RMAF Seeking Drones, Aircraft and Radars

06 Desember 2019

One of canditates for MPA is Leonardo ATR 72 (photo : Italian Navy)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is diligently pursuing the acquisition of three major assets to bolster its maritime surveillance capabilities.

Newly-appointed RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad said the assets comprised unmanned aircraft systems, maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and ground-based radars.

“These are vital elements to shore up the air force which needs such requirements to meet the challenges ahead.

“We are in the process of procuring the assets in due course under our ‘Capability Development 2055’ or ‘CAP 55’ programme (transformation plan on new procurement, enhancement and upgrading of assets by the year 2055),” he said in his maiden media briefing as the 19th RMAF chief at the RMAF Subang base near here.

Ackbal, who turns 58 on Sept 4, succeeded General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, who was appointed the new armed forces chief on Thursday.

One of canditates for MALE UAV is General Atomic MQ-9B Sea Guardian (photo : Force India)

The RMAF was reportedly seeking up to four MPAs, six medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and several ground-based radars.

Among the MPAs the RMAF was believed to be considering were France’s Airbus C-295, the ATR 72 from Italy’s Leonardo, the United States’ Boeing P-8A Poseidon, Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 and CN-235 from Indonesian Aerospace.

The MALE UAV contenders appeared to be from China’s Wing Loong II from AVIC, the US’ General Atomics MQ-9 Guardian, Turkish Aerospace’s Anka and Falco from Leonardo.

It was also reported that the US would be furnishing Malaysia with 12 ScanEagle drones by 2022 through a maritime security initiative to boost the country’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

It is learnt that the RMAF was also trying to procure Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), multi-role combat aircraft and ground-based missiles to replace its ageing assets.

One of canditates for ground-based radar is Lockheed Martin AN/TPS77 (photo : radar tutorial)

These would ensure it stays relevant by shaping its war-fighting capabilities to deter and contain threats.

Earlier, Affendi took the salute as the outgoing RMAF chief during a parade in his honour.

He later presented Ackbal, who was previously RMAF deputy chief, with the rank of lieutenant-general, his promotional “four-star” rank and the baton of command.

Affendi said the appointment of Ackbal and the impending appointment of RMAF education and training commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan were most appropriate for the country’s air force, given their experience and service records.

Affendi, along with Ackbal and Asghar, are trained jet fighter pilots.

(NST)

Myanmar Showed ATR-42 MPA after Upgraded

17 Desember 2019

ATR-42 MPA of the Myanmar AIr Force after upgraded (photo : MMMlitary)

In 2017, Myanmar revealed 2 upgraded ATR-42 MPAs which were well received since long time ago.

Here is an inside view of Myanmar Airforce's MPA enpowered by the state-of-art AESA radar.

(Myanmar and Asean Military Updates)

RAAF Receives Twelfth P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

14 Desember 2019

Twelfth P-8A Poseidon of the RAAF (photo : Aus DoD)

Australia’s newest maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, has arrived at its new home, RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the cutting edge anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft will enhance Australia’s maritime security.

“This is the twelfth Poseidon to join the fleet, since the first arrived in Canberra on 16 November 2016,” Minister Reynolds said.

P-8A Poseidon incorporates the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities, providing the Government with enhanced flexibility to support multiple operations.

“The aircraft can be refuelled while flying by tanker aircraft such as Australia’s KC-30A, making it possible to patrol Australia’s isolated Southern Ocean territories.

“The P-8A is already providing significant operational support to Australia, including a recent mission to the Middle East Region on Operation MANITOU as part of the International Maritime Security Construct.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the Government was investing heavily in South Australia to support P-8A operations.

“The Morrison Government is investing $470 million to deliver new and upgraded facilities and significant airfield works at RAAF Base Edinburgh to support the introduction of the P-8A aircraft,” Minister Price said.

“This has provided a boost to Defence Industry and created more than 120 jobs for South Australians.”

The P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are replacing the AP-3C Orion aircraft.

(Aus DoD)

Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) Ready to Offer CN235 MPA to the Royal Thai Navy

05 Desember 2019

CN235 MPA for Royal Thai Navy (all photos : TAF)

According to the policy of the Naval Commander, Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Project to replace the two long-used and remaining F-27 Mk 200 models, plans to restart in fiscal year 2021 after the canceled earlier.

The CN235 MPA model that IAe exhibited at the Defense and Security 2019 event was modified from the CN235-220 transporter (with winglet) with a ground floor underwater radar. Target tracking system under the head, ESM system above the cockpit, alerts and drop target system to protect yourself from being hit by a rocket, and equipped with 2 sets of observation windows. 

For the weapon system, there are 2 weapon points under each wing and 2 weapons on each side of the body. The weapons equipped with 4 light torpedoes, 2 mines, 2 sets of 7 rocket launchers (which choose 2.75 inch rockets, can be guided by choosing an optonics with a laser target). In addition, the left side of the body still attached to the machine gun from the side door which should be a 30 mm gun, with what is missing is the MAD system at the tail (there is a socket but not attached).

From the mounted weapons set if the navy chooses to do all of this, besides using the CN235-220 MPA in the submarine warfare mission and anti surface ships, aircraft could  be used in a mission to support land forces (as gunship).

The CN235-220 MPA has a Hi-Lo-Hi operating time of 11 hours and 20 minutes, 100 miles from the base of the sea, flying patrolling at 2,000 feet for 10 hours and 10 minutes, flying back and forth at a height of 10,000 feet, and has reserve to fly, wait another 45 minutes

Can choose to install anti-surface missiles such as Harpoon or Exocet.

(TAF)

Ōhakea Air Base to Home Four P-8A Aircraft, Infrastructure Upgrade Begins

03 Desember 2019

P-8 Poseidon aircraft (image : NZ MoD)

Upgrades at Ōhakea air base are under way as it prepares to home four maritime surveillance aircraft. 

Groundwork will begin before Christmas and Defence Minister Ron Mark was at the base on Friday for a brief ground blessing ceremony.

The Government announced last year in July it would buy four Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, along with two flight training simulators, at a cost of $2.34 billion. The project requires a revamp at Ōhakea, with two hangars, an operations centre, warehousing, and training and maintenance facilities planned.

The four aircraft are armed with torpedoes, harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and are able to drop and monitor sonobuoys.

The fleet will monitor the marine environment, hunt for drug smugglers and illegal whalers, respond to natural disasters, and help with search and rescue missions. It will also monitor North Korea's agreement to maintain peace.

Closer to home, the existing fleet had responded to the Kaikoura earthquake.

Mark said the first phase, which costs $64.5 million, consists of new roads constructed at the base and installation of power, lighting and drainage. Aircraft parking facilities and washdown areas will also be built. 

Construction of the buildings will begin next year and should be finished in 2022.

Mark said the arrival of the Poseidons and No 5 Squadron, which will operate the planes, from Whenuapai in Auckland would have a big influence on the region. 

A crew of trainers from New Zealand will be sent to Jacksonville, Florida, for 2½ years to learn how to fly the new aircraft and other pilots will go over in 2022 for transition courses. 

"We have a responsibility to prepare the future for these service people and the ones that come after them," Mark said of the Government's decision to buy the fleet.

"Basing the P-8A fleet at Ōhakea will be a boost for the economy and vitality of Manawatū. The works I am starting today will feed into the region in the form of engagement of local services, manufacturing, equipment and materials industries.

"At its peak, the construction project will be employing around 300 people, many of whom will be recruited from the local area."

Chief of air force Andrew Clark said the Poseidons would replace an aging fleet of P-3K2 Orions and increase New Zealand's ability to contribute in an increasingly tense security environment. 

"It is a challenging and exciting time to be part of the air force. There's much for us to do in the next three years." 

The fleet would bring about 200 families to Manawatū, which Clark said was one of the best places in New Zealand. "But I went to Palmerston North Boys' High School, so I might be biased." 

(Stuff)