Author Archives: Milrecon

Airbus Helicopters decided not to participate in JMSDF ship-based utility helicopter contest

Airbus Helicopters decided not to participate in JMSDF ship-based utility helicopter contest

Airbus Helicopters in Japan issued a statement today stating that the company has decided to withdraw from the tender to supply a ship-based utility helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

By Joost J. Bakker from IJmuiden [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Airbus Helicopters said the tender specifications “stresses the importance of local content versus actual operational performance” and
this “makes it almost impossible for Airbus Helicopters to compete.”
Analysts in Japan believed that Airbus Helicopters was preparing to propose the NH90 NFH for the competition.
Below is the statement from Airbus Helicopters
Statement from Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters welcomes the opportunity to bid for a ship-based utility helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
However, the format of the current solicitation, which stresses the importance of local content versus actual operational performance, makes it almost impossible for Airbus Helicopters to compete, although we believe we have the most suitable platform to meet the operational requirements.
Airbus Helicopters therefore reached the decision not to participate in this tender.
Airbus Helicopters regrets the way in which this RFP has been formulated. However, the company respects the Japanese procurement process and remains committed to re-engage with Japan’s Defense Ministry as appropriate.
Translation:
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、海上自衛隊向けの多用途ヘリコプター（艦載型）に関する入札機会が与えられたことを
心より感謝いたします。しかしながら、当該選定においては、実際の性能以上に、国内における体制に重きを置かれており、
我々の提案が要求される運航性能に最も適していると考えるにも関わらず、選定される現実的な可能性がないと結論づけざるを得ませんでした。
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、今回の提案要求書の内容を精査し、入札への不参加を決定せざるを得ませんでした。
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、今回の提案要求書の内容を遺憾に思います。しかし我々は、日本の装備調達に敬意の念を払いつつ、
いつでも日本の防衛省と連携していきたいという気持ちに変わりはありません。
Source: Airbus Helicopters decided not to participate in JMSDF ship-based utility helicopter contest

USAF figured that upgrading RQ-4 could cost less than $4 billion

USAF figured that upgrading RQ-4 could cost less than billion

Earlier estimate of upgrading the RQ-4 with new sensors for $4 billion might be too conservative, Lt. Gen. Robert Otto, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance believes it can be done at half the price.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin

The Global Hawk is in need of a new electro-optical sensor and a wide field of view optical camera in order to replicate the mission performed by U-2.

Source: USAF figured that upgrading RQ-4 could cost less than billion

Orion UAV in storage

Orion UAV in storage

Despite setting a world record in December, the U.S. Air Force appears to have stop testing the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle from Aurora Flight Sciences.

Photo: Aurora Flight Sciences

The flying branch’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Lt. Gen. Robert P. “Bob” Otto, believes there is still a chance for the long-endurance UAV to be adopted for service.
“I don’t see us in the current fiscal environment wanting to invest in that to bring it forward,” Otto tells Flightglobal. “Next year it may be something different. Next year, US Africa Command might look at it and say it’s a [joint urgent operational need] that would change that answer.”

Source: Orion UAV in storage

Official video of PLAAF Red Eagle aerobatic team, these guys are better than August 1st

Official video of PLAAF Red Eagle aerobatic team, these guys are better than August 1st

Two days ago, we spoke on two relatively unknown PLAAF aerobatic teams – Red Eagle and Sky Wing. Now the PLAAF has published an official video of the Red Eagle.


Source: Official video of PLAAF Red Eagle aerobatic team, these guys are better than August 1st

USAF still evaluating block buy of F-35

USAF still evaluating block buy of F-35

U.S. Air Force acquisition chief William LaPlante said his service is still thinking about a block buy of F-35s that the Pentagon is proposing.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Katerina Slivinske [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“All the services and the partners are just beginning to examine a bock buy. If in fact there is merit to it, we have time to do it,” he said at the annual Air Force Association conference.

Source: USAF still evaluating block buy of F-35

Egyptian AH-64 fired on convoy carrying Mexican tourists, killing 12 people

Egyptian AH-64 fired on convoy carrying Mexican tourists, killing 12 people

A convoy of sports utility vehicles full of Mexican tourist was mistaken to be Islamist militants and fired upon by a AH-64 attach helicopter on Sept. 13.

By Capt. David Dunn (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1975934) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The attack killed 12 people, sources said eight of those killed were Mexicans. Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu said the convoy had stopped for lunch at the Bahariya Oasis.

Source: Egyptian AH-64 fired on convoy carrying Mexican tourists, killing 12 people

First F-35A squadron will start off with three missions

First F-35A squadron will start off with three missions

The first U.S. Air Force F-35A squadron to achieve initial operating capability next year will have three missions to start off with, said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, director of the Air Force’s F-35 Integration Office.

U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw

The missions are: close air support, interdiction of enemy aircraft, and suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses.

Source: First F-35A squadron will start off with three missions