Monthly Archives: September 2015

USAF expected to order 12 T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits

USAF expected to order 12 T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits

The U.S. Air Force is expected to finalize paperwork to buy 12 T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits from Rolls-Royce by end of this month.

By DoD photo by Master Sgt. Ben Bloker, U.S. Air Force. (Released) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: USAF expected to order 12 T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits

USAF could expand Rapid Raptor concept to other fighter types

USAF could expand Rapid Raptor concept to other fighter types

Chief of Air Combat Command Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle revealed that his men are working to expand the Rapid Raptor concept to apply it on other fighter aircraft.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman, USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In the Rapid Raptor concept, four F-22s are paired with a C-17 to quickly reach areas without much advance preparation.
The new iteration of Rapid Raptor, dubbed Rapid Next, will likely utilize the new KC-46A which can haul cargo while do aerial refueling.

Source: USAF could expand Rapid Raptor concept to other fighter types

PAK-FA will be tested at war games next year

PAK-FA will be tested at war games next year

Russian Air and Space Forces Commander Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said once the PAK-FA enter service in 2016, it will be tested at various military exercises.

By Vitaly V. Kuzmin (http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/464) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

“The first T-50s should enter into service in 2016. We haven’t drafter the drill plans for next year yet, but, believe me, it [the plane]…will be immediately tested in all its capabilities in all the different types of exercises,” Bondarev said.

Source: PAK-FA will be tested at war games next year

Wildcat breeze thru heat trials in Gulf

Wildcat breeze thru heat trials in Gulf

The Royal Navy took its latest Wildcat naval helicopter to the Gulf for heat trials and the helicopter excelled in those tests.

Photo: Royal Navy

The air crew had to content with temperatures up to 45°C and strong winds. The helicopter performed excellently on board HMS Duncan and during one sorties, it managed to land on the flight deck flying backwards.

Source: Wildcat breeze thru heat trials in Gulf

All set for Sea Ceptor to be installed on board HMS Argyll

All set for Sea Ceptor to be installed on board HMS Argyll

The Royal Navy has given the green light to install the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system on Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll. With the approval, MBDA has begun delivering the first set of hardware to Devonport in August for installation aboard the ship.

A second shipment will follow at the end of 2015.
The system’s Common Anti-air Module Munition (CAMM) missile will fit in existing VL Seawolf silo.

Source: All set for Sea Ceptor to be installed on board HMS Argyll