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Aviation History
1998
1998 - 2468.PDF
DEFENCE Sukhoi flies latest Su-37 demonstrator HOWARD GETHIN/LONDON SUKHOI IS TO offer South Korea an enhanced version of the Su-35 fighter, equipped with the NIIP NO-11M phased-array radar, 1553digital databus and a cockpit featuring multifunction colour displays and a sidestick con trol column, following recent test flights of a new Su-37 multirole demonstrator - the TlOM-12. Sukhoi has offered South Korea a licence for partial assembly of the Su-35 from Russian components, 100% local servicing and technolo gy transfer, according to Russian media sources. The Sukhoi pro posal also includes offsetting the cost of the aircraft against Russia's large debt to South Korea. The economic downturn in Asia has caused a slowdown in South Korea's F-X fighter programme. A request for proposals was expected in July, but the programme is unlikely to get under way before 2000 (Flight International, 26 August -1 September). Sukhoi's Su-37 711 has been upstaged by the 712- with new engine nozzles to come soon The test aircraft, number 712, will soon be fitted with Lyulka Saturn AL-31FP dirust vectoring engines, which are now under test on two Su-30MKfighters. The T10M-12 has so far not been shown publicly and is under going trials alongside die two Su- 30MKs with AL-31FP engines. Increased thrust AL-31FMs are reported to be under development. Flight tests of the AL-31FPs began on the second prototype Su- 30MK on 23 March, according to Su-27M programme manager Vladimir Konokhov. The nozzles are vectorable as in previous AL-31 derivatives, but move in the hori zontal, not vertical, plane. The engines are mounted at a 32° off- vertical angle, so that the nozzles can move in intersecting planes, giving an X-shaped vectoring padi when viewed from astern. The noz zles are driven by the aircraft's flight control system, giving enhanced manoeuvrability in combat. Increased use of titanium has reduced the weight of the nozzle significantly, as well as doubling the service life from 250h to 500h. The Ufa Motor Building plant has begun producing 88 AL-31FP engines for India's 40 Su-30MKI multirole fighter. The Su-30MKs already delivered to India are equipped with earlier non-thrust vectoring engines, which will be replaced by the AL-31FP. The final prototype Su-37, with a complete fire-control system and avionics of all-Russian manufacture, together with AL-31FP engines, is to be shown at the Paris air show in 1999, according to Konokhov. • NEWS IN BRIEF • COMPOSITE ROCKET Thiokol Propulsion has de veloped a composite cased motor for the US Army's Hydra 70 air-launched 70mm rocket, the first such casing to be used in a tactical sized weapon. The casing, which can withstand pressures up to 690 bar (10,0001b/in2), gives increased range or velocity. The motor will undergo air worthiness tests on a Boeing AH-64 helicopter this year. • HEAD-UP FOR X-32 Boeing has chosen GEC- Marconi Avionics to provide head-up displays for its X-32 Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstrator aircraft as the company moves closer to de fining the production avion ics package. Boeing com pleted a series of avionics demonstrations in July, paving the way for the flight test programme. Israel studies DC-3 and Super Cub replacements THE ISRAELI air force has begun evaluating replacement options for its Douglas DC-3 elec tronic intelligence (ELINT) air craft and Piper Super Cub trainers. The aircraft under evaluation for the ELINT role include the Bombardier Dash 8, Embraer EMB-120, ATR 42, Fairchild Dornier 328 and Saab 2000. A decision on die replacement is due bv mid-1999. The air force plans to acquire five turboprop aircraft initially, although further purchases are likely as funding becomes available to replace more of the 18 DC-3 sin its inventory-including 10 aircraft in storage. The air force also intends to replace its fleet of 35 Piper Super Cubs, used in the primary training role. The limited manoeuverabili- ty of the Super Cub is thought to be one of the prime reasons for the replacement decision. The Northrop T-3A (based on the Slingsby T-67), hitherto viewed as the natural replacement for the Cub, is being re-evaluated because of a series of accidents in US Air Force service. The Israeli air force is consider ing other possible replacements for the Super Cub, widi a decision like ly to be made in 1999. • Thailand forces aim to dispose of surplus helicopters T HAILAND'S cash-strapped armed forces and police are trying to dispose of surplus utility transport and VIP helicopters in an effort to generate revenue badly needed revenue for new aircraft and to maintain the airworthiness of other fleet types. The Royal Thai Air Force has put its two surviving Royal Flight Eurocopter AS332L2SuperPuma Mk2s on the market, following the fatal crash of another Super Puma in September 1997. The air force is believed to be discussing trading in the VIP-configured machines for either Bell 412s or Sikorsky S-70s. The Thai army is also trying to find potential buyers for up to half of its fleet of six Boeing CH-47D Chinooks, at least one of which is reported to be grounded. Ap proaches are understood to have been made to the Singapore armed forces, which maintains a training detachment in Thailand. There appears to be little interest, because of the lack of commonality with Singapore's new digital cockpit CH-47SDs. The Royal Thai Navy is seeking offers for some of its six Bell 214STs and six 212s, possibly in exchange for new 412s. The navy has also been trying to raise financ ing to exercise a US Navy offer for up to 10 Kaman SH-2 F Seasprites. Thailand's police force has been assessing the marketability of its 20 Bell 205 helicopters. One idea is to exchange some machines for spares to support newer Bell 412s. • FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 9 - 15 September 1998
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