Orbital ATK successfully carried out high-diver tests of Coyote targets for U.S. Navy
The 47th and 48th mission of the GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Target Vehicle recently took place from San Nicolas Island. The two targets were flown in the high-diver flight trajectory up to 35,000 feet before executing a 40-degree unpowered dive into the ocean.
Photo: Orbital ATK
Source: Orbital ATK successfully carried out high-diver tests of Coyote targets for U.S. Navy
Boeing releases video of 767-2C flying with refueling boom, wing pods
Source: Boeing releases video of 767-2C flying with refueling boom, wing pods
Russia expected to convert Irkut MC-21 into AEW&C platform
A salesperson from Irkut says the Russian Defense Ministry plans to order a version of the MC-21 airliner and convert it into an airborne early warning platform.
By Bin im Garten (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
While the negotiation has yet to start, Valery Lunkov said talks are assumed to begin soon.
Source: Russia expected to convert Irkut MC-21 into AEW&C platform
Belarus has started negotiations to buy S-400 air defense system
Belarusian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Andrei Ravkov told TASS that his ministry has started talks with Russia to acquire the S-400 air defense system.
By Vitaly V. Kuzmin (http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/449) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Belarus has started negotiations to buy S-400 air defense system
U.S. Navy has completed live fires of AIM-9X Block II
The U.S. Navy has successfully completed operational testing and evaluation live fires of the AIM-9X Block II missile, Raytheon announced.
By MKFI (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Testing and evaluation consisted of 16 planned shots against a mix of full-scale and sub-scale targets.
Source: U.S. Navy has completed live fires of AIM-9X Block II
This is what it looks like to catapult from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System
Huntington Ingalls Industries attached a GoPro camera to a weighted sled during a media event on board Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to observe the testing of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) on Jun. 16.
Ship’s sponsor Susan Ford Bales was given the honor to fire the catapult.
Source: This is what it looks like to catapult from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System
PAK DA engine bench testing successful
Vladislav Evgenievich Masalov, CEO of United Engine Corporation, said bench test of the engine for PAK DA has so far been satisfactory.
Photo: Rostec
Masalov revealed that the engine’s performance, first tested in late 2014, met its design perimeters.
Breitling Jet Team amongst those who sign up for L-39NG upgrade program
Aero Vodochody has found three parties willing to upgrade their L-39 jet trainers with new engines and systems.
By Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK (L39C – RIAT 2014) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Breitling Jet Team, Draken International and Czech state firm LOM Praha will have new Williams International FJ44-4M engines installed on their jets. Not much is known regarding other upgrades.
Source: Breitling Jet Team amongst those who sign up for L-39NG upgrade program
Lockheed Martin confirms preliminary talks with France over C-130J
An executive with Lockheed Martin confirmed that France has made inquiries to buy some C-130Js to augment its transport fleet.
By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“We believe the French military is just looking to have a force structure that gives them the tactical airlift that they need together with the strategic airlift that the A400M is providing,” Orlando Carvalho said.
Source: Lockheed Martin confirms preliminary talks with France over C-130J
France on the lookout for new trainer to replace Alpha Jet
France is expected to issue a RFP this year to replace its aging Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet trainer. The L-39, M-345, PC-21 and T-6 are likely to join the contest.
By Aldo Bidini [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: France on the lookout for new trainer to replace Alpha Jet