Helo News game related.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well this really again supports what I wrote in the above Post and answers as well which FCS the South Koreans would/will be getting for their APACHE GUARDIAN AH-64E helicopters. Like India, they'll also be receiving the LONGBOW system.

I would suspect this is how it'll play out for the present and further, other foreign buyers down the road in regards to the FCS and with the EW rating possible reduction.
http://www.janes.com/article/63316/b...sales-to-korea.

Tonight I'm beat, so I'll think take care.

Regards,
Pat

[IronDuke99]

The most likely nation to have top level US kit with all bells and whistles is UK (and sometimes Israel)?

I know there are a lot of backroom negotiations going on regarding F35 and core computer codes, between the US (and Lockheed Martin) and the UK.

UK being the only first tier partner in the aircraft understandably want the full code for modification and service reasons. The USA (actually mainly LM) are reluctant to pass it along for reasons that seem far more related to potential profit than security.

[scorpio_rocks]

Originally Posted by IronDuke99

The most likely nation to have top level US kit with all bells and whistles is UK (and sometimes Israel)?

I know there are a lot of backroom negotiations going on regarding F35 and core computer codes, between the US (and Lockheed Martin) and the UK.

UK being the only first tier partner in the aircraft understandably want the full code for modification and service reasons. The USA (actually mainly LM) are reluctant to pass it along for reasons that seem far more related to potential profit than security.

Seems a bit galling when they have allowed Israel access to the code and helped IAI and Elbit to develop Israel's own electronic warfare, missile guidance systems and helmet mounted displays for the F-35I.

[Suhiir]

Gotta love the Military-Industrial complex!

[DRG]

Yes BUT Pat the USA OOB INCLUDES a large number of National Guard units and formations so why would I remove something still used by them to open up slots I don't need ATM ?

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

If we're talking about the OH-58D, just had it in my head that all NG units were separated/or designated from regular USA units in the OOB. What can I say but it's been a longtime since I've "been in the game" and you know what I mean. But if you think that's good wait until my next post!?!

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

From my files concerning the Pakistani AH-1Z. Before I post the refs I have I would kindly ask everyone's indulgence in...

1) The AH-64E to export countries will be no different than tit is for AH-1Z or ABRAMS or any other advanced U.S. piece of equipment.

2) From last Sep., please review Posts 63 & 64 of this thread. Those JANE's refs. are likely "dead" now but, as posted many times before, JANE's refs are "perishable" and you either act on them in a timely fashion or as I've been doing, build credible refs around them while active.

A) Also with ref. below note the delivery from Russian of the Mi-35M which is the most advanced version of the Mi-24 HIND. The Mi-35M is in the game with Brazil and I believe I also submitted it for Russia as well since they got them around 3yrs. ago. Also addresses various equipment and weapons to be sold to them as well. The TI/GSR levels addressed per Posts 63 & 64 with a minor - in EW as well as seen fit. FOC I would think around APR or JUN 2018. Though I have not checked, I believe the Pakistanis already fly the Mi-24 so assuming they get their Mi-35M helos by JAN 2018, I believe FOC should occur around APR/MAY 2018. The more advanced systems and weapons being the delaying factor here.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1250108
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...nships-423882/
http://www.heliweb.com/lockheed-pakistan-ah-1z/
http://thediplomat.com/2017/02/pakis...pters-in-2017/
http://quwa.org/2017/02/20/idex-2017...z-vipers-2017/
http://quwa.org/2017/06/19/pakistans...2017-delivery/

I have a couple more if needed. Thanks for the diversion!

We have had the pleasure of Irma's company here in what I believe was the hardest hit county in Ga. We feel so privileged. At least we still have our house. Hope all affected in this forum and there are quite a few of you, made it through safely.

Regards,
Pat

[redcoat2]

The first four UH-60 Black Hawks for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) were delivered to Kandahar airport on Monday.

http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/...e-kandahar-aaf

The Afghan OOB (orbat26) has the S70 Blackhawk (unit 123) in it. Is there any evidence that they are present?

[Suhiir]

Might try my little "trick" of using an "*" in the name of NG only units the way I do USN ones in the USMC OOB.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well I've watching this one for years now just to see it get to this point but, as JANE's is reporting CH-53K will reach Initial Operating Capability or IOC in 2019 but as I pointed out with the F-35B this really means nothing. The important factor is in achieving Full Operating Capability or FOC and that unfortunately won't be until 2029. The CH-53K has paralleled the F-35 program in many ways with technological, material, testing etc. delays and another factor is related. Simply they're the design is from the ground up and these example completely new airframes. And allowing for inflation, actually costs more then the F-35A.
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/...f-ch-53k-costs

Oh I hear you, well what about the AH-1Z VIPER or the UH-1Y VENOM how did they reach FOC so fast? The answer is one of the easiest response to any question I've faced out here, simply speaking, architecturally the airframes were already available just somewhat modified for both. Very few as compared the total number to be manufactured were brand new airframes but mostly modified existing ones. It does both save time and money by using a known operational and battle tested airframe.

We've already had to push FOC back a couple of times for the F-35 and I suspect it'll have to be done at least once more by a year or two. That being said, it'll still get in the game by 2020. But for this helicopter it just doesn't bode well when that date is four years past game end time. And very rarely do these issues go backwards in time, though 2029 would be a conservative guess by and let's not fool ourselves in thinking it comes from anywhere other then NAVAIR.

I've invested a fair amount of time with this project and will continue to watch it but, I can't say it looks good for the CH-53K right at this time. And most know there's no bigger "vocal" advocate for these in the game or in their play-ability within it. That hasn't changed.

Here's the ref./the next is also a "fresh" story on the F-35 they hit a "milestone" and wait to you see what it was you might just go...huh!?!
http://www.janes.com/article/69314/c...yment-decision
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...n-seat-435792/

FOC is in no way any different in meaning than Fielded/or Fielding is to land equipment either in this game or the real world.

Regards,
Pat