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

Boeing believes it could sell 20 to 25 V-22s to Middle East

Boeing estimated that over the next four years, it could export between 40 to 50 V-22s. Half of those will be for Middle East nations.

By U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sheila M. Brooks [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Boeing believes it could sell 20 to 25 V-22s to Middle East

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

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

RAND: U.S.-China Military Scorecard

Graphic: RAND

Source: RAND: U.S.-China Military Scorecard

CV-22 demonstrates personnel recovery to Kenyan Defense Forces

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nesha Humes

Source: CV-22 demonstrates personnel recovery to Kenyan Defense Forces

Four companies vying to build Ka-226T in India

A partner to build the Kamov Ka-226T helicopter is needed in India and four companies are jostling to get the coveted contract for supplying 197 helicopters to the Indian military.

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

Source: Four companies vying to build Ka-226T in India

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

Pakistan confirmed Su-35s talks to Jane’s

A senior Pakistani government official has confirmed to IHS Jane’s that Islamabad is in talks with Moscow for an unspecific number of Su-35s.

By Eugeny Polivanov (http://russianplanes.net/id169356) [CC BY-SA 4.0 or CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Pakistan confirmed Su-35s talks to Jane’s

Ukrainian fighter pilot was told to steal Su-24M to Russia

Ukraine’s Security Service says a fighter pilot was recruited by Russian intelligence and he was instructed to fly a Su-24M to Russia.

By Chris Lofting [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

His plot was discovered before he could carry out and he is facing jail time between 12-15 years.

Source: Ukrainian fighter pilot was told to steal Su-24M to Russia