 
According to Wing Commander Rad Greene, Royal Air Force, “It is an exciting time for the Iraqi air force as they re-enter the world of rotary wing aviation.”  
 
Iraqi air force officials are genuinely excited about the prospect of operating these new aircraft, Greene said. The first eight aircraft will comprise Squadron 2 and the second eight aircraft will become Squadron 4, both based at Taji.  
 
Currently, 14 Iraqi pilots are fully trained and awaiting additional flight instruction from their U.S. advisory support team (AST) pilots. Flight training will continue for the next several months until all 48 Iraqi pilots are certified. In the meantime, maintenance training will commence for the engineers and ground crews.  
 
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