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Aviation History
2000
2000 - 1533.PDF
UJsFCNCe UK to merge UAV programmes RAMON LOPEZ/WASHINGTON DC THE UK Ministry of Defence is expected to combine its Sender unit-level unmanned air vehicle (UAV) requirement with that for the larger Spectator, a brigade-level asset, because of funding constraints, say US indus try officials. The MoD's rethinking was revealed as Sender bidders made presentations following the sub mission of formal proposals. The MoD invited a dozen companies to bid for the assessment phase of its Sender UAV requirement, includ ing Aerospatiale Matra, Bell Heli copter Textron, Lockced Martin, Northrop Grumman, Racal, Raytheon and TRW. The MoD is expected to select up to four companies this month to assess UAV systems to meet the requirement-including airframes, sensors, control and support -, but the announcement could slip into next month. Each contract is expected to be worth "a couple of million pounds," say the officials. US industry officials say the MoD indicated that there was "a high probability of combining Sender and Spectator", with the larger air vehicle performing the close-range and short-range tactical reconnaissance and target acquisition missions. Although Spectator would be more expen sive to procure, the use of a single type would cut costs. The MoD will not make a final decision until after the study contracts are well underway. The TRW-led team includes the UK's Aerosystems, Meggitt and Vector Data Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries Malat, and the USA's Micro Craft and S-TEC, which is to be acquired by xMeggitt. The team is considering fixed- wing UAVs such as the S-TEC Sentry, IAI Searcher and AI/TRW Hunter. Micro Craft's small ducted fan vertical take-off and landing air vehicle is also being evaluated. A BAE Systems team includes Bell with the Eagle Eye tiltrotor UAV, General Atomics providing a synthetic aperture radar and the UK's Flight Refuelling, which would build the Eagle Eye under license should the team win. J NEWS IN BRIEF • EAGLE EYE TESTS Bell Helicopter has complet ed a US Navy Vertical Take- Off and Landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) demonstra tion. The Eagle Eye flew over 50h of land-based flight test ing during the first phase. Bell integrated Sierra Nevada's UAV Common Automated Recovery System automatic landing system during the second phase, executing 10 consecutive landings within 0,5m (1.5ft) of the designated landing spot. • BAESKYHAWKS BAE Systems North America has purchased four Mc Donnell Douglas A-4 Sky- hawks from Israel for a target-towing contract in a European country. Israel Aircraft Industries' Lahav divi sion is refurbishing the A-4s. • NMD UNDER FIRE The US Congressional Bud get Office (CBO) says the proposed National Missile Defense (NMD) system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles launched by "rogue" states such as North Korea, will cost $60 billion up to 2015, roughly twice the amount estimated by the Clinton administration. Aerostar/Dasa fly first MiG-29 Sniper upgrade Aerostat and Elbit's Sniper upgrade builds on earlier work AEROSTAR AND Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace (Dasa) flew their upgraded Mikoyan MiG-29 Sniper demonstrator air craft for the first time on 5 May from the Romanian manufacturer's Bacau headquarters. Dasa chief test pilot Wolfgang Schirdewann was at the controls for the 42min flight, which Aerostar says was focused on evaluation of the "airframe/engine installation, avionics, balance, stability and manoeuvrability". The Sniper combines airframe life-extension modifications with an Elbit Systems avionics package similar to that supplied by the Israeli company for Aerostar's MiG-21 Lancer upgrade for the Romanian air force. The partners are hoping that Romania will also become a customer for the Sniper. The MiG-29 package includes a new digital mission computer, communications and navigation systems, transponder, multi-func tion cockpit displays, radar warn ing receiver, hands-on dirottle and stick controls and air data computer. "The purpose of the upgrade is to present a MiG-29 aircraft widi an increased combat capability, which is capable of responding to NATO compatibility and interop erability requirements, as well as to demonstrate an improved man- machine interface," according to the company. The demonstrator aircraft was supplied by the Romanian air force, which operates around 18 MiG-29s. • Ecuadorian Kf irs to get Python 4s ECUADOR IS to equip its Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir fighters with the Rafael Python 4 infrared guided air-to-air missile. A contract has been signed and deliveries are expected before the end of this year. Ecuador was die first overseas customer for the Kfir when it acquired C2 versions in die 1980s. Around 17 are in service. The Python 4 gives the fighter an enhanced air defence capability. The Pydion 4 uses digital signal processing techniques in tiie seek er circuitry and a digital flight con trol system. The missile can track and engage targets throughout the forward hemisphere. Some sources suggest the Python 4 has a 70° off- boresight capability. • Spain to upgrade F-5s SPAIN IS to upgrade its North rop F-5's to lead-in fighter trainer configuration with the selection of a vendor to upgrade 20 aircraft expected before year-end. Boeing, Israel Aircraft Indus tries' Lahav division and Elbit Systems have bid for die contract. The Boeing and IAI packages are based on elements of a Northrop T-38 Talon upgrade for the USAF while Elbit's package is based on an F-5 upgrade for Singapore. • 18 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 16 - 22 May 2000
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