Well I wish them the best of luck, it is definitely an achievement. If the other Latin/Mercosur countries are smart, they should all come together with this project and have their own regional helicopter. The Latin American industries have a lot of potential given the chance and the ability to unite.

—–JT—–

Of course, as stated above, it could be a concept testbed. Below is an example of a concept testbed and the final product. I’m not saying it will follow this design path through to a heavy attack helicopter, but that this is a first stab and might see some growth. Also, as mentioned, it is basically indigenous apart from the engine. It is better to employ locals first!!

Exactly…they may even make a light CH-14 to replace the MD-500 and light helicopters used by Argentina, and a heavier CH-14 to become more of a dedicated attack helicopter. If you think about it, Argentina would not even need a very heavy attack helicopter (like an Apache or Tigre). A lighter one, almost like an in between the attack MD500 and Cobra, would probably be better for it’s needs (maybe even start a new category of medium weight attack helicopters).

—–JT—–

this one is likely to die soon

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/01/205_18011.html

What a shame if this happens. The mock-ups looked interesting and it would have been nice to have another stealthy aircraft for the world to choose. According to the article, the F-35 will probably take the lead if the KFX program is stopped.

—–JT—–

These two look interesting as what-ifs

Hmm…now I see where Stavatti got their inspiration for their Stalma F-26.

—–JT—–

There are many light mounts for MANPADs that can be mounted on light vehicles. I personally think this is the best way to use a weapon like Starstreak. A stabilised magnified optic with a computerised autotracker would be the best option to minimalise all its weaknesses and maximise its strengths.
Of course if you only use it with a light vehicle then a slightly heavier missile with more range might be more useful… perhaps a booster stage to extend range, but then weather conditions might restrict use.

Isn’t there talk of an upgraded Starstreak? Maybe this is a heavier version more specifically made for a mounted role?

I agree, once the “man portable” weight restrictions are removed from a very light missile, it can be tweaked enough to enhance the range and capabilities. I would put my money on the soon to be released LFK NG.

http://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda/site/FO/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?lang=EN&noeu_id=188

—–JT—–

Following a deadly accident last 1st of May, the entire M III fleet of the argie Af has been grounded, till further inquiries are concluded.

The aircraft was performing a demosntration flight , and apparently one of the supersonic underwing fuel tanks jettisoned for no reason, the plane turned over and crashed into a nearby field. The pilot died in the crash.

Much speculation has been made since, as the day of the crash was somewhat cloudy, and spatial disorientation has been called to blame for the crash, as it was said that the pilot should have been able to control the plane despite loosing one underwing tank.

No official accident report is out yet, nor is there any estimate when the M III fleet will be flying again. AFAIK Dagger´s and M-5 P´s (Maras) are operative.

Will keep you posted,

King Jester

PS: Christian V., vos por ahi sabes algo más del tema?

Maybe this is the wake up call Argentina needed to get serious about finally replacing their obsolete aircraft. It gets to the point that just keeping these machines flying costs a bundle with maintenance and repairs! Plus let’s be realistic, how long would they last against even a 4th Gen aircraft (not to mention even newer generation aircraft)!

—–JT—–

There are new news about PAK-FA

MOSCOW, December 12 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s defense industry has started the construction of a prototype of a fifth-generation combat aircraft, the Air Force commander said Wednesday.

A Russian-Indian advanced multirole fighter is being developed by Sukhoi, which is part of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October.

“At present, we have prepared detailed work design documentation for the fifth-generation aircraft,” Colonel General Alexander Zelin said. “The documentation has been passed to the manufacturer and it has begun the construction of the prototype.”

The new fighter aircraft, which will feature high maneuverability and stealth to ensure air superiority and precision in destroying ground and sea targets, will be built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft-manufacturing plant in Russia’s Far East.

Flight tests of the fifth-generation fighter will begin as early as 2009 and mass production of the aircraft may start by 2015, the Sukhoi aircraft maker earlier said.

I hope we can see it at the nearest time.

I guess I’m not too clear, is the Russian and Indian PAK-FA pretty much the same thing or will there be a Russian design and a different Indian design? I understand that the Indian version may use different weapons and electronics but will the design also be different than the Russian one?

—–JT—–

This is an unrealistic scenario, I doubt Argentina would make this mistake twice. To even consider such an option, Argentina would need to do some major equipment purchases to almost upgrade their entire armed forces! We’re talking tens of billions of dollars…money that Argentina could certainly much better use for more urgent internal needs.

A more interesting scenario would be if Spain decides to retake Gibraltar using military force, now that would be one heck of a fight.

—–JT—–