Internationale fighter ontwikkelingen

[Sparkplug]

ATD-X to spur Japan's advanced fighter research

By Greg Waldron, Singapore | 29 January 2016

The Mitsubishi ATD-X fighter technology demonstrator could conduct its maiden flight in February, following a media rollout in Japan on 29 January.

The rollout offered reporters unprecdented access to the aircraft, unofficially named 'ShinShin' which was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya.

The Y39.2 billion ($27 million) ATD-X, which has been delayed for several years, will conduct a test campaign explore advanced "fifth generation" fighter technologies, namely stealth, thrust vectoring, advanced sensors, and datalinks.

As reported previously by Flightglobal, the aircraft small by fighter standards with a length of 14.2m (46.5ft) and a wingspan of 9.1m.

It is powered by two IHI XF5-1 low-bypass engines. A video shared with journalists shows that the engines are equipped with afterburners that have been ground tested. Mitsubishi previously had automatic engine restart issues with the engine control software, but apparently these have been resolved. The engine inlets have stealth coatings.

The aircraft will not be armed and is likely to be retired after two to three years in service. The technology tests could eventually make their way into an indigenous fighter, the F-3, that would replace Japan's fleet of Mitsubishi F-2s and F-15Js in the 2030s.

The ATD-X is calibrated to address Tokyo's concerns that it lacks the know-how to develop advanced fighters indigenously.

For years, Japan tried unsuccessfully to obtain the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, but Washington's concerns about leaks prevented this aircraft from being exported. Tokyo eventually ordered 42 F-35s in 2011, which are to be built under licence by Mitsubishi. It is not clear, however, how much access to sensitive technologies this acquisition will provide.

Meanwhile, Tokyo is concerned by aircraft developments in regional rivals. China is making steady progress with its Chengdu J-20 fighter, with some Chinese blog sites reporting that this large aircraft, which has some stealth features, has entered low rate initial production. At the Dubai Air Show in November 2015, Avic also hosted a presentation about another advanced Chinese jet, the FC-31, apparently a follow-on aircraft of the J-31.

Closer to home, South Korea is committed to developing the KFX fighter in cooperation with Indonesia.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/atd-x-to-spur-japans-advanced-fighter-research-421374/

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Het kan ook maar zo zijn dat extra F-15's voor Israel (zij willen één extra squadron) alleen onderhuids SE technologie hebben en qua uiterlijk op de F-15I lijken. Overigens heeft Israël onlangs ingestemd met de F-15I modernisering (zie Antwoord #161).

Is idd even afwachten wat de definitieve keuze gaat worden.

[Sparkplug]

Zoals het er (nog nog) naar uit zijn de lijnen van de F18 en F16 definitief gesloten tegen het einde van dit decennium, al heeft Boeing met haar F15 familie nog twee spannende ijzers in het vuur: Israël voor de SE en Qatar voor de E, toch een +/- 100 exemplaren.

Het kan ook maar zo zijn dat extra F-15's voor Israel (zij willen één extra squadron) alleen onderhuids SE technologie hebben en qua uiterlijk op de F-15I lijken. Overigens heeft Israël onlangs ingestemd met de F-15I modernisering (zie Antwoord #161).

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Ik snap ook dat de VS liever de F-35 wil verkopen, maar deze zullen ze zeker niet aanbieden aan de Golfstaten, dus dan blijven alleen de F-16, F-18 en F-15's over om te verkopen. Dat zijn maar "oude" 4de generatie type toestellen, toch ...

Zoals het er (nog nog) naar uit ziet zijn de lijnen van de F18 en F16 definitief gesloten tegen het einde van dit decennium, al heeft Boeing met haar F15 familie nog twee spannende ijzers in het vuur: Israël voor de SE en Qatar voor de E, toch een +/- 100 exemplaren.

Indien de VS blijft treuzelen met de Qatar optie, dan zou het mij niet verbazen als de blik, net als die van de VAE, richting Parijs gaat.

[Harald]

Valt mij op dat de VS de laatste tijd wat terughoudend is met toestemmingen voor verkoop van wapensystemen, zoals nu ook bij Koeweit voor de verkoop van de F-18.  en eigenlijk ook bij de F-15E's

Door te lang wachten, zullen verkoop van Eurofighters en Rafales alleen maar toenemen.

Ik weet dat defensie verkoop/aankoop trajecten zijn van jaren (soms nog langer), maar toch ....

Ik snap ook dat de VS liever de F-35 wil verkopen, maar deze zullen ze zeker niet aanbieden aan de Golfstaten, dus dan blijven alleen de F-16, F-18 en F-15's over om te verkopen. Dat zijn maar "oude" 4de generatie type toestellen, toch ...

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Dus (nog) geen F-18E's , maar eerst Eurofighters voor Koeweit. Dit alleen omdat de beslissing tot verkoop in de VS te lang duurt volgens Koeweit.

En daarmee stres bij Boeing.... de productielijn van de SH droogt nu in een rap tempo op en (voorlopig) zonder export orders maakt ze afhankelijk van eventuele extra US order die (nog) niet in de pijplijn zitten.

Zwanenzang voor de Hornet?

[Harald]

Italian MoD Source: Kuwait To Sign Deal for 28 Eurofighters

By Tom Kington 9:23 a.m. EST January 27, 2016

ROME — Kuwait is expected to sign a deal to buy 28 Eurofighter aircraft on Jan. 31, an Italian Ministry of Defense source has told Defense News.

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/01/27/italian-mod-source-kuwait-sign-deal-28-eurofighters/79394322/

Dus (nog) geen F-18E's , maar eerst Eurofighters voor Koeweit. Dit alleen omdat de beslissing tot verkoop in de VS te lang duurt volgens Koeweit.

After delays in gaining approval from the US to buy new F-18 Super Hornets, Kuwait instead looks set to sign contracts external link for twenty-eight Eurofighter Typhoon jets to replace their older F-18s. An official in the Italian Ministry of Defense said minister Roberta Pinotti would visit Kuwait on Sunday to sign papers finalizing the deal estimated to be worth $8.7 billion. Talks had been ongoing since November with issues over pilot training delaying the deal, but should be completed within eighteen months. The switch in allegiance will no doubt annoy manufacturer Boeing, and may see renewed frustrations over the lengthy congressional approval process for foreign military sales.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/

One senior official said the decision came after repeated US delays regarding the acquisition of a new fleet of Boeing F-18 Super Hornets.
"We were trying to acquire the F-18 Super Hornets and replace the existing fleet of F-18s with Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons," he said.  "However, we cannot wait for the American approval and need to update our Air Force now."

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/01/27/italian-mod-source-kuwait-sign-deal-28-eurofighters/79394322/

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Italian MoD Source: Kuwait To Sign Deal for 28 Eurofighters

By Tom Kington 9:23 a.m. EST January 27, 2016

ROME — Kuwait is expected to sign a deal to buy 28 Eurofighter aircraft on Jan. 31, an Italian Ministry of Defense source has told Defense News.

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/01/27/italian-mod-source-kuwait-sign-deal-28-eurofighters/79394322/

[Harald]

Bahrain considering F-16V order, fleet upgrade

Bahrain is nearing a decision on whether to launch a major programme to modernise its Lockheed Martin F-16s and acquire an additional batch in an advanced V-model configuration.

Facing increased operational demand due to its involvement in the coalition campaign against Islamic State militants in the Middle East, the Royal Bahraini Air Force is looking to boost capabilities, says Rick Groesch, regional vice-president, Middle East for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"They are thinking about upgrading their airplanes – we have been in discussion for a while," Groesch told Flightglobal during the Bahrain International Airshow.

Modernising Bahrain's in-service fleet to the F-16V standard would include the integration of an active electronically scanned array sensor, already identified as Northrop Grumman's scalable agile beam radar. With the US government, the progamme would also add precision-guided weapons, such as from Boeing's joint direct attack munition series, and Lockheed's Sniper targeting pod.

In parallel with the upgrade, the service could also acquire "17 or 18" new-build F-16Vs, Groesch says. These would differ through the installation of conformal fuel tanks, which he notes would enable the assets to operate with more weapons beneath the wing, in place of 370gal fuel tanks.

Confirming Bahrain has asked for pricing, availability and schedule data about a potential deal via the Foreign Military Sales framework, Groesch says: "In early February we will start to discuss the request with the US government. Bahrain has seen the need to get this going, due to the operational tempo now."

Groesch says the lead aircraft involved in an upgrade would undergo modification and flight test in Bahrain with Lockheed, and subsequent examples would receive the enhancements with the assistance of the nation's air force.

Flightglobal's Fleets Analyzer database records the Royal Bahraini Air Force's inventory as including 16 F-16Cs and four D-model trainers, after a single-seat example was destroyed in a non-fatal accident in Saudi Arabia.

If concluded, the deal with Bahrain would enable Lockheed to extend production of the F-16 beyond 2017.

"We're talking to several other customers at the moment," about possible upgrades or purchases says Groesch, who identifies Jordan as having a near-term requirement to modernise its inventory.

Two years ago, details emerged of a possible deal to supply the United Arab Emirates with additional F-16s in an upgraded Block 60 configuration, along with a modernisation activity for its current examples. A deal has yet to be signed, but Groesch confirms: "We're still talking to them about that."

Separately, Bahrain has yet to confirm an intention to replace its remaining 12 Northrop F-5E/Fs. With the Eurofighter Typhoon considered a leading contender for such a requirement, campaign lead BAE Systems exhibited a full-scale replica and had a simulator on show at the 21-23 January event, staged at Sakhir air base.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bahrain-considering-f-16v-order-fleet-upgrade-421250/

[Sparkplug]

F-35 jets headed to UK air shows this summer: U.S. Marines

By Andrea Shalal, Washington | January 25, 2016

The U.S. Marine Corps on Monday said it would send a pair of Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets to two air shows in Britain this summer, a key milestone for the $391 billion weapons program after its thwarted international debut in 2014.

Some U.S. Air Force F-35 jets will also take part in the events, according to sources familiar with the plans. Air Force officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

A fleetwide F-35 grounding ordered after an engine fire in 2014 prevented what would have been the jets' international premiere at the annual Royal International Air Tattoo and an appearance at the world's biggest air show in Farnborough, outside London, both that year.

Since then, an F-35 jet assembled in Italy has made its inaugural flight there, but this year's appearance at RIAT will be the first by the stealthy, supersonic new warplane at an international air show.

"The U.S. Marine Corps is looking forward to demonstrating the capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II in the skies over the United Kingdom this July," Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lieutenant General Jon Davis said in statement to Reuters.

Davis said a joint U.S. Marine Corps and UK detachment would use the flights to validate overseas deployment activities and prove program interoperability. The Pentagon's F-35 program office and Lockheed would support the work, he said.

The British defense ministry had no immediate comment.

One of the sources said Britain planned to send at least one of the four F-35 jets it has already received to the air shows. The British jets are currently training in the United States.

Lockheed is developing three models of the jet, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, or Lightning II, with key suppliers Northrop Grumman Corp and Britain's BAE Systems Plc. Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp, builds the engines.

Besides Britain, seven other countries helped fund development of the jets: Norway, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Turkey, Italy and the Netherlands. All but Canada and Denmark have since ordered jets, as have Israel, Japan and South Korea.

The F-35 program, the Pentagon's single largest weapons project, ran into technical problems and cost overruns for years, but U.S. officials say it has improved and that costs have fallen for the past five years.

The Marine Corp's F-35B model can take off from warships and aircraft carriers and land like a helicopter. The service branch plans to buy a total of 420 F-35B-model and C-model jets, which can fly onto and take off from aircraft carriers.

The Air Force plans to buy 1,763 A-model jets, which take off and land on conventional runways.

Davis said lessons identified from the deployment would help the Marines as they set up a second F-35 fighter attack squadron this summer and prepare for the first one to move to Iwakuni, Japan, in 2017.

The Marine Corps in July announced an initial squadron of 10 F-35 jets ready for combat, and the Air Force is due to follow suit this summer.

(Additional reporting by Sarah Young in London; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Lisa Von Ahn and Alistair Bell)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-fighter-idUSKCN0V32HF

[Sparkplug]

RAF pilots successfully test threat awareness and pilot safety enhancements for Typhoon jets

Eurofighter Press Release | 23 January 2016

The latest enhancements for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet have been successfully tested by UK Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in flight trials conducted at BAE Systems' Military Air & Information business in Warton, Lancashire.

An early version of the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2Ea) Typhoon was flown by pilots from the RAF's Test and Evaluation Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby. The P2Ea package incorporates software and avionics improvements such as upgrades to the radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods. These enhancements will not only increase threat awareness and pilot safety, but also improve Typhoon's targeting capabilities. P2Ea forms part of the full Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) package for Typhoon.

Testing of the package will be ongoing throughout 2016 with weapons integration tests also scheduled for this year.

Wing Commander Steven Berry, Officer Commanding 41(R) Test and Evaluation Sqn, said:

"The P2Ea upgrade brings some major capability changes and some welcome tweaks to the existing capabilities. The enhancements mean as an air-to-surface platform, Typhoon has the simplicity and flexibility in the design to be easily employed in close air support missions or more complex scenarios like convoy over-watch.

"By 2019, Typhoon will be filling a lot of roles including air defence of the UK, offensive and defensive counter-air, stand-off attack and close air support.  That's a lot of skills for a front line squadron to master. Typhoon needs to deliver all of that capability in a simple, reliable cockpit."

41(R) Sqn TES (Test and Evaluation Squadron) conducted two tests on an early version of the P2Ea - a typical air-to-air exercise and an air-to-surface exercise targeting simulated targets. The feedback from these tests has been assessed and will now be used to influence the final design.

Andy Flynn, Head of Capability Delivery Programmes for Combat Air at BAE Systems, said:

"Working with the customer test teams at this stage provides us with invaluable feedback that we can assess and directly feedback into the design process. This combined testing approach is a fundamental part of how we are improving the way we do business. It allows the customer to fly capability improvements at an early stage and provide feedback to ensure the upgrades are exactly what they need."

P2Ea is a stepping stone along the path of the RAF's Project CENTURION designed to ensure a seamless transition between Typhoon and Tornado capabilities when Tornado goes out of service in 2019.

The full P2E upgrade for the RAF will include the integration of the MBDA Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. The next phase of enhancements, P3E, will bring the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile and MBDA Brimstone 2 close air support weapon into service on Typhoon for the UK. Both P2E and P3E will be delivered through Project CENTURION.



https://www.eurofighter.com/news-and-events/2016/01/raf-pilots-successfully-test-threat-awareness-and-pilot-safety-enhancements-for-typhoon-jets

[Harald]

Saudi Arabia integrates Brimstone on Tornado, though yet to acquire missile   

Saudi Arabia has provisioned its Panavia Tornado IDS strike aircraft with an initial capability to employ the MBDA Brimstone air-to-surface missile, but has yet to formally acquire the system, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) told IHS Jane's on 25 January.

Responding to a freedom of information (FoI) request, the MoD revealed that the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) received an initial Brimstone capability for its Tornado IDS fleet in 2015. Work was carried out by BAE Systems in the UK, with a small number of missiles being fired in Saudi Arabia for test and evaluation purposes.

The work was conducted by BAE Systems under the RSAF's Tornado Sustainment Programme (TSP) that also saw the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile, 1,000 lb 'dumb bombs', 1,000 lb Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and the Thales Damocles targeting and navigation pod integrated onto the aircraft. While the MoD confirmed that Saudi Arabia has acquired an undisclosed number of Storm Shadow missiles, it noted that the kingdom has not ordered the Brimstone, even though it requested the capability to employ it.

International media reported in 2015 that Saudi Arabia was already using the Brimstone missile, though these reports could be incorrect and the Brimstone capability has been integrated onto the RSAF's Tornados ahead of a planned future order for the missile. Alternatively, some missile stocks may have been transferred from the UK's inventory, as the only current operator of the system, ahead of a formal order for the missile. It could also be that the RSAF's priorities have changed given its involvement in Yemen, and that a Brimstone procurement has been delayed for the time being. The MoD had not responded to a request for clarification by the time IHS Jane's went to press.

Although the precise status of any Saudi Arabian Brimstone order is unclear, the missile was photographed by IHS Jane's aboard an RSAF Tornado during integration trials as far back as 2007.

http://www.janes.com/article/57442/saudi-arabia-integrates-brimstone-on-tornado-though-yet-to-acquire-missile

[Elzenga]

Rafale zou het zo nog goed kunnen krijgen. Extra order uit India en als de order voor Boeing vanuit Qatar niet doorgaat (hopen), is daar ook nog wel een extra bestelling te verwachten.

Denk ik ook goed voor de toekomstige ontwikkeling van de opvolger van de Typhoon en Rafale...als de Rafale wat beter verkoopt nog...meer evenwicht in het nieuwe programma. Al zet ik grootte kanttekeningen bij bepaalde orders in het kader van onevenwichtig buitenlands (economisch) beleid..maar dat is een andere discussie.

[JdL]

En zo worden de luchtmachten in het midden-oosten en afrika steeds meer van hypermoderne gevechtsvliegtuigen voorzien

Toestellen die in de toekomst op onze targetlist zouden kunnen staan...

En ondertussen slinken de westerse luchtmachten nog steeds
Onverantwoord vind ik

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Rafale zou het zo nog goed kunnen krijgen. Extra order uit India en als de order voor Boeing vanuit Qatar niet doorgaat (hopen), is daar ook nog wel een extra bestelling te verwachten.

Niet te vergeten de te verwachten order van 60 exemplaren uit de VAE.