DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Demonstrates SATCOM On The Move Between Australia And US

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Demonstrates SATCOM On The Move Between Australia And US
>Boeing SOTM technology is a leap forward in Ka-band satellite network communication capabilities for the warfighter
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 5, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully demonstrated its SATCOM on the Move (SOTM) product on a live Ka-band satellite network. The demonstration in May connected three sites in Australia and the United States using integrated voice, video, and data communications over the increased bandwidth available on the latest generation Ka-band satellite mobile terminals. This capability uses the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system, also developed by Boeing.

During the demonstration, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees) fitted with cameras and handheld radios successfully connected to test labs in Australia and the United States, simultaneously combining videoconferencing with military radio and telephones. The integrated SOTM demonstration proved core elements of a seamless, secure and deployable communications system.

This latest SOTM product evolved from combat-proven technologies used by the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

"This demonstration shows the maturity and readiness of Boeing's capabilities in the suite of services required to provide satellite communications on the move," said Kim Gillis, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. "Our proven SOTM technology will provide defense customers with confidence that HQ on the Move capability can be achieved on the Ka-band satellite system ready for the WGS network."

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of about 1,300 employees at 15 locations throughout Australia and four international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.

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. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

James Baker

Boeing Defence Australia
+61 (0)7-3306-3411
james.m.baker9@boeing.com

Kohby Poole
Boeing Defence Australia
+61 (0)7-3305-1223
kohby.j.poole@boeing.com

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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lufthansa Conducts Inaugural Flight Of World's First Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Passenger Aircraft From Frankfurt To Washington, D.C.

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lufthansa Conducts Inaugural Flight Of World's First Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Passenger Aircraft From Frankfurt To Washington, D.C.

- Scheduled flights begin June 1, 2012

- Commemorative celebrations June 1, 2012 at Dulles International Airport (IAD)

- Lufthansa's brand-new Business Class comes to the U.S. market

- Latest in-flight products in every class

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 5, 2012: Recently. , on June 1, 2012 Lufthansa, launch customer for the Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Intercontinental, initiated commercial service of the new Jumbo jet along the inaugural route of Frankfurt (FRA) to Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD). Flight LH416 departed Frankfurt at 9:50am and is scheduled to touchdown at Dulles at 12:45pm. In addition to regularly scheduled passengers, guests include Dr. Christoph Franz, Lufthansa's CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, and Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program, who are joined by a delegation consisting of U.S. and International media, esteemed customers and partners. The return flight, LH419, is scheduled to depart Washington, D.C. this evening at 5:55pm, arriving in Frankfurt at 8:05am the following day.  Lufthansa's newest flagship aircraft will provide service between the two cities initially six days a week (excluding Tuesdays), and will increase capacity on this route by 6.3 percent.  Flights are available for booking on www.lufthansa.com. 

"The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is an exceptional aircraft," said Christoph Franz, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. "With its addition to our fleet, Lufthansa has created a product that is not only in line with our company's commitment to innovation, technology and efficiency, but that also offers qualities and features that are sure to maximize our passengers' in-flight experience. Travelers to and from Washington, D.C. are in for a memorable flight and Lufthansa looks forward to expanding our 747-8 Intercontinental service to other U.S. markets in the coming months."

"It is such an honor to join Lufthansa in welcoming the 747-8 Intercontinental into service," said Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program. "Lufthansa has provided great inspiration and leadership in helping us design a new Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century, an airplane that Lufthansa will love for its efficiency and reliability, airport neighbors will love for its quiet operations and low emissions, and passengers will love for its beautiful new interior and extra space."

"We want to thank Lufthansa for selecting Washington Dulles International Airport for the honor of receiving the very first commercial flight of a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental anywhere in the world," said John E. Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. "As the international gateway to our nation's capital, Dulles has been honored to remain on the cutting edge of new aircraft technology since its opening 50 years ago. We congratulate Lufthansa on the debut of this impressive new aircraft and thank them for serving Dulles as the launch market from their Frankfurt hub."

Upon the flight's arrival, Lufthansa, Boeing and the Metro Washington Airport Authority will host a press conference, along with guest speaker Francisco J. Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.  

New Business Class cabin with full-flat beds

Lufthansa's 747-8 Intercontinental is equipped with 362 seats in a three-class configuration (8 First Class, 92 Business Class and 262 Economy Class). Passengers flying on the 747-8 Intercontinental will experience Lufthansa's new Business Class which offers a unique seating arrangement in the form of a "V" whereby two neighboring seats are angled towards one another along a central axis. This innovative solution enables Lufthansa to fulfill one of the main wishes expressed by customers during an extensive research process – to sit or lie facing the direction of travel, while at the same time enjoy virtually double the distance between two neighboring seats at shoulder level, which now gives Business Class passengers greater privacy and more personal living space. At the push of a button, the seat converts to a full-flat, horizontal sleeping surface measuring 6'6" in length (1.98 m). Ergonomically improved cushioning ensures a high degree of comfort in a sitting or horizontal position, and adjustable armrests provide more space in the shoulder area when lying down.

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental features new, state-of-the-art wings with improved aerodynamics and raked wing tips; new fuel-efficient, U.S.-manufactured GEnx-2B engines that contribute to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise and thus give customers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane; and fly-by-wire technology.

Lufthansa's commitment to the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is a testament to the airline's 50-plus year partnership with the U.S.-based manufacturer.  Lufthansa currently has 20 Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals on order and is expected to take delivery of five in total this year. The airline will roll-out service to gateways throughout the U.S. and India.

The aircraft generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400 and brings double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions per passenger, making it one of the industry's most fuel-efficient aircraft and key to Lufthansa's commitment to sustainable reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The 747-8 Intercontinental fuselage is 250'2" long, which is 18'4" longer than the 747-400. The stretch also provides Lufthansa with 26 percent more cargo volume.

The public can track the progression of the 747-8 Intercontinental into Lufthansa's service via a dedicated 747-8 Intercontinental micro site (www.lufthansa.com/747-8) that showcases product features along with 3-D models of the aircraft and interactive games.

About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 211 destinations in 84 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS - Vienna, Brussels and Zurich.  From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa— recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world— and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400, as well as the Airbus A300 sub fleet. Currently, Lufthansa has over 160 new aircraft worth about $22 billion on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and is also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries' two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $105 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft. For more than 90 years, Boeing has designed airplanes to suit the world's air travel markets— from short range to long range, international and domestic. Boeing also offers a complete selection of aviation support products and services, providing lifecycle business solutions, materials and engineering services, and 24x7 global customer support. Boeing has customers in more than 140 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 170,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. Total company revenues for 2011 were $68.7 billion. For more information, seehttp://www.boeing.com/newairplane/747/incredible

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Corporate Communications
Christina Semmel
Tel: +1 516-296-9671
americaspr@dlh.de
www.lufthansa.com
www.lufthansa.com/newsroom

Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Jim Proulx
747 Communications
Tel: +1 206-766-1393
+1 206-850-2102 (mobile)
jim.proulx@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers 20th 747-8 ~ Atlas Air To Operate Airplane On Behalf Of Panalpina

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers 20th 747-8 ~ Atlas Air To Operate Airplane On Behalf Of Panalpina
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 5, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) on May 31, 2012 marked the 20th delivery of its new 747-8. The airplane, a 747-8 Freighter, was delivered to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Atlas Air will operate it on behalf of Panalpina, the Swiss-based freight operator. This marks the first time in Panalpina's history that an airplane has been painted in the company's livery. 

The 747-8 Freighter will immediately enter service when it departs Seattle for Hong Kong later today. The airplane, named the 'Spirit of Panalpina', will then fly from Hong Kong on to Luxembourg with cargo on board.

Atlas Air has ordered nine 747-8 Freighters, two of which they will operate for Panalpina.

The 747-8 Freighter offers 16 percent more capacity than the 747-400 Freighter. It is environmentally more progressive, with double digit improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions and a noise footprint reduction of 30 percent.

To date, Boeing has now delivered 20 747-8s including 16 747-8 Freighters, three 747-8 Intercontinentals to VIP customers and one 747-8 Intercontinental to Lufthansa.

About PanalpinaThe Panalpina Group is one of the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions and operates a global network with some 500 branches in more than 80 countries. In a further 80 countries, it cooperates closely with partner companies. Panalpina employs approximately 15,500 people worldwide.

About Atlas Air WorldwideAtlas Air Worldwide is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Titan Aviation Leasing (Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). Atlas Air Worldwide also maintains a 49% interest in Global Supply Systems Limited (GSS). Through Atlas and Polar, Atlas Air Worldwide operates the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747 Freighters. Atlas, Titan and Polar offer a range of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services that include ACMI service - in which customers receive an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance on a long-term basis; CMI service, for customers that provide their own aircraft; express network and scheduled air cargo service; military cargo and passenger charters; commercial cargo and passenger charters; and dry leasing of aircraft and engines.

Contact:

Fiona O'Farrell
Boeing Communications
+44 208 235 5664/+44 7557 160 645
Fiona.ofarrell@boeing.com

Tim Bader
Boeing Communications
425-717-0672
Tim.s.bader@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: India-Built Sub-Assembly On US Navy's Combat Planes

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: India-Built Sub-Assembly On US Navy's Combat Planes
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Military & Aerospace
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 1, 2012:  An India-built electronic sub-assembly will be part of the US Navy's combat planes, a statement said Wednesday as Indian companies step up efforts to be part of the global defence supply chain.

The sub-assembly provides the cockpit flood lighting compatible with the aircraft's night vision imaging system (NVIS).

American aerospace major Boeing has delivered the first EA-18G Growler aircraft fitted with a cockpit sub-assembly produced by Indian public sector defence electronics major Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to the US Navy on May 3, a statement from the firm said.

Boeing has also extended a contract signed with BEL for another year for supplying the sub-assembly for Boeing military planes.

Boeing had awarded BEL an initial contract in March 2011 for work on F/A-18 Super Hornet combat plane cockpit sub-assemblies.

That contract included options to renew annually for up to four years. "As a result of BEL's demonstrated performance, Boeing recently exercised an option to renew the contract for another year," it said.

August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The first deployable EA-18G squadron is to be VAQ-132 "Scorpions", which reached operational status in October 2009. The first Growler operational deployment was announced on 17 February 2011.

In service, the EA-18's radio name during flight operations will be "Grizzly". The "Growler" nickname sounded too much like the EA-6B's "Prowler" name, so "Grizzly" will be used to avoid confusion. With the termination of the EB-52H standoff jammer, the Growler will become the sole remaining manned tactical jammer and Air Staff requirements director Maj. Gen. David Scott has indicated that the USAF will seek to provide electronic warfare officers to fly on US Navy Growlers, without providing funding to purchase additional aircraft. By May 2011, 48 Growlers had been delivered to the U.S. Navy.


The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya. The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 were redeployed from Iraq to Italy to support Libya operations.

Australia: In 2008 the Australian Government requested export approval from the US government to purchase up to six EA-18Gs, which would be part of the order for 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets. On 27 February 2009, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced that 12 of the 24 Super Hornets on order would be wired on the production line for future fit-out as EA-18Gs. The additional wiring would cost A$35 million. The final decision on conversion to EA-18Gs, at a cost of A$300 million, will be announced in March 2012.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Military & Aerospace
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DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move

DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS:  Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: President Barack Obama's administration appears set to notify the U.S. Congress of plans to arm a fleet of Italian MQ-9 Reaper drones, a step that may spur a wider spread of remotely piloted hunter-killer aircraft.

The administration could move ahead within two weeks on the proposal to let Italy join Britain in deploying U.S. drones with weapons such as laser-guided bombs and Hellfire missiles, American officials said.

Italy has a fleet of six Reapers. The sale of the technology to arm them, including bomb racks and "weaponization" kits costing up to $17 million, would help the United States redistribute the burden of its global military operations as the Pentagon's budget is being squeezed by deficit-reduction requirements.

Aides to Obama have been informally consulting the House of Representatives' and Senate's foreign affairs committees about the proposed sale to Italy since last year, congressional staff said.

The latest such period of "pre-consultations" ended May 27 without a move to block the sale, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the coming formal notification to lawmakers.

A transfer to Italy would make it harder for the United States to deny armed-drone technology if asked for it by other members of the 28-country NATO alliance or by close U.S. partners such as South Korea, Japan and Australia, arms-sale analysts said.

"I think that if you sell armed drones to Italy, you will very likely make a decision that any member of NATO that wants them can also get them," said a former congressional staff member who followed the issue.

Some lawmakers fear that a decision to arm Italian drones may spur overseas sales of related technology by Israel, Russia and China.

The United States has used its MQ-9s to hunt and kill members of al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistani tribal areas.

Britain, the first foreign country to get U.S. technology to arm its Reapers, is considered a special case. Many U.S. officials and members of Congress view it as Washington's staunchest and most reliable ally.

The State Department does not comment on proposed sales of U.S. military hardware until formal notifications have been completed. But a State Department official described Italy as a strong NATO ally which contributes significantly to coalition operations.

"The transfer of U.S. defense articles and service to allies like Italy enables us to work together more effectively to meet shared security challenges," said the official, who declined to be named.

SPREAD DRONES, OR LIMIT THEM?

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has publicly opposed the transfer of armed drones. "There are some military technologies that I believe should not be shared with other countries, regardless of how close our partnership," Feinstein, a California Democrat, said last year.

She said she would put armed drones in the category of weapons the United States should try to rein in, not spread.

Turkey is among countries that have been seeking to buy U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The MQ-9 Reaper is larger and more capable than the earlier MQ-1 Predator, both built by General Atomics.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Chicago last week that Obama was leaning toward selling UAVs to Turkey, which has fought separatist Kurdish rebels for decades in a conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

"The administration's position (toward a sale) is favorable," Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted Gul as saying after he met Obama. "They are trying to convince Congress."

A proposed U.S. arms sale to Turkey may proceed unless lawmakers enact joint resolution barring it, an event that has never occurred.

The Obama administration says that all exports of sensitive military technology are considered on a case-by-case basis under a general policy of "restraint," taking into account national security and foreign-policy considerations as well as U.S. multilateral commitments.

Purchasers of U.S.-made military systems must agree to a strict set of "end-use" conditions designed to limit the system to approved uses such as self-defense and United Nations missions. They also must agree to let the United States monitor their adherence to these conditions.

Italy has sought to arm its drones for use in Afghanistan, where it maintains about 3,950 troops. But it initially wanted the drones themselves for such things as border patrols, the former congressional staff member said.

TEAL Group, a U.S. aerospace consultancy, estimated in April that worldwide UAV spending will almost double over the next decade, totaling more than $89 billion in the next 10 years.

(Editing by Christopher Wilson)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

UAC-Transport Aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) sign contract on designing of Multimodal Transport Aircraft

Press-release of JSC "UAC-Transport Aircraft"

Bangalore, May 28, 2012

Today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft”, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) have concluded a General contract at the HAL’s headquarters. The contract was signed by MTA Program Director Alexey Boykov, HAL Design Director Shri T Suvarna Raju and MTAL General Director N.C. Agarwal.

As of today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft” has completed preparation of IT and PLM infrastructure necessary to start work of a joint group on preliminary design.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture a Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) with a Russian partner primarily for the Indian and Russian air forces, the state-run defence behemoth said Tuesday.

"The twin-engine aircraft in 15-20 tonne class will be designed, co-developed and manufactured for cargo/troop transportation; para-drop/air drop of supplies, including low altitude parachute extraction system," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement here.

In its transport fleet, the IAF has about 100 AN-32, including some overhauled and upgraded versions.

To execute the $600-million defence project, the $2.6-billion HAL entered into a contract here Monday with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and the 50:50 joint venture they have set up - Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd.

Capable of short landings and takeoffs, the aircraft will have capacity to ferry about 80 troops, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces and ammunition and can be deployed for battlefield medical evacuation.

With a glass cockpit for electronic instrument displays, fly by wire controls and full authority digital engine control, the aircraft will have 800kmph cruise speed and a range of 2,500km without refuelling.

HAL will design and develop the MTA at its aircraft research and development (ARDC) centre in this tech hub, while its transport aircraft division at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh will manufacture prototypes and commence serial production after the certification process.

"Our objective is to achieve self-reliance in design, development and production of a MTA and manage the programme with international collaboration and global suppliers," Tyagi said.

The first test flight of the prototype will be in five years (2017) and regular production two years later (2019).

HAL will also share the development cost of systems and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and composite structure.

The tripartite contract was based on the inter-government pact signed in September 2010 by the Indian and Russian governments for joint design, development and production of the aircraft on cost sharing basis by the joint venture partners.

The joint venture will also work with Russia's aerospace major Rosoboronexport to co-develop the aircraft.

"We will showcase our expertise in designing the aircraft and its systems, manufacturing and flight testing in collaboration with our Russian partners in Moscow and India," Tyagi said.

The Kanpur facility had manufactured transport aircraft such as Avros HS-748 and Dornier Do-228 in the past for the services.

In all, the company manufactured 89 Avros from 1964 to 1984 and 116 Dorniers from 1984 to March 2012.

Two Dorniers were exported to Mauritius, while one export order to Seychelles is under execution.

MULTIROLE TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT (MTA), MEDIUM CARGO CAPACITY

Design features

Performance

Scheme (3 view)

Cargo compartment scheme (in cross section)

Cargo compartment scheme (in axial section)

Developed by: JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft, Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India

Project stage: design

The Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a joint international project of JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is being developed within the framework of the Russo-Indian intergovernmental agreement.

The research of the world market indicates a strong demand for transport aircraft with cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes and a flight range up to 3,000 km. According to the regulatory documents the MTA is classified as medium cargo capacity military transport aircraft designed for strategic and tactical missions. The MTA provides for transportation of a wide range of cargoes up to 12,000 kg over a range of 4,700 km and up to 20,000 kg over a range of 2,000 km around-the-clock in any geographic areas and under any climate and meteorological conditions.

As a military transport aircraft MTA can perform the following tasks:

-Military personnel transportation (up to 140 people),

-Paratroopers deployment (up to 90 people),

-Transportation of cargo, equipment, all-purpose shipping containers and aircraft containers and pallets,

-Parachuting of cargo and equipment on the platforms,

-Low altitude free fall cargo drop.

The MTA is capable to airlift up to 80% of all existing weapons and military equipment. This capacity is mainly determined by three key features: the MTA’s design dimensions, its cargo department’s size and volume, and its power plant. The MTA’s size of the airtight cargo compartment’s cross section is identical to this of the heavy Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This allows employing all existing loading and unloading equipment, transportation and air dropping equipment and tools. The MTA’s pilots and technical personnel can manage transportation tasks and execute pre-flight procedures on their own (independently from the main base airport), these tasks require from 2 to 6 people.

The high thrust-to-weight ratio ensures the MTA’s operability from airfields in high mountains (on the altitude of up to 3,300 m above the sea-level) both from paved and unpaved runways (capable to sustain pressure up to 8 kg/cm2, that allows its operations on more than 90% of the Russian airfields). The MTA’s performance also is on par with current aircraft’s fuel efficiency level.

Considering high export potential of the aircraft, its design ultimately meets the requirements not only of both Russian and Indian Air Forces but of potential customers as well. It is expected that in 2015-2020 a number of developing countries can consider the new transport aircraft as an alternative not only for An-12 and C-130 Hercules but to a smaller An-26. The strong advantage of the MTA in comparison with its rivals is its relatively low price.

It is supposed that both parties will take part in the MTA program during all its stages. At present, the conceptual phase works have been completed. The joint detailed business plan of the project has been worked out and initialed. The parties established the Russo-Indian joint venture, Multirole Transport Aircraft Limited. It is expected that the Russian and Indian sides will finance the project on par. The first flight of the MTA is planned for 2016

Related News;

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealGlobalSecurity.org 15 hrs ago

...Air Force (45 planes), with the remaining 60 exported to third parties the report said. Their joint venture firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), also signed the venture deal. The tripartite contract is based on a Russian-Indian inter-government agreement...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 16:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 15:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

HAL in pact for multirole transport aircraft Business Standard 30 May 2012, 00:05

...— Transport Aircraft (UAC-TA), the Russian partner and their JV-Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) for the Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) project. HAL and UAC-TA have proposed to design, develop and produce the multi-role transport aircraft in the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India 

• HAL to develop multi-role transport aircraft
  January 19, 2008
• HAL, Edgewood approach FIPB for JV
  January 11, 2007
• HAL sees pink with fresh orders, global deals
  February 8, 2003

IN-DEPTH COVERAGE

• Joint Venture
• Hal

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times
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