duotigahttp://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061113a_nr.html
Second Boeing EA-18G Growler Takes to the Air
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 13, 2006 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has flown the second EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft for the first time, and like the first aircraft, the flight took place ahead of schedule.
The second EA-18G, known as aircraft EA-2, successfully completed its maiden flight from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis on Nov. 10. With Boeing pilot Gregory Bigalk and weapons system operator Dana Perkins on board, the aircraft flew for 1.4 hours before returning safely to the airport. EA-2 is the second of two test aircraft built under a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract Boeing signed with the U.S. Navy on Dec. 29, 2003.
The aircraft will fly later this year to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., where it will join the first EA-18G, now undergoing electromagnetic testing in an anechoic chamber. EA-2 will be used primarily for avionics and AEA flight testing.
“Flying EA-2 ahead of schedule is another step in a promise we made in 2003 to deliver capability to our customer,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing EA-18G program manager. “Our team — the Navy, Boeing and our Hornet Industry partners — set out to develop a product that met every requirement, including cost and schedule, and we are doing that, every day.”
Four additional aircraft will be produced under modifications to the SDD contract and the F/A-18E/F Multi-Year II production contract. The first of those aircraft, designated G1, has begun assembly at Northrop Grumman Corporation facilities in El Segundo, Calif.
A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G’s highly flexible design enables warfighters to perform an array of AEA missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based fields. The EA-18G will replace the Navy’s current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The Growler will join the Navy’s aircraft fleet in 2008.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The Hornet Industry Team will divide EA-18G production across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon manufacturing facilities. The SDD program concludes with an Initial Operational Capability in 2009. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
duotigaLOCKHEED MARTIN, POLAND AIR FORCE CELEBRATE ARRIVAL OF MOST ADVANCED F-16 MULTIROLE FIGHTERS IN EUROPE
KRZESINY, Poland, November 9, 2006 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT], the Poland Air Force (PoAF), Polish Ministry of Defense (PMOD) and other Polish government officials celebrated the arrival of the first four new Advanced Block 52 F-16 multirole fighters at the Posnan-Krzesiny Airbase in Poland today. The aircraft are part of the Poland Peace Sky Foreign Military Sales program and are the most technologically advanced F-16s in Europe today.
Polish dignitaries attending the ceremony included Lech Kaczynski, president of the Republic of Poland; Radoslaw Sikorski, minister of national defense; Lt. Gen. Stanislaw Targosz, commander of the Poland Air Force; Gen. Franciszek Gągor, The Adjutant General; and other senior Polish officials. Representing the U.S. Government were Victor Ashe, U.S. ambassador to Poland and Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Force Europe Commander. Attending the ceremonies on behalf of Lockheed Martin were June Shrewsbury, vice-president of F-16 programs; Scott Harris, president for Continental Europe; Irma Sippel, director of the Poland F-16 program, along with the senior management team for Poland Peace Sky.
The Poland Peace Sky Program began in April 2003. Today’s in-country arrival ceremony commemorates the 48 F-16s that Lockheed Martin is producing for Poland. The aircraft joins a fleet of more than 4,300 F-16s operated by 24 air forces around the world.
“The state-of-the-art capabilities of the Poland F-16 contribute significantly to the modernization of our armed forces and will play a major role in the protection of our nation and our allies,” said Minister of National Defense Radoslaw Sikorski.
Lt. Gen. Targosz, commander of the Poland Air Force stated, “Acquiring the most technologically advanced F-16s in European NATO will allow us to train together, operate together, fly together and learn from one another. These F-16s enable us to carry out operations as NATO and allow the Poland Air Force to become a strong coalition partner.”
The F-16 for Poland includes enhanced capabilities, modern technologies and growth potential that will establish a foundation for the Poland Air Force in the 21st century. “We have been on or ahead of schedule in all key events,” said Lockheed Martin F-16 Vice President June Shrewsbury. “We will take every measure to ensure the Poland Air Force achieves and maintains the highest levels of capability and readiness while flying the F-16.”
The ceremony today also marked the naming of the Polish F-16s, a long-standing Polish tradition. Mrs. Kaczyńska, wife of President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski christened the new aircraft “Jastrząb” (“Hawk”).
The Poland Peace Sky program includes 36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds, all powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. The first four aircraft to arrive are three single-seat F-16C models and one two-seat F-16D model. The next four Polish F-16s are scheduled to arrive in December with the remainder of the PoAF fleet scheduled for delivery in 2007 and 2008.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fec&ci=18018&rsbci=0&fti=111&ti=0&sc=400
duotigaPolish F-16 “Jastrzab” (Hawk) finally arrive
ovember 9, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) – Poland has today offically taken delivery of its first four F-16s. Though the four planes landed safely at the Poznań-Krzesiny air base, Polish officials weren’t sure whether they would make it for the official ceremonies.
The planes had to turn around when they were over the Atlantic Ocean after a radar system malfunction was detected in one of them. A second attempt to fly the F-16s to Poland failed too. Two planes (#4043 and #4044) had to make unplanned stopovers in Keflavik, Iceland and Leuchars, Scotland due to an inflight refueling problem while the other two flew on to Spangdahlem AB, Germany (#4042 and #4077).
Following a long-standing Polish tradition Polish President Lech Kaczynski and the First Lady, christened the jets with the Polish code name “Jastrzab” (Hawk) during today’s official hand-over ceremony.
Other Polish dignitaries attending the ceremony Radoslaw Sikorski, minister of national defense; Lt. Gen. Stanislaw Targosz, commander of the Poland Air Force; Gen. Franciszek Gągor, The Adjutant General; and other senior Polish officials. Representing the U.S. Government were Victor Ashe, U.S. ambassador to Poland and Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Force Europe Commander.
Three military clergymen — one each for the Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christian and Protestant faiths — blessed one of the four planes before red and white balloons, matching Poland’s national colors, were released into the air.
“The state-of-the-art capabilities of the Poland F-16 contribute significantly to the modernization of our armed forces and will play a major role in the protection of our nation and our allies,” said Minister of National Defense Radoslaw Sikorski.
Lt. Gen. Targosz, commander of the Poland Air Force stated, “Acquiring the most technologically advanced F-16s in European NATO will allow us to train together, operate together, fly together and learn from one another. These F-16s enable us to carry out operations as NATO and allow the Poland Air Force to become a strong coalition partner.”
A total of eight F-16s are due to be delivered to Poland before the end of this year. They are part of a 48-aircraft (36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds) order by the Government of Poland.
duotigaIndian jets head to head with RSAF F-16s at SINDEX
November 8, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) – A joint Indo-Singapore air force exercise, codenamed “SINDEX” commenced today at Air Station Kalaikunda in India. This is the third such exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indian Air Force.
The exercise, which will run until November 30th, hopes to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries and to allow the air forces to learn from each other’s operational philosophy and tactics.
The IAF has fielded its MiG-27 and upgraded MiG-21 Bisons against the Singapore F-16s. The Indian Air Forcee had earlier used frontline jets like the Sukhoi 30, Mirage 2000 and other fighters against F-16s — the mainstay of Pakistan’s fighter fleet — during earlier exercises with the US Air Force, Thai Air Force and Singapore Air Force.
The for example United States deployed 12 F-16 CJs from Misawa and Kadena to Kalaikunda Air Base for the Cope India exercise in November last year.
“The tactics being fine-tuned by the two air forces are dissimilar air combat, air defence and ground support,” an IAF spokesman declared.
Besides the pilots, fighter controllers, air traffic controllers and radar system operators of both the air forces will participate in the exercise. A host of other support staff will also be involved in managing engineering, logistics and administrative issues.
Air Force Station Kalaikunda in Kharagpur, West Bengal, came into existence during the Second World War as a forward airfield. This base has played a vital role in all the wars fought by India. It has recently been upgraded and at present, it is one of the major IAF air bases for hosting international air exercises.
The inaugural bilateral exercise between the RSAF and the IAF, SINDEX 04, was held in October 04 at Gwalior Air Force Station. The RSAF participated with six F-16C/Ds supported by 2 tankers and 1 transport plane whereas India operated the Sukhoi-30, MiG-27 and Mirage 2000 aircraft. The second exercise ran from 03 to 20 January in which eight RSAF F-16s participated.
duotigawow…Gripen is getting more and more international…..
duotigaFirst two Polish F-16 arrive in Poland
November 6, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) – Tomorrow is the begining of new era in Polish Air Force as the first two Polish F-16 are expected to arrive at Poznań-Krzesiny, the 31st air base.
On Thursday November 9th, another two aircraft will arrive. On that day the official ceremony will take place.
The aircraft join a fleet of more than 4,300 F-16s operated by 24 air forces around the world.
A total of eight F-16s are due to be delivered to Poland before the end of this year. They are part of a 48-aircraft (36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds) order by the Government of Poland.
There will be three squadrons:
3 ELT “Poznan” – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
6 ELT – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
10 ELT – based at Lask
The first Polish F-16 (#4040) took the sky for its maiden flight on March 14, 2006.
On Thursday November 9th, another two aircraft will arrive. On that day the official ceremony will take place.
The aircraft join a fleet of more than 4,300 F-16s operated by 24 air forces around the world.
A total of eight F-16s are due to be delivered to Poland before the end of this year. They are part of a 48-aircraft (36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds) order by the Government of Poland.
There will be three squadrons:
3 ELT “Poznan” – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
6 ELT – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
10 ELT – based at Lask
The first Polish F-16 (#4040) took the sky for its maiden flight on March 14, 2006.
On Thursday November 9th, another two aircraft will arrive. On that day the official ceremony will take place.
The aircraft join a fleet of more than 4,300 F-16s operated by 24 air forces around the world.
A total of eight F-16s are due to be delivered to Poland before the end of this year. They are part of a 48-aircraft (36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds) order by the Government of Poland.
There will be three squadrons:
3 ELT “Poznan” – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
6 ELT – based at Poznań-Krzesiny
10 ELT – based at Lask
The first Polish F-16 (#4040) took the sky for its maiden flight on March 14, 2006.
duotigahttp://www.f-16.net/news_article2040.html
F-117 Nighthawk to be replaced by the F-22A Raptor
November 4, 2006 (by SSgt Matthew Bates) – After 25 years of storied service, the F-117, the US Air Force’s first stealth fighter, is about to retire and will now gradually be replaced by the F-22A Raptor.
The main difference between the F-117 and the F-22 is that with the new fighter plane can do both drop bombs and engage in air attacks. The F-117 is only effective for ground attacks.
The technology that once made the F-117A Nighthawk unique has now caught up to it, and newer fighter aircraft are joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a fact anyone who has spent time around the aircraft is quick to point out.
Many of these people gathered at Holloman Air Force Base Oct. 29 to commemorate 25 years of Nighthawk history at the Silver Stealth ceremony. Members of the F-117 community, past and present, were on hand to pay homage to the aircraft’s illustrious history, a history that contains as many secrets as it does legends.
Part of the Air Force’s arsenal since 1981, the Nighthawk was the stuff of science fiction. It could fly across enemy skies and through the world’s most advanced radar systems without being detected. This capability allowed the aircraft to perform reconnaissance missions and bomb critical targets, all without the enemy knowing who or what had hit them.
“This is a strategic weapon that really reshaped how the Air Force looked at strategic warfare,” said Lt. Col. Chris Knehans, commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron. “It doesn’t matter what defenses you put up, how deep you try to hide or how much you surround yourself with collateral damage, this airplane will come and get you.”
This fact has made the Nighthawk a vital part of the Air Force’s various campaigns since the aircraft’s introduction. It has seen service in Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia as part of such operations as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Just Cause, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
For those who either fly or provide support to the Nighthawk, the aircraft has been a faithful one. Knowing it is now in its last days is bittersweet for many of them.
“From a pragmatic point of view, we all understand why it’s leaving,” Knehans said. “I mean it’s a 30-year-old concept now. But when you look at its history, its design and its combat record … yeah, the Air Force is going to lose basically a very unique weapon system.”
For Master Sgt. Byron Osborn, who has worked on the F-117 for almost 19 years, the emotions are clearer.
“For old-timers like me, it’s a sad day,” he said. “A lot of the younger guys like the new, flashier aircraft, but I’ll stick with this old dog any day.”
The Air Force is saying goodbye to the F-117, but not to the effect it has had on modern warfare. Its successor, the F-22 Raptor, will continue the fight the Nighthawk started, which, according to retired Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, one of the first F-117 pilots, is a hard job to fill.
“Whenever its nation called, the F-117 answered, providing capabilities that had never been known before,” he said. “If we needed the door kicked in, the stealth was the one to do it. Never before had such an aircraft existed.”
Modern technology may have caught up with the F-117 and new aircraft may be set to take its place on the tarmac, but for those who have been part of its storied history, none will ever be able to replace it.
Courtesy of Air Force Print News
duotigamy prediction is correct 🙂
duotigayes!!! finally my prediction come true 😀
duotigaThanks for the Update! 🙂
duotigaF-16XL added with carnards and enlarged spine would be perfect 😀
duotigaWhere would the CFT be put at??
i can only see IFF and bigger engines/intakes here……
duotigaI think most probably will be dark grey tone……like the current F-5S/T and F-16C/D tone…
duotigaF-16 and F-5
duotiganah, DA1 is the looker. Don’t like the black one because it is so damn glossy..
well…it can compete with VX-9 F-14D in term of Glossyness 😀
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