That way we can get to hear from GarryB … Now that is someone who is missed !!

Hear hear!

Kamov and Russian Helicopters only mention the ’62 as a civilian helicopter (and needless to say Atlas Táxi Aéreo are getting civie birds) but if its true the RuAF and Navy are also interested does this mean there is a machine with Russian engines in the works too?

EDIT: If there is a military version in the works (with or without domestic engines), what will this new version be called? Would it be too logical to call it a Ka-60 – perhaps with a fun suffix to show that it’s a newer more modern version, like Ka-60M.

Interesting article from DefenceWeb:

Russia wants naval base in the Seychelles, Cuba or Vietnam

From RIA Novosti:

Irkut plans Yak-130 sensor upgrade

But on a more important note, when are we going to see a reasonable nickname for the ‘130? Doesn’t have to be an ASCC reporting name or anything, just something a bit better than “Yak-130”.

My humble suggestion, “Yakizzo” from how Yak130 looks if you pretend its written using a combo of cyrillic and latin scripts.

EDIT: ******! Should always remember to check my facts before posting – t’interweb tells me that the ASCC have assigned the “MITTEN” as the reporting name for the ‘130… so we can call off the search for a decent nickname.

One must wonder, if they are aiming high enough..

Must one?

The PAK-DA programme has already been around for quite some time and associated technology is already in development (I refer here to construction techniques, steath technology, on-board computing systems and avionics, sensors etc etc. ad nauseum).

What’s more, I’m sure the time when the design bureaus would have feverishily dusted off concept designs was a few years ago – they will have progressed beyond that stage now.

Engines are, of course, the key component – but my opinion is that eight years should be plenty of time. Unless they really are starting from scratch, right this minute.

What I’m more concerned about is that the concept should be properly worked out so that the RuAF gets a proper bomber to replace the Bear (and, in time, the Blackjack) and not some medium range Su-34 on steroids.

Here’s some interesting news from Reuters:

China starts ‘combat ready’ patrols in disputed waters

Its been a long time coming but China finally seems ready to flash a bit of military muscle over the Spratleys. Vietnam don’t look to be doing too much backing down either.

Serbian B92.net online news service reports that:

Rosonboronexport offers MiG-29M/M2 to Serbia

(news is in Serbian but more or less readable in google.translate)