August 22, 2013 Military Aviation News

An F-22 Brought Down By A Hot Wire

08/22/2013

The U.S. Air Force recently released the accident report for an F-22 that crashed last November during a training flight in Florida. The cause of that accident turned out to be a high power electrical wire that was worn and in contact with a hydraulic line. The charged wire eventually caused a hydraulic leak that the aircraft sensors detected, which shut down the hydraulic system in flight.

Drones: Actually the Most Humane Form of Warfare Ever

08/22/2013

In this month's cover story, Mark Bowden's description of the drone operator's reaction -- one of shock and uncertainty -- to performing a specific mission clearly undermines the widely circulated but exceptionally irresponsible criticism that drones have created a "Playstation mentality" among their operators.

U.K. Examines Continuing Role for Sentinel Planes

08/22/2013

The U.K. is examining whether to extend use of its Sentinel reconnaissance planes after successful deployments in combat zones, even though the aircraft was due for withdrawal after troops pull out of Afghanistan. The Royal Air Force has operated the Raytheon Co (RTN).-built Sentinel R1 in conflicts from Afghanistan to Libya and Mali, where the modified Bombardier business jet was used to support French operations against insurgents this year.

Utah’s ATK marks milestone in work on nation’s newest warplane

08/22/2013

Clearfield • For a decade, Alliant Techsystems in Utah has been providing Lockheed Martin with critical components for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which is America’s newest warplane. ATK on Wednesday celebrated the completion of what it described as a significant milestone in its work on the F-35 — the completion of its 150th set of wing skins that encase the aircraft’s wings in a carbon-composite material that is lighter than aluminium and stronger than steel.

CAP simulates threats, assists RF-A pilots

08/22/2013

During RED FLAG-Alaska, fighter aircraft dominate the skies. Participating forces identify hostile targets while waging a simulated war - but not all hostiles are fighters. Eielson's own Civil Air Patrol 71st Composite Squadron plays a role during RF-A by simulating Antonov An-2 Colts, primarily using a deHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. Their presence gives fighter pilots the opportunity to train in visually identifying low-flying, special operations forces-carrying aircraft.

Aid to Egypt: Follow the military hardware, not the money

08/22/2013

For reasons international and domestic, the United States is unlikely to make significant cuts in assistance to Egypt, despite calls from Congress to do so and a Cabinet-level meeting this week about the country. About 1,000 civilians have been killed in Egypt in the last week, most of them backers of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi who have faced off in the streets against the Egyptian army and other security forces.

Uneasy partners Japan, SKorea fly together in US military exercises for first time

08/22/2013

Japan and South Korea’s unprecedented joint participation in air force exercises over Alaska shows that America’s two staunchest Asian allies are willing to cooperate on security despite their political differences. Their aircraft have been flying the annual Red Flag Alaska training drills that end Friday, along with U.S. and Australian forces.

Navy fighter jets to conduct aircraft carrier training in Belle Chasse

08/22/2013

The Navy is warning residents in the Belle Chasse and West Jefferson areas to expect increased flight operations at the Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base next week. Navy Reserve F/A-18 Hornet pilots will be preparing for mandated aircraft carrier landing qualifications, according to a statement Wednesday from the air station.

Russia to Deliver 12 Su-30 Fighter Jets to Vietnam – Source

08/22/2013

Russia will deliver another batch of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter aircraft under a recent contract worth about $450 million, a defense industry source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday. The contract was reportedly signed last week, and the Su-30s are expected to be delivered to Vietnam in 2014-2015.

Beechcraft flies the AT-6 light attack aircraft

08/22/2013

The company commemorated the event at its headquarters in Wichita, USA, with employees and dignitaries. With more than 1,600 hours already logged in AT-6 test aircraft, Beechcraft is offering the AT-6 to U.S. partner nations in need of light attack air support for the most demanding scenarios.

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