Pertahanan Republik Indonesia

Home » Posts filed under Pesawat Angkut

Tampilkan postingan dengan label Pesawat Angkut. Tampilkan semua postingan

PM Medvedev Orders Building New Aircraft Plant in Kazan

12 Juni 2012

In the era of Soviet Union, the Antonov and Ilyushin are aircraft manufacturer that supplies transport aircraft to USSR air force. After the Soviet Union broke up, because the Antonov factory is located in Kiev, then included into the territory of Ukraine, while Ilyushin factory is located in Mosckow then included into the territory of Russia. (photo : Airliners)

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered a construction of an aircraft manufacturing plant for production of tactical transport aircraft in Kazan, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Saturday.

The mooted plant in the capital of the republic of Tatarstan will be intended in particular for the construction of Antonov An-70 propfan tactical transport aircraft and possibly in the future for the production of a new generation strategic bombers, the minister said.

“It will be the most up-to-date plant producing An-70 aircraft, and as soon as with settle the issue with new long-range aircraft, it might be produced there as well,” Serdyukov said.

Two weeks ago Lt. Gen. Viktor Kachalkin, the commander of Russia's Military Transport Aviation (VTA), announced that the service will receive 60 Antonov An-70 propfan tactical transport aircraft by 2020.

The Ukrainian-designed An-70, which is being built together with Russia, has had a long-running and troubled gestation, with one prototype crashing in the 1990's in a collision and a second crashing in 2001 in a take-off accident in Omsk. The aircraft also had a history of snags with its propfan engines.

Russia pulled out of the project in 2006, with Russia Air Force commander Vladimir Mikhailov stating it did not need the aircraft and would prefer the modernized Il-76, but it later rejoined the program.

(RIA Novosti)

C-27J Contract Signed

04 Juni 2012

Alenia C-27 Spartan (photo : d_m_b)

A contract has been signed with Alenia Aermacchi that will allow for the long tern operation, maintenance, modification and upgrade of the C-27J aircraft and support systems.

On 12 May, the Government announced the decision to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. The announcement also foreshadowed that Defence would seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that the RAAF could operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

The contract, which is worth around $63 million, will also provide Defence with the ability to compete and sublicense third parties, including Australian industry, to provide the maintenance services, training services and the ability to modify the C-27J capability.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses more common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry a significant load and still access small, sort, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain the repeated use of larger aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australiaand overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties.

(Aus DoD)

PAF is Ordering a Number of Brand New Aircraft this Year

28 Mei 2012

The orders include 12 LIFT jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters. (photo : sires9094)

PAF buying new trainer jets

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is ordering this year a number of brand new aircraft.

These include 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters.

The PAF said the order is among 38 contracts that the air branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will sign this year. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in two years.

“Within the year we expect to sign contracts. We have 38 projects lined up, foremost of which is the FAA lead-in fighter trainer or LIFT. We have attack helicopters coming, light transports and medium transports that are slightly smaller than the C-130 cargo plane” currently in use, PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Okol said.

“They have been approved by the senior leadership (of the Department of National Defense),” he added.

He said the rest of the 38 contracts were still being finalized.

From being one of the best in Southeast Asia during the 1960s, the Air Force fleet gradually deteriorated and became obsolete without being replaced, leaving the country with no external defense capability.

To upgrade the entire military’s capabilities, the DND and AFP are working to fast-track the approval by July this year of a total of 138 contracts.

The contracts, mostly aimed at boosting badly depleted air and naval assets, would be implemented for the duration of the Aquino administration.

(Inquirer)

Royal Cambodian Air Force Received Two Xian MA-60 Aircraft

24 Mei 2012

Xian MA-60 transport aircraft (photo : clubchina)

Royal Cambodian Air Force-XAIC MA60 Aircraft Hand-over Ceremony

On May 18, Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Limited (XAC) delivered two Modern Ark 60 (MA60) aircraft to the Royal Cambodian Air Force. This is the first MA60 exportation to Cambodia.

Chau Phirun, General Director of Materiel and Techniques of the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia, Soeung Samyang, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force, Kong Mony, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force as well as the related officials from Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) attended the delivery ceremony.

General Chau Phirun addressed at the ceremony that, the bilateral cooperation has been successful and fruitful while the friendship between China and Cambodia has been strengthened. He hoped Cambodia will better operate the MA60s under XAC's help and the aircraft will better serve the Royal Cambodian Air Force.

Jiang Jianjun, General Manager of XAIC, said at the ceremony that, a profound friendship has been established during the first cooperation between Cambodia and China in the civil aviation field while further cooperation is also promising. He was looking forward to seeing MA60's advantages such as comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency being further proved and demonstrated during the operation in Cambodia. He hoped that MA60 will boost more comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and China in the fields such as the civil aircraft products and services as well as build an efficient, economical and convenient air bridge for the trade communications and economic developments of Cambodia. Meanwhile, Jiang promised that the plane maker will continuously provide high quality aircraft and considerate customer services.

On Feb 18, 2012, the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia placed a formal order for two MA60 aircraft from XAC. The course arrangement for the Cambodian trainee pilots having training at XAC, the aircraft coating, the cabin configuration as well as the avionics data have been confirmed gradually after thorough coordination. In addition, all XAC departments accomplished necessary delivery preliminaries on schedule through close collaboration and active preparation.

(Wcarn)

PT DI-SUKHOI Matangkan Rencana Produksi Ekor Pesawat

23 Mei 2012

Cutaway pesawat Superjet 100 buatan Sukhoi (image : Flight International)

BANDUNG (bisnis-jabar.com): PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) dan Sukhoi sedang mematangkan kerjasama pembuatan ekor pesawat. Rencana kerjasama ini tidak terkendala kasus kecelakaan Sukhoi Superjet 100 beberapa waktu lalu.

Kepala Divisi Manajemen Mutu dan Koordinator Kehumasan PT DI Sonny Saleh Ibrahim mengatakan pihak Sukhoi sudah menjajaki kerjasama ini sejak dua tahun terakhir.

Rencananya PT DI akan membuat ekor pesawat Sukhoi, baik vertikal maupun ekor horizontal jika kerjasama itu terwujud.

“Bila terjadi kesepakatan kontrak, kami siap membuat sekitar 40 unit bagian ekor pesawat tersebut setiap tahunnya,” katanya hari ini.

Pembicaraan lanjutan soal ini, menurutnya, agak tertunda dengan kejadian kecelakaan Sukhoi Superjet 100 di Gunung Salak. PT DI sendiri yakin meski ada penundaan, kerjasama bakal terus berlanjut. “Prospek kerjasama ini sudah mencapai 90 %,” katanya.

Pembicaraan yang tersisa akan membahas secara detil mengenai komponen, pembuatan contoh komponen, termasuk nilai kontrak. Pembuatan komponen ekor pesawat sendiri menurut Sonny bisa dipenuhi pihaknya karena memiliki peralatan dan mesin yang dapat menunjang pesanan tersebut.

Apalagi, dalam waktu dekat PT DI bersiap menambah mesin baru. “Jadi, kami optimistis dapat memenuhi pemesanan tersebut,” ujarnya.

Selain Sukhoi, PT DI menjalin kerjasama dengan beberapa lembaga sejenis asal berbagai negara. Di antaranya, Boeing, Airbus, dan Eurocopter. Sebagai contoh, pihaknya menjalin kerjasama dengan Airbus, Boeing, dan Eurocopter dalam hal produksi komponen. Untuk Airbus, komponen yang diproduksi PT DI yaitu punggung dan sayap. Jenisnya, Airbus A-320, A-321, A-349, A-380, dan A-350. (k57/yri)

(Bisnis Jabar)

Canberra Defends C-27J Decision after Airbus Protests

15 Mei 2012

Airbus Military C-295 medium airlifter (photo : Benurs)

Australia has defended its decision to acquire the L-3 Communications/Alenia C-27J tactical airlifter following a press release by Airbus Military expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.

In a point-by-point statement on the department of defence web site, minister for defence Stephen Smith dismissed Airbus Military's contention that there was no "competition" to fill the AIR 8000 Phase 2 requirement for 10 battlefield airlifters.

"A competitive down select to the C-27J was made following an exhaustive assessment by the [department of defence], defence materiel organisation, and air force of information provided by the manufacturers of the aircraft, including Airbus Military and the C-295."

Smith's comments followed a release by Airbus Military on 11 May, one day after Canberra announced the A$1.4 billion ($1.4 billion) purchase of the C-27J through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism. His comments were made in a reply to questions by a local journalist related to the Airbus Military statement. Smith's office did not reply to similar questions posed by Flightglobal.

Airbus Military says that the C-27J decision was arrived at through the air force's "own desktop assessments".

"When compared to other projects with similar size price tags that go through an arduous process of tender responses and deep investigation of all areas concerning ownership and capability, this effort falls short of a full evaluation process," said Airbus Military.

Smith also dismissed Airbus Military's claim that the C-27J cost A$1 billion more than a similar C-295 purchase. He says Airbus Military's comments about pricing included only the cost of the aircraft, failing to consider additional costs such as modifications, spares, training, technical data and management fees.

"Airbus would be aware of these essential programme costs being included in defence projects through its own experience with the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport [MRTT] aircraft project."

In Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service, the A330 MRTT is designated the KC-30A. In its release, Airbus Military cited a price of A$400 million for 10 C-295s. For its part, L-3, the prime contractor for the C-27J buy, says the cost of the aircraft alone costs $300 million, while the entire contract awarded to L-3 would be $600 million, which would include logistics, spares, and training.

Australia's C-27Js will be based at RAAF Richmond. The first delivery is expected in 2015, with initial operating capability planned for the end of 2016.

(FlightGlobal)

Air Force Swaps 3 G222 Planes for 1 Saab 340B

14 Mei 2012

Acceptance ceremony for Saab 340B aircraft for RTAF (photo : RTAF)

Air force swaps 3 planes for 1

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has exchanged three G222 transport aircraft with a Saab 340B aircraft from Sweden as the G222 planes, which already had been grounded, had no spare parts.

The Saab 340B aircraft has arrived in Surat Thani and was handed over by Saab on May 2, a source at the RTAF said.

The air force earlier purchased 12 Gripen fighter jets, a Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft and a Saab 340 aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer.

The air force had six G222 planes and all had been grounded due to a lack of spare parts.

RTAF G-222 transport aircraft (photo : Plane Pictures)

Air Marshal Chumphon Chanthavani travelled to the USA to sign a contract to exchange the aircraft on Feb 23.

Saab handed over its aircraft to the air force at Wing 7 in Surat Thani on May 2.

Meanwhile, air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn said an investigative team looking into an accident involving a Thai air force plane in Bangladesh has returned to Thailand and is assessing damages caused to the plane.

The ATR-72-500 aircraft lost control and skidded off a runway at a Bangladeshi airport on April 30.

Three passengers suffered minor injuries.

(Bangkok Post)

Australia Confirms Deal for 10 C-27Js

10 May 2012

The Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. (photo : Defense Update)

New Battlefield aircraft for the Air Force

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load and still access small, soft, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain repeated use of larger aircraft.

In Australia, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. In our region, the C-27J will be able to access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C‑130 Hercules aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australia and overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of causalities.

A Battlefield Airlifter needs to be able to operate in a high threat environment. The C-27J with its missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour provides protection from threats ranging from small arms to highly lethal man portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

The C-27J was assessed by Defence as the aircraft which best met all the essential capability requirements and provides the best value for money. It was assessed as being able to fly further, faster, higher while carrying more cargo and requiring a smaller runway than the other aircraft under consideration, the Airbus Military C-295.

The acquisition of the 10 C-27J aircraft with associated support equipment will be conducted through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement with the United States (US) at a cost of around $1.4 billion.

The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015 with the Initial Operating Capability scheduled for the end of 2016.

Initial logistic support, including training for aircrew and maintenance personnel will be provided through the FMS program, utilising the system that has been established in the US.

Defence will seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that RAAF can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

Since the retirement of the Caribou fleet in 2009, Australia’s military airlift capability has comprised C‑17 heavy lift aircraft, C‑130 H and J model Hercules aircraft, the Interim Light Transport aircraft (8 Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft) and Navy and Army helicopters.

In the Budget the Government announced the retirement of the C-130H, which will proceed in an orderly fashion over the course of the year.

The 10 C-27J will be based in Richmond.

(Aus DoD)

Akhirnya Boeing Beri "Offset" kepada Indonesia

09 Mei 2012

Dari 2 maskapai Indonesia saja order pesawat angkut penumpang dari Boeing cukup besar, Lion Air order 201 Boeing 737 MAX, dan 29 Boeing 737-900ER, sedangkan Garuda Indonesia order 10 Boeing 777-300ER dan 6 Boeing 737-800 (photo : Robin YS)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Pabrikan pesawat terbesar di AS, Boeing Company akhirnya akan memberi offset kepada Indonesia. Kepastian tersebut disampaikan oleh Duta Besar Indonesia untuk AS, Dino Patty Djalal, Rabu (9/5/2012) di Jakarta. “Akhirnya Boeing memberi offset ke kita setelah bertahun-tahun kita perjuangkan,” ujar Dino di Kantor Kementerian Perhubungan.

Offset merupakan praktek pemberian kompensasi oleh industri asing sebagai persyaratan dari suatu negara ketika melakukan pembelian. Dalam kasus Boeing ini dilatarbelakangi karena banyaknya pihak industri dari Indonesia dan TNI AU yang membeli pesawat dari Boeing.

Seperti pembelian pesawat udara sipil B737-800NG oleh maskapai penerbangan Garuda Indonesia dan B737-900ER, B737-Max oleh Lion Air yang jumlahnya lebih dari 20 miliar dollar AS. Selain itu juga ada pembelian pesawat F-16 dan helikopter Apache oleh TNI AD.

Bentuk offset bermacam-macam dan biasanya ditentukan oleh negara pembeli produk berapa prosentase dari nilai keseluruhan transaksi penjualan. Biasanya offset dipakai untuk mengembangkan industri domestik negara pembeli, transfer teknologi, memajukan investasi, dan meningkatkan lapangan pekerjaan.

AH-64D Apache menjadi heli serang yang dipilih untuk melengkapi arsenal TNI AD (photo : Sonic)

Selain itu juga untuk mendapatkan teknologi baru, mendukung industri domestik yang strategis, mendapatkan akses terhadap pasar baru, meningkatkan nilai ekspor, dan meningkatkan hubungan dengan perusahanaan multinasional.

Untuk Indonesia, menurut Dino, nilainya lebih dari yang diperkirakan. “Kalau cuma untuk menghidupkan PTDI, maka nilai jumlahnya sangat cukup,” ujar Dino sambil tertawa.

Berkaitan dengan itu, hari ini diadakan diskusi antara stakeholder di bidang transportasi udara untuk merumuskan apa bentuk offset yang akan diminta kepada Boeing.

Selain dihadiri Dino, diskusi juga dihadiri Sekretaris Jenderal Kementerian Perhubungan Ikhsan Tatang, perwakilan dari GMF, Garuda, Lion, BPPT, PTDI, PT Len, PT Pindad, Susi Air, Kementerian Perhubungan, Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kementerian BUMN, dan Kementerian Perisdustrian.

“Selanjutnya akan dibentuk tim kecil oleh Dirjen Perhubungan Udara untuk merumuskan apa-apa saja yang nanti akan kita ajukan,” ujar Ikhsan Tatang.

(Kompas)

PT DI Bersiap-Siap Rakit CN-295

19 April 2012

7 dari 9 pesawat CN-295 pesanan Kementrian Pertahanan akan dirakit di PT DI (photo : PT DI)

JAKARTA: PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) akan merakit pesawat CN295 di Bandung mulai akhir 2013.

Direktur Utama PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) Budi Santoso mengatakan perakitan akhir 7 dari 9 pesawat rancangan Airbus Military (AM) CN295 pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan akan dikerjakan di pabrik PTDI.

Dia menjelaskan perakitan 7 pesawat tersebut akan dimulai setelah lini produksi PTDI di Bandung bisa memenuhi standar produksi yang ditetapkan AM.

Revitalisasi dan modernisasi sistem produksi pesawat PTDI, jelasnya, direncanakan selesai dalam 18 bulan sejak penandatanganan kerjasama strategis antara PTDI, AM dan Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (Persero) di Bandara Halim Perdanakusuma.

“Setelah itu, seluruh pesanan pesawat CN295 di Asia Pasifik tidak lagi diproduksi di Spanyol. Semua diproduksi di Indonesia, begitu juga C-212,” kata Budi.

Direktur Aerospace PTDI Andi Alisjahbana mengatakan kesepakatan yang ditandatangani di depan Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro menandakan tercapainya syarat awal teaming agreement antara PTDI dan AM yang terbentuk Juni tahun lalu.

“Syaratnya ketika itu, PTDI membantu CN295 terjual. Itu sudah tercapai. Kesepakatan baru ini menandakan seluruh rencana rencana restrukturisasi yang disusun PTDI bersama AM masih berjalan tepat waktu,” katanya.

Kontrak pembelian 9 unit CN295 oleh Kementerian Pertahanan diumumkan pada awal tahun ini dengan nilai mencapai US$325 juta.

Menhan menjelaskan pembelian 9 unit pesawat tersebut adalah bagian dari rencana pencapaian kemampuan angkatan bersenjata minimal (minimum essential force) pemerintah sampai 2015.

Andi memaparkan mulai pertengahan tahun ini AM mulai memberi bantuan tenaga ahli, perangkat peralatan dan permesinan, serta sistem informasi teknologi untuk meningkatkan efisiensi sistem produksi pesawat PT DI.

Salah satu di antaranya adalah memperpendek waktu produksi PT DI dari 6—9 bulan per unit pesawat menjadi 6 pekan per unit pesawaat.

“Seluruh investasi restrukturisasi sepenuhnya merupakan investasi PTDI. AM akan memberi bantuan know how,” jelas Andi.

Direktur Utama PPA Boyke Mukijat mengatakan PTDI mengajukan proposal anggaran senilai Rp2,055 triliun untuk proses restrukturisasi perusahaan termasuk pembangunan lini produksi CN295 yang rencananya beroperasi pada 2013.

Dia menjelaskan PPA memberi dukungan pendanaan senilai Rp675 miliar sampai seluruh permintaan anggaran pemerintah untuk dana restrukturisasi PTDI disetujui oleh DPR.

“Juga ada dana pinjaman dari perbankan. Kami juga mengawasi pembelanjaan dan apa kerjasama ini fair,” tambah Boyke.

Senior Vice President AM Ignacio Alonso mengatakan kerjasama kedua perusahaan akan mencakup aspek industri dan komersial.

Selain membentuk kerjasama pemasaran dan pusat produksi, jelasnya, kedua perusahaan akan membangun pusat servis yang memberikan pelayanan logistik, pemeliharaan dan pelatihan awak pesawat untuk seluruh produk PTDI dan AM untuk wilayah Asia Tenggara.

“Hasil kerjasama sejauh ini sangat baik yang memungkinkan kita untuk terus memperluas lingkup visi jangka panjang kerjasama, yang mungkin akan mencakup pesawat A400M,” kata Alonso.

Hari ini, AM menghadirkan pesawat kargo A400M yang bisa mengangkut muatan seberat 30 ton dengan jarak tempuh maksimal sejauh 8.700 kilometer di Bandara Halimperdanakusuma, Jakarta.

Purnomo mengatakan pesawat kargo tersebut bisa menjadi alternatif pengganti pesawat Hercules C-130 yang selama ini diandalkan TNI AU.

AM mengklaim A400M mampu mengangkut beban 2 kali lebih berat dengan jarak tempuh yang setara atau jarak tempuh 2 kali lebih jauh dengan beban yang setara jika dibandingkan dengan C-130.

Namun, Menhan menegaskan pembelian A400M baru bisa direncanakan dalam anggaran pemerintah setelah 2015. (sut)

(Bisnis Indonesia)

Malaysia to Receive its First A400M in Januari 2015

16 April 2012

Malaysia placed an order for four A400Ms in December 2005 with a cost of RM3.5 billion, including training and logistics. Malaysia is expected to receive its first Airbus A400M military airlifter in January 2015 with the rest to follow in in stages, all the aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2016 (photo : Airbus Military)

A400M airlifter gets RMAF chief’s seal of approval

SUBANG: The Airbus Military A400M airlifter has been given the seal of approval by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on its first appearance in Malaysia.

The modern generation airlifter is currently on a three-nation tour in Asia and RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud was impressed with the aircraft, which he said is better than the existing C-130 airlifters.

“We are hoping for the aircraft to be inducted into our air force by January 2015. We are happy to have this asset,” said Rodzali after receiving the aircraft at the RMAF base here yesterday.

“We signed the contract with Airbus for four A400M aircraft in 2005. Certainly, the A400M will be a cost multiplier for the air force because of its many capabilities.

“It can be used for tactical airlifts, long range strategic logistic airlifts as well as air-to-air refueling.”
He added that RMAF expects to send its pilots for training of the A400M in France next year.

Rodzali said Malaysia ordered only four A400M aircraft initially at the cost of RM3.5bil, which includes training and logistics.

He said the A400M would not be a permanent replacement for the C-130. The 20 C-130 airlifters that Malaysia has would continue to be in service.

Airbus Military market development head Didier Vernet said during a press briefing that the A400M was strong enough to carry a helicopter for military operations or excavators and transport trucks needed for humanitarian missions.

The aircraft that arrived here yesterday, the Grizzly 4, is one of five development aircraft, and was flown from Toulouse, France, by chief test pilot Ed Strongman.

Malaysia is the first stop of the A400M Asia-Pacific tour, before it flies to Indonesia's Halim airbase on Wednesday and Thailand's airbase in Chiang Mai on Thursday.

The A400M will remain on display at the Subang airbase for three days, for visits by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, RMAF personnel and invited guests who will be participating at Defence Services Asia 2012.

(The Star)

Airbus Military Tawarkan A400M kepada Indonesia dan Thailand

11 April 2012

Airbus Military A400M, pesawat angkut berat (photo : Airliners)

Airbus Military akan pamerkan pesawat A400M di Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Produsen pesawat militer dan sipil, Airbus Military, akan memamerkan pesawat angkut militer generasi terbaru A400M di Jakarta pada 18 April 2012 dalam rangkaian kunjungannya di Asia.

Siaran pers dari Airbus Military yang diterima ANTARA di Jakarta, Selasa, menyebutkan pesawat A400M jenis Grizzly 4 akan tinggal selama satu hari di Lapangan Udara Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, sebelum melanjutkan perjalanan ke Chiang Mai dan Bangkok.

Pejabat pemerintah dan anggota TNI Angkatan Udara dijadwalkan melihat pesawat tersebut dan berpartisipasi dalam demonstrasi penerbangan untuk mendapatkan pengalaman langsung mengendarai pesawat A400M.

Mitra lama Airbus Military di Indonesia, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, mendukung dan memfasilitasi kunjungan Grizzly 4--satu dari lima prototipe A400M yang dikembangkan-- ke Indonesia.

Pesawat A400M adalah pesawat angkut militer yang dirancang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan angkatan bersenjata.

Produsen mengklaim pesawat itu bisa terbang lebih tinggi, cepat dan jauh, dengan tetap mempertahankan kemampuan bermanuver yang tinggi dan kemampuan menggunakan landasan pendek, lunak dan juga kasar.

Jenis pesawat itu juga disebut memiliki ruang kargo yang secara khusus dirancang untuk mengangkut peralatan besar yang dibutuhkan oleh misi militer dan bantuan kemanusiaan.

(Antara)

Kazakhstan Jajaki Kerjasama dengan PT DI

05 April 2012

Kerjasama dengan Kazakhstan termasuk opsi pembelian pesawat produksi PT DI. (photo : Airbus Military)

Bandung (ANTARA News) - Kazakhstan menjajaki kerja sama strategis industri penerbangan dengan PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), termasuk opsi pembelian sejumlah pesawat produksi industri dirgantara Indonesia.

"Persiapan kerja sama itu telah diawali dengan peninjauan oleh Wakil Menteri Luar Negeri Kazakhstan, Kayrat Sarybay, bersama rombongannya ke PTDI awal minggu ini," kata Kepala Humas PTDI Rakhendi Triyatna di Bandung, Kamis.

Menurut dia, Sarybay mengunjungi PTDI pada Selasa (3/4) untuk mempersiapkan agenda pembicaraan RI-Kazakhstan saat pemimpin negara itu, Nursultan Nazarbayev, datang ke Indonesia bulan ini.Ia mengatakan, Kazakhstan menyatakan tertarik dengan paparan PTDI tentang kemampuan dan kompetensi dalam membuat pesawat terbang dan berbagai jenis persenjataan.

Pada kesempatan itu, katanya, badan usaha milik negara bidang industri pertahanan lain juga menyampaikan presentasi masing-masing, termasuk PT Pindad, PT Dahana, PT LEN Industri dan PT INTI.(E004)

(Antara)

PTDI Gandeng Perusahaan Prancis Bangun Pusat Keunggulan Dirgantara

31 Maret 2012

Rancangan kokpit N219 (image : PT DI)

BANDUNG--MICOM: PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) sedang mempersiapkan pembangunan pusat keunggulan pertahanan dan dirgantara bekerja sama dengan mitra-mitra dalam dan luar negeri.

Dalam persiapan rencana itu, Kepala Humas PTDI Rakhendi Priyatna, Sabtu (31/3), mengatakan bahwa Direktur Utama PTDI Budi Santoso telah menandatangani kerja sama tiga pihak, PTDI, Nusantara Secom Infotrch (NSI), dan Dassault Systemes (DS) Prancis. Penandatanganan dilakukan pada Jumat (30/3) di Bandung.

Kedua penandatangan lainnya, Presiden Dasault Systemes, Forestier, dan Managing Director NSI, Reinhard Sitorus. Kerja sama Kemitraan Kreasi jangka panjang bertujuan membangun pusat unggulan di bidang pertahanan dan dirgantara.

Dirut PTDI Rakhendi mengatakan bahwa kerja sama ini sungguh membuat PTDI semakin bernilai di mata internasional, dan ini akan berdampak besar bagi kelancaran rancang bangun dan produksi N219, pesawat tempur KFX/IFX, dan program-program lainnya.

Apa yang disepakati ketiga perusahaan bukanlah terjadi tiba-tiba. Ketiga pihak sudah saling mengetahui dan memahami kemampuan masing-masing, baik dari sisi sumber daya manusia, khususnya para insinyur (engineers) yang dimiliki, pengalaman, maupun fasilitas masing-masing.

Dalam kerja sama ini PTDI berkomitmen untuk menyiapkan insinyur, tempat kerja, jaringan kerja, dan proses bisnis untuk pengembangan dan sertifikasi. NSI yang sarat dengan pengalaman dan memiliki insinyur yang berkualitas dan mampu menyiapkan perangkat lunak dan pelayanan.

NSI berkomitmen untuk mendukung pusat rancang bangun, mengembangkan kemampuan staf serta membangun pusat pertahanan dan dirgantara bersama.

Ia menjelaskan bahwa DS sebagai perusahaan terkemuka di Prancis merupakan inovator yang menginovasi para perancang (designer), insinyur, manajer marketing. Perusahaan ini berkomitmen menyiapkan solusi tingkat dunia serta mendukung kerja sama pusat pertahanan dan luar angkasa secara langsung. (Ant/OL-9)

(Media Indonesia)

Australia Confirms Purchase of Additional C17

19 Maret 2012

RAAF C-17A Globemaster III heavy-lift aircraft (photo : Aus DoD)

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Australia will purchase a sixth C-17A Globemaster III heavy-lift aircraft.

The aircraft will be purchased through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, at a total acquisition cost of around $280 million.

The purchase of the sixth C-17A will double the number of C-17A aircraft available for operations at any one time from two to four.

It is expected to arrive in Australia early next year.

The C‑17A aircraft can lift very large and heavy cargoes over long distances providing a significant contribution to Australia’s ability to reach and respond to events.

One C‑17A can carry up to four C-130 Hercules loads in a single lift and cover twice the distance in three-quarters of the time of a C‑130.

The additional C-17A will greatly increase Australia’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian aid.

This has been made even more apparent through the Australian Defence Force response to the 2011 Victorian Floods, Cyclone Yasi and the Queensland floods, as well as the earthquake in Christchurch and the tsunami in Japan.

The existing C-17 fleet has performed key roles in responding to these disasters, including the transport of:
· First sandbags, then levees, then Navy personnel and equipment for flood relief in Victoria;
· Patients from Cairns area hospitals prior to Cyclone Yasi and to deliver groceries after the cyclone;
· Army Resupply Vehicles capable of carrying people and cargo to support Queensland flood relief; · Civilian urban search and rescue personnel, paramedics and equipment to provide assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake in Christchurch

Last year C-17 aircraft flew more than 1.2 million nautical miles (2,222,400 km) on approximately

141 missions, including:
· delivering more than 755 tonnes of supplies and equipment to Australian troops in Afghanistan;
· delivering more than 500 tonnes of cargo to Japan following the tsunami in 2011;
· delivering 320 tonnes of cargo, including more than 200 tonnes of food supplies to Queensland after the floods and cyclone.

A sixth C-17 will give the Government increased options to support a wider range of contingencies that might require heavy-lift aircraft and will extend the life of the C-17 fleet by reducing the use of each aircraft.

The acquisition of the fifth C-17A was announced by the Government in March 2011 at a cost of around $260 million. It arrived in Australia in September 2011.

(Aus DoD)

Airbus Offers Sweetener on Air Lifter Deal

14 Maret 2012

Airbus Military C-295 (photo : Aircraft Wallpaper)

Spanish aerospace contractor EADS-Airbus Military wants to sell the Royal Australian Air Force a cut-price aerial fuel tanker the nation hasn't asked for in return for a shot at a billion-dollar ''battlefield air lifter'' contract.

Australia has already signed off on five EADS-Airbus Military air-to-air refuelling tankers that can be reconfigured to carry passengers or cargo for a total program cost of about $1.8 billion.

EADS is offering a sixth - and heavily marked down - A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in the hope Defence takes a serious look at its C295. The tanker offer, which involves savings of hundreds of millions of dollars, stands even if this does not happen.

On the downside, the tanker program has been on Defence's projects of concern list since October 2010 and, as recently as last December, was 18 months behind schedule.

By accepting the sixth tanker Defence would be keeping open the Brisbane workshop where conversion work on the A330 MRTTs is being carried out. EADS said the deal would extend 200 highly skilled jobs for ''at least 12 months''.

EADS says strong Defence support for Alenia Aeronautica's C-27J Spartan short takeoff and landing transport plane as the Caribou replacement could cost Australian taxpayers $300 million up front and another $400 million on support costs over the next 30 years. ''Why [have a] tender?

Because Australian taxpayers have a right to expect their defence dollars are being spent wisely on the best value-for-money solution - not a gold-plated solution,'' EADS CASA executive Valentin Merino says. He argues EADS's C295 is a better replacement for the Vietnam War era Caribous (retired in 2009), would cost less to buy and be cheaper to operate than the Spartan.

The Pentagon's decision to scrap its Spartan fleet as part of its budget cuts is the real game changer. ''The entire foundation upon which the RAAF's preference for the C-27J was based has largely been swept away,'' he said.

Mr Merino's comments echo a similar pitch by his boss, Airbus Military chief executive, Domingo Urena, during a visit to Canberra last September.

While EADS is coy about one-on-one cost comparisons, they say savings of more than $700 million would be achievable if Australia went with its C295 instead of the Spartan.

The Caribou replacement program is, at the moment, a one horse race with Defence lodging a ''letter of request'' for information on the Spartan last October.

It is widely acknowledged some senior ADF members are ''wedded'' to the C-27J Spartan because of its perceived interoperability with the C-130 Hercules.

Others see merit in the EADS case but fear because Australia has operated without a ''battlefield air lifter'' since 2009. The Air 8000 program - which calls for 10 new planes and support infrastructure - could be shelved in the face of looming budget cuts.

The Caribous achieved iconic status in Vietnam for their ability to fly men, weapons, machinery and equipment into and out of tiny jungle airfields closer to combat zones than most people would have thought possible.

They were also quite handy for special operations.

The modern equivalents are faster, cheaper and less vulnerable than large transport helicopters such as the Chinooks and would serve a vital role as the link between true heavylifters, including the C-130 Hercules and the even bigger C-17 Globemasters, and the battlefield.

The RAAF is ''soldiering on'' with eight King Air passenger planes - five on lease and three brought across from the army.

Only able to carry six passengers and with limited rough landing strip capability, they are considered a stop gap measure of limited utility in combat situations.

(Canberra Times)

Repair of 2 Cargo Planes to be Finished Soon

12 Maret 2012

A PAF C-130 Hercules, body number 3633 (photo : pdff)

MANILA, Philippines - Two cargo planes undergoing repairs are expected to be ready for operation by October and will complement the lone C-130 aircraft being used by the military.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Maj. Gen. Lauro de la Cruz said the repair of one C-130 plane would be completed by July while the other aircraft would be rolled out in October.

“Hopefully by July, the C-130 that is being repaired in America would arrive. Then by September to October, the C-130 being repaired in the Philippines would be rolled out,” De la Cruz told reporters over the weekend.

At present, PAF has only one C-130 plane in its inventory. The cargo plane – a C-130 Hercules aircraft – is being used to carry supplies and troops.

De la Cruz said four brand-new combat utility helicopters are expected to arrive in November.

The four constitute the second batch of Sokol combat utility helicopters acquired from Polish company PZL Swidnik SA.

The first four Sokol helicopters arrived last Feb. 14 and were inaugurated last Friday. The acquisition of the eight helicopters costs P2.8 billion, including support equipment, spare parts and training.

Members of the media, including this reporter, were the first civilians to ride on the new Sokol helicopters.

Last Friday, media were treated to a 40-minute tour over parts of Clark, Crow Valley in Tarlac and the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

During the tour, pilots repeatedly raised their hands to show that the helicopter can fly even without human maneuvering due to its autopilot capability. The helicopters can also transport cargo, conduct rescue missions and perform security operations.

They are equipped with a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, allowing them to operate day and night in all weather conditions.

The helicopters can be fitted with an M60D machine gun on each side of the cabin and can accommodate 10 passengers.

De la Cruz said the newly acquired Sokol helicopters will be deployed in parts of Luzon.

“These (air assets) will be more focused in Luzon because the training area is here. We have to prepare our pilots and mechanics (to use them),” he said.

During the launching of the Sokol helicopters last Friday, De la Cruz said jokes that PAF is “only air and no force” will soon be a thing of the past.

(PhilStar)

Hercules Kembali dari AS Setelah Jalani Overhaul

24 Februari 2012

Pesawat Hercules A-1323 (photo : Kaksus Militer)

Jurnas.com PESAWAT tempur Hercules milik TNI AU kembali ke Indonesia setelah menjalani perbaikan menyeluruh (overhaul) di Amerika Serikat. Serah terima pesawat ini akan dilakukan di base ops Halim Perdanakusuma.

“Siang ini akan dilakukan upacara penyambutan,” kata Kepala Dinas Penerangan TNI AU Marsekal Pertama Azman Yunus saat dihubungi, Jumat (24/2). Menurut Azman, Hercules yang mengalami overhaul atas bantuan Amerika ini dilakukan sejak setahun lalu.

Selain perbaikan, mulai body, structure hingga persenjataan, pesawat ini juga di-up grade kemampuannya. “Serah terima dilakukan oleh dubes Amerika di Indonesia dengan Wakil KSAU,” ujar Azman. Pesawat ini diperbaiki di Oklahoma Amerika Serikat untuk menjalani pemeliharaan berat dalam Programmed Depot Maintenance di hanggar perusahaan swasta ARINC, di Oklahoma, Amerika Serikat.

Jika pesawat tersebut selesai diperbaiki, direncanakan dua unit Hercules lainnya akan juga diperbaiki. Menurut Azman, teknisi TNI AU sebenarnya punya kemampuan memperbaiki pesawat tersebut. Namun, kemampuan tidak didukung fasilitas dan peralatan pendukung.

"Alat-alat yang dibutuhkan tidak ada. Kalau beli (alat-alatnya), lebih jauh dan lebih mahal, lebih baik kita gunakan orang lain," katanya.

(Jurnal Nasional)

Aussies to Improve C-130 fuel Consumption

15 Februari 2012

RAAF C-130J Hercules (photo : Queensland planes spotting)

LONDON, (UPI) -- The Australian air force aims to improve fuel efficiency of its C-130 aircraft fleet and has contracted Rolls-Royce to help in the effort.

Under the one-year agreement, Rolls-Royce will analyze fuel usage to improve consumption and reduce the aircraft's environmental effects. It will do so using techniques developed for use by commercial airlines by Optimised Systems and Solutions Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.

"We are looking for innovative solutions to the challenges that we face and we hope that working together with Rolls-Royce on this trial will identify some real opportunities to make significant savings on a very large element of any defense budget -- fuel," Air Marshal Geoff Brown, chief of the Australian air force said.

The work will be conducted at air force base Richmond in New South Wales, where the air force's C-130s are based.

"We have a longstanding relationship with the (Australian air force), which will be enhanced by the introduction of this innovative fuel efficiency program," said Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce's president of Customer Business UK and International-Defense.

"We are now using the fuel management expertise and technology that has been developed for civil airlines to advise them on how best to reduce their fuel usage.

"Our experience shows that this could save the (air force) as much as 1-3 percent of their total fuel bill without compromising their operational capability."

(UPI)

Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

13 Februari 2012

A330 MRTT tanker aircraft (photo : Le Bourget)

Airbus Military could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Singapore air force’s next round of procurements. Singapore has at the top of its procurement list aerial refueling tankers, strategic airlifters and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft, purchases that will see that the island continues to be, for the next few years at least, the biggest spender on new defense equipment in Southeast Asia.

The 2011 defense budget was SG$12.1 billion ($9.6 billion), accounting for 26% of the government budget and about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Some analysts estimate that Singapore, with a population of about five million, spends more on defense per capita than any country but Israel.

KC-46A tanker aircraft (photo : Flight Global)

Defense has always been a top priority, ever since Singapore gained independence in 1965. The nation’s founder, Lee Kwan Yew, recently said in the book Hard Truths, that “without a strong defense, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbors.”

Singapore has close defense ties with Israel, a point that is downplayed—because it is politically sensitive—but one that is important to remember because it explains why Israeli companies are short-listed by the Singaporeans for upcoming defense purchases. The Israelis are in the running to supply aerial refueling tankers and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft.

A400M airlifter (photo : Key Aero)

Aerial refueling tankers are at the top of the list because the air force needs to replace its four Boeing KC-135Rs. An important requirement is that the new tankers be able to assist the air force’s Boeing F-15SGs flying between Singapore and its overseas detachment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

The Boeing KC-46A would ordinarily be the front-runner but Boeing may have to struggle to win the Singapore contract. The manufacturer is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. A Boeing official told Aviation Week in July 2011 that it can deliver KC-46As to foreign customers as early as 2018. But that may be too late for Singapore. Industry executives say Singapore’s air force has been complaining about the difficulty and cost of maintaining the aging KC-135Rs. But the need to secure aerial refueling tankers sooner rather than later creates an opportunity for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which converts 767s to tankers.

C-17 airlifter (photo : FlightGlobal)

However, industry executives familiar with the situation say the front-runner in this competition is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Australian air force officials told DTI at the LIMA air show in Malaysia in December that the Singapore air force was interested in the A330MRTT and that the organizers of the Singapore air show were pushing to have a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) tanker on display there. The RAAF, however, has declined the request. They say the only reason the A330MRTT was brought to LIMA was because it had to be in Malaysia for a joint military exercise.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace, the Singapore government-linked company that maintains many of the air force’s aircraft, is also familiar with the A330, because it does the heavy maintenance work on Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) fleet of leased A330 passenger aircraft.

P-8A maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Key Aero)

The A330MRTT’s 111,000 kg (245,000 lb.) of fuel is stored in the wings and horizontal stabilizer, leaving the main fuselage for a passenger cabin that can seat up to 380 people. In terms of air cargo, it can transport up to 26 military cargo pallets.

Having the ability to transport passengers and cargo on a longer-range aircraft, such as the A330MRTT, would certainly be useful. Airlift is one of the other requirements Singapore lists. Presently the air force operates five Lockheed Martin C-130Hs, aircraft that only have the range to travel within Southeast Asia. But Singapore’s military needs to carry personnel and equipment farther afield to places where it does training, namely: Australia, Taiwan, France and the U.S. Singapore’s military has been chartering commercial aircraft from SIA and for military equipment it has been chartering Antonov heavy-lift aircraft. It is understood that Singapore is also considering the Airbus Military A400M and the Boeing C-17.

P-3C maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Tom Turner)

Besides strategic airlift and aerial refueling tankers, Singapore has a requirement for fixed-wing aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). These may end up replacing the air force’s nine Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft, according to some industry executives. This procurement is in response to the growth of submarine fleets among Singapore’s neighbors. ASW contenders include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Boeing P-8A Poseidon and an IAI/Elta Systems offering, which uses a Bombardier Q400. The Lockheed Martin P-3C was being considered but is no longer in the running.

Not to be forgotten among the airlift, aerial refueling and anti-sub acquisition extravaganza are fighters. Singapore is expected to take interest in Tokyo’s recent decision to choose the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Like Israel, Singapore and the U.S. enjoy close military relations. Indeed, according to a December 2011 report by the Congressional Research Service on U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Singapore’s agreement for $530 million worth of FMS placed it in the top 10 leading purchasers of U.S. defense articles and services in 2010 worldwide.

And Singapore’s interests extend elsewhere, too. It has explored the option of using the smaller catapult-launched Boeing ScanEagle UAV on-board its vessels. Anti-piracy concerns remain another driving force behind military acquisitions.

(Aviation Week)

sponsor