Military Aviation News and Discussion

[SolarisKenzo]

It can happen,

Netherlands and Austria join forces in Embraer C-390 deal By Investing.com

Netherlands and Austria join forces in Embraer C-390 deal

www.google.com

Netherlands and Austria sign joint procurement of C390 with Embrear. The number of procurement is 9 divided into 5 for Netherlands and 4 for Austria. For me what's more significant is continuesly C390 deal mostly to replace legacy C130.

This means Embrear manage to reduce LM C-130J market. Not that means it is going to be problem yet for C-130J, as their sales still outstrip C390. However means it is increasingly eating their pie.

So far mostly it is still in Europe. However if they manage to get South Korea, it is potentially outstrip Euro deal so far. If they manage to get India (which already J's user) for their next batch medium airlifter deal, it is potentially going to be more contagious them ROK deal to other current Asian C-130 legacy users.

KC-390 can only sell to customer with short-range and mostly personnel-transfer needs.
Not a single country that actually needs to move cargo around has bought the plane.
I never liked it and when I asked an officer from italian air force what he thought about the Embraer... He started laughing.

 

[John Fedup]

The USAF and USMC might adapt EMALS and AAG for use on land. Power requirements and cost may be a concern albeit there are advantages.

Ford Class Carrier's EMALS Catapults, AAG Arrester Gear Eyed For Land Bases

The potential of the EMALS and AAG to open up new possibilities for austere land-based operations is now being explored. Developed for the Ford class carriers, the potential of the EMALS and AAG for land-based operations is now being explored.

www.twz.com

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

AIM-174 Missile Brings Navy’s Future Counter-China Air Combat Strategy Into Focus

The air-launched SM-6 will disrupt China's carrier-killing kill chain and pierce open its anti-access bubble.

www.twz.com

Very interesting article on the AIM-174B. I missed the news about its initial outing to the public.

Sounds like this will be a very useful tool for the US's naval air force and would be a real headache for China, with its AEW&C aircraft being more vulnerable and therefore less impactful on the potential battlefield.

 

[John Fedup]

I am beginning to like the F-15EX. Now that its price is only somewhat higher than a F-35A, I like it even more. The huge payload and superior range capabilities are significant as well. The attached link suggests the second seat option should be considered for CCA operations with the F-15EX.

Considering the huge F-35 order backlog and continuing TR3/block 4 problems, a fleet of 12-18 F-15EXs for the RCAF should be considered. The superior range would be useful for Arctic operations. I suspect the USAF/NORAD team would agree.

USAF Should Look At China's Future Multi-Crew Fighter Model For F-15EX (twz.com)

 

[John Fedup]

Here’s a real pathetic opinion article for keeping the full production plan) for 179 KC-46s. No mention about the numerous problems or the fact Boeing has lost over $7 billion on the contract.

Tankers are important so the USAF should get some MRTTs. Yes, a mixed fleet is a PITA but this is offset by having a reliable tanker that has better capability for the Pacific theatre.

Air Force Faces Pressure to Cut Back KC-46 Tanker Fleet; That’s a Bad Idea - Defense Opinion

The Air Force is facing pressure to rethink its tanker modernization strategy and cut back on new KC-46 contracts. Cutting back would be a bad idea.

defenseopinion.com

 

[OldTex]

The USAF seems to have always operated a mixed fleet of tankers, being one of the advantages perhaps of having a very large air force. Given the problems that are appearing with the KC-46 it should be a no-brainer that an alternative tanker is available in the fleet. The problem will be convincing the Congress to fund that alternative especially as it would effectively be a non-American aircraft (despite the pantomime of a contract potentially being awarded to a US prime, such as L3 etc).
The danger for the USAF is that if the KC-46 fails then it becomes much harder for Boeing to get future military contracts. This danger will be reflected in the competitions for contracts like the NGAD etc.

 

[John Fedup]

The USAF seems to have always operated a mixed fleet of tankers, being one of the advantages perhaps of having a very large air force. Given the problems that are appearing with the KC-46 it should be a no-brainer that an alternative tanker is available in the fleet. The problem will be convincing the Congress to fund that alternative especially as it would effectively be a non-American aircraft (despite the pantomime of a contract potentially being awarded to a US prime, such as L3 etc).
The danger for the USAF is that if the KC-46 fails then it becomes much harder for Boeing to get future military contracts. This danger will be reflected in the competitions for contracts like the NGAD etc.

My understanding was Airbus planned to build A330neos in Alabama for the MRTT US bid.

 

[Terran]

Covered this before so in short.
First neither KC45 or LMXT are actually A330MRTT. They were significantly modified packages, and to meet the USAF requirements KC45 would have faced many of the same setbacks. As the USAF mandated the vision system and boom.

My understanding was Airbus planned to build A330neos in Alabama for the MRTT US bid.

Yes it was planned to do assembly and conversion in the U.S. as the KC45A had it entered production would have had more built to the KC45 spec and USAF mission than the entire A330MRTT order book internationally.

Next adding another A330MRTT derivative to the order books of the USAF won’t help the USAF. The USAF is currently running the Sentinel ICBM program with a cost overrun, VC25B behind schedule, E4C (SOAC) just started, NGAD, CCA, F15EX, F35A, multiple air to air missile replacement, MH139 Greywolf, Hypersonic missile programs, B52J, B21, C130J, KC46, E7, T7A, F16V modernization and a partridge in a pear tree…
And onto this you want to throw a KC-Y redux. No. The logistics the Support and maintenance the whole thing wouldn’t work because end game is you end up with less tankers. Less because to pay for the maintenance and upkeep to sustain A330MRTT you buy less of it and KC46A. What you gained is less too because although KC45 is larger but by as much to makeup for the loss.
KC-Y doesn’t make sense unless the tanker can do something significant that KC45 cannot. A330MRTT can’t do anything that KC45 really can’t. To try and sell it LM and AB’s LMXT banked on raw fuel capacity but that wasn’t enough. L3’s potential pitch was a KC390 which could have offered a C130J replacement platform but the USAF wasn’t ready yet.
So it made sense to scrap KC-Y and move on to KC-Z a stealthy tanker program which obviously A330MRTT would not be suitable for.

 

[John Fedup]

Looks like all the drone vendors are optimizing their products for the CCA requirement. It will be an interesting acquisition to watch with so many players.

New XQ-58 Valkyrie Variant With Built-In Landing Gear To Fly Soon

The addition of internal landing gear points to a bigger and possibly higher-performance version of the Valkyrie now being in development.

www.twz.com

 

[John Fedup]

Here is an optionally manned CCA from NG/Scaled Composites. As per the article, it is uncertain if a manned version will be produced in quantity. There are some advantages wrt testing and ferrying. As NG is working on the USN’s NGAD requirement, the optionally manned CCA might be an advantage for naval operations.

Northrop's Stealthy Loyal Wingman Drone Breaks Cover And It Has A Cockpit

The Model 437, which was built by Northrop Grumman's subsidiary Scaled Composites, looks like the concept art aside from one very glaring detail.

www.twz.com

 

[John Fedup]

Some updated information about recent Osprey crashes. Bell and Boeing didn’t manage Univeral Stainless apparently poor QA on gear parts but clearly the Joint Program Office and NAVAIR didn’t either. No training changes were effectively communicated to operators either by the Air Force or USMC. It isn’t only Boeing and Bell that victims families should be taking to court.

Flaw in Osprey Gears Was Known a Decade Prior to Deadly Japan Crash, Internal Report Shows

The revelations about the history of the gear problems come as family members from the Japan crash, as well as families of Marines who died in a 2022 V-22 Osprey training crash in California, are seeking legal representation.

www.military.com

 

[swerve]

Looks like all the drone vendors are optimizing their products for the CCA requirement. It will be an interesting acquisition to watch with so many players.

New XQ-58 Valkyrie Variant With Built-In Landing Gear To Fly Soon

The addition of internal landing gear points to a bigger and possibly higher-performance version of the Valkyrie now being in development.

www.twz.com

Looks very much like the EADS Barracuda, that nobody wanted to buy

 

[John Fedup]

An article celebrating 70 years of Hercules aviation history.

'Workhorse of the Air' C-130 Marks 70 Years Since First Flight

The sturdy, flexible C-130 Hercules took its first flight on Aug. 23, 1954, launching a 70-year career touching every corner of the Earth.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[Ananda]

France and Serbia Successfully Conclude Negotiations for Sale of 12 Rafale Fighter Jets

France and Serbia Successfully Conclude Negotiations for Sale of 12 Rafale Fighter Jets

www.armyrecognition.com

According to this, Serbia and French already reach finalization of agreement one Rafale Deal. Quite change of procurement in the end for Serbia AF, with Rafale. Still I suspect they will keep their Mig 29 operational for some time.

 

[At lakes]

An article celebrating 70 years of Hercules aviation history.

'Workhorse of the Air' C-130 Marks 70 Years Since First Flight

The sturdy, flexible C-130 Hercules took its first flight on Aug. 23, 1954, launching a 70-year career touching every corner of the Earth.

www.airandspaceforces.com

attach is an article on the first flight with photo's of the original YC130A. There is a rumor that during the flight a couple of jet aircraft, unsure what type, wanted to know what an aircraft with prop's was doing over 25000 feet.

Today in Aviation History, First Flight of The YC-130 Hercules

Technically the C-130 Hercules is not a Warbird just yet, because it’s still operational within several of air arms across the globe. However, it’s such an

vintageaviationnews.com

 

[John Fedup]

Continuing problems with the KC-46, this time the boom. Just another bad news month for Boeing, KC-46, the Starliner thruster problem, and the 777X test program on hold after an engine mount issue. I guess it takes a bit of the the heat off LM's block 4 delay.

Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke The Tanker's Boom Off (twz.com)

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Thailand has eventually chosen to order the JAS39E/F instead of the F-16. It seems that they order new fighters not to replace the F-5E/F, but the 12 F-16A/B of the first batch. This is probably because the F-5s were upgraded a couple of years ago, and these F-5s are planned to stay with the RTAF until 2031.

Gripen NG for Royal Thai Air Force

Gripen NG for Royal Thai Air Force On 27 August 2024, The Kong Thap Akat Thai (RTAF, Royal Thai Air Force) selection committee announced that they have chosen the Saab 39E/F Gripen...

www.scramble.nl

Thai air force announces Gripen selection

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced that it has chosen the acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F over the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72.

www.janes.com

 

[John Fedup]

This article discusses several developments wrt boom refuelling pods for smaller aircraft. The F-15's size and extra cockpit seat makes it the preferred initial jet for this but other jets and UAVs are potential candidates as well. For the Pacific theatre, boom pods are very attractive for the USAF. The article does point out that boom refuelling is more difficult and usually requires specialised operators so it will be interesting to see how this progresses. Using F-15s as buddy tankers has the same drawback as Superhornet buddy tankers, namely wear and tear on frontline combat aircraft performing non-combat missions. Hopefully UAV and small transport/business jets can utilise these boom pod systems.

Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works (twz.com)

 

[Ananda]

Egypt to replace F-16s with China’s fighter jets

Egypt has reportedly signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets, aiming to replace its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. According to various reports, the deal for the Chengdu J-10C, also known as the "Vigorous Dragon," was signed on August 19, 2024. This acquisition would...

defence-blog.com

Egypt Orders J-10C Fighters to Replace Ageing F-16s - Reports

The Egyptian Defence Ministry has reportedly placed its first ever order for Chinese fourth generation fighters, with an unspecified number of J-10C fighters reported to

militarywatchmagazine.com

The talk of Egypt will take J-10C in replacing their F-16 seems increasing.

Chinese military planes displayed at Egypt airshow, but demand is in question

Analysts say high-profile presence of Chinese air force spotlights Beijing's growing technological prowess, military ambitions, expanding influence in Mideast, North Africa

www.voanews.com

VOA still doubt that, however if this happen then basically Egypt goes from Mirage 2000 and F-16, toward Rafale and J-10C. This will be the second export order for J-10C after Pakistan. I don't really count Mig 29 on Egyptian AF Inventory as seems the backbone still relied toward Mirage 2K and F-16. Thus if this deal is really aim on replacing F-16, then the AF backbone really shifting, at least big part of it.

Chinese J-10C Fighters "Gun Down" F-16 Viper Upgrade Plan? Report Claims Egypt To Become 2nd Customer Of PLAAF Jets

China has been steadily making inroads in traditionally American defense markets. In the latest ‘yet to be officially confirmed’ sale, the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has reportedly chosen its J-10C’ Vigorous Dragon’ instead of upgrading its fleet of aging F-16s. Egypt could become the second...

www.eurasiantimes.com

Now I can only speculate if this is happening as part of Egypt reducing their dependency toward US, as part of what happens in Palestine and disagreement with US Policy. However considering that most of Egypt latest procurement also back by Saudi and UAE (we can see on their LHD deals), means at least Saudi also give consent on this.

Will this part of bargain against Washington, or balancing Beijing, will remain to be seen on the progression of this deal. Something that interesting to see is how Paris continue got more deal in the region with mostly on the costs toward Washington and even London MIC deals.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Egypt to replace F-16s with China’s fighter jets

Egypt has reportedly signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets, aiming to replace its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. According to various reports, the deal for the Chengdu J-10C, also known as the "Vigorous Dragon," was signed on August 19, 2024. This acquisition would...

defence-blog.com

Egypt Orders J-10C Fighters to Replace Ageing F-16s - Reports

The Egyptian Defence Ministry has reportedly placed its first ever order for Chinese fourth generation fighters, with an unspecified number of J-10C fighters reported to

militarywatchmagazine.com

The talk of Egypt will take J-10C in replacing their F-16 seems increasing.

Chinese military planes displayed at Egypt airshow, but demand is in question

Analysts say high-profile presence of Chinese air force spotlights Beijing's growing technological prowess, military ambitions, expanding influence in Mideast, North Africa

www.voanews.com

VOA still doubt that, however if this happen then basically Egypt goes from Mirage 2000 and F-16, toward Rafale and J-10C. This will be the second export order for J-10C after Pakistan. I don't really count Mig 29 on Egyptian AF Inventory as seems the backbone still relied toward Mirage 2K and F-16. Thus if this deal is really aim on replacing F-16, then the AF backbone really shifting, at least big part of it.

Chinese J-10C Fighters "Gun Down" F-16 Viper Upgrade Plan? Report Claims Egypt To Become 2nd Customer Of PLAAF Jets

China has been steadily making inroads in traditionally American defense markets. In the latest ‘yet to be officially confirmed’ sale, the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has reportedly chosen its J-10C’ Vigorous Dragon’ instead of upgrading its fleet of aging F-16s. Egypt could become the second...

www.eurasiantimes.com

Now I can only speculate if this is happening as part of Egypt reducing their dependency toward US, as part of what happens in Palestine and disagreement with US Policy. However considering that most of Egypt latest procurement also back by Saudi and UAE (we can see on their LHD deals), means at least Saudi also give consent on this.

Will this part of bargain against Washington, or balancing Beijing, will remain to be seen on the progression of this deal. Something that interesting to see is how Paris continue got more deal in the region with mostly on the costs toward Washington and even London MIC deals.

Politics is a large factor for the decision to order the J-10C, but does it also means that Egypt regards the J-10C is better than the F-16? The amount of to be acquired J-10Cs is unknown, but probably the J-10C is intended to replace the first batch of 42 F-16A/B Block 15 delivered in the '80s during the Peace Vector I Program. So the J-10C seems to be good enough to replace the 40 years old F-16A/B Block 15.

I only wonder if Egypt considered to give the oldest F-16s an MLU.