DOT&E says F-35B had poor reliability during operational testing at sea

Bloomberg has obtained a memo written by Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Michael Gilmore, in which he criticized the poor reliability of the F-35B during its operational testing on board USS Wasp.

By Cpl. Anne Henry (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1952086) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In the memo, written on Jul. 22, Gilmore said Marines were struggling “to keep more than two or three of the six embarked jets in a flyable status on any given day.”
Maintainers were able to get spare parts quickly from shore and Lockheed Martin was quick to provide assistance. However, the service will be challenged when the jet deploys on an operational mission under more trying conditions, he wrote.

Source: DOT&E says F-35B had poor reliability during operational testing at sea

U.S. Navy restrict SM-2 Block IIIA missiles on “Wartime Use Only” status

After the failure of a SM-2 Block IIIA missile during a test firing this month, the U.S. Navy has place the weapon on “Wartime Use Only” status.

Photos: U.S. Navy

New versions of the SM-2 are not affected by the suspension.

Source: U.S. Navy restrict SM-2 Block IIIA missiles on “Wartime Use Only” status

Selex ES to fit RAF Pumas with new RWR

The Royal Air Force wants to swap out the Sky Guardian 200 radar warning receiver (RWR) on the Puma helicopter and replace with a variant of SEER RWR from Selex ES.

By Sgt Jack Pritchard RAF (http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk) [OGL], via Wikimedia Commons

The Seer RWR is E-J band, but can be configured with extensions to operate in the C-D and K bands, according to Flight Global.

Source: Selex ES to fit RAF Pumas with new RWR

German Navy to re-wing P-3Cs

The German Navy has contracted Airbus Defence and Space together with Lockheed Martin Overseas Services Corporation (LMOSC) to re-wing its P-3C fleet.

By Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: German Navy to re-wing P-3Cs

U-2, F-16 and A-10 aircraft moving out of Osan Air Base temporarily

In order to facilitate runway repair works at Osan Air Base, South Korea, all U.S. Air Force aircraft based there will operate out of Suwon Air Base for approximately six weeks, starting Aug 1.

By U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Judd Fancher [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: U-2, F-16 and A-10 aircraft moving out of Osan Air Base temporarily

Brazil’s loan from Sweden to buy Gripens gets lower interest rate

Sweden has agreed to lower the interest rate of the loan to help Brazil buy 36 Gripens from 2.54 percent to 2.19 percent.

By Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

With the new agreement with Swedish export credit agency SEK, Brazil is expected to finalize the purchase agreement soon.

Source: Brazil’s loan from Sweden to buy Gripens gets lower interest rate

IFF Mode 5 installed on USAF E-3

The first set of AN/UPX-40 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system for the E-3 has been installed at Hanscom Air Force Base.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Betty R. Chevalier

Source: IFF Mode 5 installed on USAF E-3

Crash site of Lao Mi-17 found

A Lao military Mi-17 helicopter, RDPL-34062, went missing on Jul. 27 and search teams have found the crash site in Thasi.

By Mariusz Siecinski [GFDL or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

The press statement from Lao News Agency did not mention about the fate of 23 people on board the rotorcraft.

Source: Crash site of Lao Mi-17 found

USAF’s 71st Fighter Squadron will re-activate as T-38 training unit

A ceremony will be held at Joint Base Langley-Eustis on Aug. 21 to reactivate the 71st Fighter Training Squadron.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael Ammons [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

All T-38 Talons and personnel working on them under the 27th Fighter Squadron will move to this new unit. Its mission will be the same, as opponents for the F-22.

Source: USAF’s 71st Fighter Squadron will re-activate as T-38 training unit

Scuds fired at Saudi Arabia from Yemen were from North Korea

A South Korean official said the Scud missiles fired at Saudi Arabia by Yemeni rebels were manufactured by North Korea.

A former North Korean official added that those missiles were sold in the 1990s and North Korean missile engineers were sent to Yemen.

Source: Scuds fired at Saudi Arabia from Yemen were from North Korea