Novel nuclear and solar space propulsion concepts could receive long-awaited development opportunities as part of NASA’s evolving exploration road map.
The Tornado is a two-seat multirole strike and air combat fighter that first flew in 1974. All Tornado versions are powered by two Turbo-Union RB199 afterburning turbofan engines. Production was completed in 1998, with 992 aircraft built.
European industry leaders say the time may be ripe to launch major missile defense efforts, with a particular eye on fielding systems capable of engaging intermediate-range threats.
The Fuji T-7, also known as the T-3 Kai or the KM-2F, is a two-seat basic/primary trainer derived from Fuji’s piston-engined T-3. It is distinct in that it is powered by a 450-shp. Rolls-Royce 250-B17F turboprop engine. First flight of a prototype, converted from an existing T-3, occurred in 1998. In 2000, the T-7 was selected over the Pilatus PC-7 as the new primary trainer for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. T-7 deliveries began in 2002, with 49 produced through 2008, when the final aircraft was delivered for the Japanese requirement.
The Su-27/30/35 series comprises a family of twin-engine, single- and two-seat fighter/interceptor aircraft. Besides the Su-27 itself, other models in the series include the Su-30M multirole combat aircraft, Su-32 fighter/bomber, Su-33 carrier-based naval aircraft and Su-35 fighter. Development of the Su-27 began in 1969 and a prototype made its initial flight in 1977. Power for the Su-27 comes from two Saturn/Lyulka AL-31F turbofan engines that produce 27,557 lb. thrust each, with afterburning.
This twin-engine, tandem-seat combat support helicopter was initially developed with assistance by the South African Air Force (SAAF); Denel Aircraft continued subsequent development with in-house funds. Two prototype/demonstrator aircraft, one pre-production aircraft and 12 production-standard aircraft (for the SAAF) were produced through 2004. Production Rooivalks are powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshaft engines (1,843 lb. thrust each). Armament includes a Kentron GA-1 20-mm. cannon mounted in a steerable chin turret.
The Kawasaki OH-1 is a tandem-seat, twin-engine, armed scout helicopter developed for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. The aircraft is powered by a pair of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries TS1-M-10 turboshaft engines, rated at 885 shp. each. First flight of an OH-1 prototype occurred in August 1996; 30 aircraft were built through 2009 and another 19 are expected to be built in 2010-19. Japanese law prevents the OH-1 from being exported.
The single-engine Bell 206 is used in military roles such as flight training, forward observation/scout, light attack, liaison, and search and rescue. More than 439 Bell 206 series military/paramilitary-configured helicopters are operated worldwide, but no additional production specifically for military application is anticipated. Bell delivered the final 206B-3 in early 2010, though production of the 206L-4 variant will continue. Through 2009, 7,148 Bell 206 helicopters were produced, and 163 more are forecast to be built through 2019.
Foreign and domestic suppliers have pinpointed niche areas where they may be able to secure new deals in South Africa, even if budget realities temper major defense procurement efforts here in the near future.
The E-2 Hawkeye is an aircraft carrier-capable, airborne early warning and control aircraft. The most recent production version of the E-2 is the E-2C; those produced after 1987 are powered by two Rolls-Royce T56-A-427 single-shaft, axial-flow turboprops (5,250 shp. each). The E-2 first flew in 1960 and has continued in operation and production, with Northrop Grumman currently testing the new E-2D variant. Through 2009, a total of 227 E-2s were produced,and the final E-2C was delivered that year. Another 50 E-2Ds are expected to be built in 2010-19.
The F-16 fighter was initially produced by General Dynamics, which was later acquired by Lockheed Martin; the first prototype flew in 1974. Lockheed Martin continues to produce the aircraft, which has also been built under license by a number of companies. The F-16A, F-16C and F-16E are single-seat fighters, while the F-16B, F-16D and F-16F are tandem-seat, combat-capable trainer versions.
All Nippon Airways says it will swap 15 of its current order of 55 standard-sized Boeing 787-8s for the stretched 787-9 version and indicates it will fly both models with high-density seating for domestic routes. “The model will meet the increasing need for 400-seat-capacity aircraft for domestic routes,” the airline says.
First flight of the Mirage 2000 occurred in 1978, with production running through 2007. Early aircraft of the type were powered by a Snecma M53-5 augmented turbofan (19,840 lb. thrust), while later aircraft were fitted with an M53-P2 augmented turbofan (21,385 lb. thrust). While in production, single-seat interceptor and two-seat nuclear strike fighter variants were available. Approximately 607 Mirage 2000s were produced and no more are anticipated.
The Sikorsky CH-53 and MH-53 are three-engine, heavy-lift transport and special-purpose helicopters. Initially developed out of twin-turboshaft models, power for the current CH-53E and MH-53E models is provided by three General Electric T64-GE-416 or -419 turboshaft engines rated at 4,380 shp. and 4,750 shp., respectively. Through final delivery in 1999, Sikorsky produced 177 CH-53Es, 48 MH-53Es and 11 S-80s (export version of the H-53).
Lawmakers may have passed new authorization for NASA, but they still have to back it up with annual appropriations for Fiscal 2011 and every year thereafter. And if past is prologue, the muddied compromise—which moves toward commercial human spaceflight to the space station but continues some elements of the government’s Constellation program—will not fare well in being fully funded by Congress.
The E-3, E-6 and E-8 series are a family of special-purpose military aircraft based on the Boeing 707. The E-3 AWACS, the E-6 and the E-8 are out of production, with Boeing now promoting a 767-based AWACS aircraft over the E-3. The E-3—with production aircraft powered by either four Pratt & Whitney TF33 or four CFM International CFM56-2 turbofan engines—made its first flight in February 1972. First flight of the E-6A Tacamo II communications platform, which uses four F108-CF-100 (CFM56-2A-2) turbofans, took place in 1987.
Scott Davis, CEO of UPS, has been appointed chairman of the Export Promotion and Advocacy Subcommittee of the President’s Export Council . The panel is expected to focus on U.S. government promotional activities such as commercial advocacy, export finance and export promotions. United Airlines Chairman/CEO Glenn Tilton has been named to the Global Competitiveness and Trade Promotion and Advocacy subcommittees. He also is chairman of the Air Transport Association and a member of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s Future of Aviation Advisory Committee.
The U.S. Navy expects delivery of the last Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 2015. The service issued Boeing a $5.3-billion multi-year procurement contract for 46 F/A-18Es, 20 Fs and 58 E/A-18Gs.
USMC Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling has been named deputy commandant for Aviation at USMC Headquarters. He was commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force/commander of Marine Corps Bases Japan/commander, Marine Forces Japan in Okinawa.
Harvey Berger (see photo) has received the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ (AIAA) Aerospace Communications Award for contributions to satellite communications link technology. Berger, a technical fellow for Northrop Grumman Corp. Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, Calif., was cited for contributions through analysis, design, consultation and mentoring to the satellite communications links developed by Northrop Grumman.
Commonly used in search-and-rescue and offshore duties, the AW139, a twin-engine, 15-passenger civil/commercial helicopter, is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines rated at 1,679 shp. each at takeoff. Originally named the AB139 when the AW139 was a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Bell, the name changed when Bell withdrew from the program. The AW149 is a slightly larger military transport variant powered by two 2,000-shp.-class GE CT7-2E1 engines. An AW149 prototype completed its maiden flight on Nov. 13, 2009.
The AS555 utility helicopter is a military version of the AS355 powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 1A turboshaft engines. Military applications include forward observation, light attack, reconnaissance, naval search and rescue, light anti-shipping and anti-submarine warfare. Some 773 AS355/555s were built through 2009. Though it is currently not possible to rule out further production, Eurocopter appears to have moved away from the model, with the last known produced in 2004.
The Pentagon has spelled out details of its proposal to Sweden for a new transport helicopter in a competition pitting the Sikorsky UH-60M against the Eurocopter EC725. Sweden is looking to quickly field 15 new helicopters with deliveries by April 2013.
Thai Airways International plans to go on a renewed aircraft buying spree now that it is has secured much-needed capital. The national carrier’s objective—to raise 15 billion baht ($490 million) through the issuance of new shares—will be achieved, because the share sale is already oversubscribed, says Thai’s vice president of investor relations, Raj Tanta-nanta. The new shares will start trading this month and some monies will be used for pre-delivery payments (PDP) on aircraft.
