Other ASW Aircraft

[buglerbilly]

DATE:23/07/10

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

FARNBOROUGH: Airbus Military's anti-submarine C-295 draws interest

By Craig Hoyle

Although the larger A400M 'Grizzly' has grabbed most of the headlines this week, another of Airbus Military's products - the C-295 anti-submarine warfare aircraft - has also attracted significant interest during its UK show debut.

"We are receiving plenty of visits by delegations, and already have some potential customers," says Jeronimo Amador, the company's marketing director for light and medium transports.

"It's a tremendous opportunity being here as an integrated Airbus, along with the A380 and the A400M," he adds.

The aircraft on show is the first of two C-295s to have been adapted to the ASW role for the Chilean navy. The remaining example is about to leave the final assembly line at Airbus Military's San Pablo site near Seville.

Changes made from the baseline C-295 transport design include the installation of the company's fully integrated tactical system mission suite, or FITS, configured with four onboard operator stations, sonobuoy dispenser equipment and a magnetic anomaly detector boom.

Chile's configuration also includes a FLIR Systems electro-optical/infrared camera, a datalink and a torpedo launch function.

Chile also received one C-295 maritime patrol aircraft in March, and is "starting to see the advantages of this aircraft, in terms of its availability rates and cost-effectiveness," Amador says.

Airbus Military has now received orders for more than 80 C-295s and special mission derivatives, and delivered around 60. Finland also recently contracted Lockheed Martin to adapt one of its transports for signals intelligence applications.

"It's an effective solution, and a robust aircraft," Amador says.

[buglerbilly]

Guardian Angel Salutes Battle of Britain

(Source: BAE Systems; issued September 16, 2010)


The Royal Air Force has accepted the first production Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft, a much-upgraded versions of the venerable Nimrod. (BAE file photo)

WARTON, UK –-- Britain’s newest guardian of the skies took to the air this month in a salute to those who served in the Battle of Britain, including a poignant visit to the RAF base which for years was its predecessor’s natural home.

RAF Nimrod MRA4 PA04, the first production aircraft to be accepted by the RAF, captained by BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 Chief Test Pilot Bill Ovel, took off from the company’s Lancashire test airfield at Warton, Lancashire, on September 9th before flying the length of the UK visiting airshows – as well as performing a flight trial at a key test range - all in a single mission.

The 1,600 mile flight took in Guernsey’s Battle of Britain Air Display, Jersey’s International Air Show, and flight trials at the Aberporth Bay test range in Mid-Wales, before conducting a flypast at RAF Kinloss which, for 40 years, has been the base for the UK’s fleet of Nimrod maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft.

The new MRA4 can use its radar to scan an area the size of the UK in 10 seconds, detect submerged submarines and conduct long range Search and Rescue missions.

Bill Ovel said of the flight: “The operational capabilities of the MRA4 are incredibly impressive and even though I’ve been test flying the aircraft for several years, I still get a terrific buzz from the experience. On this flight the aircraft once again performed impeccably. Presenting her to the personnel of RAF Kinloss during the flypast was hugely satisfying for the crew and I know that it was a rousing experience for those watching from the ground.”

He added: “Given that this month marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – a battle where radar played a crucial role in securing victory– it was a great privilege for us to be able to salute the memory of those who gave their lives for others and those who defended our shores with such tenacity and bravery.”

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

France Eyes Maritime Surveillance Upgrades

Nov 12, 2010

By Robert Wall
Le Bourget, France

The French navy is planning a major overhaul of its airborne maritime surveillance fleet, and the first elements of the strategy are starting to take shape.

The activity, due to unfold in the coming few years, involves several parallel paths that will extend the life of existing types but also introduce both new manned and unmanned systems.

A core element of the modernization thrust is the upgrade of Dassault Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Dassault and Thales are talking with the French government about a contract to be signed before year-end to fully define the scope of the upgrade, which aims to ensure the MPA will remain in service past 2030, industry officials note.

Most of the work will be associated with the mission system, although the exact plan is not going to be finalized until next year. The Atlantiques are to receive a new digital sonobuoy acoustic processing system and upgrades to the mission computer and surveillance radar, says Jean-Francois Henriot, Thales vice president for airborne mission systems. The company expects to integrate its Ocean Master maritime surveillance system on the MPA. Improvements in the electronic support measures suite are also on the drawing board.

The new equipment is designed to improve the ability to track threats, including submarine periscopes in high sea states.

The goal is to have the first upgraded aircraft in user hands in 2015. The program is running behind the original plan, due to funding problems and the protracted process of defining the way forward. Much of the program remains to be sorted out, including how many of the Atlantique 2s now in operation will be upgraded. France maintains 27 of the aircraft, with 22 on the flight line.

In the long term, the Atlantique 2s will be augmented with a new maritime surveillance platform, known by the French acronym Avsimar, which is to lead to a new aircraft that would be fielded around 2015. Financing has not yet been secured. Dassault and Thales, who have jointly conducted a mission assessment, are proposing a Falcon 2000 business jet-based option for the mission, noting that France’s large overseas interests require a turbofan-based approach.

The primary mission would be monitoring sea lanes and combating illegal traffic, along with search-and-rescue and medical evacuation. The Falcon 2000 staffing would include one or two mission system operators, another one or two observers and the pilot and copilot.

While the system is not primarily intended to attack targets, the *Falcon 2000s would be equipped with two weapons stations under each wing, the inner hardpoint with a 1,500-lb. payload capacity and the outer with a 1,000‑lb. capacity, says Daniel Fremont, a Dassault Aviation official.

The program is expected to begin with four aircraft, but the fleet would to grow to 14 as older maritime surveillance assets are phased out. The projected development time line is 30-36 months, Fremont says.

The Falcon 2000 would serve as a replacement for the Nord N262, the Falcon 200 fleet and Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft. In the near term, though, the Falcon 50 fleet is still growing, as several French government VIP aircraft are being modified into surveillance aircraft to augment the four currently in that role.

The additional Falcon 50 upgrades include two aircraft, and there are options for two more to undergo the process. The aircraft are being equipped with the Ocean Master radar, electro-optical payload and forward-looking infrared sensor, Henriot says.

Meanwhile, industry continues to watch French navy plans to field a vertical-takeoff-and-landing unmanned air vehicle (VTUAV). Industry officials expect France to first pursue a smaller unmanned aircraft, ruling out offerings such as the Boeing Unmanned Little Bird or Northrop Grumman Fire Scout. Thales is offering the French government an option, either the Schiebel Camcopter or the Saab Skeldar, if France wants a system with higher levels of flight redundancy. The French navy’s performance requirements have not been spelled out.

The VTUAV requirement could be addressed through a cooperative program, Henriot suggests, particularly given the European Union’s counter-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa. With the French and Swedish naval participation in that mission, a Skeldar-based joint approach may have the edge.

[buglerbilly]

Orungan Squadron Conducts First Flight on P-3 AM

(Source: Brazilian Air Force; issued Jan. 11, 2011)

(Issued in Portuguese only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

For the first time, airmen of the First Squadron of the Seventh Aviation Group (1st/7th Aviation Group – Orungan Squadron0of ) of the Brazilian Air Force were able to man and take-off with the first modernized P-3 AM aircraft (registered FAB 7201) for a familiarization and training flight from the Airbus Military company facilities in Getafe, Spain.

This in-flight training phase applies practices learned during ground training, between November 15 and November 19, which aimed to adapt the crew to new integrated avionics systems. The aircraft will be used to patrol the so-called “pre-sal” offshore waters.

Operational training, which will extend until December 22, includes various flight and traffic pattern maneuvers to allow full integration of the aircrew with the new platform, which will be incorporated into the Brazilian Air Force in the near future.

In early 2011, the first operational aircraft (registered 7203 FAB), intended for training, will be transferred to Brazil, enabling the Orungan Aviation Patrol Squadron to operate with the high-tech sensors embarked on the aircraft.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Upgrades make P-3 Orion more efficient, more effective for the fleet

January 12, 2011

Newly installed computer hardware and software on-board the P-3C Orion will save the Navy money while making the aging aircraft a better submarine hunter.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) recently delivered to the Fleet ten newly configured Orions installed with an upgraded acoustic system, called the Acoustic Receiver Technology Refresh (ARTR). Acoustic systems with ARTR are a vital component of the P-3C mission systems, enhancing the ability to receive and analyze sonobuoy data; a primary function of the P-3C mission. ARTR improved performance over the existing P-3C acoustic system was demonstrated during several recent exercises with a tenfold increase in system operating reliability. This latest upgrade continues the process of bridging the gap in technology between the Orion and the P-8A Poseidon and becomes the catalyst for commonalities among Fleet aircraft.

A significant benefit of the new system includes having one person lead the acoustic system program for the P-3C and the P-8A. This change means acoustic testing on the P-3C helps mitigate risk for the P-8A. Other benefits include common signal processing code, common hardware, and the opportunity to develop the system once for both aircraft. By combining resources and providing an upgrade to the P-3C which will be used in the P-8A, the Fleet could see long term efficiencies in training and greater financial benefits overall.

"As we look ahead to the future, our goal is to be smart about how we approach growth of the MPRA Fleet. If we enhance the P-3C now with a similar system used in the P-8A, it's a win-win for the Fleet," said CAPT Mike Moran, Program Manager for PMA 290. "Ultimately, we want a program that is more efficient and more cost effective than ever before and that's what we strive for everyday."

ARTR is the first of two steps that will help bring mission systems on the Orion up to par with the new Poseidon. NAVAIR plans to deliver 74 mission-ready Orions installed with ARTR by 2012. During the next two years, P-3 acoustic system upgrades will be aimed at improving system maintainability and digital sonobuoy monitoring capability, increasing system architecture openness, and growth of multi-static sensor processing capability. After the initial upgrades to the Orion, both the P-3C and the P-8A will undergo the second phase of system upgrades called the Acoustic Processor Technology Refresh (APTR). APTR will enable both maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to operate using a similar set of acoustic software by 2014.

The acoustic program provides and improves anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability required to neutralize enemy submarine threats. It establishes a common, but not identical, configuration of processors, recorders and receivers.

Additional technology currently being installed in the Orions, and keeping them relevant for years to come, includes C4 for ASW (Command, Control, Communications and Computers for anti-submarine warfare). The Navy is currently installing the first P-3C with C4 for ASW, a computer system allowing for broader network capabilities to support the ASW mission. Specifically, the system includes LINK-16, which provides enhanced situational awareness and interoperability with US Navy surface fleet, other military services, and NATO forces; and an international maritime satellite (INMARSAT), that provides encrypted broadband services for the Fleet. These critical components will provide enhanced communications, resulting in stronger mission capabilities for current P-3C operators, and more seamless transitioning to the P-8A.

Source: NAVAIR

[buglerbilly]

DATE:04/03/11

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

PICTURE: Portugal poised to accept second upgraded P-3C Orion

By Rui Ferreira

The Portuguese air force should accept its second upgraded Lockheed Martin P-3C maritime patrol aircraft into operational use in March, following its arrival at Beja air base late last month.

Having been modified to the so-called CUP+ configuration at Lockheed's Greenville site in South Carolina, aircraft 14809's formal acceptance should coincide with the retirement of Portugal's last legacy P-3Ps. These are now flown by the air force's 601 Sqn.

Lockheed finished modernisation work on its first of two ex-Royal Netherlands Navy P-3Cs for Portugal last August, as part of a deal for five of the secondhand aircraft. The remaining three are being completed by OGMA in Alverca, with the $141 million upgrade project due to be complete by February 2012.


© Rui Ferreira

Key elements of the CUP+ modification include an Elta Systems EL/M-2022A multi-mission radar, an L-3 Wescam MX-15HDi high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensor and an upgraded central mission computer. The work also introduces an automatic ship identification system, plus new acoustics, communication and navigation equipment and a self-protection suite.

[buglerbilly]

Chile takes delivery of first anti-submarine warfare C295

April 01, 2011



The Chilean Navy has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military C295 in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. The handover took place after the aircraft was certified by INTA, the Spanish authority responsible for certification and military airworthiness.

Based on the Maritime Patrol (MPA) configuration of the aircraft, the C295 ASW is the first ASW type designed and certified in Europe, to enter service since the 1960s-vintage Bréguet Atlantic. It is a modern and risk-free choice to replace the veteran and ageing P-3 Orion or Bréguet Atlantic fleets.

The new model is the latest variant of the successful C295 family of multirole aircraft. Launched in 1996, it has been proved in many military roles and civic missions for the benefit of society. Transport logistics, medical evacuation or surveillance are just some of the roles already deployed by this aircraft in its MPA version.

The aircraft is equipped with two underwing hard points to carry weapons or other stores and boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors including a search radar, digital avionics that are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG), automatic identification system, acoustic system, and a magnetic anomaly detector. The data from all these sensors are processed by the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This Airbus Military-developed mission system presents the data in an intuitive form to the four tactical operators via on board mission consoles as well as to the pilots.

This C295 ASW is part of a three aircraft order placed by the Chilean Navy in October 2007. The first one, a C295 MPA, was delivered in December 2009. The other two are both ASW versions and the second is being delivered over the next few months.

The Chilean Army, Navy, and Air Force already operate one C295 MPA, three CN235s, and 13 C212s - meaning they collectively operate members of the whole Airbus Military medium and light aircraft family.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 356 CN235 and C295 aircraft to 55 different operators.

Source: Airbus Military

[buglerbilly]

German P-3s Costlier Than Expected: Report

By ALBRECHT MÜLLER

Published: 13 Apr 2011 16:42

BONN, Germany - The German Navy's eight new Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft are operationally limited and may cost the military more than 400 million euros ($579 million) more than expected over their service lives, a government report said.

In an April 12 addendum to its 2010 report, the German Federal Audit Court criticized the 2006 decision to buy the 20-year-old Orions from the Netherlands.

The planes were discovered to be in worse technical condition than expected, and the cost of various repairs and upgrades may cost more than 800 million euros, not the budgeted 388 million. Even after the repairs, the planes will lack the weapons to fulfill all of their tasks, the court found.

In the report, the court asks the defense department to stop spending money on the planes, so that the military can figure out just how many Orions it really needs and what tasks they might do.

A German Navy spokesman declined to comment except to say that the issues mentioned in the court's report were under investigation.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:23/05/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Taliban destroy two Pakistan navy P-3Cs

By Greg Waldron

These were recent deliveries too.................

Two Pakistan navy Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft have been destroyed on the ground during a raid by Pakistani Taliban militants.

Ten to 15 militants infiltrated the PNS Mehran base near Karachi late in the evening of 22 May and occupied it. During the assault they reportedly launched rocket-propelled grenades that set the Orions ablaze.

Pakistani forces eventually regained full control of the base after 15h of fighting. They killed or arrested some of the attackers, while others reportedly committed suicide. Five naval personnel were also killed and 18 injured.

An official in the Pakistani military has confirmed that two P-3Cs were destroyed. Pakistan media reports suggest that other P-3Cs could have been damaged. One image showed a P-3C as a burnt-out hulk, with only its port wing left intact.

The loss of two P-3Cs and possible damage to others will come as a major blow as the type is the mainstay of the Pakistan naval air arm. Under a 2006 contract with the US government's Foreign Military Sales framework, Pakistan purchased seven former US Navy P-3Cs. The aircraft were fully refurbished by Lockheed with upgraded mission equipment.

"The aircraft support anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare missions and will enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct maritime surveillance in littoral and deep-water environments," Lockheed said in early 2010.

[Gubler, A.]

P-3Cs are also very good overland surveillance and control platforms. The Taliban took down their biggest threat from the Pakistani air forces...

[buglerbilly]

There should still be the other planes from the original seven surplus procured...................they are still to be delivered.