AIR International 2015-06

TBM900 A Real Thoroughbred

BD7000 Bombardiers Long-range biz jet F-15SASaudis Super Eagle

Qatar Airways

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INTERNATIONAL For the best in modern military and commercial aviation

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Anti-Icing ResearchGermany Takes the Lead

Variable Cycle EnginesPowering Tomorrows Fighters

JUNE 2015 Vol.88 No.6

4.70

The Gulf Trendsetter

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Swift

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AUSTRALIAS AIR TASK GROUP CHINOOK MK6 LATEST GRIPEN

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News

Features

48THE GULF TRENDSETTERAndreas Spaeth pro les Qatar Airways and interviews its ebullient Chief Executive Of cer, Akbar Al Baker.

54LIFTING THE LID ON PHANTOM SWIFTAndrew Drwiega investigates Boeings VTOL X-Plane.

56SAUDIS SUPER EAGLEJon Lake presents the most capable version of the F-15 Eagle ever built.

62BREAKING THE ICEMark Broadbent spoke to the

German scientists who are researching new ways of measuring and tackling aircraft icing.

64THOROUGHBRED TBMDave Unwin ew the powerful new TBM900 turboprop.

70TOWARDS TOMORROWS US FIGHTER ENGINEChris Kjelgaard explains the variable-cycle engine: a possible power plant for the next-generation of US ghters.

76STANDSTILL OR RESPITE?Is Russias fth-generation PAK FA ghter programme still on track?

Piotr Butowski investigates.

82A NEW GLOBAL STRATEGYBombardier Aerospaces Global 7000 and Global 8000 are the longest-range business jets ever designed. Chris Kjelgaard pro les the two jets.

90CHINOOK MARK SIXIan Harding discovers what makes the RAFs new Chinook HC6 different from earlier variants.

98AIR PARADEPiotr Butowski witnessed the Russian militarys annual ypast over Moscow.

FRONT COVER: One of this months big features is about Qatar Airways. Steve Flint/AirTeamImages.LEFT INSET: Bombardier Aerospace MIDDLE INSET: Dan Stijovich RIGHT INSET: Jim Lawrence/Daher Airplane Business Unit

48

04 RAFALES, REAPERS & CARACALS Jan Kraak provides details of French success with export sales, missile fi rings and UAV combat operations.

10 GUARDIAN EAGLES OVER EUROPE Kees van der Mark reports on the fi rst deployment to Europe of a US Air National Guard F-15s in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

14 GRIPEN WILL NEVER GROW OLD Saab is confi dent in the future potential of its fl agship Gripen, as David Oliver discovers.

18 WAR OVER THE NORTH SEA Kees van der Mark visited Leeuwarden Air Base for Exercise Frisian Flag 2015.

22 TANKERS TRAINING TOGETHER Kees van der Mark outlines the second European Air-to-Air Refuelling Training exercise.

24 BATTLES, TRANSFERS & TROUBLES Robert F Dorr provides the latest stories from around the US Air Force.

26 STILL STRONG DESPITE SEQUESTRATION Modernisation of US Army types remains good business for industry, as Andrew Drwiega found out.

28 UNMANNED AIR REFUELLING Rick Burgess gives the latest top news stories from the US Navy.

32 AIR TASK GROUP DE-PLOYMENT Nigel Pittaway explains the commanders perspective on the Royal Austral-ian Air Forces mission in the Middle East.

36 FIGHTERS & TANKERS: THE HOT TOPIC IN ASIA Nigel Pittaway focuses on the top stories from around Asia.

42 AIRBUS SEES EASTERN PROMISE Airbus predicts solid growth in the Asia-Pacifi c market, as Nigel Pittaway analyses the fi gures.

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LEADING NEWS STORIES

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NEWS REPORT

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Two months after the first Dassault Rafale export order to Egypt the French fighter is back in the headlines. For most people the announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 10 that India would buy

36 Rafales was a surprise. The Rafale was announced as winner of the Indian Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition for 126 fighters in January 2012 but by late 2014 negotiations between the French and Indian partners seemed to have stalled. This was supposedly because of disagreements concerning technology transfers and guarantees the Indian Government demanded from Dassault for the 108 aircraft to be assembled locally by Hindustan Aeronautics. In the days leading up to April 10 it became clear that Modi, who was on an official visit to Paris, would make an announcement regarding Rafale acquisition. The press statement revealed a separate inter-governmental agreement that included 36 Rafales in a flyaway condition to be delivered by Dassault and was nothing to do with the MMRCA-deal. The contract was said to be worth around 4 billion. Some sources have hinted the MMRCA-deal is completely off the table but this is not entirely certain. It seems the Indian Government now prefers to negotiate directly with the French Government but there has been no official statement that potential future orders would involve final assembly in France. It is still possible that, albeit under a different framework, Hindustan Aeronautics will eventually start local assembly of about 100 Rafale aircraft. There was no timeline given for signing either the contract, or for delivering the first aircraft, but the Indian Government has hinted the Rafales cannot be delivered soon enough. French newspapers quoted Dassault Aviation CEO ric Trappier saying the contract would be signed in a matter of months.

Qatari RafalesRumours that, after two and a half years of negotiations, Qatar was also close to ordering Rafale fighters were confirmed on April 30. A French Government statement announced Franois Hollande would fly to Doha on May 3 to sign the contract for the acquisition of 24 jets; 18 Rafale Cs and six Rafale Bs, with an option for 12 additional aircraft. The CEOs of MBDA and Dassault also attended the ceremony as the deal, worth more than 6.3 billion, included an armament package. Qatar is equipping its Rafale fighters with the MBDA Storm Shadow conventionally armed stand-off missile and the Meteor active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Besides the industrial contracts, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Minister of Defence, also signed an inter-governmental contract between France and Qatar for training 36 pilots, 100 maintainers and other personnel involved in operating Rafale.

Once the 36-aircraft deal with India is signed, Dassault will have sold 84 Rafales

in the span of just a few months. This success will undoubtedly put pressure on the manufacturer to quickly increase production capacity from the current rate of 11 aircraft per year. Dassault is currently building Rafales on one of two potential production lines at Bordeaux Mrignac, but it will take some time to start the second line. Because all three countries (Egypt, Qatar and India) are buying off-the-shelf Rafales that are close to the French standard, there is a good chance the Arme de lAir will receive quite a few jets later than planned. Qatar will receive its first Rafales in 2017 and the Indian Air Force is in a hurry to take delivery of its first planes but Dassault must also deliver jets to Egypt: the first three two-seat examples are expected to be delivered this summer. These were originally destined for the Arme de lAir. According to the May 4 edition of French newspaper Figaro, ric Trappier is confident Rafale will gain further export success, possibly this year. It will be interesting to see how Dassault will handle the logistical issues of Rafales export success.

Jan Kraak provides details of French success with export sales, missile firings and UAV combat operations

Rafales, Reapers & Caracals

Above: The Polish Government has pre-selected the H225M Caracal as its future tactical helicopter. Jan Kraak

Opposite: The Dassault Rafale has won three export orders totalling 84 aircraft in a nine-week timeframe. Jan Kraak

5NEWS REPORT

Please send all news correspondence [email protected] AI.06.15 5

These developments are good news for the approximately 500 French small and midsized companies involved in Rafale production. Although the late delivery of aircraft to the Arme de lAir might potentially have operational consequences for its fast-jet force, it also means the Rafale programme will probably have less of a footprint on the French Defence Budget in subsequent years. Dassault is already under contract to deliver another 40 Rafale aircraft to the French Armed Forces. This tranche would bring the total number of aircraft delivered to 185 of 225 planned. If deliveries of French aircraft can be spread over a longer period, the French Ministry of Defence can allocate more money to other armament projects. This might be a welcome turn of events for other elements of the armed forces as France is currently involved in intensive military operations in Jordan, the Central African Republic, and in the Sahel region of Africa. This has, for example, led to a demand for more tactical helicopters. On April 28 Franois Hollande announced the Defence budget for the remainder of the Defence Programming Act 2014-2019 would be revised. Instead of more budget cuts, the government would invest an additional 3.9 billion.

Meteor ShotA Rafale assigned to the Centre d Experiences Ariennes Militaires at BA118 Mont de Marsan, operated from the DGA-EV centre at BA120 Cazaux, fired the first MBDA Meteor missile launched by a Rafale against a flying target above the range at Biscarrosse. Although the Meteor missile is already certified, it has to be validated for the Rafale fleet. The missile used on April 28 was an instrumented test article and did not carry a warhead. A test programme will follow in order to see how the missile separates from the aircrafts different hard points as part of

the development of the Rafale F3R standard. The Meteor will be delivered to the Arme de lAir and the Aronavale from 2018 onwards.

Reapers in CombatThe only two MQ-9 Reapers currently in service with the Arme de lAir (assigned to ED 1/33 Belfort) based at Niamey in Niger, in support of Opration Barkhane, reached 4,000 flying hours in April. France first deployed the two air vehicles to Niger in December 2013 and flew the first mission in January 2014. They play an important role in gathering information and up-to-date intelligence for command, aircrews and ground personnel in the Sahel region.

On April 7 one of the air vehicles fed live video footage to the Air Operations Centre of 90 paratroopers from the French Foreign Legions 2nd Rgiment tranger de Parachutistes or 2REP dropping into an assault zone from two Arme de lAir C-130s.

In another recent mission an MQ-9 designated a target for a French fighter jet (either a Mirage 2000D or a Rafale) from the component based at NDjamena in Chad. The target was destroyed by a laser-guided bomb.

On April 23 a team from the Direction Gnrale de lArmement accepted a third MQ-9 into service which is expected to join the two already based in Niamey in May.

All three air vehicles are configured to Block 1 standard and cannot carry armaments. There is talk of France ordering a second batch of three Reapers later this year, followed by two more batches of three in the next five years. Besides the Reaper, ED 1/33 also operates two Harfang drones in Niger which have clocked around 10,000 hours since their arrival in January of 2013.

Polish CaracalsAlthough the orders announced for Rafale made international headlines, they were

not the only big European export success in the Defence sector. Airbus Helicopters announced on April 21 that the Polish Government had pre-selected the H225M Caracal as its future tactical helicopter. This pre-selection means the Polish Armed Forces and the manufacturer will extensively test the helicopter over the coming months in order to assess if the Caracal meets all the operational requirements before a final agreement is signed. Contrary to the Rafale, the Caracal has had several export orders already (Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, and Thailand) but the type was not necessarily seen as the automatic winner for the tender. Airbus Helicopters competed against AgustaWestland (offering the AW149) and Sikorsky (proposing the S-70i) and each company already has a subsidiary in Poland. In February Airbus Helicopters opened a research and development centre in Lodz. This followed a previous announcement that Airbus Helicopters and Turbomeca, the producer of the Caracals Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, would open a local assembly line if the Polish Armed Forces selected the H225M. The original tender was for 70 helicopters but according to the official announcement the Polish Government now has an initial order for 50 aircraft, opting to keep its Mi-17s in operational service for longer.

No contract value has officially been announced but the Caracal deal is said to be worth around 2.3 billion. The first Polish H225M could be delivered from 2017. Besides tactical helicopters, the Polish Armed Forces are also looking for a Mi-24 Hind replacement and Airbus Helicopters hopes to gain further success with its Tiger attack helicopter. This competition for 30 helicopters will be contested against the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the AgustaWestland AW129 Mangusta.

Rafales, Reapers & Caracals

Breaking News

Please send all news correspondence [email protected] AI.06.15

The Italian Air Forces Reparto Sperimentale di Volo (RSV, Flight Test Wing) at Pratica di Mare is developing a new low-cost training aircraft, the T-344. The type was shown at Cameri Air Base as part of an exhibition of the Italian aerospace industry, timed to coincide with the Italian Air Force hosting the European Air Chief Conference on May 7-8 in Milan.

The T-344 is based on the Caproni Vizzola C22 Ventura, a twin-engined two-seat light jet trainer launched in 1980 but never put into series production. The new aircraft, which will have a glass cockpit, composite and carbon fi bre materials and two newly-developed jet engines, is intended to replace the Italian Air Forces SF260s in the screening of air

cadets, offering a similar cost per fl ying hour. The prototype is expected to fl y next year. The Cameri exhibition also presented the Italian Air Forcess fi rst Alenia Aermacchi MC-27J Praetorian, one of three that will be used for special operations and ISTAR. The RSV has recently completed the trials of the Praetorians ISR systems, with testing of its roll on-roll off cargo

capabilities and weapons options (a 30mm gun or a 20mm Vulcan cannon) to follow.The AgustaWestland HH-101A, produced under an Italian Air Force requirement to operate in the CSAR/special operations roles, was also displayed. The fi rst two helicopters will be delivered to 15 Stormo at Cervia by the end of May. Riccardo Niccoli

The T-344 is under development to replace the SF260 in the pilot screening role in the Italian Air Force. Riccardo Niccoli

Both military and civil aircraft fl ew aid, search and rescue teams and humanitarian support staff into Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 and killed more than 8,000 people.US Air Force, RAF, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force

C-17 Globemaster IIIs operated into Tribhuvan. USAF 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules at Yokota AB, Japan, fl ew in American military servicemen and the US Marine Corps deployed four MV-22B Ospreys and two UH-1Y Hueys. The RAF sent three Chinooks. On May 12 one of the UH-1Ys, with six Marines and two Nepali soldiers aboard, went missing during an aid

fl ight following the 7.3 magnitude tremor that hit the already stricken country. A major search effort was launched and the aircrafts wreckage was found on May 15.Among the civilian aircraft that airlifted supplies and specialist equipment and personnel were Aviacon Zitotrans and Silk Way West Airlines Ilyushin Il-76TDs (RA-76842 and 4K-AZ100

respectively), which fl ew from the UK on April 30 and May 1 respectively. Aircraft from Air China (A330), El Al (747), IndiGo (A320), Kalitta Air (747), Norwegian Air Shuttle (737) and LOT Polish Airlines (787) were also involved. Airbus contributed with its A350-900 F-WWYB (msn 5) and A320-200 (9N-AKX, msn 6555) during its delivery fl ight to Nepal Airlines. Mark Broadbent

Antonov An-178s Maiden FlightAntonovs medium-class military transport aircraft, the An-178, made its first flight on May 7. The prototype, UR-EXP (c/n 178/01-01), which flew from the companys facility at Kiev-Gostomel Airport, Ukraine, for an hour, had been rolled out in Kiev at a public ceremony on April 16. Based on the An-158 regional jet, itself a stretched-fuselage variant of the An-148, the An-178 features a large rear loading ramp. The

manufacturer envisages the type will be a suitable replacement for all previous Antonov tactical transport designs in its class: the An-12, An-26 and An-32. Unlike its predecessors, the An-178 has a pressurised cargo compartment and Antonov says the type should be far more efficient to operate. It has a glass cockpit with digital avionics and will be able to carry up to 99 soldiers, 80 paratroopers or 70 casualties or 18,000kg (39,680lb) of cargo.

Antonov An-178 prototype UR-EXP rotates from Kiev-Gostomel Airport on its maiden fl ight. Antonov

T-344 Unveiled As Praetorian Presented

Nepal Quake Response Flights

Breaking News

Please send all news correspondence [email protected] 7AI.06.15

The Diamond DA62 won 12 orders in the month after its mid-April launch at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany. Diamond Aircraft

Diamonds Latest Twin

Antonov An-178s Maiden Flight

Four Killed in A400M Crash The third Airbus A400M for the Turkish Air Force crashed on its maiden fl ight from Seville, Spain, on May 9. Four of the six crew members were killed and the two survivors seriously injured. All the fl ight-test crew were Spanish nationals and employees of the manufacturer. The aircraft, EC-403 (c/n 023), callsign CASA423, took off from Seville-San Pablo Airport at 1245hrs but only 15 minutes later the crew reported a problem and it came down in an open fi eld about a mile (1.6km) north of the airport and was destroyed by a post-crash fi re. Local media said it struck an electricity pylon while attempting an emergency landing.Germany, Malaysia, Turkey and the UK grounded their A400Ms pending the cause of the crash being determined. France said it would continue to fl y its six aircraft but limit their use to essential operations only. Spains defence minister, Pedro Morens, announced on May 12 that his department was withdrawing permits for fl ight testing of production series A400Ms until more was known about the cause of the accident.On the same day, however, Airbus resumed fl ying with one of the prototypes, which are not affected by the grounding, ferrying an aircraft from Toulouse, France, to Seville. In a bid to maintain confi dence in the aircraft, the Executive Vice-President Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, Fernando Alonso, was on board.

GOT A NEWS STORY, GOT A NEWS STORY, GOT A NEWS STORY, PHOTO OR FEATURE ?PHOTO OR FEATURE ?PHOTO OR FEATURE ?

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have news stories, photos or have news stories, photos or have news stories, photos or features of modern civil and features of modern civil and features of modern civil and military aviation for inclusion military aviation for inclusion military aviation for inclusion

in the magazine. Please in the magazine. Please in the magazine. Please contact AIR International at contact AIR International at contact AIR International at

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Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft has received European Aviation Safety Agency certifi cation for its DA62. The all-composite aircraft, designed for air taxi companies, corporate operators and private pilots, went from idea to certifi cation in three-and-half years.It is powered by two 180hp (134kW) Autro AE330 Jet-A piston engines and offers a 201kts (372km/h) maximum speed and 2,433km (1,314nm) range. It carries fi ve passengers with a 1,999kg (4,407lb) maximum take-off weight or seven people at 2,300kg (5,070lb). Mark Broadbent

KC-30As Boom Time

The Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport undertook its fi rst air refuelling boom contact on May 13. The three-hour sortie from RAAF Base Amberley saw the crew deploy the 17m-long Aerial Refuelling Boom System, which made 14 successful dry contacts with the refuelling receptacle of another KC-30A. Sgt Christopher Dickson/Royal Australian Air Force

WestJets Tartan 737

Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet has repainted Boeing 737-7CT (C-GQWJ, c/n 35505) with a tartan tailfi n to mark the May 29 start of its next transatlantic route between Glasgow Prestwick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Andrew H Cline

Please send all news correspondence [email protected] Please send all news correspondence [email protected]

Military

Presidential AW139 for Ivory CoastAgustaWestland AW139 I-EASJ (c/n 31608) at Varese-Venegono, Italy on April 13 during a test fl ight from the companys nearby factory at Vergiate. The VIP-confi gured helicopter carries Republique de Cote dIvoire titles and is to be delivered as TU-VHY to the Ivory Coast Air Force/Presidential Flight, based at Abidjan Airport. The manufacturer announced on February 17 that four AW139s had been ordered by four unspecifi ed West African Governments, and this helicopter is part of that order. Marco Muntz

Refurbished Indian Ka-31s One of two refurbished Indian Navy Ka-31s, (IN-)583, is loaded onto Aviacon Zitotrans Ilyushin Il-76TD RA-78765 on April 22 for airfreighting back to India. Six of the Ka-31s supplied to India by the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise in 2004 were returned to the company for repairs and the r emaining four are expected to be re-delivered shortly. A further three did not require refurbishment. Russian Helicopters

CH-47F Deliveries Down UnderThe fi rst two Boeing CH-47F Chinooks for the Australian Army (A15-301 and A15-302) have been delivered. They were commissioned into service at RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland, on May 5. The fi rst of seven purchased to replace six surviving CH-47Ds, they will be operated from Townsville by C Squadron of the armys 5th Aviation Regiment. All seven will be

delivered by August.Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, Head of the Defence Materiel Organisations Helicopters, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems and Guided Weapons Division, said: The outgoing CH-47D Chinooks have proved highly effective in Australian operations and the new CH-47F Chinook will deliver an improved cargo helicopter for Australias

Army. Furthermore, the project to deliver the Chinooks remains on time and on budget.The fi rst CH-47D disposed of, (A15-106), was delivered to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria on April 17 and others are expected to be donated to the Museum of Army Aviation at Oakey and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Nigel Pittaway

Gripen Contract Brazil has signed an agreement with Saab for a $245 million armaments package. The deal, agreed on April 24, covers unspecifi ed weapons to equip the 36 Saab Gripen NG fi ghters Brazil ordered last October in a $5.4 billion deal. Saab has noted the weapons contract fulfi lment is subject to necessary export-control related authorisations. The company said that all conditions are expected to be met by the second half of this year. David C Isby

South Korea and Peru Plan Joint Jet Trainer South Korea and Peru are to co-operate in developing a new jet trainer. South Korean President Park Geun-hye announced on April 20 that she had signed an agreement with her Peruvian counterpart, Ollanta Humala, for the project to meet a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) requirement. The agreement is designed to further expand mutual co-operation in high-tech aviation technology, she said in a joint news conference during a state visit to Lima.Peru is currently assembling 16 Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) KT-1P Wong Bee trainers after an initial four had been supplied direct from South Korea. The FAP also has a programme to acquire a light attack aircraft, for which KAI is bidding with the FA-50 Golden Eagle. Nigel Pittaway

NH Industries F_P.indd 1 13/05/2015 11:39


NEWS REPORT

10 AI.06.15

Operation Atlantic Resolve is, in the words of the US Department of Defense, a demonstration of continued US commitment to collective security through a series

of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of Americas dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

In support of Atlantic Resolve, the US Air Force (USAF) began six-month rotational deployments of combat aircraft, so-called theatre support packages (TSPs), to Europe earlier this year. The USAF has conducted similar TSP rotations to the Paci c region since 2004.

The rst TSP in Europe saw 12 A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and 300 airmen from the 355th Fighter Wing based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, arrive at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany in mid-February to form the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS). In late March the A-10s forward deployed to Cmpia Turzii Air Base, Romania, where they will be based for at least 90 days.

Air National Guard DeploysIn the second TSP around 220 airmen, including 18 pilots, and 12 F-15C/D Eagles

arrived at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands in late March/early April to form the 159th EFS, in the initial Air National Guard (ANG) deployment for Atlantic Resolve.

Lt Col Paul Reedy, commander of the 159th EFS, told AIR International: During our deployment we operate in a so-called rainbow unit, comprising aircraft and personnel of ying, maintenance and support units from different Air National Guard and USAFE [United States Air Forces in Europe] units. That is why you see tails from both Florida and Oregon here.

Back home, Lt Col Reedy is the commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron, part of the 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville International Airport, Florida. He has own Eagles for his entire air force career, as an active duty pilot since 1999

and with the Florida ANG since 2007.Explaining the deployment, he said: When

the request was sent out to the Guard units, timing turned out good for the Florida and Oregon units. We already planned to come to Leeuwarden to participate in exercise Frisian Flag, and the TSP deployment coincided with us coming here.

During our rst three months in Europe, Florida is in the lead, while Oregon takes over in the second half. Over 90% of the personnel currently at Leeuwarden are from Florida, the rest come from ANG units in Oregon, California and Massachusetts, augmented by active duty personnel from various bases in Europe. The swap midway enables us to maintain our quick reaction alert commitments in the US. It would not be possible [for] an entire squadron [to go] away for six months.

The 159th EFS combined eet consists of six F-15Cs from the 159th Fighter Ssquadron Jaguars and six Eagles from the 123rd Fighter Squadron Redhawks based at Portland International Airport, Oregon. The latter include an F-15D two-seater.

Crossing the AtlanticThe Eagles were originally scheduled to cross the Atlantic as a 12-ship. Due to tanker availability, this was changed to two six-ships. Turbulence over the Atlantic forced the departure from Jacksonville to be delayed by 24 hours. The rst six aircraft arrived on March 31, a day that saw large parts of Western Europe battered by heavy winds, with the Netherlands experiencing gusts up to 49kts.

We were very lucky that the wind died down for about ten minutes, allowing the jets to land at Leeuwarden before it went back up again, said Lt Col Reedy. The second group of six aircraft arrived at Leeuwarden on April 1, in slightly better weather.

Both groups ew from Jacksonville to Leeuwarden, with ve aerial refuellings during the 8.5-hour trip. A KC-135R Stratotanker supplied tanker support during the rst hours, handing over to a second KC-135 that trailed the aircraft to Canada. There, a KC-10A Extender picked them up to cross the Atlantic. The KC-10 landed at RAF Mildenhall. Personnel, equipment and other cargo was airlifted to Leeuwarden between March 26 and April 3 by ten USAF C-17A Globemaster IIIs.

Training TogetherThe Eagles stayed at Leeuwarden for ve weeks before moving to the next location, Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria, in early May.

We will probably operate from other locations as well further in time, but which is yet to be decided, said Lt Col Reedy.

Flying from Leeuwarden began on April 3, enabling the pilots to also train with their allies

Guardian Eagles

11

NEWS REPORT


outside the two-week Frisian Flag exercise. By the time that exercise kicked off on April 13, the F-15s had own many missions with Leeuwarden and Volkel-based F-16s of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). On one occasion, German Euro ghters from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 Boelcke (TLG, Tactical Air Force Wing 31) at Nrvenich joined the ght as adversaries.

Lt Col Reedy told AIR International more missions would be conducted after Frisian Flag. We also plan to y a mission with Swedish Gripens in preparation for exercise Arctic Challenge in May, he added.

When asked how ying in Europe compared with the US, the commander said: Some of the procedures and terminology

are different, as is the environment. We y at other ight levels than at home and have to deal with different airspaces. Over here you can very rapidly enter another countrys airspace, where other rules apply. That part is new to us. Once we start to ght it is all a lot easier, because we already work together with our NATO allies so much, for instance during Red Flag exercises.

The 159th EFS participated daily in Frisian Flag with eight aircraft in the morning wave, and six in the afternoon.

We typically send up two Eagles as part of the Red Air force, and the remainder as Blue Air. On average, we y about a quarter of our mission as adversaries, said Lt Col Reedy.

The F-15s simulated the use of both AIM-

9X short-range and AIM-120C medium-range air-to-air missiles.

The USAFs F-15C/D eet is now having the APG-63(V)1 radar replaced by the APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) version.

Some of our jets have the AESA radar tted. Its capability de nitely gives us an advantage over other participating ghters, said Lt Col Reedy. The Eagle also stands out in terms of on-station time and speed. But we share a lot in common with the Euro ghter Typhoon: the ability to get high and fast, things that are very important in air combat. The Euro ghter also has a very advanced avionics suite.

We truly appreciate the support we receive from the base here, he concluded.

Guardian Eaglesover EuropeKees van der Mark reports on the fi rst deployment to Europe of a US Air National Guard expeditionary squadron in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve

Main image: An F-15C of the 159th Fighter Squadron takes off from Leeuwarden. All images Kees van der Mark

Opposite top: The 12 Florida and Oregon Air National Guard Eagles currently deployed to Europe includes F-15D 85-0132.

Opposite middle: Unlike the other Eagles of Oregon ANGs 123rd FS, F-15C 84-0031 wears its markings in full colour. The aircraft is seen here deploying its air brake as it lands back at Leeuwarden Air Base.Opposite bottom: Lt Col Paul Reedy, commander of the 159th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.


Military

Marine Reserve AH-1WsThree Bell AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters have reinforced Detachment A, HMML-773, the US Marine Corps Reserve unit based at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The detachment previously had four AH-1Ws and three new Bell UH-1Y utility helicopters. The additions arrived on April 14, 23 and 27. They all came from Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where they are being replaced by new models. New AH-1Zs are scheduled to replace the AH-1Ws in the detachment from 2019. David C Isby

Latin American First for Helibras

Right: Latin American fi rst: the H-36 on display at LAAD. David Oliver

Below: The fi rst of two AgustaWestland AW139s for the Brazilian Policia

Federal on show at LAAD. David Oliver

Helibras has displayed the first helicopter in Latin America equipped with an in-flight refueling system. The aircraft, on show at the LAAD Defence and Security 2015 exhibition in April, was the latest H225M manufactured on the companys assembly line in Itajub under the H-XBR programme. Known in Brazilian Air Force service as the H-36, this helicopter has a night-vision-goggles-compatible cockpit, rescue hoist and rappelling equipment. It will be armed with two 7.62mm machine guns, although the Nexter SH 20 pintle-mounted 20mm automatic cannon has been selected for the Brazilian H225Ms.Fifty H225Ms were ordered by the Brazilian Government in 2008, however Helibras President Eduardo Marson admitted at LAAD that delivery schedules were being delayed due to what he called, the new reality of the countrys defence budget. Meanwhile, Sagem signed an agreement with Helibras at LAAD for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Optovac, to produce the fl ight controls on the upgraded Brazilian Panthers and the H225Ms. It will also offer support capabilities.As part of its tour of the country (see H145 Tours Brazil, May, p27), the Airbus Helicopters H145 twin-engine medium helicopter spent several days at LAAD in conjunction with Helibras, fl ying representatives of governmental

and military agencies as well as local and overseas civilian and offshore operators.The exhibition was also the venue for the first appearance of a new Policia Federal AgustaWestland AW139, which was delivered from the companys Philadelphia facility just days earlier. It is the first of two AW139s that will join the Policia Federals fleet of two Bell 412s and two Helibras HB550s. David Oliver

Mi-8AMTSh-AVs for RussiaUp to 100 Mi-8AMTSh-AV tactical transport helicopters, specially modifi ed for operations in extremely cold conditions, are to be delivered to the Russian Air Force. Additional deliveries could be made to the Federal Security Service (FSS). They will join units intended to be stationed on a permanent basis at bases within the Polar circle, supporting the Russian military and economic expansion into the natural resource-rich Arctic region. The FSS will use them for border patrol operations in the northern regions.The Russian MoD ordered development of the Mi-8AMTSh-AV in 2014 and the Ulan-Ude

Aviation Plant (U-UAP) is currently building an experimental batch of fi ve helicopters, the fi rst of which is due to begin fl ight testing in the second half of 2015.The Mi-8AMTSh-AV is designed for operations in temperatures as low as -50C by means of an improved heating system and extensive insulation, using materials proven in spaceship manufacture. It will also feature up-rated powerplants and an enhanced navigation system with an inertial gyro reference platform for autonomous operations, without using ground navigation aids and satellite navigation receivers. Alexander Mladenov

Sumatran Base to Gain More F-16sThe Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has announced that Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau on the island of Sumatra, will receive additional Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, to bolsterdefences in the countrys west.The TNI-AUs Colonel MuhammadKhairil Lubis said on April 9 thatfi ve F-16s would arrive in May anda further six before the end of theyear. Prior to the additional F-16s,the base was home to fi ve F-16sand 16 BAE Systems Hawks. It isbeing upgraded to what is termeda Type B base, housing two fullsquadrons. Nigel Pittaway


NEWS REPORT

14 AI.06.15

On a recent visit to Linkping, Sweden, the home of the Saab Gripen, AIR International was told that, due to continuous upgrades and enhancements of the current Gripen C/D generation, the

Gripen will never grow old.The latest improvement on offer to

existing and future Gripen C/D customers is the MS20 configuration, which includes a comprehensive upgrade package to match Gripen E/F capability. It will be introduced this year.

With production of the first Gripen E for the Swedish Air Force already under way at Linkping, up to 100 of its Gripen C/Ds will be made available for upgrades for future export customers. The MS20 enhancements require little or no modification to the airframe or engine.

Chaff and FlaresFrom a survivability point of view, the upgrade includes a new chaff and flare dispensing system, the RUAG BOP-L, which is operated by a fully integrated chaff/flare dispenser controller in the early warning capability (EWC) suite.

This allows for automatic dispensing under the control of the EWC system upon threat identification. Each dispenser is capable of handling mixed payloads both chaff and flares while semi-automatic and manual firing capability are supported.

The new missile approach warning system is the Selex BriteCloud, an expendable active decoy, with programmable adaptive active jamming and digital radio frequency memory an electronic method for digitally capturing and retransmitting RF signals. BriteCloud has a MIL-STD-1760 chaff/flare interface and internal battery power.

Selex ESs Electronic Warfare Operational Support for BriteCloud will enable customers

to program the decoys so they are optimised to identify and respond to the emitters and threats likely to be encountered during a particular mission and region.

The MS20 configured Gripen will also have electronic warfare (EW) independence, a full-coverage radar warning receiver, improved electronic counter-countermeasures and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protection for the aircrew.

In addition to the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile), the Meteor advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile produced by MBDA in partnership with Saab Dynamics is fully integrated on the Gripen.

The Meteors range and speed gives the pilot time, increasing survivability. Its all-weather advanced active radar seeker is effective in dense EW environments while its ramjet system creates a very large no escape zone and the missiles advanced proximity fuse maximises lethality.

The IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, developed by Diehl BGT Defence, is already standard armament for Gripen C/Ds and has embedded growth potential as well as proven manoeuvrability, with excellent infrared and digital infrared counter-countermeasures and anti-missile capabilities.

New air-to-surface missiles with precision targeting and passive radar modes on offer include the RBS15F ER (extended range), which builds on the proven RBS15F anti-ship missile. With the range extended to more than 200km (124 miles) for all profiles, the RBS15F ER has an improved target

Saab is confident in the future potential of its flagship Gripen, as David Oliver discovers

Gripen will never grow old

Top: Swedish Air Force Gripen C/D fleet MS20 capability enhancements will be introduced from 2016. SaabLeft: The MS20 programme will include the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile already integrated on Gripen. David OliverOpposite top: No modification to the Gripen C airframe or radome is required for the PS-05/A Mk4 radar. David OliverOpposite middle: The first Gripen E for the Swedish Air Force is in production at Linkping. SaabOpposite bottom: Flight testing on a Gripen of the new Saab-funded PS-05/A Mk4 radar took place at the end of last year. David Oliver

15

NEWS REPORT


seeker, target handling capability, defence penetration, engagement planning and an increased launch and flight envelope. It also has an insensitive munition-compliant warhead.

Further down the line, but not yet part of the MS20 package, is the Taurus KEPD 350 modular stand-off missile system. Designed for precision strikes against hardened, deeply buried targets and high-value point and area targets, mechanical tests of the weapon have been performed on the Gripen and software integration is pending.

CommunicationsNew communications systems to improve interoperability for MS20 include Selexs new-generation identification friend or foe, Mode 5 and S interrogators, secure voice, full Link 16 functionality, digital channel associated signalling, transmission of signalling information within the voice channel and air tasking order/air combat order capability for joint forces operations.

To enhance the Gripens intelligence,

surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities, Rafaels RecceLite (a day/night electro-optical reconnaissance pod available for missions 24 hours a day to provide real-time imagery collection and data transfer) is on offer in addition to the Saab Modular Reconnaissance Pod System.

Human-machine interface enhancements include a collision avoidance system, reduced vertical separation minimum, image geo-referencing and Saab TERNAV, an algorithm for real-time terrain navigation.

In April, Saab announced a comprehensive upgrade of the Gripen C/Ds fire-control radar, the PS-05/A Mk4, to provide a 100% increase in air-to-air and air-to-ground detection range and ability to detect very low-radar cross section targets with a new exciter/receiver and new processor and software.

The radar also has additional modes for threat avoidance and navigation aid and includes missile data links for the AMRAAM and the Meteor. Recording for tactical

evaluation and maintenance is available.The PS-05/A Mk4 has dedicated modes

for long-range search/low-probability-of-intercept, all of which are designed to automatically detect and track targets and jammers. It has three levels of air target

tracking, enabling the pilot to prioritise targets for optimum tracking performance. Raid assessment is performed automatically and jet engine modulation/non-co-operative target recognition measurements may be selected for prioritised targets. The radar also offers several air combat modes including helmet search.

For air-to-surface operations, the PS-05/A Mk4 has a search mode for ground moving targets and a sea mode for both stationary and moving targets. The track-while-scan function automatically tracks targets or jammers within the search volume.

The radars ranging mode measures the slant range to the ground and is automatically activated when an unguided air-to-surface weapon is armed. It also provides a wide range of mapping modes, some of which can be used for target tracking, while multi-look processing is used for speckle reduction.

The new radar processing unit has commercial off-the-shelf processor boards, with provision for future upgrades and large internal solid-state disks for recording. It has low maintenance costs with mean time between failures of less than 1,000 flight hours.

The new radar, flight tested on a Gripen D at the end of last year, requires no modification to the airframe or radome. Compact and lightweight, the PS-05/A Mk4 can be installed on any multi-role combat aircraft, UAV, advanced jet trainer or other airborne platform.

With the operational introduction of MS20 to Swedish Air Force Gripen C/Ds in 2016, and with future capabilities predicted for completion by 2025, Saabs claim that Gripen transcends the generations will be a reality.

Saab is confident in the future potential of its flagship Gripen, as David Oliver discovers

Gripen will never grow old


Military

J-11Ds First Flight

The new J-11D prototype on its maiden fl ight. via Chinese internetA prototype of the Shenyang J-11D has made its maiden fl ight. The aircraft, D1101, took to the air for the fi rst time on April 29. It appears to be based on the earlier J-11B, but has several distinct differences, including a new, canted radome that reportedly houses a new AESA radar.The radar, which has been developed by the 14th Institute, was tested in 2014 on a modifi ed J-11B. In addition, the airframe appears to incorporate more composite material than on previous versions, especially in its wing and tail sections. Some sources also believe it to have a radar absorbent material coating

to reduce the radar cross-section.Other features are a modernised fl y-by-wire system, said to be based on that of the new J-16. In addition even if not clearly visible on the two so far released images it probably also has an in-fl ight refuelling probe on the port side of the fuselage, since the typical forward IRST/LR-dome appears to have been slightly offset to the starboard side of the windshield. The latest, slimmer wingtip pylons, similar to ones seen on the J-16, are also incorporated, suggesting the standard use of the latest PL-10 IR-guided SRAAM instead of the PL-8, which required a deeper pylon. Andreas Ruprecht

Armed Afghan MD530Fs Newly delivered Afghan Air Force MD530F 218 (c/n 0218FF, ex N6091X), armed with two podded FN Herstal M3P 0.50 calibre machine guns, performing a demonstration flight for the media on April 9 at a training range outside Kabul. Six of the type, the first armed variants delivered to Afghanistan, were inducted into service on April 11. SSgt Perry Aston/US Air Force

AG-600 Amphibian ProgressingAviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is making headway with the fi rst prototype AG-600 amphibian. The rear fuselage, manufactured by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province was completed on April 27.The 17.5m (57ft 5in)-long component will be shipped to Zhuhai, where it will join other major components on the fi nal assembly line. The forward and centre fuselage sections have already been delivered. Director of general aviation products for AVIC, Leng Yixun, revealed at the completion ceremony that orders have been taken for 17 AG-600s, all for domestic customers and including what he described as several private general aviation enterprises. Two variants are planned initially, one for search and rescue and the other for fi re-fi ghting. In the SAR role, it will be able to carry 50 passengers. Nigel Pittaway

Japan Coast Guard Selects Falcon 2000 MSADassaults Falcon 2000 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) has been selected by the Japan Coast Guard to meet its future operational requirements. The decision was announced by the manufacturer on April 22, but the number of platforms to be acquired has not been disclosed.CEO ric Trappier commented: This acquisition comes after an international competition won by Dassault Aviation. It is a new milestone in the long-standing relationship between Dassault Aviation and the Japan Coast Guard. He continued: Japan has successfully operated Falcon jets for maritime surveillance and search and rescue around the Japanese archipelago since 1989 and we are extremely honoured that, once again, the Japan Coast Guard has chosen to renew its confi dence in our aircraft.Based on the Falcon 2000 LXS, the 2000 MSA has been developed in conjunction with L-3 Platform Integration and Thales. Nigel Pittaway

Tu-160 Production May ResumeRussia is to conduct a feasibility study into restarting the Soviet-era production line at the Kazan S Gorbunov facility for the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack heavy bomber. The new aircraft would include upgrades currently being incorporated in ten of the 16 Tu-160s as they are overhauled to Tu-160M standard.Two of the modernised aircraft are to be delivered in 2015 and ten by 2020. While no quantity has been officially announced for the new production run, press reports have suggested 15 is a likely size. David C Isby

Philippine Iroquois Acquisition scrappedThe Philippines Government has scrapped a deal to acquire refurbished Bell UH-1D/H Iroquois helicopters from Canada after just seven have been delivered, according to local media sources. The Philippine Air Force was to acquire 21 helicopters from a joint venture between Rice Aircraft Services Inc (RASI) and Eagle Copter of Canada, but the deal has caused controversy in Manila.

F&E Aerospace F_P.indd 1 06/05/2015 11:07


NEWS REPORT

18 AI.06.15

Over the years, Frisian Flag has become one of the largest and most important live- ying exercises in Western Europe. This years event, from April 13-24, was again based on the proven concept

developed in the 1990s, which has been continuously adapted to include the latest developments and lessons learned from recent con icts.

The availability of a large exercise area in Dutch, German and Danish airspace over the North Sea measuring roughly 120 by 180 nautical miles (222 by 333km) and located only a few minutes ying from Leeuwarden,

contributes to the exercises success.Although smaller in size than the Flag

exercises held in North America, Frisian Flag has established itself as an attractive and considerably less expensive alternative, especially for European air forces.

ParticipantsFrisian Flag usually attracts a mix of regular participants and newcomers. In the rst category this year were German Euro ghters, Finnish F/A-18C Hornets and Polish F-16C/Ds. First timers included Spanish EF-18M Hornets and Air National Guard F-15C/D Eagles (see table for details).

The Air National Guard Eagles appearance at Frisian Flag was part of a six-month theatre support package deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic

Resolve (see Guardian Eagles over Europe, p10-11).

Frisian Flag is open to both NATO allies and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations. The number of participating aircraft is dictated by the limited availability of parking spots at Leeuwarden, rather than the willingness of ying units to be involved in the exercise.

Unlike recent Frisian Flags, F-16 units from EPAF (European Participating Air Forces) nations Belgium, Denmark and Norway were not present this year due to operational commitments, including Middle East deployments and participation in Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada while Portugal cancelled its planned attendance. Nevertheless the missions, own twice daily, still saw up to 40 aircraft taking off from Leeuwarden, sometimes within just half an hour.

Red AirThe combat aircraft were either ying in the air-to-air role only (F-15s, Euro ghters and Finnish Hornets) or as multi-role assets. Participants took turns in providing jets for the less popular Red Air missions, which accounted for some 25% of all sorties own.

Airborne electronic warfare was provided by a Skyline Aviation Learjet during the rst days and a Cobham Falcon 20 for the rest of the exercise.

This year the number of participating tanker aircraft grew to four. They operated out of Eindhoven Air Base and also took part in the European Air-to-Air Refuelling Training (EART) which was held in parallel to Frisian Flag for the second year running.

Other Squadron, Same ExerciseThis years Frisian Flag was the rst organised by 322 Squadron, taking over the TACTES (Tactical Training, Evaluation

War over the North Sea

and Partnership for Peace

FRISIAN FLAG 2015 PARTICIPANTSFLYING FROM LEEUWARDEN AIR BASE

Country Type Unit No. available No. in missions

Finland F/A-18C HvLLv 31 6 4

Germany EF2000GS TLG 31 10 6/8

Netherlands F-16AM 322 TACTES Sqn 8 6

F-16AM 312 and 313 Sqn 6 4

C-130H 336 Sqn 1* 1

Learjet 36A Skyline Aviation 1** 1

Spain EF-18M, EF-18BM Ala 12 5/1 4

Poland F-16C, F-16D 32.BLT 5/1 4

UK Falcon 20ECM Cobham 1*** 1

US F-15C, F-15D 159th EFS 11/1 8/6

* participating April 20-23 ** participating April 13-14 *** participating April 15-23

FLYING FROM EINDHOVEN AIR BASE

Country Type Unit No. Remarks

France C-135FR GRV 2/91 1

Germany A310 MRTT FlBschftBMVg/2.St 1

Italy KC-767A 14 St/8 Gr 1 April 20-24 only

Netherlands KDC-10 334 Sqn 1

19

NEWS REPORT


and Standardisation) role from 323 Squadron which disbanded as an F-16 unit at Leeuwarden on October 31 last year (it was re-established at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on November 4 as the RNLAFs rst F-35A squadron).

Not that the change made much difference: the majority of 323 Squadrons personnel and with them, their expertise and most of its jets were transferred to 322 Squadron. Captain Marco, the Frisian Flag deputy supervisor, told AIR International: With only three operational F-16 squadrons

left in our country, we work together closely in the F-16 community. The patches we wear are different, but the work is the same.

The daily scenarios differed from previous Frisian Flag exercises because new tactics and procedures keep being implemented, but the set-up was largely similar. Missions were either offensive counter air, including time-sensitive missions, or defensive counter air.

They were own under a high-threat level and included air defence, elimination of static and dynamic targets, protection of high-value air assets like tanker aircraft and sometimes also escort and protection of a slow-moving

C-130H Hercules. Several aspects were usually combined in one mission.

There are differences compared to previous scenarios, if only because we want to keep things interesting for pilots that took part before, said Capt Marco.

Leeuwardens base commander, Colonel Gerbe Verhaaf, added: As you can imagine, we keep a sharp lookout for hotspots in the world where we might get deployed. We tailor the exercise to these con icts. Plus the jets regularly get new weapons and software updates.

Meanwhile new threats emerge around the world. We take all of these into account when writing the scenarios.

RealismAdding to the realism of Frisian Flag is the use of ground-based threat systems at various locations in the exercise area, mainly in Germany. They included German Luftwaffe SA-6 Gainful, SA-8 Gecko and Roland surface-to-air missile systems, Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA)-operated NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) and in atable decoy targets combined with Smokey SAMs.

Other non- ying participants in Frisian Flag 2015 included the German Luftwaffes Deployable Command and Reporting Centre Red Hawk returning after its 2013 debut and the Dutch tri-service National Datalink Management Cell. The latter was responsible for controlling and co-ordinating the Link 16 network used by most of the participants.

Both units were present at Leeuwarden throughout the exercise. RNLA special forces joint tactical air controllers meanwhile operated in Germany.

Frisian Flag FutureLooking ahead, Col Gerbe Verhaaf said: Well keep organising this exercise at Leeuwarden once we y the F-35, which should be within ve years from now, as well still need to practise air operations with our allies.

The stricter security levels that come along with the F-35 will not affect the way we plan, brief, execute and debrief Frisian Flag missions. With both NATO and PfP nations in the exercise, were already used to working with different security levels anyway.

Kees van der Mark reports from Leeuwarden Air Base on Frisian Flag, the Royal Netherlands Air Forces annual large-scale exercise War over the North Sea

Above: Hercules from Eindhoven-based 336 Squadron came to Leeuwarden in the second week of the exercise, enabling the fi ghters to train for slow-mover escort and protection. All images Kees van der MarkOpposite: The Luftwaffe contributed to the missions with up to eight Eurofi ghters from Norvenich-based TLG 31.Below left: The number of Dutch F-16s in the exercise was limited to ten this year because another eight jets and their pilots are currently deployed to the Middle East for strikes against Islamic State (IS).Below right: The Polish Air Force took part with fi ve F-16Cs and this F-16D, seen turning in for fi nals on Leeuwardens runway 23.


Military

One of the three AW189s used by Bristow Helicopters at Norwich Airport, Norfolk, for operational evaluation lands at Brighton, East Sussex, on May 13. The helicopter carried out a demonstration at the Tangent Link Search and Rescue (SAR) Conference there, after undergoing fuel burn tests at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset. On the previous day it was revealed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency at the conference that deliveries of the fi rst four AW189s are being delayed because of de-icing issues encountered during the SAR certifi cation process. Alan Warnes

UK Coast Guard AW189s Delayed

Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corp has delivered four Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainers ordered by the Belarussian MoD. The fi rst, wearing the serial 71 (c/n 130.11.00.1001), was transported on April 14 in a partially disassembled state by an Il-76MD transport aircraft from Irkutsk to the 116th Attack Air Base at Lida in Belarus. The other three had all been delivered by April 27, when an induction ceremony was held for the type. Aircraft 71 took to the air for the fi rst time on February 27, with 72 following on March 15, 73 on

March 27 and 74 on April 6. The newly-delivered Yak-130s will be operated in the advanced training role, supplementing and eventually replacing the L-39Cs currently used, which were procured second-hand from Ukraine in 2005-2006. During the Yak-130 acceptance ceremony, Air Force Commander-in-Chief, Maj Gen Oleg Dvigalev, said there are plans to order four more. He also indicated that further Yak-130 orders are likely to be placed after 2020, when the service life of the current L-39C fl eet is due to expire. Alexander Mladenov

All four of the Belarussian Air Forces Yak-130s at their induction ceremony on April 27 at the 116th Attack Air Base at Lida. Belarus Ministry of Defence

Belarussian Yak-130s US Marine Corps CH-53Es Deploy to Darwin

US Marine Corps CH-53E BuNo 161532 from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) Pegasus being unloaded on April 13 from 60th Air Mobility Wing C-5M Super Galaxy 85-0010 at RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory. The helicopter was one of two from HMH-463 picked up by the C-5M in Hawaii and transported to Australia to support the fourth rotation of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) over the next six months. They will be based at Darwin for the duration.

Final Phrog Squadron Transitions to OspreyThe last active-duty US Marine Corps squadron to fly the Boeing Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight or Phrog, HMMT-164 at

Camp Pendleton, California has transitioned to the Boeing-Bell MV-22B Osprey. All but two of the squadrons 15 helicopters

will go into storage at the AMARG facility st Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The remaining pair will go to

museums. The last reserve force CH-46E squadron, HMM-774, is due to transition later this year. David C Isby

Pratt & Whitney F_P.indd 1 15/05/2015 15:44


NEWS REPORT

22 AI.06.15

The European Defence Agency (EDA) started developing the European Air Refuelling Training (EART) programme two years ago in co-operation with the seven-nation European Air Transport Command (EATC), headquartered

at Eindhoven Air Base, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

EART is one of the results of the EDAs acknowledgement of a tanker capability gap and lack of interoperability in Europe. The air campaign over Kosovo in 1999 and Operation Unified Protector (OUP) over Libya in 2011 proved that AAR assets are essential as force multipliers. In 2012, EU ministers of defence agreed that further development of European air-to-air refuelling (AAR) capability should be given priority.

Lessons LearnedRNLAF KDC-10 pilot Major Fred Frohlich, project officer for EART15, told AIR International: During OUP it became clear that tanker crews and planners had to operate in scenarios they are not exposed to during regular peacetime AAR operations.

There were two lessons learned from it.The first is that there is a lack of AAR-

focused exercises where both tanker crews and logistics personnel can familiarise themselves with scenarios, but also and more importantly keep proficient in areas other than those practised during daily AAR operations.

Secondly, the need was identified to build up knowledge of the different characteristics of European tanker aircraft in general.EART was held for the first time last year. It was no coincidence the exercise was run in parallel with the RNLAFs annual Frisian Flag (see War over the North Sea, p18-19). With dozens of combat aircraft of several types training in a realistic scenario over two weeks, there was ample opportunity to train AAR operators together.

Tankers had already supported Frisian Flag in previous years, in particular Dutch KDC-10s, German A310 MRTTs (Multi-Role Tanker Transports) and US Air Forces in

Europe KC-135Rs, all flying from their home bases. We

still support Frisian Flag, but now we also have our

own training, said Maj Frohlich.

EART includes

planning, briefing, executing and debriefing multi-national tanker training and tanker operations in large-scale combined air operations packages in a realistic scenario; practising tanker cell operations and tanker-to-tanker rendezvous procedures; and training both aircrews and logistics personnel in quick turnarounds. During EART, crews have the unique opportunity to gain or regain their qualifications in a short period of time and within a realistic scenario.

Maj Frohlich added: This is the second year we have combined EART with Frisian Flag. But in the future, this exercise could also be held in another country and be linked to another exercise.

Tanker OpsLast year tankers from three nations operated out of the deployed operating base, Eindhoven, for the first time. The Dutch airfield is home to two McDonnell Douglas KDC-10 tanker/transports of 334 Squadron. This year the RNLAF again made one available for both exercises; the second was busy with other operational commitments, including the support of two major international operations in the Middle East and Africa that Dutch forces are currently involved in.

Kees van der Mark reports on EART15, the second European Air Refuelling Training exercise, involving tankers from four countries

TankersTraining Together

23

NEWS REPORT


Three other tankers took part in EART15. The German Luftwaffe sent an Airbus A310-304 MRTT operated by the 2.Lufttransportstaffel (air transport squadron) of the Flugbereitschaft des Bundesministeriums der Verteidigung (FlBschft BMVg, the Special Air Mission Wing) based at Kln-Wahn.

As last year, the Italian Air Force joined EART in the second week, sending one of its Pratica di Mare-based Boeing KC-767As from the 14 Stormos (14th Wings) 8 Gruppo (squadron). And taking part for the first time was a French Arme de lAir Boeing C-135FR from Groupe de Ravitaillement en Vol 2/91 (air refuelling group) Bretagne, based at BA125 Istres-Le Tub.

Both this particular C-135FR and the KC-767A are fitted with a boom under the rear fuselage as well as two hose-and-drogue pods under the wingtips, enabling them to use either system some other French tankers only have a single hose-and-drogue basked fitted to the refuelling boom. The KDC-10 is fitted with the boom system while the A310 MRTT has two hose-and-drogue pods but lacks a boom.

During EART15, the tankers operated at 15,000-30,000ft (4,572-9,144m) in dedicated AAR tracks at the edges of the Frisian Flag exercise area: SHELL, located west of the Dutch isles, and ESSO, north of the exercise area off the Danish west coast.

Additional tanker-to-tanker training, with the KC-767A practising hook ups with either

the KDC-10 or the C-135FR, was carried out in a track over northern Germany.

Operating form Eindhoven to support Frisian Flag has its advantages, said Maj Frohlich. It takes us only 20 minutes to fly to the refuelling tracks, which is nice because we can quickly respond if anything changes in the planning.

While the French tanker flew a single mission per day, the other three took to the air twice daily to support both the morning and afternoon waves in Frisian Flag. We only have about one-and-a-half hours in

between the missions to turn around three aircraft, which is particularly

challenging for the ground crews, noted Maj Frohlich.

Gaining ClearancesClearances are another important issue for European AAR operations. This is also one of the lessons learned

from OUP, said Captain Eric van Osch, a KDC-10

flight engineer and former boom operator working in the EATC Rules

and Regulation Office. Not all tankers are allowed to refuel other nations aircraft; you need to have the proper clearances first. These will only be given after conducting a series of trial flights. Without the clearances you get in situations where there are more tankers in the air than necessary. Thats what happened during OUP.

Although progress is being made in gaining additional clearances, the problem was evident during EART15 as well. The KC-767A, for instance, was only cleared to

refuel the Hornets participating in Frisian Flag, but not the German Eurofighters, Dutch and Polish F-16s or the Air National Guard F-15s. The latter were only allowed to refuel from the C-135FR, the sole tanker certified to refuel all participating combat aircraft in the exercise.

French Lieutenant Colonel Franck Bottero, a former commander of GRV 2/91 now working at the EATC, said: Weve been involved in many international and national air campaigns and put a lot of effort in getting all the necessary clearances for the C-135.

In coming years, EART aims to further harmonise AAR concepts, academics and specific AAR training in the European context. This includes developing basic and advanced academic courses and holding an air refuelling symposium.

Meanwhile, the clearance trials continue to improve interoperability in Europe and beyond during international operations.

TankersTraining Together

Top right: This Luftwaffe A310 MRTT supported Frisian Flag exercises in the past, and flew from Eindhoven as part of EART for the second time. All images author unless stated

Top left: Dutch F-16Cs flying beside the KDC-10 in the exercise. The Dutch tanker was cleared to refuel Dutch and Polish F-16s but not Air National

Guard F-15s which also took part in Frisian Flag. Marco de Groot Above right: Ground crews had limited time to turn around three

large tanker aircraft, including refuelling this KDC-10.Main image: The German A310 MRTT at Eindhovens Apron West,

with the French C-135FR and Italian KC-767A parked behind.

Please send all news correspondence [email protected]

NEWS COLUMN

24 AI.06.15

When this issue went to press, the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee acted to protect weapons programmes and authorise extra war funding. The White House was threatening to veto the House committees proposed $495.9 billion defence budget and the $89.2 billion overseas contingency operations fund.

The legislation would keep the A-10, fund more Army National Guard helicopters and underwrite ghters for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. Lawmakers would give the navy 12 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets it isnt requesting. This development coincided with news of an impending $3 billion order from Kuwait for Super Hornets.

The A-10 may be the most newsworthy item in the disputed US budget plan. Equally important is funding for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the Air National Guard that were not requested by the White House. Neither side is disputing a new order for 22 UH-60Ms that was announced on March 23 using funds that have already been appropriated but lawmakers want to add eight new-build UH-60Ms plus an unspeci ed number of older UH-60As to be upgraded to M-model status.

The bill would also block an air force plan to retire half its eet seven of 15 aircraft of EC-130H Compass Call derivatives of the venerable Hercules, adding $48 million to keep the unique electronic warfare aircraft. The EC-130H is essentially a ying command centre that jams hostile communications.

The retirement scheme was hatched after recent upgrades to the EC-130H, construction

of a new training centre for the 55th Electronic Control Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and a long-term evaluation that cleared the ageing airframes of structural reliability concerns.

Lancer TransferIn a move that marks a major change in force structure, the US Air Force is transferring its B-1B Lancer eet from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command. The latter was established to oversee what the air force calls its nuclear enterprise B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, including nuclear munitions. The B-1B is the only one of the three bombers that does not have a nuclear mission. The move is effective from October 1.

The United States has 63 B-1Bs, 20 B-2s and 76 B-52Hs. Global Strike Command will also gain the future Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B). Under the realignment, the 12th Air Forces 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, will continue to operate the B-1B. With Global Strike Command now expanding to 30,000 airmen, its commanders slot will be elevated from three- to four-star status. General Robin Rand, the incoming commander, already held the higher rank in his former position as head of Air Education and Training Command.

Boeing said in a May press release that the marginally supersonic B-1B recently deployed a record number of precision-guided bombs during

a six-month deployment in operations against Islamic State (IS). The company said it could not provide a number of bombs or any other details.

In a separate release, Boeing said its making solid progress on the Integrated Battle Station (IBS) upgrade to the B-1B. When I rst ew the B-1 in 1997, I recall debrie ng using a hand-held tape recorder, a pilot is quoted in the release, whereas today you go in the cockpit and have multiple screens with digital displays.

The IBS mod will also make it unnecessary for combat systems of cers aboard the B-1B to perform some of their targeting duties using laptop computers.

US Air Force of cers continue to note quiet progress with the Long Range Strike Bomber and say LRS-B is needed even if reliance on nuclear weapons declines. The ability of the US Air Force is to hold at risk any target in the world in a matter of hours, Major General Garrett Harencak, assistant chief of staff for nuclear deterrence, told a House panel.

Tanker TroubleThe KC-46A Pegasus air refuelling tanker, a variant of the Boeing 767-200 airliner, is behind schedule but will remain on budget thanks to a xed-price contract.

While awaiting a long-delayed rst ight, the Pentagon announced candidate bases to host Reserve-led KC-46As. Tinker Air Force Base Oklahoma, Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, and Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, were selected for the KC-46As,

which will begin arriving at the rst Air Force Reserve-led mobility wing in 2019.

ISOn May 11, public affairs experts in the Pentagon touted the fact that the United States and its partner nations had been conducting air strikes on Islamic State, or IS, for nine months. Just weeks earlier, General Lloyd Austin, head of US Central Command, told Congress: The enemy is now in a defensive crouch and is unable to conduct major operations.

by Robert F Dorr

A battle is under way between the Republican-controlled Congress and the Democratic administration over funding for key weapons including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, or Warthog, attack aircraft.

Battles, Transfers & Troubles

Please send all news correspondence [email protected] 25AI.06.15

NEWS COLUMN

Only six months after Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway was a colossal defeat for the enemy, but at the nine-month point against IS and in spite of Austins groundless optimism the militants were racking up new victories on the ground in Libya, Syria and Iraq. President Barack Obamas pledge to degrade and destroy IS remained unful lled.

American aircraft from land and sea carried out about 80% of the 2,800 sorties own as of May 11. This nine-month total is about equivalent to three days of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Among warplanes in the ght is the F-22 Raptor, which has functioned as a ghter, a ghter-bomber and an air battle manager. Although the Pentagon no longer advertises the F-22s air-to-ground capabilities, one of its jobs has been to drop bombs.

Air Combat Command boss General Hawk Carlisle told reporters the F-22 has performed fantastically. It has demonstrated that it can re-role in the middle of a sortie, changing from an escort to using its advanced sensors and avionics to help control other aircraft and change

targets, Carlisle added. But an F-22 pilot is reliant on voice radio: the Raptor lacks data link connectivity with others in the battlespace.

The RQ-4B Block 20 Global Hawk is part of the anti-IS operations a lieutenant colonel in a post on the air force website saying it is primarily a data and communications bridging node. It can support multiple bridges simultaneously across multiple radio types. We like to call it Wi-Fi in the sky.

Critics, including James Walker of the nonpartisan Ralston Institute, pointed

out that the strikes appear to have neutralised no signi cant targets and halted no advances on the ground. When you drop a satellite-guided munition on a truck, the bomb costs more than the truck, Walker told AIR International. If you do that long enough, you lose.

A former US Air Force chief of staff, retired General Michael Moseley, told AIR International the strikes illustrate the value of the F-22 but we continue to need greater emphasis on the modernisation and recapitalisation of the Air Force.

Battles, Transfers & TroublesOn October 1, 2015 all US Air Force combat-coded

B-1B Lancer bombers will be assigned to Global Strike Command, having transferred from Air

Combat Command. SSgt Siuta Ikaway/US Air Force


NEWS REPORT

26 AI.06.15

Its difficult to attend any United States military convention, conference or similar event these days without the spectre of sequestration hanging over the proceedings. If its cuts continue beyond 2016, the US Armys standing force could drop to around 420,000 personnel the fewest soldiers since before World War Two.

While still facing sizeable reductions of its own, the US Armys aviation branch is by contrast still favoured when it comes to funding priorities as highlighted at this years Army Aviation Association of America (Quad-A for short) Mission Solutions Summit, held in March at the Gaylord Opry Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

During the event, Heidi Shyu, the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army

(Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), said the research, development and acquisition budget for army aviation in FY16 would be $6 billion. Thats nearly a quarter share of the total of $23.1 billion allocated in the Presidential budget request for the whole of the army.

This is in spite of the US Army currently having one of the most modern, well-equipped forces in the world. The cancellation of the first armed scout helicopter proposal in 2004, the Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche, saw to that. Billions of dollars in funds allocated for the acquisition of the Comanche were, over the next few years, instead ploughed into buying hundreds of new aircraft and modernising hundreds more.

Building on this base, the armys leadership is trying to further modernise its four key helicopters to the latest standards while losing some of its older airframes that have high sustainment costs.

RestructuringA programme devised by army aviations senior leaders, the Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI), has been put in place to divest the force of its oldest and costliest aircraft to maintain, such as the Bell Helicopter OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and the TH-67 Creek training aircraft.

Brigadier General Frank Muth, director of the armys Quadrennial Defense Review, said at the end of last year the vision of the ARI plan was to stop putting billions [of dollars] into Kiowa Warrior with only a marginal improvement, and instead aim to preserve the newest helicopters and ensure their modernisation. This meant creating an all-Boeing AH-64E Apache force, upgrading Boeing CH-47 Chinooks from D to F models and ensuring all the Sikorsky UH-60s had digital cockpits either with new-buy UH-60Ms or the cheaper option of upgrading part of the older fleet from UH-60Ls to UH-60Vs.

Army aviation has now received more than 100 new AH-64Es, some of which have already seen action in Afghanistan. The full total of AH-64Es remains at 690. Now replacing the OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, the Apaches are also being teamed with unmanned systems including the RQ-7 Shadow and MQ-1C Gray Eagle, which involves the formation of specialist manned-unmanned attack

The modernisation of existing US Army types remains good business for industry, reports Andrew Drwiega

Above: Glass cockpit symbology combined with touchscreen controls feature in the Bell Helicopter V-280 replicas futuristic concept cockpit.Above middle: Any future touchscreen would need to have independently isolated sections to enable it to continue working in the event of combat damage.Top: The UH-72A Lakotas cockpit.Main Image: Airbus Helicopters displayed its UH-72A Lakota during the Quad-A exhibition. All photos Andrew Drwiega

Still Strong Despite Sequestration

27

NEWS REPORT


reconnaissance units.According to Boeing, three AH-64Es

have now been fitted with equipment to enable manned-unmanned operations. The 3-101st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky/Tennessee border is currently in training with the helicopters. The fifth and sixth E model units will be fielded at Fort Hood, Texas.

Aside from further modernisation of the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 fleets to all-digital cockpits, with the TH-67 Creek going out of service the twin-engine, digitally-equipped Airbus Helicopters UH-72A Lakota is seen as the logical replacement as the training aircraft at Fort Rucker in Alabama.

During Quad-A, Airbus Groups UH-72A Lakota programme manager John Burke said 187 UH-72As would be used at Ft Rucker training centre, of which 106 would be new and 81 would be repurposed from the active force. The training aircraft would be modified by the addition of a middle observer seat and skid shoes and have any unnecessary equipment removed.

The decision to take the Lakota into the training school, Burke added, meant the total numbers of the type to be delivered had increased from 352 to 427. This would leave only 28 in the regular army.

Future ForcesAlso on show at Quad-A was Bell Helicopters futuristic-looking glass cockpit concept for its V-280 Future Vertical Lift (FVL) tiltrotor. While only intended as a

technology demonstrator (the FVL will not come into service until at least the early 2030s), the cockpit was meant to show what might be possible.

It comprised the usual flight symbology of any glass cockpit, but the addition of a touchscreen feature means pilots could pass data screens back and forward between them as required.

Such a screen would have to be resistant to combat damage, with sections capable of being independently isolated to enable continued working.

Other interactive elements portrayed degraded visual environment symbology as well as live sensor feeds showing video and onboard weapons status (with interactive selection and firing on-screen).

Another option would be to have the data presented on the cockpit windshield or into the crew visors, although this might be more of a distraction than a help.

The V-280 scale replica on the exhibition floor was also fitted with rails for weapons that could be carried under the wing. I was fleetingly reminded of the basic bomb rack used by the Short Sunderland flying-boat to run out and deploy depth charges; however the potency of the V-280 would be backed by railed Hellfire missiles and gun pods. These could be forward-firing and would not interfere with the large diameter rotor.

With newer manufacturing techniques and the use of composites, there is a good deal more flexibility in the V-280 design than when the V-22 was conceived 25 years ago. A Bell spokesman said this

enabled the company to design the V-280 much more to the armys specifications and requirements.

We have capitalised on lessons learned from the V-22 and inserted current technologies so that we can decrease manufacturing costs and increase control power. The engines are static unlike the V-22 where they rotate upwards with the nacelle which makes maintenance easier: we can change engine and gearbox much more easily now, the spokesman told AIR International.

Meanwhile the cabin is larger than a standard Black Hawks, which makes a difference in troop-carrying capacity and for specialist missions such as medevac.

Bell Helicopter also brought a V-280 simulator to Quad-A to give army pilots an insight into the capabilities the US Marine Corps and US Air Force already know through their experiences with the MV-22B and CV-22 respectively.

The simulator demonstrated the V-280s low-speed agility, the use of the fly-by-wire controls and more specific aspects such as the flexibility of the translational rate command.

Both Bell Helicopter and the Sikorsky-Boeing partnership, with their SB-1 Defiant compound co-axial helicopter, are racing to prepare their aircraft for the armys Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstration in 2017. While that event will not be a fly-off for the eventual selection of the FVL platform, first impressions will count.

The modernisation of existing US Army types remains good business for industry, reports Andrew Drwiega

Still Strong Despite Sequestration

Please send all news correspondence [email protected]

NEWS COLUMN

28 AI.06.15

US Navy Ensign James Butz and Marine Corps 1stLt William Parker ew the last training mission, a formation ight, on April 28, 2015, landing at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, home of the last training squadron to operate the T-34C VT-28 Rangers.

The piston engine T-34B Mentor entered service in 1955 and was replaced by the more advanced turboprop T-34C Turbomentor in 1977 when it began to succeed the T-34B and the T-28 Trojan. Training Squadron 28 will continue its role using the new T-6B Texan II.

The US Navy will still use the T-34C for midshipman orientation ights this summer as well as other utility assignments, such as site assessments. A few T-34Cs will remain in service as range spotting aircraft used by strike ghter eet replacement squadrons.

What Next for the X-47B?Now the X-47B Unmanned Combat Aerial System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) has successfully completed an air refuelling demonstration, the future of the navys two X-47B air vehicles is uncertain. The navy may retire the aircraft or store them for future use in some capacity, possib

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AIR International 2015-06