DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Two Lockheed Martin F-35Bs Ferried To Eglin, Marking 25th DOD Delivery

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Two Lockheed Martin F-35Bs Ferried To Eglin, Marking 25th DOD Delivery
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 11, 2012: Two Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) production aircraft were ferried to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., today, marking the 24th and 25th F-35 deliveries to the Department of Defense. 

The 5th Generation multirole fighter jets were delivered to the United States Marine Corps and are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 501 residing with the host 33d Fighter Wing.

U.S. Marine Corps pilots Maj. Joseph Bachmann and Lt. Col. Matt Kelly piloted the aircraft, known as BF-9 and BF-10 respectively, which departed Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas at 1:26 p.m. and 1:42 p.m. CDT for an approximate 90-minute flight to Florida’s Emerald Coast. The jets became the 10th and 11th F-35s to join Eglin’s fleet. Both jets will be used for pilot and maintainer training at the F-35 Integrated Training Center there.  

One additional STOVL production jet, BF-11, will join the fleet at Eglin in the coming days. All three jets were formally accepted by the U.S. Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) on behalf of the Marine Corps with the signing of Department of Defense Form 250 (DD-250). 


BF-9 and BF-10 were accepted May 4 while BF-11 was accepted May 5. Prior to acceptance, the three F-35Bs underwent a series of company and government checkout flights at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least nine other countries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Completes 1st Flight of QF-16 Aerial Target For US Air Force

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Completes 1st Flight of QF-16 Aerial Target For US Air Force
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 11, 2012: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force completed the first manned flight of the QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) on May 4 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville. The QF-16 took off at 3:05 p.m. Eastern time and climbed to an altitude of 41,000 feet during its 66-minute flight.

The Air Force awarded a multi-year contract to Boeing in March 2010 that represented Phase I of the initial engineering, manufacturing and development of the QF-16, with options to buy up to 126 FSATs.

"With this successful first flight of the QF-16, the Air Force, Boeing and our supplier-partners have laid the groundwork for the program to enter low-rate production in 2013 and make its first production delivery in 2014," said Torbjorn Sjogren, Boeing vice president, Global Maintenance and Upgrades.

The functional check flight of the F-16, under control of a Boeing test pilot, validated the basic aircraft performance with the QF-16 drone modification package installed. The additional hardware Boeing installs allows the QF-16 to fly in an unmanned mode while under the control of a ground-based control system such as the Gulf Range Drone Control System (GRDCS) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., or the Drone Formation Control System (DFCS) at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), N.M. During the current test phase in Jacksonville, a GRDCS mobile trailer with portable transmission towers provides communications between the flight controller and other personnel on the ground and the QF-16 pilot.

"This was a tremendous milestone for the program and for Boeing because it signals our continued success as an off-Boeing platform support and sustainment provider," said Bob Insinna, Boeing QF-16 program manager.

The QF-16s will be a higher-performing aircraft than the QF-4 they replace and representative of fourth-generation targets. They will be flown manned or unmanned within a controlled range and equipped to evaluate how U.S. fighters and weapons will operate against potential adversaries.

Boeing will deliver six QF-16 test aircraft to Tyndall in October for additional testing over the Gulf Range. Following the successful conclusion of these tests, Boeing will support government flight testing from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., over the WSMR complex.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Successfully Completes Preliminary Design Review

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Successfully Completes Preliminary Design Review
- US Air Force program remains on schedule
- Critical Design Review set for 2013
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 11, 2012:  The Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46 Tanker program has completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with the U.S. Air Force, a key milestone in the development of the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.

The review, which began March 21 and ended April 27, demonstrated that the preliminary design of the KC-46A Tanker meets system requirements and establishes the basis for proceeding with detailed design. Boeing remains on plan to deliver 18 combat-ready KC-46A Tankers by 2017.

"I'm happy with Boeing's performance. They're maintaining a very tight focus on meeting commitments and staying on or ahead of schedule. The program remains on a good path," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Chris Bogdan, KC-46 Program executive officer. "This is important news for the nation's warfighters, because it reaffirms our commitment to delivering the KC-46A tanker on schedule."

The program's next major milestone is a Critical Design Review (CDR) that will take place in the summer of 2013. The CDR will determine that the design of the KC-46A is mature and ready to proceed to the manufacturing phase.

"The KC-46 team is designing an aircraft that will offer superior, modern multi-role capabilities for the warfighter, including advanced refueling systems and military avionics, and the ability to transport cargo, passengers and patients," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing KC-46 Tanker vice president and program manager. "Working closely with our Air Force teammates, we’ve made tremendous progress in the past 14 months and have the foundation in place to enter the detailed design phase."

In addition to the successful PDR, the Boeing KC-46 team has completed several major milestones on or ahead of schedule over the past year that include a System Requirements Review, Integrated Baseline Review, 767-2C PDR, and Firm Configuration Reviews for the 767-2C and the KC-46A Tanker.

Boeing will build 179 next-generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft that will begin to replace the Air Force's fleet of 416 KC-135 tankers. Based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane, the KC-46A tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft updated with the latest and most advanced technology to meet the demanding mission requirements of the future, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design philosophy that places aircrews in command to maximize combat maneuverability. The KC-46A also features a modernized KC-10 boom with a fly-by-wire control system, and a refueling envelope and fuel offload rate that is greater than that of the KC-135 it will replace.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 62,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, EVA Air Announce Order For Three 777s

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, EVA Air Announce Order For Three 777s
- Order includes purchase rights for an additional four airplanes
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 11, 2012:  Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Taipei-based EVA Air today finalized an order for three 777-300ERs (Extended Range) airplanes. The order also includes purchase rights for an additional four airplanes.

"The 777-300ER is the flagship of our long-haul fleet and will play an important role in growing our global operations," said Chang Kuo-wei, president of EVA Air. "The highly efficient, technologically advanced airplane will enhance the premium flying experience for passengers and will also allow us to open new destinations around the world."

The Taiwan-based carrier is in the midst of growing its airplane fleet to increase frequency to mainland China and new destinations in North Asia. The new airplanes will help the airline position itself as the preferred premium airline in Taiwan.

"We are honored EVA Air has again chosen the 777-300ER to expand its long-haul fleet," said Ray Conner, senior vice president of Sales and Customer Support, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "EVA Air was a launch customer for the 777-300ER in 2000 and today the airline is among the leading global airlines operating out of Asia."

In addition to the Boeing order for three 777-300ERs, EVA Air will also lease four 777-300ERs from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), adding a total of seven new 777-300ER airplanes to its long-haul twin-aisle fleet. EVA Air currently operates 15 777-300ERs

The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. It is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The 777-300ER seats up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - BREAKING NEWS: Russia’s Sukhoi SuperJet-100 Goes Off Radars In Jakarta, Hijacking Not Ruled Out

DTN News - BREAKING NEWS: Russia’s Sukhoi SuperJet-100 Goes Off Radars In Jakarta, Hijacking Not Ruled Out
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources RT
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 11, 2012: A Russian jet carrying 50 passengers has disappeared from the radars during a demonstration flight for potential buyers in the Indonesian capital. Hijacking and a high-altitude crash into a mountain have not been ruled out.


Due to low visibility and fog the helicopters had to stop the search and return to base. The rescue operation is now restricted to a ground search. The search will continue throughout the night. 

“Now we are mobilizing ground teams in coordination with the local police and military units to find the aircraft’s whereabouts,” the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency chief, Vice Marshal Daryatmo told the Jakarta Post.

Rescuers have updated the plane's last-known coordinates and narrowed the search area. In the morning, five helicopters are expected to join the rescue operation. According to Russian diplomats, connection with the plane was lost as it passed over the western end of Java. The search mission is concentrating around Mount Salak, a 2,200-meter-high volcano about 50 km from the airport. 

Indonesia's Transport Ministry is still considering the plane as “missing,” as a crash has not been confirmed.

The latest reports suggest the mobile phones of several passengers might still be working. Blogger and traveler Sergey Dolya, who was on a previous flight on the same aircraft, tweeted that he has been trying to call his Russian friends for several hours. 

“Sometimes the calls go through, sometimes they get rejected. But no one picks up. Locals do not know how to locate [the phone’s position],” a recent tweet by Dolya says. Dolya has also tweeted that he sent a short message to each of the phones and is now waiting to receive delivery notifications.

Earlier, the director of Angkasa Aviation magazine said he was calling his two employees onboard the missing plane and nobody was answering, though a “call waiting tone" could be heard.

The plane went missing 20 minutes into its demonstration flight. The aircraft did not return to the airport at the scheduled time following takeoff.  By that time, the fuel should have been totally spent. 

Shortly before going off the radar, the crew of the aircraft had asked for permission to descend. It got permission to descend from an altitude of 10,000 feet to 6,000, after which radio contact was lost.

The Sukhoi SuperJet-100 is a modern regional jet with a passenger capacity of up to 100 people. It was designed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi in co-operation with Alenia Aeronautica. It is the first civil aircraft developed in post-soviet Russia. The aircraft conducted its maiden flight on May 19, 2008. In January 2011 the plane was certified by the Interstate Aviation Committee.  It was subsequently certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency in February 2012. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 flies at a Maximum Operating Speed of Mach 0.81and can reach an altitude of 40,000 feet. The operating range for the basic version is 3,048 km and 4,578 km for the long range version. Since its first commercial flight on April 2011, SuperJet has performed over 3300 flights. Currently there are eight jets operated by Armavia and Aeroflot.

There were 50 people onboard, including 8 Russians, two Italians, a French, an American, and 38 Indonesians – mostly representatives from major airline companies.

The aircraft was operated by a Russian crew: senior test-pilot Aleksandr Yablontsev and co-pilot Aleksandr Kochetkov.

RIA Novosti also released the names of six other Russian nationals. Aero navigator Oleg Shvetsov, flight engineer Aleksey Kirkin, leading test flight engineer Dennis Rakhmanov, test flight deputy head Nikolay Martyshenko, “Sukhoi” company Sales Director Evgeny Grebenshchikov, and contract manager Kristina Kurzhukova were all reportedly on board.

Indonesian authorities have called in a crisis group comprising local authorities and Russian embassy employees. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Industry and the airplane manufacturer to investigate the incident.

Sukhoi's Asian expo tour

The Russian aircraft arrived in Indonesia on May 9 – the fourth stop on its Asian demonstrative tour, which includes six countries in total. The plane had previously visited Myanmar, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. After Jakarta it was supposed to go to two more Asian countries – Laos and Vietnam.

The aircraft has already made one half-hour long demonstration flight in Jakarta. The first time it took to the skies, flight attendants from the Sky Aviation airliner, representatives from “VEB-Leasing” company, and others from a Russian insurance agency were on board.  

During its second flight, the aircraft took the potential buyers – representatives from Indonesia’s Batavia, Pelita, Air Aviastar, and Sriwijaya Air. 

Olga Kulikova, press-secretary for Russia’s “United Aircraft Corporation”, told RT the first flight went without a hitch and there were no signs of trouble the second time around.   

“Both flights were carried out from the same airport in Jakarta. Before the second flight, the plane underwent required maintenance and was technically in good order.”

Hardware failure, human error or hijacking?

Shortly before going off the radar, the crew of the aircraft had asked for permission to descend. They received permission to lower from an altitude of 10,000 feet to 6,000, after which radio contact was lost. There is a 6,200 foot-high mountain in the area where the plane went missing. Rescuers fear the plane may have crashed into it.

The plane's alleged trajectory is shown on a photo tweeted by blogger Sergey Dolya from the emergency operation center. The plane flew around the mountain, then sharply changed course as it began descending near a point marked with black arrows. 

Photo Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey

That part of Jakarta has very rough terrain, former test pilot Magomed Tolboev, who used to fly there, told RT. “There is a mountain 6,158 feet high, it's very difficult,” he said. “The pilot must have seen the mountain because the plane is very modern. It is equipped with all the latest aviation equipment.”

Pilot Martin Medic agrees that properly-working ground proximity warning systems would have warned the plane’s crew in time enough to “avoid any kind of collision with terrain.”

However, Indonesian aviation authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the aircraft was hijacked. They say that in the case of a crash, an emergency beacon should have immediately gone off, which did not happen.

But Chris Yates, an aviation expert, rejects the hijacking scenario because in that case, some kind of “radar blip on the screen” would indicate where the aircraft might be.

Meanwhile, David Learmount, formerly of the aviation news website Flightglobal, believes that the fact that this particular flight was a demonstration for prospective customers could be a significant part of the equation. Quite a large number of flight accidents take place purely because the aircraft are being shown off right up to the edges of their potential, he told RT.

“It was a display flight, it was a demonstration flight,” Learmount said. “Sometimes the pilots or the crews deliberately take the aircraft right to their limits. And they do that sometimes when the aircraft is quite close to the ground. That is what a demonstration flight is often like. Sometimes they push the limits just too far. And that might have happened.”

Meanwhile, witnesses living near Salak Mountain say they heard and saw the missing aircraft flying over the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, the park’s management told the Jakarta Post. So far the park authorities have failed to locate the plane.

Superjet-100 (RIA Novosti / Iliya Pitalev)

Incident history 

Since the SuperJet-100 was accepted into service, there have been several minor incidents involving the aircraft. None of the incidents resulted in injury or death. 

• On May 6, 2012, an SSJ-100 shortly veered off of a runway upon landing at the Airport in Kazan.
• On March 16, 2012, a jet had to make a u-turn and return to Moscow during a flight to Astrakhan after the crew discovered the landing gear had not been fully retracted. 
• On December 25, 2011, the flight of an SSJ-95 modification of a SuperJet from Minsk was cancelled due to a landing gear failure. The aircraft returned to Moscow without passengers.

Sukhoi SuperJet being inspected before its demo flight (Image from fotografersha.livejournal.com)

Emergency operation center (Photo by Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey)

Photo by Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey

Photo by Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey

Photo by Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey

Photo by Sergey Dolya / @dolyasergey

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources RT
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