Russia to Start Testing New Helicopter Gunship Engine

GORKI - Russia’s leading aircraft engine maker OAO Klimov will soon start testing an advanced engine for attack helicopters, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Monday.

The VK-2500 is produced under a special federal program to develop the country’s defense sector and allied industries, he said, adding that it is built using exclusively Russian-manufactured components.

“We are completely moving away from imported components,” Rogozin said.

Some 50 new engines are to be made next year for Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28 Havoc helicopter gunships and, starting from 2015, a total of 400 are to be produced each year.

“We will be able to equip 200 helicopters with new engines [each year],” Rogozin added.

India Expresses Desire for Iron Dome System

India wants the Iron Dome defense system. Defense News reports that  India and Israel are cooperating on the development of weapons systems and that India’s main wish is to acquire the Iron Dome on a “buy and build” basis. This means India wants to acquire  it and obtain a license from Israel for its manufacture.

An Indian source told Defense News that Israel had agreed to sell the system to India, but was hesitant about selling the technology needed to manufacture it. The U.S., which helped fund the Iron Dome’s development, has not said publicly whether it backs the deal.

According to the Indo-Asian News Service India is the largest customer of Israeli military equipment and Israel is the second-largest military partner of India after Russian with trade hovering around $9 billion.

Globes reports that the list of future projects discussed during a meeting between Ministry of Defense director general Udi Shani and India’s Defense Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma last week in India included a plan to develop aircraft-launched micro-satellites, as well as plans to develop laser-guided missiles and munitions.

According to an Israeli defense source, other possible plans include specialized radar systems, such as an airborne system for Indian-made light combat planes, and a long-range system for tracking ballistic missiles. However it is uncertain whether any agreement was reached on these plans.

Photos of Maiden Flight Of The Fourth T-50 PAK-FA Prototype

Click to enlarge - Best close up photos I have seen yet

Paul Beckwith at Radio Ecoshock

Paul Beckwith was recently interviewed by Ecoshock Radio, for a show that will go live to over 50 radio stations on three continents from Tuesday December 18 onward. Paul speaks about Arctic albedo collapse and our "new" climate, and more.

Click on the player below to hear the audio:



As said, the show won't air until Tuesday December 18, 2012, but an mp3 file for the earlier part of the show is already available at Radio Ecoshock.

Guidebook: World Air Forces 2013 LINK

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Saab Wins RBS15 Mk3 Order

Defense and security company Saab has received an order from its German partner DBD for the Surface-to-Surface Missile RBS15 Mk3.

The order value is SEK 615 million. Deliveries will take place during the period 2014 to 2016.

“This is a historically large order and one of importance for us in our long-term cooperation with DBD. It also creates new opportunities to further develop the system in close cooperation with them.  RBS15 Mk3 is one of the most competitive products in this segment available on the market today, and we continue to extend our market share,” said Tomas Samuelsson, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Dynamics.

The RBS15 Mk3, jointly produced and marketed by Saab and DBD, is a heavy weight Surface-to-Surface Missile system with a range of more than 200 km and the added capability to combat land targets. The system has previously been sold to Germany, Poland and Sweden.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defense to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs. 

Indian Air Force's First Upgraded MiG-29s start arriving

JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (part of the United Aircraft Corporation) began to supply upgraded MiG-29 fighters to the Indian Air Force. The first three aircraft are delivered to India by An-124 transport aircraft. Modernization significantly extends the range of tasks performed by MiG-29. The upgraded aircraft, along with increased capability to fight air targets, acquire the ability to strike ground (surface) moving and stationary targets with precision weapons by day and night and in any weather conditions.

The maiden flight of the upgraded MiG-29UPG took place on February 4, 2011 at the airdrome of the Flight Research Institute named after M.M. Gromov. The contract provides repair and modification of aircraft for the purpose of extending the life up to 3,500 flight hours and service life - up to 40 years. Developments of the RAC MiG can significantly extend the life cycle of MiG-29, which was proven by the experience of modernization in a number of countries.