Internationale Helicopter ontwikkelingen

Gestart door Harald, 01/03/2017 | 13:48 uur

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Airbus reveals updated Lakota configuration for US Army

07 SEPTEMBER 2020

by Gareth Jennings

Airbus Helicopters has revealed an upgraded version of the UH-72A Lakota training and support platform for the US Army and National Guard.

The new version of the UH-72A that was first launched in 2005 is designated the UH-72B and features several enhancements including, most notably, a Fenestron in place of a conventional tail rotor.

Revealed in late August at the 2020 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) virtual tradeshow, the UH-72B is essentially a US Army version of the latest civilian model H145 helicopter. "The [US] Army is leveraging the benefits of a commercial off the shelf (COTS) programme by receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money into the development of those capabilities," Airbus said.

As noted by Airbus, specific enhancements for the UH-72B over the UH-72A include a more efficient Fenestron tail rotor, more powerful engines, enhanced controls, and the Airbus Helionix avionics suite.

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The UH-72B, pictured, will feature a number of enhancements over the UH-72A Lakota. Most notable is the replacement of the conventional tail rotor with a more efficient Fenestron. (Airbus Helicopters)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/airbus-reveals-updated-lakota-configuration-for-us-army
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

US contracts Venom, Viper helos for Czech Republic

07 SEPTEMBER 2020

by Gareth Jennings

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has contracted Bell to build and deliver 12 H-1 helicopters in support of the Czech Republic's recapitalisation requirement.

The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) award made on 4 September covers eight UH-1Y Venom utility and four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters as part of a wider effort to phase out the country's Soviet-built equipment.

As noted by the DoD in its notification, the fixed-price-incentive-firm-target deal is valued at USD272.2 million and will be complete by November 2023. The entire procurement is expected to be worth CZK14.6 billion (USD660 million), excluding value-added tax.

The contract comes nine months after an official signing ceremony for the helicopters was held by the Czech government in December 2019. At that event the US Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and Czech Republic Minister of Defence, Lubomir Metnar, signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the helicopters that are intended to replace the Warsaw Pact-era inventories of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic (Vzdusné Síly Armády Ceské Republiky: VS ACR), which include Mil Mi-2 'Hoplite', Mi-8/17 'Hip', and Mi-24 'Hind' helicopters.

The UH-1Y was cleared for sale to the country in October 2017, with the AH-1Z following suit in May 2019, with both approvals including weapons, equipment, training, spares, and support.

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Seen here in US Marine Corps service, the UH-1Y (foreground) and AH-1Z (background) will also be fielded by the Czech Republic. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-contracts-venom-viper-helos-for-czech-republic
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Harald

US Special Operations Command gets first brand-new Chinook variant

U.S. Special Operations Command has taken receipt of its first MH-47G Block II Chinook from Boeing on time, according to a Sept. 1 company statement.

While other helicopter pilots are envious of the technology on a special operations Chinook, its bones are old. Many of the 61 MH-47G helicopter airframes are from the 1960s, '70s and '80s, and the MH-47 is a heavier aircraft than the Chinooks in the active Army component due to the mission equipment added to the airframe over the years. A special operations Chinook weighs roughly 54,000 pounds while a conventional Chinook weighs 50,000 pounds.

"This delivery marks a major step for the Chinook program," Andy Builta, Boeing's H-47 program manager, said in the statement. "The new Chinook will give U.S. Special Operations Forces significantly more capability for extremely challenging missions and will enable them to conduct those missions on the future battlefield."

The upgrades in the Block II version include newly designed rotorblades, major changes to the drive system and other improvements like non-segmented fuel cells. The aircraft is expected to buy back roughly 4,000 pounds of additional load capacity and adds range capability.

.../...

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/09/01/us-special-operations-command-gets-first-brand-new-chinook-variant/

Sparkplug

#576
@Rotorfocus

CitaatThe first #AW169 for the Italian Army (@Esercito) following delivery by @LDO_Helicopters. Two will be used for training, but the Army will recieve a modified version with landing skids to meet its Light Utility Helicopter requirement, replacing A109, AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412



https://twitter.com/Rotorfocus/status/1281622164744146952

Edit. Een uitgebreider verslag over dit type.

The Italian Army Receives First AW169 Light Utility Helicopter in Training Configuration

https://theaviationist.com/2020/07/12/the-italian-army-receives-first-aw169-light-utility-helicopter-in-training-configuration/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Airbus launches 'Team Nightjar' to bid for Australian SOF helo requirement

10 JULY 2020

by Gareth Jennings

Airbus Helicopters has formally launched its bid for Australia's special operations forces (SOF) requirement, with its industrial team announced on 10 July.

The team, known as Team Nightjar, hopes to secure Australia's Land 2097 Phase 4 competition for up to 16 air-transportable light helicopters with the H145M.

"The Commonwealth [of Australia] is seeking a proven, mature and highly reliable off-the-shelf platform and robust support systems. The H145M that we are proposing is the latest member of the H145 family, which has flown over 5.9 million hours with more than 1,400 aircraft in service globally across civil, parapublic and military domains. It is well supported by a mature global network," Airbus Helicopters said.

Partnering with Airbus Helicopters in the Team Nightjar consortium (named after Australia's smallest bird-of-prey) are Cablex, Cyborg Dynamics, Deakin University, DEWC, ECLIPS, Ferra Engineering, Helicopter Logistics, Helimods, Kinetic Fighting, Kratos Australia, Microflite, PREDICT Australia, QinetiQ Australia, Safran Helicopter Engines Australia, Seeing Machines, Sigma Bravo, Rusada, TAFE NSW, Tagai Management Consultants, Toll Helicopters, University of Technology Sydney, Varley Group, and Varley Rafael Australia.

Team Nightjar would, according to Airbus Helicopters, bring in a combined AUD250 million (USD174 million) of economic benefits and more than 170 Australian jobs should it secure the requirement.

The new teaming announcement comes about 16 months after Airbus Helicopters revealed it would bid the H145M for the Australian SOF requirement, and some 24 months after Janes first reported that the company was discussing with a potential customer a requirement to airlift up to four H145Ms aboard a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft for rapid forward deployment.

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Seen in Australian Defence Force colours, the H145M is being out forward by Airbus as a contender for the LAND 2097 special forces helicopter requirement. (Airbus Helicopters)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/airbus-launches-team-nightjar-to-bid-for-australian-sof-helo-requirement
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

When will the Royal Navy's Merlin helicopters be retired? (voorlopig Mark 2 in 2029 en Mark 4/ 4A in 2030)

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/when-will-the-royal-navys-merlin-helicopters-be-retired/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Indian Air Force receives final five Apache attack helicopters

07 JULY 2020

by Rahul Bedi

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken delivery of the last five of 22 Boeing 'AH-64E(I)' Apache Guardian attack helicopters it ordered in 2015 from the United States for USD2.02 billion.

Industry sources told Janes that the twin-engined helicopters were handed over to the IAF on 5 July at Hindon Air Force Station (AFS) on the outskirts of New Delhi after being flown to India in late June aboard an Antonov An-124 'Condor' strategic airlifter.

The sources said that the delivery of the final rotorcraft had been expedited by India's federal government, which exempted all Boeing technicians aboard the An-124 from the mandatory Covid-19-related quarantine requirements for overseas visitors.

The waiver enabled the technicians to swiftly assemble the Apaches at Hindon AFS and conduct a Joint Reception Inspection (JRI) before handing over the helicopters to the IAF for potential deployment to the Line of Actual Control (LoAC) in the Himalayas where the Indian and Chinese armies have been locked in a face-off since May over a border dispute.

Military sources said that in all likelihood the new platforms will supplement an undisclosed number of similar attack helicopters that were deployed to the LoAC in recent weeks from Pathankot AFS near India's border with Pakistan.

The IAF had inducted 17 Apaches by the end of 2019. Although the remaining five helicopters were originally scheduled to arrive by March 2020, their delivery was delayed due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now that all platforms have arrived, IAF sources told Janes

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The IAF has received the final five of 22 'AH-64E(I)' Apache Guardian attack helicopters (similar to this one) ordered from the United States, industry sources told Janes on 7 July. (Boeing)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indian-air-force-receives-final-five-apache-attack-helicopters

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Stoonbrace

Citaat van: Harald op 08/07/2020 | 15:37 uur
Dus 34 stuks F-35A all-inclusief tot 2030 voor € 3,8 miljard euro. dat is ca. € 111 miljoen per toestel...  :hrmph:  dat zou een gouden deal zijn !
Waar NL als level 2 partner  .. € 4,5 miljard moet betalen voor 37 stuks, das € 121 miljoen per stuk en wij hebben al extra facturen gehad.   
Jullie economische return is groter. Hopelijk.

Sparkplug

Citaat van: Harald op 08/07/2020 | 15:37 uur
Dus 34 stuks F-35A all-inclusief tot 2030 voor € 3,8 miljard euro. dat is ca. € 111 miljoen per toestel...  :hrmph:  dat zou een gouden deal zijn !
Waar NL als level 2 partner  .. € 4,5 miljard moet betalen voor 37 stuks, das € 121 miljoen per stuk en wij hebben al extra facturen gehad.   

Dit zijn wel 2018 prijzen en nog niet eens de stuksprijs. De stuksprijs van een F-35A van 2018 is niet te vergelijken met die van 2020 en het daalt zelfs nog iets. De prijs van bijvoorbeeld F-35A F-001 (lot 3) is ook anders dan die van F-35A F-038 (lot 16).

Om terug te komen op de DSCA goedkeuringen. Het zijn inderdaad geschatte kosten (estimated costs).
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Harald

Citaat van: Stoonbrace op 08/07/2020 | 15:06 uur
Jullie denken verkeerd.

https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/regering-kiest-voor-amerikaans-f-35-gevechtsvliegtuig/article-normal-1384973.html

"Ons land krijgt voor dat bedrag 34 F-35A's, twee centra voor vluchtsimulaties, het materieel en de ICT-systemen voor de operationele en technische ondersteuning en de hoogtechnologische helmsystemen voor de piloten. Tot 2030 dekt die investering ook onder andere de kosten van de verdere evoluties van het wapensysteem en de omscholing van piloten en technisch personeel."

Dus 34 stuks F-35A all-inclusief tot 2030 voor € 3,8 miljard euro. dat is ca. € 111 miljoen per toestel...  :hrmph:  dat zou een gouden deal zijn !
Waar NL als level 2 partner  .. € 4,5 miljard moet betalen voor 37 stuks, das € 121 miljoen per stuk en wij hebben al extra facturen gehad.   

Huzaar1

#569
Citaat van: Stoonbrace op 08/07/2020 | 15:06 uur
Jullie denken verkeerd.

https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/regering-kiest-voor-amerikaans-f-35-gevechtsvliegtuig/article-normal-1384973.html

"Ons land krijgt voor dat bedrag 34 F-35A's, twee centra voor vluchtsimulaties, het materieel en de ICT-systemen voor de operationele en technische ondersteuning en de hoogtechnologische helmsystemen voor de piloten. Tot 2030 dekt die investering ook onder andere de kosten van de verdere evoluties van het wapensysteem en de omscholing van piloten en technisch personeel."

Je weet heel goed dat alles is opgeknipt.
Onderhoudsfasciliteiten, gereedschap, testapparatuur, opleidingen ( niet omscholen) en F-35 specifieke wapensystemen, klimaatluchtsystemen die de F35 nodig heeft, specifieke security gateways die moeten worden opgezet.. en ga maar door. Dat is hier evengoed en ik weet bij jullie ook : ).

Alles om het een niet al te groot bedrag in 1 x te laten zijn.
"Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion" US secmindef - Jed Babbin"

Stoonbrace

Jullie denken verkeerd.

https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/regering-kiest-voor-amerikaans-f-35-gevechtsvliegtuig/article-normal-1384973.html

"Ons land krijgt voor dat bedrag 34 F-35A's, twee centra voor vluchtsimulaties, het materieel en de ICT-systemen voor de operationele en technische ondersteuning en de hoogtechnologische helmsystemen voor de piloten. Tot 2030 dekt die investering ook onder andere de kosten van de verdere evoluties van het wapensysteem en de omscholing van piloten en technisch personeel."

Huzaar1

Citaat van: Harald op 08/07/2020 | 14:56 uur
Ik denk dat Belgie idd 3,8 miljard betaald voor alleen de aanschaf van de toestellen, maar ... in die "schatting" van DSCA zit meer dan alleen de aankoop.
Veel zaken worden uit andere "potjes" betaald en ook aangeschaft onder andere noemers, daarom is veelal een aankoop bewust laag en worden aanvullende benodigde zaken daarna aangekocht. 

In de 6,53 miljard dollar zitten ook zaken als ...
- Full Mission Trainer
- Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)
- software development/integration
- aircraft ferry and tanker support
- support equipment; tools and test equipment; communications equipment; spares and repair parts
- personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documents
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support

Denk dat die schatting aardig overeenkomt met het totale bedrag inderdaad.
"Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion" US secmindef - Jed Babbin"

Harald

#566
Citaat van: Stoonbrace op 08/07/2020 | 14:47 uur
DSCA schattingen zijn S C H A T T I N G E N en meestal heel wat méér dan wat er uiteindelijk betaald wordt.

Case in point: België heeft 3.8 miljard euro te betalen voor zijn F-35's. De DSCA schatting was 6.53 miljard dollar.

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/belgium-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-aircraft

Ik denk dat Belgie idd 3,8 miljard betaald voor alleen de aanschaf van de toestellen, maar ... in die "schatting" van DSCA zit meer dan alleen de aankoop.
Veel zaken worden uit andere "potjes" betaald en ook aangeschaft onder andere noemers, daarom is veelal een aankoop bewust laag en worden aanvullende benodigde zaken daarna aangekocht. 

In de 6,53 miljard dollar zitten ook zaken als ...
- Full Mission Trainer
- Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)
- software development/integration
- aircraft ferry and tanker support
- support equipment; tools and test equipment; communications equipment; spares and repair parts
- personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documents
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support

Stoonbrace

DSCA schattingen zijn S C H A T T I N G E N en meestal heel wat méér dan wat er uiteindelijk betaald wordt.

Case in point: België heeft 3.8 miljard euro te betalen voor zijn F-35's. De DSCA schatting was 6.53 miljard dollar.

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/belgium-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-aircraft