Yak-152 Primary Trainer Aircraft

The Yak-152 is a new-generation primary trainer aircraft developed by Yakovlev Design Bureau, a part of Irkut Corporation. The aircraft is intended for the Russian Ministry of Defence, paramilitary sport organisation DOSAAF (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Fleet), and other organisations of the Russian Federation.

The aircraft is intended to provide primary pilot training, professional selection, and occupational guidance for future military fighter pilots. It will be included in the UTK-Yak training complex, which consists of the Yak-130 combat trainer, computer display classrooms, PC-based procedural simulators, and functional simulators.

Yakovlev Design Bureau is the potential prime contractor for the Yak-152 aeroplane. Federal arms supply agency Rosoboronpostavka began a tender in March 2014 to complete development of a Yak-152 piston training aircraft at an estimated cost of RUR300m ($8.32m). A mock-up of the Yakovlev-152 trainer was made by OSKBES MAI in September 2014.

Image: sdelanounas.ru

The Yak-152 aircraft development programme includes production of four prototypes, with two are aimed for flight trials, one for static tests and the final for fatigue testing. . The first prototype achieved its maiden flight in September 2016. The first Yak-152 trainer aircraft is anticipated to be operational by 2017.

Irkut received a contract from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in June 2015 to supply approximately 150 Yak-152 aircraft by 2020.

Defense Ministry ordered 150 light trainer aircraft Yak-152

Image: © RIA Novosti. Sergey Cafronov

IRKUTSK, June 7 -. RIA Novosti Russian Ministry of Defence has ordered 150 light trainer aircraft Yak-152 for primary training of military pilots, he told reporters on Tuesday in Irkutsk director of lean manufacturing Irkutsk aircraft factory Sergey Yamani.

Currently at the plant in various stages of assembly are three Yak-152.

“At present the Irkutsk aircraft factory proceeds to the order of the Ministry of Defense, which has ordered 150 of these vehicles,” – he said.

He recalled that the two-seater plane has a speed of up to 350 kilometers per hour, and has a catapult. Translated by Google – Source ria.ru

First prototype flight training aircraft Yak-152 rolled out

Yak-152 aircraft for the Russian VKS created as part started in 2014 ROC “Bird-Air”. According to the documentation on OCD, its implementation was assumed in the following stages:

1. Technical design – period up to 30.04.2014
2. Development of design documentation for the production of a prototype – a term up to 09.30.2014
3. Prototyping: two flying, one for static and endurance tests, as well as procedural simulator, a computer classroom, means of objective control – a term up to 10.30.2015
4. Carrying out preliminary tests (PI), improvement in their results and presentation to the GOP – 10.30.2015 period of up to
5. Conducting state tests – a term up to 09.30.2016

6.RKD Adjustment and revision on the results of state tests by assigning RKD letters “O1” – a term up to 25.11.2016. Translated by google – Source livejournal.com

Yak-152 Second Prototype to Take Off This Summer: Here

Excerpt

The flight prototype No. 2 built at the Irkutsk aircraft plant, the branch of the Irkut Corporation PJSC, will begin undergoing flight tests in the nearest future.

“We were licensed for two-pilot flights in the spring”, Vasily Sevastyanov, 1st Class research pilot told Mil.Today. So far, he has been flying on the new plane alone; however, the second pilot has already started training program.

Specialists of TsAGI have completed the next cycle of strength tests of the Yak-152

Specialists of TsAGI have completed the next cycle of strength tests of the Yak-152 https://t.co/B25LhYnLML pic.twitter.com/5UD8yDoGyB

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) February 18, 2018

Yak-152 trainer aircraft design and features

Image: redstar.gr

The Yak-152 primary / basic trainer aircraft features all-metal airframe, low wing, aerofoil monoplane design. It is easy to maintain and requires low operating costs.

The wings are attached with trim rudders and ailerons to provide improved aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft features a retractable tricycle landing gear consisting of a nose wheel and two main wheels, with low-pressure tyres and shock-absorbing properties, allowing the aircraft to take-off and land safely on small unprepared airfields.

The Yak-152 trainer aircraft has a length of 7.72m, wing span of 8.82m and a height of 2.47m. The maximum take-off weight is 1,320kg and it can carry a maximum fuel load of 200kg. It features a monocoque fuselage made up of four longerons.

Operated by a single pilot, the cockpit can accommodate two crew members in tandem configuration. The pupil-pilot seat is located in the front section, while the instructor is seated at the rear. The aircraft uses the SKS-94M ejection system to provide safe escape for pilots in case of an emergency. It is also installed with heating and ventilation systems.

Avionics of Yakovlev Design Bureau’s trainer aircraft

The Yak-152 primary trainer aircraft can be equipped with advanced flight navigation, radio communications, and targeting equipment to provide high-reliability and enhanced training capabilities for the pilots.

Саша БелыйСаша Белыйaviationanalysis.net

High reliability, simple structure, access to the system units and pipelines ensure easy maintenance with minimum costs for flight preparation with minimum available ground servicing equipment. The wing aerodynamic configuration, wing planform and airfoil have been selected to provide the aircraft functions of primary training and aerobatics.

The Yak-152 trainer aircraft features monocoque fuselage. Image: courtesy of Eas4200c.f08.nine.o. Source: airforce-technology.com

It is planned to use the Yak-152 aircraft in aero clubs and flying schools that makes it possible to train skilled pilots and sports aircraft pilots in a short period of time at minimum costs. Source yak.ru

Primary Trainer

Yak-152 primary training aircraft constitutes a new trend of Irkut Corporation activity in the sphere of flight trainer development.

Yak-152 aircraft is a component of the integrated training system designated for training pilots of contemporary and prospective aircraft. This system also includes flight simulators, computerized classrooms, as well as monitoring and control means.

Yak-152 provides implementation of key tasks of primary flight training by day and night.

Yak-152 is designated for training in:

• piloting technique, including basic, advanced, and aerobatic pilotage;
• navigation basics;
• spin in and spin off techniques;
• instrumental en-route flight and landing approach using the airfield ILS;
• group piloting at daytime, in VFR and over clouds;
• acting in emergencies.

Aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft ensures flight safety during improper piloting.

Yak-152 is equipped with the innovative RED A03T piston diesel engine fueled with aviation kerosene.

Inside the unpressurized two-seat  cockpit pilots  are ‘tandem’ positioned. The forward crew station is designated for trainee, the aft one accommodates instructor.

The Yak-152 avionics suite provides:

• indication of data on multi-function LCDs;
• triple redundancy of flight-and-navigation equipment;
• registration of flight information and aircraft systems’ performance data, as well as recording of crew’s voice conversations to a hardened on-board recorder;
• automatic response to requests of IFF radar systems and secondary radars of traffic control systems.

The distinctive feature of Yak-152 aircraft is the unique SKS-94M ejection system providing emergency escape of both crew members.

СКС-94 emergency escape system for acrobatic and light airplanes

Image: zvezda-npp.ru

The CKC-94 system is designed for pilots’ escape from acrobatic and light airplanes; the system is one of the CKC-94 system modifications operated in the Su-31M, Su-26M3 and Yak-52M airplanes.

All versions of the system have passed through the State Test Program.

The СКС-94М2 emergency escape system features:

• СПС-99 parachute system having a minimum weight and minimum volume when packed;
• restraint system providing reliable restraint of the pilot in the seat exposed to accelerations in any direction;
• stepless height adjustment.

The СКС-94М2 system provides safe emergency escape from the single-seat and two-seat airplanes at the flight speeds from 70 to 400 km/h and altitudes from 10 to 4000 m (with trajectories diversion at the simultaneous ejection of two pilots from the wrecking aircraft).

The СКС-94М2 useful lifetime is 30 years.

The routine maintenance is performed every 5 years.

Source zvezda-npp.ru

The aircraft is capable of operating from small airfields with ground strength of 5 kg/сm² .

The possibility of outdoor storage is envisioned.

Service life is not less than 10,000 hours, 30 years, and 30,000 landings.

Aggregates, systems, and equipment of the aircraft may be operated on condition.

Simplicity of design, convenient access to aggregates and wirings facilitate aircraft maintenance.

Designers of Yak-152 leaned on a wealth of experience amassed by Yakovlev Design Bureau in development of training aircraft. Since 1935, more than 22,000 UT-2, Yak-11, Yak-18, Yak-52 piston-engine trainers have been manufactured in Russia and abroad. Source irkut.com

Yak-152 propulsion and performance

The Yak-152 is powered by a single M-14X turboprop engine with a generating capacity of 360hp.

The prototype Yak-152 seen at the IAZ factory in Irkutsk recently with Red 03/V-12 Engine

New Yak-152 Trainer Will Come With Alternate Powerplants

The Irkutsk Aviation plant (IAZ) of Irkut Corporation has mated the fuselage with the wing of a prototype Yakovlev Yak-152 twin-seat weaponized piston trainer. The project was revealed at the Singapore Airshow and is said to be on track for first flight by year-end. Both piston and diesel-powered versions are planned.

The fuselage is a semi-monocoque all-metal construction except for the engine cowling, which is made of carbon-plastic. Wings are made of aluminum alloys. Yakovlev says the extensive use of metal is for simplicity of manufacturing, ensuring low costs, as well as for ruggedness and ease of repair.

“The prototype is powered by a diesel from Raikhlin Aircraft Engine Developments (RED) of Germany. It is available in two versions, 300 (A05/V12) or 500 hp (A03/V6). The latter provides sufficient power for the Yak-152 to fly with four underwing weapons pylons and up to 550 kg [1,100 pounds] of munitions on them.”

“But the requirement from Russia’s Air and Space Force (VKS) is for 150 aircraft in the roles of screener and basic trainer. For this and other domestic customers, the Yak-152 will be powered by the M-14X radial nine-cylinder piston engine from the Experimental Design Bureau of Engine Building (OKBM) based in Voronezh. The M-14X is a recent, more powerful version of the popular Vedeneyev M-14P that develops 360 hp at “maximum” mode and 400 hp at “emergency.”

Vedeneyev M-14P

M-14P – Image: 14p.com

“We were told to do everything to reduce dependence on import,” an authoritative sourсe at Irkut told AIN. He added that the diesel version will be largely offered for export, whereas local customers insist on “a completely Russian solution.”

M-14P – Image: 3dcadbrowser.com

The M-14X-powered version is lighter, with gross weight (with the RED A03/V12 engine) reduced from 2,125 kg (4,685 pounds) to 1,400 kg (3,086 pounds). It has g limits of +9/-7; the g limits of the diesel version are+5/-3. While the maximum diving speed remains at 500 km/h (270 knots), the maximum level speed drops from 380 km/h (205 knots) to 335 km/h (181 knots). The maximum climb rate rises from 8 to 11 meters per second (1,575 to 2,165 ft/min). Takeoff run decreases from 300 (990 feet) to 200 meters (660 feet). The landing run is reduced from 450 meters (1,485 feet) to 250 meters (825 feet), as a result of the landing speed going down from 145 km/h (78 knots) to 115 km/h (62 nots).”

Yakovlev claims that the M-14X-powered Yak-152 has a 7 percent advantage over the closest competitor in maximum range (on inner fuel it can cover 1,500 km or 810 nm) and a 15 percent advantage in the rate of climb.

The design bureau suggests that the Yak-152 will appeal to sport fliers and for export.

For IAZ, the Yak-152 represents a second completely digital aircraft design. The first was the Yak-130 advanced jet trainer, which is being produced at a rate of 30 units annually. Source ainonline.com

Introducing the Raikhlin RED A03 500HP aero diesel

 Raikhlin RED A03 Image: dieselair.com

Press Release: Raikhlin Aircraft Engine Developments GmbH, a new venture founded by Wladimir Railkhlin and his associates, successfully completed a full-scale flight test of the most powerful modern diesel piston engine designed for General Aviation. Initial flight test on a modified Yak 52 is the beginning of the exploration of defined parameters for RED A03 engine installation within which the engine may operate – from normal to extreme conditions. It is a water & oil-cooled double OHC, V12, common-rail direct injection engine. The propeller is gear-driven (single-stage, 1/1.67 ratio). Compression is 16.5. It is the product of RED Aircraft GmbH in Adenau, Germany. Testing location was limited by the range of the telemetry equipment on the ground. The engine generates 370 kW (500HP) take off power in basic specification, at around 3,900 rpm, showing a specific (JETA/diesel) fuel consumption of 210-220 gr/kWh. Full spec. engine weight at the moment is 320 kg (705 Lbs.),- two alternators, starter, engine/gearbox oil heat exchanger, prop governor. Initial test data showed the engine performance met all expectations, says RED’s management. Information collected from this test, together with data from former development tests, will be evaluated to better understand the performance and reliability of the design. Indeed, the RED A03 bridges the traditional gap between piston engines and substantially more expensive turboprops. RED Aircraft GmbH is in DOA and TC certification process with EASA. Source dieselair.com

Raikhlin RED A05 / V6

(A03/V6)

Its propulsion system provides a stalling speed of 100km/h and a maximum speed of 500km/h. It offers a maximum range of 1,000km and can carry out training missions for up to 10,000 hours. With a maximum take-off distance of 175m and a maximum landing run distance of 360m, it can reach a maximum altitude of 4,000m.

The primary trainer aircraft will have a calendar life of 30 years and a service life of 10,000 hours. The maximum and minimum load factors are 9g and -7g respectively.

Engine power hp/kW:	500/368
Dimensions, m:
• length	7.8
• height	3.11
• wing span	8.8
Wing area, m2:	12.9
Max. takeoff weight, kg:	1,490
Max. G-load:
• with two pilots	+8…-6
• with one pilot	+9…-7
Takeoff run (concrete/ground), m:	235/260
Landing run (concrete/ground), m:	420/375
Climb rate, m/sec:	10
Max. ceiling, m:	4,000
Max. level flight speed at ground level, km/h:	500
Max. flight range with full fuel load, km:	1,500
Max. fuel reserve, km:	175
Fuel type:	TS-1

Source uacrussia.ru

Main material source airforce-technology.com

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

Updated Oct 09, 2018

“Tor M2KM” anti-aircraft missile system tested on “Admiral Grigorovich”

Tests of anti-aircraft missile system “Tor M2KM” on the frigate “Admiral Grigorovich”

March 25th, 4:07

It is interesting photos and videos module test autonomous combat anti-aircraft missile complex short-range 9K331MKM “Thor M2KM” placed on the helicopter deck of the frigate head “Admiral Grigorovich” Project 11356 held in the Black Sea in October 2016. Start anti-aircraft guided missiles 9M331M of autonomous combat unit of antiaircraft missile complex short-range 9K331MKM “Thor M2KM” placed on the helicopter deck of the frigate head “Admiral Grigorovich” Project 11356 October 2016 (c) JSC “Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant” Kupol “/ frame video of the TV channel “Russia 24” (via altyn73.livejournal.com)

According to the information of JSC “Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant” Dome “, the main objective of the test was to evaluate practice opportunities” Tor-M2KM “in the interests of the Navy. Tests have given a lot of information on the impact of marine conditions on the military operation “Tor-M2” and confirmed the broad possibilities of using autonomous combat unit “Tor-M2KM”. Start anti-aircraft guided missiles 9M331M of autonomous combat unit of anti-aircraft missile complex short-range 9K331MKM “Thor M2KM” placed on the helicopter deck of the head of the frigate “Admiral Grigorovich” project 11356. October 2016 (c) JSC “Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant” Kupol “/ frame video of the TV channel “Russia 24” (via altyn73.livejournal.com) Reportage TV channel “Russia 24”:

Original post bmpd.livejournal.com

Tor M2: Details 

Project 11356 Admiral Grigorovich Class Frigate: Details

Second Chinese aircraft carrier may be launched in April 2017

China May Launch 2nd Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Late April

08:45 24.03.2017(updated 08:53 24.03.2017)

Second Chinese Liaoning aircraft carrier might be launched at the end of April 2017, local media reported Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – According to Sina news portal, a number of photos have been circulating in the Internet, depicting installation of radars and base painting of the deck. After analyzing the photos expects came to a conclusion that the vessel might be launched in late April, in particular on April 23, when China celebrates Founding day of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Liaoning is a Type 001 class vessel. The first carrier was rebuilt out of Soviet aircraft cruiser Varyag in early 2000s, with the first sea trial taking place in 2011. In September 2012, Liaoning was commissioned into the PLA Navy.

In late December 2015, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced plans to construct a new Liaoning aircraft carrier, built by China itself.

Original post sputniknews.com

****-END-****

The 2nd carrier is known as Type 001A aircraft carrier or “CV-17”

The new aircraft carrier, Project 001A, takes shape in China’s Dalian shipyard. It is almost due to be launched. Picture taken on Nov. 30, 2016. Picture: DigitalGlobe via Google Earth Source: Supplied – Image: news.com.au

Type 001A aircraft carrier

The Type 001A aircraft carrier is the first aircraft carrier class independently designed and developed for the People’s Liberation Army Navy. The first Type 001A aircraft carrier is being constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company. Construction started in 2015. The Type 001A is an improved design based on the Type 001 aircraft carrier, and also uses a ski-jump bow flight deck.

Image: globalsecurity.org

#	Hull number	Ship name	Builder	Launched	Commissioned	Fleet	Status
1	17	山东 / Shandong	Dalian Shipbuilding Industry	26 March 2017	est 2018 / 2019	North Sea Fleet / East Sea Fleet	Under construction

Class overview
Name:	Type 001A
Builders:	Dalian Shipbuilding Industry
Operators:	People’s Liberation Army Navy
Preceded by:	Kuznetsov class
In service:	2018 est –
Building:	1
General characteristics
Class and type:	Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier
Displacement:	65,000 tonnes
Length:	305 m (1,001 ft)
Beam:	72 m (236 ft)
Draught:	11 m (36 ft)
Propulsion:	Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 200,000 hp (150 MW) 4 × 50,000 hp (37 MW) turbines 9 × 2,011 hp (1,500 kW) turbogenerators 6 × 2,011 hp (1,500 kW) diesel generators 4 × fixed pitch propellers
Speed:	32 kn (59 km/h; 37 mph)
Range:	3,850 nautical miles (7,130 km; 4,430 mi) at 32 knots
Complement:	1,960 crew 626 air group 40 flag staff 3,857 rooms
Armament:	3 × Type 1130 CIWS 3 × HQ-10 (18 Cell Missile system)
Aircraft carried:	28~32 Shenyang J-15 6 Changhe Z-18 4 Changhe Z-18J 2 Harbin Z-9 Total of 36 fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.

Source wikiwand.com

Related post:

Naval Power: China Building Second Aircraft Carrier

Second, larger aircraft carrier to get J-15 jets

Orlan-10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

It is intended for a variety of missions including aerial reconnaissance, observation, monitoring, search and rescue, combat training, jamming, detection of radio signals, and target tracking.

The export variant, designated Orlan-10E, was exhibited at the 19th International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) held in March 2016. Rosoboronexport announced its plans to promote the Orlan-10E UAV to foreign countries in June 2016.

Payloads

The UAV’s modular design is provided with a number of interchangeable payloads allowing for greater mission flexibility.

It carries a day-light camera, a thermal imaging camera, a video camera and a radio transmitter in a gyro-stabilised camera pod that is fitted under the fuselage. The cameras provide real-time intelligence, 3D maps, surveillance, and aerial reconnaissance of ground-based targets.

The imagery, video and other sensor data collected by the payloads is transmitted to the ground control station in real-time, through a data link.

Command and control modes

The Orlan-10 can execute missions in both autonomous and remote control modes. An autopilot aboard the drone enables it to operate autonomously based on pre-defined waypoints. In this mode, the flight path can be modified by the operator during the flight.

The drone can be remotely operated by its associated ground control station, installed on MP32M1 command and control vehicle. Developed by Russian state-owned Roselectronika, the ground segment can control up to four aerial vehicles simultaneously.

globalaviator.co

In the remote control mode, operator at the mobile ground segment sends command and control data to the drone through the digital data link.

MP32M1 command and control vehicle

Image: bastion-opk.ru

Main Tasks:

• to collect, process and transfer to higher units on the status of data management, security status and subordinate units;
• reception and transmission of formation of combat teams for the preparation and application of fire strikes subordinate control links and reporting on the implementation of tasks in an higher command posts;
• telecode closing speech and information exchange channels with higher interacting and subordinate command posts;
• Operational consolidation of the batteries destruction facilities;
• Protection against unauthorized issuing commands to fire strikes;
• Addressing the special tactical, settlement and information tasks;
• collection, processing, and display on the digital map information on the preparation and execution of tasks;
• documentation of input and output information;
• education and training of crews. It provides for delivery of the training options (classroom) CSV MP32M in a stationary version with imitators of information interaction of combat weapons and radar reconnaissance.

Image: bastion-opk.ru

CHARACTERISTICS
The number of APM officers 4
Number of data channels 8
Data rate kbit / s 0.1; 1.2; 2.4; 16.0 kbit / s
Number of PC 4
Number 6 radio
Communication range through the built-in tools:
– VHF radio up to 60 km
– HF radios up to 300 km.
Position accuracy of 20 m
expand / collapse time 8/5 minutes of continuous operation, at least 48 hours

Translated by google – Source bastion-opk.ru

Orlan-10 UAV propulsion and performance

The Orlan-10 is powered by an internal combustion engine, driving a two-blade propeller mounted in the nose.

TRANSBAIKAL TERRITORY, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 13, 2018: Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles during the main stage of the Vostok 2018 large-scale military exercise held by the Russian Armed Forces and involving troops from China and Mongolia, at the Tsugol range. Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defence Ministry Press Office/TASS

The drone can transmit telemetry data to a range between 120km and 600km from the launch station and endure for approximately 18 hours. Its cruising and maximum speeds are 110km/h and 150km/h respectively.

The UAV can fly at a maximum altitude of 5km in all weather conditions in difficult terrains. It can withstand wind speeds of 10m/s and operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 40°C.

Aircraft performance

• Take-off weight – 15 kg
• Payload weight – 6 kg
• Engine – engine (gasoline A-95)
• Launch method – folding catapult
• Landing method – via parachute recovery
• Airspeed – 90–150 km/h
• Max. flight duration – 16 hours
• Max. complex range of application – up to 140 km from the ground control station (up to 600 km off-line)
• Max. altitude above sea level – 5,000 m
• Max. wind speed at the start – 10 m/s
• Operating temperature range near the ground from −30 to +40 °C

Source wikiwand.com

Main material source airforce-technology.com

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

ORLAN-10 UAVS IN ACTION AGAINST UKRAINIAN ARTILLERY

Excerpt

The Special Technology Center of the Mikhailovo Artillery Military Academy made public materials concerning the experimental reconnaissance-strike complex consisting of Orlan-10 UAVs and a battalion of self-propelled 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm howitzers, and the effects of its use on the Donbass.

The materials refer to events which Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Turchinov referred to, during June 2, 2016 visit to a National Guard training facility, in the following manner: “May was for us a “black month”, because during that month we suffered the heaviest losses in an entire year. We lost very many heroes, many others were wounded.”

Turchinov also issued the standard accusations, to wit: “Russian-terrorist forces are using weapons prohibited by the Minsk Agreements in order to accurately strike our positions. It’s not just a matter of an increased number of bombardments. These are very accurate strikes, which rely on modern target acquisition and fire correction systems. ” We should note, however, that the Orlan-2S1 combo destroyed similar “weapons prohibited by Minsk agreements,” which was also about to be used “using modern target acquisition and fire correction systems,” provided by Ukraine by the US.

According to the report, 4 US AN/TPQ-48 counter-battery radars were destroyed. Two additional such radars were lost in sector S during the destruction of the Debaltsevo cauldron, according to uncovered Ukrainian military staff documents.

The AN-TPQ-48 located in a single-story house, was destroyed together with the house and highly trained personnel operating the radar. This mission was accomplished using only 38 shells, instead of the 300 specified by artillery fire norms.

Immediately after these losses, Ukrainian authorities immediately requested additional deliveries of such radars, which Poroshenko announced during a press conference on June 3: “Russia turned Ukraine’s East into a training ground for testing its newest weapons, electronic warfare systems, communications, but Ukrainian forces, with the help of its partners, have already learned how to combat them and are capable of repelling any possible offensive operations. Ukraine has strengthened its reconnaissance, its protective measures, and equipment strength.”

On July 2, Poroshenko personally greeted a new batch of counter-battery radars received by Ukraine from the US. During the transfer ceremony at the Borispol airport, he said: “Today we are receiving counter-battery systems as US military aid. This batch is only part of Washington’s aid intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.” He added that the counter-battery systems, valued at $335 million, are only part of the assistance the US plans to provide Ukraine.

The Orlan-2S1 reconnaissance-strike complex also suppressed 3 company positions, eliminating at least 30% of personnel and equipment located at these sites, destroyed 3 Tochka-U short-range ballistic missile launchers, at least 17 tracked and 20 wheeled vehicles, two 2A36 152mm cannon, at least 3 82mm mortars, and an artillery ammunition storage. Ukrainian forces lost at least 90 killed and 220 wounded, numbers which were confirmed by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.

A screenshot from video sent by an Orlan-10. Ukrainian equipment and troops are, typically, located in the midst of civilian dwellings.

Source southfront.org

US Army Wants a New Tank for 2030

After the M1A2 Abrams, the Army Wants a New Tank for 2030

This plan could make sense — and dollars, too.

Rich Smith

(TMFDitty)

Mar 18, 2017 at 12:13PM

The U.S. Army boasts a motorpool stacked to the rafters with 6,000 M1 Abrams main battle tanks — more tanks than some countries have soldiers. Yet for some crazy reason, Congress keeps buying more.Actually, the reason isn’t totally crazy. The U.S. only has one factory left that’s totally dedicated to the production of main battle tanks — General Dynamics‘ (NYSE:GD) factory in Lima, Ohio. Sporadic demand from tank-buyers, however, keeps this factory always on the edge of having to shut down operations — at which point the U.S. wouldn’t be able to build tanks if it suddenly needed to. (A shutdown would also cost jobs in an important Congressional district.)

The politics of main battle tanks

Whenever the Lima factory is on the brink of closure, Congress rifles through the Congressional couch cushions and comes up with some loose change to buy a few more tanks, and keep Lima in business for a few more months. For example, in 2015 Congress appropriated $120 million to fund tank production.

But here’s the thing: There may be a better way to keep Lima in business — one that doesn’t involve stacking more 72-ton tanks atop the tottering column of surplus M1 Abramses the U.S. already has in inventory.

Simply put, the U.S. could build a new tank — and it just might.

A new, and better, tank

As reported on military tech website Scout.com earlier this month, the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC, is currently hard at work designing a new tank to serve in the Army, and hoping to get it ready by 2030. Equipped with “advanced sensors and light-weight composite armor,” says Scout, this new tank would be “high-tech,” “lightweight,” and able to do things the Abrams can’t, like “destroy a wider range of targets from farther distances, cross bridges, incinerate drones with lasers and destroy incoming enemy artillery fire.” It would also incorporate advanced communications systems permitting it to network with other combatants on the battlefield, and even control its own drone detachments.

Specifics of the new tank design are still being worked out — for example, will it sport the new lightweight XM360 120mm cannon the Pentagon has been working on, or perhaps a futuristic XM813 rapid-fire 30mm auto-cannon capable of rattling off 200 rounds per minute? This all remains to be seen.

What does seem clear, though, is that if the Army decides to proceed with investment in a new 21st-century super-tank, then this would provide the funds to keep General Dynamics’ Lima plant busy building and testing prototypes. Thus, it wouldn’t be necessary to continue pouring money into the production of circa-20th-century Abrams tanks that no one seems to want anymore.

And that would be a win-win-win scenario — for the Army, taxpayers, and General Dynamics.

Original post fool.com

****-END-****

Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC, is currently hard at work designing a new tank to serve in the Army, and hoping to get it ready by 2030. Equipped with “advanced sensors and light-weight composite armor,” says Scout, this new tank would be “high-tech,” “lightweight,” and able to do things the Abrams can’t, like “destroy a wider range of targets from farther distances, cross bridges, incinerate drones with lasers and destroy incoming enemy artillery fire.”

Maybe they should go back and take a look at the Stingray light tank which is in service with the Royal Thai Army…….Which coincidentally was used in Cobra Gold 2017 for the live fire exerciser…..

Cobra Gold 17 Update – Video: Details

Stingray: Details

Seems the US have been working on 30mm and 50mm autocanons……..seen on the Stryker 8×8….

Stryker 8×8 Kongsberg’s MCT30 Remote Turret: Details

Medium [30mm XM814, 30mm Mk310, 50mm PABM] Caliber Weapon Systems (About $10 million in 2015 and 2016 and $16 million in 2017

This effort matures and demonstrates advanced medium caliber ammunition, weapon, fire control, and ammunition handling systems optimized for remote operation. This effort demonstrates cannon-super high elevation engagement, high performance stabilization, remote ammunition loading, weapon safety and reliability, improved lethality, accuracy, ability to fire a suite of ammunition from non-lethal to lethal, and escalation of force capability in one system.

In 2015, Optimized technologies from Weapon, Fire Control and Turret functional areas together in preparation of demonstrating a system level platform integration with an advanced medium caliber weapon system within a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) variant. In support of this effort, finalized and optimized a prototype turret and drive system to support the XM813 30mm weapon system; optimized and matured the advanced sensors (down range wind sensor, dynamic metrology sensor and improved laser range finder) and the scenario based fire control system supporting the XM813 30mm weapon system, 30mm armor piercing (AP) munition and the Mk310 30mm programmable air bursting munitions (PABM); performed the integration of these technologies within the BFV and demonstrated improved accuracy and lethality performance at a system level. Additionally, finalized 50mm fuze improvements and performed a fuze shoot off and demonstration to down select and optimize the burst point accuracy of the 50mm PABM munition.

Enhance Bushmaster III 50mm

XM813 features
• Semi-automatic; up to 200 rounds per minute
• Computer controlled and electrically driven
• Closed bolt operation
• First round select
• Dual feed
• Link-less
• Optimized barrel
• Integral Mount configuration
• Dual Recoil System
• Semi-closed Bolt firing mode
• Fires the complete family of 30mm x 173mm ammunition
• PABM-T, APFSDS-T, HEI-T, TP-T
• Provides a growth path to fire SuperShot 40mm ammunition

• Improve burst point accuracy and PD reliability of fuze technology for 50mm PABM
• Validate and refine existing 30mm Error Budget model for use in 50mm system projections
• Develop turret to demonstrate growth from 30mm XM813 to 50mm Enhanced Bushmaster III
• Perform platform integration of turret for 50mm system level test and evaluation

In 2016, Continue to mature and optimize weapon, ammunition, fire control, and turret technologies for 50mm cannon; refine the ammunition fuzing approach to improve accuracy and lethality; analyze data collected from integration, test and demonstration to apply to system level improvements; upgrade fire control to meet system level requirements and design turret for integration into a prototype platform.

In 2017, will validate PABM fuze technology and warhead lethality data, iterating and improving as necessary; using a commercially developed barrel, demonstrate PABM and AP effectiveness against personnel and materiel targets; design and fabricate 50mm weapon and ammunition handling system (AHS) prototypes; exploit advances in advanced Fire Control hardware to improve system performance; mature Fire Control software

 

Two other programs are for improving explosives (energetics) and active protection technology (like the Israeli trophy system).

Source nextbigfuture.com

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Turkish KORKUT armored vehicle begin serial production

FNSS beings production for Turkish KORKUT armored vehicle

By Ryan Maass   |   March 17, 2017 at 3:09 PM

March 17 (UPI) — ASELSAN and FNSS have began serial production for the Self-Propelled Low Altitude Air Defence Gun System, an armored vehicle project for Turkish ground forces.

FNSS announced the beginning of its work with prime contractor ASELSAN after marking the completion of earlier design and pre-production phase.

FNSS is a Turkish-owned joint venture between BAE Systems and Turkey-based Nurol Holding, which owns 51 percent of the company. The company’s contracts focus on wheeled armored combat vehicles procured by the Turkish military.

The KORKUT system is an armored vehicle solution capable of detecting and tracking targets using a 3D search radar. It is also equipped with a weapon system comprised of two 35mm guns that fire fragmentation ammunition.

The system was built on on an ACV-30 chassis, which the company says was selected for its high payload capacity and mobility. In combat, it is designed to operate alongside other armored platforms such as main battle tanks.

Deliveries are planned for May 2018.

Original post upi.com

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ACV-30 Platform 

Thanks to this feature, the vehicle has the capacity to carry greater payloads such as 105 mm guns and heavy air-defence platforms. The ACV-30 Platform also provides ballistic and mine protection.

The configuration of the vehicle can be changed to suit the operational requirements of the user. The ACV-30 constitutes an ideal platform in terms of command-and control, largescale mobile radar systems, artillery fire support, and pedestal mounted artillery and missile systems.

The Platform was selected as an Air Defence System platform by the Turkish Armed Forces within the scope of the KORKUT and HISAR projects.

The Weapon System Vehicle and Command-and-Control Vehicle configurations designed under the KORKUT Project are fully amphibious and have the capability of propelling themselves in deep water and rivers.

The Low and Medium Altitude Air Defence Missile System (LAADMIS) designed for the HISAR Project has a 3D Search Radar as well as a Pedestal-Mounted (PM) Autonomous Low
Altitude Air Defence Missile System platform. These features make HISAR unique in its weight-class owing to its capability to perform command-and-control and fire-control missions on the same platform.

Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002

Armament

Tow barrels of 35mm

Country users

Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Cameroon, canada, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iran, japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Designer Country

Germany – Switzerland

Accessories

Infrared night vision, NBC protection system.

Ammunition

HEI-T, HEI, HEI (BF), SAPHEI-T, FAPDS, TP-T/TP, AHEAD

Weight

6,700 kg travel order with ammunition and accessories

Traverse / Elevation

Traverse: 360° Elevation: +92°/-50°

Range of fire

4,000 m

Dimensions

Length, 7.8 m travelling; 8.83 m firing Width, 2.26 m travelling; 4.49 m firing Height, 2.6 m travelling; 1.72 m firing

Source armyrecognition.com

ASELSAN’s Fire Control Radar

• Ku-Band transmission frequency
• 30km maximum range
• Pulse Compression
• 3-D target search and track
• Highly accurate 3-D target position
• Automatic target classification
• Sector search
• Operation-on-the-move
• Short reaction time
• Remote operation from Command & Control Center

ACV-30 Technical Specifications

General

Engine	Diesel
Transmission	Fully Automatic
Crew	3 or 4 (Including Driver)
Length	7 m
Width	3.9 m
Height Hull Roof	2.2 m
Suspension	Torsion Bar
Electrical System	24 V
APU	14 kW

Mobility

Max. Road Speed	65 km/h
Amphibious Capability	Optional
Fording Capability	in 1 m Depth
Range	500 km
Gradient	60%
Side Slope	30%
Trench Crossing	2 m
Vertical Obstacle	0,80 m

Mission Equipment

Night Vision Periscope

AN/VVS-2

Protection System

NBC System (Nükleer, Biyolojik, Kimyasal)	Positive Pressure Type
Air Conditioning	Standard
Heating System	Air Heater and Water Heater
Automatic Fire Suppression	in Engine and Crew Compartment
Smoke Grenade Launcher	Standard, 8 ea

Source fnss.com.tr

America’s Collective Defense Agreements

Mapped: America’s Collective Defense Agreements

By Ben Watson

February 3, 2017

President Donald Trump begins his term as an outsider distrustful of globalization, wary of overseas commitments, and determined to deliver on a promise to restore America’s sovereignty. His first 90 days find him in a particularly unique place for a U.S. president—having spent months suggesting some of America’s defense commitments may be obsolete, while knocking allies from Asia to the Middle East and throughout NATO for not paying the U.S. enough for security.

Now two weeks in and 18 executive orders down, the Trump administration is decidedly charting a new path for the country. And it’s doing so with a new and, at times, puzzling approach toward diplomacy. (Consider the recent messaging uproar from the president’s phone calls with the leaders of Australia and Mexico.) Aside from occasional presidential tweets about World War III, one noteworthy draft executive order leaked to the New York Times in late January entitled “Moratorium on New Multilateral Treaties.” It could offer a window in the future of White House diplomacy. As written, the order would apply “only to multilateral treaties that are not ‘directly related to national security, extradition or international trade.'” Notes the Times, “it is unclear what falls outside these restrictions.”

To America’s allies and fellow treaty signatories from Europe to South America, Trump’s approach “stands in stark contrast to the dominant strain of internationalism that has marked U.S. foreign policy since the days of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman,” Steven Patrick of the Council on Foreign Relations wrote in November. (Less than two months later, House lawmakers introduced a UN membership-ending bill called the “American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2017,” among the first submitted to the 115th Congress in early January.) Since the end of World War II, America’s consistency had been something that “long reassured partners and allies,” said Patrick.

Defense Secretary James Mattis wasted little time in his first days on the job, traveling for four days to visit with counterparts from Japan and South Korea, allies with a careful eye on nuclear-armed North Korea. They are among the most recent to be added to America’s list of collective defense arrangements, pictured below. Not all have kept their original members—NATO expanded, Rio signatories declined—but all remain active, according to the State Department.

---

Power in alliances

The nations that are allied with the U.S. have 6 million people in total military manpower and account for more than 60 percent of global defense spending (more than $1 trillion), according to a 2017 report from the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. See the map below for troop counts of each U.S. ally listed under the State Department’s collective defense agreements. 

Size of U.S. allies’ militaries

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pCpF9cCglXoH3ohPmQm_LPhAMZK4wMtYevOdgtvslLU/pubchart?oid=883616265&format=interactive
To view in a separate page, click here. 

By contrast, China, Iran, North Korea and Russia combine for nearly 4.5 million active military members, and less than a fifth of global defense spending. (Data via Global Firepower, Heritage)

Find those troop counts below.

Size of other significant militaries

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pCpF9cCglXoH3ohPmQm_LPhAMZK4wMtYevOdgtvslLU/pubchart?oid=1898056342&format=interactive
To view in a separate page, click here.

---

America’s defense treaties

Rio Treaty

• Date signed: September 2, 1947
• Current signatories: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, U.S.

NATO

• Date U.S. signed: April 4, 1949
• Current signatories: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, U.S.

Philippine Treaty

• Date signed: August 30, 1951
• Signatories: Philippines, U.S.

Agreement between the U.S., Australia and New Zealand

• Date signed: September 1, 1951
• Signatories: Australia, New Zealand, U.S.

Republic of Korea Treaty

• Date signed: October 1, 1953
• Signatories: South Korea, U.S.

Southeast Asia Treaty

• Date signed: September 8, 1954
• Signatories: Australia, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, United Kingdom, U.S.

Japanese Treaty

• Date signed: January 19, 1960
• Signatories: Japan, U.S.

Original post defenseone.com

****-END-****

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Eurofighter Typhoon to begin Brimstone firing trials

BAE Systems set to begin Brimstone firing trials with Typhoon

Robin Hughes, London – IHS Jane’s Missiles & Rockets

14 March 2017

Key Points

• Nine Brimstone separation trials are currently scheduled, beginning June 2017
• There were 40 carriage trials conducted towards the end of 2016

BAE Systems is set to begin initial firing trials of the MBDA Brimstone air-to-surface precision attack weapon with the Eurofighter Typhoon swing role combat aircraft in June, following the conclusion of vibration testing and a series of carriage trials at the company’s site in Warton, Lancashire.

BAE Systems is set to commence firing trials of the MBDA Brimstone precision air-to-surface weapon with the Eurofighter Typhoon platform in June 2017. (BAE Systems)

A BAE Systems spokesperson told Jane’s that a total of 40 carriage trials of Brimstone with the UK Typhoon Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) 6 were conducted towards the end of 2016 to evaluate integration of the weapon with the platform.

Original post janes.com

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Brimstone

Brimstone provides a combat proven, low collateral, close air support weapon offering to the fast jet operator the unique capability of engaging a wide range of target types, including fast moving vehicles / vessels in both land and naval environments and in both direct and indirect modes.

The latest generation Brimstone builds upon the successful Brimstone Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) which deployed the weapon into front line operations with the RAF.

Operationally deployed in the Afghanistan,Libya conflicts, Brimstone has proved to be the weapon of choice with its ability to perform surgical strikes in time critical missions with a true day / night capability.

Brimstone is fully integrated onto Tornado GR4 and is intended for integration on Typhoon and Future Attack Helicopter. The weapon system is also suitable for deployment on a wide range of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, land and surface platforms.

Combat aircraft armed with the Brimstone weapon offer reach, speed, flexibility, precision and the ability to engage multiple targets with a single mission load. When used from a fixed wing platform, Brimstone provides a rapid response for Close Air Support and Counter Insurgency that is not possible from helicopters alone.

Brimstones’s wide range of target types includes:

• fast moving and manoeuvring vehicles,
• tanks and armoured cars, bunkers,
• naval vessels including swarming and individual Fast In-shore Attack Craft (FIAC).

Source mbda-systems.com

 

Eurofighter Typhoon: Details

AN-132 Light Multipurpose Transport Aircraft

AN-132 is a new light, multi-purpose transport aircraft being developed by Antonov and Taqnia Aeronautics Company. The aircraft is based on Antonov An-32 (Nato reporting name: Cline) twin-engine turboprop.

Antonov An-32

An-32 / Przemysław Burdziński

In the mid-1970s, the Indian military issued a requirement for a new medium cargo aircraft. The An-26 generally fit the bill, but it lacked the needed performance, particularly under the “hot & high” conditions presented by the mountains of India’s northern borders. However, Antonov OKB engineers felt that they could provide a solution by re-engining the An-26 with Ivchenko AI-20D turboprops, providing a whopping 3,865 kW (5,180 EHP) each — 85% more than the AI-24VT engines used on the An-26. Power was not going to a problem with the new powerplants, and so the Indians were intrigued with the “An-32”, as the proposal was designated.

An early-production An-26 was converted as the An-32 prototype, performing its first flight on 9 July 1976. The prototype was displayed at the Paris Air Show in 1977, with NATO assigning the type the reporting name “Cline”. Two pre-production prototypes followed, with the An-32 going into production at the Kiev factory in 1980. The initial idea had been for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to license-build the An-32 in India, but that scheme fell through.

* The An-32 featured the AI-20D turboprops mounted in nacelles that placed the engines above the wings, not forward of them as with the An-26. That was done partly because the AI-20Ds were substantially bigger, affecting the aircraft center of gravity, and partly because they used wider-span four-bladed props — increased from 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 inches) in diameter to 4.7 meters (15 feet 5 inches) in diameter — leading to a ground clearance problem. The increase in engine power and the repositioning of the engines of course had a series of “follow-on” effects that demanded a few other changes in the aircraft design:

• The high positioning of the engines meant a greater tendency towards “pitch-down”, and so the tailplane span was increased by 22.5 centimeters (9 inches).
• The greater power meant stronger asymmetric thrust and tendency towards yaw if an engine went out, and so the tailfin was raised 10 centimeters (4 inches).
• Changes in airflow led to turbulence problems around the rear fuselage, much like those that had afflicted the An-26 and led to the fit of the strakes on the rear fuselage. The fix was to increase the size of the strakes and modify their contours.

In addition, although the An-26 used single-piece inboard flaps instead of the double slotted flaps originally used on the An-24, the An-32 was intended for “hot & high” operation, and so the fit of triple slotted flaps was seen as worthwhile. While the exhausts of the engines on the An-32 prototype had been initially positioned at midwing, they were later extended to behind the wing trailing edge, with production machines retaining this configuration. It is unclear why this change was made, but at the very least extending the exhausts eliminated the nasty streak of soot on the wing behind the engines found on the early prototype configuration. The prototype also initially featured a fixed slat on the bottom leading edge of the tailplanes that was supposed to help de-icing by altering airflow, but the decision was made that it was more bother than it was worth, and hot-air de-icing was reinstated.

Improved avionics were fitted; the additional thrust provided by the RU19A-1900 APU/booster was no longer important, so the An-32 reverted to the TG-16 APU. Cargo-handling gear was like that of the AN-26, and the side observation dome with bombsight was retained as well, as was the capability of carrying external cargoes.

* The high-mounted engines of the An-32 gave the aircraft a distinctly “muscular” look, which was not deceiving: everybody who operated it was impressed by how much power it had, even under a full load and “hot & high” operating conditions. In 1985, to no surprise, an An-32 set over a dozen altitude and performance records in its class — one suspects it had an impressive rate of climb in unladen configuration. The An-32 was also, as was the case with the best Soviet gear, very rugged and reliable.

A total of 214 was built for export up to 1994, with India being the biggest user at 123 aircraft, the first Indian An-32 being delivered in the summer of 1984. The Indians have been very fond of the An-32, contracting with Antonov in 2009 to upgrade 105 machines to the “An-32RE” configuration with modern avionics, a new oxygen system, and improved crew seats. 40 were upgraded in Ukraine, the rest domestically with Ukrainian assistance.

An-32 / Shadman Samee

Afghanistan was the second-biggest An-32 user at 49 aircraft. There were about a dozen or so more users, including Angola, Bangladesh, Colombia, Croatia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Swaziland, and possibly a few others. Users with high mountain terrain like Peru found the An-32 particularly useful. Two of the Mexican An-32s were apparently fitted with a quick-change equipment suite by the Heli-Dyne company of the US for operation in the maritime patrol role. There are also vague tales of a few An-32s operated by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Source airvectors.net

Evgeny Kudinov

The light transport aircraft is primarily intended to transport cargo weighing up to 9.2t, while its secondary roles will include aerial delivery of cargo on parachute platforms, airdropping of paratroopers, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, maritime surveillance, and other military and civilian missions.

Antonov presented its AN-132 project at SITDEF 2015, one of the biggest exhibitions of Latin America, in May 2015. It estimates market demand for the aircraft to be nearly 900 units.

Andrey Bagirov

The first flying prototype, designated AN-132D, performed its maiden flight in April 2017. Antonov, Wahaj Aerospace and Taqnia signed a cooperation agreement in March 2018 for the production of the aircraft.

AN-132 development programme

A contract signed by KACST and Antonov in April 2015 marked the beginning of the AN-132 development programme. The An-32 platform was preferred after studying the requirements of Saudi Arabia and the global market for light transport aircraft in the military and civil sectors.

antonov.com

C-27J Spartan Tactical Transport Aircraft: Details

Taqnia Aeronautics Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Company for Technological Development and Investment (TAQNIA), signed an agreement with Antonov in May 2015 to develop and manufacture the AN-132 light cargo planes in Saudi Arabia.

AeroWorldpictures TEAM

Under the agreement, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Taqnia Aeronautics Company and Antonov will redevelop the existing An-32 aircraft to produce a new variant with improved payload and range characteristics. The agreement will also enable transfer of the technology to Saudi Arabia.

Manuel Negrerie

The programme will also encompass the development of a new cockpit with state-of-the-art US-made navigation systems, which will allow the crew to efficiently operate the aircraft in adverse conditions. Additionally, new equipment and systems will be integrated into the aircraft to significantly enhance its capabilities. The intellectual property rights and  inventions for the aircraft will also be owned by Saudi Arabia.

An-132 production

In June 2015, Antonov signed a participation agreement for the design and construction of an aviation plant in Saudi Arabia. The plant is to be furnished with modern equipment, allowing the implementation of new aviation technologies in the aircraft production.

Taqnia (Saudi Arabia), the Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Technology (UkrNIIAT), Altis Holding (Ukraine) and Broetje-Automation (Germany) will be involved in the development of the aviation plant.

The AN-132 light airlifter became the first aircraft built at the new aviation complex, UOP Aircraft cluster, under the finalized arrangements.

MoU signed for An-132 production https://t.co/a0vLiUNz7b pic.twitter.com/iPdqJH2ewf

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) March 6, 2018

Ukraine’s Antonov confirms the suspension of its An-132D developmenthttps://t.co/onWvyAFHJc pic.twitter.com/PxZbZfZ3Sv

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) May 3, 2019

AN-132 design and features

antonov.com

 antonov.com

The AN-132 will retain the best characteristics of An-32, including a high thrust-to-weight ratio for operations in hot and high conditions. It will also offer reliability and flexibility to operators.

antonov.com

The transport plane will integrate in-built cargo handling equipment for loading / off-loading of payloads, while an auxiliary power unit aboard the aircraft will allow autonomous operations when operating at poorly equipped airfields.

antonov.com

antonov.com

antonov.com

AN-132 will have the capability to land on unprepared runways where other transport aircraft fail to operate. It will be used for the transportation of troops and light vehicles in standard configuration, but can be configured for airdropping of paratroopers or cargo and MEDEVAC roles.

antonov.com

antonov.com

Cockpit

Boran Pivcic

The AN-132 will be equipped with an advanced glass cockpit accommodating two crew members. This cockpit will integrate navigation systems from Honeywell and systems and equipment aboard the aircraft will meet all  modern standards.

Engines

DAVID BISCOVE

The new Saudi-Ukrainian aircraft will be powered by two turboprop engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Each engine will drive a Hamilton Sundstrand propeller. The power-plant will offer AN-132 an extended range compared to An-32.

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprops

Thermodynamic Power Class* (ESHP***)	Mechanical Power Class* (SHP)	Propeller Speed (Max. RPM)	Height** (Inches)	Width** (Inches)	Length** (Inches)
PW150 Series	6,200	5,000	1,020	44	30	95

Source pwc.ca

R408 propeller system

Vasily Koba

The R408 propeller system has six all-composite blades with advanced swept design and optimized ARA-D/A airfoil sections, providing excellent climb and cruise performance while generating low noise levels.

The AN-132D demonstrator is being developed by Antonov with participation from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). It is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop engines, which have logged millions of flight hours powering the Dowty Propellers’ R408 propeller systems.

Dowty Propellers assisted in the R408 propeller system’s integration and commissioning on the AN-132D, and has provided training for personnel from both Antonov and KACST. Technical support from Dowty Propellers will continue for the AN-132’s flight test phase, as well as the multi-purpose aircraft’s demonstration flights. Source dowty.com

Main material source airforce-technology.com

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

Main image Alain Durand

Updated Aug 30, 2021

Argentina Demands Answers of increase flights by RAF from Brazil to Falklands

Argentina Demands Answers From Brazil Over RAF Flights To The Falklands

Argentina says Brazil has allowed several RAF flights to operate between Brazilian airports and the Falkland Islands in a breach of agreements between the South American countries.

Argentina lost a brief but bloody war with the UK after Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic archipelago in 1982.

The Argentine foreign ministry said in a statement that it is “concerned” about six flights last year and 12 in 2015.

The ministry said it has requested an explanation from the Brazilian government.

Brazil’s foreign ministry said a statement on the matter was being prepared.

Argentina claims the islands it calls Las Malvinas, but the UK says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection.

Argentina reminded Brazil of its commitment “to not allow British airplanes or warships based in the disputed archipelagos” in accordance with agreements among member nations of the regional blocs Mercosur and Unasur.

An Argentine statement said:

“The Brazilian foreign ministry reaffirmed its support to our country on this issue and said that it was unaware of these flights.”

The UK Foreign Office have said in a statement:

“Military flights between the Falkland Islands and Brazil only take place for medical, compassionate or safety reasons. These always take place in line with standing diplomatic clearance processes.”

The war over the islands killed 649 Argentines and 255 UK soldiers.

During her eight years in power, former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez tried to pressure the UK into sovereignty talks by turning away British ships, encouraging companies to divest from Britain and raising other trade barriers.

Tensions have eased since pro-business President Mauricio Macri took office last year promising a less-confrontational stance.

In the biggest breakthrough in decades, the UK and Argentina announced last year that they would work to remove restrictions in the oil, fishing and shipping industries affecting the Falklands.

They also agreed to increase the number of flights between the islands and other South American countries.

The Falklands are internally self-governing, but the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

Argentina claims Britain has illegally occupied the islands since 1833. Britain disputes that and says Argentina is ignoring the wishes of its 3,000 residents who want to remain British.

Original post forces.tv

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British Army poised to take on ‘weak’ Argentina ‘within HOURS’ of Falklands invasion

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