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Aviation History
1982
1982 - 1927.PDF
DEFENCE Greek fighter marathon nears end ATHENS Greece is in the final stages of its new fighter competi tion, and is expected to an nounce a winner by the end of October. Competing for the 100-aircraft order are the Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000, General Dynamics F-16, McDonnell Douglas F-18A, Northrop F-18L, and Panavia Tornado. Options for a fur ther 30 fighters are antici pated. Local reports place the F-18L and Tornado Air Defence Variant (ADV) ahead of the field on tech nical merit. The Hellenic Air Force has evaluated both interceptor and strike ver sions of the Tornado, and a radar modification has been proposed for the ADV to give it secondary ground- attack capability. The Air Force comments favourably on the opera tional capabilities of the F-18A, but wants to avoid the possibility of a US arms embargo should Greek terri torial disputes with Turkey flare up. The US Government favours the F-16, as the air craft could then be supplied to Turkey, which cannot afford the more expensive F-18, to maintain the local military balance. Final negotiations have liilifiilll Sikorsky's MH-53E Super Stallion minesweeping prototype is now flying with enlarged fuel- carrying undercarriage sponsons begun. A special committee has been formed comprising high-ranking Hellenic Air Force officers, Government representatives, financial specialists from the Bank of Greece, and aviation experts from Hellenic Aerospace In dustries. Greece is looking for co-production and a large degree of technology trans fer. The best financial and off set terms are thought to accompany the Mirage 2000, with the Tornado next, just ahead of the F-16. • The Hellenic Air Force has received 14 replies to its request for proposals on a basic trainer to replace the T-41s, T-37s, and T-33s now Spigot found in Lebanon BEIRUT Israeli forces in Lebanon have found an example of the Soviet AT-4 Spigot wire- guided anti-tank missile. The weapon apparently was aban doned at Bhamdoun by Syrian forces withdrawing along the Beirut to Damascus road. It was previously be lieved that Spigot was only in service with Warsaw Pact countries. Israeli forces re port that the weapon's tech nology is about eight years behind Western missiles. The Twin Otter MR (maritime reconnaissance) with chin-mounted search radar is one of three new military variants. Armed versions have four underwing hardpoints MEXICO The first of 13 Northrop F-5E/Fs will arrive in Mexico next month. Mexican Air Force pilots are currently in the USA receiving training. The F-5s will be delivered in two batches, seven in August and six in November. MALAYSIA Northrop is to sell Malaysia a further 16 F-5E/Fs, worth $260 million. The nation already operates 13 F-5Es, four two-seat F-5Fs, and two reconnaissance RF-5Es. The new batch will comprise 14 F-5Es and two F-5Fs. The additional aircraft will com pensate for Australia's deci sion to withdraw Butter- worth-based Mirage Ills. NIGERIA Dornier hopes to sell Nigeria a second batch of 12 Franco- German Alpha Jet trainers. The initial sale of 12 aircraft, the first Alpha Jet export deal to be handled by the German partner, was worth Dm200 million ($80 million) including support. Dornier shares Alpha Jet production with Dassault-Breguet. CANADA De Havilland Canada has an nounced new military ver sions of the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The Series 300M is available in miaritime-patrol, light armed support, and multipurpose variants. FLIGHT International, 31 July 1982 243
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