International Aerospace Discussion

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 05 Sep 2010 18:52

Danish rocketeers go for lift-off(BBC)

A team of Danish rocket enthusiasts is set to launch a dummy 30km into the sky as part of its quest to develop a private space launch system.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 07 Sep 2010 02:00

An Israeli company R-Jet claims to have a design for a higher-efficiency jet engine:

http://www.economist.com/node/16468588? ... d=16468588

The approach taken by R-Jet involves having the air and hot gases in the combustor rotate with the compressor and turbine. To achieve this, the company uses what it calls an orbiting combustion nozzle (OCN), which turns with the compressor to inject the air into the combustion chamber as a vortex. The vortex is maintained by blades that rotate on the inner casing of the combustor. This swirling action helps mix the air and fuel for a more complete and much quicker combustion. The hot gases then exit, also in a vortex, to drive the turbine.

This, says Dr Lior, eliminates the need for the two sets of static blades. That means an OCN engine can be built more cheaply with fewer components. It would also need to be only half the size of a conventional jet of similar power, says Dr Lior. The engine would use at least 25% less fuel and, he claims, its emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide would be cut by three-quarters because of its unique ignition properties.

Carl_T · Post by **Carl_T** » 07 Sep 2010 02:16

ugliest fighter jets:

Eurofighter Typhoon 2-seater.
Mig-27
Boeing X-32

F-4 Phantom
Mig-21 ducks and runs away

ManjaM · Post by **ManjaM** » 08 Sep 2010 02:16

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Boeing-sl ... 0.html?x=0

Boeing slims down military aircraft business

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Boeing is slimming down its military aircraft business and cutting workers as the government moves to cut defense spending.

The airplane manufacturer will consolidate six divisions into four.

Boeing Co. will cut jobs, starting with 10 percent of the group's executives. The company is not saying how many more workers will lose jobs in the coming months.

Boeing said in July that layoffs were likely because of expected government spending cuts. Revenue and profit both fell in Boeing's defense business in the most recent quarter.

Starting Oct. 1, the four new divisions will be St. Louis-based global strike; Ridley Park, Pa.-based mobility; Seattle-based surveillance and engagement; and St. Charles, Mo.-based missiles and unmanned airborne systems.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 08 Sep 2010 10:47

EADS Small Electric Testbed Aeroplane Flies

derkonig · Post by **derkonig** » 08 Sep 2010 10:57

Carl_T wrote:ugliest fighter jets:

Eurofighter Typhoon 2-seater.
Mig-27
Boeing X-32
F-4 Phantom
Mig-21 ducks and runs away

Saab 29 Flying Barrel

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 08 Sep 2010 11:07

PD-14 Turbofan Engine , this one is suppose to power the Indo-Russian MTA , An uprated version of the same will be used on MS-21.

PD-14 Turbofan Engine Family for Regional Jet

neerajb · Post by **neerajb** » 08 Sep 2010 11:22

Carl_T wrote:ugliest fighter jets:

Eurofighter Typhoon 2-seater.
Mig-27
Boeing X-32
F-4 Phantom
Mig-21 ducks and runs away

To me it's Boeing X-32. Everytime I look at it, it seems it is suffering from goiter.

IMHO Mig-21 is a sleek beauty. Nostalgia/Jingoism aside, It amazes me how they sculpted such a wonderful aircraft back in mid 50s. My favourite:

Cheers....

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 08 Sep 2010 11:35

Neeraj,

Don't they say that if it looks right. It will fly right as well.

But for some reason I like the F4 and mig 27s as well. No non sense pure brutish looks. Same way i dont like the 16/18/ or the mig 29 or the M2K. Too wimpy IMO.

negi · Post by **negi** » 08 Sep 2010 11:39

Pratyush wrote: Same way i dont like the 16/17/ or the mig 29. Too wimpy IMO.

Mig-29 and wimpy ?

Carl_T · Post by **Carl_T** » 08 Sep 2010 11:41

Best looking: F-22, F-15, MKI, Gripen 1-seater

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 08 Sep 2010 11:52

negi wrote:
Pratyush wrote: Same way i dont like the 16/17/ or the mig 29. Too wimpy IMO.

Mig-29 and wimpy ?

To my eyes yes.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 11 Sep 2010 18:16

Ukraine may deliver engines for Russian UAVs

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 11 Sep 2010 18:41

^^pragmatic decisions by Russia. not trying for 100% swadeshi now to close gaps faster. to some extent in EO/sensors/EW the pakfa could benefit from israeli and french techs.

---

Russia has reportedly signed two UAV contracts with Israel. Under the first contract, signed in April 2009, Israel delivered two Bird Eye 400 systems (worth $4 million), eight I View MK150 tactical UAVs ($37 million) and two Searcher Mk II multi-mission UAVs ($12 million).

The second contract was for the purchase of 36 UAVs, worth a total of $100 million, to be delivered later this year.

Russia and Israel are currently negotiating the establishment of a joint $300-million venture to produce UAVs.

Russian Defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov has said that alongside Israel, France could become one of Russia's partners in making UAVs.

asprinzl · Post by **asprinzl** » 11 Sep 2010 21:45

Nothing is uglier than the American Warthog. That plane was uglier than a mofo.

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 11 Sep 2010 21:56

asprinzl wrote:Nothing is uglier than the American Warthog. That plane was uglier than a mofo.

But then in general all warthogs are ugly.

However I love A-10s.

Mean machines.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 11 Sep 2010 22:56

its cockpit is said to be very claustrophobic...quite small for a large a/c. reason is likely the very wide side instrument
panels and really poor legspace.
http://www.airshow-1.com/cockpit%20phot ... ckpit.jpeg

Brando · Post by **Brando** » 11 Sep 2010 23:10

^^ Nope. The reason is because of the almost 2 inch thick Titanium alloy armored cockpit. The smaller the cockpit, the less Titanium they need to use.

With the 30 mm GRU-8 firing DU rounds at 3500ft/sec directly below the seat, claustrophobia is the last thing in the pilots mind.

Airavat · Post by **Airavat** » 12 Sep 2010 04:52

UAE's MRCA deal changes

The UAE is looking to replace the 63 Dassault Mirage 2000-9s it bought just over a decade ago. As part of Paris' efforts to sell the Rafale, France has offered to buy back the Mirage aircraft, which it would hold in a special-purpose company while looking for an export buyer. The Rafale has yet to win an export order; if the emirate buys it, other countries might follow suit.

But in a surprise move, UAE requested technical information on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. It was not immediately clear why the UAE is exploring a U.S.-made option. The U.S. source said the Gulf state is believed to be frustrated over price and the technology offered by France. Abu Dhabi is being asked to pay to upgrade the Rafale, while the F-18 is already at the desired technological level. French Defense Minister Hervé Morin has said developing the upgrades would cost UAE around 2 billion euros ($2.6 billion). France itself would also bear some of the cost.

Besides negotiations with Abu Dhabi, Dassault has fielded the Rafale in contests in Brazil, India and Switzerland. Paris also enjoyed last year a period of exclusive talks with Libya, which lapsed without a deal. The F-18 is a competitor in the Brazilian and Indian races. Boeing withdrew from the now-delayed Swiss tender, but could re-enter when the competition is relaunched.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 12 Sep 2010 09:03

I wonder what the desired upgrades were....must be quite substantial to cost 2 bil euros.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 15 Sep 2010 23:44

USAF Needs New Long-range Bomber: Schwartz

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 16 Sep 2010 07:26

Singha wrote:its cockpit is said to be very claustrophobic...quite small for a large a/c. reason is likely the very wide side instrument panels and really poor legspace.
http://www.airshow-1.com/cockpit%20phot ... ckpit.jpeg

Suwee.

From wiki:

Now included in the requirements was that the aircraft would be designed specifically for the 30 mm cannon.

IF it were not for Pakis and inability of Chicom to place massive tanks on the N-border, I would have suggested this master piece (still being upgraded),

It is built around this 30 mm cannon. The titanium tub, etc are only to make the cannon a reality.

Ugly? Dunno. I think it is one of the sweetest things on the flight line. My fav for sure.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Sep 2010 16:04

Putin confirms Kazan will manufacture a new Strategic Bomber and manufacturing of new Mi-38 will start.

Russia's Kazan aircraft plant to build next generation bomber

The Kazan aircraft maker will start manufacturing a new strategic bomber, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

The plant will continue upgrading Tu-160 and Tu-22 long-range bombers and will then "start assembling a new-generation strategic bomber," he said.

He offered no indication of the new bomber's specifications or exactly when production would start.

Another Kazan-based enterprise - a helicopter plant - will start production of a new Mi-38 helicopter and continue making Mi-8, Ansat and Aktai helicopters that have already proved their worth, Putin also said.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Sep 2010 16:12

AW&ST in couple of latest issue have carried out article on how the Mi-17 with NATO in Afghanistan has been doing well and how Mi-17 is now in great demand with demand almost out matching the supply.

The rugged Mi-17 have out matched any Western chopper and is proving its worth.

Infograph Mi-8M

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 20 Sep 2010 05:36

WASHINGTON has given the go-ahead for Australia to buy the EA-18G "Growler" electronic warfare aircraft.

It is the most advanced warplane of its type in the world, defence industry sources said yesterday.

The Australian understands the decision was made about a fortnight ago by the US Technology, Transfer, Security Assistance, Review Board (TTSARB), a decision that could pave the way for the first foreign military sale of the Growler, defence sources said.

TTSARB rules on potential foreign sales of sensitive high-end US military equipment. Its decision follows last year's request by the Rudd government to have 12 F/A-18F Super Hornets, half a 24-plane order for the RAAF, configured on Boeing's assembly line for a possible Growler upgrade.

Australia bought 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets -- described by its maker as the world's best multi-role fighter -- in a $6 billion deal to acquire a "bridging capability" to cover the retirement of its ageing fleet of F-111 strike aircraft.
The Super Hornet is regarded as a 4.5 generation aircraft ahead of a $16bn order for a so-called fifth-generation aircraft, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 20 Sep 2010 21:08

KnAAPO and Sberbank sign up to finance 48 Su-35S multi-role fighter’s for Russian Air Force

Arya Sumantra · Post by **Arya Sumantra** » 21 Sep 2010 00:26

Sanjay M wrote:Innovative EADS helicopter design used diesel-electric power to drive main rotors:

It's said to have upto 50% better fuel efficiency than a conventional helicopter.

More than efficiency, one good utility of such a concept is that pilot could turn off the diesel generator and fly on electric power off the batteries once inside a sensitive zone. That would make the helicopter really silent and catch the enemy unaware. Enough research on high storage batteries has been done for electic and hybrid cars. Once outside the zone/task completion, it could turn on diesel again on its way back. Useful concept even against insurgents

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 23 Sep 2010 16:41

SAMs, Strategy, Proliferation:JFQ / Q2 2010 paper Evolving Technological Strategy in Advanced Air Defense Systems

http://www.ndu.edu/press/lib/images/jfq-57/kopp.pdf

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 23 Sep 2010 20:14

Syrian missile deal threatens Russian/Israeli UAV pact

"We will have to reconsider all the proposed deals with Russia. Moscow did not show the needed understanding to our requests," says a senior Israeli defence source.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 23 Sep 2010 20:43

Carlo kopp has good deal of knowledge but has the Kashmir syndrome. no matter what the cause or effect, its F22 good, JSF bad for him ; pakis always bring in kashmir to any argument.

Sagrawal · Post by **Sagrawal** » 23 Sep 2010 20:44

just found a link on Nasa to download games and some simulation softwares. If its a wrong thread I request mods to please move it.

Thanks

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/freesoftware_page.htm

SriSri · Post by **SriSri** » 23 Sep 2010 23:22

Austin wrote:Syrian missile deal threatens Russian/Israeli UAV pact

"We will have to reconsider all the proposed deals with Russia. Moscow did not show the needed understanding to our requests," says a senior Israeli defence source.

Israel May Stop Aid to Russian UAV Program; Russia Claims Israeli Assistance Not Required

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 24 Sep 2010 22:06

Deptula presentation AFA 2010

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 24 Sep 2010 22:44

Austin wrote:Syrian missile deal threatens Russian/Israeli UAV pact

"We will have to reconsider all the proposed deals with Russia. Moscow did not show the needed understanding to our requests," says a senior Israeli defence source.

This is the kind of pressure that India should apply on Russia (and the US) when it sells advanced arms to China that eventually in a round-about way find their way to the Pakis as well..but I guess it takes balls and the ability to back up what one says to be able to apply such pressure. India lacks it big time.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 24 Sep 2010 23:26

First F/A-18F for RAAF with pre-wiring for E/A-18G conversion rolls off the production line.

Production of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet that has the capability to be converted into an electronic attack aircraft has been completed at Boeing facilities in St. Louis.

Boeing is pre-wiring the RAAF’s second lot of 12 Super Hornets for potential electronic attack capability conversion during production.

"Incorporating the ability to introduce an electronic attack capability on 12 RAAF Super Hornets as they are produced in St. Louis provides maximum flexibility for our Air Force in the future," said RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, officer commanding 82 Wing, which includes Super Hornet and F-111 aircraft. "Ultimately, if a decision to incorporate an electronic attack option is pursued, it will further expand the broad capability of an already formidable Super Hornet weapon system."

The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Eleven Super Hornets are now operating at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. All 11 aircraft were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget. Boeing will deliver Australia’s 24th Super Hornet in 2011.

"Besides giving the RAAF the potential of introducing electronic attack capability in the future, producing these 12 aircraft with this configuration from the outset also reduces cost when compared with retrofitting at a later date," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing.

The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.

article link

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 25 Sep 2010 00:19

US looking to make some money after having sunk hundreds of billions into the Iraqi war..

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.2 billion.

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of:

--18 F-16IQ aircraft,
--24 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines,
--36 LAU-129/A Common Rail Launchers,
--24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets,
--19 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons,
--200 AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder Missiles,
--150 AIM-7M-F1/H SPARROW Missiles,
--50 AGM-65D/G/H/K MAVERICK Air to Ground Missiles,
--200 GBU-12 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (500 pound),
--50 GBU-10 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
--50 GBU-24 PAVEWAY III Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
--22 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver),
--20 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems (without Mode IV),
--20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), (Standard Positioning Service (SPS) commercial code only),
--20 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods,
--4 F-9120 Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems (AARS) or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE),
--22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS);
--20 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs).

Also included: site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $4.2 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Iraq. The proposed aircraft and accompanying weapon systems will greatly enhance Iraq’s interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Iraq’s legitimate need for its own self-defense.

Total cost $4.2 billion for 18 F-16 jets, a decent number of weapons, spares and the associated services and maybe even help in constructing infrastructure to handle these in Iraq, plus training. Importantly, they're not getting AMRAAMs, but instead are getting semi-active AIM-7 Sparrows.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 27 Sep 2010 17:36

Astounding allegations. Aliens have "de-activated" US/UK nuclear missiles!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... ilots.html

Bolasani · Post by **Bolasani** » 28 Sep 2010 20:18

The claims about the UFO's are very questionable and thin. A lengthy discussion involving the original 'researcher' Robert Hastings can be found here.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 28 Sep 2010 21:14

philip-ji, aliens have not only done that, they have intefered with all my goats and my 3rd wife (repeatedly)and i have been forced to in-breed with several comely spacewenches from aldebaran-5 who visit me in their flying saucer every din and raat (twice on fridins)

lalmullah-al-spacedouti

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 29 Sep 2010 05:58

This gives us a good pointer to the F-18 bid in MRCA contract. Since they're just buying the airframes, how're they planning to arrange for 124 x 2 engines and 'other govt-furnished equipment'?

Boeing finalizes $5.3 bn deal for 124 F/A-18 jets

WASHINGTON: Boeing Co has finalized a $5.3 billion four-year agreement with the US Navy to build 124 F/A-18 fighter jets and electronic attack planes, a deal that will generate savings of over $600 million. The deal, announced on Tuesday by Boeing and the Pentagon, calls for the company to deliver 66 F/A-18 "Super Hornet" fighters and 58 EA-18G airframes designed for electronic attack to the Navy from 2012 through 2015.

The Pentagon said the multiyear agreement was on fixed-price terms, with an incentive fee -- terms that will limit the government's liability in the event of any cost overruns. Boeing also won a $249 million contract for logistics support for the F/A-18 fighters, which operate worldwide from the decks of 11 Navy aircraft carriers --- including ongoing missions in Afghanistan. Boeing said the agreement would generate more than $600 million in savings by allowing Boeing and its suppliers to plan further ahead and buy materials in bulks, making production more efficient than under a single year contract.

The contract is based on a price of about $42.7 million per airplane, excluding their engines and other government-furnished equipment. This is the third multiyear agreement Boeing has signed with the Navy for the F/A-18 fighter program. The company said the first two agreements, which each spanned five years, saved about $1.7 billion in total. It said it had delivered every one of the planes on schedule and on budget. "Procurement of these 124 aircraft through a multiyear contract takes advantage of the full efficiencies of Boeing's production and supplier operations, which will generate more than $600 million in cost savings for US taxpayers," said Kory Matthews, vice president of Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 programs.

The Navy said in May that it planned to proceed with a third multiyear agreement after securing a 10 percent price cut that satisfied top Pentagon leaders. The contract is good news for Boeing, securing steady revenues for the company at a time when U.S. defense spending is expected to flatten or decline, and the Pentagon is investing less in new aircraft programs. The F/A-18 fighter also remains in demand from foreign buyers and Boeing is bidding in fighter competitions around the world. The United Arab Emirates recently asked the US government for technical information about the plane, after ending earlier exclusive talks with France's Dassault about the Rafale fighter, according to sources familiar with the issue.

The UAE's interest in the F/A-18, first reported by Defense News earlier this month, could be a significant blow to French hopes of securing an agreement with the Gulf country. Boeing spokesman Damien Mills declined comment on any approach by the UAE, but said any international customers that bought airplanes during the years covered by the newest multiyear deal with the Navy would gain synergies from lean production techniques and cost reduction initiatives.

Boeing and its backers in Congress had strongly pushed for a third multiyear contract because it gives the company a more stable funding source and shores up jobs in local economies. The deal also gives the Navy a fallback option if more problems arise with the next-generation F-35 fighter being built by Lockheed Martin Corp to replace older model F/A-18s and other fighter jets. Boeing shares closed nearly one percent higher at $64.52 after the company announced that it was delivering the first two of four long-delayed refueling tankers to Italy later this year.