May 20, 2014 Military Aviation News

China state-owned firm in $3.4 billion deal to buy military assets

05/20/2014

Sichuan Chengfei Integration Technology Corp (002190.SZ), a Chinese state-owned maker of auto parts and batteries, said it plans a $3.4 billion private share placement to raise funds to buy three companies that make military aircraft. Sichuan Chengfei's offer follows a push by the Beijing government to use capital markets to fund military expansion and float state-owned assets.

Iberia to convert more A330 tankers

05/20/2014

Iberia has received a new contract from Airbus Defence & Space for the conversion of three A330s to the multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) configuration. Announced on the eve of the ILA Berlin show, the award extends a previous deal between the two organisations for a further three years, as each aircraft will require one year to convert to the air-to-air refuelling role.

5 Chinese military hackers charged with cyber espionage, U.S. Steel among targets

05/20/2014

The U.S. Justice Department has brought first-of-its kind charges against Chinese military personnel in connection to cyber espionage cases at six U.S. companies, including U.S. Steel. A grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania indicted five Chinese military hackers on charges related to computer intrusions, economic espionage and other offenses against U.S. nuclear power, metals and solar power industries.

What Is It Like to Land on an Aircraft Carrier?

05/20/2014

It is precision flying at low speed and a high angle of attack. It is the definitive skill that sets Navy carrier pilots (and Air Force exchange pilots who have flown with a Navy carrier squadron) apart from all others. It's interesting to note that military uniforms have all sorts of badges and doodads to show that the wearer has qualified in this or that, but there is no doodad for carrier landings. They are included in the gold wings a naval aviator wears.

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders troops near Ukraine to return home

05/20/2014

In what could be a move to ease tensions with the West and avoid another round of sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered troops deployed near Ukraine to return to their home bases. Putin also praised the launch of a dialogue between the Ukrainian government and its opponents even as fighting continued in the eastern parts of the country.

ILA2014: Israeli F-16 fighters line up at the Berlin Airshow

05/20/2014

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is to provide a star turn at this year's ILA Berlin Airshow with a pair of the service's Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft on the static display line-up. No further details have been released by the show organisers, and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) did not respond to a request for clarification on the variant of F-16 these might be.

Saber-Rattling To Boost Saab Despite Swiss Snub

05/20/2014

Who needs Switzerland when you have Brazil and Russia? That view of the forces helping spur demand for new combat aircraft should ease the disappointment at Saab AB after Swiss voters rejected a $3.5-billion plan to buy the Swedish company’s newest jet fighter.

1st B-52 Upgraded with Innovative Boeing CONECT System

05/20/2014

The U.S. Air Force has introduced into its B-52 fleet the first aircraft upgraded with an advanced communications system, developed by Boeing, that keeps the bomber ahead of emergent threats while improving aircrew safety and situational awareness.

Boeing Multi-Intelligence Tactical Aircraft Surpasses 1,000 Flight Hours

05/20/2014

Boeing's Reconfigurable Airborne Multi-Intelligence System (RAMIS) aircraft has flown for more than 1,000 hours, demonstrating the reliability of the platform and systems that can be adapted for many missions. Boeing has also demonstrated the system's intelligence-collection during several U.S. government exercises.

REVIEW: Russia-China Naval Drills to Showcase Military Might, Strengthen Ties

05/20/2014

Russia and China will conduct large-scale joint naval drills to demonstrate the strengthening of military cooperation between the two powers as Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to arrive in China on Tuesday amid worsening relations between Moscow and the West over Ukraine.

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