Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is finalizing plans to acquire an off-road vehicle that can be carried inside the V-22.
IKONOS, the satellite that help started Google Earth is retired
The World’s first commercial imaging satellite with a one-meter resolution was retired from service on Mar. 31.
Photo: Lockheed Martin
Source: Alert 5
A400M black box sent to U.S.
According to Reuters, Airbus Defence & Space had sent at least one of the black boxes on board the A400M that crashed to OEM L3 Communications for decoding.
By Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) (A400M – RIAT 2010Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The news comes as the aircraft manufacturer asked all operators to conduct a check on the engine’s Electronic Control Units (ECU) before the next flight.
Source: Alert 5
Russia could bring back Mi-14
The Russian Navy is reported to be keen to restart production of the Mi-14 anti-submarine helicopter.
By Pokazylotniczepl (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Kazan Helicopter Works is reported to be preparing to resume the production line.
Source: Alert 5
AC-130W pilots getting JHMCS II Helmet Mounted Display System
USSOCOM has decided to integrate the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) II on board the AC-130W.
By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cory D. Payne [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Elbit Systems of America will work on the integration contract over the next two years.
Source: Alert 5
A-10s arrived in Slovenia
Four USAF A-10 attack jets arrived at Sliač airport in Slovenia on May 18 for exercises with local soldiers.
They jets flew in from Romania and their next destination is Poland.
Source: Alert 5
United Technologies talking to potential buyers of Sikorsky Aircraft
The Wall Street Journal reported that the parent company of Sikorsky Aircraft, United Technologies, is talking to possible buyers of the helicopter maker.
By Andrés Ramírez (provided via email by author) [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Alert 5
Flight testing of Astra air-to-air missile affected by latest Su-30MKI crash
Flight testing of the Astra air-to-air missile has been delayed after the Su-30MKI fleet was grounded due to a crash on May 19.
By Asian Defence (Asian Defence) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The fighter had taken off from Tezpur airbase at 12.17 p.m. and the crew had to eject thirteen minutes later.
It was the sixth loss of the Su-30 fighter for India.
Source: Alert 5
MV-22Bs were on their way to rescue Jordanian F-16 pilot before his capture by ISIL
The U.S. Marine Corps revealed that MV-22Bs were airborne and on their way to rescue a Jordanian F-16 pilot that ejected over Syria last December.
By U.S. Federal Government employee (U.S. Federal Government) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Col. Jason Bohm told reporters during a briefing at the Pentagon that a system had been set up such that the Ospreys could reach any location where coalition aircraft were operating in the Middle East within 30 minutes.
Source: Alert 5
Israel seeks 29,350 JDAM and Paveway kits, 3,000 Hellfire missiles and 250 AIM-120Cs
The U.S. State Department has cleared a massive FMS to Israel for JDAM tail kits; Paveway kits, Hellfire missiles and AIM-120C missiles.
By U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Eric A. Clement. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The $1.879 billion sales package consists of the following items: 14,500 KMU-556C/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) tail kits consisting of 10,000 for Mk-84; 500 for Mk-83; and,4,000 for Mk-82; 3,500 Mk-82 bombs; 4,500 Mk-83 bombs; 50 BLU-113 bombs; 4,100 GBU-39 Small Diameter bombs; 1,500 Mk-83 Paveway kits; 700 BLU-109 Paveway kits; 3,000 AGM-114K/R Hellfire Missiles, 250 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles; and 500 DSU-38A/B Detector Laser Illuminated Target kits for JDAMs.
Source: Alert 5