March 08, 2016 Military Aviation News

The most lethal combat aircraft in the world just got more capable

03/08/2016

On Mar. 1, 2016 the 90th Fighter Squadron (FS) belonging to the 3rd Wing stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska officially became the first combat-operational Raptor unit to equip an F-22 with the AIM-9X Sidewinder.

As T-X Competition Looms, Air Force Expects Requirements To Hold Steady

03/08/2016

Despite speculation that parameters for the Air Force's T-X trainer are still up in the air, top officials say there will be no more changes to the program requirements. The Air Force’s requirements for 350 T-X jets to replace the service’s aging T-38 trainer fleet are pretty much set, according to Brig. Gen. Andrew Croft, director of plans, programs, requirements and assessments for Air Education and Training Command. Although a formal request for proposals will not be released until later this

Afghan Air Force receives light attack aircraft in Mazar-e-Sharif

03/08/2016

The Afghan Air Force (AAF) in northern Balkh province of Afghanistan has received two A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft as part of NATO’s efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan forces in fight against terrorism. The light attack aircraft have been deployed in Mazar-e-Sharif city, the provincial capital of northern Balkh province, amid deteriorating security situation in northern parts of the country.

Lockheed prepping Advanced EOTS and Legion Pod for flight tests

03/08/2016

The company will complete design and construction of the next evolution of the air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting device this year for carriage on a surrogate Sabreliner test aircraft. Separately, Lockheed will fly the Legion infrared search-and-track (IRST) pod on a Boeing F-15C in the coming months as the US Air Force looks to fill a long-standing "capability gap” related to passive infrared detection of airborne threats.

The Implications of China’s Military Reforms

03/08/2016

Since the second half of 2015, there has been considerable speculation about China’s rumored military reforms. Speculation became especially intense after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a plan at the September 3 military parade in Beijing to cut 300,000 troops.

India approves purchase of two Phalcon Warning System form Israel

03/08/2016

The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reportedly approved the purchase of two more Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) in defence sales, totalling approximately $3bn, from Israel. Under the terms of the tripartite agreement with Israel and Russia, the Israeli-made Phalcon radars will be mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft, reported The Hindu.

Last But Not Least: China's 2nd Aircraft Carrier Will Be More Sophisticated

03/08/2016

China is building a second aircraft carrier; its enhanced design will allow the vessel to carry more fighter jets as well as an early warning patrol aircraft, an anti-submarine warplane and several helicopters, according to a spokesman for the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Navy.

Russian Su-25SM Crews Start Training on Flight Simulator

03/08/2016

The pilots of an attack aviation regiment based in Russia's Krasnodar region have commenced special training sessions using a flight simulator which offers them the opportunity to step inside the virtual cockpit of the Su-25SM attack aircraft, according to the press service of the Russian Southern Military District.

The Russian Replacement Rivet Joint

03/08/2016

Since 2010 Russia has finally been able to replace many of its Cold War era electronic warfare aircraft with modern equipment. The Cold War era aircraft was based on military versions of the four engine turboprop Il-10 airliner. The most visible of these was the 66 ton Il-38, which was the Russian answer to the American P-3 anti-submarine aircraft. Like the Americans and other Western nations the Russians replaced the four engine Cold War era aircraft with more modern twin engine jet airliners.

All Articles