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Kolej Tentera Udara Lahirkan Juruterbang Berkaliber

14 Juni 2012

Pesawat Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Tentara Udara Diraja Malaysia. Kolej Tentera Udara (KTU) saat ini mengoperasikan 36 buah pesawat Pilatus PC-7dan 8 buah pesawat Pilatus PC-7 Mk II buatan Pilatus Aircraft, Swizerland sebagai pesawat latih dasar dan juga mengoperasikan 20 pesawat MD3-160 Aerotiga buatan SME Aviation Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia hasil lisensi dari MDC Max Dätwyler AG, Jerman sebagai pesawat latih mula (photo : Airliners)

Pemeriksaan rapi ke atas pesawat cukup diberi penelitian bagi mengelakkan sebarang masalah teknikal.

USAHA melahirkan juruterbang berkualiti termasuk tahan lasak dari segi fizikal dan mental, berketrampilan serta bersemangat juang tinggi bukan mudah apatah lagi dalam persekitaran yang mencabar pada hari ini.

Tidak dinafikan ramai lebih cenderung menerbangkan pesawat komersial yang menjanjikan pendapatan lebih lumayan berbanding menyarung uniform Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) untuk berada di barisan hadapan mempertahankan negara.

Usaha melahirkan juruterbang berkaliber untuk mengawasi ruang udara Malaysia telah lama digalas Kolej Tentera Udara (KTU) sejak awal penubuhannya pada 1963.

Sehingga kini, KTU masih diberikan peranan untuk melatih dan melahirkan juruterbang yang mencukupi bagi memenuhi keperluan operasi mengikut kehendak TUDM.

Dalam usaha menjayakan misi itu, KTU di Kepala Batas yang terletak kira-kira 12 kilometer dari Alor Setar dengan berkeluasan 65 hektar persegi menempatkan semua unit latihan di satu tempat yang sesuai dengan suasana latihan dan mempunyai kelengkapan serta kemudahan mencukupi.

Secara amnya, KTU adalah institusi latihan untuk melatih pegawai tentera hasil kerjasama dengan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) bagi graduan berkelulusan diploma.

Namun tahun ini sangat bersejarah apabila graduan di peringkat ijazah yang berkelayakan dari Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) di Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur akan ditawarkan untuk menjalani latihan di KTU.

Program berkembar dengan universiti tempatan itu sejajar dengan usaha TUDM untuk memantapkan profesionalisme juruterbang dengan melahirkan juruterbang yang berkemahiran.

Apatah lagi dengan tahap profesionalisme bidang ketenteraan yang meningkat dan mementingkan pencapaian akademik, adalah penting untuk memastikan pasukan tentera hebat dalam bidang taktikal serta strategi ketenteraan.

Di KTU, TUDM menggariskan misi utamanya untuk mengeluarkan pegawai dan krew udara yang dipupuk dengan sikap yang positif, dibekalkan dengan ilmu pengetahuan dan kemahiran asas bagi melaksanakan tugas serta tanggungjawab melalui penggunaan modul atau pelaksanaan kurikulum yang bersesuaian.

Sejak awal kelahirannya, KTU mengalami beberapa perubahan termasuk konsep pemusatan beberapa unit latihan seperti Pusat Latihan Pegawai (PLP), Pusat Latihan Terbang 1 (Pulatibang 1) dan Pusat Latihan Terbang 2 (Pulatibang 2) di lokasi sama sejajar dengan matlamat TUDM menjadikan KTU sebaga pusat pengajian aeroangkasa.

Setiap pelatih yang juga merupakan pegawai kadet perlu menjalani latihan selama tiga tahun di KTU bagi melayakkan mereka menerima sayap penerbangan bagi latihan Kursus Asas Penerbangan di Pulatibang 1 dan Helikopter di Pulatibang 2.

Dalam tempoh tersebut, bagi menyesuaikan diri dengan kehidupan ketenteraan para pelatih terlebih dahulu menjalani latihan ketenteraan mengikut jadual ditetapkan.

Dalam fasa itu, mereka dilatih membina ketahanan mental dan didedahkan kepada pengetahuan asas ketenteraan sebagai persediaan sebelum menjalani latihan penerbangan di KTU.

Menurut Pegawai Pemerintah Pulatibang 1, Leftenan Kolonel Ghazali Yayah, KTU tidak akan berkompromi dengan kualiti dalam usaha melahirkan juruterbang yang berkaliber.

"Kita berharap dapat melahirkan juruterbang angkatan tentera yang mantap dan tinggi semangat juang di mana apabila mereka menggalas tugas di barisan hadapan pertahanan negara ia dilakukan dengan penuh patriotik dan tanpa rasa gentar.

"Oleh demikian selain penerapan ilmu penerbangan, kemahiran dalam mengoptimumkan pengunaan aset latihan dalam penerbangan, pelatih juga dididik dengan jati diri yang tinggi," katanya.

Katanya, pelatih yang diterima masuk ke KTU terlebih dahulu akan menerima latihan di PLP sebelum diserapkan untuk menjalani latihan penerbangan di Pulatibang 1 dan Pulatibang 2 selama 18 bulan.

Pesawat MD3-160 Aerotiga buatan SME Aviation Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia (photo : Janner88)

Tambah beliau, visi Pulatibang 1 di KTU antaranya untuk menjadi pusat latihan penerbangan terunggul di rantau Asia apabila mampu melahirkan juruterbang berkaliber sehingga mencapai tahap profesionalisme tinggi.

"Modul pembelajaran dan kokurikulum di Pulatibang 1 antaranya memerlukan setiap pelatih menguasai bidang akademik dan ketenteraan kerana mereka bakal menerbangkan sebuah pesawat pejuang untuk mempertahankan negara.

"Hanya pelatih yang kental dan mantap ilmunya akan melepasi fasa itu seterusnya menerima sayap penerbangan masing-masing," jelasnya.

Selain latihan ketenteraan dan pembelajaran di kelas dalam usaha memahami selok belok mengendalikan pesawat, Ghazali berkata, pelatih juga perlu mengambil kursus lanjutan membabitkan praktikal menerbangkan pesawat menggunakan Pilatus PC-7.

"Jumlah jam penerbangan yang ditetapkan adalah sekurang-kurangnya 160 jam secara solo atau bersama jurulatih.

"Penggunaan aset-aset latihan di Pulatibang penting dalam melahirkan juruterbang yang berkualiti," ujarnya.

Pada ketika ini terdapat kira-kira 100 pelatih yang menjalani latihan di Pulatibang 1 dengan 27 jurulatih yang berpengalaman.

Sementara itu Pulatibang 2 yang beroperasi di KTU sejak 1995 pula menjalankan kursus penerbangan asas helikopter dan kursus ilmu penerbangan asas bagi kuartermaster udara dan pramugari TUDM.

Menurut Pegawai Pemerintah Pulatibang 2, Leftenan Kolonel Ramli Mohd. Abd. Jabar, peranan yang dimainkan oleh juruterbang terbabit dalam pasukan TUDM tidak kurang pentingnya.

"Usaha KTU adalah untuk melahirkan juruterbang helikopter dan kuartermaster atau pramugari yang berpengetahuan serta memiliki kemahiran tinggi, berdisiplin termasuklah berakhlak terpuji.

"Pelatih juga akan menjalani latihan penerbangan selama 86 jam bagi melayakkan mereka memperoleh sayap penerbangan," katanya.

Menurut Ramli, teknologi dalam bidang penerbangan turut berubah mengikut peredaran masa, namun pelatih di KTU dilatih dengan kemahiran tinggi agar mereka mampu mengemudi apa juga pesawat yang ditugaskan setelah berkhidmat dengan TUDM kelak.

Tambah Ramli, selain melatih pegawai kadet untuk TUDM, KTU juga memberi latihan asas tersebut kepada pasukan ATM lain dan agensi kerajaan.

(Utusan)

Russia’s Yak-130 Joins Philippine Combat Trainer Tender

18 April 2012

Yak-130 combat trainer (photo : Militaryphotos)

Russia has decided to join a tender on the delivery of six light fighter jets to the Philippines with its new Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten combat trainer, state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday.

“We are taking part in the Philippine tender with the Yak-130 aircraft,” deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, said at the Defense Services Asia-2012 arms show in Malaysia.

The tender for six aircraft to replace the retired U.S.-built Northrop F-5A Tiger fighters was announced last year. The results will be made public in two to three months, the Russian official said. Two rival designs, the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and South Korea's KAI TA-50, are also competing in the tender

The Philippines is a new market for Russian arms exporters. Manila used to order military equipment mainly from the United States.

“We regard this tender as an opportunity to expand our influence in the region and to demonstrate the capabilities of our military equipment,” Komardin said.

The Yak-130 is a highly maneuverable aircraft with an extended range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and a maximum speed of 1,060 km/h (600 m/h) in level flight. It can carry a combat payload of up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), consisting of a variety of Russian and Western developed weapons.

The Yak-130 has been chosen as a basic aircraft for Russian Air Force pilot training. First deliveries started in 2009.

(RIA Novosti)

BAE Systems Achieves Flight Training Contract Milestone

11 April 2012

CT-4B trainer aircraft for Basic Training in ADF (photo : Airliners)

TAMWORTH, Australia --- BAE Systems has successfully phased in the new Interim Basic Flying Training Contract for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The first independent IBFT pilot training course began in January 2012 and students are expected to graduate in mid-2012.

BAE Systems was awarded a six-year performance-based contract, with a further six one-year extension options, for the provision of Interim Basic Flying Training services to the ADF in May 2011. The total value of the contract is A$86.6million.

BAE Systems’ program manager at Flight Training Tamworth, Pierre Steyn, said achieving the January start date was a significant milestone.

“We faced a number of technical challenges preparing for the January start date while delivering on the legacy Basic Flying Training and Flight Screening contract,” he said.

“Among the many challenges were the design, testing and production of an enhanced crash protection system for the CT-4B trainer aircraft, obtaining CASA-approved certification for these modifications and developing an improved student flight training program.

“We look forward to delivering our IBFT performance based contract to the set standard, on budget and to schedule, in a safe, modern and dynamic flying training environment.”

The BAE Systems Flight Training activities inject approximately A$10-A$12 million into the local Tamworth/New England community.

Interim Basic Flying Training is an essential stepping stone for the future capability of Australia’s air power.

(BAE Systems Australia)

Italy's Alenia Seeks to Supply DND up to P6.87-B Worth of Aircraft

05 April 2012

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master (photo : 9abc)

Italy's Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. is offering the Department of National Defense four to six units of its €20-million apiece M-346 surface attack plane, the firm’s local partner, Aerotech Industries told GMA News Online.

Aerotech Industries chief operating officer Tess Parian said the P1.14 billion price tag on each M-346 “could still change depending on the requirements or specifications the Philippine Air Force may provide later.”

The four-to-six-unit package would cost about P4.58 billion to P6.87 billion at the current exchange rate of P57.28:€1.

Parian said their likely competitor for the supply contract is the Korea Aerospace Industries—maker of the T-50—which Alenia Aermacchi was up against in supply contract biddings in other countries.

Last year, Alenia Aermacchi delivered 18 new SF260FH basic trainers to the PAF.

The trainer planes are now based at the Fenando Airbase in Lipa, Batangas, home to the PAF Air Education and Traning Command.

Parian said Singapore and the United Arab Emirates chose the M-346 for their respective air forces. Singapore got 12 units of the MB-346 and the United Arab Emirates has a tender for 48 units.

“The twin-turbofan M-346 is the most advanced lead-in fighter trainer flying today,” Alenia Aermacchi said on its website.

“With its fully digital flight controls and avionics, together with carefree handling and high AOA maneuvering, the M-346 is fully representative of new generation fighters,” Alena Aermacchi also said.

“... The M-346 is today the only aircraft designed to meet the training needs of pilots of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft,” it added.

Alenia Aermacchi is part of the Finmeccanica Group and has production facilities in Italy’s Venegono Superiore province. Its production area is 274,000 sqm, accomodating its 1,800 personnel.

(GMA News)

Qantas Defence Services Wins RAAF Support Contract

02 April 2012

An RAAF PC9/A trainer aircraft. (photo : sirsteveincairns)

Qantas Defence Services (QDS) will provide support for the RAAF’s fleet of PC9/A trainer aircraft under a new contract signed with the Commonwealth government on March 29.

The agreement will see QDS conduct repair and overhaul of the fleet’s Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines and Hartzell HC-D4N2A propellers for an initial five-year periodwith an optionto extend for a further three years, at its propulsion systems facility in Villawood in Western Sydney.

"This is a proud moment for our business,” said Scott Harris, Head of QDS.

“We work closely with the Commonwealth on a range of RAAF programs, from MRTT tanker conversion and sustainment to the maintenance of Special Purpose Aircraft.”

“Our propulsion systems unit has a track record of delivering results and we look forward to supporting this important RAAF training and combat aircraft.”

The program will increase QDS’s capabilities on a variety of propulsion systems and strengthen its growing partnership with the RAAF.

(Australian Defence)

Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer Demo Tours to New Zealand Air Force

28 Maret 2012

Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer (photo : Hawker Beechcraft)

SHANGHAI – Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) today announced it has kicked off a two-week demonstration tour in New Zealand with its T-6C Texan II military trainer. The tour began this week at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 75th Anniversary Air Show at RNZAF Base Ohakea, near Palmerston North.

“This is a great opportunity for us to show the world’s most versatile and capable integrated pilot training system to a broad range of interested prospects from New Zealand and the Pacific Region,” said Russ Bartlett, HBDC vice president, Business Development. “Our presence at the 75th Anniversary Air Show is excellent exposure of the robust capability, affordability and sustainability of the T-6C, which has already completed more than 15,700 miles on its journey to New Zealand.”

The T-6C was flown from HBDC’s headquarters in Wichita, Kan., to RNZAF Base Ohakea – a distance of 15,733 miles – in a total elapsed time of nearly 65 flight hours. The trip included stops in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, England, Italy, Greece, Egypt, UAE, India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

During the RNZAF 75th Anniversary Air Show, HBDC’s aerobatic demonstration team will perform single-ship, low-altitude aerobatics in a standard equipped T-6C military trainer. The team will also participate in the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show on the South Island the following week.

The T-6C aerobatic team debuted in 2011 at the Avalon Air Show in Victoria, Australia. The team’s 2012 tour schedule will include performances at air shows such as Farnborough International Air Show, the Royal International Air Tattoo, the Atlantic Canada International Air Show and the Canada International Air Show. Its tour will also include U.S. demonstrations at Andrews (Md.) and McConnell (Kan.) Air Force Bases; Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (Calif.); Naval Air Station Pensacola (Fla.); as well as air shows in Oshkosh, Wis.; Columbia, Mo.; Fort Worth, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; and Houston, Texas.

“Performing aerobatics in the T-6C is something that flows naturally from the typical training syllabus for the airplane because it is such a capable and versatile aircraft,” Bartlett said. “It allows us to demonstrate the aircraft’s handling and superior performance in a dramatic fashion.”

In addition to the hard-point wings, the T-6C features an integrated glass cockpit and the advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities.

The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick, providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit. The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the navigation performance standards required for current worldwide airspace equipment. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force and our newest customer, the Mexican Air Force, have chosen the T-6 as their primary trainer. To date, the company has delivered more than 740 T-6 aircraft.

(HawkerBeechcraft)

Extension of the RSAF’s 150th Squadron in Cazaux-France

22 Maret 2012

RSAF TA-4SU Super Skyhawk at 150th squadron -Cazaux, France (photo : Ask)

On Thursday, March 8, 2012, General Wong Huat Sern, head of the Airforce staff and Singaporean Air Force General Jean-Luc Crochard, with responsibility for external relations of the French Air Force chaired the ceremony of the "first sod" symbolizing the forthcoming construction of the ground training of pilots in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, based at Cazaux Air 120.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace has been mandated to oversee the whole project designed to train pilots on twelve M346 advanced trainer aircraft to equip the future training center.

M-346 in RSAF colour scheme (photo : TheBaseLeg)

The building will include two floors and will house flight simulators, equipment and instructional materials, interactive classrooms and briefing rooms. These tools will help hone the skills of air combat Singaporean student pilots.

In partnership with the Air Force, the first phase of construction will begin soon and the site should be released late 2013, consolidating the bonds of friendship and cooperation between France and Singapore.

Installed in Cazaux for over twelve years, the 150th Squadron is training a dozen pilots each year. With the arrival of the M346 is a new era begins!

(France DoD)

Aero Vodochody Won Contracts from Vietnam and Slovak

03 Desember 2011

L-39 training aircraft of the Vietnam People Air Force (photo : Jetphotos)

Aero Vodochody successfully established two new business deals with major international customers.

In September 2011, Aero Vodochody successfully established two new business deals with major international customers, Ministry of defence of Slovak Republic and Vietnam New Technological Appliance One Member Co., Ltd. Both contracts show a strong position of Aero Vodochody as a reliable and high qualified business and engineering partner.

The treaty with New Technological Appliance One Member Co., Ltd. was signed in the first half of September as a result of eight months of negotiations. As a part of it, officials of Vietnamese Ministry of defence and war aircraft visited Aero Vodochody in June 2011. Supply of more than three hundred spare parts for L-39 jet aircraft starts in November 2011. The agreement also contains a trip of engineers of Aero Vodochody who will accomplish an inspection and repairs necessary to extend working life of two L-39C aircrafts, install new monitoring system FAU-39 and train employees of the Vietnamese company.

The contract with Slovak Ministry of Defence was closed in the second half of September. Aero Vodochody will extend working life of airframe of L-39ZA aircrafts for Slovak army.

Both contracts renew relations with traditional business partners and confirm interest of Aero Vodochody for effective cooperation with all countries and companies operating L-39 aircrafts. This way, Aero fulfils its role of original producer who is the most qualified for maintenance and development support.

(Aero Vodochody)

Australia to Study Mid-Life Upgrades for Hawk Aircraft

30 November 2011

RAAF BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft (photo : Airliners)

Australia has approved the first phase of its lead-in fighter capability assurance programme AIR 5438, establishing a study into potential mid-life upgrades for the Royal Australian Air Force BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft.

"The Government has provided first pass approval for Phase 1A of the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program," said minister for defence materiel Jason Clare.

"The Government has approved the funding of A$43 million ($42.7 million) for Defence to develop options and conduct risk mitigation activities prior to Government approval at second pass, which is presently scheduled for 2013-14," Clare added.

The total cost of AIR 5438 is estimated at A$100-300 million. Government approval may be given in 2013-14.

According to the AIR 5438 project overview, the programme will provide a mid-life upgrade to the Hawk to meet the training needs that are associated with the current aircraft, such as the Boeing F/A-18 A/B Hornet and F/A-18 F Super Hornet, and the future Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

"The project will investigate sustainability modifications required to address obsolescence, maintainability and reliability issues, and examine a range of capability enhancement options," the overview showed.

"The precise nature and composition of the ensuing acquisition phase will be determined by the capability definition study to be conducted," it added.

(FlightGlobal)

Indonesian Win Launches Grob's G120TP

19 September 2011

Grob G120TP elementary and basic trainer (photo : Milborne One)

Grob Aircraft has secured a launch customer for its G120TP design, with Indonesia's air force to operate the type as an elementary and basic trainer.

Announcing its selection on 19 September, Grob said the turboprop-powered G120TP had been selected "in the face of fierce competition from the Finmeccanica [Alenia Aermacchi] SF-260TP and the Pacific Aerospace CT-4".

Deliveries will commence in 2012, with the company also providing a computer-based ground training system, mission briefing and debriefing equipment, embedded cockpit simulation and a full package of maintenance support. The deal is likely to be for around 18 aircraft, with Grob expecting a contract signature to occur within the next few weeks.

"Asia is seen by Grob as a key region, with the potential for several other air forces to follow the example set by Indonesia," the company said. It is also offering the G120TP to several other nations, including the UK.

Indonesia also will begin fielding a new fleet of eight Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucanos from next year, following the signature of a contract in June 2011.

The Brazilian-built turboprops will be used for tasks including light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counter-insurgency.

(FlightGlobal)

Australia Extends BAE’s Hawk Contract

07 Juli 2011

RAAF's Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Trainer (photo : redbubble)

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced a two-year extension of the contract with BAE Systems Australia to provide support to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Lead-In-Fighter Hawk aircraft.

The contract is worth $150 million and includes maintenance, engineering and logistic support services to the 33 Lead-In-Fighter Hawk aircraft, two training simulators and a computer-based instruction system.

Through the Strategic Reform Program, Defence has worked with BAE Systems to deliver savings in excess of 10 per cent over the two year extension period.

This was achieved by putting in place a revised maintenance strategy and improvements to the overhaul program for the aircraft.

The Hawks are used to provide introductory fast jet training for aircrew selected to become pilots for the Classic Hornet, Super Hornet and later this decade, the Joint Strike Fighter.

They are based at RAAF Williamtown near Newcastle and RAAF Pearce near Perth.

Across the two sites, BAE Systems employs 180 people to support the aircraft – 130 at RAAF Williamtown and 50 at RAAF Pearce.

Mr Clare said that BAE Systems Australia had been providing support to the aircraft since they came into service in 2000.

“BAE Systems Australia has delivered terrific service to date and the team providing support for this important training system should be congratulated on their efforts,” Mr Clare said.

“This is an important capability for the Air Force – training our future pilots to fly Hornets and eventually the Joint Strike Fighter.

“It’s important that the aircraft and the other training systems are well-supported and maintained.”

(Australian DoD)

AFP to Buy Six Fighter Jets : M-346 or T-50

02 Juli 2011

T-50 Golden Eagle (photo : Airplane Pictures)

Spratlys arms race heats up; AFP to buy six fighter jets

THE military plans to acquire six jet fighters for interdiction missions against intruders into Philippine waters and air space, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.

“We’re giving so much priority to our internal security operations, but lately the equation has shifted because we realize we’ve also to assess our external defense capability,” Gazmin told reporters at the sidelines of the Air Force’s 64th anniversary celebrations.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. said senior military officials had recommended an initial six multi-role planes to be acquired within the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

He said the Air Force was looking at either Korea’s TA-50 Golden Eagle or Italy’s M-346, and depending on their arms and in-flight instrumentation would cost about P1 billion each.

The Air Force retired its last seven F5 fighter jets in 2005 after having been in service for 40 years.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, meanwhile, said President Aquino’s planned visit to China did not mean the Philippines was backing down from its assertions Chinese forces had been intruding on Philippine waters.

The Philippines claims that Chinese forces intruded at least nine times into Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands since February, allegations that sparked an exchange of diplomatic protests and verbal jabs. Mr. Aquino has strongly criticized China, saying two weeks ago that his country would not be bullied by China in the disputed region.

M-346 Master (photo : AleniaAermacchi)

The presidential trip would likely take place in late August or early September, Del Rosario said.

The Spratlys, a chain of barren, largely uninhabited islands, reefs and banks in the South China Sea, are claimed wholly by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The islands are believed to be atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao has denied his government committed any intrusions, but acknowledged that Chinese vessels were exercising Beijing’s sovereign rights in one incident at the Reed Bank near the Spratlys. Philippine officials complained the Chinese vessels harassed a local oil exploration ship into leaving the Reed Bank in March.

Just before he traveled last week to Washington, Del Rosario said he was told that the military was verifying another foreign intrusion into the Spratlys area.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gave strong assurances that the US was committed to the defense of the Philippines, and would provide affordable weaponry amid mounting tensions in the Spratlys, Del Rosario said.

He said he separately gave US defense officials a list of equipment the Philippines needed to improve its capability to monitor foreign intrusions in its territorial waters near the Spratlys.

Clinton assured del Rosario that the US would honor its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines that calls on each country to help defend the other against an external attack by an aggressor in their territories or in the Pacific region, he said.

Del Rosario said he told US officials that if the Philippines received defense equipment, “we become a stronger ally for you.”

(Manila Standard Today)

Alenia Aermacchi Finalised Contracts with ST Aerospace Worth About EUR 170 Million for the Logistic Support of M-346

27 Juni 2011

M-346 fighter trainer aircraft (photo : FlightGlobal)

Alenia Aermacchi: finalised contracts with ST Aerospace worth about EUR 170 million for the logistic support of the fleet of 12

Alenia Aermacchi – a company of Finmeccanica’s Aeronautics Sector led by Alenia Aeronautica – has finalised with ST Aerospace the logistics support contracts for the 12 M-346 trainers sold at the end of September 2010 in the context of the Fighter Wings Course programme of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

The two contracts are expected to generate total sales in the range of EUR 170 million.

The first contract (Supply Chain Management) envisages the joint management of the M-346 suppliers by Alenia Aermacchi and ST Aerospace (after-sales support, including spare parts provisioning, repair and overhaul services) with sharing of risks, sales and profits between the two Companies.

The other contract (Operations & Support) concerns instead the supply by Alenia Aermacchi of engineering support, programme/contract management and field support services.

Alenia Aeronautica’s CEO and Responsible for Finmeccanica’s Aeronautics Sector, Mr. Giuseppe Giordo, has commented: “The two contracts on the logistics support of the 12 M-346 for Singapore confirm the success of the high-technology Italian industry and the primacy at international level of this aircraft and of its integrated training system. Once again we are particularly proud for the positive relationship with both the Republic of Singapore Air Force, known to be one of the most sophisticated Air Forces in the world, and our industrial counterpart, ST Aerospace.”

(AleniaAermacchi)

Loss of Engine Power as a Result of the PC-9A Failure

06 Juni 2011

RAAF's PC-9A in a initial color scheme (photo : Airliners)

Update on PC-9A aircraft incident

The ongoing investigation into the RAAF PC-9/A crash at RAAF Base East Sale has revealed the crash was caused by loss of engine power as a result of the failure of a component in the aircraft’s fuel system.

The Aviation Accident Investigation Team (AAIT) will continue to analyse the aircraft to confirm there were no other factors that contributed to the power loss.

Air Force will now work with its contracted maintenance organisations, and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, to establish the cause of the component failure.

This will inform any further engineering and maintenance work that may be required to the component. Once this is completed, and no other factors are found by the AAIT, the PC-9/A will be cleared to return to flying operations.

Both Squadron Leader Collenette and Flight Lieutenant Andrews have now been released from hospital. Air Force continues to wish them well for their ongoing recovery.

(Australian DoD)

Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) will Reassemble 16 T-50 for Indonesia

27 Mei 2011

T-50 in production line (photo : KDN)

Indonesia orders 16 T-50 trainers

Indonesia has placed a $400 million order for 16 Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainers, the type's first export sale.

The Indonesian Defense Ministry signed the deal on Wednesday, said Enes Park, executive vice president of KAI. The contract stipulates that the aircraft must be delivered 18 months after the signing of a loan agreement between the South Korean and Indonesian governments.

The announcement follows a 12 April letter the Indonesian government sent to KAI designating the South Korean firm as the preferred bidder to replace Indonesia's BAE Systems Hawk 53s. The letter all but sealed the fate of the T-50's rivals in the competition, the Aero Vodochody L-159 and Yakovlev Yak-130.

The 16 General Electric F404-powered aircraft will be produced at the KAI facilities in Sacheon, South Korea. They will shipped to Indonesia partially disassembled, where Indonesia state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) will reassemble them.

"The aircraft is certainly capable of being ferried, but transporting them meets Indonesian industrial regulations," says Park. "(Re-assembling) the aircraft will help them improve their capabilities."
Despite the best efforts of KAI and the South Korean government, theT-50 lost trainer competitions in both the United Arab Emirates and Singapore to the Alenia Aermacchi M-346.

F/A-50 combat variant (photo : vehibase)

The T-50 will again square off against its rival in Israel and the USA. In 2012, the Israeli Air Force will decide between the T-50 and M-346 to replaces its Douglas A-4 Skyhawk trainers. In early May, Alenia Aermacchi general manager Alessandra Franzoni said America's T-X competition to replace the 1960s era Northrop T-38C will be a two horse race between the T-50 and M-346.

Park adds that there could be a possibility of selling Indonesia the T-50's combat variant, the F/A-50. "While there have been no concrete discussions on this, there is a distinct possibility of this in the future."

Indonesia is also still involved in South Korea's proposed KF-X programme, says Park. At the Farnborough air show in 2010, South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia, with the latter to potentially contribute up to 20% of the KF-X development costs. Indonesia is currently looking at how it might participate in the project.

The T-50 buy is just the latest example of Jakarta's efforts to upgrade the nation's air force. In November 2010, it purchased eight Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to replace Vietnam War-era Rockwell OV-10 Broncos. In January 2011 it awarded Arinc Engineering Services a $66.7 million contract to modernise five Lockheed Martin C-130Bs.

Indonesia is also considering upgrading its 10 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters. Media reports have said Jakarta will buy 24 ex-US Air Force F-16s, but this has not been officially announced by either Washington or Jakarta.

(Flight Global)

South Korea Signs Contract to Export T-50 to Indonesia

26 Mei 2011

T-50 in production line (photo : KDN)

Korea inks trainer jet deal with Indonesia

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a contract Wednesday to export its T-50 trainer jets to Indonesia, an official of the state-run aircraft maker said.

“Korea has signed a $400 million deal to export 16 T-50s,” Lee Kyung-ho, a spokesman of KAI said, noting that this is the first time for the country to export supersonic jets.

He said KAI will deliver 16 T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer jets by 2013.

On April 12, Indonesia selected KAI as the preferred bidder for its trainer jet program over Russian’s Yakovlev Yak-130 and the Czech Republic’s Aero Vodochody L-159, the two other finalists in the competition.

Italy’s M-346, which defeated the T-50 in trainer jet acquisition deals in the United Arab Emirates in 2009 and Singapore in 2010, was disqualified from the competition in the first round of assessments in May last year.

The export of the T-50 was briefly thrown into question when Korean intelligence officials allegedly broke into the hotel room of a visiting Indonesian delegation in Seoul on Feb. 16.

Observers say that the deal will have positive effects on the country's efforts to export the aircraft to other nations, including Israel, the United States, Poland, India and the United Arab Emirates.

They say the strategic importance and close bilateral ties between Korea and Indonesia played a role in the decision-making process.

Indonesia and Korea are working together to jointly develop a new fighter.

Korea first unveiled the T-50 in 2005, becoming the world’s 12th supersonic jet producer.

(Korea Times)

Pesawat T-50 Dibeli dengan CN-235

20 Mei 2011

Pesawat latih jet T-50 Golden Eagle (photo : Mirror5)

NUSA DUA - Indonesia dan Korea Selatan mematangkan rencana pertukaran atau barter pesawat latih militer buatan Korea Aerospace Industries, yakni T-50 Golden Eagle, dengan CN-235 buatan PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Pertukaran dinilai sebagai mekanisme perdagangan yang adil karena Korea Selatan dan Indonesia sama-sama tidak dirugikan.

"Saat ini sudah ada 10 unit CN-235 yang dipakai di seluruh Korea Selatan, sebagai pesawat militer, surveillance, serta penanganan bencana atau kedaruratan. Pada saat yang sama Korea Selatan juga menjual T-50 sehingga kalau dipertukarkan, akan menjadi kerjasama yang saling mendukung," tutur Staf Khusus Menteri Koordinator Perekonomian Amir Sambodo di Nusa Dua, Bali, Kamis (19/5), di sela-sela pertemuan Tujuh Kelompok Kerja Kerjasama Ekonomi Korea Selatan-Indonesia.

Menurut Amir, dalam pertukaran tersebut, pada tahap awal dapat diperjual belikan 2-4 unit tambahan CN-235. Meski demikian Amir tidak bersedia menyebutkan jumlah T-50 yang dapat dipertukarkan. "Harga jual CN-235 dengan spesifikasi pesawat surveillance diperkirakan mencapai 16 juta dollar AS. Setiap unit akan berlainan, harus disesuaikan spesifikasinya," ujarnya.

Sebelumnya Menteri Koordinator Perekonomian Hatta Rajasa menawarkan pesawat CN-235 kepada Korea Selatan pada saat memberikan kata sambutan dalam acara pembukaan Pertemuan Kelompok Kerja. Korea Selatan merasa nyaman dengan CN-235. Hadir dalam acara tersebut Menteri Ilmu Pengetahuan Ekonomi Korea Selatan Choi Jung-Kyung. "Saat ini Korea Selatan memakai CN-235, kami tawarkan Korea mau menambah armada CN-235 lebih banyak lagi," katanya.

Sebelumnya, TNI AU sedang mempercepat penggantian alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista), terutama yang berusia 30 tahun atau lebih. Salah satunya adalah dengan mendatangkan pesawat T-50 Golden Eagle buatan Korea Selatan sebagai pengganti pesawat Hawk MK-53 dari Inggris (Kompas, 10/4).

Saat itu Kepala Staf TNI AU Marsekal TNI Imam Sufaat mengutarakan, penggantian alutsista itu sudah sesuai dengan instruksi Presiden dan persetujuan DPR.

(Kompas)

RAAF PC-9s Grounded After Crash

18 Mei 2011

A file image of a RAAF PC-9 at East Sale.(photo : Australian Aviation)

The RAAF has grounded its fleet of Pilatus PC-9/A turboprop trainers after one crashed today at RAAF East Sale after a “suspected engine failure” during a routine training flight.

The accident, which occurred at around 3.15pm, saw the two crew – a QFI and instructor trainee from Central Flying School – eject safely “about 1 kilometre short of a runway, on the edge of the base”.

Base emergency personnel responded, with medics assessing the pilots as being in a stable condition before they were transferred to hospital where there are being kept for an overnight stay for X-rays and precautionary observation.

“As a precaution, all RAAF PC-9/A flying operations have been temporarily suspended, while the cause of the incident is fully investigated,” says a Defence Department statement.

“An Aviation Accident Investigation Team will be onsite at RAAF Base East Sale on Thursday 19 May to begin the investigation.”

This is the second engine incident and subsequent grounding to afflict the RAAF PC-9 fleet this year, after an engine fire on a 2FTS PC-9 taking off from RAAF Pearce in

February.

(Australian Aviation)

Air Force Eyes Phase Out of S-211 Trainer Jets

05 Mei 2011

S-211 trainer jets of PAF (photo : Sandy-Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines - The military is studying the possible phase out of S-211 trainer jets in its inventory following last Thursday’s crash of a similar type of aircraft in Bataan during a training flight, leading to the death of the two pilots.

“They are studying that, that’s why they’ve grounded all (S-211s)…The Air Force is conducting that (study) itself,” AFP spokesman Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez told reporters.

The Air Force leadership grounded 2 remaining S-211 trainer planes that are operational, pending a thorough investigation on last week’s incident at the waters of Bagac town last Thursday afternoon.

It was the second crash involving S-211 planes in less than a year.

Officials said the S-211 was on a proficiency training flight when it crashed, resulting in the death of the two pilots, Maj. Ephraim Soyum and Capt. Raymond de Leon. Soyum is the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1997.

Rodriguez said the Air Force would be making recommendations to the AFP Weapons Modernization Board what type of aircraft should be procured under their modernization program in the event the S-211s will be phased out.

“They are studying that (phase out of the S-211s), what are the risks. If they thing that the risk is high, then we have to think of something,” he said.

(PhilStar)

BAE Awarded Contract for Defence’s IBFT

03 Mei 2011

CT-4B basif flying training aircraft (photo : Nathan Long)

BAE Systems Australia Limited has been awarded a six-year contract to provide Interim Basic Flying Training to the ADF until Project AIR 5428 delivers a new pilot training system for the ADF.

The total value of this contract is $86.6m. The contract was awarded after a comprehensive tender process.

Basic Flying Training is an essential stepping stone for the future capability of Australia’s air power.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will continue to provide basic flying training at Tamworth using the CT-4B Airtrainer aircraft, upgraded to meet contemporary crashworthiness requirements.

Instrument panel of the CT-4B (photo : Colin Hunter)

Commencing in January 2012, the six-year contract includes annual extension options for Defence, for up to a further six years.

Basic Flying Training plays an important role in providing a cost-effective training solution for initial flying training for the ADF. Once personnel graduate from this course, Army personnel continue on to helicopter training at Oakey Army Aviation Airfield in Queensland; Navy and Air Force personnel continue to Advanced Flying Training at RAAF Base Pearce outside Perth.

Project AIR5428 is expected to deliver a new pilot training system in the 2015-17 timeframe.

(Australian DoD)

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