The View From Olympus: Building SMS Pinafore
The View From Olympus: Building SMS Pinafore – traditionalRIGHT
The View From Olympus: Building SMS Pinafore – traditionalRIGHT
The F-35C is still a WIP.
How the US Navy plans to fix the F-35's most troubling problem
Check out the take off video at the end. The way the aircraft throws the pilot off his seat is unreal.
How the US Navy plans to fix the F-35's most troubling problem
Check out the take off video at the end. The way the aircraft throws the pilot off his seat is unreal.
US Navy funds CFTs for Super Hornet
US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is awarding Boeing a $219,600,000 contract for non-recurring efforts associated with Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 6503 for the design, development, test and integration of the conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for the Super Hornet. Work will be completed in July 2022.
The Navy first said it would fund a number of the Advanced Super Hornet (ASH) capabilities under the Block III upgrade in June last year.
The concept for modernizing the ‘Rhino’ includes the CFTs, large area cockpit displays, a powerful new computer processor and a superfast digital network.
The Navy wants the CFTs, the Elbit 10 x 19-inch cockpit displays, the new computer, Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) and ultra-fast high-band connectivity referred to as Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT).
These capabilities, combined with other already-scheduled items such as radar enhancements, improvements to the aircraft’s defensive suite, and an infrared search and tracking (IRST) pod, will help ensure the Super Hornet remains a credible element of the carrier air wing for decades to come.
US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is awarding Boeing a $219,600,000 contract for non-recurring efforts associated with Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 6503 for the design, development, test and integration of the conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for the Super Hornet. Work will be completed in July 2022.
The Navy first said it would fund a number of the Advanced Super Hornet (ASH) capabilities under the Block III upgrade in June last year.
The concept for modernizing the ‘Rhino’ includes the CFTs, large area cockpit displays, a powerful new computer processor and a superfast digital network.
The Navy wants the CFTs, the Elbit 10 x 19-inch cockpit displays, the new computer, Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) and ultra-fast high-band connectivity referred to as Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT).
These capabilities, combined with other already-scheduled items such as radar enhancements, improvements to the aircraft’s defensive suite, and an infrared search and tracking (IRST) pod, will help ensure the Super Hornet remains a credible element of the carrier air wing for decades to come.
Boeing joins hands with HAL, Mahindra for 'Make in India' Super Hornet fighter jets
THIRUVEDANTHAI: Eyeing the mega Indian Air Force (IAF) contract for 110 fighter jets, Boeing on Thursday announced a partnership with PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and
Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India.
The US aerospace major said the partnership will also work for joint development of future technologies in India, saying it will transform India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
The Super Hornet 'Make in India' proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilised for other programmes like India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the company said in a statement.
"Boeing is excited to team up with India's only company that manufactures combat fighters, HAL, and India's only company that manufactures small commercial airplanes, Mahindra.
"This partnership brings the best of Indian public and private enterprises together in partnership with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing, to accelerate a contemporary 21st century ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India," said Pratyush Kumar, the president of Boeing India.
The announcement was made on the second day of the Defence Expo here.
Boeing is among the leading military aircraft producers like Lockheed Martin, Saab, Dassault and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG that are likely to vie for the deal to supply 110 fighter jets to the IAF in one of the biggest such procurement in recent years globally which could be worth over $15 billion.
An RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender for the mega deal was issued by the IAF on April 6 with officials saying that the procurement would be in sync with the government's 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector.
Aircraft manufacturers have to send their proposals by July 6. Officials had said the jets will be produced jointly by a foreign aircraft maker along with an Indian company under the recently-launched strategic partnership model which aims to bring in high-end defence technology to India.
Noting that HAL has always been at the forefront of aerospace development in India, its chairman T Suvarna Raju said the partnership will create an opportunity to strengthen indigenous platforms in India thereby contributing to the Make-in-India activities.
According to the company, the programs under progress at HAL include production of SU-30 MKI, Hawk-AJT, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Dhruv-ALH and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters
Boeing said the partnership will for production of an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India, while adding it will result growth momentum to the Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill development, innovation and engineering and job creation.
As the most advanced and least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver on India's need for a carrier and land based multi-role fighter, the company said, it said.
"The Super Hornet does not only have a low acquisition cost, but it costs less per flight hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in US forces inventory. And with a plan for constant innovation, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will outpace threats, bolster defence capabilities and make India stronger for decades to come," it said.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet has a long life ahead, with the US Navy making significant investments in the latest evolution, the Block III, Boeing noted.
Kumar said that partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable Boeing India to optimise the full potential of the country's public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities.
Future production with Indian partners will involve maximising indigenous content and producing the F/A-18 in India for its armed forces to create a 21st century aerospace ecosystem, the statement from Boeing said
The plan addresses the infrastructure, personnel training, and operational tools and techniques required to produce a next gen fighter aircraft right here in India. In addition, Boeing will work closely with India industry to ensure they have the very latest technologies, applying lessons learned from the current Super Hornet production line, it said
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defence, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support.
"We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership with Boeing and HAL will provide for us to contribute further to 'Make in India' for defence," said S P Shukla, Group President, Aerospace & Defence, Mahindra Group, and Chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems.
THIRUVEDANTHAI: Eyeing the mega Indian Air Force (IAF) contract for 110 fighter jets, Boeing on Thursday announced a partnership with PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and
Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India.
The US aerospace major said the partnership will also work for joint development of future technologies in India, saying it will transform India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
The Super Hornet 'Make in India' proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilised for other programmes like India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the company said in a statement.
"Boeing is excited to team up with India's only company that manufactures combat fighters, HAL, and India's only company that manufactures small commercial airplanes, Mahindra.
"This partnership brings the best of Indian public and private enterprises together in partnership with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing, to accelerate a contemporary 21st century ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India," said Pratyush Kumar, the president of Boeing India.
The announcement was made on the second day of the Defence Expo here.
Boeing is among the leading military aircraft producers like Lockheed Martin, Saab, Dassault and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG that are likely to vie for the deal to supply 110 fighter jets to the IAF in one of the biggest such procurement in recent years globally which could be worth over $15 billion.
An RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender for the mega deal was issued by the IAF on April 6 with officials saying that the procurement would be in sync with the government's 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector.
Aircraft manufacturers have to send their proposals by July 6. Officials had said the jets will be produced jointly by a foreign aircraft maker along with an Indian company under the recently-launched strategic partnership model which aims to bring in high-end defence technology to India.
Noting that HAL has always been at the forefront of aerospace development in India, its chairman T Suvarna Raju said the partnership will create an opportunity to strengthen indigenous platforms in India thereby contributing to the Make-in-India activities.
According to the company, the programs under progress at HAL include production of SU-30 MKI, Hawk-AJT, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Dhruv-ALH and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters
Boeing said the partnership will for production of an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India, while adding it will result growth momentum to the Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill development, innovation and engineering and job creation.
As the most advanced and least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver on India's need for a carrier and land based multi-role fighter, the company said, it said.
"The Super Hornet does not only have a low acquisition cost, but it costs less per flight hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in US forces inventory. And with a plan for constant innovation, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will outpace threats, bolster defence capabilities and make India stronger for decades to come," it said.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet has a long life ahead, with the US Navy making significant investments in the latest evolution, the Block III, Boeing noted.
Kumar said that partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable Boeing India to optimise the full potential of the country's public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities.
Future production with Indian partners will involve maximising indigenous content and producing the F/A-18 in India for its armed forces to create a 21st century aerospace ecosystem, the statement from Boeing said
The plan addresses the infrastructure, personnel training, and operational tools and techniques required to produce a next gen fighter aircraft right here in India. In addition, Boeing will work closely with India industry to ensure they have the very latest technologies, applying lessons learned from the current Super Hornet production line, it said
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defence, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support.
"We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership with Boeing and HAL will provide for us to contribute further to 'Make in India' for defence," said S P Shukla, Group President, Aerospace & Defence, Mahindra Group, and Chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems.
Requests for proposals: Indian Navy looks to buy 57 fighters for Rs 95,000 crore
The Indian Navy will soon invite requests for proposals (RfPs) for a Rs 95,000-crore tender to purchase 57 fighter aircraft. An official source said: “Companies including Sweden-based SAAB, Lockheed Martin, Boeing (both US-based firms), France’s Dassault Aviation and Russia’s MIG will be receiving the RfPs soon.” These firms had responded to requests for information (RfIs) issued in 2017. The navy’s move comes close on the heels of the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeking RfIs for110 fighter jets, in what could potentially lead to a deal worth $15 billion, one of the biggest for India’s armed forces in recent years. According to industry sources, Boeing’s recently announced tie-up with the Mahindra Group and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is primarily in view of the the 57-aircraft requirement for the navy.
The Indian Navy will soon invite requests for proposals (RfPs) for a Rs 95,000-crore tender to purchase 57 fighter aircraft. An official source said: “Companies including Sweden-based SAAB, Lockheed Martin, Boeing (both US-based firms), France’s Dassault Aviation and Russia’s MIG will be receiving the RfPs soon.” These firms had responded to requests for information (RfIs) issued in 2017. The navy’s move comes close on the heels of the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeking RfIs for110 fighter jets, in what could potentially lead to a deal worth $15 billion, one of the biggest for India’s armed forces in recent years. According to industry sources, Boeing’s recently announced tie-up with the Mahindra Group and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is primarily in view of the the 57-aircraft requirement for the navy.
It would make zero sense to spend this money on Aircraft Carriers when our forces on the chini theater are so heavily outmatched.
French, U.S. Naval Aviators Learn to Work Together Ahead of Middle East Deployment
By: Ben Werner
April 30, 2018 1:42 PM
Cmdr. Marc, commander of the French carrier airwing training at Naval Air Station Oceana. USNI News photo
NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. — Since carrier flight skills atrophy over time, French naval aviators are spending two months training with US Navy air wings so they’ll be ready for missions this summer when their carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) finishes repairs after almost two years in the yard.
For almost a month, passersby at the Virginia Beach oceanfront have caught glimpses of French Navy Dassault Rafale M fighters fighter jets thundering into the air and out to sea from Naval Air Station Oceana.
While the 35,000-ton Charles de Gaulle completes a major 18-month overhaul, about 350 French Naval aviators, flight deck crew and maintenance personnel flight line crew are now undergoing carrier training in Virginia Beach and are scheduled to perform carrier qualifications aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in May.
“Pilots, most of them are very experienced, but 18 months without doing something is a long time,” Cmdr. Marc, the French airwing commander, said while talking to a small group of reporters on the flight line at Oceana, as members of his squadron flew exercises. Citing security concerns, French Navy officials asked to be identified using first names only.
French Rafale fighter at Naval Air Station Oceana. USNI News photo
Working alongside U.S. Navy personnel, though, is not so foreign to the French aviators, Marc said. France sends its naval aviators to Mississippi, where they learn how to land on and fly off carriers in the same courses and with the same training jets used by the U.S. Navy. From an operational standpoint, Marc said it’s easy to integrate into the U.S. Navy airwing’s operation.
“What’s nice is we have a common baseline in that their pilots go to U.S. flight school. The Rafale and E-2 pilots start their training here in the United States and continue their training in France,” Capt. Jim McCall, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, told USNI News.
“So what we’ve done here is fully integrated here into our air wings.”
Charles de Gaulle has been a steady presence in the fight against ISIS. Before going into the yard, the carrier deployed three times to the Middle East. In December 2015, during a gap in U.S. carrier presence in the region, Charles de Gaulle served as the flagship for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Task Force 50.
Captain James McCall III, right, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. US Navy Photo
During operations aboard George H.W. Bush in May, McCall said, the plan is for the French personnel to seamlessly join regular carrier operations, which includes flying with U.S. aircraft and performing flight deck duties with their U.S. counterparts.
“They’re actually going to plug and play into our airwing like they’re a U.S. squadron,” McCall said. “They’re going to integrate into our air plans and our methodologies out aboard the ship. They’re going land like we land, they’re going to come aboard the ship like we do, they’re going fly the same cycle times we do.”
The French E-2C Hawkeye aircrews will fly with and in U.S. Navy Hawkeyes, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 commander Cmdr. Christian Goodman told USNI News. The French E-2C airframes are the same as those used by the U.S., and the two nations’ E-2C pilots go through the same training. When Goodman was in flight school, he said, one of his instructors was a French E-2C pilot. When on Bush, Goodman said they’ll operate as one squadron.
“There’s no learning,” Goodman said. “Now it is really about sharing knowledge with each other about how to operate an aging aircraft.”
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), left, and the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) transit the Northern Arabian Gulf on March 8, 2015. US Navy Photo
Flying with and sparring against the Rafale in exercises have been extremely valuable for the F/A-18E Super Hornet pilots in Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, squadron commander Cmdr. Kevin Chlan told USNI News. Usually his squadron practices against other Super Hornets, but he said it’s been interesting learning how the French tackle missions, arriving at the same end result but using different tactics that draw on the Rafale’s strengths,
“The Rafale is an impressive aircraft,” Chlan said.
“When you go up and fight against it, it’s a little rocket ship.”
The Rafale entered service with the French Navy in 2002, shortly after the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1999. Both are designed for carrier operations, and both can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. But the Rafale is a lighter and carries different weapons.
A Sailor guides an F-1 Rafale, attached to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to a catapult for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in 2014. US Navy Photo
The closest comparison in the U.S. is probably the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Chlan said. Originally developed by General Dynamics and now built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16 is used by the U.S. Air Force and more than two dozen foreign air forces.
“The French are great partners. We see them in the skies, we operate alongside them, but we don’t really interact with them. Here we’re actually getting the chance to talk, and to brief, and plan for a flight,” Chlan said.
“I’ve been in the Navy for 18 years and I’ve never had a chance to do something like this.”
French, U.S. Naval Aviators Learn to Work Together Ahead of Middle East Deployment - USNI News
By: Ben Werner
April 30, 2018 1:42 PM
Cmdr. Marc, commander of the French carrier airwing training at Naval Air Station Oceana. USNI News photo
NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. — Since carrier flight skills atrophy over time, French naval aviators are spending two months training with US Navy air wings so they’ll be ready for missions this summer when their carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) finishes repairs after almost two years in the yard.
For almost a month, passersby at the Virginia Beach oceanfront have caught glimpses of French Navy Dassault Rafale M fighters fighter jets thundering into the air and out to sea from Naval Air Station Oceana.
While the 35,000-ton Charles de Gaulle completes a major 18-month overhaul, about 350 French Naval aviators, flight deck crew and maintenance personnel flight line crew are now undergoing carrier training in Virginia Beach and are scheduled to perform carrier qualifications aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in May.
“Pilots, most of them are very experienced, but 18 months without doing something is a long time,” Cmdr. Marc, the French airwing commander, said while talking to a small group of reporters on the flight line at Oceana, as members of his squadron flew exercises. Citing security concerns, French Navy officials asked to be identified using first names only.
French Rafale fighter at Naval Air Station Oceana. USNI News photo
Working alongside U.S. Navy personnel, though, is not so foreign to the French aviators, Marc said. France sends its naval aviators to Mississippi, where they learn how to land on and fly off carriers in the same courses and with the same training jets used by the U.S. Navy. From an operational standpoint, Marc said it’s easy to integrate into the U.S. Navy airwing’s operation.
“What’s nice is we have a common baseline in that their pilots go to U.S. flight school. The Rafale and E-2 pilots start their training here in the United States and continue their training in France,” Capt. Jim McCall, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, told USNI News.
“So what we’ve done here is fully integrated here into our air wings.”
Charles de Gaulle has been a steady presence in the fight against ISIS. Before going into the yard, the carrier deployed three times to the Middle East. In December 2015, during a gap in U.S. carrier presence in the region, Charles de Gaulle served as the flagship for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Task Force 50.
Captain James McCall III, right, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. US Navy Photo
During operations aboard George H.W. Bush in May, McCall said, the plan is for the French personnel to seamlessly join regular carrier operations, which includes flying with U.S. aircraft and performing flight deck duties with their U.S. counterparts.
“They’re actually going to plug and play into our airwing like they’re a U.S. squadron,” McCall said. “They’re going to integrate into our air plans and our methodologies out aboard the ship. They’re going land like we land, they’re going to come aboard the ship like we do, they’re going fly the same cycle times we do.”
The French E-2C Hawkeye aircrews will fly with and in U.S. Navy Hawkeyes, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 commander Cmdr. Christian Goodman told USNI News. The French E-2C airframes are the same as those used by the U.S., and the two nations’ E-2C pilots go through the same training. When Goodman was in flight school, he said, one of his instructors was a French E-2C pilot. When on Bush, Goodman said they’ll operate as one squadron.
“There’s no learning,” Goodman said. “Now it is really about sharing knowledge with each other about how to operate an aging aircraft.”
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), left, and the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) transit the Northern Arabian Gulf on March 8, 2015. US Navy Photo
Flying with and sparring against the Rafale in exercises have been extremely valuable for the F/A-18E Super Hornet pilots in Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, squadron commander Cmdr. Kevin Chlan told USNI News. Usually his squadron practices against other Super Hornets, but he said it’s been interesting learning how the French tackle missions, arriving at the same end result but using different tactics that draw on the Rafale’s strengths,
“The Rafale is an impressive aircraft,” Chlan said.
“When you go up and fight against it, it’s a little rocket ship.”
The Rafale entered service with the French Navy in 2002, shortly after the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1999. Both are designed for carrier operations, and both can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. But the Rafale is a lighter and carries different weapons.
A Sailor guides an F-1 Rafale, attached to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to a catapult for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in 2014. US Navy Photo
The closest comparison in the U.S. is probably the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Chlan said. Originally developed by General Dynamics and now built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16 is used by the U.S. Air Force and more than two dozen foreign air forces.
“The French are great partners. We see them in the skies, we operate alongside them, but we don’t really interact with them. Here we’re actually getting the chance to talk, and to brief, and plan for a flight,” Chlan said.
“I’ve been in the Navy for 18 years and I’ve never had a chance to do something like this.”
French, U.S. Naval Aviators Learn to Work Together Ahead of Middle East Deployment - USNI News
The problem is the N-LCA is actually dangerous for carrier aviation. It's landing speed is too high.
Complete and total redesign of the wing and fuselage. Basically, it will be a new aircraft.
But that's what the NLCA - Mk2 is all about , I thought !
There's another article I've posted by **** on the ADA's decision in variance with IN to go ahead with two different programmes with the AMCA . The IAF version will precede the IN's. Something that PKS has been railing against w.r.t the Tejas since a long time . Your views ?
It is. But let's see it fly before we make an opinion.
ADA doesn't care about the navy. They will go ahead with the IAF version first.
Is there some confirmation whether it's a real hardware upgrade or just new paint?