Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters to be delivered to Russian armed forces by end of the year

Russian Helicopters is progressing smoothly on the delivery of a new version of the Mi-8AMTSh-V military transport helicopter for the Russian armed force.

By Vitaly V. Kuzmin (http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/383) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The new Mi-8AMTSh-VA is designed for Arctic operations with new turbo-shaft engines, a more powerful auxiliary power unit and an upgraded avionics suite.

Source: Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters to be delivered to Russian armed forces by end of the year

Lockheed Martin aims to install laser weapon on F-35

Lockheed Martin has set its sights on installing a high-power fibre laser weapon on the F-35. A company executive said concepts on integrating the weapon is being explored.

By SrA Brett Clashman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Lockheed Martin aims to install laser weapon on F-35

Turkey summons Russian ambassador while NATO denounces Russian incursion into Turkish airspace

Turkey has again summoned the Russian ambassador after a Russian fighter jet entered Turkish airspace for the second time on Oct. 4.

Mil.ru [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Meanwhile, NATO held an emergency meeting in Brussels in response to the “unacceptable violations of Turkish airspace.”
NATO said in a statement after the meeting that Russia needs “to cease and desist, and immediately explain these violations.”
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that a Su-30 had entered Turkish airspace for a “few seconds” on Oct. 3.

Source: Turkey summons Russian ambassador while NATO denounces Russian incursion into Turkish airspace

Dutch Air Force orders 29 Sniper pods

The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for 29 Sniper targeting pods. Pod deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2016.

By Hunini (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Dutch Air Force orders 29 Sniper pods

Egypt in talks to buy NH90 helicopters

An industry source told AIN that Egypt is in an advanced stage of negotiations with France for a significant number of NH90 medium helicopters.

By Sirpa Marine (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The helicopter is available in two versions – tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH). It is not known at the moment if Egypt is asking to buy one type or a mix of both.

Source: Egypt in talks to buy NH90 helicopters

Utah Army National Guard pilot clocks 10,000 hours on AH-64

CW5 Kenneth Jones from the Utah Army National Guard has become the first person in the world to clock 10,000 flying hours on the AH-64 attack helicopter.

Photo: Utah Army National Guard

Source: Utah Army National Guard pilot clocks 10,000 hours on AH-64

Ghana Air Force operating four Z-9EHs procured by Ghana Gas Company Limited

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama commissioned four Z-9EH helicopters into service with the Ghana Air Force on Sept. 23 at Burma Camp.

Photo: 中华人民共和国驻加纳共和国大使馆

The helicopters are actually bought by Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) but operated by the air force.

Source: Ghana Air Force operating four Z-9EHs procured by Ghana Gas Company Limited

Northrop Grumman completes center fuselage for first F-35 to be assembled in Japan

Northrop Grumman has completed – on budget and on schedule – the center fuselage for the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft to be assembled in Japan’s F-35 Final Assembly and Checkout (FACO) facility in Nagoya, Japan.

Photo: Northrop Grumman

The center fuselage, designated AX-5, is one of 42 center fuselages that Northrop Grumman will produce for Japan.

Source: Northrop Grumman completes center fuselage for first F-35 to be assembled in Japan

Latvia orders three TPS-77 radars

Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with Latvia for three TPS-77 Multi-Role Radars (MRR). The TPS-77 MRR uses the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in its design.

Nick-D at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

It is also the most transportable version of Lockheed Martin’s successful TPS-77 product line

Source: Latvia orders three TPS-77 radars

Maiden flight of KAI KT-100

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KT-100 single-engine light aircraft made its maiden flight on Oct. 5. The aircraft is a military-version of the KC-100 and is intended to be operated by the Korean Air Force Academy.

Photo: KAI

With the induction of the KT-100, South Korea will have an indigenous lineup of fixed-wing aircraft to train its military pilots. Students will proceed to fly the KT-1 and T-50 after graduating from flying the KT-100.
The new aircraft will replace the Ilyushin T-103 and it comes with IFF system and video and audio recording devices for evaluating the student’s performance.

Source: Maiden flight of KAI KT-100