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Aviation History
1988
1988 - 0338.PDF
DEFENCE Israel chooses Black Hawk TEL AVIV The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has decided to buy the Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter to replace its ageing Bell 212s. An initial order for between 20 and 30 Black Hawks is anticipated, although this will depend on what defence funds are avail able. The evaluation of the Black Hawk began in 1983, when one of the tactical transport helicopters was brought to Israel and demonstrated its capability in a series of flights. Since then Israeli pilots have flown the Black Hawks in the USA. The IAF also evaluated the McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache, but a decision to buy has not yet been made. Some Israeli experts claim that the Apache has an overcapability for the IAF. The price of this advanced attack helicopter is also a factor delaying a deci sion. Currently, the IAF operates 60 Bell 212s for transport and rescue missions, and 35 Bell AH-1 G/S Hueycobras and 35 McDonnell Douglas 500 MD Defenders in the attack role. US Army cannot afford V-22 WASHINGTON D.C. In a move which signals the refocusing of US Army priori ties, the service has decided not to purchase the Bell- Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor on grounds of affordability. Although funds had never been committed to the purchase, the US Army had plans to buy up to 231 MV- 22A Ospreys for rear-area transportation. The US Army stressed that it has never committed money to purchase the Osprey. Attention is now focused on Congress. From February 18 the US Army will present its proposals for future helicopter purchases. The Army is expected to request additional McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apaches and Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters. AMX sales push prepared TURIN AMX International, respon sible for marketing the Italian/Brazilian attack air craft, plans a major sales tour later this year. Argentina may be one of the countries to be visited. Aeritalia, Aermacchi, and Embraer, each with its own sales area, are drawing up plans for the AMX sales effort which will follow delivery of the first production aircraft to the Italian Air Force in June. AMX International sees a world market for some 300 aircraft in addition to the 286 already required by Italy and Brazil. Initially the two basic versions, Italy's and Brazil's, will be offered, but there are plans for a radar-equipped anti-ship version. Embraer believes there are several strong South Ameri can sales prospects, and the aircraft will be heavily promoted at the forthcoming Fida exhibition in Chile, although the aircraft itself will not be there. Officials admit that perhaps the strongest sales prospect is Argentina, a prob lem, given the aircraft's British engine. Alternatives to the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan are being studied, they confirm, but the AMX team hopes that a political settlement to the Falklands dispute will make re-engining unnecessary. AMX International says that the first two-seater will fly in June 1989, the same month that Brazil receives its first production AMX. The two air forces have identified a requirement for 65 two-seat aircraft—51 for Italy and 14 for Brazil. In addition to the anti-ship version, a night- attack AMX is being studied. Egypt bids to supply arms CAIRO President Mubarak of Egypt is proposing to develop an arms manufacturing industry to supply pro-Western Gulf states. The Egyptian leader hopes to enlist the backing of the United States for the plan, since the US has recently given Egypt the status of a major non-Nato ally in terms of access to arms technology. Mubarak has completed a tour of eight Arab countries which have recently restored diplomatic relations with Cairo. The Egyptian presi dent hopes that the plan to develop an arms industry will boost Gulf security and estab lish Egypt as the dominant Arab power. MDC gets training contract BEDFORD ~~ The US Air Force has awarded McDonnell Douglas two five-year contracts for training McDonnell Douglas F-4E/G Phantom and Fair- child A-10 Thunderbolt aircrew. The two contracts, together worth more than $5 million, involve using retired Air Force pilots to conduct academic and simulator train ing. McDonnell Douglas Training Systems is currently providing training for USAF KC-10 tanker/cargo aircrews, and has recently won similar contracts for F-15 Eagle and OV-10 Bronco ground train ing. By handing its ground training out to private compa nies, the USAF hopes to save money and release experi enced pilots for front-line duties. In the F-4 training pro gramme McDonnell Douglas will provide six instructors and a training system manager at George Air Force Base in California. Next year, another six instructors will join them to provide training for pilots, weapons system operators, and electronic warfare officers. Seven instructors and a system manager are to be located at Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona for the A-10 programme. This will be followed up by the assignment of two instructors to the two A-10 operational bases at England AFB and Myrtle Beach AFB. Japan examines UH-1H TOKYO ~~~ The structural strength of Bell/Fuji UH-1H helicopters belonging to Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force is to be examined. The current UH-lHs will reach their 5,500hr design lives by 1992 and they may have to be replaced if the structural survey does not recommend an extension to their service lives. If a replacement of the UH-1H fleet is deemed neces sary then a variant of the Sikorsky/Mitsubishi UH-60 appears to be the front- runner. To date, 106 UH-lH's have been purchased by Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force, with a further eight on order this year. . USAF announces engine purchases WASHINGTON D.C. The US Air Force has announced its purchasing requirements for the F-15 and F-16 fighters for fiscal year 1989. It will purchase 159 F100-PW-220 engines and 130 F110-GE-129s. This is the second year in a row that Pratt & Whitney has captured more than 50 per cent of the order. The US Navy decision for engines to power the F-18 is expected within the month. In this case, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney are produc ing identical versions of the F404 engine. This order may well favour General Electric. Pratt & Whitney says: "The PW-220 has exceeded Air Force projections". FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 13 February 1988
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