Defense Projects and News

The United States Air Force (USAF) is looking to upgrade its new Sikorsky HH-60W Combat helicopters. The new systems are expected to cost upwards of 1 billion dollars (981 million). The upgrades to the new helicopters already is necessary because in their thinking the enemy threats are advancing faster than the development of the helicopter program. Sikorsky already has the 1.6 billion dollar contract for the first 22 HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters. The USAF cites an eventual 113 units to replace the ageing HH-60G Pave Hawks.

"Bitchin' Betty"... the voice commands you hear in the F-18 Hornet.

Another look at the Defiant X

The United States Air Force (USAF) isn't that happy about the cost of F-35s during operation. They cite that the cost is around 44,000 dollars per hour for one aircraft of the F-35A variant. The air Force has been looking at cheaper aircraft fighter options for its continue fleet recapitalization program. Perhaps this is why you see renewed interest in the F-15EX program and also looking at new-build F-16s. Greg Ulmer, executive vice-president of Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics business area, told reporters on 19 February that the company was still committed to and confident of reducing the cost of flying the F-35 to $25,000 per hour. The USAF doesn't believe that they can reduce the operating cost to that amount by 2025.

Boeing T-7A Red Hawk production starts.

A look at the first Japanese Boeing KC-46 Tanker. Back in February the first Boeing KC-46 tanker destined for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took to the skies on its maiden flight yesterday. This successful flight highlights an important milestone as the aircraft now transitions into the certification phase of development.

"This is an exciting milestone for the JASDF and Boeing," said Jamie Burgess, KC-46 program manager. "Japan is getting closer to receiving the most advanced air refueling tanker in the world." Japan is the KC-46 program’s first international customer and is scheduled to receive its first jet this year.

"Boeing’s KC-46 and its robust defensive systems will play an invaluable role in the security alliance between our two countries," said Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan. "This tanker’s ability to carry cargo and passengers also makes it a critical tool to support humanitarian relief efforts across the Pacific region and beyond." The KC-46 refueling certification encompasses U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF aircraft.

Combat Rescue Helicopter mission readiness.

Boeing Loyal Wingman

Germany has now been approved to make the purchase for five Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol aircraft, special missions version of the Boeing 737-800. The United States Department has Ok'ed the foreign military sale already. "The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of P-8A Aircraft and Associated Support, and related equipment, for an estimated cost of $1.77 billion," the release said. " The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today."

Lol, I agree it is not the best but the information is what you are going after.

French Air Force Airbus A332 departing Tahiti.

Earlier this month a United States Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber landing at the Bodo Air Force Station in Norway marking the first time that a B-1 Lancer landed in the Arctic Circle region. It is one of four aircraft of the type deployed to Norway at present along with 200 airmen from a Texas Air Force Base.

Lockheed Martin congratulates the Australian Air Force on 100 years of Air Power.

Good news for the Airbus Defense team with Canada appearing to choose their A330 MRTT over the Boeing KC46 to replace their old Airbus A310s. By the end of this decade we will see Canada's Air Force with a fleet of MRTTs.

SMART MRTT - Refuelling goes automatic

Indeed....it just was not going to happen. They simply could have let Delta have the 75 CSeries from Bombardier and accept the loss and move on.

Delivery of the fourth A330 MRTT to the Eindhoven Air Base

Embraer has successfully concluded aerial refueling qualification between two KC-390 Millennium. This was partly done as proving for the Brazil Air Force.