News Story: PAF preparing to procure 6 close air support aircraft

Embraer A-29/EMB 314 Super Tucano

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is preparing to launch its fourth bid to procure six close-air support (CAS) aircraft and an accompanying logistics support package for PHP4.9 billion says IHS Jane’s report.

The programme is expected to be competed for by two aircraft: the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano and Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a US version of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 Advanced Turbo Trainer.

A source told IHS Jane’s that the request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued “very soon,” adding that recent delays in the programme were due to changes in administration in the Philippines.

Read the full story at Tankler

Industry: Australian Defence Force PC-21 Completes First Flight

A PC-21 of the Singapore Air Force

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce that the first of 49 PC-21 aircraft destined for the Australian Defence Force has successfully completed its initial production test flight at the factory in Stans, Switzerland. The flight took place only seven months after contract signature.

Under a contract signed in December 2015 aimed at harmonising Australian Defence Force flight training across all three services – Army, Navy and Air Force – Pilatus will deliver a total of 49 PC-21 which will operate from four Royal Australian Air Force bases. Pilatus will also supply significant elements of ground based training equipment and the in-service support capability.

This first PC-21, registered as A54-001, will be handed over to the Royal Australian Air Force at East Sale in June 2017 after completion of testing and verification work in both Switzerland and Australia.

USA: VFA-115 Hones Close Air Support Skills with Australian Defence Force

By Lt. j.g. Chris Pagenkopf, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 Public Affairs

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 transits the Bismarck Sea en route to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville, Queensland, Australia, in March. (U.S. Navy/ Lt. j.g. Chris Pagenkopf) >>

TOWNSVILLE, Australia - The "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 participated in three weeks of close air support exercises with the Australian Defence Force from March 26 - April 15.

The squadron’s detachment of eight F/A-18E Super Hornets operated from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville, Queensland for the training evolutions.

During the first week of the detachment, VFA-115 flew in support of Exercise Nigrum Pugio. Nigrum Pugio is a one-week Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) qualification event conducted by the Australian Army that focused on coordinated battlefield close air support in a variety of threat environments.

The following two weeks of operations supported Exercise Black Dagger, the culminating event for the JTAC qualification course conducted by No. 4 Squadron of the RAAF. In this exercise, VFA-115 flew battlefield and urban close air support missions with both ground and airborne terminal attack control. The airborne terminal attack control incorporated RAAF aircrews using PC-9/A aircraft.