DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 2, 2013: The U.S. Navy recently awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $1.98 billion contract for 13 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft, continuing the modernization of U.S. maritime patrol capabilities that will ultimately involve more than 100 P-8As. The contract includes long-lead funding previously approved by the Navy. 

The Navy has now ordered 37 of the 117 P-8As it is expected to buy. To date, 10 have been delivered. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8 provides anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The P-8 is replacing the Navy’s P-3 aircraft.  

“We’re on budget and on schedule and the Navy will stand up initial operational capability of this transformational aircraft by the end of the year,” said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager.  

“This new contract award will continue to deliver aircraft to the fleet squadrons scheduled to receive their initial batch of P-8As on cost, schedule and performance parameters in accordance with the approved Acquisition Program Baseline,” said Capt. Scott Dillon, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office’s program manager.

Boeing assembles P-8As in the same facility where it builds all its 737s. The Poseidon team uses a first-in-industry in-line process that takes advantage of the efficiencies in the Next-Generation 737 production system. After initial assembly, the   P-8A aircraft enter a separate mission system installation and checkout facility for final modifications and testing.

Initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) was completed in March; the Navy announced July 1 that the P-8A program had passed IOT&E and the P-8A was ready for fleet introduction.

Boeing’s industry team includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

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 $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Chick Ramey
Boeing Military Aircraft
Office: 253-657-5636
Mobile: 206-851-4147
charles.b.ramey@boeing.com

LaToya Graddy
U.S. Navy
301-757-8690
latoya.graddy@navy.mil

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - BELGIUM DEFENSE NEWS: Belgium Receives Its First NH90 Naval Helicopter

DTN News - BELGIUM DEFENSE NEWS: Belgium Receives Its First NH90 Naval Helicopter

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources EADS
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 1, 2013: Eurocopter today delivered the first NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) to the Belgium Armed Forces, providing an advanced, highly capable and fully-qualified rotary-wing aircraft for this nation’s multi-role mission requirements. In addition to being the no. 1 NH90 NFH received by Belgium, it also is the first built at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth, Germany industrial site – demonstrating this facility’s capability to assemble and deliver these new-generation twin-engine helicopters.

Belgium will become the fifth country to put the European-developed NH90 NFH version into service, joining France, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. The aircraft delivered today is rated at Full Operational Capability (FOC), ensuring its aptitude for the full range of Belgium naval missions – such as Search and Rescue (SAR) or military missions at sea.

Training of Belgium Navy flight and maintenance crews on the NH90 NFH will begin next month, with operations to be initiated in 2014 using its first two helicopters. Belgium has ordered eight NH90s in total, including four of NFH naval versions. The NH90 NFH is replacing the Belgium Navy’s Sea King helicopters. Its configuration is identical to the Dutch NH90 NFH version.

“The NH90 NFH is operationally proven, and Belgium will benefit from this helicopter’s already validated performance, reliability and versatility,” said Michel Polychroniadis, Director of the NH90 Programme at Eurocopter. “The Belgium acceptance teams and flight crews have been impressed by the NH90 NFH’s flight stability and its capabilities, providing a preview of the operational enhancements that will be provided for the country’s army.”

Military services currently operating the NH90 NFH have successfully utilized the helicopters in rescue, transport and surveillance missions. As an example, more than 50 persons have been rescued to date by French Navy NH90 NFH rotorcraft, while the Netherlands recently deployed its NATO Frigate Helicopters to the Horn of Africa in support of the European Union’s Atalanta naval operation.

The NH90 is the most successful helicopter program in Europe, boasting 529 firm orders from 14 different countries. A total of 154 NH90s has been delivered. The NH90 NFH version alone has accumulated 111 bookings.

Management of the NH90 program is handled by the NHIndustries consortium, which is owned by Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%), and Stork Fokker (5.5%).

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 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 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 more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 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 EADS
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DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Confirms Intent To Bid For Canada's MSVS SMP

DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Confirms Intent To Bid For Canada's MSVS SMP
*Mission-proven defence vehicles, Canada-wide network of suppliers are to be cornerstones of the Oshkosh submission

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 1, 2013: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), reconfirmed its support for Canadian tactical vehicle modernization programmes by announcing its intent to respond to the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) request for proposal. Oshkosh Defense will propose a solution that leverages the company’s mission-proven vehicle platforms, advanced automotive and safety technologies and life-cycle sustainment solutions to offer the overall best value to the Canadian Government.

“We are committed to providing tactical vehicles with the performance and protection that Canadian Forces require to keep their missions moving,” said John Urias, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Oshkosh Defense.  “By developing a nationwide network of suppliers, Oshkosh Defense is well-positioned to support Canadian vehicle modernization strategy and bring measurable benefits to the Canadian economy.”

“The Oshkosh MSVS SMP solution is designed to improve the protection and performance capabilities of the Canadian Forces’ medium-payload fleet, both today and for decades to come,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “The MSVS SMP technical solution developed by Oshkosh is based on a platform with more than one billion real-world operational kilometres in missions around the globe.”

Designed to meet the Canadian Forces’ requirements for highly reliable, durable logistics vehicles for a broad range of missions, the Oshkosh MSVS SMP combines state-of-the-art drive train, advanced suspension, improved braking and superior armour protection systems.

Oshkosh Defense will serve as the prime contractor for the programme and use its Canadian network of suppliers and assembly capabilities to return value to the Canadian economy. Oshkosh programme management, industrial regional benefits (IRB) management, engineering, contract management, and purchasing support for the MSVS SMP programme will be conducted from the Oshkosh Defense Canada office in Ottawa, Ontario.

About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense is a leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles and life cycle sustainment services.  For more than 90 years, Oshkosh has been mobilizing military and security forces around the globe by offering a full portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected military vehicles to support our customers’ missions. In addition, Oshkosh offers advanced technologies and vehicle components such as TAK-4® independent suspension systems, TerraMax™ unmanned ground vehicle solutions, Command Zone™ integrated control and diagnostics system, and ProPulse® diesel electric and on-board vehicle power solutions, to provide our customers with a technical edge as they fulfill their missions. Every Oshkosh vehicle is backed by a team of defence industry experts and complete range of sustainment and training services to optimize fleet readiness and performance.

To learn more about Oshkosh Defense, please visit us at www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.

®, TM All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially in the current environment where there are conflicting signs regarding the global economic outlook and the ability of the U.S. government to resolve budgetary and debt issues; the expected level and timing of the DoD procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures, sequestration and an uncertain DoD tactical wheeled vehicle strategy, including the Company’s ability to successfully manage the cost reductions required as a result of the significant projected decrease in sales levels in the defense segment; the Company’s ability to comply with laws and regulations applicable to U.S. government contractors; the Company’s ability to increase prices to raise margins or offset higher input costs; increasing commodity and other raw material costs, particularly in a sustained economic recovery; risks related to facilities consolidation and alignment, including the amounts of related costs and charges and that anticipated cost savings may not be achieved; the duration of the ongoing global economic weakness, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets and/or a slower recovery in the Company’s cyclical businesses than Company or equity market expectations; risks related to the collectability of receivables, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; risks related to production or shipment delays arising from quality or production issues; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; and risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense
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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 - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War Armistice

DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War Armistice

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day & The Guardian
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 30, 2013: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un laughing during a photo session with war veteran delegates who took part in the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the truce in the Korean War.

North Korea has marked the 60th anniversary of the truce that ended the Korean war with a lavish and painstakingly choreographed military parade through Pyongyang's main square and a solemn gathering led by Kim Jong-un at a newly opened war museum.

The parade, which also included floats and thousands of civilians waving colourful fake flowers, appeared to offer more flash and pageant than new revelations of the secretive North's military capabilities, though one unit prominently carried kits marked with the bright yellow nuclear symbol, a reminder of the North's claims that it is preparing itself against a nuclear attack by the United States and is developing a nuclear arsenal of its own.

The extravagant assembly of weapons and goose-stepping troops, reminiscent of the marches held by the Soviet Union and China at the height of the cold war, offered a rare chance to see North Korea's military up close.

Overlooking a sea of spectators cheering and waving in Kim Il-sung Square, Kim Jong-un saluted his troops from a review stand. He was flanked by senior military officials, the chests of their olive-green-and-white uniforms laden with medals. As fighter jets screamed overhead, a relaxed-looking Kim smiled and talked to the vice-president of China, the country that fought alongside North Korea during the war and is Pyongyang's only major ally and a crucial source of economic aid. Kim did not make a speech.

Saturday's parade marked a holiday the North Koreans call Victory Day in the Fatherland Liberation War, although the 1950-53 Korean war ended in a truce and the Korean peninsula remains technically at war.

In Washington, the US president, Barack Obama, marked the day with a speech at the Korean war veterans' memorial on the National Mall, saying the anniversary marked the end of the war and the beginning of a long and prosperous peace.

"Here today, we can say with confidence, that war was no tie. Korea was a victory," with 50 million South Koreans living in freedom and "a vibrant democracy" in stark contrast to dire conditions in the North, Obama said.

He said the US-South-Korean partnership remained "a bedrock of stability" throughout the Pacific region, and gave credit to the US service members who fought all those years ago and to the men and women currently stationed there.

Chang Yong-seok, a researcher at Seoul National University, said North Korea intended to use the anniversary to highlight Kim Jong-un's leadership. "It was a political performance meant to show off that Kim Jong-un remains powerful and strong," he said.

Chang said Kim standing by the side of China's vice-president was a reminder of the cold war when North Korea and China stood against South Korea and the US. It also indicated that North Korea wanted to demonstrate that its ties with China were on a path to recovery, which could send a message to the US.

"The fact that China's vice-president was standing next to Kim Jong-un could have a symbolic meaning. North Korea joining hands with China against South Korea, Japan and the US reminds of the cold war era. North Korea probably wanted to show off that its relationship with China is improving," Chang said. "It is like telling the US that even if you don't want to talk to us, you'll end up having dialogue with us."

Kim's rule, which began in late 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, has been marked by high tensions with Washington and Seoul. He has overseen two long-range rocket launches and a nuclear test that drew widespread condemnation and tightened UN sanctions.

North and South Korea have turned to tentative diplomacy in recent weeks, but in March and April there were North Korean threats of nuclear war against Washington and Seoul in response to annual South-Korean-US military drills, and UN condemnation of Pyongyang's nuclear test in February. Long-stalled North Korean nuclear disarmament talks show no sign of resuming.

Last year's parade in Pyongyang, held in April to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late national founder, Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un's grandfather, created a buzz among military watchers when the North rolled out a mysterious long-range missile known abroad as the KN-08. Most outside observers now believe the missiles were mock-ups, but they were carried on mobile launchers that appeared to have been obtained from China, possibly against UN arms trade sanctions.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the president, Park Geun-hye, vowed she would not tolerate provocations from North Korea. "I urge North Korea to give up the development of nuclear weapons if the country is to start on a path towards true change and progress," Park said in a speech.

North Korea is estimated to have a handful of crude nuclear bombs, but many analysts do not think it has yet mastered the technology needed to build warheads small enough to fit on long-range missiles.

The North's parade tradition goes back to the founding of the country in 1948. Few countries including North Korea's communist models continue to trot out their military forces in public squares with such pomp and pageantry. But Pyongyang has stuck with them because its leaders believe they are a good way to show the world those things about the military they want to reveal, while at the same time sending a potent message domestically about the power of the ruling elite.


"The beauty of a parade is that weapons systems don't actually have to work in order to be impressive – a missile launcher looks good even when the missile won't launch," said David Stone, an expert on the Soviet and Russian militaries at Kansas State University.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day & The Guardian
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Indian Air Force's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Indian Air Force's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III
*India to become largest C-17 operator outside the US

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 30, 2013: Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) second C-17 Globemaster III on July 22, 2013., a month after India’s first C-17 arrived in the country and immediately began supporting IAF operations.

This second IAF C-17 also will immediately enter service. India will receive 10 aircraft by 2014. 

"Our first C-17 Globemaster III not only signifies a tremendous boost in our strategic airlift capability, but also is poised to form a major component in the IAF's modernization drive,” said Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of the Indian Air Force. “Because it was delivered mission-ready, it soon undertook its first strategic mission to our Andaman Nicobar Command at Port Blair. I wish to place on record my appreciation to the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force and the Boeing team for the timely delivery of the aircraft that makes the IAF the world's second-largest operator of the C-17 after the U.S."

Boeing is on schedule to deliver three more IAF C-17s this year and five in 2014. The C-17 can operate in extreme climates, transport large payloads across vast ranges and land on short, austere runways.

“C-17s have an important role in supporting unique Indian Air Force operations in remote locations such as the Himalayas and desert environments," said Nan Bouchard, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "The C-17 provides the versatility to complete any mission, anywhere. We look forward to working with the Indian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force as we deliver the remainder of India’s fleet."

Boeing is supporting the IAF aircraft through the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract. The GISP “virtual fleet” arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale.

Boeing has delivered 255 C-17s, including 222 to the U.S. Air Force, and a total of 33 to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

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 $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Cindy Anderson
Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement
Office: +1 562-593-4477
Mobile: +1 562-253-5818
cindy.a.anderson@boeing.com

Tiffany Pitts
Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement
Office: +1 562-593-2216
Mobile: +1 714-329-3027
tiffany.l.pitts@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - RUSSIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Russian Defense Ministry Signs $100 Mln Deal To Overhaul 3 Tu-160 Bombers

DTN News - RUSSIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Russian Defense Ministry Signs $100 Mln Deal To Overhaul 3 Tu-160 Bombers

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 27, 2013: (MOSCOW) - Russia's Defense Ministry has signed a 3.4 billion ruble ($103 million) contract with the Tupolev design bureau and Kazan Aircraft Plant to upgrade three Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, Tupolev said Friday.

The delivery date for the supersonic, variable-geometry heavy bomber is December 31, 2015, the company said.

The ministry said last year at least 10 of the Russian Air Force’s Tu-160 bombers will be modernized by 2020, after which the upgraded aircraft will remain in service until a new-generation strategic bomber known as PAK-DA is developed.

The Tu-160, which entered service in 1987 and remains the largest supersonic aircraft in the world, is designed to engage strategic targets with nuclear and conventional weapons.

The Tu-160 supersonic strategic bomber was manufactured by the Tupolev Aircraft Research and Engineering Complex Joint Stock Company in Moscow and the Kazan based Gorbunov Aircraft Production Association in Tatarstan from 1980 to 1992. Production has since been restarted and a Tu-160 was delivered to the Russian Air Force in May 2000.

14 aircraft are now in service with Russia. One unarmed aircraft crashed in September 2003, the first crash since the aircraft entered service. Another aircraft is under construction. The Ukraine destroyed the last of its fleet in February 2001.

The purpose of the aircraft is the delivery of nuclear and conventional weapons deep in continental theatres of operation. The aircraft has all-weather, day-and-night capability and can operate at all geographical latitudes.

The performance of the Russian Tu-160 is often compared to the US B-1B. The aircraft has an operational range of 14,000km and a service ceiling of 16,000m. The maximum flight speed is 2,000kph at high altitude and 1,030kph at low altitude.

Kazan Aircraft Production Organisation (KAPO) has been given a contract to upgrade the Russian Air Force's 15 Tu-160 bombers. The Tupolev upgrade package will include new targeting systems, upgraded cruise missiles and electronic warfare suite.

DESIGN
The bomber's airframe has a distinctive appearance, with the wing and fuselage gradually integrated into a single-piece configuration. The airframe structure is based on a titanium beam, all-welded torsion box. Throughout the entire airframe, all the main airframe members are secured to the titanium beam.

The variable geometry outer tapered wings sweep back from 20 to 65 degrees in order to provide high-performance flight characteristics at both supersonic and subsonic speeds. The tail surfaces, both horizontal and vertical, are one piece and all-moving.

The aircraft uses fly-by-wire controls.

The aircraft is equipped with three-strut landing gear, a tail wheel and a brake parachute. For take-off, the aircraft requires a concrete runway of 3,050m.

The crew of the Tu-160 comprises a pilot and copilot, a navigator, and an operator. The four crew are equipped with zero/zero ejection seats, which provide the crew with the option of ejecting safely throughout the entire range of altitudes and air speeds, including when the aircraft is parked.

In the cockpit and cabins, all the data is presented on conventional electro-mechanical indicators and monitors, and not head-up displays or cathode ray tube displays. The Tu-160 has a control stick for flight control as used in a fighter aircraft - rather than control wheels or yokes, which are usually used in large transporter or bomber aircraft.

The Tu-160 can carry nuclear and conventional weapons including long-range nuclear missiles. The missiles are accommodated on multi-station launchers in each of the two weapons bays.

The Tu-16 is capable of carrying the strategic cruise missile Kh-55MS, which is known in the West by the NATO designation and codename AS-15 Kent. Up to twelve Kh-55MS missiles can be carried, six in each bay. The Kh-55MS is propelled by a turbofan engine. The maximum range is 3,000km, and it is armed with a 200-kiloton nuclear warhead.

The weapons bays are also fitted with launchers for the Kh-15P, which has the NATO designation and codename AS-16 Kickback. The Kh-15P Kickback has solid rocket fuel propulsion, which gives a range up to 200km. The Kickback can be fitted with a conventional 250kg warhead or a nuclear warhead. The aircraft is also capable of carrying a range of aerial bombs with a total weight up to 40 tons.

The aircraft is highly computerised, and the avionics systems include an integrated aiming, navigation and flight control system, with a navigation and attack radar, an electronic countermeasures system, and automatic controls.

ENGINES

The aircraft propulsion system consists of four NK-32 augmented turbofan engines, which each provide a maximum thrust of 25,000kg. The engines are installed in two pods under the shoulders of the wing. The air intake incorporates an adjustable vertical wedge. The bomber has an in-flight refuelling system. In the inoperative position, the refuelling probe is retracted into the nose of the fuselage in front of the pilot's cabin. The aircraft fuel capacity is 160,000kg. In February 2008, Tu-160 bombers and Il-78 refueling tankers practiced air refueling during air combat exercise, as well as Mig-31, A50 and other Russian combat aircrafts.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources RIA Novosti
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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 - AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Lands Major Military Truck Order In Australia Worth €1.1 Billion

DTN News - AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Lands Major Military Truck Order In Australia Worth €1.1 Billion

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Rheinmetall Defence 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 27, 2013: The Australian Defence Force has contracted with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) of Germany, a joint venture company of Rheinmetall AG and MAN Truck & Bus AG, to supply it with an extensive fleet of advanced logistical vehicles. Under a far-reaching modernization programme, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is procuring some 2500 protected and non-protected logistical vehicles from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia. The recently signed contract is worth €1.1 billion (AUD 1.58 billion).

This order reinforces RMMV’s role as one of the world’s leading makers of military wheeled vehicles. In a hard-fought contest, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia overcame rival bids from top European and American competitors thanks to a compelling proposal that met the customer’s demanding specifications in every category.

Following a meticulous selection process, the Australian military have thus opted for RMMV’s tried-and-tested, high-mobility, extremely robust family of vehicles. The new vehicles will replace the ADF’s current fleet, which is made up of equipment from a number of different manufacturers. These state-of-the-art RMMV systems will enhance the Australian military’s operational effectiveness and mobility as well as assuring improved crew survivability. In addition, having a uniform fleet will result in synergy effects with regard to spare parts, maintenance and training, resulting in substantially lower operating costs.

Under this order, which forms part of Phase 3B of Australia’s “Land 121” modernization programme, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia will be supplying trucks in a number of different weight classes in various configurations. These include medium and heavyweight recovery vehicles, heavy-duty logistical vehicles, integrated load handling systems as well as medium-sized cargo bed variants with cranes, fuel and water modules and tipper bodies.

The first vehicles of “Land 121” Phase 3B are to be delivered starting in 2016, with the contract due for completion in 2020.

RMMV is the Rheinmetall Group’s centre of excellence for logistical and tactical wheeled vehicles. Its Australian subsidiary will be in charge of managing this major procurement project. The vehicles themselves will be built at the RMMV plant in Vienna, Austria, where the order will assure a high level of capacity utilization for several years. Other tasks such as production of modules and some bodies, vehicle and C4I integration will be performed at Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and its local partner companies. 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Rheinmetall Defence 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
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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 - BALI KITE FESTIVAL: Balinese Enjoying The Bali Kite Festival In Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

DTN News - BALI KITE FESTIVAL: Balinese Enjoying The Bali Kite Festival In Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 26, 2013:  Balinese prepare to fly their traditional kites during the Bali Kite Festival in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia.

The 35th Annual Bali Kite Festival, also known as the Sanur Kite Festival. The Balinese are mad about kites and in the “Island of the Gods” the bigger the better is the norm. Kite flying and kite making is serious business. Forget childhood memories of a tiny kite with trailing ribbons; in Bali kites are huge handmade flying machines that take a team to get them off the ground.

The event, on Padang Galak beach in Sanur, will be the 34th year of this is a global happening, attracting over 1,200 kites in competition and up to 10,000 spectators. The whole process of designing, constructing and flying a kite in competition is a real team effort by whole villages. The whole community shows up complete with its own traditional gamelan orchestra to literally drum up support manically while sweet young things offer much needed cheerleading duties.

As with every facet of Balinese life, kite flying is steeped in religious symbolism. It was originally used as a way to pass on messages to the Gods, and traditional kites, which take the form of fish (Bebean) and birds (Janggan) depict Hindu deities.


This is a great fun-filled Festival with a carnival atmosphere, the constant din of competing gamelan orchestras, guitar strumming beach boys, free flowing beer, cheap food and everyone dressed to impress in local costume.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth ~ DTN News
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*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
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DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: South Korean Pop Idol Yoon Hak Greeted By Fans

DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: South Korean Pop Idol Yoon Hak Greeted By Fans 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 25, 2013:  Hundreds of fans brave the rain to witness South Korean pop idol Yoon Hak being discharged from military service in Yongin.
Picture: AFP

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News


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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - ROYAL FAMILY NEWS: Belgium's Newly-Crowned King Phillipe Holidaying In France

DTN News - ROYAL FAMILY NEWS:  Belgium's Newly-Crowned King Phillipe Holidaying In France

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 25, 2013: Belgium's newly-crowned King Phillipe cycles with his sons Prince Emmanuel, centre, and Prince Gabriel as they begin a family holiday on the Ile d'Yeu, France.
Picture: EPA

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News


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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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