AUS: Air Force sustainment contract supports Australian jobs

The Turnbull Government has signed a contract to provide sustainment for the engines of the newly acquired EA-18G Growler aircraft. This contract, which also includes sustainment of Australia’s existing F/A-18F Super Hornets, will support more than 40 jobs at RAAF base Amberley in Queensland.

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the contract extension will continue what has been a highly successful partnership with General Electric International Incorporated and its subcontractors.

“This expanded commercial arrangement valued at approximately $230 million will see continued support for Australia’s current fleet of twenty four F/A-18F Super Hornets and twelve newly acquired EA-18G Growlers through until June 2025,” Minister Pyne said.

“The Super Hornet and Growler aircraft provide us with an enhanced multi-role air combat and electronic attack capability to protect Australia’s national security.”

“As well as securing continued support for Australia’s cutting edge air combat capability, this arrangement with General Electric provides jobs for dozens of Australians, and sets a base for GE to attract further work from around the world.”

“It is just another example of the Turnbull Government delivering on our commitment to use Australian defence industry whenever it is feasible to do so” Minister Pyne said.

AUS DoD

Industry: Northrop Grumman Australia Welcomes the Awarding of F-35 MRO&U Work to Australian Defence Industry

CANBERRA, Australia, Nov. 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Australia, a fully owned Australian subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), welcomes the announcement of the assignment of a significant amount of maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) work for the multinational F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to the Australian defence industry.

Under this assignment announcement, Northrop Grumman Australia and fellow team members, BAE Systems Australia, Rockwell Collins Australia, GE Aviation Systems Australia and Quickstep will provide the capabilities that underpin six of the 10 MRO&U Repair Technology Categories (RTC). These categories were assigned to Australian industry by the U.S. JSF Program Office (JPO) for the sustainment of F-35 Lightning IIs based in the Asia/Pacific region, including the 72 F-35As on order for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

News Story: S. Korea conducts wind tunnel testing for KF-X jet

A Model of one of several possible designs for the KFX

South Korea kicked off wind tunnel testing as it moves forward to finalize the design of its next-generation jet fuselage by mid-2018, the aircraft's local developers said Wednesday.

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute said they started the first phase of wind tunnel testing in a bid to lay out the design for the Korean Fighter Experimental (KF-X) program.

The KF-X project, which will cost 18 trillion won (US$15.3 billion) of the taxpayers money, will call for the building of some 120 twin-engine combat jets. Seoul aims to deploy the new planes starting in the mid-2020s to replace its fleet of vintage F-4s and F-5s.

A wind tunnel test assesses aerodynamic forces that an object can withstand as well as overall flight properties by letting air move past it.

Read the full story at Korea Times

News Story: South Korea Picks GE To Provide Engines for Fighters

A model of one of several possible designs for the KFX

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has chosen US conglomerate General Electric (GE) over a European competitor as the preferred bidder to supply engines for a multibillion-dollar fighter jet project, government officials said.

"Our plan is to finalize a contract in June," a spokesman at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) told AFP.

GE Aviation was chosen over a European Eurojet consortium that included Rolls-Royce Holdings and MTU Aero Engines AG.

South Korea is looking to develop a fleet of 120 "indigenous" next-generation, multirole fighter jets over the next 10 years to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters imported from the United States.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Editorial: An India-US Tussle Over Technology Transfer

By Seema Sirohi

The U.S. and India need to work out important details on technology transfer before they can fully cooperate on defense.

The growing defense cooperation between India and the United States is considered to be the brightest spot on the tapestry of bilateral relations. It appears less burdened by complaints and counter-complaints than, say, the trade and economic relationship.

Both sides see each other as partners in need, with basic convergence of views on crucial issues of maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the need to maintain the rule of law in the wilds of the oceans—the Pacific and the Indian—where a new power is rising.

The trust between India and the U.S. has grown over the years, as have sales of weapons, totaling $9 billion. The two sides have moved from deep suspicion to talking about collaboration on developing India’s next generation aircraft carrier. That’s a long distance to cover in a short span of 10 years.

The visit of U.S. Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter, this week is an important opportunity to push the defence relationship further by cementing trust a bit more, especially by clarifying issues of technology transfer.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

Editorial: US and Vietnam - From Foes to Friends

By Pham Quang Vinh

Vietnam’s new ambassador to the United States reflects on the state of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship.

People who doubt that bitter foes can become good friends should look at the United States and Vietnam.

When I served on Vietnam’s delegation to the United Nations, from 1987 through 1990, I found most Americans warm and friendly, even though many Americans, understandably, could not look beyond the legacy of war.

But, in 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam established diplomatic relations. Now, as the Ambassador of Vietnam to the U.S., I find Americans focused on the future and what we can accomplish together, from creating jobs through trade to building mutual understanding through education.

As for the  Vietnamese – a youthful people whose median age is under 30 – we are also eager to move ahead. During a 1,200-mile bicycle ride across our country in the late 1990s, Ted Osius, now U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, feared that he might encounter hostility upon arrival at an old demilitarized zone. Instead, he was welcomed by a woman who told him, “We are now brothers and sisters.” 

Read the full story at The Diplomat

Industry: GE LM2500 Gas Turbine Powers Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Canberra; Commissioned as Country’s Largest Ship

EVENDALE, Ohio - GE Marine reports that its LM2500 aeroderivative marine gas turbine now powers the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship. This recently commissioned ship is the first of two LHDs to be introduced into the RAN fleet.

According to the RAN’s website, "Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett said that the commissioning was a step towards developing the future of the Navy. ‘HMAS Canberra is an exciting addition to the Royal Australian Navy. This very capable ship will serve the nation well for decades to come.’"

HMAS Canberra also marks another milestone for the RAN as it is their first project application of an LM2500 gas turbine-generator set versus a traditional mechanical drive system.

At 27,000 tonnes, the HMAS Canberra was built by contractors BAE Systems Australia and Spanish shipyard Navantia; the two companies also will construct sister LHD HMAS Adelaide. The RAN LHDs are based on Navantia’s design for the Spanish Navy’s Buque de Proyección Estratégica (BPE) program that also feature the GE LM2500 gas turbine-generator set. The RAN currently operates 16 LM2500 gas turbines in two additional ship classes – the Adelaide- and ANZAC- class frigate programs.

GE Aviation

Industry: Boeing Delivers 4th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

SEATTLE, May 23, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the fourth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India on schedule, fulfilling the first half of a contract for eight aircraft.

The aircraft departed from Boeing Field in Seattle and arrived May 21 at Naval Air Station Rajali, where it joined three P-8Is currently undergoing operational evaluation.

“This marks an important milestone – the halfway point for P-8I deliveries to India,” said Dennis Swanson, BDS vice president in India. “The program’s success the past year is really a testament to the great work between Boeing, the Indian Navy and industry.”

Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

AUS: Jobs remain in Australia under Hornet contract

Defence Minister Senator David Johnston today announced a multi-million dollar contract extension for the maintenance of the Classic Hornet F404 engine.

The contract, valued at approximately $230 million was awarded to General Electric International Incorporated.

Senator Johnston said the extension followed an announcement by the Chief of Air Force to extend the Classic Hornet’s life out to 2022.

“After successful negotiations between GEII and the Defence Materiel Organisation, we have reached a mutual agreement on the price and requirements of the Classic Hornet contract extension, achieving savings of $36 million,” Senator Johnston said.

Industry: Boeing Delivers 2nd P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

SEATTLE, Nov. 15, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the second P-8I aircraft to India today, doubling that country’s long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.  

Boeing is building eight P-8I aircraft for India and delivered the first in-country in May. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

"With two aircraft at Naval Station Rajali now, the Indian Navy will get a good feel for the P-8I's interoperability with other aircraft," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "Acceptance trials on the first aircraft are progressing well and its availability for testing has been excellent, in large part due to Boeing’s worldwide 737 support capabilities."

News Story: India, US finalise Rs 3000 crore deal for jet engines

Tejas LCA (File Photo)

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and the US have finalised a Rs 3000-crore deal for supplying 99 jet engines to be used in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' being developed by the DRDO.

Around two years ago, India had selected the American company General Electric over its rival European Eurojet 2000 for the LCA Mark II programme expected to be ready around 2014-15.

"The deal worth Rs 3,000 crore has been finalised with the US for procuring 99 engines for the LCA Tejas MkII," Defence Research and Development Organisation officials said here.

As per the contract, the order could be for 99 engines initially but India will have the option of ordering another 100 engines in the future.

Read the full story at Brahmand

Australian Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance has received 1st Sonar block from Spain

Spanish F100 basis for AWD design (Click to Enlarge)

The Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance has received the first major deliveries for this year of equipment to be installed on the three new destroyers being constructed at Techport Australia for the Royal Australian Navy.

The first of three sonar blocks has been received from Spanish shipbuilder and AWD platform designer Navantia. During the past week, the Alliance has also received the last of six gas turbines for the destroyers. 

AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the sonar block arrived by road train from Melbourne following a six-week journey by sea from Spain.  It is a uniquely-shaped block with complex curves, which will be positioned at the front of the AWDs, under the keel.

“Sonar, or sound navigation and ranging, is a system which navigates, communicates and detects objects underwater, such as submarines,” Mr Equid said.  “This is done by transmitting sound waves and measuring how long it takes for an echo to return after hitting the foreign object.”

Navantia is constructing the sonar blocks for all three ships because of the block’s unique shape and Navantia’s prior experience in building this particular structure.  The sonar block that has arrived will be installed on Ship 1.  The remaining two sonar blocks are expected to be delivered later this year.

The complete sonar will be made up of the sonar block, as well as a sonar dome which is also a complex curved shape but made of fibreglass. The sonar dome will be installed underneath each of these blocks and will house and protect the sensitive sonar equipment.

In addition, Mr Equid said the Alliance now has the complete set of gas turbines for all three ships.  Each destroyer will have two LM2500 gas turbines configured in a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) arrangement with two diesel engines. They will provide power to the ship at high speeds, taking over from the propulsion diesel engine which will drive the ship at lower speeds.

The gas turbines were manufactured by General Electric in Ohio, United States.  Each turbine will have a brake horsepower of 25,000 and will be connected to the shaft line and propellers via the main reduction gearbox.  The turbines consist of a two-stage high power turbine and a six-stage low pressure turbine, and will be powered by 30 fuel nozzles and two spark igniters for high voltage ignition, as well as a 16-stage air compressor. 

The AWD project is being delivered under an Alliance structure.  The AWD Alliance is made up of the Defence Materiel Organisation as the Commonwealth representative, ASC as the shipbuilder and Raytheon Australia as the combat system systems engineer.

When complete, the AWD will be one of the most capable warships of its size in the world, featuring the Aegis weapons system. Each AWD will have anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability as well as the ability to embark a helicopter at sea.

AWD Alliance

Editorial: Limited Liftoff Looming - Y-20 Transport Prepares for 1st Test Flight

By Andrew Erickson and Gabe Collins

While China's stealth aircraft prototypes may get all the buzz, the Y-20 offers new military operational possibilities.

In 2011 and 2012, China flight-tested stealth fighter prototypes developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (J-20) and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (J-31). In 2013, Xi’an Aircraft Corporation(XAC) will look to get into the new aircraft game by flight-testing a prototype of the Y-20, an indigenously-developed large transport aircraft similar in size to the Russian IL-76 and somewhat smaller than the U.S. C-17. The Y-20 program is part of an effort to develop an indigenous long-range jet-powered heavy transport aircraft, a top priority in China’s “Medium- and Long-Term National Science and Technology Development Program (2006–20)” (MLP).

Now satellite images have revealed the Y-20’s presence at Yanliang airfield, near Xi’an, which hosts the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)’s China Flight Test Establishment (CFTE). There it reportedly began low-speed taxi testing on  December 21, 2012. On  January 3, 2013, Aviation Industry of China (AVIC) Chairman and Party Secretary Lin Zuoming visited Yanliang to observe the situation there and offer his gratitude for contributions made and successes achieved by the numerous CFTE and XAC personnel who have been toiling to prepare testing and test flights. While it is only natural for an aviation executive to engage in such activities at a flight test center, the Y-20’s presence there nevertheless suggests that its test flight is one of the ones being readied. What will a Y-20 test flight suggest about China’s aviation development and military capabilities?

Read the full 5 page story at The Diplomat

USA: Possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Indonesia of 8 AH-64D APACHE Attack Helicopters

AH-64D Apache Longbow (Wiki Info)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 19 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The estimated cost is $1.42 billion.

The Government of Indonesia has requested a possible sale of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters, 19 T-700-GE-701D Engines (16 installed and 3 spares), 9 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 4 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) with Radar Electronics Units (Longbow Component), 4 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 10 AAR- 57(V) 3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) with 5th Sensor and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser, 10 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 10 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 24 Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems (IHDSS-21), 32 M299A1 HELLFIRE Missile Launchers, and 140 HELLFIRE AGM-114R3 Missiles. Also included are Identification Friend or Foe transponders, 30mm guns and ammunition, communication equipment, tools and test equipment, training devices, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical,and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $1.42

billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The proposed sale provides the Government of Indonesia with assets vital to protect and deter both external and other potential threats. Indonesia will use these APACHE helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations, and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca.

The materiel and services under this program will enable Indonesia to become a more capable defensive force and will also provide key elements required for interoperability with U.S. forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, Florida; General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio; Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology in Owego, New York; and Longbow Limited Liability Corporation in Orlando, Florida.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of five U.S. contractor representatives and three U.S. Government representatives in country full-time for equipment checkout, fielding, and technical support.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA (PDF)

GE and IPTN Sign CT7 Engine Overhaul Agreement

CT7/T700 being shown at
the Paris Air Show 2007 (Wiki Info)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA -- In a ceremony in Jakarta, GE and PT. Nusantara Turbin Dan Propulsi (NTP) signed an overhaul support agreement covering CT7 engines that power CN235 turboprop aircraft. This further expands the successful collaboration between the two companies on the CT7 program that dates back over 20 years. NTP is a subsidiary of PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), formerly IPTN.

Under this agreement, NTP will provide overhaul services for in-service and future CN235 engines (CT7-5/CT7-7/CT7-9 models) at its Indonesia facility. GE Aviation will continue to manufacture, assemble, inspect and test CT7-9 engines for CN235 orders at its Lynn, MA, facility. The CN235 is currently built by both Airbus Military and PTDI.

 

Handry Satriago, CEO of GE Indonesia, remarked, "We are pleased to again enter into an arrangement with NTP. Their proven experience with the engine and existing relationships with CN235 customers should prove beneficial."

 

Supra Dekanto, NTP's President Director, said, "This agreement will ensure product support of PTDI's CN235 aircraft, and reinforce NTP's commitment to supporting GE's CT7 engines."

 

"Our longstanding relationship with GE is a clear sign to our customers and partners that NTP remains serious in its commitment to the CT7. Thanks to GE for its support throughout this period, including the assembly of CT7 at NTP's facility in Bandung, Indonesia, and their continued support for the maintenance overhaul of the engines," he added.

 

The primary roles of the twin-engine CN235 include maritime patrol, surveillance and air transport. Top country customers include Turkey, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Spain, France and Indonesia.

 

The 1,900-shaft-horsepower CT7 turboprop was certified in 1983 and entered service as a regional airliner powerplant in June 1984 on the Saab 340. Later that decade it was chosen as the engine for the CASA/IPTN CN 235. In all, more than 1,200 CT7 turboprop engines have been delivered worldwide.

GE Aviation

USA: Australia selects U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Commonwealth of Australia has selected the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter as their preferred choice to fulfill the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation multi-role naval combat aircraft.

The selection of the MH-60R, which will be acquired via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program, marks the first-ever procurement of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter outside the United States.

“The MH-60R Romeo helicopter will fill a critical maritime warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy,” said Rear Adm. Steven R. Eastburg, Program Executive Officer, Air, ASW, Assault and Special Mission programs. “U.S. naval forces have found the Romeo platform to be an operationally effective and reliable first responder for all missions and contingencies encountered at sea around the world.”

Besides performing its primary mission roles of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the multi-role aircraft also can perform search and rescue, troop transport, medical evacuation, ship-to-ship replenishment and humanitarian relief operations.

The U.S. Navy was supported in its winning proposal by Team Romeo, consisting of MH-60R airframe manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft, mission systems integrator Lockheed Martin, engine manufacturer GE, sensor supplier Raytheon Corp., and training supplier CAE.

Australia’s Phase 8 requirement seeks a replacement capability for the Royal Australian Navy’s 16 existing S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters, which entered service in the late 1980s. Team Romeo is expected to complete and deliver the first two MH-60R helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy in 2014.

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin have delivered 100 mission-ready MH-60R helicopters to the U.S. Navy since 2006. To date, six operational MH-60R squadrons have accumulated almost 100,000 flight hours.

The U.S. Navy is expected to procure a total of 300 MH-60R aircraft by 2017.

Team Romeo is currently delivering MH-60R aircraft to the U.S. Navy at the rate of 25-30 a year. The team has capacity to deliver 18 to 23 additional aircraft annually to Foreign Military Sales customers.

NAVAIR

MH-60R

Australia Selects U.S. Navy’s MH-60R SEAHAWK® Helicopter for AIR 9000 Phase 8 Program

STRATFORD, Connecticut - The U.S. Navy today announced the Commonwealth of Australia has selected the MH-60R SEAHAWK^® helicopter to fulfill the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. The Commonwealth will acquire the helicopters with associated training and logistical support via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

“The companies that comprise Team Romeo are honored by the Commonwealth’s choice of the MH-60R Romeo helicopter to protect Australia’s maritime interests,” said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. “We look forward to collaborating with the Royal Australian Navy and local industry across Australia as we build and integrate these proven SEAHAWK aircraft.”

Team Romeo principals Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) have co-developed and delivered maritime helicopters for the U.S. Navy for more than 35 years. They are teamed with engine manufacturer GE Aviation, sonar and sensor provider Raytheon Company, and training and simulator provider CAE for the Phase 8 competition. In addition to delivering Romeo helicopters, the team plans to bring long-term jobs and work opportunities to Australian industry valued at $1.5 billion over 10 years.

“The MH-60R helicopter is a sophisticated sensor platform that has proven its ability to protect the U.S. fleet from submarines, ships and fast attack boats,” said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems vice president. “We are committed to providing the Australian fleet with the same advanced capabilities, as the U.S. Navy continues its investment in the aircraft.”

The Commonwealth of Australia this week signed the Letter of Acceptance, a formal agreement with the U.S. Navy. The Letter of Acceptance marks the first-ever purchase of the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R helicopter outside the United States. The Royal Australian Navy is expected to take delivery of the first two MH-60R helicopters in 2014.

Sikorsky

For more about the MH-60R click HERE