Maritime Patrol Aircraft

[buglerbilly]

DATE:30/07/10

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

PICTURE: Colombia receives new CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft

By Craig Hoyle

The Colombian navy has taken delivery of a third CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft from Airbus Military, 20 years after fielding its previous examples.

Pictured at the manufacturer’s San Pablo site near Seville, Spain, the modified -300-model medium transport is equipped with Airbus Military’s fully integrated tactical system mission suite, configured with two onboard operator stations.

It also carries a maritime search radar and turret-housed electro-optical/infrared camera.


© Airbus Military

In addition to its core maritime patrol task, Airbus Military says the new aircraft will also be suitable for duties such as economic exclusion zone monitoring, fisheries patrol and search and rescue.

Comprising two -200 production examples, Colombia’s existing fleet of CN-235 MPA entered use in 1990, says Flightglobal’s MiliCAS database.

The Colombian armed forces also operate the European company’s C-212 and C-295 transports.

[buglerbilly]

Airbus Military offering SA choice of two aircraft types for maritime surveillance

By: Keith Campbell

17th May 2011



European aerospace company Airbus Military is offering South Africa dual role aircraft for the country´s Project Saucepan maritime surveillance aircraft programme.

Saucepan is being accelerated because of the spread of Somali piracy to Southern African waters.

The company can offer the CN235 or C295 aircraft for maritime surveillance.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has already indicated that it is looking at quite small aircraft to fulfill the maritime surveillance role, and wants to receive them as soon as possible after placing any order.

A type cited as an example is the Beechcraft King Air 350.

"The [King Air] 350 is a very good plane," Airbus Military senior VP: commercial Antonio Rodriguez Barberán told Engineering News Online in Seville, Spain, on Tuesday.

"Typically, what we would present to the SAAF are aircraft with a dual role. A CN235 could be a preferred solution for South Africa. Even a C295."

The two roles these aircraft can execute are maritime surveillance and transport whereas, as he pointed out, the King Air 350 has limited transport capability.

Although the CN235 is larger than the King Air 350, it is not a large aircraft.

It is already in service in the maritime surveillance role with a number of customers, including the US Coast Guard.

The C295 is larger than the CN235, but offers even greater flexibility.

With the C295 "you can have a mixed configuration in which you can use the front half for maritime surveillance (systems) and the rear half for transport, or for anti-pollution equipment," he highlighted. "This offers huge benefits for an air force."

The SAAF´s current maritime surveillance aircraft, refurbished and modernised Douglas C-47TP Dakotas, are also operated in the transport role (although different aircraft are assigned the maritime surveillance and transport missions).

Airbus Military could deliver the first maritime surveillance configured CN235 or C295 24 months after the contract was placed. For aircraft configured only in the basic transport role, the time period from contract signing to first delivery would be 12 months.

Regarding industrial participation packages should South Africa order an Airbus Military aircraft type, Barberán stated "we have not put forward any offset programme (yet) but we have held discussions with Denel and Aerosud".

He added that Airbus Military was in a better position that any other company to offer offsets to South Africa, citing the work packages already placed with Denel and Aerosud under the A400M transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft programme.

(Separately, A400M programme head Cédric Gautier gave the assurance that the company had no intention, at this time, of removing any A400M work packages from South Africa.)

The SAAF currently operates both the CN235 and King Air in the transport and communications roles respectively.

(Keith Campbell is attending the Airbus Military Trade Media Briefing in Spain as a guest of the company.)

[buglerbilly]

Airbus Military keen on South African Saucepan Project



13:51 GMT, May 24, 2011 Airbus Military is keen to propose its aircraft range for the South African Air Force's Project Saucepan requirement for new maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. Air Force chief Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano earlier this month said the programme had been “pulled to the left” by the increased threat of piracy in southern Africa's eastern littoral waters.

"I think we have the best product in the world and I believe we could win the programme if we are given the chance to compete," said Airbus Military CE Domingo Ureña. Speaking at a company trade media briefing (TMB) in Madrid on Wednesday he added "We will be ready to compete."

Project Saucepan should finally see the SAAF replace its 68-year-old Douglas C47 Dakota aircraft in the maritime surveillance role, a requirement Gagiano says is now both “urgent and important”.

The SAAF received its first C47s in 1943 and they were employed as transport in the Italian campaign of World War Two as well as for ferry duties in the Mediterranean theatre. The aircraft remain in service with 35 Squadron, based in Cape Town, with medium transport as well as maritime patrol duties. In the latter role it replaced the Avro Shackleton MR3, the last purpose-designed antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, in SAAF inventory from November 1984.

But it is not yet clear what the requirement is. Brigadier General Tsoku Khumalo, the SAAF's director transport and maritime told the defenceWeb maritime security conference in Cape Town in October 2009 that the SAAF was contemplating five specialised Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and eight cheaper general-purpose Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA). At the time he said the new aircraft would have to be cost effective, sustainable, appropriate and offer a growth path. It would further need to be capable of inshore, coastal and deep-sea exclusive economic zone patrol as well as search-and-rescue (SAR) work. To support naval operations they would also require an ability to engage in antisubmarine and surface warfare.

The new MPA would in addition require the ability detect, track, classify and identify surface targets and in wartime to engage the same with onboard weapons, he added. Khumalo noted the SAAF realistically required 12 to 14 MPAs but these were very costly and the budget needed likely prohibitive. Other than having a maritime role the aircraft also needed to have a transport function and would also replace the C47, Airbus Military C212 and C235 aircraft; Khumalo being keen to reduce the number of platform types in use in the SAAF transport environment.

Gagiano would not be drawn on budget, numbers or platforms, but did indicate a change in thinking. Asked about the size of the preferred platform, he said he had his own views. Pressed whether it would be something the size of a C235, Gagiano chuckled and said he was looking at “something smaller, actually.” One suggestion was the Beechcraft King Air 350, used by several air forces, coast guards and other authorities for maritime patrol. Speaking about Operation Hopper, the South African National Defence Force's maritime security operation off the northern Mozambique coast, Gagiano said the burning need was for airborne sensors. “We have a gap there we have fill very quickly,” the general said. This is why Saucepan is “so important” and “will make such a big difference”. Asked about numbers, Gagiano again declined to comment, not confirming or denying the figure four.

“There is no doubt about it. These aircraft will give us a massive boost and will make a major difference to our operational capabilities. Not only will they be used in anti-piracy roles, but also to combat poaching and the detection of war threats. Because of outdated maritime surveillance equipment, this project is an urgent priority,” he said.

Airbus Military senior VP: commercial Antonio Rodriguez Barberán told a question and answer session at the the TMB the company would offer the CN235 or C295 aircraft for Saucepan. Barberán said although the King Air was a good platform, it was, in his view, limited, especially in a secondary transport role. "Typically, what we would present to the SAAF are aircraft with a dual role. A CN235 could be a preferred solution for South Africa. Even a C295." Noteworthy was the absence of the C212, the smallest aircraft in the current Airbus Military stable and closest in size to the King Air – albeit still bigger. In answer to another question Barberán noted Airbus Military was in talks with Indonesian Aerospace (Iae), formerly IPTN, about the future of that platform. Indications are the manufacturing of the C212 might be transferred there.

Some 6600 King Air aircraft of all types have been built an delivered since 1972, including three to the SAAF, one of 48 military operators, who generally use them for light transport and liaison duties. The C212 is a turboprop short take-off and landing (STOL) medium transport aircraft. Some 580 have been built since 1974 and are flown by numerous civil and some 22 military operators. The

The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined medium transport plane jointly developed by the-then CASA and IPTN of Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transport. Its primary military roles include maritime patrol, surveillance, and air transport. Some 230 have been delivered since 1988. Some 27 air forces and three paracivil authorities have used the type, along with some 11 civil operators, the wikipedia notes. Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico and the Turkish as well as US coast guards operates the type in maritime patrol role, the Spanish Civil Guard (a paramilitary police) employ it on surveillance duties while the Turkish Navy operates an antisubmarine/surface warfare version. The Spanish SASEMAR sea search and rescue organisation also uses the C235 in the maritime SAR role.

The C-295 is a further development of the CN-235 with a stretched fuselage, 50% more payload capability and new PW127G turboprop engines. The C-295 made its maiden flight in 1998. Some 111 examples are on order or have been delivered to 24 operators in 16 nations, according t Airbus Military figures. Algeria and Portugal use the transport as a MPA while Chile recently received the first ASW version.
----
By Leon Engelbrecht, defenceWEB Editor

(Courtesy by defenceWeb; First published at http://goo.gl/LHDHX)

[buglerbilly]

Saab 2000 MPA for Indian MRMR to be equipped with RBS-15 Anti Ship Missile and a Fifth Gen Selex AESA


The Saab 2000 multi-role Maritime Patrol Aircraft equipped with the fifth generation AESA and RBS-15 Anti-Ship missiles is being offered to the Indian Navy to meet the growing challenges in India's maritime domain stretching across 2 million square km. Combining endurance with capability, the Saab 2000 is an ideal partner for the Indian Navy's requirement of an aircraft with long range, extended time on station, fast response, long service life and anti surface warfare capabilities.

Gurgaon, Haryana, May 30, 2011 /India PRwire/ -- The Saab 2000 multi-role Maritime Patrol Aircraft equipped with the fifth generation AESA and RBS-15 Anti-Ship missiles is being offered to the Indian Navy to meet the growing challenges in India's maritime domain stretching across 2 million square km. Combining endurance with capability, the Saab 2000 is an ideal partner for the Indian Navy's requirement of an aircraft with long range, extended time on station, fast response, long service life and anti surface warfare capabilities.

The Saab 2000 MPA is a high performer providing lot of operational flexibilities for various operation scenarios. The Saab 2000 MPA has a cruising speed of 350 knots, it can climb to an altitude of 20,000 ft in 10 minutes, reaching operating area 1,000 nautical miles afar within three hours. It can operate from high altitude airfields, taking off with maximum load and fuel even at very hot temperatures. Flight safety is maintained throughout all flight conditions, including single engine operations, where the aircraft can maintain altitude at 20,000 ft. The Saab 2000 MPA can operate at a maximum range exceeding 2000 nautical miles, with mission endurance exceeding 9.5 hours.

The Saab 2000 MPA can carry out a mission covering a 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 5.5 hours at an altitude of 2,000 ft, or longer patrol times at higher altitudes even up to 31000 ft. The aircraft on offer comes with promised 35,000 flight hours and a guaranteed support for 25 years by SAAB. The Saab 2000 MPA comes equipped with Saab RBS15 anti-ship missile system. Its unique Command & Control (C2) system facilitates a seamless planning of missile launching zones, trajectories and target seeking activities. The missile launching sequence and priming are controlled by customized Store Management Unit. Saab 2000 MPA which is being offered for India's Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) program will be equipped with the state-of-art Selex Fifth Generation AESA radar and RBS-15 Anti Ship Missile.

The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onboard SAAB 2000 MPA is a modern high performance system that supports the full range of maritime surveillance and coherent imaging modes used for both naval and overland operations. The AESA radar provides Saab 2000 MPA with Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) capability with customized interrogator functions. The AESA surveillance radar is supported by a Saab R4A AIS transponder receiver/transmitter system for locating and identifying any naval activity. The AIS system also provides an encrypted data link. For close range detection, identification and recording of surface objects and activities, Saab 2000 MPA incorporates Electro-Optic (HDTV) and Thermal Imager sensors. The Saab 2000 MPA system incorporates an ELINT system providing the capability to intercept and collect intelligence information consisting of detailed information of e.g. complex emitters active signal components, the relationship and the dynamics between active signal components. The Saab 2000 MPA on offer is also equipped with an ESM system for automatic identification of RF signal sources and Direction Finding of RF signal sources with high accuracy. For self protection, a SPS system is installed including radar warning receivers, missile approach warning sensors, laser warning sensors as well as chaff and flare dispensers. The Saab 2000 MPA comes equipped with a COMINT system that complements the baseline ELINT system for enhanced SIGINT capabilities. The installed COMINT system includes both a Direction Finder function and an Intercept System. The Saab 2000 MPA is equipped with a Command & Control (C2) system that integrates, and assists in controlling all mission sensors and provides the user interface to mission operators, via four (4) workstations installed side-by-side in the cabin facing starboard, and to the pilots via a dedicated tactical display. The workstations also provide access to the mission communication system.

[tiddles]

Regardless of how good the SAAB 2000 may or may not be I have reservations on its use as an MPA. Firstly not many of these planes were built about 50 odd & also it went out of production in 1999 so how long & how difficult would be it for SAAB to support it for ,lets say 20+ more years.I think a newer build platform might be a better bet. Also the interior of the SAAB 2000 seems a bit narrow to me ,OK in commercial mode with its 2 seats , isle, 1 seat mode but I saw an interior pic of the SAAB 340 AEW [somewhere] which looked narrow & cramped around the work stations . The 2000 has a stretched 340 main cabin.Still the Swedes certainly put up a good show industrially for such a smallish country.I have also noticed on the Defence Industry thread that SAAB are now going to try and find a market for their old 2nd hand planes on the North American market.http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=7&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airliners.net%2Faircraft-data%2Fstats.main%3Fid%3D348&ei=V8DkTae0C4SsvgOR6fz4Bg&usg=AFQjCNHAEE3FmzAPKS-Gc048qEHjM5h1IQ&sig2=JH9Dn9FtJQHy6m-5qIfCtA
Tiddles

[buglerbilly]

This article may answer your question Tiddles old bean..................

12 June 2011 Last updated at 14:44 GMT

Saab's 'special mission' aircraft searches for customers

By Lucy Burton
Business reporter, BBC News, Sweden


The Saab 340 and 2000 planes have been given a new lease of life

Framed by huge hangar doors, the planes in Saab's service and maintenance hangar sit together like actors on a stage.

Every morning these aircraft at Sweden's Scavsta airport are provided fuelled and fully serviced for Saab's military and civilian customers.

"It's our responsibility to keep the planes operational,'' says Bo Soderling, marketing director for Saab Services and Support.

"If we're lucky," he says, "at the end of the day we get them back in working order".

Any minor damage or small glitches are sorted by the team in Scavsta, but if an aircraft comes back with a bigger problem it can be sent to the Saab factory - an hour or so away - at Linkoping.

Mr Soderling describes the operation as a "total support service" and more and more customers are buying into the capability of the services team.


The engineers in the services and maintainence hangar prepare the planes each day

The operation here is an example of how Saab Aerospace and Defence have modified their business model.

In the past, people working here used to refer to "the customer" - the Swedish Air Force. But they are now trying to expand their portfolio and try to sell defence and service solutions to customers all around the world.

Smart recycling

One part of their service is what they call their ''special missions" department.

It is a sort of "pimp-my-plane" department that takes discontinued Saab passenger planes and re-modifies them.

A few years ago, turbo-prop passenger planes such as the Saab 340 and 2000 models were all the rage.

But a series of crashes led to a decline in sales, and Saab was left with a fleet of planes that still had about 30 years of life still in them.

Rather than turn the planes into scrap metal and lose a substantial amount of money, Saab has remodelled them into aircraft aimed at combatting a range of worldwide threats.

A team based in Linkoping, just south of Stockholm, strips each plane of all its familiar passenger furnishings; the seats, overhead lockers and toilets.

They are then given a full refurbishment and fitted with bunk beds and proper rest and washing areas for the special mission crew.

Linkoping is quite a small town and many of the engineers who built the planes the first time round are still there, working on the re-modifications.

"It's a smart sort of recycling," says department manager Mr Hultin. "We re-use the planes and the expertise."

Combating new threats

One of the planes they recycle in the Saab 340. It first flew in 1989 and went on to become the best selling 30-seater plane ever made - in part because it is very fuel efficient and has half the running costs of a regional jet.


The Saab 340 MPA is used for search and rescue missions by the Japenese coast guard

It has been re-designed as a search and rescue plane, complete with night vision and life-saving equipment.

The Japanese coast guard bought a fleet of four, and the radar equipment strapped to its belly means not only can they find ships in distress but they can also monitor the illegal fishing which is rife in the seas around their islands.

"But over the past three years the threat has changed," says Mr Hultin.

Coastguards and navies all over the world now have to deal with ever more sophisticated drug smugglers who now travel beneath the waves to avoid detection.

US homeland security estimates that over 30% of the cocaine that comes via the sea from Latin America into the Unites States is transported by submarines.

"The Mayor of New York doesn't want a submarine full of cocaine sneaking up the Hudson river, and he'll need a plane to monitor these smugglers" says Mr Hultin.

His choice of example may be a hint - the US Navy has yet to buy any of these planes and Saab is pushing heavily for them to do so.

Looking for sales

The Saab 2000 is a much larger plane than the 340 and is Saab's flagship aircraft, used to fly the chief executive, Hakan Buschke, around the world.

As part of the recycling programme it too has been transformed into various special mission aircraft, one of which is the Saab 2000 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).


The Saab 2000 MPA can be used to launch anti-ship missiles

Mounted on the fuselage of the 2000 MPA is Saab's Erieye mission system -an early warning system that incorporates radar and friend-or-foe recognition.

"It looks rather like a ski box,'' says Mr Hultin.

Like the Saab 340, the plane is used for a variety of missions. But it can be particularly configured to track and fight the pirates who terrorise parts of the coast of Africa.

Armed with anti-ship missiles and technology that allows them to monitor enemy speech and telecommunications, the aircraft are able to assist the navy in tracking down pirates, or to act as protection for container ships.

Saab is currently bidding for a contract to sell the Saab 2000 MPA to the Indian Navy and has suggested the plane can be used for pipeline protection and as well as for anti-terrorism surveillance.

As yet, no country in the world operates the MPA variant of the Saab 2000 - which could make India a potential launch country for this plane.

The relative low cost of these aircraft could be what clinches the deal for Saab.

'Crowded market'

Rival systems are often more expensive, and Saab say they can offer servicing and support once the deal has been made.

But a source in the aviation industry says he believes Saab will struggle to sell the 2000 MPA planes because they are trying to operate in a '"niche and crowded market" dominated by the Canadian made Bombardier Dash 8.

However, there does seem to be an ever increasing need for special mission systems like the ones offered by Saab.

This year's Paris Air Show will take place at Le Bourget exhibition centre on the outskirts of Paris from 20 to 26 June 2011.

[ADMk2]

Aren't the Indians buying the P-8I? Why would they want this then?

[buglerbilly]

Different parts of the Coastal Sovereignty protection, the P-8I's are for Deep Ocean and anti-submarine use, the proposed SAAB's/Bombardiers/ATR's etc in this role are for Coastal Maritime Protection despite what's intimated in the article above.

The fact they can carry missiles and/or torpedoes means little in reality, their prime purpose is to find, its other assets task to obliterate and destroy.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:21/06/11

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

PARIS: Marshall Aerospace offers C-130J maritime patrol conversion

By Craig Hoyle

Lockheed Martin's C-130J Super Hercules could be adapted for an entirely new mission, if UK company Marshall Aerospace gets its way.

Eyeing an opportunity raised by the UK's cancellation of its BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft programme late last year, the maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist is offering to adapt several Royal Air Force tactical transports for the mission.

"Marshall Aerospace is proposing to fill key elements of the maritime patrol function by using existing C-130 assets, combined with equipment already developed by the Ministry of Defence," the company said.



The proposed "quick change conversion" would provide "an innovative and extremely cost-effective alternative for patrolling the UK's coastal areas", it added.

In addition to installing some of the mission equipment already acquired for the axed MRA4 fleet, such as the Thales Searchwater 2000 radar, the Cambridge-based company would make other adaptations.

These would include fitting an electro-optical/infrared sensor, onboard operator stations, sonar buoy dispensers and long-range fuel tanks. Some of the equipment "can be installed at short notice", said Marshall.

The Nimrod MRA4 programme was cut after an investment worth more than £4 billion ($6.5 billion), as part of the UK's Strategic Defence and Security Review. Nine aircraft had been due to be delivered to the RAF from late 2011, following years of development delays.

The US Air Force is displaying one of its C-130Js here at the show.

[tiddles]

Promises,promises - I think that the chances of this getting up are 0 .Having scrapped Nimrod soon after umpteen years of development,they need a proven article if they go this way not promises of what might be able to be done by Marshalls.
Tiddles

[buglerbilly]

P-1 deployment may be delayed / Cracks could push timetable of next recon plane to FY12 or later

The Yomiuri Shimbun




Deployment of the next-generation P-1 reconnaissance plane, which the Defense Ministry had planned for the current fiscal year, is likely to be delayed until next fiscal year or later due to cracks found on the plane following stress tests, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.

According to the sources, a few cracks measuring several centimeters have been found on one wing and the fuselage. The Defense Ministry now plans to delay the deployment of the aircraft, the sources said Monday, to allow time to find the causes of the cracks and reinforce the sections.

The P-1 aircraft has been developed as the next-generation early-warning aircraft to replace the current P-3C. The jet aircraft, made entirely in Japan, will be one of the main pillars of the "dynamic defense capability" concept in the new National Defense Program Guidelines.

One of the main uses of the aircraft would be monitoring the moves of the Chinese Navy, but the likely delay in deployment would be a serious blow to the Self-Defense Forces' early warning and monitoring plans.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force currently has about 90 P-3Cs. The planes fly in rotation above the country and over territorial seas every day to monitor movement of foreign military ships and submarines, including those of Russia and China, which have been actively operating in the waters around Japan.

The ministry started development of the P-1 in 2001 to replace the aging P-3C fleet, first introduced more than 30 years ago.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is the main contractor, with other major players in the Japanese aircraft industry participating in the development.

The development cost is about 345 billion yen, which also includes the development of the C-2, the next generation of transport plane for the Air Self-Defense Force.

The ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute has been conducting flight and stress tests on four P-1 planes around the country, including the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Atsugi Air Base in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Two planes used in the flight tests and two others being assembled and used for stress tests were scheduled to be deployed within the current fiscal year.

The cracks were found during stress tests in which pressure is applied to an aircraft on the ground to check its strength.

The aged P-3Cs have been repaired to extend their deployment, but, the expected delay in the deployment of the P-1 may require further upgrades to extend their life span, the sources added.

Measuring about 38 meters long and about 35 meters wide, the P-1 is powered by four jet engines. Equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and radar systems, its cruising distance, reconnaissance period and submarine detection capability surpass those of the P-3C, making the P-1 highly desirable for reconnaissance operations.

As the Chinese Navy has been more active in recent years, P-3C crew members have "almost no time to sleep" at Naha Air Base or Kagoshima Prefecture's Kanoya Air Base, according to a senior MSDF officer.



(Aug. 3, 2011)

[buglerbilly]

DATE:08/08/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Kawasaki XP-1 develops cracks in ground testing

By Greg Waldron

Japan's developmental Kawasaki Heavy Industries XP-1 maritime patrol aircraft has developed rips and tears during ground testing, although it is uncertain whether the problems will delay the type's entry into service.

"The tears and rips were found in several locations, such as inside the fuel tank of the main wing and on the fuselage near the foot of the main wing," said Japan's defence ministry.

The tears and rips measured 10-15cm in length.

The two aircraft affected were acquired for ground tests and not flight activities.


© Kawasaki Heavy Industries

The defence ministry said repairs will be conducted to reinforce the damaged areas, but how this work will affect the XP-1's testing programme is uncertain.

Two other aircraft are used for flight tests.


© Kawasaki Heavy Industries

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force plans to acquire 65 P-1s to replace its Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions.

The indigenously-developed maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft is powered by four Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries F7-10 turbofan engines.

The XP-1 is 38m long, 12.1m high and has a wingspan of 35.4m, says KHI. Its basic operating weight is 79,700kg (176,000lb).

[buglerbilly]

Photos: Kawasaki XP-1 with Type 91 anti-ship missiles

Posted in Uncategorized on September 15th, 2011




Credit: Red pond

[JimWH]

Damn but it looks the business!

[buglerbilly]

PICTURES: Brazilian air force fields first P-3AM Orion

2 hours ago

Source: Flight Global

The Brazilian air force has regained a fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare capability after an operational gap of 15 years.

The air force officially placed its first Lockheed P-3AM Orion into service on 30 September with its Salvador-based 1º/7º Aviation Group. The aircraft is one of three to have completed an airframe overhaul and avionics, weapons and sensor system modernisation and upgrade at Airbus Military's Getafe site near Madrid, Spain.

A further five aircraft are expected to arrive in Brazil by late 2012, while an unmodified P-3 will also be employed for flight crew training duties.




Both images © Brazilian air force

The Brazilian air force in 2002 selected the then-EADS Casa to modernise eight Orions from 12 ex-US Navy P-3A airframes bought from storage at the US Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center in Arizona. Three were acquired for spares, with a contract for the so-called P-3BR programme signed in April 2005.

The modified P-3AM uses Airbus Military's fully integrated tactical system mission suite, and is also capable of carrying weapons including Boeing's AGM-84 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile.

[buglerbilly]

DUBAI: Diamond polishes DA42 MPP Guardian

By: Craig Hoyle Dubai

1 hours ago

Source:



A new contender for the lucrative maritime patrol and border surveillance aircraft market is shining at the show, with its Austrian manufacturer anticipating strong local demand.

Diamond Airborne Sensing has flown an enhanced version of its DA42 MPP Guardian to Dubai in a military-inspired grey colour scheme, after recently integrating key new equipment. It now has a Telephonics RDR-1700B maritime search radar and a Scotty satellite communications suite installed, in addition to an electro-optical/infrared sensor mounted beneath its nose.

"These were the only parts that were missing," said Markus Fischer, the company's marketing and sales director. "With this capability we can do the same as the big, fixed-wing aircraft, but on a totally different budget."

Diamond quotes a per-hour operating cost of just €120 ($167) to use its Austro AE300-engined DA42, which offers a mission endurance of up to 12h. For the maritime patrol application, its two-person crew would typically be expected to stay airborne for 6-8h.

The company views this combination of affordability and mission performance as a key selling point for the Guardian. "We expect many orders in the future in this region," said Fischer. To support its promotion of the aircraft, Diamond is conducting a demonstration at 1pm each day in its chalet (A6), showing live footage relayed via satellite from an aircraft in flight in Austria.

Diamond has meanwhile launched programmes to find 65kg (143lb) in weight savings from the DA42's structure and to also increase its maximum take-off weight to just under 2 tonnes.

[buglerbilly]

Mexico takes delivery of its first Airbus Military CN235 MPA ordered under the Mérida Initiative


The first of four CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Mexican Navy. (Photo: Airbus Military)

11:33 GMT, November 16, 2011 The Mexican Navy has taken delivery of the first of four CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) ordered from Airbus Military through a contract with EADS North America under the Mérida Initiative, a joint program between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mexico. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2012.

This CN235 in MPA configuration incorporates the latest technology developed for surveillance over the sea. The combination of the Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system and a Search Radar allows this aircraft to locate and track ships to conduct thorough patrols of a coastline. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) help make this aircraft the ideal tool to carry out military surveillance missions for the Mexican Navy. The FITS was entirely developed by Airbus Military and ensures that the extensive data gathered by the aircraft’s on-board sensors can be easily used by the crew to execute their mission.

“It is an honor that the Mexican Navy is taking delivery of this Airbus Military CN235 MPA for its fleet. We are looking forward to the upcoming entry into service of this highly versatile aircraft that is ideal to help enforce law on the Mexican coastline”, says Airbus Military Head of Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

Including this latest delivery, the Mexican Navy already operates three CN235, which are to be added to the two CN235 operated by the Mexican federal police. The Mexican Air Force and Navy also operate nine C295 and six C212 aircraft.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 211 CN235 to 32 different operators in 20 countries all over the world.

THE CN235

Able to carry up to six tons of payload and with a maximum cruise speed of 240 kt (450 km/h), the CN235 is able to take off from, and land on, short, semi-prepared runways with soft surfaces thanks to its Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) characteristics and the strong landing gear with tandem low-pressure tyre. Its excellent handling qualities, high manoeuvrability and fast engine (two General Electric GE CT7-9C3, 1870 shp) response allow safe critical operations at a very low altitude. Outstanding reliability and supportability result in high aircraft availability and the lowest life cycle cost (LCC) in its class.

[buglerbilly]

Photos: New Chinese MPA

Posted in Air Force, Navy on November 17th, 2011

[buglerbilly]

Some detail on this new aircraft................

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

China's Maritime Patroller

Posted by Bill Sweetman at 11/21/2011 8:54 AM CST

China's AVIC-Shanxii Y-8F-600, a modernized version of a reverse-engineered Antonov An-12, is spawning a growing family of special-use variants without having apparently entered service as a transport. Two AEW versions (one with a rotodome and another with an AESA similar to Saab's EriEye) have been sighted. Now, the latest version is a weapons carrier -- an antisubmarine warfare aircraft.



The extensively modified airframe has a weapons bay, surface-search radar, EO/IR sensor turret (ahead of the weapons bay) and a magnetic anomaly detector boom at the end of a redesigned, ramp-less rear fuselage. It will presumably have an acoustics system and sonobuoy tubes. Another photo shows two examples of the aircraft.

It's the first ASW aircraft of this scale and capability for the Chinese armed forces, and the only such active program outside the USA (following the demise of the Nimrod MRA4 in last year's UK defense review). It's not hard to guess its intended targets.

Aircraft of this type are not usually found searching large tracts of ocean for submarines. Norman Friedman's book Network-Centric Warfare describes the P-3 as an interceptor, launched to prosecute targets detected by SOSUS (sound surveillance system). An isolated report in 2008 suggested that China was deploying its equivalent of SOSUS.

Other missions for oceanic-range ASW aircraft include providing cover for ballistic missile submarines, making it possible to detect and track hostile subs that might be trailing the SSBN as it leaves on a patrol.

The appearance of the new Y-8 platform indicates that China is expanding its ASW ambitions. Building an aircraft is only a small part of the ASW battle. It also requires sensor and processing technology -- systems like the P-8A Poseidon draw on decades of experience with acoustic systems, using passive and active sonobuoys to detect and pin down the target -- and human expertise. So what is important is that the PLA-N is setting off down that long and difficult road.

By the way, the engines on the Y-8F600 are Pratt & Whitney PW150s and the propellers are from GE's Dowty unit. The program was launched in 2001-03 as a commercial venture.

Nice to see Sourpuss jumps in with both feet on what is a sensitive subject in the USA, American companies in JV's with the Chinese.............saying all of this, someone has commented thus:


Rick-Joe wrote:

Actually the consensus on the chinese boards seem to say the engines are indigenous WJ-6Cs and JL-4 propellers, the same kind used on KJ-200 and intended for use on the Y-9 transport... but okay.

11/21/2011 2:14 PM CST

[buglerbilly]

Elta, Bombardier team up on Q400 maritime patrol aircraft

By: Arie Egozi Tel Aviv

2 hours ago

Source:



The Elta Systems division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has teamed up with Bombardier to offer a maritime patrol aircraft based on the latter's Q400 twin-turboprop.

Avishai Izhakian, deputy general manager of Elta's airborne systems and radars division, said on 23 November that the Q400 is being offered as a direct replacement for the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion. "This aircraft has very low operational costs and gives the crew a very comfortable working environment," he said.

The maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue-configuration aircraft is being offered by Elta/Bombardier in co-operation with Canada's Field Aviation. Its main sensor is the Israeli company's EL/M-2022 maritime surveillance radar, with the package also including optical payload and signals intelligence-gathering equipment.

The partners are using the experience gathered in adapting Bombardier's Q300 for maritime patrol applications with the Elta radar for nations including Iceland and Sweden.

Izhakian said the Q400 version has a "very big" market potential, as countries are more aware of the need to monitor seas for multiple threats, including piracy.

The Israeli navy is among those to have expressed interest in a Q400-based maritime patrol capability, although budget problems have so far delayed any real negotiation. The service currently uses the legacy IAI 1124 Westwind, although Israel is also now using IAI Heron unmanned air systems for close-range maritime surveillance.

[buglerbilly]

Airborne Platforms Bolster Ocean Patrol

Dec 28, 2011

By David Eshel
Tel Aviv



Regional threats to stability, growing tension over the exploitation of natural resources in economic exclusion zones (EEZ), the impact of piracy and terrorism, and criminal activities in the littorals are among factors driving demand for advanced airborne maritime surveillance assets.

Maritime surveillance is one of the fastest-growing defense markets, with countries seeking a range of technologies to improve their ability to monitor traffic in territorial waters and secure ports and other shore facilities from threats. For naval forces, airborne assets are needed to track and warn of submarine activities and protect disputed territories. Strong and effective surveillance is also a key component in assembling international coalitions for stability operations and in fighting piracy.

Effective and far-reaching maritime monitoring is a priority in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. In the eastern Mediterranean, deep-sea drilling has yielded major deposits of oil and natural gas off Israel and Cyprus, and shown the importance of defending offshore rigs (DTI November, p. 22). In Asia the dramatic growth of the Chinese navy has increased tension with countries such as India over energy sources and territorial claims, and led to a surge in submarine fleets, and with it demand for maritime patrol and antisubmarine-warfare (ASW) aircraft.

The Lockheed P-3 Orion has compiled a decades-long record of maritime patrol, and is in use with the U.S. Navy and other maritime forces around the world. Modernization programs have kept the iconic aircraft relevant in a rapidly changing world of evolving threats and capabilities. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was awarded two contracts worth $37 million to integrate the EL/M-2022A surveillance radar, developed by IAI and its Elta subsidiary, onto P-3s. The contracts were awarded by two undisclosed militaries that are upgrading their patrol aircraft. The radar sets were tailored to fit in the nose and tail. One forward-looking antenna will provide 240-deg. coverage and two additional antennas will provide 360-deg. coverage.

The EL/M-2022A is an advanced, multimode surveillance system incorporating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse SAR 3-D technology, as well as expertise gained by missions conducted by the Israeli military. EL/M-2022A can be deployed on maritime aircraft in support of ASW, EEZ patrols, coastal defense, drug smuggling and fisheries patrols, and search-and-rescue missions. The radar’s modular architecture permits integration onto rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). It has a high degree of commonality with Elta’s EL/M-2032 fire-control radar. Excluding the operator’s console, EL/M-2022A hardware weighs less than 100 kg (220 lb.).

A patrol aircraft developed by Boeing, the P-8 Poseidon, will replace the U.S. Navy’s remaining P-3Cs. The P-8A is a long-range multi-mission platform. It has an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in battlespace. According to Boeing, all sensors on board contribute to a single fused tactical situation display, which is shared over military standard and Internet Protocol data links, allowing for seamless delivery of information among U.S. and coalition forces.

After several years of debate, the Navy decided to replace its specialized versions of P-3 reconnaissance aircraft with UAVs by the end of the decade. Northrop Grumman is team leader and prime contractor for the MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAV. The high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) platform is based on the Global Hawk, and designed to cruise at 60,000 ft. Unlike Global Hawk, which flies only at high altitude, MQ-4C is required to descend to lower altitude to get a closer view of suspected targets. To fly safely with manned and unmanned aircraft, the MQ-4C will be equipped with sense-and-avoid radar, which alerts an operator to air traffic in its vicinity. The MQ-4C will have 36-hr. endurance and operate at 60,000 ft., avoiding strong winds and severe weather. The payload is 3,200 lb. The UAV will have 2-D advanced, electronically scanned array radar for 360-deg. coverage of vast sections of ocean.

Another UAV for maritime use, Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8B Fire Scout, a vertical-takeoff-and-landing rotorcraft, accommodates a variety of sensors. It was deployed for the first time aboard the USS McInerney.

The P-8A and BAMS programs are in their advanced stages. Last January, Boeing received a $1.6 billion contract for low-rate initial production of the first six aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013. In 2008, the Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.16 billion System Development and Demonstration contract for BAMS.

The P-8A/MQ-4C duo already provides a role model for Asia-Pacific nations that are challenged with covering vast ocean areas from shore bases. The Royal Australian Air Force, currently operating 18 Lockheed AP-3Cs, has expressed interest in the P-8A and its HALE component. As part of Project Air 7000 Phase 1, Canberra is expected to buy eight P-8As to replace its 18 AP-3Cs. The P-8A aircraft will be augmented by seven UAVs to fulfill the remaining roles. Australia completed the last upgrade of its AP-3Cs in 2005, which included the installation of an Elta’s EL/M-2022(V)3 maritime surveillance radar and a FLIR Systems Star Safire II thermal imager.

Israel is investing in its maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to protect new finds in offshore oil and gas deposits, which have become a security priority for coming years. One segment that will likely get much attention is enhancing unmanned maritime surveillance in the eastern Mediterranean, to guard the gas and oil drilling platforms being moved within Israel’s vulnerable EEZ and in other areas.

Eli Gambash, marketing manager for IAI’s Malat division, says the company’s Heron-1 and Heron-TP UAVs, equipped with the new EL/M-2022 inverse SAR and automatic identification system, are ideal for maritime surveillance, coastal protection and antipiracy missions. The Heron-TP has also been tested with SAR for maritime surveillance, with the antenna stored in a belly fairing. “The Heron-1 with Elta radar covers a 400-nm. radius and identifies objects amid the clutter of the sea with enormous precision,” says Gambash, a captain in Israel’s naval reserve. “With the Heron you can remain in a certain place, completely passive, yet be in full situational control.”

India is rapidly expanding maritime surveillance, targeting and ASW capabilities with acquisitions of advanced systems. The country is a pioneer in the use of unmanned systems for surveillance. Its navy has been operating Israeli Searcher II and Heron I UAVs for years—Searchers carry EL/M-2022U lightweight maritime surveillance radar, and Herons are equipped with a suite of sensors, including radar, electro-optic payloads, sigint, comint and electronic support measures sensors, and line-of-sight or satellite data links. Israel is believed to have offered the newer Heron-TP to India to augment current UAVs.

India is also embarking on two maritime patrol programs to upgrade the littoral surveillance capabilities of the navy and coast guard. New Delhi is evaluating a potential buy of six aircraft, as part of the navy’s Medium-Range Maritime Reconnaissance program. These aircraft would cover 500 nm., flying 6 hr. on station, and replace the navy’s Dornier Do-228 aircraft, currently used for littoral surveillance.

A similar platform is being considered to replace the coast guard’s Britten-Norman BN-2B Islanders.

A third program in the planning stage seeks nine amphibious aircraft for surveillance over territorial waters in the Andaman Sea. The platforms likely to meet the requirement are the CASA/IPTN CN235MP—produced and supported in Indonesia—and the Saab 2000 MPA. The latter will be offered with advanced AESA radar from Selex, addressing what Saab considers a new Indian requirement. The plane will be fitted to carry RBS-15 antiship missiles, manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics. Optional weapons include the Boeing Harpoon missiles India is buying for the P-8I, the Indian version of the P-8A aircraft.

Photo: Boeing

[geof]

P-1 deployment may be delayed / Cracks could push timetable of next recon plane to FY12 or later



.. Well they can start by losing two engines IMO .. design looks heavily based on P3 .. too much thrust for that design maybe .. ?? ..

[buglerbilly]

It usually only flies on two engines to give long loiter when searching surface or subsea......the other two engines give it high dash speed, of particular need with Japan's wide area coverage necessities, a large number of Oceans and Seas to cover.

[buglerbilly]

Cabinet quietly approves search plane purchase plan

The Canadian Press

Posted: Jan 6, 2012 9:06 AM ET

Last Updated: Jan 6, 2012 9:05 AM ET


Canadian Forces search and rescue technicians board a C-115 Buffalo before participating in a search and rescue exercise in Whitehorse in September 2010. (Canadian Forces Combat Camera)

The Harper government may be ready to deliver on its long-standing promise to buy new search-and-rescue planes for the air force.

The procurement plan, stuck in bureaucratic limbo for almost a decade, was approved by the federal cabinet just before Christmas and with a slightly bigger budget of $3.7 billion, according to defence sources.

Initially given the green by Paul Martin's Liberal government in late 2003, the program is meant to replace the aging twin-engine C-115 Buffalos and older model four-engine C-130 Hercules transports.

When the plan was re-announced by the Conservatives almost six years ago, the budget was estimated at $3.1 billion.

Defence sources say the Defence Department is expected to hold a so-called industry day in the next few weeks to brief potential bidders on what kind of plane is needed by the air force.

That is expected to be followed by an open competition later this year with the aim of delivering the new planes by 2015.

The head of the Royal Canadian Air Force says he's confident the program will make important strides this year.

"We've done a lot of work with our partner departments to resolve outstanding issues around the fixed-wing SAR strategy for procurement. I'm optimistic we'll see some momentum built in the new year," Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, the chief of air staff, said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press.

Defence industry observers, speaking on background, said three years is a tight window to go from concept, to decision and then to the first aircraft on the flight line. Such aggressive deadlines mean the air force must have a clear idea what it wants and that their plan favours existing designs.

One of the reasons the program has gathered dust is the air force was accused of writing its requirements to suit one aircraft, the Italian-built C-27J.

But Deschamps said years of study and consultation with the National Research Council, which rapped the air force for being too narrowly focused, means they are approaching the retooled program with an open mind.

"We're looking at a fairly wide range of options once the process unfolds," he said.

The research council report encouraged the Defence Department to think outside the box when providing search-and-rescue coverage, something Deschamps says they've taken to heart.

He said bidders will be expected to present detailed, innovative solutions.

"You're going to see a far more open approach to allowing different types of solutions to come to the table," he said.

The research council criticized the air force for being too entrenched in its desire for one fleet of planes, rather than a combination of aircraft, and for wanting to maintain existing search-and-rescue bases.

Lockheed Martin, builder of the controversial F-35 stealth fighter, has indicated it is preparing a bid for the search plane project. The giant U.S. manufacturer is just about to finish delivering the last of the air force's new C-130J Hercules transport planes and could offer its search-and-rescue variant for the latest program.

Industry sources said another U.S. contractor -- Bell-Boeing -- is apparently interested in pitching the V-22 Osprey, an expensive tilt-wing plane that can hover like a helicopter but then fly like a regular transport.

Deschamps wouldn't comment on the prospective bidders, other than to say that each proposal will go through an evaluation process.

"I think there's a lot of scrutiny on this one, so I have no doubt there will be no lack of people observing the process," he said.

[buglerbilly]

Indra Develops A Maritime Surveillance Light Aircraft

(Source: Indra; issued Jan. 23, 2012)



Indra, the premier IT company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe, is working on the development of a new maritime surveillance light aircraft in collaboration with Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam, firms SELEX Galileo, FLIR Systems and Remote Sensing and Sensor Integration company Airborne Technologies.

The five partners seek to develop an aircraft equipped to provide state-of-the-art surveillance at a more competitive cost in terms of acquisition and operation. The aircraft will be ready to engage in rescue missions, protection of fishing fleets and environment; and surveillance of illegal trafficking of either people or drugs, among others. The aircraft will be ready to enter service by the end of 2012.

This aircraft will patrol those maritime zones usually kept under surveillance by coastguards with medium-size helicopters for a considerably reduced cost and highly more efficient as it will be equipped with a thorough maritime surveillance system (radar, AIS vesseld ID system and a cutting-edge electroptical device).

To develop a solution of this type tecnam's P2006T platform was selected. This light, twin-engine aircraft is easy to pilot and uses traditional fuel which dramatically reduces costs in operation. It also requires minimal maintenace and can takeoff and land in makeshift runways.

http://www.tecnam.com/it-it/flotta/mma/mma.aspx

The aircraft will be able to patrol an area from 50 to 200 nautical miles offshore. This zone is out of the range of coastal surveillance systems and medium-size helicopters which can make it up to 100 miles. In order to cover this zone effectively the required maritime patrol aircraft can be acquired and operated at a much higher cost.

The competitive cost of this new platform will permit the forces in charge of coast surveillance and protection of the exclusive economic zone to afford the necessary units to undertake their duties in these waters. At the same time, by reducing operation costs, the aircraft can patrol as many times as necessary.



In-depth knowledge of maritime surveillance

The participation of Indra, SELEX Galileo, FLIR Systems and Airborne Technologies contributes knowledge and experience to this project to equip the aircraft with the necessary intelligence to engage in maritime surveillance missions. The systems to be implemented will allow the platform to explore areas of up to 40,000 nautical square miles each time.

Indra will undertake the implementation of the mission system, the key element to control embarked sensors, integrate collected data and present them to the operator. The mission system also allows control of broad band bidirectional communications with the ground station which receives and submits information in real time as the information generated can be integrated and processed in any existing coastal surveillance or maritime traffic control systems.

Regarding the sensors, the aircraft will be equipped with SELEX Galileo's Seaspray 5000E radar whose detail degree allows distinction of the shapes and sizes of objects and is capable of detecting vessels or small objects in the sea. It will also carry a state-of-the-art electro-optical camera of large format and high definition of FLIR Systems. We should also add a vessel id system which captures the automatic signals of ships. This identification signal emitted by ships is compared with that supplied by the aircraft sensors, thus facilitating surveillance and detection of suspicious actions.

Leadership in maritime security in Europe

Indra's technology currently controls over 3,500 km of borders world wide. It is a leading company in the development and start-up of coastal surveillance systems in Europe and its systems cover almost all the territorial waters of the Iberian Peninsula, the coast of Latvia and the coasts of the Black Sea in Rumania. The company also leads the Perseus project, an ambitious initiative boosted by the European Union to develop and test a maritime surveillance system by means of the integration of existing national systems of the continent. Outside Europe, Indra has developed a surveillance system to control Hong Kong's coasts and its more than 200 isles.

In the area of Unmanned Aircrafts (UAVs), the company is awaiting the time the law permits their use in the civil air space.

Indra is the premier Information Technology company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe and Latin America. It is ranked as the second European company in its sector according to investment in R&D with over EUR 500 M during the last three years. In 2010 revenues reached EUR 2,557 M and the international market already accounts for a 44%. The company employs more than 35,000 professionals and has clients in more than 110 countries.

-ends-

[ADMk2]

Maybe the UK could purchase that? Honestly an Island nation without a dedicated aerial maritime surveillance capability, let alone a response capability is just a joke.

They are using bloody Hercs and binoculars to do the job at present...