DTN News - SOFEX 2012 NEWS: Eurocopter’s Extensive Military Helicopter Presence In The Arab world Is Showcased By Its High-Profile Participation At Jordan’s SOFEX Exhibition

DTN News - SOFEX 2012 NEWS: Eurocopter’s Extensive Military Helicopter Presence In The Arab world Is Showcased By Its High-Profile Participation At Jordan’s SOFEX Exhibition
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter / EADS
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 5, 2012: Eurocopter’s dedication to meeting the operational requirements of governments, armed forces and special mission operators across the Arab world with its broad helicopter product line will be highlighted at Jordan’s Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX).

This biennial event – organized May 7-10 at the King Abdullah I Airbase in Amman – will feature the presence of a Eurocopter EC635 utilized by the Royal Jordanian Air Force in law enforcement operations, along with a Royal Jordanian Air Force AS350 B3 that provides utility services. Eurocopter’s exhibit located in front of Chalet CD8 is to include scale models of the company’s AS565 Panther and AS550 Fennec rotorcraft.

“With an extensive footprint in Arab nations – and the company’s commitment to providing top-level support – Eurocopter looks forward to continuing its role as a preferred helicopter supplier for the full spectrum of military and civilian use,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “Designed and equipped with the latest technology, our helicopters are able to perform their missions in the most severe operational environments and demanding situations.”

More than 650 Eurocopter helicopters currently are flying across the Middle East and through the Arabian Gulf – with over 80 percent in military use to support missions ranging from combat, transport, search and rescue (SAR) to counter-terrorism, special operations and training.

New business opportunities for Eurocopter include the evolving needs in air coverage for security, border patrol and support missions; the expanded civilian operations resulting from an opening of airspace that had been reserved for the military in numerous countries; and the overall renewal of aging rotary-wing aircraft fleets.

Jordan has operated the company’s rotorcraft for more than 30 years. In addition to AS332 Super Pumas used for troop transport and search & rescue, the Royal Jordanian Air Force’s current Eurocopter fleet also incorporates AS350s for pilot training and VIP airlift, along with EC635s for multi-mission duties. In addition, the Jordan Public Security Air Wing operates EC635s and BO105s.

Eurocopter’s display of the AS565 Panther in scale model form at SOFEX underscores this helicopter’s attributes of speed and maneuverability for security and defense missions, with its operational credentials further enhanced by the twin-engine helicopter’s endurance, range and capabilities in overwater surveillance, tracking and search & rescue. The AS565 has been proven in Middle East operations for the protection of coastlines and surveillance of offshore economic zones with countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The AS550 Fennec, which also is present at SOFEX as a scale model, meets the Arab world’s requirements for a highly-capable multi-role military helicopter, and is well suited for extremely hot climates and high altitudes. Applications include combat missions, fire support, observation, protection and training. More than 4,850 helicopters from Eurocopter’s Ecureuil/Fennec family have been delivered in single-engine and twin-engine versions to over 90 countries, which include such customers as the United Arab Emirates’ armed forces and the Royal Flight of Oman.

With the concentration of Eurocopter helicopters in the Arab world, the company has focused on deploying resources to ensure the highest levels of maintenance, overhaul and support for its helicopters in the region. This includes a maintenance contract covering the G-level major inspections for Royal Jordanian Air Force Super Puma AS332 M1s, which are performed every 12 years.

Eurocopter also has a maintenance center in the United Arab Emirates with long-standing partner Falcon Aviation Services, which provides full maintenance and revision services – reinforcing the company’s customer support network in the region and supplementing Eurocopter’s platform in Abu Dhabi.

Another element in Eurocopter’s local presence strategy is its agreement with Global Aerospace Logistics, LLC, establishing this Abu Dhabi-based supplier of professional aerospace services in the United Arab Emirates as a provider of routine customer support services for the UAE Navy and UAE Presidential Guard Command – including new spare parts, repairs, training and technical publications.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter / EADS
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: Boeing Tips UAE As Its Major International Client

DTN News: Boeing Tips UAE As Its Major International Client *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI, UAE- October 25, 2009: Boeing hopes to finalise defence contracts with the UAE and bid on new campaigns next month, as the Emirates becomes a central element in its plan to boost international sales.Boeing also sees potential for additional sales of its Apaches attack helicopters and Chinook transport helicopters to the Emirates. The US aerospace and defence giant is in talks with the Armed Forces and Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment company, on a broad set of initiatives and sales campaigns. These include military transport aircraft, air battle management systems, and joint ventures ranging from aircraft maintenance, research and development and training. “We think the UAE will be in our top five partners in the world going forward in not only sales but also partnerships,” said Jeff Johnson, the vice president of business development for Middle East and Africa at Boeing’s Integrated Defense Services (IDS) unit. “The Emirates is one of those countries that is moving quickly, and we are trying to move quickly with them.” The UAE is rapidly retooling its armed forces with cutting edge technology, while also developing a home-grown aerospace and defence services industry to wean itself of future dependence on oil revenues. In February, the Government announced its intent to purchase four jumbo C-17 airlifters from Boeing at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, in a Dh4.7 billion (US$1.3bn) deal. The UAE has been in contract negotiations with Boeing ever since. Crucially, the deal would provide a boost to the C-17 programme, a heavy transport aircraft first built in the 1980s and now in danger of closing, since Boeing will complete the last of its confirmed US Air Force orders in mid-2011 unless Congress decides to support the programme further.

DTN News: Russian Hummer GAZ 2975 Tigr Is Rolling

DTN News: Russian Hummer GAZ 2975 Tigr Is Rolling (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - June 5, 2009: The "Tigr" ("Tiger"), which is often referred to as the "Russian Hummer", was developed by the GAZ Automobile Works for special-purpose militia units. The GAZ-2975 Tigr was officially taken into service at the end of 2006 and manufactured in 2007. The vehicle is intended to carry and protect personnel. It can accommodate up to 10 officers armed and in full gear. The vehicle has been field- and combat-tested before being sent to serve with OMON. Its armor can defeat 7.62-calibre ammunition and can withstand shell fragments. The GAZ-2975 "Tigr" is a Russian high-mobility multipurpose military vehicle, manufactured by GAZ. It is the military version of the GAZ-2330 "Tigr" and has been referred to as "the Russian Humvee" (while the civilian GAZ-2330 has been referred to as "the Russian Hummer"). The GAZ 2975 as Tigr [which means Tiger] is equipped with a powerful diesel engine with the turbocharging and air cooling system and a five-level manual gearbox.The independent torsion suspension of all the wheels, telescopic shock-absorbers and regulated pressure tires ensure exceptional crosscountry ability, high speed of 80 km/hour over rough terrain and up to 140 km/hour on the road. «Tiger» is capable to force a crossing over water ways with the depth of 1.2 meter. Various types of bodies may be installed on the chassis: armored, passenger, cargo ones, etc. The solid design, exclusive flotation ability and reliability of the automobile GAZ-2975 Tigr allows anyone to use it, even under the harshest conditions. Everyone who could steer Tiger, retains the strong impression from power and a running characteristics of this - without exaggeration to tell - "brutal" machine. Tigr causes lively interest both in managers of the oil-and-gas companies, and to the same extent representatives of military departments. The automobile GAZ-2975 Tigr is a joint development of OA GAZ and its affiliated firm "industrial - computer technologies". It was submitted for the first time in March, 2001 at the IDEX exhibition in Abu-Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). New development met all operational requirements on reliability, safety, and ecology. On the automobile is a turbodiesel with intercooler - Cummins B-180 (USA) - with a manual gear box. Installation of more powerful engines up to a volume of 6 litres both Russian, and foreign manufacture is possible. Equipped with independent suspension of all wheels, Tigr is capable to move on roads and impassability with speed of 120-140 kms / h. Exclusive flotation ability is promoted by the increased ground clearance and automatic regulation of pressure in tires. The automobile is equipped with the steering booster. Carrying capacity of Tigr is 1.5 tons. On VII Moscow International auto show "MIMS-2002" the automobile GAZ-2975 Tigr was awarded with a lot of various awards, including a nomination for "Best special automobile". The vehicle was designed at the expense of United Arab Emirates. The pilot production of GAZ-2330 “Tigr” started in 2004. In 2005 only 96 vehicles were made, mostly for MVD. The vehicle is very expensive now (by the Russian standards, of course), 60-65.000 US$ a piece. The main problem is the lack of appropriate Russian-made diesel engine. Now all Tigrs use the US engines Cummins ?-180 or B-215. This partly explains the high cost and unwillingness of the army to purchase this version. Though specialists consider GAZ-2330 a very successful vehicle. It is of the same class and dimensions as HUMVEE, but differs from the technical point of view and has the higher cross-country ability. It uses many original decisions and its very reliable running gear is unified with BTR-80 (in particular, suspension is the same). The demand for Tigr, especially for armored GAZ-233036, has considerably increased in 2006 and GAZ extends the producing facilities to 1000 vehicles per year. In 2007 the organized export will begin. But the decisive turn can be expected only in summer of 2008 when the Yaroslavl motor plant will begin producing the new engine YaMZ-536. Technically it occupies the same niche as the Vodnik. The Vodnik has been chosen over the Tigr, though other Russian paramilitary units might like it. Basically the standard armoured patrol vehicle has for some time been the BRDM-2. This has been superseeded recently by the Vodnik which is a modular family of vehicles including armoured and unarmoured vehicles. Without a Russian engine there is no way the Army will adopt this vehicle. They don't even really need it, they already have a vast array of vehicle types available to them for a wide range of tasks. 2330 Tigr Solid construction, high passability and reliability of automobile GAZ-2330 Tigr make it possible to use it under any, even most complex conditions. All, to whom it had the occasion to govern “the Tigr”, remain under the strong impression from the power and the running qualities of this without the exaggeration to say “brutal” machines. “The Tigr” in the identical degree causes lively interest both in the managers of enterprises in the natural gas field and in the representatives of military departments. By the specialists of joint stock company “GAZ” is developed the special-purpose automobile, which satisfies very high demands in the rational design both of the exterior forms and interior for the automobiles of this class. New development answers all operating requirements on the reliability, safety, ecology. On the automobile is established [turbodizel] with cooling of super-charging air Cummins V -180 (USA) with the mechanical gearbox. The line-up of automobile provides for the installation of the more high-powered engines with a volume of 6,0 liters both Russian and foreign production. The GAZ-2330 “Tigris”, equipped with independent torsion bar suspension of all wheels, it is capable to be moved both along the roads of general use and on the complete impassable road. To the high passability of automobile contribute the complete drive of wheels, increased road clearance and automatic pressure adjustment in the tires. Automobile is equipped with the hydraulic amplifier of steering control. Load capacity of the Tigr is 1,5 tons. At the Moscow international automobile exhibition “MIMS-2002” the automobile GAZ-2330 Tigr was honored a whole series of different rewards, including in the nomination “best special automobile”.

Turkey: Falcon F-16 Flying With Air Force And High Agenda In Industry

Turkey: Falcon F-16 Flying With Air Force And High Agenda In Industry

(NSI News Source Info) March 11, 2009: Turkey has bought another 30 F-16C Block 50 fighters, for over $60 million each. This will give Turkey one of the largest F-16s fleets (nearly 250) in the world. Like Israel, Turkey is upgrading its older F-16s.

The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as a lightweight fighter, it evolved into a successful multirole aircraft. The Falcon's versatility is a paramount reason it has proven a success on the export market, having been selected to serve in the air forces of 25 nations. The F-16 is the largest Western jet fighter program with over 4,400 aircraft built since production was approved in 1976. Though no longer being bought by the U.S. Air Force, advanced versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.

There are actually six major models of the F-16 currently in use, and identified by block number (32, 40, 42, 50, 52, 60), plus the Israeli F-16I, which is a major modification of the Block 52. Another special version (the Block 60), for the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is called the F-16E. The various block mods included a large variety of new components (five engines, four sets of avionics, five generations of electronic warfare gear, five radars and many other mechanical, software, cockpit and electrical mods.) Countries like Turkey can thus add the new components and turn an older F-16 into a more powerful late model. There are also some older (Block 1, 5, 15, 20, 25, 30) aircraft out there, all with two decade old technology. Turkey is also becoming a bigger player in the upgrade market. For example, Pakistan is having a Turkish firm to upgrade elderly Pakistani F-16s from Block 15 configuration to Block 40. Now that the U.S. has lifted its arms embargo on Pakistan, there are many firms competing for all the work needed to update older American weapons still used by Pakistan.

The Turks have long had good trade relations with Pakistan, and have also developed, with the help of the U.S. and Israel, a capable aircraft maintenance and upgrade industry. Most of the F-16 work will be done in Pakistan, using Turkish engineers and technicians supervising some local workers, and using largely imported (from Turkey and elsewhere) components. The F-16 is the most numerous post-Cold War jet fighter, with over 4,200 built, and more in production. There are 24 nations using the F-16, and 14 have ordered more, in addition to their initial order. During The Cold War, Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s, and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s, but since then warplane production has plummeted about 90 percent.

But since the end of the Cold War, the F-16 has been popular enough to keep the production lines going. This despite the fact that the F-35 is supposed to replace the F-16. But the F-35 price keeps going up (it's headed north of $100 million per aircraft), and the F-16 continues to get the job done at half that price.

United Arab Emirates Selects Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft / UAE To Order 12 Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules

United Arab Emirates Selects Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft / UAE To Order 12 Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules

(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga. - February 27, 2009: Lockheed Martin has been selected by the United Arab Emirates to provide 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to modernize the country's tactical airlift fleet. The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at the IDEX Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service the family has participated in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has also outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants.

The C-130Js to be delivered to the UAE will be the longer C-130J-30 configuration and of similar specification to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The contract to be signed with the UAE will also contain an option for four KC-130J tankers. In addition the contract covers spares and training, including a Weapon Systems Trainer for aircrew training.

"The C-130J is rapidly becoming the tactical airlifter of choice around the world," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130J Business Development. "The C-130J is a highly reliable, versatile and proven airlifter that will greatly increase the UAE's airlift capability. This selection by the UAE makes the tenth country that has selected the C130J and we are excited about the future and the discussions we are having with many other countries."

The UAE currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs that will be retained until the new aircraft enter service.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Abu Dhabi Awards $870M Orders For Patrol, SWAT Boats / Major UAE Navy Order For Abu Dhabi Ship Building

Abu Dhabi Awards $870M Orders For Patrol, SWAT Boats / Major UAE Navy Order For Abu Dhabi Ship Building

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 26, 2009: Under a contract announced by the UAE Armed Forces at IDEX 2009, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is to build twelve new boats for the UAE Navy and retrofit twelve existing boats.

The UAE Armed Forces announced on the second day of IDEX the signing of a contract with Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company for supply of 12 combat vessels at a value of Dh 771.1 million and upgrading another 12 combat vessels at total cost of Dh 164.3 million.

This boat can be delivered ARTR or RTR. Boat has a fiberglass hull with an approximate length of 39 1/2". Powered by 2 x 540 motors. More details to come.

The total contract was valued at Dh 935.4 million. The 26.5m 'Fast Fighting Boats', constructed in aluminum, will be arranged in three different versions, each to fulfill different mission requirements. One will be fitted with the MBDA Marte Mk2/N Missile system, another with the Patria NEMO 120mm Mortar System, and the third version will be fitted with Rheinmetall 27mm guns.

These highly sophisticated vessels will provide considerable defensive fire power support for the UAE Naval Forces. Weapons system integration for all three different configurations of the vessel will be undertaken by Abu Dhabi Systems Integration (ADSI), a UAE joint venture company formed in 2006 by ADSB and Selex Sistemi Integrati of Italy. Designed by Swedeship Marine of Sweden, the vessels are based on the proven ADSB supplied Ghannatha class fast troop transport vessel currently in service with the UAE Naval Forces and the Critical National Infrastructure Authority.

The vessels will be propelled by twin MTU Marine Diesel engines coupled to Rolls Royce FF waterjets which will give a maximum speed of in excess of 40 knots, excellent maneuverability, and the ability to operate in extremely shallow waters.

ADSB is the region's only specialist naval and paramilitary shipbuilder. In addition to shipbuilding, ADSB has demonstrated experience in the upgrade, retrofit and repair of both military and commercial vessels and the company also offers a full range of support services to the navies, coast guards, and other marine operators in the GCC.

Rear Admiral HE Ahmed Mohammed Al Sabab Al-Tanaiji, Commander of the Naval Forces, told WAM these boats wil be delivered in four years. ''The first boat will be delivered in 18 months from now and each one every three months,'' he added.

ADSB CEO William Saltzer said: "ADSB is extremely pleased to receive this contract for building more Ghannatha class vessels and for retrofitting the existing vessels that we built previously for the UAE Navy.

"Both the new boats and the retrofit boats will be even more versatile and mission capable, building upon the great success that we achieved in producing the fast troop transport version a few years ago."