Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well that being said I guess BERKUT will free up a slot for the Russians as it's only an experimental prototype/demonstrator, not to worry it'll join the U.S. and Israeli AH-X on the, yes, dreaded list.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/s37/
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...ssia/su-47.htm
Could be the same for the PAK FA as it's development is limited to the interceptor role thus far, at the very least I'll check for dates and make sure India has it too. I really didn't think they would be in so far out but times were different when they were put in the game I'm sure. Also a lot of developmental equipment got in as well that I know Don has been trying to clear up over the last couple of years, I have a few of those already posted with more to come as well. As to the Chinese the only real problem identified with them is the issues they've had in developing their own successful jet engine technology a problem they share with India and others in that field. That's why India and Russia are currently working together on a fighter now. Check broadsword.com for more on that and the following poor mans article.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...fighter-03133/
I mean this with sincerity Marcello, thank you I wasn't planning on even checking these to see if they were in the game as stated above.

Regards,
Pat

[dmnt]

Patria to upgrade Finnish Hornets. Unfortunately there is no English press release, but hope machine translation will do:
http://www.patria.fi/patria_www_fi_s...nnuksista.html

A major order from the Air Force to Patria for Hornet fighter MLU2 series installations

Patria has received a major order from Air Force Hornet fighter MLU2 system upgrade kit installation. The order is worth more than EUR 24 million and its effect on employment is about 150 person-years.

The Air Force has ordered Patria Hornet fighter MLU2 system upgrade kit installations. Order as a whole covers 35 Hornet fighter aircraft modification and related components and network processing. Work will begin in 2012, and installations made between 2013 to 2015 machines during normal maintenance periods and structural upgrades.

Work undertaken by Patria Aviation and Systems business, Jämsä Hall, where the human resources to be added over the coming years thanks to your order. The order is valued at over EUR 24 million and its effect on employment is about 150 person-years.

"Hall's office is already taking place MLU2 upgrade support and preparatory works. Patria We worked in close cooperation with the Air Force and MLU2 systems comparable with the U.S. Navy since 2004, when a system update for the implementation of the planning started, "says Senior Vice President Calvin Matikainen Patria.

The Air Force goal is to upgrade all 62 planes until the end of 2016. Patria has previously taken the Air Force's Hornet fleet of the first system update (MLU1) between 2007 -2010 as well as machinery for the acquisition of 57 single-seat F-18 C-model final assembly and testing.


For more information:

Senior Vice President Calvin Matikainen, Patria Aviation, tel 040 869 3351, lassi.matikainen @ patria.fi

Patria is an international defense and aerospace group, which supplies its own specialist know-how and partnerships, competitive solutions based on its customers. Patria is owned by the Finnish government and European Aeronautica Defence and Space Company EADS NV

Some info over what this upgrade includes: http://www.defence-observer.info/news/europe/427-f18

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

This touches on the Finnish upgrades. Also note the Jan. 6, 2011 entry, F35 slips to 2016 now vice 2015.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...-flying-02816/
Got to get ready for work, have a major inspection this week. Have a great day everyone!

Regards,
Pat

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

Could be the same for the PAK FA as it's development is limited to the interceptor role thus far, at the very least I'll check for dates and make sure India has it too. I really didn't think they would be in so far out but times were different when they were put in the game I'm sure. Pat

The SU-47 has been around for a long time, IIRC it was talked about as the starting point for the next fighter project. Typically things have played out differently...
The PAK FA was put in last year just before the patch was released.
As far as I understand it is meant to be primarily a tactical fighter, though no doubt it will be used in the interceptor role too. I guess it is likely that at least some basic air to ground capability will be put in as well: there may be targets that would be best engaged by a stealth platform and it is not like Russia or India are going to be able to afford a dedicated stealth bomber very soon (there is some work being done but it will probably be a long time before it comes to fruition). In regards to timeline it is a bit too early make predictions as to when the russians, never mind the indians, are going to put it in service. According to some knowledgeable people it may well be that the chinese will come ahead...

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Great discussion here!!
Go to CBS.com to the CBS Evening News (11 JAN. 2011) link for the story on SECDEF Gates meeting in China over defense issues. China decided to take the J-20 for a ride today while he was there sending a political message of their own. They made a comparison of the F-22 to the J-20, imagine that!?! It's all in the eye of the beholder I guess.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...969/#more-4969
Another piece of the puzzle to the lineage of the PAK FA. Also note "The China factor" and March 16/10 section which is only part of the picture in Russian modernization and procurement over the next ten years, T-95 MBT anyone? We'll see.
Pic:

Article I left off from Post #1 on PAK FA.
http://www.military-today.com/aircra...hoi_pak_fa.htm

Links plane lineage to PAK FA.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...sia/pak-fa.htm

Supports 2015 - 2017 start of production.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...fa-program.htm

Very technical read I was thankful for some "signal training" but very through with a little bias.
http://www.warfare.ru/?catid=255&linkid=2280

Sets up the situation and DETAILS the factors involved. This from a very respected aerospace think tank.
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-NOTAM-300309-1.html
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-NOTAM-300310-1.html

I consider fighters in VERY BASIC terms like radar detectors for cars, as fast they are marketed, the police have counter measures, the new model comes out, the police have... and on it goes. Tanks are easier, (Hey maybe I'm sending a message of my own. Nay...not me!?!) much easier.

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well this will be my last post for a while I'm making my final push to finish my list between work etc.
I found this very interesting and touched on it yesterday, but the question is who was caught more off guard by the J-20 flight test the Chinese President Hu Jintao or SECDEF Gates, you decide.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21190/

Gates changing course based on other countries advances in equipment and accelerated procurement efforts. I see more RAPTORS which could mean more delays or less F-35s for the U.S. The last is my assessment concerning the F-35, but money is money and we have only so much to spend.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21191/
Gotta love them Navy boys even if those are only "targets", a little inside joke for my surface counterparts!

A little surprise for me with the next concerning the F-4. I had the fine privilege until recently to have worked with a retired USAF Maj. who flew combat missions in Vietnam in them. Being a gentleman and a great Irishman I salute him and all you Vietnam vets!
He'll be glad to hear the AF is keep'em flying.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21130/

Good Night and have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Regards,
Pat

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

Gates changing course based on other countries advances in equipment and accelerated procurement efforts. I see more RAPTORS which could mean more delays or less F-35s for the U.S. The last is my assessment concerning the F-35, but money is money and we have only so much to spend.

Not going to happen. Bloody political battles have been waged on the F-22/F-35 and issues have been settled; I cannot imagine everyone saying: OK, we have screwed up, back to the drawing board. That is not how politics works; you would need an extremely compelling reason to overcome that and a couple of prototypes we know little about isn't enough to do that.
Besides you can only trim the F-35 program so much for a variety of reasons (economies of scale, US allies etc.).

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Was on my list and then saw it brought up separately before posting my last patch page. Since Don has addressed this for the game, here then is my tribute to the plane , those that flew'em and those that kept'em flying.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...368/#more-3368
Combined 700 Billion GPD in 2009 contract expenditure on life cycle and engine upgrades for the HARRIER.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/19983/
Final SEA HARRIER fly by of HMS ARK ROYAL.
Pic:


http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/708/
HMS ARK ROYAL pulls into port for the last time.

http://www.janes.com/news/defence/ai...1217_1_n.shtml
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/20623/
Concerning the final flyover.
Pics:




Proud as they should be and no better way for a send off then with the "Pipes", I know I had the honor of one at my retirement ceremony.

Though he had some "thoughts" about the MOD decision at the final flyover, RNC Nigel "Sharkey" Ward wrote an excellent book on the Falklands War and the role of the HARRIER while serving as a flight leader there. I got to see PELE play for the
Mid-Atlantic Cup while with the NY COSMOS but, he was almost overshadowed by the war as the Argentina team and fans found themselves very unwelcome at the Meadowlands Stadium at the time after some "demonstrations" of their own. Not something to do with a NY crowd!

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Sorry SEA HARRIER retired in March 2006. It should of course be the joint services GR9 HARRIER.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fa2/
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/harriergr9/
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/harrier/
The last covers the Corps (Which have been upgraded since this was published.), SPAINISH and ITALIAN Navy versions. INDIA flies the SEA HARRIER but I believe they may be "grounded" now.
Good Night and Have a Great Day!

Regards,
Pat

[DRG]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

INDIA flies the SEA HARRIER but I believe they may be "grounded" now.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...hortage-04774/

Oct 31/10: The Financial Times reports that Britain is looking to sell its fleet of advanced Harrier II GR9s, adding that India is seen as a potential customer:

“India and the US are the two most promising markets for more than 50 of the most up-to-date Harriers, which will otherwise be consigned to the scrap-yard or museum. Peter Luff, defence procurement minister, told the Financial Times that some of the kit axed in the defence review… might still find a home abroad.”

and Re : Grounding

Aug 26/09: Sify News reports India’s grounding of its Sea Harrier fleet. Indian navy spokesman P.V.S. Satish:

“The fleet has been grounded for immediate physical checks on all the flying controls…. We’re likely to finish that in 48 to 72 hours and thereafter the fleet will be cleared.”