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Aviation History
2003
2003 - 0015.PDF
DEFENCE AIR DEFENCE PAC-3 output stepped up Production of the US Army's Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) tactical ballistic missile interceptor is being ramped up. Lockheed Martin has received a $341 million contract for 88 mis siles, up from the 72 planned for fiscal year 2003, and an add-on contract for 12 is expected shortly. Raytheon Patriot units upgraded with PAC-3 missiles are being deployed to the Gulf. The US Department of Defense decided late last year to boost PAC-3 production over the next two years to 208 missiles to accelerate fielding of the hit-to-kill weapon, which increases the capability of fielded Patriot battal ions to destroy theatre ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. A total of 100 missiles will be pur chased in FY03 and 108 in FY04. Lockheed Martin had deliv ered around 50 missiles by the end of last year. Accelerated deliveries begin this month, according to the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA), which runs the PAC-3 programme on behalf of the US Army. But a decision of full-rate production has been delayed until 2004 because of problems in opera tional testing. The problems have been overcome, says the MDA, but additional operational test firings are planned, one in the second quarter and two more early next year. FLEET IMPROVEMENT PAUL LEWIS / STRATFORD Sikorsky eyes helicopter upgrade path for USMC CH-53E modernisation to include re-engininq with options to build new airframes Sikorsky is studying an evolution ary approach to modernising the US Marine Corps' CH-53E heavylift helicopters, starting with re-engin- ing the existing fleet to address the most immediate need for addi tional payload range with later options to build new airframes and dynamic components to signifi cantly lower operating costs. The USMC has identified eight key areas for improvement, encom passing a new engine, improved main rotor blades, cargo system, elastomeric rotor hub, transmis sion, new cockpit, survivability and structural life extension. A final decision on the scope of work awaits completion of an analysis of alternatives by June and the subse quent release of an operational requirements document in time for a 2004 start. Top of the USMC priority list is a replacement powerplant for the CH-53E's three General Electric T64-416 turboshafts following the recent Afghanistan conflict. "Flying over 12,000ft [3,660m] passes put heavy loads on the engines and I want to put a new motor in before I add one extra radio," says Lt Gen Michael Hough, USMC deputy commandant aviation. Sikorsky's spiral approach would consist of re-engining and the repair of critical airframe compo nents, as an initial Block 1 moderni sation. Candidate engines include either an uprated T64-419B or new GE38, Honeywell T55, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 and Rolls- Royce AE1107C. "Requirements will determine the changes we make. If it is to carry 14,500kg [32,0001b] over 50nm [93km] at sea level there is no significant change in performance, but to achieve 12,700kg over 370km, then you need major changes," says John Wakefield, Sikorsky CH-53 programme manager. Block 2 would include remanu- factured or all-new fuselages, fly- by-wire flight controls, re-wiring, a new cockpit, cargo handling and enhanced defensive systems. The oldest of the USMC's 152 CH-53Es is nearing the end of its 6,600h fatigue life, and, based on the expe rience of the Sikorsky MH-60R pro gramme, it may be more cost effec tive to build new airframes. "If you make the decision at the start, Block 1 and 2 could run concur rently over the same four years," says Jason Durno, Sikorsky CH-53E chief engineer. Block 3 would include all-new composite main rotor blades, trans missions and an on-condition rotorhub using S-92 technology, but with flight testing it will take six years to complete. SEE FEATURE P24 The USMC is seeking a powerplant for the CH-53E's T64-416 turboshafts EXPORTS ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV UK export restriction grounds Israeli Phantoms Israel's air force has started to ground its McDonnell Douglas F-4- 2000 Phantom fighters because the UK is refusing export licences for the pyrotechnic cartridges in the Martin Baker-built ejection seats. Unmanned air vehicles (UAV) manufacturers are also seeking other engine sources. Elbit Systems com pany Silver Arrow and Israel Aircraft Industries Malat division build UAVs with powerplants supplied by the UK's UAV Engines (UEL). Israeli defence ministry sources say export of the cartridge has been banned under the UK's unofficial embargo of sales to Tel Aviv due to London's policy towards Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The sources say the UK's sanc tions cover 140 UK-manufactured items. The defence ministry says: "We want to minimise the effect of the embargo, and hope that com mon sense will prevail, as most of the items included in it cannot be defined as part of a weapon system that can be used for attack." UK sources say that rather than an official ban, the Department of Trade and Industry has been delay ing approvals although some appli cations for export licences have been turned down under the European Union's regulations ban ning the sale of equipment that can be used to suppress minorities. The UK Foreign Office says there is no arms embargo against Israel and all applications for arms export licences are judged case-by-case. Meanwhile, the Israeli defence ministry has agreed to a US demand and has halted all negotiations with China on future sales of Israeli-built weapon systems. Israeli government sources say the US demand was a surprise as there had been no indication that the USA was likely to take action - China has protested about US inter vention. In Feburary 2002, however, Israel paid China $350 million com pensation after the USA forced Tel Aviv to scrap a sale of IAI Phalcon airborne early warning platforms. www.fliqhtinternational.com FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 14-20 JANUARY 2003 13
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