USN wants to transition 6 F/A-18C squadrons to F/A-18E at Oceana

USN wants to transition 6 F/A-18C squadrons to F/A-18E at Oceana

The U.S. Navy is about to embark on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for transitioning six F/A-18C squadrons at NAS Oceana to the F/A-18E.

By U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Matthew J. Thomas. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

If implemented, the transition will start from 2018.

Source: USN wants to transition 6 F/A-18C squadrons to F/A-18E at Oceana

Russian, Western sources say Pantsir-S1 on way to Syria

Russian, Western sources say Pantsir-S1 on way to Syria

Western officials and a Russian source said a Pantsir-S1 air defense system is on the way to Syria.

By Leonidl (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

The entire system has yet to arrive but U.S. officials believe some control system components have been deployed at an airfield near Latakia.

Source: Russian, Western sources say Pantsir-S1 on way to Syria

South African Air Force has 4 student pilots undergoing training in Cuba

South African Air Force has 4 student pilots undergoing training in Cuba

South African Department of Defense head of communications, Siphiwe Dlamini, confirmed this week that 24 personnel from the SAAF are undergoing training in Cuba.

By Leo za1 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: South African Air Force has 4 student pilots undergoing training in Cuba

USAF offers $5.1 million for 400 acres of land in Area 51

USAF offers .1 million for 400 acres of land in Area 51

The U.S. government has made its final offer of $5.1 million for 400 acres of land in Area 51 to a family.

By USAF (Senior Airman Matthew Lancaster) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The offer expired at 3p.m. yesterday, and if the 20 co-owners of the property failed to take up the offer, the government will seize the land.

Source: USAF offers .1 million for 400 acres of land in Area 51

For the second time in 3 months, USMC RQ-7 ended up in Neuse River

For the second time in 3 months, USMC RQ-7 ended up in Neuse River

VMU-2 was forced to ditch its RQ-7 unmanned aerial vehicle in the Neuse River on Sept. 10. This was the second time a RQ-7 had to be ditch there in three months.

By English: Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The aircraft was recovered at approximately 4 p.m., however, during the first incident on Jun. 24. The UAV was never found.

Source: For the second time in 3 months, USMC RQ-7 ended up in Neuse River

Lockheed Martin introduces EOTS for F-35 Block 4

Lockheed Martin introduces EOTS for F-35 Block 4

Lockheed Martin is offering the Advanced Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) starting from the F-35 Block 4 onward.

By Cpl. Anne Henry (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1957712) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

New capabilities are: short-wave infrared, high-definition television, an infrared marker and improved image detector resolution. It will fit into existing EOTS housing with minimal changes.

Source: Lockheed Martin introduces EOTS for F-35 Block 4

Taiwan’s new tactical air defense radar in its operational environment

Taiwan’s new tactical air defense radar in its operational environment

The media covering the latest iteration of Han Kwang exercise in Taiwan was able to see the new Bee Eye tactical air defense radar in its operational environment.

Hroung Tsicheng

The unit was deployed along with two Avenger anti-aircraft missile units.

Source: Taiwan’s new tactical air defense radar in its operational environment