ngah-ngoh

A400M. (Foto: airbusmilitary)

10 April 2012, Jakarta: Airbus Military A400M, pesawat angkut generasi terbaru untuk abad ke-21, akan mengunjungi Asia pada 14-20 April. Malaysia, yang adalah pelanggan A400M, menjadi tujuan pertama dan perhentian terlama dari tur di tiga negara Asia.

Dari Malaysia, Airbus Military A400M akan singgah di Jakarta, lalu Chiang Mai dan Bangkok (Thailand), sebelum kembali ke Eropa. Pihak Airbus, Selasa (10/4/2012) menyebutkan, kunjungan ini merupakan pertama kalinya di Asia, dan akan memberi kesempatan kepada pemerintah dan Angkatan Udara Malaysia untuk melihat pesawat tersebut secara langsung.

Pemerintahan Malaysia telah memesan empat pesawat baru ini, bersama dengan beberapa negara pelanggan lainnya, yaitu Belgia, Perancis, Jerman, Luxembourg, Spanyol, Turki, dan Inggris Raya. Pesawat yang akan diterbangkan pada tur Asia Pasifik ini adalah Grizzly 4, satu dari lima pesawat prototipe yang dikembangkan.

Pada 18 April, Grizzly 4 akan terbang ke Jakarta, dan tinggal selama satu hari di Lapangan Udara Halim Perdanakusuma. Para pejabat pemerintah dan tamu-tamu dari Angkatan Udara akan dapat melihat pesawat tersebut dan berpartisipasi dalam demonstrasi penerbangan untuk mendapatkan pengalaman langsung dari kemampuan menakjubkan yang dimiliki oleh A400M.

Rekan lama Airbus Military di Indonesia yakni PT Dirgantara Indonesia, turut mendukung dan memfasilitasi kunjungan Grizzly ke Indonesia. Pada 19 April, pesawat tersebut akan berangkat ke Thailland dan mengunjungi Lapangan Udara Chiang Mai, untuk berpartisipasi pada perayaan ulang tahun ke-100 Angkatan Udara Thailand.

Pesawat A400M adalah pesawat angkut militer terbaru yang dirancang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan angkatan bersenjata abad ke-21. Berkat teknologinya yang maju, pesawat ini dapat terbang lebih tinggi, cepat, dan jauh, dengan tetap mempertahankan kemampuan bermanuver yang tinggi, kecepatan rendah dan kemampuan menggunakan landasan pendek, lunak dan juga kasar.

Pesawat ini menggabungkan kemampuan menjalankan misi taktis dan strategis, dan juga dapat digunakan sebagai pesawat pengisi bahan bakar. Dengan ruang kargo yang secara khusus dirancang untuk mengangkut peralatan besar yang dibutuhkan oleh misi militer dan bantuan kemanusiaan, pesawat ini dapat membawa kargo dengan cepat dan langsung menuju ke tempat yang paling dibutuhkan.

Sumber: KOMPAS

Bronco buatan industri pertahanan Singapura. Inggris memborong 115 unit untuk Angkatan Bersenjata Inggris. (Foto: Mindef)

24 Maret 2012, Jakarta: Krisis ekonomi global selain membuat ketidakpastian juga mendorong militer sejumlah negara meningkatkan industri pertahanan masing-masing karena lebih effisien dan effektif. Hal ini membuka peluang adanya kerja sama regional industri pertahanan.

Hal ini dikatakan Jenderal Darat Hurley, Panglima Angkatan Bersenjata Australia, dalam diskusi di Jakarta International Defense Dialog, Jumat (23/3).

Menurut David, pihaknya memandang penting bagaimana membelanjakan uang rakyat, terutama dalam pemenuhan kebutuhan persenjataan Angkatan Bersenjata Australia. Ada komitmen pemerintah untuk membuat perencanaan jangka panjang angkatan bersenjata 2030.

“Industri pertahanan berkolaborasi dengan angkatan bersenjata dengan demikian menurunkan resiko,” kata David.

Penghematan juga menjadi perhatian utama di Singapura. Panglima Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura LG Neo Kian Hong mengatakan, pihaknya banyak mengembangkan dan memperbaiki dibandingkan membeli alat baru. Misalnya Singapura membeli Main Battle Tank Leopard bekas 2A4 untuk diperbaiki dan modifikasi sesuai kebutuhan angkatan bersenjata Singapura.

Baik David maupun Neo Kian Hong mengatakan, penguatan industri pertahanan dalam negeri memberikan banyak keuntungan. Memang, ada prasyarat yang harus dipenuhi dari berbagai pihak, seperti militer, universitas, pemerintah, dan industri.

”Walau kami ada keterbatasan dari segi tenaga kerja, industri pertahanan Singapura bisa ekspor ke Inggris, Kanada, Selandia Baru, dan Australia,” kata Neo Kian Hong.

Ekspor Senjata Singapura 2000-2011
- 1 unit kapal pengangkut tank kelas Endurance senilai 132 juta dolar ke Thailand pada 2008, diterima 2012;
- 115 unit ranpur Bronco (Warthog) senilai 233 juta dolar pada 2008 ke Inggris, diterima 2010-2011;
- 48 unit mortar SRAMS 120mm senilai 106 juta dolar pada 2007 ke Uni Emirat Arab, dipasang di ranpur Agrab (RG-31), diterima 2009-2011;
- 72 unit mortar SRAMS 120mm senilai 214 juta dolar pada 2011 ke Uni Emirat Arab, dipasang di ranpur Agrab (RG-31);
- 2 unit kapal patroli cepat FPB-38 Sea Eagle ke Nigeria pada 2007, diterima 2009;
- 2 unit kapal patroli kelas Grajau ke Brasil pada 1996, diterima 1999-2000.

Hibah Senjata Singapura 2000-2011
- 7 unit pesawat tempur F-16A/B ke Thailand pada 2004;
- 7 unit helikopter Bell-205/UH-1 ke Filipina pada 2003, helikopter dimodernisasi senilai 12 juta dolar sebelum diserahkan, diterima 2004-2005;
- 9 unit mortar 120mm ke Sri Lanka pada 2000;
- 1 unit kapal patroli RSS Jupiter ke Indonesia pada 2002;
- 19 unit pesawat latih SF-260 ke Indonesia pada 2002;
- 6 unit helikopter ringan AS-350/AS-550 Fennec ke Chad pada 2008, diterima 2009-2010.

Sumber: KOMPAS/SIPRI
@Berita HanKam

Pengunjung melihat pesawat Jabiru J430 buatan siswa SMKN 12 Bandung, Jawa Barat, Senin (16/1). Pesawat Jabiru tipe J430 karya pelajar SMK N 12 Bandung ditopang dengan mesin 3300 cc yang mampu memacu kecepatan jelajah hingga 108 knot, dengan kapasitasnya 4 orang. Panjang pesawat 6,5 meter, lebar bentang sayap 9,6 meter, dan tingginya 2,4 meter. Pesawat yang biaya produksi mencapai Rp. 1 miliar ini siap untuk uji terbang, tetapi masih terkendala perijinan. (Foto: ANTARA/Agus Bebeng/ed/ama/12)

17 Januari 2012, Bandung: Siswa SMK Negeri 12 Bandung berhasil merakit pesawat penumpang yang diberi nama Jabiru J430.

Sejumlah pihak menyambut baik termasuk Wali Kota Bandung Dada Rosada. Saat ini, pesawat tersebut masih dalam proses penyempurnaan.“Saya bangga dengan apa yang dihasilkan siswa SMK ini, saya harap tidak akan hanya s e l e s a i sampai di sini karena ke depan harus terus dikembangkan. Dan bagaimana peran pemerintah daerah bisa mengembangkan pesawat ini,” ujar Dada dalam kunjungan ke SMKN 12 Bandung, Jalan Padjadjaran, kemarin.

Menurut dia, perlu ada kerja sama dengan berbagai pihak supaya pesawat tersebut tidak selesai di perakitan saja.Misalnya membuat rute penerbangan Bandung-Pangandaran, dengan melihat peluang ini hasil karya siswa SMK bisa makin bernilai jual dan berguna.“Itu ide luar biasa dengan melihat peluang yang ada,nantinya dapat meningkatkan pendapatan asli daerah. Maka itu, izin, modal, dan produk selanjutnya harus ada kemajuan,”jelasnya. Dalam kunjungan itu,Dada mencoba menaiki pesawat bersama instruktur, dia duduk di kursi depan pesawat selama beberapa menit.

Tidak butuh waktu lama, mesin bertenaga 3.300 cc itu bisa menyala, tapi tidak bisa dijalankan karena membutuhkan tempat yang cukup luas. Kepala SMKN 12 Bandung Edi Purwanto mengatakan,pesawat yang dirakit sejak Februari 2011 ini tidak memiliki masalah, apalagi pesawat dengan panjang 6.650 mm, lebar 9.582 mm,dan tinggi 2.400 mm ini telah di- run up atau dilakukan pemanasan mesin sebanyak 5-6 kali,sehingga bisa berjalan di darat. “Untuk perizinan kami belum mendapatkannya, padahal sudah kami urus sebelum pesawat tersebut dirakit.Banyaknya kecelakaan pesawat yang terjadi menjadi pertimbangan pemberian izin terbang,”katanya.

Semua proses perakitan dilakukan siswa II dan III dengan didampingi seorang ahli. Hanya dalam waktu lima bulan, perakitan pesawat dapat diselesaikan. Hal ini menunjukkan kemampuan siswa SMK dalam perakitan pesawat.“Ternyata siswa SMK juga mampu dan bisa menumbuhkan sumber daya manusia muda di bidang kedirgantaraan. 5-10 tahun ke depan, kebutuhan tenaga pengoperasian pesawat udara sangat besar dan Indonesia sangat kekurangan,ini yang menjadi pertimbangan kami,”ujarnya.

Sumber: SINDO

2 Desember 2011, Singapura (KOMPAS.com): Bell Helicopter mengumumkan telah menerima pesanan lima helikopter Bell 412 baru dari Indonesia dan kemungkinan akan ditambah dua heli lagi dalam waktu dekat. Heli tersebut akan diproduksi bersama PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) dan akan digunakan oleh beberapa lembaga Pemerintah Indonesia.

Demikian isi siaran pers Bell Helicopter, salah satu divisi Textron Inc, yang disebarluaskan dari Singapura, Jumat (2/12/2011).

"Bell Helicopter punya sejarah panjang kemitraan dengan PT DI di Indonesia. Penjualan heli-heli ini adalah bagian dari keranga kerja kolaborasi industrial yang terus berlanjut. Kami percaya kemitraan ini akan terus berkembang dan kemungkinan akan diperluas di masa depan," tutur Larry D Roberts, Wakil Presiden Senior Bisnis Komersial Bell Helicopter.

Lima Bell 412 baru itu akan diserahterimakan ke pihak PT DI pada akhir tahun ini, dan selanjutnya akan dibawa ke markas PT DI di Bandung, Jawa Barat, untuk dipasangi berbagai muatan lokal, termasuk peralatan misi khusus sesuai pesanan, sebelum diantarkan ke berbagai institusi pemesan.

Heli Bell 412 adalah salah satu produk andalan Bell Helicopter. Heli ini merupakan pengembangan dari helikopter legendaris UH-1 (Huey), yang sangat diandalkan pasukan AS dalam Perang Vietnam. Berbagai institusi di Indonesia, mulai dari perusahaan carter pesawat sampai TNI, menggunakan heli tipe ini.

Sumber: KOMPAS

5 Januari 2010 -- (Berita HanKam): AF-4, jet tempur siluman F-35 Lightning II kesepuluh memasuki tahap uji terbang, mengangkasa pertama kalinya 30 Desember. Uji penerbangan dinyatakan sukses dan mengakhiri misi uji terbang tahun 2010 untuk program F-35 JSF, dibukukan 410 kali uji terbang sedangkan rencana hanya 394. (Foto: Neal Chapman)

Sumber: Lockheed Martin

(Photo: Alenia Aermacchi)

23 Desember 2010 -- Alenia Aermacchi menampilkan dua jet latih lanjut M-346 Master pertama kalinya, pesawat ini bagian batch pertama dari enam jet yang dipesan Angkatan Udara Italia, Selasa (21/12).

Peluncuran pesawat dilakukan di pabrik pesawat Alenia Aermacchi di Venegono Superiore, dihadiri pimpinan perusahaan dan perwakilan Angkatan Bersenjata Italia dan pejabat pemerintah daerah.

Pesawat akan dikirim ke unit pengujian terbang AU Italia di Pratica, Lanud Mare dekat Roma. Pesawat akan menjalani pengujian evaluasi operasi. AU Italia akan menerima empat pesawat pada 2011, menjadikan angkatan udara pertama di dunia mengoperasikan M-346 Master.

Jet latih lanjut M-346 Master dapat digunakan melatih para pilot sebelum mengoperasikan jet tempur generasi keempat dan kelima. AU Singapura telah memesan 12 pesawat, menyingkirkan jet latih buatan Korea Selatan T-50.

Alenia Aermacchi/Berita HanKam

Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Scout (MCM 8). (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Lee Kelsey/Released)

21 December 2010, HUDSON, New Hampshire -- BAE Systems will deliver an upgraded minehunting sonar system to the U.S. Navy for the detection and classification of bottom and moored sea mines. BAE Systems will provide four systems under a $14 million contract.

The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 minehunting sonar set with the high frequency wide band upgrade replaces the existing SQQ-32(V)3 detection sonar currently employed aboard the MCM-1 Avenger Class mine countermeasures ships. This upgrade improves detection performance in the littoral environment and against stealth mines.

"This is a key win for us and we now have a new customer, a new mission and a new product. We look forward to partnering with the Navy to deliver this improved minehunting capability to the fleet," said Howie Weinstein, director of Persistent Surveillance for BAE Systems.

In addition to new detection sonar in the towed body, the upgrade replaces the operator consoles located in the Combat Information Center. In order to process the extensive data from new high speed optical channels within the system, these modernized operator consoles implement a multiple computer server layout interfaced via a 10Gbit communications network. With the extensive use of COTs open system components within the consoles, life cycle costs are reduced and incorporate a means for rapid technology insertion.

The initial base contract requires deliveries of four build-to-print production systems, with two options for an additional 10 systems and one battlespare. The base award value plus these options along with engineering services total $42 million. The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 system was designed by the teaming of the government laboratory Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City and the Applied Research Laboratory: University of Texas.

BAE Systems

20 December 2010, LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The worldwide fleet of C-17 Globemaster III airlifters built by The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] surpassed 2 million flying hours during an airdrop mission over Afghanistan on Dec. 10. Reaching 2 million flight hours equates to 1.13 billion nautical miles – the equivalent of a C-17 flying to the moon and back 2,360 times.

The representative mission, flown by a U.S. Air Force C-17, airdropped 74,000 pounds of jet fuel in support of U.S. and coalition troops just south of Kabul.

The C-17 has a mission readiness rate of more than 85 percent. It is the world's only strategic airlifter with tactical capabilities that allow it to fly between continents, land on short, austere runways, and airdrop supplies precisely where they are needed.

"There's tremendous satisfaction in knowing that in those 2 million hours, the C-17 fleet has saved countless lives around the world," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. "Boeing congratulates the U.S. Air Force and our international C-17 customers on reaching this milestone. We’re very proud that the C-17 continues to exceed expectations for performance and reliability."

The C-17 fleet, now in its 17th year of service, has supported humanitarian and disaster-relief missions worldwide. With 226 airlifters in service around the world, the C-17 fleet continues to operate at an accelerated rate due to the recent troop surge in Afghanistan, reaching the 2 million flight-hours milestone less than five years after reaching 1 million flight hours in March 2006, when 152 C-17s were in service. This year, lifesaving aeromedical evacuations of wounded troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, along with relief missions for natural disasters such as earthquakes in Pakistan, Chile and Haiti, have intensified the C-17's normal workload.

Boeing helps keep the C-17 flying through a worldwide support and sustainment program. "Boeing has had the honor of supporting the entire C-17 fleet since the delivery of the first aircraft to Charleston Air Force Base in 1993," said Gus Urzua, program manager for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. "Through innovative Performance-Based Logistics contracting and partnering with the Air Force, we have maintained the highest level of aircraft readiness while continuously reducing the cost of ownership."

While providing relief to Haiti in January and February, C-17s delivered nearly 14,000 short tons of cargo and transported some 25,000 passengers and 280 patients. C-17s also played a key role in a record year for airdrops in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. As of Oct. 31, C-17s and other airlifters have airdropped more than 45 million pounds of cargo to troops in remote locations.

Boeing has delivered 20 C-17s to international customers. The U.S. Air Force -- including active duty, National Guard, and Air Force Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 206. Other customers include the U.K. Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India is expected to be the next C-17 customer.

Boeing

(Photo: Navy)

20 December 2010, MARIETTA, Ga. -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently received an order for two additional P-3 Orion Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) kits from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The order brings the total number of CBP P-3s on contract to receive the MLU to 11 with an option for five additional kits in 2011.

“This award reinforces CBP’s support of our proven, cost-effective solution for providing the P-3 fleet with 20-plus years of added operational capability,” said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3 Programs and Greenville Operations vice president. “CBP has been a forward thinking partner in our MLU program, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship.”

CBP will receive up to 16 upgraded P-3s for deliveries planned through 2015. It received the first fully upgraded P-3 Orion in July 2010.

The new order brings the total program to 56 kits, including orders from CBP, the U.S. Navy and international customers.

Lockheed Martin’s P-3 MLU program provides a technically proven, low-risk, cost-effective solution for replacing the aircraft’s outer wings, center wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer with new production components.

The MLU replaces all fatigue-life-limiting structure with enhanced-design components and incorporates a new metal alloy that is five times more corrosion resistant, greatly reducing the cost of ownership for P-3 operators. The MLU solution removes current aircraft flight restrictions and extends the structural service life of the P-3 up to 15,000 hours, adding about 20 years of operational use.

P-3 Orion is the standard for maritime patrol and reconnaissance and is used for homeland security, hurricane reconnaissance, anti-piracy operations, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, intelligence gathering, antisubmarine warfare and, recently, to assist in air traffic control and data gathering over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Lockheed Martin

20 December 2010 -- Portsmouth, United Kingdom: Al Shamikh, the first of three ships being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has embarked on her first sea trials in the Solent.

Departing from the Company’s Portsmouth facility, a combined BAE Systems and RNO crew is putting the ship through her paces, undertaking extensive platform testing for speed, propulsion and manoeuvrability in the first demonstration of the ship’s capability at sea.

Scott Jamieson, International Programmes Director at BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, said: “As first in class, Al Shamikh’s trials mark a pivotal stage in the programme. It highlights the significant progress that has been made and clearly demonstrates the effective close working relationship we have developed with the Royal Navy of Oman and our continued commitment to deliver enhanced naval capability to our customer.”

The corvette is a flexible and highly efficient platform, equipped to defend against both surface and air threats. Al Shamikh will be used to protect Omani territorial waters, conducting coastal patrols in peacetime, with the ability to conduct search and rescue, as well as disaster relief, while providing a highly sophisticated ocean going capability for use in deterrent operations during times of tension.

Al Shamikh is part of the Project Khareef contract, secured in 2007, for the design and build of three 99 metre corvettes for the RNO. Highlighting the company’s continued commitment to providing through-life support and services to its customers, the contract also includes training for RNO personnel, as well as an initial logistics support package for the ships.

Following Al Shamikh’s initial sea trials, she will return to Portsmouth before undergoing further integration and testing, with weapons trials set to take place in the New Year. The first of class is expected to be handed over to the RNO in 2011, following which the crew will undergo the UK Royal Navy's Flag Officer Sea Training before the ship sails to Oman for warm weather trials. Al Rahmani, the second ship in the class, was launched in July 2010 and will undertake sea trials in 2011, whilst the third ship, Al Rasikh, will be launched in March 2011.

BAE Systems

Fire-X, a vertical unmanned air system developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation and Bell Helicopter, a Textron company completed its first fully autonomous flight Dec. 10 at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., less than one year after development began. (Photos by Northrop Grumman / Chad Slattery).

15 December 2010, San Diego -- Fire-X, a vertical unmanned air system (VUAS) developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron company (NYSE:TXT), completed its first fully autonomous flight Dec. 10 at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., less than one year after development began.

"The speed which Fire-X was developed shows that a low-risk, fast-track solution can be safely flown using the proven MQ-8B Fire Scout's unmanned systems autonomous flight architecture," said Paul Meyer, sector vice president and general manager of the Advanced Programs and Technology Division at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We developed a VUAS that meets growing needs for cargo and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. We can now expand Fire-X's operational capabilities to meet emerging U.S. military requirements in all the Services and Special Operations Command."

First flight involved a short-duration hover to validate safe and reliable autonomous flight. Additional flight tests and reliability data gathering will be conducted in the coming weeks. Integration of ISR sensor payloads and cargo carrying capability test flights is set to occur early next year.

"The expertise of Northrop Grumman in unmanned systems combined with Bell's rotorcraft knowledge is what makes Fire-X so successful," said George Spongberg, Northrop Grumman Fire-X program manager. "We've been able to share key insights throughout development – allowing a seamless transition of autonomous flight systems software to a new airframe."

First flight was accomplished in 11 months after development began. It was achieved by integrating Fire Scout's proven autonomous systems developed for the U.S. Navy with the highly successful Bell 407 helicopter, a FAA-certified helicopter that's been in commercial service worldwide since 1996.

The 407 system can carry ISR sensors and a useful load of more than 3,200 pounds – for fuel, payloads and/or enhanced cargo hauling capabilities – internally or externally. Fire-X will also be able to conduct ISR missions up to 16 hours in endurance and various cargo missions in support of U.S. Army and Marine Corps requirements.

The Fire-X demonstration aircraft will retain the ability to be optionally piloted – a capability which may appeal to military users because of its added operational flexibility.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

14 December 2010, FORT WORTH, Texas -- The third F-35A to join the test fleet at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., tops off its fuel tanks while cruising west toward its destination after departing Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11. Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti flew the conventional takeoff and landing variant, known as AF-3, on the 1,200-mile ferry flight. AF-3 will focus on testing advanced technologies and mission systems. The F-35 Lightning II program on Dec. 9 achieved its goal of 394 flights in 2010, and reached the 400-flight mark for the year-to-date on Dec.13. (Photo: Lockheed Martin/Liz Kaszynski)

10 December 2010, Washington -- The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Kaman Aerospace [NASDAQ GS: KAMN] a $45.8 million contract for K-MAX® unmanned aircraft systems for a U.S. Marine Corps evaluation of unmanned cargo resupply in an operational forward deployed environment.

“The K-MAX UAS was specifically designed for the battlefield cargo resupply mission,” said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems vice president. “K-MAX’s capabilities directly answer the Marine Corps’ requirement to augment ground and air logistics operations, supplement rotary-wing assets and keep warfighters supplied and out of harm’s way.”

The contract includes the delivery of two K-MAX air vehicles and three remote control ground stations to the U.S. Marine Corps for a Quick Reaction Assessment, scheduled for summer 2011.

The unmanned K-MAX has demonstrated its ability to carry and deliver 6,000 pounds of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 10,000 feet altitude. The aircraft can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight than any other unmanned rotary wing aircraft. Its intermeshing rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor and allow for significantly improved lift performance and lower maintenance costs.

“K-MAX is the optimal choice for an affordable unmanned cargo delivery capability,” said Terry Fogarty, Kaman Aerospace Unmanned Aircraft Systems general manager. “With reduced operational and logistics costs, increased fuel savings and less manpower required compared to a ground vehicle convoy or manned helicopter, the K-MAX is the lowest-risk solution for the mission.”

Since partnering in 2007, Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace have made significant investments to provide a rapid response to an urgent military service need. The team has met all milestones to date and exceeded Marine Corps requirements during a demonstration at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah in January.

Lockheed Martin

07 December 2010, WICHITA, Kan. -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8I team began fabricating the first part for the Indian navy's first long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft on Dec. 6 in Wichita. The P-8I, based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

Employees at Spirit AeroSystems -- where all Boeing Next-Generation 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built -- cut the P-8I's first part, a bonded aluminum panel that later will be installed on the fuselage's upper lobe to support an antenna. The panel and other fuselage components will come together on Spirit's existing Next-Generation 737 production line.

"Today marks the P-8I program's move from the design phase to the build phase," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We're on schedule and the Indian navy is looking forward to receiving its first plane."

Spirit will ship the P-8I fuselage to a Boeing Commercial Airplanes facility in Renton, Wash., in mid-2011 for final assembly. After that, Boeing Defense, Space & Security employees will install mission systems and complete testing prior to delivery to India.

"P-8I fuselage sections are designed and built using the same processes we use on the commercial 737," said Mike King, Spirit AeroSystems Fuselage Segment senior vice president/general manager. "We've built seven P-8A fuselages to date and continue to increase efficiency as we move forward."

Boeing will deliver the first of eight P-8I aircraft to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first international customer for the P-8.

The P-8I will provide India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements now and well into the future. The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

Boeing Company

07 December 2010, DAEGU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Nov. 8 delivered three F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) at Daegu Air Base. The company delivered the first three of 21 F-15Ks it is producing under the Next Fighter II contract to the ROKAF in September. The remaining 15 aircraft will be delivered through March 2012.

"Boeing is honored to deliver these highly advanced fighters to the ROKAF," said Roger Besancenez, Boeing F-15 Program vice president. "We will continue to work closely with our ROKAF customers to prepare for upcoming deliveries that will provide them with superior air combat capability, as we remain committed to our goal of completing the deliveries on budget and on schedule, as promised."

Six of the new F-15K Slam Eagles are scheduled to participate in an advanced aerial combat training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in late 2011.

The F-15K is an advanced variant of the combat-proven F-15E. Equipped with the latest technological upgrades, it is extremely capable, survivable and maintainable. The aircraft's service life is planned through 2040, with technology insertions and upgrades throughout its life cycle. Boeing completed delivery of 40 Next Fighter I F-15K aircraft to the ROKAF in October 2008.

Boeing Company

09 December 2010, MARIETTA, Ga. -- India′s next three C-130Js have now reached the final production positions at the Lockheed Martin Marietta facility. These aircraft will join the previous three, which are already in flight test prior to deliveries that will begin later this month. The first C-130J for India will be formally delivered on Dec. 16 at a ceremony in Marietta. Two will be flown to India in early 2011, while two more will arrive in early summer and the last two will be delivered in late summer of 2011. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

RAAF's new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. (Foto: Australia DoD)

06 December 2010, WOOMERA, Australia -- The Royal Australian Air Force launched two Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Joint Standoff Weapon Cs from the RAAF's new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking the first time a U.S. ally has operationally tested a JSOW C. This test series also marked the first time the JSOW C variant has been employed outside the continental United States.

The RAAF also has placed an order for the JSOW C-1, which is currently in production; deliveries are expected to begin in 2011. The JSOW C-1 maintains the land attack capability of JSOW C and adds a moving maritime target capability by incorporating a datalink. This enables the JSOW to receive target updates as it flies to its target.

"The successful tests are a result of the hard work and close cooperation between the U.S. Navy's JSOW program office, the RAAF and Raytheon," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile System's Air Warfare Systems' product line. "Raytheon congratulates the U.S. Navy and the RAAF on this milestone; we are pleased to be a trusted partner on this important new capability for Australia."

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground glide weapons with a range of 70 nautical miles (80.5 statute miles) that employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal uncooled infrared seeker that guides the weapon to the target. The JSOW C carries a single BROACH warhead that has blast, fragmentation and penetration effects. JSOW is integrated on all variants of the F/A-18 and will be integrated on the Joint Strike Fighter.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

Raytheon Company

04 December 2010, MARINETTE, Wis. -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led industry team today launched the nation’s third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Fort Worth, at the Marinette Marine shipyard.

The 389-foot Fort Worth was launched into the Menominee River. Just prior to its launch, the ship’s sponsor, Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas, christened Fort Worth with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow.

“It is an incredibly rewarding experience to see Fort Worth launch into the water – on time and on budget,” said Orlando Carvalho, president of Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Sensors business. “The team’s strong performance and hard work in bringing Fort Worth to this point illustrates our ability to meet the Navy’s need for a class of affordable, multi-mission combatants.”

“Serving as the USS Fort Worth’s sponsor is one of the proudest moments in my career,” Congresswoman Granger said. “This is just the beginning of a commitment I am making with everyone in Fort Worth to all those who will sail on the ship over the course of her life. The enthusiastic residents of our fine city and I have pledged to take great care of this magnificent ship and its crew. With ‘Grit and Tenacity’ we will once again demonstrate our community’s key principles of service and patriotism.”

In March 2009, the U.S. Navy awarded the Lockheed Martin-led industry team a contract to construct Fort Worth. Only 20 months later, the ship is 80 percent complete. Now formally christened and launched, Fort Worth will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine before delivery to the Navy in 2012.

Prior to constructing Fort Worth, the Lockheed Martin-led team designed and constructed USS Freedom (LCS 1), which was deployed in February and is now based in its homeport of San Diego, Calif. USS Freedom was christened in 2006 and delivered to the Navy in 2008.

In addition to Marinette Marine Corporation, a Fincantieri company, the Lockheed Martin-led industry team for Fort Worth includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox as well as best-of-industry domestic and international companies. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44 billion.

Lockheed Martin

03 December 2010, VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful de-orbit and landing of the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), also known as the X-37B, for the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The X-37B landed at 1:16 a.m. Pacific time today, concluding its more than 220-day experimental test mission. It was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on April 22.

The X-37B is the United States' first unmanned vehicle to return from space and land on its own. Previously, the space shuttle was the only space vehicle capable of returning to Earth. The success of this inaugural mission demonstrates that unmanned space vehicles can be sent into orbit and safely recovered.

"We congratulate the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base on the success of this mission," said Paul Rusnock, Boeing vice president of Experimental Systems and program director for the X-37B. "This marks a new era in space exploration, and we look forward to the launch of the second vehicle in 2011. By combining the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable, responsive unmanned vehicle, Boeing has delivered an unprecedented capability to the RCO."


The X-37B program is demonstrating a reliable, reusable unmanned space test platform for the Air Force. Its objectives include space experimentation, risk reduction, and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies that could become key enablers for future space missions.

Boeing's commitment to this space-based unmanned vehicle spans a decade and includes support to the Air Force Research Lab's X-40 program, NASA's X-37 program, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's X-37 Approach & Landing Test Vehicle (ALTV) program.

Boeing program management, engineering, manufacturing, test and mission support functions for the OTV program are conducted at Boeing sites in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and El Segundo, Calif.

Boeing

03 December 2010 -- ST. LOUIS -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded the company a $29.9 million contract for Cargo Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Services to support the U.S. Marine Corps. Boeing will provide two A160T Hummingbird unmanned vehicles, three ground control stations, spares, training and support.

The A160T aircraft designated for the contract are near completion on the Boeing production line that started up in March at the company's Mesa, Ariz., facility.

This government-owned, contractor-operated contract is the first for Hummingbirds from the company-funded production line. It calls for a period of predeployment operations at a military facility in the continental United States, followed by options for a six-month deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We look forward to working with NAVAIR and the Marines to provide this important capability to warfighters on the front lines," said Vic Sweberg, Unmanned Airborne Systems director for Boeing. "The A160T has proven its ability to autonomously deliver cargo to forward operating bases in austere conditions in a demonstration setting, and we are confident in its ability to do the same in battlefield conditions."

This past March, under contract from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Boeing demonstrated the A160T's ability to deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another base 75 nautical miles away in less than the required six hours. The simulated mission delivered 1,250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed mission.

Boeing