Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well the usual "blah blah" here on my intentions which have been stated elsewhere in infinitive. In working on my last inputs for the upcoming patch I've noticed in some of the smaller nations I'm addressing major efforts are being made to modernize and or get the best "new" plane in their Air Force's as their budgets allow, Thailand being a perfect example of this tread which I'm addressing as stated above. So I'm starting with India who has some major concerns with their neighbor to the north and is representative to what's going on in Asia and S. America and by extension the surrounding regions. And we'll say goodbye to some stalwart "friends" like the HARRIER (On my list as well.) which has flown in ALL variants for the last time this past December for both the RN & RAF, to welcoming Russia and China's newest 5th generation fighters. So here we go off into the "wild blue yonder"!! Of course game related because I just don't have time for anything else. Anyone else up for UAV's?!? Anyway:
http://defense-update.com/wp/2010121...rage_2000.html
http://defense-update.com/wp/20101119_f-35-testing.html
http://defense-update.com/wp/20101119_su-34.html
http://defense-update.com/wp/20101119_b2_hte.html

Won't (Hopefully?) spend as much time on this as land platforms but we all know air power as well as defence is a major if not unintended consequence for the game.

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

This is for the A400M fans out there which I believe someone started a thread on this plane as well. I even have a picture and if CINCLANTHOME has her way this June for her birthday that could be me, God help me!! Anyway no news when the further para trails are to take place this year. Will do my best to track this otherwise there's no point of it getting in the game.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/19460/

Pic:


Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Here's the new 5th Gen fighters I spoke of from the Chinese and Russians. I'll be using the KISS concept for now,
I like military-today.com for this purpose to the point & short and sweet unlike me, but always a good starting or rounding off source. And to prep for the game:
CHINA/CHENGDU J-20/C1/Internal Weapons Bay (IWB) UKN weapons at this time/.
http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j20.htm
Pic:


Next the Russian fighter it was based on as we know the Chinese are great copycats with a high degree of technical sophistication also they might have received some help as well. This did not see service with the Russians.
http://www.military-today.com/aircra...an_mig_mfi.htm
Pic:


Now for the Russians, and some game prep:
RUSSIA/Su PAK FA/JUN 2015/30mm Cannon &
R-74 ARCHER + R-77M ADDER AAM/ A two seater will be made as well, this will be the one to watch as this is probably going to be the FB version.
Pic:


And it's origin can be traced to this next fighter which is very hush hush shh!, but might see service later in it's own right.
http://www.military-today.com/aircra...s37_berkut.htm
Pic:


These are too early for any game consideration for now until the the ground attack capability is either resolved by the FB variant or air to ground weapons capabilities are identified. These will be late game entries (Especially for the Chinese.) if at all. No hint of ground attack capability in a plane or jet means no interest on my part for this thread or game to me, that's for you know whom!?!. This also provides a home for a handful of issues I'm addressing on the dreaded list.
Well have other projects to work on, enjoy the rest of yours and have a GREAT week.

Regards,
Pat

[Marcello]

Next the Russian fighter it was based on as we know the Chinese are great copycats with a high degree of technical sophistication also they might have received some help as well. This did not see service with the Russians.

I would be very careful before stating that a design is derived from an other on the basis of some superficial configuration resemblance.
After all it is not like this...

was actually derived from this...


It is probably a safe bet that the chinese have sought whatever knowledge could be obtained; I certainly would not be surprised if some MiG 1.42 material was handed over to them or if sensitive F-22 data had ended in the hands of chinese intelligence and it cannot be ruled out that some of that might have been used in the design process. That however should not be mistaken for some kind of genetic inability to design from scratch.
When closing a technological gap it is only sensible to aquire foreign designs for evaluation, license/copy them and only once you have sufficiently mastered the technology move on to original designs. This has played out a number of times in the past: assuming that those copying and catching up would remain stuck there has caused its share of unpleasant surprises...

As for the PAK FA and the Berkut they are both already in the game, as SEAD assets: I suppose that's mostly to placate all the people that would be screaming if the latest whiz bang fighter was not available.In the game aviation primary task is CAS, which is somewhat of a cinderella as far as air forces are concerned and not something you want to throw a rare, expensive fifth generation air superiority fighter at. SEAD is probably the only "economic" employment of such aircraft that is included in the game.
Though I doubt the Berkut would enter production: it would be a wasteful duplication. I could see it happen for political/bureaucratic reasons if the Berkut was, say, a MiG project. Being both Sukhoi there is not even that rationale.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well that being said I guess BERKUT will free up a slot for the Russians as it's only an experimental prototype/demonstrator, not to worry it'll join the U.S. and Israeli AH-X on the, yes, dreaded list.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/s37/
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...ssia/su-47.htm
Could be the same for the PAK FA as it's development is limited to the interceptor role thus far, at the very least I'll check for dates and make sure India has it too. I really didn't think they would be in so far out but times were different when they were put in the game I'm sure. Also a lot of developmental equipment got in as well that I know Don has been trying to clear up over the last couple of years, I have a few of those already posted with more to come as well. As to the Chinese the only real problem identified with them is the issues they've had in developing their own successful jet engine technology a problem they share with India and others in that field. That's why India and Russia are currently working together on a fighter now. Check broadsword.com for more on that and the following poor mans article.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...fighter-03133/
I mean this with sincerity Marcello, thank you I wasn't planning on even checking these to see if they were in the game as stated above.

Regards,
Pat

[dmnt]

Patria to upgrade Finnish Hornets. Unfortunately there is no English press release, but hope machine translation will do:
http://www.patria.fi/patria_www_fi_s...nnuksista.html

A major order from the Air Force to Patria for Hornet fighter MLU2 series installations

Patria has received a major order from Air Force Hornet fighter MLU2 system upgrade kit installation. The order is worth more than EUR 24 million and its effect on employment is about 150 person-years.

The Air Force has ordered Patria Hornet fighter MLU2 system upgrade kit installations. Order as a whole covers 35 Hornet fighter aircraft modification and related components and network processing. Work will begin in 2012, and installations made between 2013 to 2015 machines during normal maintenance periods and structural upgrades.

Work undertaken by Patria Aviation and Systems business, Jämsä Hall, where the human resources to be added over the coming years thanks to your order. The order is valued at over EUR 24 million and its effect on employment is about 150 person-years.

"Hall's office is already taking place MLU2 upgrade support and preparatory works. Patria We worked in close cooperation with the Air Force and MLU2 systems comparable with the U.S. Navy since 2004, when a system update for the implementation of the planning started, "says Senior Vice President Calvin Matikainen Patria.

The Air Force goal is to upgrade all 62 planes until the end of 2016. Patria has previously taken the Air Force's Hornet fleet of the first system update (MLU1) between 2007 -2010 as well as machinery for the acquisition of 57 single-seat F-18 C-model final assembly and testing.


For more information:

Senior Vice President Calvin Matikainen, Patria Aviation, tel 040 869 3351, lassi.matikainen @ patria.fi

Patria is an international defense and aerospace group, which supplies its own specialist know-how and partnerships, competitive solutions based on its customers. Patria is owned by the Finnish government and European Aeronautica Defence and Space Company EADS NV

Some info over what this upgrade includes: http://www.defence-observer.info/news/europe/427-f18

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

Could be the same for the PAK FA as it's development is limited to the interceptor role thus far, at the very least I'll check for dates and make sure India has it too. I really didn't think they would be in so far out but times were different when they were put in the game I'm sure. Pat

The SU-47 has been around for a long time, IIRC it was talked about as the starting point for the next fighter project. Typically things have played out differently...
The PAK FA was put in last year just before the patch was released.
As far as I understand it is meant to be primarily a tactical fighter, though no doubt it will be used in the interceptor role too. I guess it is likely that at least some basic air to ground capability will be put in as well: there may be targets that would be best engaged by a stealth platform and it is not like Russia or India are going to be able to afford a dedicated stealth bomber very soon (there is some work being done but it will probably be a long time before it comes to fruition). In regards to timeline it is a bit too early make predictions as to when the russians, never mind the indians, are going to put it in service. According to some knowledgeable people it may well be that the chinese will come ahead...

[Warwick]

Doesn't look like Gates decision to cancel the alternative engine for the F-35 (the F136) was such a bright idea!

Regards,
Warwick

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Again "raw" data from the final patch post for 2010/2011.

AC-130U TIME TO...
C1. CHANGE: USMC/AC-130U SPOOKY/UNIT 573/Name AC-130U SPOOKY to AC-130U+4 SPOOKY/End Date to DEC 2010 vice DEC 2020/
In the eyes of the USAF this was a failed attempt to remove the 25mm and 40mm and replace it with the 30mm. This was conversion was only done on 4 of the 17 operational SPOOKYS. Part of the reason the conversion was due to the maintenance and ammo requirements of the 25mm and 40mm. The other, the 30mm was found to be inaccurate and thus "operationally unsuitable" The USMC has other thoughts about this (30mm) but you'll have to wait until my first Patch Post for 2012 to find out why.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita.../ac-130u-4.htm
Great overview of the issue at hand and at the bottom is the reason I started the thread in the first place.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...-a-time-03023/
Detailed background on the project.
http://www.af.mil/information/factsh...et.asp?fsID=71

A1. ADD: USA/AC-130H SPECTRE/JAN 1998 - DEC 2020/Use USA UNIT 564for the base./
These never stopped flying and are in service (8) for the foreseeable future. This "new" unit is at least electronically comparable to the current AC-130U (TI/GSR etc.). However and if time allows before the deadline, the AC-130 will be advanced further electronically and in weaponry (VIPER STRIKE ATGW) as well with information I have.
If not I'll present it for next year.
http://www.af.mil/information/factsh...heet.asp?id=71
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...ft/ac-130h.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...-130-specs.htm
Comparison between SPECTRE and SPOOKY. Note weapons and ammo info.
http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/ac-130_spectre.pl
As immediately above.
http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/...ack/ac130.html
Gets into the electronic issue in greater detail.
http://spectre-association.org/historySpectre.htm
A little history from the guys who flew them.

Jets and Planes but...
A1. ADD: EQUADOR/CHEETAH C/JAN 2011/Use SOUTH AFICAN UNITS 154& 336 for the base./ Retired by the SAAF in 2008, the planes have been maintained in storage for surplus sales purposes. Used JAN 2011 since Ecuador has been involved with these planes in both South Africa and at home for over a year.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/20518/
Reports the buy.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...Ecudaor-05832/
Does the same and details it as well. It'll show these to be upgraded versions of the CHEETAH C as well.

A2. ADD: THAILAND/GRIPEN C (TJAS 39C)/OCT 2011/Use SWEDISH UNITS 327- 329 for the base./ These are brand new fighters. The GRIPEN C is the single seat 4th generation interceptor version.
http://www.deagel.com/Strike-and-Fig...000532001.aspx A good quick look.

A3. ADD: THAILAND/GRIPEN D (TJAS 39D)/OCT 2011/Use SWEDISH UNITS NONE (?) for the base./ As above except that the GRIPEN D is the two seat 4th generation fighter-bomber version with heavier payload.
http://www.deagel.com/Strike-and-Fig...000532002.aspx
As above. The rest below cover the deal plus more for both.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...022/#more-4022
When you can get the full articles they're hard to beat.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/20615/
SAAB comes to Thailand in partnership deal.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/20612/
Thailand orders more GRIPEN C fighters.
http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Grip...-for-Thailand/
Click on tabs at top for further info.
http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/
Homepage that'll allow you too find info on all current user nations.
http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Grip...pecifications/
http://www.military-today.com/aircra..._39_gripen.htm
Though older, provides good background info note chart to left (Normal feature of site.) weapons section.

D1. DELETE: RUSSIA/Su -47 BERKUT/UNIT 170/
This is strictly a prototype/demonstrator craft.

C1. CHANGE: RUSSIA/Su-50/UNIT963/Name to either Su PAK FA or Su-50 PAK FA vice Su-50./
This might avoid confusion with the T-50 that was the prototype and puts it in line with net searches as normally known simply as PAF FA.
Posts #3; #5 and #9.

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

The news of the week.

How to help kill the troubled F-35 program, recover and then continue the debate anyway.

1. We want the second engine for redundancy and to protect jobs.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22050/

2. Almost made it but, the House kills it in the end.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22121/

3. But could a little "dejueve" still happen? Remember the F-16 had the same problem. Here's that story and as it might apply to the F-35 still.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...-engine-debate

4. Costs have reached a major tipping point.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22071/
Anyone who assumes any program is safe had better read the updates I've posted concerning MEADS in the Patriot update thread.

Now for the only true 5th Gen fighter out there for now anyway.

1. F-22 gets a whole lot of $love$.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22140/

2. F-22 update of the program and overview.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...updated-02908/

A400M begins air refueling trials.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22087/

APKWS II coming to a HARRIER and A-10 near you!
Well with the success in combat of the USMC laser guided APKWS on the AH-1W and soon AH-1Z it was only a matter of time before the much more accurate and thus more concentrated fire power of the system would make it's way to jets. I only wonder is the USA maybe going to second guess itself down the road and put them on the APACHES?
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...193/#more-2193

The surprise of the week the V-22 OSPREY, perception now vs reality.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22095/

The stupidity award goes to the U.K. how in the world can a right minded military do this when so many are so close to finishing their quals?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...ing-cull.html#
Got this off the "did".com site as above for APKWS article.

Regards,
Pat