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Aviation History
1990
1990 - 0614.PDF
TECHNICAL: DEFENCE Israel tests thrust- vectoring concepts BY ARIE EGOZI IN TEL AVIV Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including F-15 and F-16 models, are being used by Israeli technology institute Technion to demonstrate post- stall rapid nose-pointing and shooting capabilities of thrust- vectored fighters. The short take-off and landing benefits of thrust vectoring are also being studied. Professor Benjamin Gal Or, head of the jet propulsion lab oratory of the institute, is in charge of the project. Funding has been provided by the US Air Force, Teledyne, General Elec tric and General Dynamics. De tails of the work will be released later this month in the USA. The research team has been flying yaw-pitch-roll thrust-vec tored UAVs since 1987. The most recent of the eight UAVs to have flown in the research pro gramme are models of the F-15 and F-16. Both have dem onstrated the Cobra manoeuvre performed by the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker during its flight displays, and tested post-stall, super- manceuvrability and , super- controllability characteristics. The F-15 and F-16 UAVs are also equipped with conventional control surfaces, and control can be switched in flight to thrust vectoring and vice-versa. The UAVs involved in the research are powered by ducted fans producing cold j ets. • Rockwell and Emerson in HeliTOW deal Rockwell International Missile Systems division and Emer son Electric have signed to de velop and market an integrated HeliTOW-Hellfire system for helicopter applications. A prototype of the system, HeliTOW-Hellfire is expected to be completed and to enter testing later during the second quarter of this year. The agreement covers three areas of co-operation: proof of concept for the integrated system; development of a proto type system; and international marketing of the equipment. Proof of concept will dem onstrate that the laser designator to be added to the HeliTOW system is compatible with Hellfire missiles. The prototype development looks at integration of the two systems, with captive flight tests and firing demonstra tions, and marketing will focus on selling the system as a "turn key" operation. Rockwell, Hellfire developer and prime contractor, will pro vide the missile, launcher and missile control and test equip ment. Emerson, developer and manufacturer of HeliTOW, is to provide the •Helios/HeliTOW system, which includes laser des ignator and test equipment. Autonomous Hellfire capabil ity will be achieved through a Litton laser designator mounted in the HeliTOW sight unit. 9 Emerson Electric has also awarded a $520,000 contract to Rockwell International's Missile Systems division for support work on the Hellfire missile demonstration programme. The object of the 16-month ground- launch/heavy technical feasibil ity programme, on which Rock well will provide integration and testing support, is to dem onstrate the Hellfire operation from an armoured vehicle. The complete weapon system will consist of eight Hellfire rounds, under armour, mounted on an M-113 armoured vehicle. It is intended to fulfil the anti-armour mission requirements by provid ing a high-rate-of-fire anti- armour capability to armoured mechanised round forces. It is claimed to be adaptable to other platforms including the Bradley and LAV family of vehicles. D Chinese trainer displays US cockpit technology Western technology for Chinese K-8 Western equipment on show in the cockpit mockup of the Chinese Nanchang K-8 jet trainer includes the Collins elec tronic flight information system, Bendix UHF/VHF and TACAN. The export version will also sport tandem Martin-Baker Mk 10 zero-zero ejection seats and will be powered by two Garrett TFE731-2A turbofans unless US trade embargoes force the use of alternatives. The trainer is being developed jointly by CATIC, Nanchang and Pakistan Aeronautical, and flight trials are scheduled to begin in May. An initial batch of 20 air craft is slated for production. China is set to acquire more than a 1,000 K-8 trainers, while the Pakistan Government, which has a 25% share in the programme, requires up to 150 trainers. Chinese Air Force aircraft will be equipped with indigenous avionics and other systems, including the engine, which would probably be the Lotarev/ ZVL DV-2 turbofan. ZVL of Czechoslovakia has offered a co- production deal on the engine. An Allied-Signal environ mental control system will main tain pressurisation and cockpit temperature above 7,800ft. D SAKER 80's 1991 debut Egypt will begin the produc tion of its locally-developed SAKER 80 ground-to-ground rocket next year. The rocket will replace the Soviet-made FROG-7 in the Egyptian inventory. The SAKER 80 is thought to be a free-flying rocket with a war head delivery accuracy within 1,200m. It will be equipped either with a general-purpose high-explosive warhead or with a cluster warhead. The single-stage, solid-fuel rocket will have a maximum range of 80km and will be used to engage second-line targets. It will be launched from a mobile launcher similar to the one used for the FROG-7. D FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 7-13 March 1990
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