Air International February 2017

SUPPLEMENT ON BOEING’S SUPER-EFFICIENT 737 MAX
www.airinternational.com
Te 90
INTERNATIONAL
t
ig 3
s
Fl -
KC
ht
FEBRUARY 2017
Vol.92 No.2
INTERNATIONAL
£4.80 For the best in modern military and commercial aviation
Rafale
Training for
The F-4
Phantom’s
the Fight Final US
On Exercise VOLFA Farewell
America’s
Revolutionary Wildcat
Aircraft UK’s New Maritime Striker
Archangel L-39NG Albatros An-132

Turboprop Tank Buster Aero’s Upgraded Trainer All New From Antonov
Wescam.indd 1 12/01/2017 09:47
CONTENTS
BOEING 737 MAX

35 FREE supplement on the Boeing 737
MAX, detailing the aircraft, engines,
systems, testing, customers and
specifications.
Boeing
AIRSCENE END OF A LEGEND SUBSCRIBE

04 Major military and commercial stories from around
the aviation world. 58 Norman Graff watched the last
US Air Force F-4 Phantoms make
AND SAVE
A subscription to
their final flight. AIR International offers
great savings on
An-132D cover price.
06 The An-132D turboprop has recently been rolled TRAIN AS YOU FIGHT See pages 22 and 23
62
for details.
out in Kiev. Piotr Butowski reports. Jan Kraak visits Mont-de-Marsan in
France during Exercise VOLFA.
FIGHTERS, MORE FIGHTERS AND
14 CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
Nigel Pittaway reviews the range of combat aircraft 68
ALBATROS RENEWED
Alexander Mladenov introduces the upgraded
acquisition programmes throughout Asia. Aero L-39NG jet trainer.
ARCHANGEL: CROP DUSTER TO REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT

24 TANK BUSTER
Mark Ayton profiles the American Archangel
74 AND AN ELECTRIC FUTURE?
David C Isby covers some of America’s
aircraft, born and raised in the south. revolutionary aircraft.
A NEW ERA NEXT GEN AIRLIFTER

50 Ian Harding covers a new age for UK helicopter
maritime attack with the Wildcat HMA2.
78 Nigel Pittaway visits Embraer at São José
do Campos to see the KC-390 airlifter.
Editor Mark Ayton Assistant Editor Mark Broadbent Editor’s Secretary Melissa Smith Advertisement Manager Ian Maxwell Group Editor Nigel Price
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Design Dan Jarman Managing Director & Publisher The entire contents of AIR International is Subcriptions & Mail Order, VA23451-9828. Periodicals Postage Paid at
Adrian Cox © copyright, and no part of it may be reproduced in any P.O Box 300, Virginia Beach, VA
Production Manager form or stored on any form of retrieval system without the Stamford, Lincs PE9 1NA UK and additional mailing offices
Janet Watkins Executive Chairman prior permission of the publisher. All items submitted for T +44 (0)1780 480404
publication are subject to our terms and conditions, which F +44 (0)1780 757812 Postmaster send address
Ad Production Manager Richard Cox are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely Email Subscriptions: corrections to: AIR International,
Debi McGowan available from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from [email protected] Key Publishing Ltd,
www.keypublishing.com C/o Mail Right International Inc. 3300 Pacific Ave,
Ad Production Email Mail Order: Ste 500,
Kay Townsin Distribution by Seymour Distribution Ltd T. +44 [email protected] Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828
(0)020 7429 4000 Printed in England Or order online at:
Group Marketing Manager by Warners Midlands PLC. www.keypublishing.com
• ISSN 0306-5634 • Please refer to main Readers in USA may place
Martin Steele is published monthly by: Subscriptions Advert within subscriptions by telephone toll-free 800-428-3003.
Key Publishing Ltd, the magazine or contact: Air International is distributed in the USA by Mail
Marketing Manager Right Int., 3300 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach,
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs,
Shaun Binnington
PE9 1XQ, UK
We are unable to guarantee the bonafides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information
Commercial Director T +44 (0)1780 755131
or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.
Ann Saundry F +44 (0)1780 757261
3
SCENE
Around the Aviation Congress Acts
The RFPs issued by the US Air Force on
December 28 for its delayed $6.9 billion
JSTARS recapitalisation programme will
Chasing the Money

move forward the competition to source a
replacement for the E-8C JSTARS aircraft.
Issued after the FY2017 Defense
Authorization bill was signed into law
on December 23, the RFP removed a
requirement imposed by Congression that
the procurement be awarded as a fixed-
cost contract. The RFP opens the deciding
stage of the competition between the three
teams that had previously received risk
reduction funding, those led by Boeing
(using a 737-700 airframe), Lockheed
Martin (using a Gulfstream G550/G650
airframe) and Northrop Grumman (using a
Bombardier 700 airframe).
Under the current plan, a selection decision
should be made in FY2018 followed
by production of three engineering and
First flight of Boeing’s T-X competitor took place on December 20, three years after Boeing manufacturing development aircraft for
and Saab signed their teaming agreement and one year after the design was certified. Boeing testing, two low-rate initial development
aircraft and 12 full-rate production aircraft.
RFPs issued on December 30 by the US Air to be built in the Huntsville Alabama area, Initial operational capability is planned for
Force for its new T-X advanced pilot trainer although the single flying prototype, first shown the end of FY2024.
have set the stage for a possible 2017 award of on December 15, was built at the team’s facility The Congress also removed restrictions
a contract worth an estimated $16.3 billion. An in Centennial, Colorado, home of the joint previously placed on the US Air Force for
integrated ground-based training system and Sierra Nevada-TAI design team that reportedly retiring the U-2 in FY2019. Restrictions
350 aircraft are included in the programme, started in 2011. were also removed on cross-decking the
which is one of the largest competitive The Freedom Trainer is reported to have a low mission equipment from two EC-130H
procurements in worldwide military aviation. per-flight-hour cost due to high fuel efficiency Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft to
While the RFP was issued before the end of (reportedly a third more economical than the two Gulfstream EC-37B aircraft, based on
2016 as scheduled, there have been a number T-38C Talon) from its two Williams two-spool modified G550 airframes. The Congress
of surprises in the competition. The most FJ44-4M turbofan engines. TAI is expected had previously insisted on an open
dramatic was the announcement of a new, to provide subsystems developed for Turkey’s competition for the EC-130H replacement,
last-minute entry from a team led by the US TF-X fighter programme to meet the RFP’s but the US Air Force, pointing out that
company Sierra Nevada in conjunction with requirement for fifth-generation avionics and electronics integration work had already
Turkish Aviation Industries (TAI). Earlier in the flight systems. Even if the Freedom Trainer is been carried out on the G550 for Israel,
T-X programme, Sierra Nevada had competed not selected for the T-X programme, Sierra Italy and Singapore, wanted to use that
– unsuccessfully – for risk reduction funding. Nevada has announced it will be marketed airframe. Wording used in the conference
Sierra Nevada and TAI’s Freedom Trainer is internationally. report of the FY2017 Defense Authorization
a new design, like those being offered by the The Sierra Nevada entry may not be the bill only applied to the first two aircraft of the
Boeing-Saab and Northrop Grumman-BAE only surprise response to the RFP. Textron is proposed ten-aircraft programme. Funding
Systems teams. The Lockheed Martin-Korean reportedly considering offering an unspecified will need to be appropriated before further
Aerospace team is offering the T-50A (an modified version of its Scorpion trainer, which work on the EC-37B – not yet officially
upgraded T-50) and Raytheon-Leonardo is had previously been considered a non-starter recognised as a programme of record by
bidding with the T-100 (an upgraded M-346). in the T-X competition because of its inability the Department of Defense – can proceed.
The Freedom Trainer is an all-composite to meet the RFP’s requirement for high-G David C Isby
design. It will be assembled at a new facility manoeuvring capability. David C Isby
Maiden Flight of the Gulfstream G600
The Gulfstream G600 made its maiden flight from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport on December 17. G600 prototype N600G (c/n
73001) lifted off the runway at 13:50hrs local time and spent two hours and 53 minutes in the air. Two other G600 test aircraft were due to fly
early in 2017 and join the first jet in flight and certification testing ahead of the first customer delivery in 2018. The G600’s range is 6,200nm
(11,482km) at Mach 0.85 and 4,800nm (8,890km) at Mach 0.90, and its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as
the Gulfstream’s flagship G650ER model. Photo Gulfstream
4 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

SCENE
Record Deliveries for Airbus Paul Ridgway

1942 – 2016
Airbus delivered 688 aircraft in 2016, a company He said a fourth A320 final assembly line in
record and the 14th consecutive year that its Hamburg will open by mid-year, joining the
deliveries went up. The delivery total, up from existing facilities in Toulouse, Mobile and Tianjin.
635 aircraft handed over in 2015, comprised Despite the record deliveries, orders declined.
545 A320 Family jets (of which 68 were Airbus secured 731 net orders in 2016, down
A320neos), 49 A350 XWBs, 66 A330s and from the 1,080 net orders of 2015. John Leahy,
28 A380s. More than 40% of the A320 Family Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers,
deliveries were A321s. told the press conference that orders in 2017
In the company’s annual media briefing where would “most likely not” increase, but added
it announced the numbers, Airbus Commercial that, “there has always been an orders cycle in
Aircraft President and CEO Fabrice Brégier this industry”. He said Airbus is “essentially sold
confirmed more production ramp-ups, which out” until 2021 and that, “we have to build what
will further boost delivery numbers. Airbus plans we already have orders for, not worry about
to produce ten A350s per month by 2018 and getting new orders”. Airbus’s backlog stands at
60 A320 Family jets a month by mid-2019. 6,874 aircraft. Mark Broadbent
Nigerian Super Mushshaks

The aviation world is mourning the loss
of a loyal supporter and friend in Paul
Ridgway, who passed away on December
16. Paul was a long time contributor and
friend of AIR International and its sister
magazine AirForces Monthly. Born in the
county of Leicestershire, England, Paul
started his working life as an apprentice
with the Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft
Company at Baginton near Coventry,
Warwickshire. Paul left Armstrong to enter
the world of motor sport, a profession he
enjoyed and relished. During his career
Paul worked for a series of professional
The Kaduna-based 301st Flight Training School accepted the first four of ten Super Mushshak rally teams including Audi and Ford.
trainers on December 5, 2016. The new trainers will supersede the Dana Air Beetle. Nigerian Air Force He travelled extensively throughout
all continents of the world, visiting
The Nigerian Air Force received the first technicians arrived with the aircraft, while over 60 countries, some on numerous
four of ten Super Mushshak piston engine Nigerian technicians are training in Pakistan. occasions. Paul spent a lot of time in his
trainers less than two months after signing a Deliveries came so quickly after the contract retirement shooting photos of aircraft
contract with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex was signed on October 21 because PAC and helicopters around the world. He and
(PAC) Kamra. The aircraft were handed over Kamra is loaning eight aircraft to Nigeria until his friend Richard VanderMeulen were
on December 5, 2016, during a ceremony new production aircraft can be delivered. pioneers in discovering the best vantage
points to photograph fighter planes
at Kaduna Air Base by Pakistan’s Chief of All four aircraft were flown to Kaduna on flying around the US low-fly system in
Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, an Il-76 on December 1, with a further four California. He will be terribly missed by
and Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal expected to arrive at Kaduna by the second his family and friends. Mark Ayton
Sadique Abubakar. Pakistani instructors and quarter of 2017. Guy Martin
New Attack Helo

The Defense Committee of the Italian
First in the World
Parliament (Senate) approved a decree
concerning the study, design and
development of a future combat helicopter
for the Aviazione dell’Esercito; a successor
to the AH-129 Mangusta dubbed the
Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta
(scout and escort helicopter). Based on
operational feedback, the new helicopter
will have greater range, payload and power,
a minimum three-hour endurance and a
minimum payload of 1,400kg (3,100lb),
be armed with a 20mm cannon, 70mm Italy became the first country outside of the United States to receive operational F-35A Lightning IIs on
rockets and guided missiles, and have a low home soil when two aircraft arrived at Amendola Air Base on December 12.
The milestone, which took place just hours before Israel received its first two aircraft in country, involved
infrared signature and a high survivability F-35As MM.7336/32-05 (c/n AL-05) and MM.7337/32-13 (c/n AL-06) flying from the Final Assembly and
rating The programme will receive €487 Check Out facility at Cameri to Amendola home of 32° Stormo (32nd Wing) to join the resident and re-
million between 2016 and 2025 to design established 13° Gruppo. F-35A MM.7337/32-13 (shown) is 13° Gruppo’s flagship aircraft.
and build four helicopters for the test and Italy became the first nation outside the United States to receive operational F-35s after a weather
development phase. Riccardo Niccoli delay forced the Israeli Air Force to postpone the last leg of the inaugural delivery flight of its first
F-35A Adir aircraft from the Fort Worth production facility in Texas. Riccardo Niccoli, photo Donato Tornotti
5
SCENE
An-132
The An-132D turboprop has recently been
rolled out in Kiev. Piotr Butowski reports
O
n December 20, Arabia. In May 2015, TAQNIA Aeronautics Oleksandr Khokhlov, the manager
2016, the Antonov Co joined the project. It was assigned by the of the An-132 programme at Antonov,
Company authorities of Saudi Arabia to organise series commenting on the An-132D’s roll-out for
rolled out the production in the country and later the the Ukrainian TV channel 5 said: “Now
first An-132D marketing and sales of the aircraft. ground trials of all systems will take two to
(demonstrator) two and a half months.” Then the An-132D
tactical transport Developing Expertise will make its first flight in March 2017 in
aircraft from One of the objectives of the Saudi party is Kiev. After a few more flights to check
the assembly to learn about aircraft creation, including functionality and basic characteristics,
hall in Kiev. The all stages of designing, testing and by early May the aircraft is going to fly to
ceremony was attended by Ukraine’s production. In Kiev, Saudi specialists are Saudi Arabia, where it is to undergo trials
president Petro Poroshenko and Saudi working together with the Ukrainians in eight and be presented to Saudi customers.
Arabia’s Prince Turki Bin Saud Al-Saud, groups including aerodynamics, airframe
the president of the King Abdulaziz City for construction, power plant and avionics. Production
Science and Technology (KACST). The whole programme is funded equally The initial production aircraft will be built in
The An-132 programme was launched in by both parties. The intellectual property Kiev. The production plant in Saudi Arabia
April 2015, when Antonov of Ukraine and of the new aircraft will be shared; all that is yet to be built; so far only the location
KACST from Saudi Arabia signed a contract remains from the An-32 will belong to has been chosen. On June 16, 2015,
for joint development of a new An-132 Antonov and the newly designed parts of during the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget,
military transport aircraft and a preliminary the An-132 will belong jointly to Antonov the Ukrainians and Saudis signed an
agreement about further production in Saudi and TAQNIA. agreement for design and construction of

SCENE
Main Image: Markings on the fuselage indicate

the An-132 is a joint venture between Antonov ANTONOV AN-132 SPECIFICATION
and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Wingspan: 29.20m (95ft 10in)
Technology in Saudi Arabia. Antonov
Length: 24.53m (80ft 6in)
Bottom Left: The first An-132D following its roll-
out at Kiev on December 20, 2016. Height: 8.80m (28ft 10in)
Below Right: The An-132 is fitted with Honeywell Cargo compartment length: 13.45m (44ft 2in) or 16.66m (54ft 8in) with ramp
Primus Epic avionics and has no Russian
produced components or equipment. Cargo compartment width: 2.40m (7ft 10in) at floor
Bottom Right: The cargo bay compartment Cargo compartment height: 1.78m (5ft 10in)
including the ramp is 16.66m long.
Max take-off weight: 28,500kg (62,832lb)
All photos Vladimir Trendafilovski
unless stated Max payload: 9,200kg (20,283lb)
Cruise speed: 291kts (550km/h)
Ceiling: 29,528ft (9,000m)
Range with maximum payload: 685nm (1,270km)*
Maximum range: 2,375nm (4,400km)
* Range of production aircraft is targeted at 1,100nm (2,100km) with maximum payload
India in Bangalore in more modern than the An-32’s Ukrainian

February. According Ivchenko AI-20D (5,180hp/3,810kW)
to Khokhlov, the engines. Like the An-32, the An-132 is
aircraft can cost intended for hot-and-high conditions,
$30–$40 million hence the selection of engines with similar,
in its basic very high power.
configuration. Newly designed is the An-132’s wing
He also centre section with torque box fuel tank.
said that an The fuselage is 860mm (33.9in) longer
unspecified than that of the An-32, with the cargo
“launch customer compartment 970mm (38.2in) longer.
from Saudi Arabia” A new requirement is the installation of
is expressing interest in an effective air management system,
special duty versions of the necessary in Middle East climatic
aircraft, including search and rescue conditions, including the bleed air system,
the and maritime patrol. cabin pressure control and anti-ice system.
production In June 2016, at ILA in Berlin Antonov
plant in Saudi Arabia. Another party An-132 Features signed a contract for these systems
in the contract is the German company The An-132 is a thorough upgrade of the with Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse SAS.
Broetje Automation, which is making well-known and proven An-32 that was Liebherr has already delivered such
production tooling. Later, two production manufactured at Kiev from 1983 to 1998. systems for Antonov An-148, An-158 and
lines, Ukrainian and Saudi, are going to Low-scale production continued later. A An-178 aircraft. The An-132 is fitted with
work simultaneously. The production rate in total of 385 An-32s were built, of which 118 Honeywell Primus Epic avionics and has
both plants is to be equal. were delivered to the Indian Air Force. no components and equipment produced
The partners expect about 80 aircraft will The new An-132 retains the An-32’s in Russia.
be purchased by Saudi Arabia. The Saudis configuration, but is powered by two Pratt The An-132 is expected to carry 9,200kg
are also going to offer the aircraft to other & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop (20,283lb) of payload, 1,700kg (3,748lb)
Middle East countries. Antonov is going to engines (generating 5,071hp/3,730kW) more than the An-32, or 75 troops or 46
offer the aircraft to its traditional customers with six-blade 4.11m (13.4ft) diameter paratroopers, or 27 stretched wounded
in Latin America and Asia, including India; Dowty R408 propellers. The engine has a persons. Its range will be twice that of
a promotional campaign is to start at Aero similar power rating but is much lighter and the An-32.
7
SCENE
Combined QRA
Two Belgian Air Component F-16s launch

from Kleine Brogel Air Base for a QRA
training mission. Kees van der Mark
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Steven the Netherlands, the QRA aircraft are guided
started sharing their air surveillance Quick Vandeput. by the Air Operations Control Station in Nieuw
Reaction Alert (QRA) task on January 1, putting Until January 1, the Netherlands and Belgium Milligen, while the airspace of Belgium and
in effect an agreement to maintain a single QRA each maintained a national QRA with two Luxembourg is controlled from the Control
for the nations’ combined airspace dated March F-16s on a 24/7 alert status. The Belgian jets and Reporting Centre at Glons. The aircraft
4, 2015. The three nations signed an additional also covered Luxembourg airspace, which operate under NATO command.
technical arrangement in late December, does not have its own air force. The Royal One important reason for sharing the QRA task
covering details of the initial agreement. Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Belgian Air is to free more aircraft and personnel for other
Netherlands Air Force Commander Lieutenant Component now alternate the QRA task on duties, including participation in international
General Dennis Luyt, his Belgian counterpart a four-month rotational basis. Belgian F-16s operations like the air strikes against the so-
Major General Frederik Vansina and Pierre-Louis currently provide the BeNeLux QRA: Dutch called Islamic State in which both nations have
Lorenz, the ambassador of Luxembourg in the jets take over on May 1. Belgian QRA aircraft fly recently been involved. This will be even more
Netherlands, signed the TA during a ceremony from either Florennes or Kleine Brogel, Dutch important once the F-16 is replaced by the
at Rotterdam Airport in the Netherlands on F-16s operate from Leeuwarden or Volkel. F-35A, which in the case of the RNLAF means
December 21. Both nations’ QRA-assigned F-16s are armed a combat aircraft force reduction of 61 to only
The signing ceremony was also attended by with two AIM-9L or AIM-9M Sidewinder and 37. The BAC intends to replace its current fleet
the Dutch and Belgian Ministers of Defence, two AIM-120B AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. In of 59 F-16s with 34 F-35As. Kees van der Mark
Old but New Prototype
Aermacchi’s M-311 prototype has been modified with a new nose, engine, air intakes and glass cockpit to reconfigure the aircraft as an M-345
HET prototype. Marked with Italian test serial number CPX-619, the aircraft will be used for the first series of test flights following its first flight from
Venegono airport on December 29, 2016. Aermacchi expects to fly the first new-build M-345 HET this year. Riccardo Niccoli, photo Oscar Bernardi

SCENE
Bulgarian Full of Fullbacks

Russia’s frontal aviation bomber fleet in in 2016, the 277th BAP, assigned to the
Fighter Tender service with the Russian Air and Space
Force received 16 Su-34 Fullbacks in 2016.
Eastern Military District, took delivery of 12
Su-34s to replace the Su-24M2 assigned to
The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence (MoD) The last four Su-34s built by Sukhoi at its the first squadron the first of which arrived
sent a request for proposals (RFP) to Novosibirsk Aviation Plant were handed over at Khurba on May 30, 2016.
potential suppliers of a new multi-role to the 277th Bomber Air Regiment (BAP) Two other regiments re-equipped with the
fighter aircraft for the Bulgarski Voenno at Khurba Air Base near Komsomolsk-on- Su-34 between 2011 and 2015: 24 went to
Vzdushni Sili (Bulgarian Air Force) on Amur, on December 23, 2016. the 47th Composite Aviation Regiment at
December 9, 2016. The new fighter is set According to the Moscow-based Centre for Voronezh in the Western Military District and
to replace MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters and Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, 36 to the 559th BAP at Morozovsk in the
Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft. The RFP the four aircraft will be the first Su-34s Southern Military District. The Novosibirsk
was issued to four countries on a so-called assigned to the second squadron of the plant has built 98 Su-34s, with two more
shortlist: Italy, Portugal, Sweden and the Khurba-based bomber regiment, replacing expected to be handed over to the air force
United States. Each nation must provide the upgraded Su-24M2 Fencer. Earlier by January. Alexander Mladenov
its proposal by mid-March 2017 in order
Experiments Delayed
to meet the technical, operational, financial
and legal requirements outlined in the RFP.
Portugal and the United States are
expected to submit a combined proposal The US Air Force will expand its efforts on delayed by the CR passed by the
for second-hand Block 15 F-16s upgraded developing laser weapons in the near term. Congress in December. Other US
to the midlife upgrade standard. This In addition to testing an AC-130W Stinger Air Force aircraft-related testing and
proposal is likely to involve F-16s currently gunship equipped with a laser capable of experiments that will be postponed –
held in storage in the United States and disabling vehicles, demonstrating a high- new starts are not permitted under a CR
delivered to OGMA’s facility at Alverca in power laser weapon on a fighter by 2020 in the absence of waiver language in a
Portugal for refurbishment and upgrade. has also been identified as an objective. bill passed by the Congress – include
A weapons and logistics support package An expanded plan for developing directed those relating to the proposed light
would be provided by the United States as weapons is anticipated to be approved in attack aircraft, those stemming from
a Foreign Military Sales programme. 2017. the Air Superiority 2030 study, defeating
Italy’s proposal comprises second-hand The laser weapons experimentation agile targets and combat decision-
Tranche 1 standard Eurofighter Typhoons programme may be among those making. David C Isby
currently in service with the Aeronautica
Militare.
Foreign Flankers
Sweden is the only nation offering new
aircraft in the shape of the JAS 39C Gripen,
though the weapons package will most
likely be sourced from the United States.
The Bulgarian Government has allocated
a budget of €767 million for a first batch
involving a minimum of eight aircraft and
a logistics support package, including
ground support and test equipment,
training, mission planning and debriefing
systems, and weapons. The Bulgarian
MoD’s plan requires an eventual 16-aircraft
fleet, but due to budget constraints the
programme has been divided into two
phases. Currently being implemented,
phase one covers eight aircraft, which are
slated to be taken on strength between
2018 and 2021, the funding for which
was approved by the Bulgarian Parliament
in June 2016. Phase two is set to be
implemented between 2022 and 2023,
involve purchase of another eight aircraft. Kazakhstan Air Defence Force Su-30SM 05 at the 604th Air Base at Taldi-Kurgan after its
Alexander Mladenov and Krassimir Grozev
delivery flight from Russia. Kazahstan Ministry of Defence
Elsewhere, the Kazakhstan MoD closing days of 2016. Eight Su-30MKAs

announced delivery of two Su-30SM (sometimes referred to as the Su-30MKI(A)
Indonesia Gunship Flankers with side numbers 05 and 06, the model) arrived in Algeria on four flights by
Overhauls first to be received from a seven aircraft

contract signed in late 2015. Side number
An-124 Ruslans operated by Russian air
cargo carrier Volga-Dnepr.
Two Indonesian Army Mi-35P Hind gunships 01 to 04 were delivered in April in 2015. The first Algerian Su-30MKA made its first
were airlifted to Russia in December Deliveries of the remaining five will be flight at the factory airfield of the Irkutsk
to undergo a general overhaul under a completed by early 2018. The Kazakhstan Aviation Plant on November 10, 2016.
September 2016 contract with Russian MoD foresees procurement of up to 36 Six more aircraft from an April 2015 order
Helicopters. Work is being carried out by Su-30SMs by 2020. The Kazakhstan Air are expected to be delivered in 2017. The
150 ARZ OAO, a maintenance, repair and Defence Force operates its Su-30SMs at Algerian Air Force already operates 44
overhaul company at its Lyublino facility in the the 604th Air Base at Taldi-Kurgan. Flankers; 28 were delivered between 2007
Kaliningrad enclave. Indonesian Army Aviation Kazakhstan was not the only foreign and 2009 followed by a second batch
received two Mi-35Ps in 2003 and three more air arm to receive Flankers during the between 2011 and 2012. Alexander Mladenov
in 2010. Alexander Mladenov
9
SCENE
France Decides
on Future Trainer
by Jan Kraak
Neither Pilatus nor the Armée de l’Air
communicated about the value of the
the French military. At Dax, the École
de l’Aviation légère de l’Armée de Terre
contract, but in a press release Pilatus (EALAT) flies with 27 EC120s from
In the December stated that the sale of 21 PC-21s (the 17 Hélidax, a subsidiary of DCI and Babcock,
aircraft for the Armée de l’Air, plus two for who are both 50% shareholders. In recent
2016 issue, AIR the Royal Jordanian Air Force and two for years, the Aviation légère de l›Armée de
International reported QinetiQ at Boscombe Down) was worth Terre has often bought additional hours
€280 million. for pilots assigned to the different army
that the Direction Générale CAE is said to have been awarded the helicopter regiments.
contract for the different PC-21 simulators,
pour l’Armement (DGA, French including a full mission simulator and Part Replacing Alpha Jets
Defence Procurement Agency) Task Trainer that will also be based at The EPAA at Cognac currently runs the
Cognac. The simulators will be housed pre-advanced fighter course on the TB-30.
would decide on the acquisi- in new facilities at the base and will be However, the PC-21 will not only replace
operated by military instructors. the Epsilon but also the Alpha Jets of
tion of the Armée de l’Air’s Babcock Mission Critical Services the basic fighter course, assigned to the
(French Air Force’s) next-gener- France and Dassault Aviation will maintain Ecole de l’Aviation de Chasse (EAC) 0/314
the new French trainers for 11 years at BA705 Tours. Thus, the entire pre-
ation trainer under the FOME- through a subsidiary that will be led by advanced and basic fighter courses will be
Babcock. Outsourcing maintenance is taught at Cognac from 2018 onwards.
DEC (Formation Modernisée not new for the EPAA. Cassidian Aviation The Alpha Jet Es assigned to the
et Entraînement Différencié Training Services has been maintaining
the school’s Grob 120A and TB-30 Epsilon
Patrouille de France at BA701 Salon
de Provence and the Escadron
des Equipages Chasse) pro- aircraft for years and the Armée de l’Air d’Entraînement (EE) 3/8, as well as the
has very positive experiences with them. modernised Alpha Jets of the Ecole de
gramme in early 2017. Transition Opérationnelle (ETO) 0/8 at
Flying Hours BA120 Cazaux, will continue to operate for
This is a large-scale programme that According to the contract, Babcock has the foreseeable future. The Armée de l’Air
will modernise the development and to supply between approximately 10,000 has a sufficient inventory of spare parts,
differentiated training of fast jet crews, and 14,000 flying hours per year, which which will last longer once the Alpha Jets
and involves major changes in the way should be sufficient to train the planned 30 at Tours are retired.
future Armée de l’Air fighter pilots and their Armée de l’Air fighter pilots, ten navigators This reorganisation will save the Armée
instructors will train. and ten Aéronavale pilots per year as well de l’Air a considerable amount of money
as download (transferred from one type of through the closure of an air base, the
PC-21 Selection aircraft to another) training hours from the retirement of two fleets of aircraft that are
After several years of a rumoured purchase fast jets for a group of 50 Armée de l’Air becoming ever more expansive as they
of Pilatus PC-21s, which only got stronger fighter pilots. There are also plans to train age, outsourcing of the maintenance and
after the official request for proposals in foreign pilots but there has not been any the fact that flying hours on the Rafale
April 2015, Pilatus announced on January information about this, except for the initial and Mirage 2000 will reduce because of
4, 2017 that they had been awarded the plans to train a group of around ten. the approximately 50 Armée de l’Air pilots
FOMEDEC contract and the Armée de The advantage of this kind of contract, flying differentiated training on the PC-21.
l’Air would acquire 17 PC-21s. The new under which the Armée de l’Air buys a
trainers will be based at BA709 Cognac- certain number of hours from Babcock, Additional Rafales
Châteaubernard, which is the home of is that the Armée de l’Air can increase On December 12 2016, two additional
the École de Pilotage de l’Armée de l’Air the number of hours if needed. This is Rafales (one from BA113 Saint-Dizier and
(EPAA) 0/315. The first PC-21 should be a proven concept; it’s not the first time one from BA118 Mont-de-Marsan) went
delivered in early 2018. that Babcock will operate aircraft for to the air base in Jordan, bringing the total

SCENE
Right: No less than 14

Armée de l’Air Rafales
are now assigned
to the Chammal
detachment, based in
Jordan and Qatar.
Left: The TB-30
Epsilon will be retired
over the next few
years as the PC-21
will be delivered from
2018 onwards.
two strikes took place around Raqqa in

Syria. According to the French press, the
French Rafales were flying near Raqqa and
Palmyra in the first week of January.
The French forces have been using so
much ammunition that there have been
regular reports of the Armée de l’Air being
short on bombs and laser-guided kits. The
French already bought additional 250kg
(550lb) bombs in 2016. But this is not
enough. During the discussions on the
2017 Defence Budget Act in November
2016, Laurent Collet-Billon, the delegate-
general for armaments at the French
Ministry of Defence, explained to the
French National Assembly’s Committee on
National Defence and Armed Forces that
there was a need to buy more modular kits
(Armements Air-Sol Modulaires or AASM).
It was, therefore, no surprise when
the DGA announced on January 5 that
the Ministry of Defence had ordered
additional AASMs from Safran Electronics
& Defense. These bombs can have different
number of Rafales assigned to the Opération This was the last cruise for the Charles specifications such as operating with GPS
Chammal detachment to 14. This increase de Gaulle before it goes into deep (AASM-GPS or SBU-38) or laser-guided
in the number of Armée de l’Air Rafales maintenance in Toulon. From early 2017, (AASM-Laser or SBU-54).
deployed followed the end of the third the aircraft carrier will be in the dock This is very useful when operating in areas
Chammal deployment of the French aircraft for approximately 18 months. There with potentially fast-changing meteorological
carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, which returned is a chance that the Rafale Ms of the conditions such as in Syria and Iraq. If there
home to the port of Toulon on December 14. Aéronavale will return to Chammal during is a lot of sand in the atmosphere, the laser-
During its 72 days in the Mediterranean, this period, operating besides their Armée guided bomb is of less use, as the targeting
the Charles de Gaulle launched de l’Air colleagues at either the Jordanian pod cannot always aluminate the target.
approximately 500 sorties. Two-thirds or a Qatari base. The French forces have received 1,700
of these were flown over Iraq and one- AASM kits.
third over Syria. Most of the missions Chammal Update
consisted of providing close air support In an early January press release, the
Below: Even though the Alpha Jets from
(CAS) to Iraqi forces, for instance around French Ministry of Defence stated that BA705 Tours will be retired from service
the Mosul area. This was the first cruise French aircraft had carried out 76 sorties over the next few years, the ETO at BA120
without the Dassault Super Etendard. between December 27 and January Cazaux will continue to operate its fleet of
Besides the CAS missions, the Aéronavale 5. During these missions, the Armée modernised French and Belgian Alpha Jets
Rafales also executed deliberate strike and de l’Air Rafales carried out 18 attacks for years to come. All photos Jan Kraak
reconnaissance missions. The final airstrike against armed insurgents, destroying 21
by the Aéronavale Rafales took place on targets. Most strikes were against mortar
December 9. positions and suicide vehicles in Iraq;
11
SCENE
Baltic Su-30SM E-2D Receiver

Flankers
On December 13, 2016, the second
Russian Naval Aviation (RNA) squadron
took delivery of its first Su-30SM
Flanker multi-role fighter at the 72nd
Naval Air Base at Tchernyakhovsk in
the Kaliningrad enclave on the Baltic
Sea coast.
Su-30SM side number 70 Blue (c/n
10MK41406) flew to Tchernyakhovsk
from Khotilovo airfield north of
Moscow. During the transit over the
Baltic Sea, off the coastline of Estonia,
Latvia and Lithuania, the new fighter
was escorted by a pair of Su-27
Flankers.
On December 28, another two Su-
30SMs were delivered to the 279th
Independent Shipborne Fighter
Aviation Regiment (OKIAP), a unit
E-2D BuNo 166501 (c/n AA-1), one of two EMD aircraft, is the first of three to be modified for
assigned to the 45th Air and Air developmental test of an air refuelling system which is expected to run through to 2018, after
Defence Army of the North Sea Fleet, which production cut-in and retrofit are scheduled to begin. Northrop Grumman
stationed at Severmorsk-3 airfield near
Murmansk. Northrop Grumman successfully completed 231). The 2013 deal contracted Northrop
New Su-30SMs are now equipping the the first flight of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Grumman to design, develop, manufacture
279th OKIAP’s newly established third equipped with an air refuelling system. The and test the subsystem upgrades required
squadron. In the future, Su-30SMs test flight followed an air refuelling capability to install the probe, associated piping and
will be moved to a new naval aviation development programme that started fuel lines, pumps, controls, electrical and
regiment, which is likely to be tasked in 2013 when Northrop Grumman was lighting upgrades. Long-endurance seats
with the naval strike role, mainly using awarded an engineering, manufacturing were also installed to provide greater crew
the Kh-31 anti-ship missile. and development (EMD) contract from comfort to enhance field of view in the
As of January 1, 2017, the RNA Naval Air Systems Command’s E-2 Airborne cockpit and reduce fatigue over longer
operates a fleet of 15 Su-30SMs, 12 Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA- missions.
of which are assigned to an attack
squadron within the 43rd Independent
Naval Attack Air Regiment stationed at
Saki Air Base on the Crimea Peninsula Ostrov Brigade’s New Helicopters
and part of the Black Sea Fleet. Seven
Russia’s 15th Army Aviation Brigade based programme underway with Russian
Su-30SMs were delivered in 2016.
at Ostrov in the Pskov region near the border Army Aviation Forces in the Western
Current orders for the Su-30SM stand
with Estonia received two Mi-35M attack Military District. The 15th Army Aviation
at 116, 28 for the RNA and 88 for
and three Mi-8MTV-5s assault transport Brigade operates two attack helicopter
the Russian Air and Space Force, 66
helicopters in early December 2016. squadrons: one equipped with Mi-35Ms
of which are reported to have been
Manufactured by Rostvertol, the Mi-35M and Mi-28NMs and one with the Ka-52.
delivered.
deliveries continue the re-equipment Alexander Mladenov
NH90 300
On December 15, the Spanish Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (Army Airborne Forces) received two additional NH90TTH Caiman
helicopters in an official ceremony held at Airbus Helicopters in Albacete. Wearing serial numbers HT.29-05/ET-805 and HT.29-06/ET-806, they
departed to Agoncillo-Logroño on their delivery flight to BHELMA III (3rd Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion) to join the other three NH90TTHs
already in service with the unit.
NH90TTH HT.29-05/ET-805 – the 300th NH90 to be delivered, hence the sticker applied to the cabin window – at Albacete prior to departure on
its December 15 delivery flight. Roberto Yáñez

Eurofighter.indd 1 13/01/2017 11:16
SCENE
Fighters, More Fig

Air Support Devel
By Nigel Pittaway
In early 2017, combat jet acquisition programmes
remain in the headlines throughout Asia. From
Pakistan to Japan and China to Indonesia, several
nations have fighter acquisition and/or development
programmes currently under way and the region seems set to
remain the focus of attention for the foreseeable future.
Other recent news from Asia includes canopy and changes to the outer mold
that China has unveiled a new version line. The first prototype, wearing the
of its Shenyang FC-31 fighter, aimed at number 31001, made its maiden flight
offering what it says is fifth-generation back in October 2012.
capability for the export market, and The flight of the improved aircraft has
continues operational test and evaluation been confirmed by a spokesman for the
of the Chengdu J-20. India has released Aviation Industry Corporation of China
more details of its new fighter programme, (AVIC) but further details have yet to be
aimed at single-engine solutions; released. If both the J-20 and FC-31
Indonesia’s attempts to negotiate a deal are indeed fifth-generation fighters with
for Su-35s with Russia continue and the stealth capabilities, as claimed, China is
Philippines has once again initiated an only the second country to develop two
attempt to procure a close air support advanced fighter designs (behind the
(CAS) platform. United States with the F-22 Raptor and
F-35 Lightning II). The FC-31 will also be
China’s Fighter Programmes only the second fifth-generation fighter
Hot on the heels of its debut appearance aircraft to be offered for export, again
at Zhuhai last November (see Fighters, behind the (tightly controlled) F-35.
Bombers & Flying Boats, December In other Chinese fighter news, Russian
2016, p7) China’s J-20 progresses news agency TASS announced on
through its development programme December 30 that the first batch of four
and the first examples have reportedly Sukhoi Su-35 Flankers had arrived in
already been handed over to the China five days earlier. China has 24 Su-
People’s Liberation Army Air Force 35s on order, under a contract signed in development for almost 30 years but which
(PLAAF) Flight Test Establishment at November 2015. is yet to reach an operational standard.
Yanliang for ongoing testing. In early December, the Indian Navy’s
Also described by the Chinese Indian Multi Role Combat new Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil
Government as a fifth-generation fighter, Aircraft Competition – Again Lamba rejected the naval variant of Tejas
it would seem that the J-20 programme India’s Defence Minister Manohar as unsuitable for carrier operations and
is progressing from what some industry Parrikar confirmed in late December that indicated that he would also be looking for
observers were calling a ‘science project’ the Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) another fighter aircraft.
before its first flight in 2011, through low competition will only consider single- By specifying a single-engine design for
rate initial production and now towards full engine fighters. the refreshed MRCA requirement, Parrikar
service entry. The revamped MRCA programme will has effectively restricted the competition
The J-20 is also reportedly not seek to redress the balance caused by the to the Lockheed Martin F-16V and Saab’s
available for export and China’s second failure of the original MRCA competition, JAS-39E Gripen.
new fighter development programme, the which had selected the Dassault Rafale. The winning design is to be
FC-31 Gyrfalcon, has recently stepped Failure to agree on contractual terms led manufactured in India under the
from the shadows with the unveiling of to the government-to-government sale of government’s ‘Make in India’ policy
an updated variant. just 36 Rafales, instead of the original 126 and this will require Lockheed Martin
Pictures of the new variant, possibly aircraft planned. or Saab to partner with local industry.
the second prototype, were posted on In Indian Air Force service, the new Both companies have previously
the Chinese internet in late December, MRCA is intended to operate alongside indicated they are willing to engage
showing what appears to be an enlarged India’s locally-developed Tejas Light with Indian companies to produce their
internal weapons bay, single-piece Combat Aircraft, which has been under aircraft locally.

SCENE
ighters and Close

elopments in Asia
The first examples of the J-20 have reportedly been handed over
to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Flight Test
Establishment at Yanliang for ongoing testing. Weimeng/AirTeamImages
Indonesia Inches Closer to to be required has been “between insurgency capability, with local media
eight and ten”, but Ryacudu’s latest reports suggesting that the deadline for
Sukhoi Deal comments would seem to indicate that bids has been set for January 27.
Despite many earlier reports that it is the lower number which is currently The Philippines has tried to acquire
Indonesia had concluded a deal with under negotiation. a CAS capability on several occasions
Russia for the supply of Sukhoi Su-35 Ryacudu also indicated negotiations but has failed to progress the project for
Flanker E fighters to the air force (TNI-AU), over local production and technology several reasons, including a chronic lack
Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told transfer are ongoing and no agreement of funding. The latest attempt, valued at
local media in early December the two has been reached to date. Although the around PHP 4.9 billion, will either replace
countries were still haggling over price. immediate requirement is for just eight or bolster the Philippine Air Force fleet
This is despite Russian news agency aircraft, Jakarta is likely to buy further of North American OV-10 Broncos, the
reports of “intense negotiations” between aircraft in small batches as it updates its most recent batch of which was received
the two countries and negotiations which fleet of combat aircraft. from Thailand in 2003 and 2004. Around
were ongoing for much of 2016. 18 Broncos are thought to be in service,
Indonesia already operates a number Philippine Government operating with the 15th Strike Wing at
of Su-27SK/Su-27SKM and Su-30MK/ Revitalises Close Air Danilo Atienza Air Base, Cavite.
Su-30MK2 fighters, the first of which Possible contenders for the competition
were delivered back in 2003, but has Support Requirement include the Aero Vodochody L-39
a further requirement for at least eight Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Albatros, proposed by Elbit; Beechcraft
Su-35s to replace its ageing fleet of National Defense has renewed efforts to AT-6 Wolverine; Embraer EMB-314 (A-29)
Northrop F-5 Tiger II aircraft. The exact acquire six aircraft to fulfil a Philippine Air Super Tucano and Korea Aerospace
number of aircraft previously reported Force requirement for a CAS and counter Industries (KAI) KT-1 Wong Bee.
15
SCENE
Blue Blaster’s CAG-bird
F/A-18C Hornet-equipped Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34) ‘Blue Blasters’ based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia is currently
assigned to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. On January 5, CVW-2 embarked on the USS Carl
Vinson for a deployment to the Western Pacific. The squadron’s CAG-bird, F/A-18C Hornet BuNo 165403/NE400, is seen conducting field
carrier landing practice at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California on January 4 two days after leaving the paint shop. Dan Stijovich
India Seeks Final C-17 Kenyan

The Indian Government is seeking
to purchase the final unsold C-17A
An unnamed Indian Air Force source told
India’s Mail Today on December 20: “We will
Skytrucks
Kenya’s military is due to receive three
Globemaster III from Boeing, according to now buy whatever we can and are planning
C-145A Skytruck transports from the
local media sources. to buy the single aircraft left with the United
United States. The US Excess Defence
The Indian Air Force had a requirement for States. In this regard, we are planning to move
Articles Program listing contains three
up to three more Globemasters, but was our proposal in a key Ministry of Defence
C-145As allocated to Kenya on August
not able to progress its request through meeting planned to be held this month.”
15, 2016, after an initial request for six.
the Indian Government acquisition process Boeing built ten C-17s using its own funds
The three aircraft are estimated to be
while aircraft were available and is instead at the end of the production run and has
worth $9 million, compared to $30 million
pursuing the final aircraft. Ten C-17As, managed to sell nine of them. The final
when acquired. Built by Polish company
delivered between mid-2013 and the end of aircraft, the 279th C-17A Globemaster III
PZL Mielec, C-145A Skytrucks, dubbed
2014, serve with No.81 Squadron ‘Skylords’ built, was ferried to San Antonio in Texas after
Combat Coyotes, were operated by Air
at Air Force Station Hindon, on the outskirts the production line in Long Beach closed and
Force Special Operations Command
of Delhi. is currently held in storage. Nigel Pittaway
(AFSOC); 18 were acquired from 2009
New Zealand Air Surveillance

from the Sierra Nevada Corporation.
In July 2015, AFSOC announced the
retirement of 11 aircraft that were put
The New Zealand Government announced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance up for disposal. In addition to Kenya,
on December 23 that it will give early capabilities.” the Excess Defence Articles Program
consideration to its Future Air Surveillance In early January, press reports from Tokyo has authorised delivery of two C-145As
Capability (FASC) programme, as a result of revealed how representatives from the to Costa Rica, Estonia and Nepal. Guy
responses received from industry, following a Japanese Ministry of Defence and Kawasaki Martin
recent request for information. Heavy Industries had been in discussions with
The FASC programme will replace the RNZAF’s the NZDF to offer the Kawasaki P-1 maritime
fleet of six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft patrol aircraft for the FASC and the twin-
in service with No.5 Squadron at RNZAF Base engine C-2 transport aircraft for the FAMC. If Kazakhstan’s
Auckland (Whenuapai). The original schedule
called for FASC final operational capability to
selected, it would be the first export success
for either aircraft. New Helicopters
be declared in the 2023-2025 timeframe, but The P-1 had previously been offered to the The Kazakhstan Air Defence Force
the accelerated timeline is not yet clear. Royal Air Force, which subsequently selected received its entire batch of four Mil-35M
New Zealand also has a C-130H Hercules the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. Two Japan attack helicopters in early December
replacement (Future Air Mobility Capability, Maritime Self Defense Force P-1s visited 2016. Back in September, Okas
FAMC) programme underway and the New Zealand in November, initially for the Saparov, Kazakhstan’s deputy defence
government has said it wants to explore Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th Anniversary minister, said the MoD expected to
synergies between the FASC and FAMC celebrations, but at least one subsequently place an order for a second batch of
programmes. flew surveillance missions over a region of the four Mi-35Ms, with the contract slated
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman country devastated by earthquake. for signature at the year-end.
said: “Defence is interested to explore any Airbus Defence and Space previously On December 7, 2016, a second
potential synergies between the two projects indicated it will offer A400M heavy lift aircraft batch of two Mi-171Sh assault
that would optimise platform operation, and C295 medium transports to meet the transport helicopters were delivered
training and through-life logistic support. To FASC and FAMC requirements, the C295 to the 602nd Air Base at Shikment;
this end, companies providing information on with a roll-on/roll-off mission system, similar to the first batch of four was delivered in
air mobility platform solutions may also wish to system used by the Força Aerea Portuguesa December 2015. Alexander Mladenov
provide information on any non-developmental (Portuguese Air Force). Nigel Pittaway

SCENE
New Brains for

USAF F-16s Graceful Retirement
The US Air Force remains the world’s
largest operator of the F-16 Fighting
Falcon with an active fleet in excess
of 900 aircraft. As part of the essential
modernisation programme so the US Air
Force can keep the F-16 fit for combat until
its out-of-service date, the service selected
Raytheon to develop a new Modular
Mission Computer Upgrade (MMCU).
Raytheon claims more than twice the
processing power and 40 times the
memory of the F-16’s current mission
computer.
The MMCU combines multi-core high-
speed processing and high-speed data
networks that will give the F-16 capability to The Belgian Air Component retired the Dassault Falcon 20E-5 VIP from service with a final
operate with advanced sensors, especially flight on December 22, 2016. Two Falcon 20s served with the Belgian Air Force for 43 years
an active electronically scanned array tasked with VIP air transportation of members of the Royal Family, government ministers and
radar, and carry new weapon systems. armed service leaders. At retirement the last aircraft, serial number CM-01, had accumulated
16,210 flight hours and 16,869 landings. Gerard Gaudin
RAAF Spartan IOC

Australia’s C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter has of Australian crews, with L-3 in Waco Texas. flexibility for local commanders, allowing intra-
achieved the IOC milestone, Defence Minister The RAAF says the programme is on track for theatre airlift that will bridge C-130J Hercules
Marise Payne announced on December 16. all aircraft to be in Australia by early 2018. and CH-47 Chinook options.”
She said: “The Spartan can access airfields Final operational capability is due to follow at Australia’s Spartans are being acquired
that are unable to support larger transport the end of 2017 and, following the completion through a Foreign Military Sales agreement
aircraft, thus increasing the reach for Defence of facilities work at RAAF Base Amberley, from L-3 and share a common configuration
when supporting communities across south-west of Brisbane, 35 Squadron will with the Spartans initially acquired by the US
Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific relocate there in 2019. Air Force under the now defunct US Joint
region. The Spartan can now be tasked on The RAAF describes the Spartan as a fixed- Cargo Aircraft programme. The ten aircraft
missions to transport 40 passengers and three wing Chinook, reflecting its similar cargo fleet will provide a short-field tactical airlift
military pallets, as well as fulfil roles such as compartment size and Army support roles capability to the RAAF, which was lost when
light equipment airdrop.” and 35 Sqn personnel have been forging close the venerable De Havilland Canada DHC-4A
Ten C-27Js are being acquired under the AUD working relationship with their Army rotary wing Caribou was withdrawn from service at the
1.6 billion Project Air 8000 Phase 2 (Battlefield colleagues from the 5th Aviation Regiment. end of 2009. No.35 Squadron gained fame
Airlift Capability). Four have been delivered to Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air flying the Caribou from Vung Tau during the
35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, west Marshal Davies, said: “The arrival of the Vietnam War, where it earned the nickname
of Sydney and two are used to support training Spartan will greatly increase the mobility and ‘Wallaby Airlines’. Nigel Pittaway
Final Bolkow Flight Overhauled

Mi-24Ps
In 2015–2016, Russian maintenance,
repair and overhaul company 150 ARZ
(controlled by Russian Helicopter Holdings)
was involved in the refurbishment and life
extension of an undisclosed number of
Mi-24P Hind-F helicopter gunships sold to
Angola by Rosoboronexport. Work took
place at the company’s Lyublino facility in
the Kaliningrad enclave.
The Hind-Fs, drawn from Russian
military stocks, had to undergo a deep
refurbishment with the 150th ARZ before
delivery.
Details emerged in another announcement
that Rosoboronexport delivered four
refurbished and life-extended former
Russian military Mi-24Ps to Sudan. All four
Hinds were overhauled by maintenance,
repair and overhaul company 410 ARZ
Germany’s Heersflieger flew its final flight with the MBB Bo105 at Celle Air Base on December (also controlled by Russian Helicopter
13, 2016. Bo105P 87+62, the aircraft painted in a special colour scheme to mark the type’s Holdings) at its Chita facility in Eastern
retirement, made its final landing at 1412 local time ending 37 years of service with the Siberia. Alexander Mladenov
Heersflieger. Rene Köhler
17
SCENE
Dreamliner for New

Kangaroo Route
The 787-9s that Qantas will use on the first non-stop scheduled service between Australia and Europe will be configured with 236 seats, with
business, premium economy and economy cabins. Qantas
Next year the Boeing 787-9 will begin ‘Kangaroo Route’ services to London from its facilities in Perth’s T3/4 to accommodate
operating the first non-stop scheduled Sydney and Melbourne, today operated by the new flight and will also move its current
service between Australia and Europe when A380s, have always had a stopover. Historically, international services to the same terminal
Qantas introduces a new route between that was in Singapore, but since April 2013 it to improve connectivity across the airline’s
Perth and London Heathrow. The route will has been in Dubai as part of Qantas’ partnership network.
begin in March 2018 and will take around 17 agreement with Emirates. Perth–London will be the longest service
hours depending on winds. Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Alan yet operated by a Dreamliner, but it will not
The only previous non-stop commercial aircraft Joyce said the direct Perth–London flight be the world’s longest non-stop air route. In
flight between Australia and Europe took place would be a “game-changing” route for travel February 2017, Qatar Airways will take on
in August 1989, with the delivery of Qantas’ first between Europe and Australia, with a 17-hour that distinction when it launches a new 9,036
747-438 VH-OJA City of Canberra (c/n 24354), flight a more attractive travel proposition than miles (14,542km) route between Doha and
but that was a one-off. Qantas’s scheduled the typical 24-hour flight. Qantas will upgrade Auckland. Mark Broadbent
A330neo Rolls Out

Airbus has rolled out the first example of first flight in the first quarter of this year, new Trents, the updated aircraft feature
the latest A330 variant, the A330-900neo, with certification and delivery to launch Sharklet wingtip devices and improved
F-WTTN (msn 1795), from its Toulouse operator TAP Portugal in spring 2018. aerodynamics. Customer aircraft will
Final Assembly Line following painting. The A330-900neo and its stablemate have a new cabin design called Airspace
The aircraft will now have its Rolls-Royce A330-800 were launched in 2014 and featuring LED mood lighting, wider seats,
Trent 7000 engines installed before aim to reduce fuel consumption by larger overhead storage bins and new
ground tests begin. Airbus’s schedule 14% per seat from the current A330- galley/lavatory options. Airbus has sold
calls for the A330-900neo to undertake its 200 and A330-300. In addition to the 214 A330neos. Mark Broadbent
The first A330-900neo rolled out late in December.

Note the Sharklet wingtip devices and the ‘shades’
cockpit design, two of the main visual differences
from older A330s. A Doumenjou/Airbus

SCENE
Converting the 767-300

Evergreen Aviation Technologies (EGAT) in converted 747-400s used to transport fuselage The 767-300BCF is one of several conversion
Taiwan is to undertake conversion work for the subassemblies for the 787 from subcontractor programmes underway that are giving former
767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) factories to the Dreamliner assembly lines in passenger airliners second lives as freighters.
programme, which will involve modifying Seattle and North Charleston. EGAT also A BCF option for 737 Classic models
passenger 767-300s into freighters. converted a 747-400 into a Propulsion is already available, and a 737-800BCF
The first 767 to be converted Test Platform for GE Aviation in 2014. programme launched in February 2016 is
will enter EGAT’s facility this The 767-300BCF will have similar cargo due to deliver its first aircraft later this year.
year, with redelivery as a capability to the 767-300 production freighter, Meanwhile, Airbus has a passenger-to-
BCF anticipated in 2018. with approximately 50 tonnes of structural freighter (P2F) conversion option for its A320/
EGAT has carried out payload and 24 pallet positions on the A321 and A330 families. The A320/A321
airframe conversions for main deck. The aircraft will have a range of P2F was launched in 2015 in partnership
Boeing before. In the 2000s approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,550km) with EFW in Germany and ST Aerospace in
it produced the manufacturer’s and a 412,000lb (187,270kg) maximum take- Singapore. The first A320 P2F is due to be
fleet of Boeing Dreamlifters, the off weight. delivered to Egyptair in 2018. Mark Broadbent
Boeing has received 27 firm orders

for the 767-300BCF. Its latest current
market outlook forecasts a need for 400
conversions in the widebody aircraft
segment over the next two decades.
Boeing
Cabin of the Future?

A Silicon Valley-based subsidiary of Airbus
is working on a project called Transpose
to produce a modular aircraft cabin. The
company, A3, is working on a concept
that involves creating interchangeable
interiors that will enable an aircraft to be
reconfigured quickly. A3 claims the concept
is “a clean-sheet rethinking of aircraft cabin
architecture and passenger experience
possibilities”.
In a blog post, A3 Project Executive Jason
Chua noted that modular cabins already
exist in freighter variants of airliners. He said
that A3 is using this as a starting point, with
the intention to “redesign passenger support
systems from the ground up to be more
flexible, enabling them to be connected and
disconnected easily from aircraft”. The idea is
that by making cabins interchangeable, future Conceptual cutaway of a Transpose-enabled aircraft, loaded with modular passenger
experiences. A3
interiors would be highly customisable and
even allow the possibility to change interiors might simplify the job of aircraft interiors makes possible”, and working on the
as frequently as after every flight. A3 claims suppliers by providing “a set of streamlined business case. Chua said the company
Transpose could mean aircraft manufacturers module design rules”. hopes to have “Transpose-enabled aircraft
will be able to deliver finished aircraft more A3 is now studying the technical feasibility flying within a few years”. A3 is working
quickly, as interiors “could be developed on of building and operating a modular cabin with Airbus Group engineers in industrial
a parallel timetable with the core fabrication system, validating passenger enthusiasm design, cabin and airframe engineering.
of the aircraft itself”. It also claims Transpose for “the new in-flight experiences this Mark Broadbent
19
SCENE
United’s First 777-300ER
United Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-322ER, N2331U (c/n 62642). United has ordered 14 777-300ERs to complement its 74
777-200s. It will initially use the new jets on domestic routes from New York Newark before flying them internationally. Joe Walker
Alaska Airlines Special A380 Deliveries

to Emirates
Delayed
The initial deliveries of Rolls-Royce-powered
Airbus A380 airliners to Emirates has been set
back to 2018 from 2017, it was announced by
Airbus on December 28. The delay is due to
unspecified technical issues with the engines.
According to press reports, Emirates first made
public its concerns about the performance of
Alaska Airlines recently completed the takeover of Virgin America, making it the fifth-largest
airline in the United States. Boeing 737-990ER N493AS (c/n 41427) has received a one-off the engines in November 2016.
scheme that combines the liveries of both carriers, with the Virgin red transitioning into Emirates currently has 140 A380s flying or
Alaska’s blue. The aircraft is pictured at San Francisco International Airport. Joe Walker on order. Previous deliveries have been of
aircraft powered by engines produced by
Engine Alliance, a US-based joint venture
Sunwing’s Colourful 737

of General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. The
delay means that Emirates will receive the
first six of its 12 Rolls-Royce powered A380s
on order in 2018 and the remainder in 2019.
Airbus is planning to reduce A380 production
to 20 from a planned 27 in 2017 and 12 in
subsequent years. David C Isby
Iran Air Orders

Iran Air has recently finalised a large
agreement with Airbus in what will result
in one of the largest airline fleet renewals
in the Middle East. The order comprises
Sunwing Airlines has applied decals to some of its aircraft to highlight winter season 46 A320 Family aircraft, 36 A330s and 16
destinations. Boeing 737-8Q8(W) C-FTAH (c/n 29351), pictured at Toronto Lester B
A350 XWBs. The first jet from the order,
Pearson International Airport, has decals promoting flights to Cuba. Andrew H Cline
an A321, was handed over on January 11
and flew to Tehran the next day.
A350-900 with Lufthansa Airbus first announced an agreement with

Iran Air in January 2016, following the
Lufthansa’s first A350-941 D-AIXA (msn 74) photographed at Brescia, Italy during crew easing of international sanctions on Iran
training. The airline took delivery of the jet, the first of 25 A350s it will receive, in December over its nuclear weapons programme.
and it is due to start flying services with it on February 10. Marco Finelli There have been changes between
that initial agreement, which covered
118 aircraft, and the final order – most
notably, 12 A380s specified in the original
commitment are no longer part of the deal.
Iran Air also has an agreement for 80
aircraft with Boeing, comprising 50 737
MAX 8s, 15 777-9s and 15 777-300ERs.
However, that agreement requires approval
by the US Congress before it is finalised.
Mark Broadbent

SCENE
INNUMBERS INBRIEF
Airbus 4
SAA’s Latest Widebodies
South African Airways (SAA) has
started receiving its first of five
new A330-300s from Airbus, with
Customer Aircraft Number Date AIRCRAFT FOR AIR TANZANIA deliveries set to conclude early
Air Arabia A320ceo 5 November 17, The government of Tanzania this year. The first aircraft (ZS-SXI,
announced December 6 has ordered a single Boeing msn 1745) was ferried from France
Iran Air A320 Family 46 (firms January 28, 2016 December 22
787 Dreamliner and two CS300 to Johannesburg on December 2,
commitment) jets and a Q400 turboprop from with another two aircraft (ZS-SXJ,
Bombardier. The Bombardier msn 1754 and ZS-SXK, msn 1757)
A330 Family 36 (firms January 28, 2016 December 22 arriving later that month. In SAA’s
contracts were signed by the
commitment) configuration, the aircraft has capacity
Tanzanian Government Flight for 46 passengers in business class
A350 16 (firms January 28, 2016 December 22 Agency and announced in and 203 in economy class. SAA was
commitment) December. Worth $200 million due to receive 20 new A320s, but has
Hawaiian Airlines A330-200 1 November 7, announced at list prices, the aircraft will exchanged ten of these for the lease
December 6 be leased to Air Tanzania. The of five A330-300s, powered by Rolls-
Q400 will be in a single class Royce Trent engines. Guy Martin
Private ACJ320 1 November 3, announced
December 6 76 seat configuration, the same
as the two Q400s received in Leisure Airline Joint Venture
Undisclosed A320ceo 3 November 15, Etihad Aviation Group has approved
announced December 6 late September 2016, while
plans to create a new European
the CS300 will be in two-class leisure airline group in a joint venture
A321ceo 5 Booked November 15,
layout. The 787-8 order, worth with TUI AG. Etihad will hold a
announced December 6
$224.6 million at list prices, was 25% stake and TUI AG 24.8%, with
ATR
also revealed in December. It will the remaining 50.2% held by Niki
be delivered in June 2017. Privatstiftung. The new group will
Guy Martin have a fleet of around 60 aircraft,
40
comprising the aircraft of the
Customer Aircraft Number Date Austrian airline Niki and TUIfly. The
involvement of Niki will follow Etihad
Aeromar ATR 72-600 6 November 14
acquiring the 49.8% share held by
ATR 42-600 2 November 14 PERCENT CUT IN 777 Air Berlin in Niki. The group will be
PRODUCTION based in Vienna and is scheduled to
Synergy Aerospace (for ATR 72-600 12 plus 6 options November 15
begin operations in April 2017.
Avian Lineas Aereas) Boeing will have cut production Mark Broadbent
of the 777 by 40% by the third
Boeing
quarter of 2017. Up to the end Heathrow Hold Times Reduce
of 2016 the company built 8.3 UK air navigation services provider
777s every month, but that rate NATS says two new air traffic
Customer Aircraft Number Date will reduce to seven in early management tools, cross-border
2017 and it will fall again, to five arrivals management and time-based
Air Tanzania 787-8 1 December 13 separation, have reduced holding
aircraft per month, by August.
Business jet/VIP 737 BBJ 1 Booked December 2016,
times at London Heathrow. NATS
The slowdown reflects a sharp says aircraft are now spending an
customer announced January 6 fall in 777 orders. There were average of one minute less holding
GECAS 737 MAX 8 50 Booked December 2016, only 17 net orders in 2016, in stacks on approach, with times
announced January 4 down from 58 in 2015 and 238 having reduced from 8.5 minutes at
in 2014. As of December 2016, the beginning of 2014 to just over 7.5
Iran Air 737 MAX 8 2 December 11, agreement
the 777 family backlog stood at minutes. Mark Broadbent
777-9 15 December 11, agreement 442 aircraft overall. However,
Air Service Providers Sought
777-300ER 15 December 11, agreement Boeing’s orders and deliveries
The island of St Helena is once
data shows that of that number, again looking for one or more air
Jet2 737-800 4 December 23
there are only 136 current- service providers to provide regular
Silk Road Leasing 737 1 December 6 generation Triple Sevens in the flights to the island, despite the
backlog. Mark Broadbent wind shear problems that have yet
2
Timaero Ireland 737 2 December 6 to be fully resolved. In December,
Travel Service 737 MAX 8 5 January 5
the government issued a tender for
regular air services (at least once
Unidentified customer(s) 787 2 December 6 a week throughout the year) to the
A330s FOR NEW LCC island, as well as between Ascension
Unidentified customer(s) 737 3 December 13 BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus and and the Falklands. Air service
Vueling parent company IAG is providers will be required to land
Unidentified customer(s) 737 5 December 20
on the southern approach, which
to set up a new low-cost long-
Unidentified customer(s) 737 187 Booked December 2016, involves a tailwind, while northerly
haul operation at Barcelona in approaches are explored. St Helena
announced January 6
June 2017 using two A330s. hopes to award a contract by the end
Unidentified customer(s) 787 2 Booked December 2016, IAG boss Willie Walsh told of May 2017. Guy Martin
announced January 6 the Spanish newspaper La
Uzbekistan Airways 787 4 Booked December 2016, Vanguardia that it was possible Falcon Orders Fall
announced January 6 a new brand may be created The challenges of a sluggish business
for the project, although that aviation market were reflected in
Bombardier
January when Dassault announced a
is yet to be confirmed. Likely
fall in orders for its Falcon range. Last
destinations are Los Angeles, year 33 were ordered, down from 45
San Francisco, Buenos Aires, in 2015, which itself was a reduction
Customer Aircraft Number Date Havana and Tokyo. Mark Broadbent from the 67 in 2014. Mark Broadbent
Philippine Airlines Dash 8 Q400 12 (finalises October December 8
14, 2016 LOI)
Data covers orders announced November 14-January 6. Key: LOI – Letter of Intent. Compiled by Mark Broadbent 21
WHEN YOU TAKE OUT A 2-YEAR OR
DIRECT DEBIT SUBSCRIPTION TO
Image: USAF - Senior Airman Chris Drzazgowski
3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER...THIS FANTASTIC SUBSCRIPTION OFFER!

ONLINE PHONE POST
COMPLETE THE FORM AND POST TO:
UK 01780 480404 AIR INTERNATIONAL,
www.airinternational.com OVERSEAS +44 1780 480404 KEY PUBLISHING LTD, PO BOX 300,
FAX UK 01780 757812 OVERSEAS +44 1780 757812 STAMFORD, LINCS, PE9 1NA, UNITED KINGDOM
028 AI Subs dps.indd 22 16/01/2017 09:44

MAKE HUGE SAVINGS
when you pay by easy Direct Debit – just £10.50 every quarter or £39.99 annually plus free DVD
Free gift is only available on Direct Debit with a minimum 2 year subscription.
 YES, I would like to subscribe to AIR International
FREE
PAYER’S DETAILS
Title First name Surname
Address
M A G A Z I N E S* Postcode
Email address
Country
6 FREE WITH EVERY Please complete to receive news updates and offers from us by email.
DELIVERY DETAILS
2 Y E AR SUB SCR I PTI O N (IF DIFFERENT)
2 FREE WITH EVERY Title

Address
First name Surname
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
Postcode Country
Email address
Gift choice: Apache Longbow DVD  Airbus A350 DVD  Please send gift card 
SPECIAL OFFER (PLEASE TICK)
12 FOR THE PRICE 24 ISSUES FOR THE

OF 10 PRICE OF 18
UK 12 issues  £47.00 24 issues  £82.99
Europe 12 issues  £55.00 24 issues  £94.99
USA 12 issues  $75.00 24 issues  $132.50
Rest of the World 12 issues  £57.00 24 issues  £94.99
PAYMENT DETAILS
I enclose a cheque for £/$ ................................. made payable to Key Publishing Ltd
Please debit my Mastercard  Visa  for £/$ ...............
Expiry date Security Code (3 digit code on reverse of card)
OFFER CLOSE DATE: 28 FEBRUARY 2017 PLEASE QUOTE: AI0217
Signature ....................................................................................................................................................Today’s date ..................................................
INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT

Please tick: 028/17
UK Direct Debit Quarterly £10.50 Annually £39.99
6 5 8 9 6 0
READERS IN THE USA

MAY PLACE ORDERS BY:
TELEPHONE TOLL-FREE:
800-428-3003
OR FAX:
757-428-6253
WRITE TO:
AIR International, 3330 Pacific Ave,
Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-9828
ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER ONLINE:

Direct Debit UK only. If paying by Direct Debit please send in form.
www.imsnews.com/airinternational Payments are accepted by Direct Debit, cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card and US Dollar check. Payments by credit or debit card will be shown on your statement
as Key Publishing Ltd. Key Publishing will hold your details to process and fulfil your subscription order. Occasionally we may wish to contact you to notify you
QUOTING/ENTERING CODE: AI0217 of special offers on products or events. If you do not wish to receive this information please tick here  or mention when calling. Gift subject to change. Any
alternative gift will be of equal or higher value. Please note: Free gift is only available on Direct Debit with a minimum 2 year subscription. Should you cancel your
subscription earlier then an invoice will be raised for the full price of the gift.
028 AI Subs dps.indd 23 16/01/2017 09:44

MILITARY IOMAX ARCHANGEL
Archangel:
Crop Duster to
Tank Buster
This shot shows an Archangel configured with a heavy payload

comprising two pods carrying missile and radar warning sensors (outer
pylons); a Roketsan CIRIT quad pack launcher; three GBU-12s; an
IOMAX mission pod fitted with an MX-15Di imaging sensor; and two
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. All photos IOMAX USA Inc unless noted
24
Mark Ayton profiles
the American
Archangel aircraft,
born and raised in
the south
ARCHANGEL
L
CHARACTERISTICS
ooking at the Archangel Length: 36ft (10.97m) Operations Command (UAE SOC). They are
aircraft you might think it’s Wingspan: 57ft (17.37m) designated as Border Patrol Aircraft (BPA).
the grandson aeroplane Height: 12.5ft (3.81m) IOMAX Chief Executive Officer Ron
of the Piper Pawnee Howard reckons that set the course for the
Max take-off weight: 14,800lb (6,710kg)
crop duster. Close. The Archangel programme: “Many people have
Archangel does have Payload (external): 6,600lb (2,990kg) confused the Thrush aircraft we now use with
crop duster roots. It’s a Fuel payload: 648 gallons (2,417 litres) the Air Tractor AT-802U.”
S2R-660 built by Thrush Max level speed (clean): 210kts (389km/h)
Changing to the Thrush aircraft came about
in Albany, Georgia and in 2012 when IOMAX was trying to meet the
heavily modified by IOMAX Cruise speed (with external stores): 180kts requirements of the Libyan Government at the
(333km/h)
USA Inc at its facility at Lake Norman Airpark, time, which was trying to rebuild its military
North Carolina. Ceiling: 25,000ft (7,620m) forces after the fall of Gaddafi. Two things
The baseline S2R-660 was originally Endurance: 10.4 hours happened. One, IOMAX was having to buy Air
designed by a team led by the late Leland Tractor aircraft through a different company, a
Range (at 175kts): 1,350nm (2,500km)
Snow who formed the Snow Aeronautical so-called middle man. Two, Air Tractor was not
Company in Olney, Texas in 1958. Snow sold Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F rated at willing to modify its aircraft to affect structural
1,600shp (1,193kW)
his company to Rockwell-Standard in 1965. and armament changes to meet Libyan
During his career with Rockwell-Standard, requirements, although the company did agree
the S2R model was developed and named So what’s this all to do with IOMAX? Not so to leave unwanted crop dusting equipment out
the Thrush. Snow resigned from Rockwell in much at first glance. However, before IOMAX prior to delivery to IOMAX.
1970 and the company moved production of started production of the S2R-based Archangel “That being the case,” said Ron Howard,
the Thrush to Albany in 1970. Seven years in mid-2014, the North Carolina company had “I contacted Thrush Aircraft, and the
later, the Ayres Corporation bought the previously completed 24 similar aircraft for company President Payne Hughes agreed
production rights for Rockwell’s agricultural the border patrol mission. Those aircraft were to work with us directly. That allowed us
aircraft and continued production at the all modified from baseline Air Tractor AT-802 to make the necessary changes to the
Albany facility. In June 2003, Ayres in turn models designed for crop dusting, not the basic design of the S2R-660 aircraft, so
sold its production rights to Thrush Aircraft AT-802U as widely reported elsewhere, and we switched supplier and now have a
Inc: the current producer. supplied to the United Arab Emirates Special successful partnership with Thrush.”
25
To close the loop on this part of the story, Engineering History: fixed wing fleet. We built them an aircraft that
after Leland Snow resigned from Rockwell in BPA to Archangel can operate up to 20,000ft MSL [6,096m];
1970 he started the Air Tractor company also in IOMAX received its first order from UAE SOC remain on station for eight hours with oxygen;
Olney, Texas. The AT-300 was the first model of for ten Block 1 BPA aircraft in 2009. and placed the EO/IR sensor in a pod to
agricultural aircraft designed by Leland with the According to the IOMAX Chief Technical provide a 360° field of view under the aircraft.
Air Tractor badge. Leland’s legacy continues. Officer Jim Toole, the original challenge was We developed and built an ISR pod with
Air Tractor continues to produce a range of to convert a baseline AT-802 aircraft into a a datalink capable of sending streaming
agricultural planes and the man himself was long endurance ISR platform. He said: “The video to a ground station facility. It was a
the lead designer for both models of aircraft avionics and the EO/IR sensor integrated rapid procurement-integration effort; the
used by IOMAX to date: the AT-802 and the on board were principally selected by the first aircraft was delivered six months after
S2R-660. UAE SOC for compatibility with their existing contract award.”
26
IOMAX ARCHANGEL MILITARY
relocated tandem cockpit for improved demo on. Using the customer’s feedback, we
visibility and long mission operation, a then made some additional layout changes
properly sized vertical stabiliser, and under- to the cockpit and locked that down as the
wing pylons spaced further apart to fit production standard. It was an iterative process
dual-ejector racks or dual-launcher rails each with the customer, though IOMAX engineers
loaded with two stores. worked closely with our test pilots because
Work on the EMD included integration it’s the pilots that needed to determine exactly
of the Cockpit 4000 modular avionics suite what the cockpit layout would be.”
produced by Esterline CMC electronics: an Archangel’s custom-built Cockpit 4000
all-glass cockpit and fully-integrated avionics. supports both the front and rear cockpits. The
This was a big deal for IOMAX because it front cockpit features three 5x7-inch multi-
provided the Archangel with a cockpit more function displays (MFD); the SparrowHawk
akin to fighter aircraft, not least the Block head-up display (HUD); and an up front control
60 F-16 in service with the company’s main panel (UFCP): the alpha-numeric interface to
customer the UAEAF. The new cockpit was the avionics and weapon system. The rear
demonstrated to the UAEAF in early 2015. cockpit comprises two 5x7-inch MFDs, and a
Following the UAEAF order, IOMAX 17-inch display used for ISR.
awarded CMC a contract to supply 24 Driving the avionics, MFDs and UFCPs are
Cockpit 4000 avionic suites custom built two mission computers which provide control
for the Archangel aircraft. At the time of the and display functions for the high-resolution
CMC order award, Ron Howard said: “CMC’s graphics for navigation and mission data. The
Cockpit 4000 provides a powerful, yet flexible mission computers are integrated with an
avionics suite that is perfectly suited for the IOMAX tactical system computer (TSC) that
Archangel’s requirements. The CMC solution manages the MX-15Di high-definition imaging
was developed rapidly and cost-effectively, system; controls the weapons; and provides
enabling us to offer a premium, tailored additional mission functionality. CMC’s
capability to our customer, while meeting an avionics run on an operational flight program
aggressive schedule.” that integrates the sensors, navigation radios
Describing the cockpit, Jim Toole said: and communication radios.
“Integrating the CMC cockpit made the Discussing the Archangel EMD aircraft, Jim
Archangel aircraft a more effective aircraft Toole said that the company chose to buy
for the ISR, close air support and airborne a stock S2R-660: “Once we started to work
command and control missions. We have with it, we realised we had to make some
a great team of people working on the significant modifications. We lengthened and
Archangel programme some of whom have moved the tandem cockpit forward by 43
backgrounds on the A-10, F-16 and F/A-18. inches (1.09m) to increase the available space
We asked for their input on the design of the for the WSO; improve the pilot’s forward and
Archangel cockpit and built mock-up models. downward view; and elevate the aft cockpit
They worked with the models to help design to improve visibility for the WSO [weapon
and build the EMD aircraft incorporating the systems operator].
attributes they had identified. We tested them As a result of the cockpit reconfiguration,
On the first three aircraft, the IOMAX and that was the aircraft the customer got a we also had to increase the height of the
integration team had to remove the hopper
and gate boxes and retro fit a fuselage fuel IOMAX BLOCK PRODUCTION
tank and electronics, whereas aircrafts four to
Block Type Configuration Delivery
ten were delivered from Air Tractor with a fuel
tank installed. Block 1 (10) AT-802 BPA (ISR capable only) September 2010 to June
Jim Toole said the first ten aircraft also 2011
had hard points installed in anticipation of a Block 2 (14) AT-802 BPA with heavier payload January 2012 to May 2013
follow-on contract for the integration of the
AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile. Block 2.5 AT-802 BPA upgraded with Archangel systems
The UAE SOC purchased 14 more BPA Block 3 (24) S2R-660 Archangel June 2015 to January 2017
Block 2 aircraft in 2011 increasing its fleet to 24
aircraft.
The UAE has used its BPA aircraft in
combat operations in Libya, Egypt and
Yemen. Based on the type’s performance
and a need for improved capability,
the UAEAF issued a requirement for an
upgraded aircraft and subsequently awarded
IOMAX a contract for another 24 more
capable aircraft in September 2014.
The new partnership with Thrush meant
that the IOMAX design and engineering teams
were able to work with the company to make
the modifications and structural changes
required for the new Archangel aircraft. By
mid-2014, IOMAX in partnership with Thrush
had produced an Engineering, Manufacturing
and Development (EMD) aircraft (N925KH)
which made its maiden flight at Lake Norman
Airpark in July: N925KH remains in service as
a test-bed for research and development. Measuring 9ft 8in (2.94m) long, the IOMAX modular pod
New design features of the Archangel was designed to house ELINT or SIGINT systems, a radar,
aircraft included a sleeker nose profile, datalinks and carry the MX-15Di imaging system as shown.
remodelled wing roots and wingtips, a
27
in addition to the avionics suite, radios,

antennas, tactical lighting and systems required
for ISR, weapons and datalinks.”
With a wing span of 57ft (17.37m), the
positions of the under-wing hard points are
well spaced so the effort to install wiring and
wiring harnesses to them, and all of the other
points on the aircraft, is significant. In total the
team fits just over six miles of wiring cable as
part of the integration effort.
IOMAX Instructor Pilot John Passant
recalled how quickly the integration team is
able to de-skin a baseline aircraft: “We were
racing to convert and complete aircraft No.20
in time for its deployment to Marine Corps Air
Station Yuma (see later). The crew had the
aircraft de-skinned by the time I’d completed
the paperwork after the aircraft’s delivery
flight from Albany. Huge skin panels [fixed
with Phillips head cam lock screws] can be
vertical stabiliser and increase the area of the make sure crews can get to them to maintain removed in a short space of time.”
rudder to improve the aircraft’s directional them. Their positions on the aircraft are Doug Klevisha said the heavy structural
stability. These were the two initial major appropriate for weight and centre of gravity. provisions - the hard points for the camera,
modifications made. That was a major effort.” the pod and three on each wing for the pylons
“Smaller mods included things the IOMAX’s Senior Director of Integration, - are all fitted by the factory. He explained:
customer wanted; self-sealing fuel tanks Doug Klevisha, described the timelines and “The PT6A-67F engine and the MT propeller
for protection against small arms fire (see extent of the work undertaken on a baseline come fitted. Other than some minor rigging
later); armour protection fitted around S2R-660 aircraft. He said: “It takes a couple adjustments, all of the alterations required for
the engine; development of an autopilot of days to de-fuel, de-panel and de-mod the the engine and propeller have already been
integrated with the weapon system and the ferry equipment installed on an aircraft. Then completed by Thrush when they fit the engine.”
flight management system. The autopilot we completely gut the aircraft. This allows One large part of the integration effort
integration has proven to be very effective. us access to all areas so we can begin to is devoted to the aircraft’s fuel system. An
We also undertook a complete lay down and install the sheet metal required for the cockpit additional 315-gallon fuel tank is fitted in the
re-do of the avionics for better accessibility to console, side consoles and instrument panels, fuselage, positioned where the hopper usually
28
1 This shot shows the amount of space

available to both aircrew in the Archangel’s
voluminous cockpit. 2 The aft cockpit com-
prises two 5x7-inch MFDs, a 17-inch display
and an up front control panel. 3 The Archan-
gel’s front cockpit features a SparrowHawk
HUD, three 5x7-inch multi-function displays
and an up front control panel.
sits on a baseline S2R-660, a 5-gallon header

tank is installed in the fuselage and each wing
has an additional 50-gallon fuel cell installed.
Standard wing fuel cells hold 114 gallons, one
on each side, for a total fuel load of 648 gallons.
As part of its work, the integration team installs
a self-sealing application in all of the fuel cells
and the tank. The application has a level two
ballistic rating. Should any of the fuel cells get
penetrated by a round, they self-seal.
According to Doug Klevisha the total
production turn time is about 30 days – three
weeks of heavy installation work, followed
by a week of continuity and basic system
configuration checks, and re-panelling. He
said: “Within a 30-day period of the aircraft
arriving, it’s ready for power-on checks
followed by its first flight.”
Prior to first flight, each Archangel aircraft
undergoes one ground run involving compass
calibration and engine tuning. Test pilots Archangel aircraft was inaudible operation 27 propeller gave improved performance
contracted in by IOMAX fly the first flight to above 15,000ft (4,572m). In a bid to meet the with greater thrust and operated at lower
check basic handling, after which one of the customer’s requirement, IOMAX contracted noise levels. He said: “The customer likes
company pilots flies the aircraft to Donaldson German company MT-Propeller to design a the MT propeller because in theatre it has
Field, South Carolina for painting. Upon return custom-built propeller for the Pratt & Whitney demonstrated it can’t be heard overhead.”
to Lake Norman Airpark, company pilots fly Canada PT6A-67F turboprop engine. The
a minimum of two flights to check the TSC is propeller, dubbed the MTV-27, features IOMAX Mission Pod
operating properly in the simulated mode; to composite scimitar-style blades. Carried on the centreline fuselage pylon,
simulate release of the different weapons; and However, the MT propeller was one of two the 9ft 8in (2.94m) long IOMAX modular pod
conduct laser range finding to make sure all under consideration by IOMAX: the other was designed to house ELINT or SIGINT
the tactical systems are up and running. option was the five-bladed Hartzell propeller systems, a radar, datalinks and carry the MX-
used on the earlier BPA aircraft. Both types 15Di imaging system. ELINT and SIGINT are
MT Propeller were flight tested on the Archangel EMD abbreviations for electronic intelligence and
A key requirement of the UAEAF for its aircraft. According to Jim Toole, the MTV- signals intelligence gathering.
29
The pod, developed and manufactured for Systems Development The forward and rear cockpits have
the UAEAF, houses two different datalinks; a IOMAX developed the Archangel’s systems identical displays and capabilities. Both the
broadcast microwave system (a commercial from the ground up. Its mission computer pilot in the forward cockpit and the WSO in
HD video downlink) and an L-3 Vortexi, is a generation beyond the one used for the the rear can view the status of the stores,
a military system that’s compatible with original BPA aircraft, and as one would expect, select the store required for release and
the ROVER or Remote Operational Video features many significant improvements the mode of release. For example, either
Enhanced Receiver. ROVER is used by a including software-driven stores management; crewmember can set lock-on before launch or
Joint Terminal Air Controller (JTAC) to receive a graphical user interface that provides the pilot lock-on after launch mode of operation for an
streaming video downlinked from an aircraft. with the guidance information required to get to AGM-114 Hellfire missile.
The centre part of the pod is empty the target and accurately drop weapons. The button to apply power, the master arm
and can house a variety of payloads: Symbology was added to the SparrowHawk switch that allows a weapon to be released,
modification to facilitate a different payload HUD to meet the specific customer and the pickle and fire switches are all in the
is a straightforward and quick process. Both requirement to hit a five mil (milliradians) front cockpit only, so the pilot has control and
the aft and forward fairings are radomes; the accuracy for weapon release. The requirement release authority of the stores.
aft fairing houses antennas for the BMS and drove much of the design which in itself The WSO can perform all of the tasks
Vortexi datalinks and the forward fairing also was based on symbology used on the A-10 associated with managing the stores, and
houses an antenna. Thunderbolt II but incorporates changes and based on his display can fly all the way to the
Existing pods in service with the UAEAF do developments by the company’s own design target if required, just as the pilot can. This
not house a radar, but a new buy of 12 pods team. is not the typical way a crew operates the
can have a radar system fitted. Explaining the different ways of guiding Archangel because the WSO uses the 17-inch
weapons with the Archangel, IOMAX display to look at video imagery generated by
MX-15 Imaging System Weapons Engineer James Menzinger said the MX-15 or to designate a target.
In February 2015, IOMAX awarded a contract the company developed the software for The MX-15 imaging system is integrated to
to L-3 Wescam for 28 MX-15Di imaging the mission computer’s guidance function. the mission computer so target data can be
systems for the UAEAF’s Archangel fleet. The forward cockpit is equipped with an passed between the two systems, so if the
Weighing up to 50lb (22kg), the MX-15Di can armament control panel, which houses the mission computer receives a target, the system
support up to six sensors; a mix of HD electro- master arm switch and an armament interface allows the data to be passed directly to the
optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras; colour unit which is a safety system that drives the MX-15.
low-light, wide-angle zoom EO and short wave smart pylons. He explained: “The pylons The MX-15 is also integrated to the
IR imagers; and lasers for long-range target have their own software and we maximise the AeroComputers UC-5300 digital moving
illumination, laser pointing and range-finding. generic architecture of the interface between mapping system which provides the pilot with
The system blends EO and IR imagery to create the mission computer and the pylons to detailed elevation data.
spectrally-rich image yields that are invisible in enable pretty much any interface [including James Menzinger explained how integrating
individual sensor images. All payloads are fully MIL-STD-1760, Ethernet and RS422] to the imaging and mapping systems provides
stabilised by a four-axis gimbal with an internal communicate with the mission computer to seamless targeting capability using either the
inertial measurement unit. control the stores.” map or the laser rangefinder.
Note the array of

antennas fitted to the
Archangel aircraft.
30
Using the map, the pilot can move the cursor “That means the pilot no longer has to fly with IOMAX has completed weapons integration
around the map and hit enter on a target. The his knees or elbow on the column as he is trying for four guided air-to-surface weapons on
MX-15 and the TSC then pick-up that target to write and deal with stuff, the autopilot will the Archangel; two types of gravity-released
or the MX-15’s laser rangefinder can create a follow the target and the aircraft’s orbit moves in laser-guided bomb, the 500lb GBU-12 using a
target which is passed to both the map and the relation to the target’s position.” Mk82 warhead and the 250lb GBU-58 using a
mission computer. This allows the operator to Mk81 warhead; the Lockheed Martin AGM-114
input the target data to the stores management Weapons Integration Hellfire missile and the Roketsan CIRIT 70mm
system via the data entry pad. IOMAX leads all weapons integration laser-guided rocket.
Consequently, when a JTAC calls in a target programmes. Initial weapon integration – Each of the six hard points is cleared to carry
on the radio, the operator can create the target drop test, firing test and safe separation a pylon loaded with up to 1,000b (454kg): the
on the TSC and then pass it to the map and – is undertaken in the United States and the heaviest store currently carried is the GBU-12.
the MX-15 using single push commands. remaining events, all the way through to full According to Jim Toole, following the GBU-
Auto-target and auto-slew functions allow the operational evaluation, are done in the United 12, IOMAX integrated dual-ejector racks (DERs),
operator to quickly move between target fits, a Arab Emirates. custom built for the UAEAF to double the
function that’s popular with pilots and WSOs. The North Carolina-based company aircraft’s load-out from six to twelve GBU-58s.
Additionally, the HUD also has a targeting adopted the protocol and procedures used The hard points are specifically spaced along
capability. By using the HUD’s target by the Air Force Seek Eagle Office based the wing to facilitate a DER with two stores on
dissemination view, the pilot can create a at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida – the US Air each pylon. Separation testing demonstrated
target and the MX-15 immediately slews to Force centre for aircraft-store compatibility – safe release of GBU-58s from DERs fitted to all
the target. If the pilot sees a potential target he for each weapon integration effort. Jim Toole six pylons.
can mark it, send it to the WSO and it appears explained the objective of the Seek Eagle To date, IOMAX has successfully integrated
in the mission computer. Likewise, if the WSO Office is to have a structured procedure that three versions of Hellfire: the laser-guided
sees something, he too can mark it with the is used for the integration and qualification AGM-114K, AGM-114M and AGM-114N.
MX-15 so the pilot can see it in the HUD and it’s of a weapon on a platform, so that the The integration effort successfully cleared all
targeted in the mission computer. IOMAX put weapon is operationally suitable. There is a versions to operate in both lock on before
a lot of effort into seamless targeting capability series of steps that must be accomplished launch and lock on after launch modes.
and making it intuitive to the pilot and WSO. for each weapon integration programme: Hellfire passed the UAEAF’s operational
Of the three targeting solutions available, environmental testing, flying qualities, flutter, evaluation and has been used in combat.
IOMAX developed all of the mission computer flutter analysis, pit drops, safe separation IOMAX worked with Cobham to develop a
software to support the MX-15 and the and separation analysis. He said: “We follow custom-built Hellfire dual-rail launcher for the
SparrowHawk HUD. Software used to operate all of the steps and document the data, Archangel, which is based on a derivative of
the moving mapping system was modified by which is provided to the user. We even bring the Brimstone missile launcher. Fitting dual-rail
AeroComputers. a third party evaluator in to ensure we have launchers to each pylon enables an Archangel
IOMAX Test Pilot John Passant explained done everything in a manner that’s safe and to carry up to 12 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
that the TSC can link a moving target being effective. As a result, our weapon integration More recently IOMAX received a contract
tracked by the MX-15 to the autopilot. He said: complies with US Air Force standards.” from the UAEAF to integrate the Roketsan
31
New design features incorporated into

the S2R-660-based include a sleeker
nose profile and remodelled wing roots.
70mm CIRIT laser-guided rocket which passed the missions. During the latter stages of his combat town east of Yuma dubbed FINEX 2.
its operational evaluation and is currently being Marine Corps career, John was attached to All three involved the aircraft conducting long-
used in combat. the Imminent Fury programme, and was an endurance, armed ISR missions.
The UAEAF has plans to integrate two new advocate of the light attack class of aircraft. Support for the AOD FINEX involved a 7.2-
weapons on the Archangel in 2017: a GPS/ As a Marine Corps officer in 2007 during the hour mission flown with a MAWTS-1 Harrier
INS semi-active laser-guided bomb kit and a US combat surge in Iraq, he wrote a paper instructor pilot in the aft seat. Discussing the
forward-firing imaging infrared 70mm laser- for the Marine Corps Gazette on the use mission, John Passant said the 150-mile transit
guided rocket. IOMAX and the UAEAF plan to and applicability of light attack aircraft in that to Twentynine Palms was flown at 16,500ft
contract each weapon manufacturer to support campaign. In that paper he expressed concern (5,029m) and the mission was conducted
the integration programme led by IOMAX. that the United States was not employing the at 21,000ft (6,400m), a favoured altitude
correct aircraft to counter the insurgency and that yields maximum endurance, and once
Yuma, Arizona was haemorrhaging money on costly warplanes established in the operating area, the Archangel
During the final week of the US Marine to provide close air support. He advocated simulated a series of weapon releases. “We
Corps’ latest Weapons and Tactics Instructor flooding the battlefield with cheaper but were watching Harriers come in for an attack
course, dubbed WTI 1-17, IOMAX funded the arguably more effective aircraft. and returning after visiting a tanker for further
deployment of two Archangel aircraft (c/n 19 Approval for the company-funded attacks to release their entire air-to-surface
and 20) to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, deployment to Yuma was coordinated by payload. We were present during several
Arizona. MAWTS-1 and cleared by HQ US Marine Corps fixed and rotary wing sections’ entire times
For the final phase of the seven-week so the weapons school staff could experience on station. Marines were impressed with the
course, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics the aircraft’s capabilities during some of the live Archangel’s endurance.
Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1) – the aviation weapons missions flown as part of WTI 1-17. Different Air Officer students were rotating
school – conclude the course with a multiday An IOMAX team and two aircraft were hosted through on the radio to get targets knocked
final exercise dubbed FINEX 1, FINEX 2 and at Yuma by the Aviation Tactics Development out. The Air Officer course is designed to
FINEX 3. It was this phase that the Archangel and Evaluation department of MAWTS-1. integrate available fire support, so integrating
participated in. An Archangel aircraft participated in three air support with artillery and mortars, and in
IOMAX Instructor Pilot John Passant, events: the Air Officer Department (AOD) FINEX this event 0.50 calibre weapons providing
a former US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet at Twentynine Palms; the helicopter assault direct fire suppression. We were cooperating
pilot and a WTI graduate, flew a couple of dubbed FINEX 1; and a MARSOC raid into a and integrating with the Harriers; we would
shoot a simulated Hellfire they would follow
UAEAF Archangel serial number 2362 seen in the static display with bombs. A measure of the Archangel’s
of the 2015 edition of the Dubai Air Show. Mr Alan endurance was demonstrated when we had
to return to Yuma before the Harrier instructor
pilot’s crew day ran out: he had flown a
maintenance flight in the morning before flying
in the Archangel. At the point we had to return,
we had enough fuel to remain on station for
another hour.”
The Archangel aircraft cannot operate in an
environment with radar-guided surface-to-air
missiles and anti-aircraft artillery threats. In
the words of John Passant: “Once you talk a
radar threat, we have no game. At 21,000ft it
would be pretty hard to get ahold of us with
MANPADs. That’s an altitude that pushes the
kinematic edge of most MANPAD weapons and
we have countermeasures on board the aircraft:
32
a common missile warning system and flares.”

The threat environment for AOD FINEX was
niche enough to permit the Archangel to remain
on station to deal with the multiple targets
called throughout the day.
FINEX 1 involved a helicopter assault at
Twentynine Palms during which a battalion
of Marines and a forward air controller
were inserted into a landing zone. The
Archangel undertook a strike coordination
and reconnaissance (SCAR) style mission –
coordinating and marking targets for armed
reconnaissance missions and precisely locating
targets for air interdiction missions – and to
attack targets as detected.
The Archangel pilot had full situational
awareness of the battlefield so as the helicopter
sections checked in, the Forward Air Controller
instructed them to contact the Archangel, call
sign Rustic, for target information.
The story given to the Archangel pilot was
that an Air Officer instructor from MAWTS-1 The Archangel has a straight
asked the duty officer back at Yuma who constant chord wing making it
and what platform Rustic was, citing he was structurally efficient and ideal for
on scene the entire time, knew where all the short take-off and landing opera-
tions: a requirement at the heart of
targets were, and had situational awareness of
its requirement as a crop duster.
everything going on. He was really impressed. Wing area is 326ft2 (30.3m2).
During the mission planning stage of FINEX
1, nobody really grasped the capability of the
Archangel which only became evident during it can do. These included one from infantry, Ron Howard told AIR International that
the mission because the aircraft covered the artillery and the AH-1 Cobra. almost a billion dollars has been spent on the
insert and remained on station all the way 48 aircraft produced by IOMAX to date, much
through to the conclusion of the extraction. No New Gear, New Markets of which was used to develop the Archangel.
other platform did that. According to Ron Howard, IOMAX is now He said: “IOMAX invested significant amounts
FINEX 2 involved a MARSOC helicopter offering a SIGINT payload carried in the of company money into the programme as has
raid for which the Archangel was tasked with modular pod. He said: “Broadly speaking, the the UAEAF, which is a limited partner in the
the initial terminal guidance by marking the system has the capability to conduct network programme.”
zone for two CH-53Es to land. Unfortunately, surveys and network tower locations and is None of the contracts between IOMAX
the mission was terminated because the lead subject to State Department export rules so we and the UAEAF are Foreign Military Sales
CH-53 suffered a mishap. Fortunately, no are working with the department to determine (FMS) programmes. Without Federal
Marines were seriously injured in the incident. what they will allow us to fit on the aircraft.” Aviation Administration certification, the
Overhead, the Archangel was designated IOMAX has its current customer base in US Government will not include an aircraft
as the on-scene commander transmitting the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Ron in the FMS programme. IOMAX is content
information between the remaining helicopters Howard said the UAE donated six of its original with the situation because the company
and the duty office back at Yuma. BPA aircraft to the Royal Jordanian Air Force has yet to refine and finalise the Archangel’s
Despite the mishap, the Archangel crew in 2013, for which IOMAX has supported, design for the FMS market. Ron Howard
was able to validate the Vortexi video downlink maintained, and undertaken all of the training. confirmed IOMAX is in discussions with the
with the MARSOC helicopter force who could He explained: “We are about to upgrade the US Government and has a lot of interest in
view real-time imagery of the target house and Jordanian aircraft with the systems integrated the product. He said: “We wanted to satisfy
compound, the helicopter landing zone and on the Archangel. In addition, another four AT- the MENA [Middle East North Africa] market
other tactical requirements of the mission’s 802s which were originally supplied by L-3 to first. We’ve satisfied the requirements of
execution before the helicopter assault force the US Government configured as ISR aircraft the UAEAF, which is looking to buy more
launched from the staging area. for Yemen. Before the situation in Yemen aeroplanes, and are currently negotiating
In addition to the three big missions, IOMAX worsened, the aircraft were gifted to Jordan. with Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The
pilots also flew a series of demo flights for Now IOMAX is upgrading those aircraft to BPA programme has been running for six years,
Marines from other communities so they had a Block 2.5 standard equipped with the systems and we are now positioned to enter the
chance to experience the aircraft and see what used on the Archangel.” market in a big way.”
One of ten IOMAX Border Patrol Aircraft (not an Archangel) in service with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. This example, serial number 1584, is
loaded with two GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and the IOMAX mission pod fitted with an MX-15Di imaging system. Arnold ten Pas
33
Your favourite magazine is now available digitally.
DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW FOR FREE.
FREE APP
with sample issue
IN APP ISSUES £3.99
SUBSCRIBE
& SAVE
Monthly £2.99
6 issues £19.99
12 issues £34.99
SEARCH: AIR International
Read on your iPhone & iPad Android PC & Mac kindle fire Blackberry Windows 10
SEARCH:
SEARCH
Britain at War SEARCH
ALSO
COMBAT AIRCRAFT AVIATION NEWS
FREE APP FREE APP

AVAILABLE FOR with sample issue with sample issue
IN APP ISSUES £3.99 IN APP ISSUES £3.99
DOWNLOAD
Aviation Specials App FREE DOWNLOAD How it Works.
Simply download the AIR International
IN APP ISSUES
app and receive your sample issue completely
£3.99 free. Once you have the app, you will be able
to download new or back issues (from January 2011
onwards) for less than newsstand price or, alternatively,
subscribe to save even more!
Simply download to purchase digital versions
of your favourite aviation specials in
Don’t forget to register for your Pocketmags account.
one handy place! Once you have
the app, you will be able to This will protect your purchase in the event of a damaged or lost device. It will
download new, out of print also allow you to view your purchases on multiple platforms.
or archive specials
for less than the
PC, Mac &
iTunes Windows 10
cover price!
Available on PC, Mac, Blackberry, Windows 10 and kindle fire from
Requirements for app: registered iTunes account on Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Internet connection required for initial download.
Published by Key Publishing Ltd. The entire contents of these titles are © copyright 2017. All rights reserved. App prices subject to change. 029/17
029 AIR Int digi fp.indd 34 16/01/2017 09:31

MAX
BOEING 737 MAX
FREE
SUPPLEMENT
The 737 Refreshed

Aircraft, Systems,
Engines, Flight Deck,
Specifications &
Customers
35
BOEING 737 MAX
Contents
38 Bringing the MAX to Market
Boeing is advancing towards certification and service
entry of the latest 737.
40 The Aircraft
Aspects of the 737 MAX’s design, from aerodynamics to
new systems designed to help maintenance.
44 Power to the MAX

A new generation of CFM International LEAP-1B
engines powers the 737 MAX family.

48 Customers
More than 3,300 737 MAX have been ordered.
49 Specifications
The key performance stats for the 737 MAX variants.
Editor: Mark Broadbent, Designer: Dan Jarman, Sub-Editors: Fiona Kyle, Julia Thorley
Advertising Manager: Ian Maxwell, Production Manager: Janet Watkins,
Commercial Director: Ann Saundry, Executive Chairman: Richard Cox,
Managing Director and Publisher: Adrian Cox, Acknowledgements: Boeing,
CFM International, Cover photo: Boeing
This jet, N8703J (c/n 42556), is one of four

aircraft that have been used for flight and
certification testing of the 737 MAX 8. Boeing
36
BOEING 737 MAX
A Milestone Year
Fifty years after the prototype made its first flight from Renton on April 9, 1967, Boeing 737s
continue to roll out of the Renton factory in Seattle at a high rate. Currently 42 are produced
every month, and there plans to ramp up production to 47 a month during 2017 and then to
52 a month in 2018.
Beyond the significant anniversary and the output increase, 2017 is also significant for the
737 because this year will see Boeing deliver the first customer 737 MAX 8.
The MAX is the fourth generation of the 737 – following on from the early 737-100 and
737-200 versions, the ‘Classic’ variants (737-300, 737-400 and 737-500) built from 1984
to 2000 and the Next Generation models (737-600, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER)
produced since the late 1990s.
The fact that the first MAX will enter service in the 737’s golden jubilee year is not just neat
historical symmetry, but also a testament to the longevity of the 737’s design. The MAX
means this very familiar aircraft is set to be around for a long time to come – more than
3,300 examples have been ordered by customers worldwide.
This supplement looks at some of the key aspects of the MAX – the aircraft, its systems and
its engines – as certification and service entry of this latest, refreshed 737 approaches.
Mark Broadbent
Editor
37
BOEING 737 MAX
B
oeing launched the 737 MAX on 4), joined the flight testing and certification requirements . . . so we can compile the data
August 30, 2011. The company was programme during 2016. Airplane 2 flew on and transmit that data to the FAA to support
the second of the dominant players March 4, Airplane 3 on April 14 and Airplane our type certificate.”
in the narrowbody segment of the 4 on May 7. Each aircraft has had its own Some of the final assessments were to
airliner market to launch a new responsibilities in testing, with Airplane 1 include a couple of in-flight starting tests and
version of a proven product, after Airbus in used for stability and control, Airplane 2 for a nacelle drainage test. Leverkuhn explained:
December 2010 launched the rival A320neo performance, Airplane 3 for propulsion and “That’s where we mimic a large leak under the
(new engine option). systems, and Airplane 4 for function and nacelle and we demonstrate that the drainage
Three main versions of the 737 MAX were reliability (F&R). provisions that are part of the nacelle are such
launched: the MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 9, The flight-test programme is run from that the leak will drain away.”
succeeding the 737-700, 737-800 and 737- Boeing’s Seattle home, but other locations Speaking about how the certification testing
900ER respectively. The MAX 8 would be have been used for certain tests. El Alto process works, Leverkuhn said: “What we do is
the first variant to be developed. A fourth International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, hosted enter into discussions with the FAA to ensure
variant, the MAX 200, a high-density variant Airplane 2 for high-altitude testing. The we understand the certification basis. We then
of the MAX 8, was announced in 2014. All same aircraft went to Glasgow in Montana talk to the FAA about what kind of testing will
four will feature a range of technologies, for water spray testing and community noise be necessary to show compliance with each
spearheaded by a new generation of more assessments, and to Yuma, Arizona for high- of the FARs [Federal Aviation Regulations] that
efficient CFM International LEAP-1B engines, temperature evaluations. Airplane 3 went affect the aircraft.
to provide double-digit reductions in fuel to Edwards AFB, California and Colorado “It really is about negotiating with the FAA.
burn and emissions, as well as lower noise Springs for autoland systems tests. We say, ‘This is how we’re going to validate
and operational costs. this machine against the requirements.’ In
Testing Progress some cases, we will do our own engineering
Milestones AIR International spoke with Keith Leverkuhn, tests in advance of the certification tests to
Firm configuration on the MAX 8’s design Vice-President and General Manager of the assure ourselves that we understand the
was achieved in July 2013. Boeing began 737 MAX, about the testing of the MAX 8. behaviour of the aircraft prior to going into
assembling the wing for the first flight test He said: “Airplane 1 has actually done flying. the certification portion.”
aircraft at Renton, the home of the 737, in We finished that up some weeks ago, so that In being dedicated to F&R testing, Airplane
May 2015. The initial fuselage arrived at the [aircraft] is now undergoing a refurb and 4 has a largely complete interior featuring
factory that August after being transported by we’ll be working on that aircraft ultimately to passenger seats, stowage bins and a galley,
rail from subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems in deliver it to a customer.” a contrast to Airplanes 1, 2 and 3, which are
Wichita, Kansas. At the time of writing in December, the each heavily instrumented with flight test
Following systems integration and the other three test aircraft were, Leverkuhn equipment. Airplane 4 is used to ensure the
joining of the wings to the fuselage, the said, “cleaning up the remaining testing for MAX 8 complies with the relevant FARs for
landing gear, tail, flight systems and LEAP- things like autoland and the basic certification the interior, for example smoke detection
1Bs were installed. The aircraft, N8701Q (c/n testing that’s required by the Federal Aviation and fire escape (the aircraft will also be used
42554) Spirit of Renton – also known simply Administration [FAA] to show compliance with for extended-range twin-engine operations
as Airplane 1 – was rolled out on December 8, the regulations.” certification).
2015. After engine and taxi tests, it took off on Leverkuhn was upbeat about the progress Leverkuhn said: “We’re looking very closely
its first flight on January 29, 2016. towards certification, saying Boeing has “a at what the pilots are saying. Is there anything
A further three flight test MAX 8s, N8702L handful of certification tests” to go. He said: on Airplane 4 that would give us concern?
Bringing the M
(c/n 36989, Airplane 2), N8703J (c/n 42556, “It’s really about finishing up the remaining Are we seeing nuisance messages as a result
Airplane 3) and N8704Q (c/n 36988, Airplane test cards to check off each of the certification of the flying we’re doing? I’m really pleased
38
BOEING 737 MAX
with the fact that it’s looking very clean as we

progress through F&R.” THE 737 MAX FAMILY
The different versions of the 737 MAX are each designed for different needs across the short-haul market.
Operate like an Airline The MAX 8 has capacity for 184 seats (one-class), 162 (two-class) or 189 (maximum). Boeing’s marketing
The 737NG has a good reputation for describes the MAX 8 as serving “the heart of the market”. The MAX 9 is designed to seat 178 passengers
despatch reliability (Boeing says it is 99.8%). two-class (or 204 one-class, 220 maximum) for operators wanting to add more capacity to popular routes.
Leverkuhn acknowledged: “To bring the MAX The MAX 7 is configured for 138 passengers two-class (156 one-class, 172 maximum) for airlines looking
into that fleet we knew it was going to have to at network development opportunities or that have requirements for more range and hot and high
be the most reliable entry into service we’ve performance. The MAX 200 is a 200-seat version of the MAX 8 designed for operators such as low-cost
ever done airlines looking to maximise seat numbers and attain the lowest unit costs. There will also be a Boeing
In recognition of that, maturity has been Business Jets version of the MAX. Boeing claims the MAX will be 14% more fuel efficient per seat, generate
a major focus for Boeing during testing. 40% less community noise, and have 12% lower airframe maintenance costs than the 737NG.
The company used the term ‘right at first Boeing’s plan calls for the first customer MAX 8 to be delivered in the first half of 2017. The first MAX 9
flight’ as a focus for its engineering teams is due to fly in 2017, with that variant entering service in 2018. Service entry of the MAX 7 and MAX 200
to ensure the MAX’s systems had a high is due in the 2019-2020 timeframe. At the time of writing in December, Boeing had recorded more than
level of maturity before the aircraft flew. 3,300 orders for the MAX, with the majority being for MAX 8s. One recent major order announcement was
from the lessor GECAS for 75 MAX 8s, taking its orders for the aircraft to 170.
For example, tests on the cockpit systems
and controls using an engineering flight
simulator began in April 2015, nine months developed for the aircraft functioned in satisfied about where we stand with respect to
before Spirit of Renton got airborne. representative line operations. It also gave maturity of the aircraft as we prepare for entry
Efforts to make the MAX 8 a mature aircraft the chance for Southwest’s maintenance and into service, making sure there’s no stone
at service entry have also involved Airplane ground crews to gain experience in handling unturned, making sure we have a machine that
4. Beyond the F&R testing this aircraft is the MAX 8, from towing and replenishing is ready to go into service.”
undertaking for certification, Airplane 4 the aircraft to using ground equipment and Besides OLA activities, the work to
is also used for what Boeing calls OLA undertaking maintenance checks. prepare for service entry includes ensuring
(operate like an airline) evaluations. The The OLA assessments have another benefit. support products such as the maintenance
aircraft features the parts and the software One of the new features on the 737 MAX is manual, fault isolation manual and despatch
loads that will be delivered to customers an onboard network system (ONS), which deviation guide are ready, that the customer
and an interior representative of an in- increases the amount of data about the airlines have familiarised themselves with
service MAX 8, so is ideal for getting, in aircraft available to the airline. Using Airplane the aircraft and the spare parts supply chain
Leverkuhn’s words, “as close as we can to 4 therefore provided an opportunity to check is established.
mimicking the [in-service] fleet”. how the ONS works in a realistic environment. In the coming years one of the major goals
The OLA work using Airplane 4 included a with the 737 programme overall is a rate
test in September 2016 called service-ready 2017 Certification increase that will see output rise to 52 aircraft
operational validation. Over a six-day period, Leverkuhn said he is very confident Boeing per month in 2018, which Leverkuhn noted “is
pilots from key MAX 8 customer Southwest will meet the targets announced in 2016 for faster than we’ve ever done before”.
Airlines and Boeing flew the aircraft on routes the MAX 8 to achieve FAA certification during With the ramp-up occurring as the MAX
from that carrier’s Dallas Love Field hub to the first quarter of 2017, and then for the first begins to enter production, he said: “There’s
cities that included Albuquerque, Denver, customer aircraft to be delivered in the first been an unprecedented focus on our part to
Chicago, Austin and Phoenix. half of the year. make sure that not only we’re ready, but also
MAX to Market
This gave an opportunity to assess how Looking ahead, he said: “I think the key the entire supply base is ready.”
the MAX 8’s systems and the procedures challenges are really around being fully Mark Broadbent
Boeing is advancing towards certification

and service entry of the latest 737
Water spray testing under way at Glasgow, Montana, using N8702L
(c/n 36989), which has been used for performance testing. Boeing
39
BOEING 737 MAX
W
hen launching a refreshed boasting a larger fan diameter of 69.4in NGs the MAX will emit 310,000 tonnes less
version of an established (1,762mm) compared to the 61in (1,550mm) carbon dioxide and save 215 million pounds
product, aircraft fan diameter of the CFM56-7Bs. (97,522kg) of fuel per year.
manufacturers need to Larger engines meant that Boeing had In addition to lower fuel burn and
strike a balance. They must to extend the nose landing gear by 8in emissions, the MAX also offers increased
introduce new technologies that will make (200mm) to ensure sufficient clearance performance. Maximum take-off weight,
a tangible difference to the aircraft and its between the LEAP-1Bs and the ground, and maximum zero fuel weight and maximum
economics. Equally, they also must retain the this has resulted in the MAX sitting slightly landing weight for each variant in the MAX
elements of the aircraft that make it popular higher on the ground compared to the NG. family have all increased from the previous
with customers in the first place. Boeing says the integration between generation.
Striking this balance between innovation the engines and the wing has also been These increases have led to, Teal said,
and commonality is apparent in the design improved to reduce drag and contribute to “increased material sizing to support higher
of the 737 MAX. This is an aircraft that fuel efficiency. Michael Teal, Chief Engineer weights” and “local changes to the gear
has several differences from the previous on the MAX, told AIR International that the doghouse and radar bay to enable [landing]
737NG, but also retains a high degree of LEAP-1Bs also have an all-new nacelle and gear growth”.
commonality with its predecessor. secondary chevrons on the thrust reverser to
reduce noise. AT Winglet
Lower Fuel Burn Boeing says the MAX will burn 14% less The all-new Advanced Technology (AT)
The engines are one of the major fuel than the NG (or 20% less compared Winglets are another important change.
differences. The MAX has CFM International to the first NGs produced in the 1990s). AT Winglets differ from the NG’s Blended
LEAP-1B turbofans instead of the CFM56- The LEAP-1Bs account Winglets by combining upwards-facing and
7Bs on the NG. The new engines are one of for 11% of the reduction. downwards-facing aerofoils, rather than just
the most notable visual changes between Boeing claims that when the upwards-facing aerofoil that the Blended
the two generations, with the LEAP-1Bs compared to a fleet of 100 Winglet has.
40
BOEING 737 MAX
As with the Blended Winglet, the upwards- Laminar flow also contributes to a wing’s the steadiness of the airflow around the tail.
facing aerofoil on the AT Winglet is designed efficiency; if the flow is laminar, or smooth, Boeing says these changes will eliminate the
to vector the inward, upward and slightly there’s less drag. The MAX design team need for vortex generators on the tail and
forward lift components of the airflow incorporated advanced natural laminar flow reduce drag by 1%, contributing to the fuel
around the wing to create lift and technology – some of which was researched burn improvement.
reduce lift-induced drag. However, using the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Spoilers are electronically controlled, and
friction caused by the airflow over a Programme – into the surface material a Honeywell electronic bleed air system
winglet itself creates a certain amount specification for the AT Winglet. provides wing anti-ice protection and cabin
of drag. This explains the presence of Boeing says: “The overall pressurisation and environmental controls.
the AT Winglet’s lower aerofoil. This is combination of advanced design On the NG, the spoilers and bleed air
designed to generate a further vertical and advanced airflow control system were all hydraulically controlled.
lift component that is then vectored means the AT Winglet delivers the Using electronic controls means the
away from the fuselage and slightly greatest contribution to improved number of hydraulic components such as
forwards. fuel efficiency of any winglet.” valves and ducting that were required for
The combination of this vertical Boeing says the AT Winglets will these systems has been reduced, which
lift component generated by the contribute 1.8% of the overall 14% translates into a weight saving and a fuel
lower aerofoil and the benefits fuel efficiency improvement from the efficiency gain.
of the upper aerofoil result NG to the MAX.
in what Boeing claims on There are other seemingly subtle, Flight Deck
its website to be “the but significant differences in the MAX’s The MAX flight deck has four 15.1in (383mm)
perfectly balanced design from the NG. There is an extended multifunction displays (MFDs) rather than the
winglet that maximises tail cone housing a redesigned auxiliary six smaller displays on the NG’s flight deck.
the overall efficiency power unit inlet and a thickening of the tail Teal said: “The new large displays package
of the wing”. cross-section above the elevator to improve brings a modern feel to the 737’s flight deck
The 737 MAX is similar to the 737NG in

many respects but also has some innovations
including the LEAP-1B engines and AT Winglets.
Aspects of the 737

MAX design, from
aerodynamics to new
The Aircraft
systems designed to help
maintenance
41
BOEING 737 MAX
and provide growth opportunities for future

avionics and crew information updates.”
Captain Ed Wilson, the chief pilot for the
737 at Boeing, told AIR International that the
larger size of the MFDs has made a noticeable
difference: “The primary flight display
becomes a larger format display, so you can
see it easier [and] make a better judgement
about the aircraft attitude; and because we
can use an entire screen now, the navigation
display just becomes easier to interpret.
“Where we follow what we call our
magenta line, where we programme our
flight, we can see across the navigation
display. The navigation display on the NG
only goes down to five miles [8km] range.
Now we can go down to half-mile [0.8km]
range to see more precisely, and there’s no
upper range defined.
“It’s a more enjoyable experience to fly with
larger displays. The younger pilots that come
along are more used to having larger displays
in front of them. I think it’s important that we
continue to upgrade the aircraft to more what
our pilots will like and use in the future.” gigabytes of data about system despatch MFDs. This enables engineers to perform
With the 737 MAX 7 variant optimised status, existing faults, initiated tests, maintenance and fault isolation tasks without
for hot and high performance, it features configuration reporting and maintenance needing to go physically to the electronics
what Boeing calls a high-altitude package page information. It also hosts onboard equipment bay to check a system. The idea is
designed for those environments. This and offboard data processing functions. to make monitoring and troubleshooting more
features engines with higher thrust, an The DFDAS increases the availability of the efficient.
alternate forward centre of gravity for data to be used for onboard functions and Connectivity has been designed into the
improved take-off weight, an auxiliary battery offboard analytics, and makes available 100 system to link the ONS to the crew and an
for 60-minute standby power, a gaseous times more data than the legacy equipment airline’s ground infrastructure. A secure wi-fi
oxygen system with up to 12 cylinders, and it replaces. network aboard the aircraft is available that
advanced avionics for Required Navigation The benefit of the ONS is not just the amount can integrate with mobile devices, meaning
Performance Authorisation Required. of information it generates, but also the the ONS can be accessed for paperless
accessibility to that information it provides. The operational and maintenance procedures.
Onboard Network System data collected during a flight is all centralised Broadband internet protocol (IP) connectivity
One of the most important innovations in the by the ONS, and when the aircraft is on the enables the wireless transfer of aircraft data
MAX is the onboard network system (ONS), ground after a flight, an airline’s engineering or software parts between the NFS and
which collects data about the aircraft and staff can use the flight deck’s built-in test the airline’s offices while the MAX is on the
makes it available to an airline’s flight, cabin equipment to access it through the cockpit ground. The ONS is also capable of integrating
and maintenance crews. with IP-based connectivity systems, such
Teal explained: “The heart of the system is as L-band, Ku-band and Ka-band satellite
the installation of a network file server [NFS] KEY CHANGES FROM communications systems, to allow for the
connected to the digital flight data acquisition NG TO MAX secure, high-speed transfer of data to and from
system [DFDAS]. Legacy NG systems and the aircraft during flight.
the new unique MAX systems are connected CFM International LEAP-1B engines
to NFS to allow management of offboard Advanced Technology Winglet Commonality
data communications, software data loading, Onboard Network System The ONS, the aerodynamic changes, the
engine trim balancing and more.” Four large-format cockpit larger cockpit displays and the engines are
The NFS is located in the electronics multifunction displays innovations in the MAX that constitute a major
equipment bay. It houses hundreds of refresh from the 737s of the past, but Boeing
Above: The four large multifunction displays give the 737 MAX a very different look from the 737NG’s flight deck, but only one
panel has been moved. There are no changes to the checklists or flow patterns that pilots use. Below: Boeing is promising the
737 MAX 8 will burn 14% less fuel compared to a 737NG, with the LEAP-1B engines contributing 11% of the reduction.
42
BOEING 737 MAX
has also sought to maximise commonality with

the NG. The upwards-facing aerofoil on the AT
Winglet vectors the inward, upward and
Teal noted: “Structural architecture remains
slightly forward lift components of the
common with the NG. By keeping the similar airflow around the wing and the lower
structural architecture, we were able to use the aerofoil generates a further vertical lift
existing production system and supply chain.” component that is vectored away from
Keeping the airframe common, and the fuselage and slightly forwards.
therefore retaining the existing support
arrangements, matters because it means
that the established NG operators that have
ordered the MAX in big numbers – examples
include Southwest Airlines and Ryanair –
should be able to integrate the new 737 into
their fleets efficiently.
The flight deck provides a good example
of the benefits of this commonality. Despite
the MAX having those four large MFDs
instead of the smaller displays, Capt Wilson
told AIR International that just one panel –
which houses the switches that control the
autobrakes – has been moved in the cockpit,
to the lower aisle stand in front of the thrust
levers. Everything else, including the overhead
panel, is in the same position as on the NG.
This matters to an operator, because it means
there are no changes to the checklists or flow
patterns that pilots use to operate the aircraft –
and that is especially important for customers
that will operate both the NG and the MAX in
terms of training and then rostering their line
pilots on to either model.
Capt Wilson explained: “At this point
[December 2016], we have provisional
approval from the Federal Aviation
Administration to only use as little as two-
and-a-half hours’ computer-based training to
transition from an NG to a MAX. There’s no
flight time required.
“We fully anticipate that airlines will fly
both types of aircraft. Some of our biggest overhead stowage bins, the idea being to turnaround processes at the gate. With a lower
customers, say, Southwest and Ryanair, have create a lighter, airier feel to the cabin. bin lip height, Space Bins provide increased
ordered a considerable number of airplanes Here again, though, alongside the visibility into the back of the bins and make
and they’ll fly a considerable number of NGs commonality there are touches of innovation. bag loading even easier. They’re also as easy
still, so their pilots should be very capable of Although the MAX’s cabin will not feature the to close as the current pivot bins, yet require
moving from aircraft to aircraft without any lower pressure altitude of the 787 Dreamliner, no bin assist mechanism to facilitate closure.”
trouble at all.” the MAX’s electronic bleed air system is This combination of improving the
Another aspect of commonality between designed to provide a more constant flow of established Sky Interior sums up Boeing’s
the NG and MAX flight decks is provision air to the cabin compared to that in an NG. overall approach with the MAX – take what
for Boeing’s integrated approach navigation The Sky Interior in the MAX will also have are considered the best parts of the NG and
functionality. This is designed to provide what Boeing calls Space Bins. These are larger then make certain modernisations to give
instrument landing system-like procedures, overhead stowage bins that will carry six the latest aircraft an edge on its predecessor.
display features and autopilot control laws standard-sized bags, two more than the bins In other words, trying to find that balance
for non-precision approaches. It is an option in the Sky Interior on the NG. Boeing says: between innovation and commonality.
on the NG and remains so on the MAX for “Airlines can expect quicker boarding and Mark Broadbent
customers who want it.
Capt Wilson said there is also a high level The 69.4in fan diameter on the LEAP-
of commonality with the NG in how the MAX 1B engines meant that Boeing had to
handles: “It flies almost identically to an NG. extend the nose landing gear by 8in to
I flew with a pilot who had never flown the ensure sufficient ground clearance.
aircraft and is currently on our tanker testing.
He’s qualified on the 737, but he’s been flying
the KC-46. He came down from the flight and
said he couldn’t tell the difference between the
two aircraft. He did not notice any difference
in handling qualities. That’s a big pat on the
back for the engineers in how they were able
to design the aircraft to keep everything similar
to the NG.”
Boeing Sky Interior

The similarities between the MAX and its
predecessor continue in the passenger cabin.
The MAX has as standard the Boeing Sky
Interior, which was introduced as an option on
the NG in 2011. The Sky Interior introduced
sculpted sidewalls, larger windows and bigger
43
BOEING 737 MAX
A
lthough just one of three versions at Safran Aircraft Engines), said each Shepherd said that, by December, CFM
of CFM International’s new LEAP development engine underwent “probably had made 18 LEAP-1B compliance engines.
mid-sized turbofan engine, the two to three builds” for different tests, some Once Boeing obtains type certification for
LEAP-1B powering all Boeing of which were severe on the engines. the 737 MAX 8, CFM hopes to reconfigure
737 MAXs will almost certainly The LEAP-1B flew for the first time on April some for subsequent 737 MAX 9 and 737
be the most-produced version of the fastest- 29, 2015, installed on GE Aviation’s Boeing 747 MAX 7 certification flight testing, “if the
selling commercial-turbofan engine in history. flying testbed. By this point, CFM had started schedule permits,” but it will probably have
By the end of November 2016, just eight building “compliance” engines, configured to to deliver another four to six compliance
years after CFM had launched design and a standard suitable for type certification. The LEAP-1Bs to Boeing.
development of the LEAP family, CFM – a next major event in the LEAP-1B flight-test
joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran programme came on January 29, 2016, when The LEAP-1B Production
Aircraft Engines – had won firm orders and the first 737 MAX 8, powered by two LEAP-1B Ramp-Up
other commitments for some 11,500 LEAP compliance engines, performed its first flight. By the end of 2016, CFM had delivered eight
engines. As of that date, Boeing had received On May 4, the FAA and EASA each awarded production LEAP-1Bs to Boeing. Its LEAP
firm orders for 3,346 twin-engine 737 type certificates to the LEAP-1B, allowing 737 production schedule called for it to deliver ten
MAXs, so simple arithmetic shows that, as of MAX 8 flight testing to continue in line with more in January and another ten in February.
November 30, LEAP-1Bs accounted for more its planned type certification and entry into After that, LEAP-1B production begins its “full
than 58% of all LEAP family orders. service by the third quarter of 2017. ramp” and CFM expects to deliver about 200
production LEAP-1Bs to Boeing and the LEAP-
LEAP-1B Testing and Certification 1B spare engine pool in 2017.
Ground testing of the first LEAP-1B Eventually, Boeing will require many more
began on June 13, 2014, at Safran Aircraft production LEAP-1Bs annually than that. The
Engines’ test facility at Villaroche near manufacturer plans to increase its monthly
Paris. The programme involved 12 LEAP- 737 production rate to 57 aircraft by 2019 and
1B development engines, tests being is reportedly considering increasing it to 60
performed both in France and the United or more a month in the early 2020s. By then,
States. Kris Shepherd, GE Aviation’s LEAP-1B almost all 737s manufactured will be MAX-
programme director (he has a counterpart family aircraft.
44
BOEING 737 MAX
At a monthly production rate of, say, 57 At a probable annual rate of 1,400 engines
737 MAXs, CFM would need to deliver 1,374 by the early 2020s, LEAP-1Bs will represent
LEAP-1Bs a year for installation on new aircraft about two-thirds of all LEAP production. At
– and that number doesn’t take into account present, GE Aviation is delivering all LEAP-
spare engines required for a growing LEAP- 1Bs, with Safran Aircraft Engines delivering
1B spares pool. Shepherd said: “We obviously all LEAP-1As and most LEAP-1Cs. However,
will support the fleet with spare engines.” because the CFM joint venture agreement
Therefore one might assume that by the early calls for both partners to assemble equal
2020s CFM will be manufacturing at least numbers of engines, and most LEAPs will be
1,400 LEAP-1Bs annually – a rate of 116.67 LEAP-1Bs, Safran Aircraft Engines inevitably
engines a month. will assemble production LEAP-1Bs as well.
CFM’s production plans call for it to Shepherd said Safran Aircraft Engines will
manufacture 2,000 LEAP engines of all begin assembling LEAP-1Bs in the second
versions in 2020 and then – if sales demand half of 2017, on either of two (possibly
permits – increase the rate to as many as eventually three) LEAP lines at its Villaroche
2,200 a year by the early 2020s. Not only final assembly facility. Safran-produced LEAP-
are these the highest annual production 1Bs will be pre-delivery tested there and then
rates ever planned by any manufacturer flown to Seattle on commercial freighters. GE
of commercial aircraft turbofan engines Aviation’s LEAP-1B production will continue
(CFM’s 1,700-engine production in 2016 is to come from its two LEAP lines, at Durham
the current record), but they also involve by in North Carolina and a recently opened line
far the most intensive production ramp- in Lafayette, Indiana. All GE-assembled LEAP-
up: CFM plans to go from about 100 LEAP 1Bs are pre-delivery tested at GE Aviation’s
engines delivered in 2016 to 2,000 in just Above: The first LEAP-1B engine to test. test centre in Peebles, Ohio and delivered
four years. All photos CFM International unless stated from there.
The CFM International
Power to
LEAP-1B engine
the MAX 45
BOEING 737 MAX
commercial-aircraft engine as small as the

mid-size LEAP, the entire fan, including all
18 blades, is made of carbon fibre. Not only
does this make the fan assembly much lighter
than a conventional metal fan would be, but it
also makes it much stronger, said Shepherd.
Made by Safran Aircraft Engines at facilities
in France and New Hampshire, all LEAP fan
blades are of what GE Aviation calls “fifth-
generation” carbon fibre blade design.
(Previous generations began with the original
GE90 and continued through the GE90-115B
and the GEnx.)
Manufactured using a technique called
woven resin transfer moulding, each LEAP fan
blade is made up of complex layers of carbon
fibre strands. These are woven on gigantic
Jacquard looms (LEAP manufacturing thus
incorporating a 21st-century take on a 19th-
century technology) into a three-dimensional,
aerodynamically efficient aerofoil and then
are strengthened by impregnation with resin.
So complex is the layering of the carbon
fibre strands that, according to François
Bastin, Executive Vice-President of CFM,
it allows each fan blade to “untwist” in
a specific, controlled way as the blade
rotation rate varies, modifying the blade’s
aerodynamic characteristics to provide
optimal propulsive efficiency during different
phases of flight.
According to Bastin, each LEAP fan blade
contains 7km (4.35 miles) of carbon fibre
Each LEAP fan blade contains 7km (4.35 miles) of carbon fibre strands, and each strand is made up strands. (Each strand is made up from many
from many interwoven, individual carbon fibre filaments. interwoven, individual carbon fibre filaments.)
LEAP-1B Differences vs application . . . but the whole philosophy

Other LEAP Versions behind the design is very similar” to that for
Like its sister engines the LEAP-1A and LEAP- the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C: to be very fuel
1C (both of which are identical internally, efficient, reliable and durable.
but differ from the LEAP-1B), the LEAP-1B
incorporates a number of commercial LEAP-1B Engine Architecture
turbofan technological firsts. In the LEAP-1B’s and Fan
case, these advances are intended to allow a CFM aimed to achieve these qualities in
fuel efficiency improvement of 15% over its its LEAP engines by incorporating new
predecessor, the 737NG’s CFM56-7B, and technologies, at the same time making each
despatch reliability of 99.98% – a rate as high LEAP engine bigger and more complex than
as that which the CFM56 family, legendary for the relatively simple CFM56 designs. Behind
operational reliability, has achieved over 30 the fan, each LEAP engine has a three-stage
years of service. low-pressure compressor (LPC), a ten-stage
However, no LEAP engine will share one high-pressure compressor (HPC), a new TAPS
part number in common with any CFM56; II combustor (the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C’s
the LEAP is an entirely new design. Nor does combustors each having 19 fuel-injection
the LEAP-1B share many part numbers with nozzles, but the smaller LEAP-1Bs 18), two
its sister LEAP engines. It has a smaller fan high-pressure turbine (HPT) stages and seven
diameter, a slightly smaller core diameter, one LPT stages (five in the LEAP-1B).
fewer fuel-injection nozzle and two fewer low- One major technological advance in the
pressure turbine (LPT) stages than the other LEAP-1B is its fan. For the first time in any The LEAP-1B has 18 fuel-injection nozzles.
two LEAP versions.
The LEAP-1B, designed for a 23,000lb–
28,000lb (100kN–120kN) thrust range rather
than the 24,500lb–35,000lb (109kN–156kN)
range of the other two versions, has a 69.4in
(1,762mm) fan diameter, compared to the
78in (1,981mm) fan diameter of the LEAP-1A
and LEAP-1C. Its smaller fan diameter means
the LEAP-1B’s design bypass ratio is lower
than that of the other two engines: 9:1 versus
11:1.
Shepherd said Boeing’s requirement for a
lower thrust range and a smaller fan diameter
meant CFM could dispense with two of the
seven LPT stages the other two LEAP versions
boast. Because the LEAP-1B was different
from its siblings, CFM could design the The use of ceramic matrix composites in the first-stage high-pressure turbine shroud is a first in any
LEAP-1B to be “fully optimal for the Boeing commercial engine.
46
BOEING 737 MAX
After autoclave curing, each blade is so strong

that, if an Airbus A350 XWB widebody could
be slung from it, the blade wouldn’t break. LEAP-1B TOP FIVE FACTS
1. By 2020, CFM expects to manufacture at least 2,000 LEAP engines a year, more turbofan
engines than any company has ever made annually. By then, more than half of all LEAP engines
The LEAP’s Debris Rejection assembled will be LEAP-1Bs.
System and Combustor
Another technological advance in the 2. CFM International’s LEAP-family production arrangements call for GE Aviation initially to perform
LEAP design is a debris rejection system final assembly of all LEAP-1Bs.
located between the LPC and HPC modules.
Adopted from GE Aviation’s GE90 design, 3. The CFM joint-venture agreement calls for Safran Aircraft Engines to make the fan, LPC
this consists of eight variable-bleed compressor and LPT modules for all LEAP engines and for GE Aviation to make all high-pressure
modules (the engine core). Each partner will assemble half of all LEAP engines ordered.
valve doors that, upon engine spool-up,
open automatically inward into the core
airstream. These doors deflect all sand and
4. Each LEAP-1B carbon fibre fan blade contains 7km (4.35 miles) of carbon fibre strands and the
blade is so strong that an entire A350 XWB could be slung from it without it breaking.
other foreign-object debris out into the
bypass airstream before it enters the core,
preventing any foreign object debris from
5.Because Boeing’s thrust requirements for the 737 MAX family are lower than Airbus’s and
COMAC’s requirements for their new families, the LEAP-1B is smaller than the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C,
damaging the HPC stages’ 3-D aerofoils. which are identical internally.
Next as a technological advance is the
highly aerodynamically optimised HPC
module, which Shepherd said produces For CFM, Boeing and Boeing’s many
about half of the LEAP’s overall efficiency 737 MAX customers, the LEAP-1B
improvement compared with the CFM56. The represents a highly important new
first five stages of the ten-stage HPC are one- engine that will become central to
piece blisks, reducing parts count and weight their operations. So much is at stake in
and improving durability. The HPC module ensuring it enters service smoothly – a
generates a 22:1 pressure ratio, creating an feat CFM appears to be achieving with
overall pressure ratio of 40:1 from the fan to the LEAP-1A – that CFM and Boeing
the combustor at take-off power. have to make that their biggest priority,
The TAPS II combustor is particularly notable according to Shepherd: “There’s a
in that each fuel injection nozzle is made by massive joint effort with Boeing and CFM
an additive manufacturing process that uses to make sure everyone is ready for
a laser to melt metal powder into a liquid entry into service.” Chris Kjelgaard
spray that is then deposited a layer at a time
on to the preceding layer. Shepherd said:
“This was a big deal for us to demonstrate in a
commercial engine . . . we see a lot of runway
for that [technology]”, for potential use in
incrementally improving LEAP engines and in
manufacturing new designs.
CMCs and Cooling-Air

Advances
Yet another new technology in LEAP engines
is the use, for the first time in any commercial
engine, of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)
in the first-stage HPT shroud. Ringing the first
HPT rotating stage, this shroud is made from
36 interlocking CMC parts that are not only
much lighter than traditional metal alloy parts,
but also require very little cooling, where alloy
parts would need complex cooling-air circuits
and lots of cooling air bled from the HPC.
Reducing this requirement has allowed
CFM to use bleed air from the HPC more
efficiently. One key use has been to provide
cooling-air circuits to the HPT casing, the
cooling air acting to increase the clearance
between the HPT stages and the casing
during low-thrust operations, increasing
engine efficiency. Above: Manufactured
using a technique
Another technology CFM has introduced in called woven resin
the LEAP – for the first time in any commercial transfer moulding,
engine – is to modulate, by means of the each LEAP fan
FADEC 4 software controlling the engine’s blade is made up of
operation, the amounts of bleed-air cooling complex layers of
going to the HPT stages’ cooling-air circuits carbon fibre strands.
during different phases of flight.
The HPT stages need much more cooling Right: The TAPS
II combustor is
air when the engine is operating at maximum
particularly notable
thrust during take-off and initial climb than in that each fuel
they do during low-thrust cruise and descent. injection nozzle is
By modulating the amounts of bleed air used made by an additive
for HPT cooling, CFM has further increased manufacturing
LEAP efficiency. process.
47
BOEING 737 MAX
Ryanair was the launch customer

for the 737 MAX 200. Boeing
Customers
More than 3,300 examples of the 737 MAX have been ordered
Customer Variant(s) Number Customer Variant(s) Number
Aercap MAX 8 100 ICBC Leasing MAX 8 2
Aerolineas Argentinas MAX 8 11* Icelandair MAX 8 16
Aeromexico MAX 8 60 Iran Air MAX 8 50*
Air Canada MAX 8 33 Jet Airways MAX 8 75
MAX 9 28 Jetlines MAX 8 5
Air China MAX 8 8 Korean Air MAX 8 30
Air Europa MAX 8 20 Kunming Airlines MAX 7 10*
Air Lease Corporation MAX 8/9 118 Lion Air MAX 9 201
Air Niugini MAX 8 4 Malaysia Airlines MAX 8 25
ALAFCO MAX 8 20 Monarch Airlines MAX 8 30
Alaska Airlines MAX 8 20 Nok Air MAX 8 8
MAX 9 17 Norwegian MAX 8 108
American Airlines MAX 8 100 Okay Airways MAX 8 9
Arik Air MAX 8 8 Oman Air Variant TBC 20
Aviation Capital Group MAX 8 50 Qatar Airways MAX 8 60*
MAX 9 10 Ruili Airlines MAX 8 36
Avolon MAX 8 10 Ryanair MAX 200 100
MAX 9 10 SilkAir MAX 8 37
BOC Aviation MAX 8 61 SMBC Aviation Capital MAX 8 90
Business jet customers BBJ MAX 12 Southwest Airlines MAX 8 170
China Eastern MAX 8 7 MAX 7 30
China Southern MAX 8 7 SpiceJet MAX 8 42
CIT Leasing MAX 8 37 SunExpress Airlines MAX 8 25
Comair MAX 8 8 Timaero Ireland MAX 8 22
Copa Airlines MAX 8/9 61 Travel Service MAX 8 8
Donghai Airlines MAX 8 25 TUI Travel MAX 8 70
Eastern Air Lines MAX 8 10 Turkish Airlines MAX 8 75
Enter Air MAX 8 2 Unidentified Different variants 650
Ethiopian Airlines MAX 8 20 United Airlines MAX 9 99
Flydubai MAX 8 75 VietJet MAX 200 100
Fiji Airways MAX 8 5* Virgin Australia MAX 8 40
Garuda Indonesia MAX 8 50 WestJet MAX 7 25
GECAS MAX 8 170 MAX 8 40
GOL Airlines MAX 8 69 Xiamen Airlines MAX 200 30*
Hainan Airlines MAX 8 50*
Data: Boeing Orders and Deliveries, as at January 6, 2017. NB: orders marked with an asterisk (*) are commitments that have been announced either
by the manufacturer or the customer, but are yet to be finalised and officially added to the backlog.
48
Specifications
BOEING 737 MAX
Key performance characteristics for the 737 MAX variants

737 MAX 7 737 MAX 9
Length 116ft 7.5in (35.5m) Length 138ft 4in (42.2m)
Height 40ft 4in (12.3m) Height 40ft 4in (12.3m)
Wingspan 117ft 10in (35.9m) Wingspan 117ft 10in (35.9m)
MTOW 177,000lb (80,286kg) MTOW 194,700lb (88,314kg)
MLW 145,600lb (66,043kg) MLW 163,900lb (74,344kg)
MZFW 138,700lb (62,913kg) MZFW 156,500lb (70,987kg)
Fuel capacity 6,853 US gal (25,941 litres) Fuel capacity 6,853 US gal (25,941 litres)
Engines 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B Engines 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B
Max speed Mach 0.79 Max speed Mach 0.79
Range 3,915 nautical miles (7,250km) Range 3,630 nautical miles (6,722km)
Seats 156 one-class, 138 two-class, 172 maximum Seats 204 one-class, 178 two-class, 220 maximum
737 MAX 8 737 MAX 200

Length 129ft 8in (39.5m) Length 129ft 8in (39.5m)
Height 40ft 4in (12.3m) Height 40ft 4in (12.3m)
Wingspan 117ft 10in (35.9m) Wingspan 117ft 10in (35.9m)
MTOW 181,200lb (82,190kg) MTOW 181,200lb (82,191kg)
MLW 152,800lb (69,308kg) MLW Figure to be confirmed
MZFW 145,400lb (65,952kg) MZFW Figure to be confirmed
Fuel capacity 6,853 US gal (25,941 litres) Fuel capacity 6,853 US gal (25,941 litres)
Engines 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B Engines 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B
Max speed Mach 0.79 Max speed Mach 0.79
Range 3,610 nautical miles (6,680km) Range 3,610 nautical miles (6,680km)
Seats 184 one-class, 162 two-class, 189 maximum Seats 200 one-class
Data: Boeing. Notes: Information for the 737 MAX 7 Max take-off weight (MTOW), Max landing weight (MLW) and Max zero fuel weight (MZFW)
comes from a Boeing presentation at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show. Information for the 737 MAX 8 comes from the latest 737 MAX Characteristics
for Airport Planning document issued in 2015. Information for the 737 MAX 9 comes from the 2014 Airport Compatibility brochure.
The 737 MAX 8 is just over

129ft (39m) long, with a 117ft
(36m) wingspan and a maximum
take-off weight of 181,200lb
(82,191kg). Boeing
49
MILITARY WILDCAT HMA2
50
WILDCAT HMA2 MILITARY
r a
E
w
e R
eformed on August
1, 2014, 825 Naval
Air Squadron (NAS) is
N
the AgustaWestland
AW159 Wildcat HMA2
component of the Lynx
Wildcat Maritime Force
(LWMF), charged with
training aircrew and
Ian Harding engineers, standing up
A
the first deployable Wildcat HMA2 flights
reports from and nurturing 815 NAS’s transition from Lynx
RNAS Yeovilton HMA8 to Wildcat. Within ten months, the
LWMF will be become the Wildcat Maritime
on the start of Force with the Lynx HMA8’s Out of Service
a new age for Date scheduled for March 31, 2017. A new
era of helicopter maritime attack (HMA)
helicopter maritime beckons and AIR International visited
attack in the UK Yeovilton to consider recent progress.
A Wildcat HMA2 photographed flying above

51
Chesil Beach in Dorset. All photos Ian Harding
of learning and development is steep, but the flights. The ultimate goal is to double-man
results to date are impressive.” flights (two aircrew per aircraft) with 1.5
As the lead Wildcat HMA2 squadron, 825 maintainers per aircraft. Once 815 is fully
has the most people, aircraft and experience established, there will be an opportunity
(all instructors are within 825), both embarked to reconsider this long-term road map and
and disembarked. Their effort is broadly change it if necessary. We have a lot of work
structured as one-third operational and two- to do in the interim.
thirds training. The Royal Navy is scheduled “Presently, two of our four operational
to receive 28 aircraft in total: 12 assigned flights are deployed in the Mediterranean
to 825 and 12 to 815, with the remaining [aboard Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships,
four undergoing deeper maintenance. The Cardigan Bay and Mounts Bay]. A third
last Wildcat HMA2 was received by 825 has recently completed basic operational
in October 2016. The number of Wildcats sea training during FOST [Flag Officer
assigned to 825 varies between 11 and 15, Sea Training] aboard HMS Daring and will
as aircraft enter the Retrofit After Delivery deploy to the Middle East soon. Our fourth
(RAD) modification programme completed flight is regenerating following its nine-
at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil manufacturing month deployment. There was a period
facility. Within the past 12 months, 825 has recently when three of my four flights were
established its four operational flights as embarked; 75% of my operational output
planned, each with one aircraft permanently was deployed.”
assigned. Its remaining aircraft (eight on
average, currently) are assigned to aircrew Training
training. During April 2016, 825 transferred The primary role of 825 is training aircrew
four Wildcats to 815, plus approximately and engineers to fly and maintain the
50 of its most experienced engineers and Wildcat HMA2. This also includes 847
some aircrew to enable them to stand up the NAS engineers (part of Commando
1
maritime counter terrorism (MCT) role. By the Helicopter Force operating the Wildcat
end of September 2016, 815 had six aircraft AH1) also located at Yeovilton. Training
Encouraging Signs assigned. The expectation is 815 will become personnel alongside prioritised operational
An early measure of 825’s success came a self-sustaining Wildcat squadron by March commitments represents a significant
when their first Wildcat HMA2 (201 Flight) 2017. The aim is to establish 16 flights (815 challenge as their demands are in many
departed Portsmouth Dockyard on March with 12 and 825 with four) by May 2017. respects diametrically opposed. This
21, 2015 aboard HMS Lancaster (a Type 23 Cdr Collins said: “The aim is 815 will situation should hopefully ease itself once
frigate) on a nine-month Atlantic mission focus on MCT and Type 23 frigate flights, 815 has built experience and established
destined for the Caribbean, South America, with 825 focused on training and Type 45 more Wildcat Flights.
Falklands and southern Africa. Commander
Simon Collins, Commanding Officer, 825
NAS, a key member of the programme since RADAR AND ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE
2013 and involved in the Wildcat HMA2’s The Wildcat HMA2 has active electronically scanned array technology in the Selex Galileo
introduction, takes up the story. Seaspray 7400E radar. The radar is multimode, with air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-surface
“Our first deployed flight proved extremely modes that are controlled by the tactical processor and the observer using images and views
presented on the Individual Display Units. The radar is especially suited to surveillance, weather
successful, with excellent availability. Only
detection, ground mapping, maritime patrol and SAR operations.
a few sorties were lost throughout the nine The helicopter is equipped with an L-3 Wescam MX-15Di imaging system with electro-optical
months, which is encouraging, especially housed turret located in the nose structure. It produces high-resolution images used for tactical
considering how young the aircraft is in surveillance, which in turn enables long-range target identification, laser target designation
terms of its development and maturity of its (for other attack helicopters, unmanned aerial systems and jets) and range-finding capability.
stores support. The aircraft’s initial operating Target designation is vital new weapons that will be integrated on Wildcat HMA2. The MX-15Di
capability was only achieved in January 2015 enhances situational awareness by enabling aircrews to search, detect, identify and prosecute
and full operational capability [FOC] remains targets day and night in all weathers. Images captured by the MX-15Di and displayed on the
some way off in January 2018. Our gradient IDUs can be downloaded for later analysis.
1 Crew say flying the Wildcat is a huge step-change from the Lynx. Interfacing between the
camera, radar and cockpit displays is completed with a single click. 2 The aim is to establish
16 Wildcat HMA2 flights by May 2017; 815 Naval Air Squadron with 12 and 825 NAS with four.
52
The first deployed flight of the Wildcat HMA2

on a nine-month Atlantic mission provided
encouraging signs about the maturity of the
aircraft and its stores support.
All four students on the initial ab initio How Good is Wildcat HMA2? much nicer; it’s smooth and comfortable. It
aircrew training course graduated during AIR International spoke with two is an embryonic aircraft in that we are still
May 2016. This initial course was run alone experienced former Lynx HMA8 Observers exploring its potential and capabilities. As
and front to back for good reason as it who completed their Wildcat HMA2 we build our operational experience, we
enabled 825 to test and resolve any training conversion together in October 2015. Both realise this aircraft has enormous potential,
course issues. Aircrew training is now at its served on the first type deployment to which will be enhanced when we receive
maximum, with two ab initio courses per the Gulf region and later the Aegean Sea. advanced weapons, a tactical data link
year (starting April and October), plus new Lieutenant Commander Anthony Johnson, [TDL] to enable us to disseminate data
Lynx to Wildcat conversion courses every 825’s Operations Officer, and Lieutenant more efficiently and greater fuel capacity to
three months (each lasting approximately Adam Previtt are both tactical specialists extend endurance. There is no difference
six months) that are required to generate who ‘fight’ the aircraft from the left seat. between night and daylight operations
future instructors and 815’s flights. Lt Cdr Johnson said: “I flew Lynx for in Wildcat. When it gets dark, we move
Cdr Collins said: “A valid point to make, 23 years and thought it would be hard to straight into NVG [night-vision goggles]
given Wildcat is still relatively new, is that replace it. This ‘beast’ is just great; I don’t operations with [a] one switch click. It’s
some of our most ‘qualified’ people within miss the Lynx. The Wildcat environment is beautiful! Our ab initio students train on
the Wildcat Force are our recently qualified goggles as standard now; they’ll probably
students and new ‘convertees’ who wonder what the fuss was all about.”
received the gold standard training course. Lt Previtt said flying the Wildcat requires
Their training is completely different [from] a different mind set: “The step-change
the factory-delivered training a number from Lynx is huge. As an observer, we are
of us received. Aside from the obvious heads down and working tactically; we
challenges, more work is required before are more of a sensor operator now. The
the Wildcat Synthetic Training System – systems are integrated, highly intuitive, with
comprising two full motion simulators, two a lot of effort having been placed into the
procedural [non-motion] simulators and two human-machine interface. The interface
‘airframes’ to teach maintainers – is fully between the camera, radar and displays is
delivered and tested. completed with a simple mouse click. The
“The downside is an increase in biggest challenge is getting your hands on
training flights. The upside is our students the system, given the training demands, and
obtain more cockpit experience. As for working out the quickest route to achieve
operational ab initio training exercises, a task.
825 participate in FOST serials and “We can achieve many things we couldn’t
undertake continental navigation before and much quicker; searching
exercises [NAVEX]; the latter is key to for a specific ship using AIS [automatic
ensure that our aircrew can operate identification system], for example, now
globally, in unfamiliar countries, safely takes a few seconds. Pre-planning an
and effectively. The first NAVEX in 2015 ISTAR [intelligence, surveillance, target
was to Ovar in Portugal.” acquisition and reconnaissance] mission
53
using the CAGE [Combined Arms Gateway when deployed recently was how to confirmation from a national engagement
Environment] system, a mission planning distribute the information gathered in a timely authority.” Aircrew must ultimately remove
computer, we can plan exactly where we are fashion to our customer’s, which could any time delay that could be critical.
going, what we’ll see, consider the terrain include ISR [intelligence, surveillance and During recent operations, 825 operated
in more detail, what height we need to be reconnaissance] Directorate within the Air alongside the Royal Navy’s Merlin HM2,
at to look down valleys, etc. Once airborne, Component Command, embarked or land whose primary role is anti-submarine
what used to take two hours in a Lynx, we based. It could be a ship’s position, airfield, warfare, which compares with the Wildcat’s
achieve in Wildcat in minutes.” port or pirate position, electronic information, anti-surface warfare (ASuW) role. Unlike the
The amount of information generated radar or camera image, or pattern of life. At Wildcat, the Merlin has a TDL, so aircrew
by Wildcat’s systems is huge. The major present, we have to download everything our had to establish a Concept of Operations
issue is having the capability to distribute it systems produce on to some form of media (CONOPS). Lt Cdr Johnson explained: “In the
in a timely and effective manner. Although and present this when we land. We cannot past the Merlin directed the Lynx, which was
both UK Wildcat variants have the Bowman currently transfer this data electronically the weapon carrier. We envisaged different
tactical communication system, providing whilst airborne, so we continue to use voice scenarios with roles reversed, including one
secure voice, data communications and an communication.” where we used our moving target indicator
integrated GPS, neither has a TDL. An uplink is considered essential for radar and superior camera to detect fast-
preparation of the battlefield, analysing moving attack craft. For force protection or
Data Dissemination patterns of life and delivering a kinetic barrier patrols, we envisaged the Wildcat
Aircrew and the Wildcat Force have effect in a littoral situation if required. Lt operating high and the Merlin, which has
identified disseminating data as their top Cdr Johnson added: “To satisfy targeting greater endurance at speed, being the
priority. Lt Cdr Johnson said: “The aircraft’s principles in theatre we need positive identifying asset.”
sensors and camera produce a wealth of identification, to prove the pattern of life to Based on these initial deployments,
information. The major issue encountered remove collateral damage and that requires Wildcat HMA2 is challenging existing
The current Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force

will be become the Wildcat Maritime Force
this year; the Lynx HMA8’s out of service
date is scheduled for March 31, 2017.
54
thinking as to how HMA profiles should However, weight considerations are mission systems and producing an image
be flown. Until such time that Wildcat extremely relevant, given the demands to on a large screen in front of us, our camera
HMA2 receives its future generation of add weapons and increase fuel capacity. produced remarkable results at ridiculous
weapons (testing of future air-to-surface With a four-blade rotor head, the Wildcat ranges: perhaps 20% better than Merlin
guided weapons is scheduled for 2017), is limited to a 6,250kg (13,778lb) load and and at least three times better than Lynx.
role reversal may make sense in specific the HMA2 variant is already heavier due to We routinely identified contacts outside our
situations, given that its sensors and the radar. The current development limit maximum engagement range, unheard of
camera are so capable. One suggested: on the aircraft is 6,050kg (13,338lb), so with Lynx, although they can still deliver a
“We no longer need to blast around the sky there is 200kg (440lb) to play with before a kinetic effect.”
at maximum speed to get into position to modified rotor head becomes necessary. During this deployment 825’s
see something. We just sit back and see it primary role was ASuW. It completed
anyway.” Image Quality approximately 35 hours of operational
Not only can Wildcat operate at far greater The Wildcat’s camera has received tasking each month (around 200 in total).
distances from potential threats, but also its much acclaim, but its recent deployment Predominantly night flying and working
radar technology provides a low probability of performance surpassed expectations. alongside the Merlin, 825 tried to replicate
intercept, which enhances operational crew Lt Previtt said: “Image quality and clarity their three-hour 30-minute sorties by
safety. Lt Cdr Johnson said: “It is increasingly was incredible. I was blown away by it. completing two one-hour 45-minute sorties
clear that Wildcat offers utility in so many Humidity could affect the Lynx camera so on NVGs.
roles that will be enhanced when we can badly at times you wondered why you’d Lt Cdr Johnson added: “Our results were
deliver a kinetic effect, a TDL is added and turned it on. Wildcat’s camera operates in outstanding in comparison. A lot of that is
our range extended. What we can bring to a different frequency band, but it also has how we operate in the aircraft plus we are the
the party in terms of ISR is an awful lot more an electro-optical ‘day TV’ mode which is ASuW experts. We bring an awful lot to the
than previously.” unaffected by humidity. Integrated with our party in terms of ISR.”
55
1
Aircrew also confirmed their situational 815’s Wildcat transition. It is a challenging one small engineering team focused purely
awareness was markedly improved, with learning curve, but we are proceeding well. on that aircraft. This engenders a sense
the observer able to pass over some of This is also a testament to the aircraft’s of ownership; they understand every little
the position’s historic workload to the pilot quality, which is largely available for snag, plus they see the aircraft operating
allowing, the observer to concentrate on the service.” and the results achieved. It’s a team effort.
tactical side. There was two weeks’ notice for 825 Aircraft shake down on their return involved
for their Middle East deployment. One some additional husbandry checks but
Maintenance aircraft deployed with two aircrew and nothing major.”
Maintainers always works tirelessly to eight maintainers. Deployed FOC was The deployable spares pack remains a
ensure squadron commitments are met, declared three days early and the aircraft work in progress, but here engineers are
and 825’s are no different in this – although was available for tasking from its land base empowered to determine what spares are
the nature of the challenge is, because it almost every day (99% availability). Lt Cdr required based on their knowledge of the
involves an embryonic aircraft. Lieutenant Almond said: “Whilst impressive, HMS aircraft. Knowledge is also shared between
Commander Nick Almond, 825 NAS Lancaster’s deployment [ending December squadrons, including 847 NAS, which has
Aircraft Engineering Officer (AEO) said: 2015] provided one maintenance data completed operations in Norway’s Arctic
“Our responsibilities are fourfold, involving point and this deployment another. It’s no Circle (Exercise Clockwork), Arizona (Marine
ab initios, type conversion [approximately surprise that aircraft serviceability away Corps Air Station Yuma) and California
ten weeks in total including competency from the squadron is so good, because (Naval Air Facility El Centro) during 2016.
checks], manning operational flights and we have a tried and tested formula with Lt Cdr Brett Gillies, 815’s AEO, added:
“We will soon have more data points to
assess, including the impact of heat on
the aircraft. 815 and 825 have three flights
in total deployed currently: 815 the latest,
which embarked on board HMS Duncan at
the end of May. 815 have transferred 25% of
its engineers to Wildcat and our engineering
numbers are approximately 75% of where
we need to be.”
Future Maintenance
Wildcat maintenance packages are
blocked together at present into 25, 50,
100, 200 and 300 hourly checks, unlike
the Lynx, which has flexed maintenance.
Lt Cdr Almond was a key member of the
project development team considering how
maintenance schedules for Wildcat could
be made more efficient. He said: “If you plot
maintenance man hours per flying hour or
maintenance man hours associated with
each of those packages, there is no real
depth [maintenance]. One of my previous
2 roles was considering where Wildcat depth
56
1 Wildcat is effectively helping reshape maintenance schedules. Serious consideration is being given to whether the Wildcat fleet requires a traditional
depth maintenance profile. 2 A nose-mounted turret houses the L-3 Wescam MX-15Di, which produces high-resolution images for tactical
surveillance, long-range target identification, laser target designation and range-finding capability. 3 Full operational capability is scheduled for 2018,
but initial operating capability was declared in January 2015. 4 Wildcat maintenance packages are blocked together at present into 25, 50, 100, 200
and 300 hourly checks, unlike the Lynx, which has flexed maintenance.
3
would fall if completed within squadrons, assert that military aircraft are over-
rather than sending them away at set maintained in some areas and Wildcat’s FUTURE ANTI-SURFACE
intervals for external depth. maintainers are certainly considering the
“Plotting out 200, 300, 400 [flying hour] implications of a new approach.
GUIDED WEAPON
spikes confirmed they’re not cyclical, so it’s Lt Cdr Almond said: “We bought 28 aircraft Thales and MBDA have been contracted
difficult to choose when a huge package and there is a requirement for 24 in our to supply the Future Anti-Surface Guided
Weapon (FASGW) Light (L) and FASGW
should take place, especially given aircraft are forward fleet, so sending one away every
Heavy (H) respectively. FASGW(L) is a
routinely removed to complete various RAD six months is inefficient and doesn’t happen lightweight precision-guided weapon
packages. Most of our aircraft are around 300 commercially. Both squadrons’ throughput is capable of providing multiple channels
hours. The wider fleet has 500-hour aircraft. so high, a significant engineering effort would of fire and delivering a proportional and
The closest we got on HMA was 480 hours be required to regenerate an aircraft even if precise effect against a wide range of air,
before the RAD programme removed it.” away for a couple of months. The aircraft’s land and sea targets such as fast inshore
Wildcat is effectively helping reshape health and usage monitoring system and the attack craft and rigid inflatable boats.
maintenance schedules. Serious new transmission vibration monitoring system FASGW(H), known as Sea Venom in service
consideration is being given to whether help us identify problems early, providing new with the Royal Navy, is intended to counter
the more severe threat posed by fast attack
the Wildcat fleet requires a traditional learning thresholds that we can act upon. We
craft and corvettes (up to 1,000 tonnes),
depth maintenance profile. Further analysis therefore need to be smarter about the way as well as striking static and soft coastal
is obviously required before definitive we use these intelligent systems and adapt targets like FASGW(L). The target for initial
decisions can be taken. However, many our cyclical programmes accordingly.” operational capability is around 2020.
The success of Wildcat HMA2’s first

operational deployments is clear to those
on the front line; 825 and 815 will continue
to feed their experience back to both the
manufacturer and various commands who will
develop tactics and assess its wider potential
use, which is considerable, especially in terms
of adding weapons, TDL and increased range.
The burning long-term issue for the
decision-making bodies is how to use the
aircraft’s capability and potential to develop
future CONOPS. Starting offshore, it doesn’t
take a rocket scientist to work out that this
variant offers huge potential in the land and
littoral environment. Expectations must be
tempered though, because FOC remains
some way off, as Cdr Collins confirmed: “We
are still learning about Wildcat.”
However, he added: “I sometimes wonder
now how I ever achieved what I did in the
Lynx when I compare it to what I can
4 now deliver capability wise in Wildcat.”
57
MILITARY F-4 PHANTOM II
End of a
Legend
Norman Graf visited the 82nd Aerial
Targets Squadron at Holloman Air Force
Base, New Mexico, the last F-4 Phantom II
unit in the US Air Force
All photos Norman Graf
S
o dismal was the themselves, resulting in another, lesser-known, American air power throughout the Vietnam
performance of project that continues to this day: the use of War. It racked up an impressive total of 107.5
American air-to-air full-scale aerial targets (FSAT) to demonstrate aerial victories with the US Air Force, and a
missiles during the the efficacy of missile systems under realistic further 57 with the US Navy and US Marine
Vietnam War that conditions before they are deployed. Fittingly, Corps. All five US aces in Vietnam, three from
legendary ace and in the last chapter of its long and well the US Air Force and two from the US Navy,
F-4 Phantom pilot documented career, the F-4 Phantom II played achieved their status in the F-4. There are
Colonel Robin Olds a critical role in improving the lethality of innumerable stories about its performance
once exclaimed: “If you modern aerial missiles, a problem that plagued and capabilities during that period and
want to kill an enemy it during its operational career. legendary tales of heroism surround the
aircraft with an AIM-4D you must hit the pilot crews that flew them. Names like Sijan,
in the heart.” The combined probability of kill Operational History Pardo, and Olds will live long in the history of
(PK) was somewhere around 10% of total Developed in the 1950s by the US Navy as a the US Air Force.
launches. Some of this was attributable to fleet interceptor, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Over 5,000 F-4s were built, with production
pilot inexperience, which was later remedied Phantom II became operational with the US ending in 1979. Although it continued
with well-known tactical dogfighting training Air Force in 1964 as a fighter-bomber. It was operations into Operation Desert Storm, the
exercises such as Red Flag. However, the dominant tactical aircraft of the 1960s F-4 was retired from active US Air Force service
deficiencies were also identified in the missiles and 1970s, the workhorse and symbol of in 1996; but that’s not the end of the story.
58
F-4 PHANTOM II MILITARY
QF-4 FSAT MISSIONS IN

2016
January–April: US Army MIM-104 Patriot
February: US Navy F/A-18 AIM-120
AMRAAM
February: US Air Force F-15 AIM-120
AMRAAM
April: US Navy F/A-18 AMRAAM
April: US Navy F/A-18 AMRAAM live fire
exercise from Point Mugu
May: US Navy F/A-18 AMRAAM at Naval Air
Weapons Station China Lake
July: US Army MIM-104 Patriot
July: High-energy laser
August: F-35 air-to-air weapons system
evaluation
August: F-35 AIM-120 AMRAAM
October–December: Japanese
HAWK/Chu-SAM Kai
FSAT Program FSATs, dubbed drones, which would be shot Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona,
As a result of the low PK achieved by air-to-air down in live-fire missile tests. The programme where programmed depot maintenance was
missiles during the Vietnam War, laws were began in 1974 with the PQM-102, based on done. Drone conversion itself was undertaken
passed to ensure improved performance, the F-102 Delta Dagger. Between 1974 and by BAE Systems at its facility at Mojave
rather than relying on manufacturers’ 1985, 314 unmanned sorties were flown, with Airport, California. Conversion provided
assurances or predicted behaviour. Title 10, 87 drones destroyed. Between 1983 and the QF-4 with a digital control system for
section 2366 of the US Code states, in part: 1991, 99 QF-100 drones, based on the F-100 remote operation of the aircraft and involved
. . . a missile program may not proceed Super Sabre, were destroyed in 314 sorties. introduction of mechanical servos for the
beyond low-rate initial production until The QF-106 programme based on the F-106 aircrafts’ control surfaces, throttles and
realistic lethality testing of the program is Delta Dart, lasted from 1990 to 1997, with 28 landing gear. Antennas were threaded into
completed . . . The term “realistic lethality airframes destroyed in 114 sorties. the wings and fuselage to provide a proximity
testing” means, in the case of a missile scoring system; GPS and data transponders
program, testing for lethality by firing the QF-4 Phantom were also installed. This complex process
munition or missile concerned at appropriate Since 1997, the target of choice to took approximately six months to complete
targets configured for combat. accomplish section 2366 has been 317 hand- at a cost of roughly $2.4 million per aircraft.
To fulfil this requirement, the Department of picked F-4 Phantoms. Candidate aircraft The QF-4s were operated by the 82nd
Defense instituted a programme of converting were drawn from storage at the Aerospace Aerial Targets Squadron based at Tyndall Air
obsolete fighter aircraft into unmanned Maintenance and Regeneration Group, at Force Base, Florida under the command of
59
MILITARY F-4 PHANTOM II
achieved its fruition in the glory days of

the QF-4. It was this ability that allowed
a third-generation aircraft to increase the
lethality and survivability of all fourth and,
as of today, fifth-generation aircraft. The
Phantom provided American and allied
air forces with a worthy target able to
exponentially improve weapons systems
performance. You may have a pod or
something else hanging on there which
is worth more than the entire aircraft. The
pod or the algorithms or those formulas
were used to improve our fifth-generation
warfighting capabilities. This increased
the lethality and survivability of our entire
air force. There’s no way you can measure
that. Without these Q-series aircraft, we
would not be the air force we are today.”
Eight unmanned missions were flown
between August 1 and 4, 2016 (the record
for a week) during which seven of the QF-4
drones were destroyed. The last missiles
shot at a QF-4 were two AIM-120s fired by
an F-35 assigned to the 461st Flight Test
Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base on
August 17, 2016; the drone was recovered.
On December 21, 2016, the mighty
One of the last QF-4E Phantom II Full Phantom was finally retired for good by the
Scale Aerial Target drones sits on the US Air Force in ceremonies at Holloman.
ramp at Holloman during the retirement
ceremonies in December, 2016.
the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group reporting include AIM-120 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X
to the 53rd Wing based at Eglin Air Force Sidewinders fired from F-22 Raptors and
Base, Florida. F-35 Lightning IIs. Surface-to-air missiles
Missions were flown in support of include Patriot, the Medium Extended Air
new weapons system development and Defense System (MEADS), Stinger and the
qualification, and the US Air Force air-to-air Japanese MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the
Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP), Way Killer).
called Combat Archer. In the words of 53rd WEG Commander,
The last Tyndall-based QF-4 soaked up Col Lance Wilkins: “The Phantom is truly a
three missiles before being destroyed in May, special platform. It is both a terrible target
1
2015. Detachment 1, 82nd ATRS based at and a phenomenal one. Terrible because
Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, is it’s so rugged and resilient and a very hard
tasked to provide FSATs for Department of airplane to kill. Phenomenal because it’s
Defense and foreign military sales programme rugged and resilient and can take a little bit of
customers. The Holloman-based Detachment everything with it. Transition of the F-4 from a
1 is a small unit commanded by Lt Col Ron combat fighter to full-scale aerial target was
King, with two enlisted personnel and five a logical and essential step toward continued
civilians employed as pilots and remote American air dominance. In its new role, the
drone operators. Contracted maintenance is Phantom was more than a mere target, it
provided by Pacific Architects and Engineers was a pickup truck. You could add infrared
Inc. The unit flies its FSAT most missions over countermeasures one day, exotic jamming
the White Sands Missile Range. pods or a host of other classified capabilities
QF-4s flew 145 sorties from Holloman to this old bird the next.
with 70 aircraft destroyed. Air-to-air “This ‘Mr Potato Head’ concept started
weapons employed under the WSEP in the infancy of the FSAT programme and 2
60
F-4 PHANTOM II MILITARY
1 The last QF-4E pilots pose in front of F-4E Phantom II 73-1167 AF-353 from left to right: Erik Vold,
Lt Col Ron King, and Jim Harkins, Jim Shreiner. 2 Memorabilia crowd the office used by Detachment
1, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. 3 The final six flightworthy QF-4E Phantom IIs; 74-1043 AF-338 (c/n
4825); 74-0645 AF-336 (c/n 4796); 74-0643/TD ‘82 ATRS’ AF-351 (c/n 4794); 74-1638/TD ‘82 ATRS’
AF-349 (c/n 4874); 74-1625 AF-350 (c/n 4855); and 73-1167/TD ‘53 WEG’ AF-353 (c/n 4679) on the
82nd ATRS flight line before the final flight on December 21, 2016. 4 The final four QF-4E Phantom II
Full Scale Aerial Target aircraft (74-0643/TD, 74-0645, 74-1043 and 74-1638/TD) performed a super-
sonic formation flyover to open the retirement ceremony for the type at Holloman Air Force Base on
December 21, 2016.
With the final retirement of such an iconic build F-16C models that, like the F-4s, Final Farewell
aircraft looming, it was recognised a farewell are all being sourced from the Aerospace On December 21, 2016, the US Air Force
tour was in order. By carefully husbanding Maintenance and Regeneration Group, formally retired the QF-4 Phantom II. Several
resources and scheduling flights, Lt Col King at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. A pair hundred people showed up under cloudy
and his team were able to make almost 20 of F-16D models will be converted as skies and cold temperatures to participate in
visits to bases and air shows around the trainers. the events organised for the final flight and
country between March and November. King Because the F-16 is fitted with fly-by- retirement. Ceremonies began with a supersonic
insisted on having at least one Phantom on wire controls, conversion is much simpler four-ship flyby, after which the Phantoms made
static display, so visitors could come up and and the cost has stayed the same as the several passes, both in formation and singly.
share their stories. QF-4, at roughly $2.4 million. The QF-16 All too soon the aircraft landed, to be greeted
FSAT also gains an advantage because by the traditional water arch formed by two
Moving Forward it’s in active service, so obtaining spare fire trucks from the Holloman Air Force Base
Retirement of the QF-4 does not leave a void parts is straightforward. With over 300 Fire Department. After the engines on the last
in the FSAT programme; its replacement is target requests already in the books, the Phantom had spooled down, various speakers
based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The first programme has a bright future. Three QF- shared their thoughts with the crowd.
QF-16 was delivered to Tyndall in September 16s were flown to Holloman to participate QF-4 pilots assigned to Detachment 1,
2014. Air Combat Command declared initial in the final flight and more will arrive at the 82nd ATRS at the time of the final retirement
operational capability for the QF-16 FSAT on New Mexico base in 2017. ceremony were: unit commander Lt Col Ron
September 23, 2015. As a consequence of its transition to the King; pilots Jim Harkins, Jim Shreiner and Erik
The fourth-generation QF-16 brings QF-16, Detachment 1, 82nd ATRS will see a Vold; and controller Larry Pope.
a number of improvements to the FSAT number of changes to its ranks, with some of The 13 remaining QF-4E Phantom IIs will
programme, including speeds of Mach 1.7 the F-4 folks retiring and some transitioning be stripped of their systems and transferred to
and turns up to 9g. Boeing won a contract to the QF-16, two new pilots will arrive and the resident 49th Wing based at Holloman for
for the modification of 210 airframes, Lt Col King will remain in post, because he use as static ground targets at the White
comprising a mix of F-16A and early- maintained flying currency in the F-16. Sands Missile Range.
Jim Shreiner taxis 74-0645

AF-336 past the control tower at
Holloman after the QF-4E
Phantom II’s Fini Flight.
61
MILITARY EXERCISE VOLFA
62
EXERCISE VOLFA MILITARY
Train as
you Fight Jan Kraak reports from BA118
Mont-de-Marsan during
the latest all-encompassing
Armée de l’Air exercise
A friendly thumbs-up
from the crew of an
EC 2/4 Mirage 2000N.
All photos Jan Kraak
T
he second 2016 edition de l’Air classes such scenarios as decisive VOLFA has been likened to a French
of Exercise VOLFA took interventions over long distances in the first version of Exercise Red Flag staged by
place in France during hours of operations before switching to more the US Air Force, because it has similar
October. This large-scale sustained operations. France is one of a few organisational characteristics. The
exercise was organised European countries capable of executing all exercise is held two or three times each
by the Commandement the different elements involved: intelligence, year and includes every Armée de l’Air
des Forces Aériennes surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); component operating together in any of
(CFA or French Air deliberate strikes; and strike coordination the large training areas at the disposal of
Force Command) and and reconnaissance; insertion of troops into the organisers.
the area of operations a conflict zone using tactical transports while Train as you fight is the philosophy of the
was near Aurillac in central France. Aircraft fast jets provide protection; and close air exercise and this is realised by incorporating
operated from their home base during the support (CAS). as many wartime experiences as possible
build-up week, and for the live exercise Recently, different combinations of into the briefings, debriefings and mission
(LIVEX), which took place in the second elements were, for instance, put to use scenarios. Wartime experiences are referred
week, all Blue Force aircraft were deployed at the start of Opération Harmattan over to as returns on experience or RETEX.
to BA118 Mont-de-Marsan. VOLFA stands Libya in 2011 and Opération Serval in Mali
for VOL Forces Aériennes and is an exercise in 2013. AIR International visited Mont- Articulation
organised by the Armée de l’Air during de-Marsan during VOLFA and had the VOLFA 2016-2 involved approximately
which fully qualified personnel train in opportunity to talk to participating personnel 25 aircraft and 200 personnel, many of
different entry force scenarios. The Armée and aircrew. whom were deployed to Mont-de-Marsan
63
Missions during VOLFA 2016-2 were flown

according to an evolving scenario prepared
by the organising team during the six months
preceding the exercise. Different missions
were based on the training goals each
participating unit had put forward. However,
VOLFA is different from NATO’s Tactical
Leadership Programme course at Albacete in
Spain, as exercise director Lt Colonel Olivier
explained: “All personnel participating in
VOLFA are fully qualified and have recently
participated in overseas operations. The
exercise is not aimed at qualifying crews.
Instead, our goal is that crews will be able
to apply what they learn here when they are
called upon to fly complex missions.”
One of the main reasons for deploying all
1
Blue Force aircraft to Mont-de-Marsan is
for the duration of this exercise. Two out special forces missions. To integrate all so participating crew can brief and debrief
composite air operations (COMAOs) were these different tasks and steps requires a together in the same room with the air boss.
flown from Mont-de-Marsan each day, one high level of training, so the CFA organises The air boss is an officer who is responsible for
in the afternoon and one at night. Each regular exercises such as VOLFA that allow overseeing air operations and taking the role
COMAO was led by a different mission experienced crew to train in advanced of referee between the different participants in
commander who was responsible for giving scenarios to maintain a high standard of the mission. Interaction between participants
the mission outline to two package leaders: operations.” and the air boss significantly increases the
offensive counter air (OCA) and strike. Both Because the Armée de l’Air is currently opportunities to learn from each other’s
officers are experts in the air-to-air and deployed for Opération Barkhane (Sahel experience and procedures.
air-to-ground tasks and have responsibility region) and Opération Chammal (Jordan
for planning the mission. The command and the United Arab Emirates), it could be Air Boss
hierarchy remains in place throughout the argued that its aircrew accumulate enough Every mission was led from the Centre de
mission, so the OCA and strike leaders experience. However, the crews deployed Détection et de Contrôle (CDC or command
are each responsible for their respective on overseas operations do not automatically and control centre) in Mont de Marsan, a
package, and the mission commander fly diverse sorties, as Colonel Mollard facility with responsibility for the overall
oversees the mission. explained: “The most common mission for communication between participants.
Explaining the importance of an exercise our fighter pilots during current operations However, the CDC is not the place from
such as VOLFA, Mont-de-Marsan base is CAS, which means our crews don’t where the air boss follows each mission.
commander Colonel Mollard said: “We necessarily maintain a level of excellence He or she works from the nearby Centre
have a strategic capacity that allows us across the entire spectrum of missions. d’Expertise et d’Instruction des Liaisons
to gain the upper hand over an adversary. Hence the importance of having large-scale de Données Tactiques (CEILDT), a unit
However, before we can send an entry exercises in which all these aspects are specialising in just about anything that has
force in we have to establish air superiority, included, even in times when crews already to do with IT infrastructures and tactical
perform reconnaissance sorties, and carry have very busy deployment schedules.” data links, such as Link 16. Personnel from
1 Rafale C 132/30-GK is
based at BA118 Mont-de-
Marsan assigned to EC 2/30
‘Normandie-Niemen’.
2 Rafale B 343/4-FJ from EC
1/4 ‘Gascogne’ leaves the
sun shelter at the start of a
mission. 3 Mirage 2000N
370/125-GQ from EC 2/4 on
its way to the training area.
Mirage 2000Ns flew mixed
patrols with Mirage 2000Ds.
64
but we can also pilot them manually, which

we usually do if there are only one or two.
However, if we program a KC-135 or E-3F to
fly in a specific track for two or three hours,
when a real aircraft engages the simulated
aircraft the pilot sees the radar lock and can
also fire back.”
Fighters
Mirage 2000s flew different strike roles
whereas Rafales typically flew swing-role
missions, starting with air superiority then
shifting to air-to-ground before going back to
the air superiority role.
AIR International asked how VOLFA fits
with sorties currently being flown by Rafale
crews against the so-called Islamic State
2
over Iraq and Syria. Captain Cyril, a Rafale
the CEILDT and the Centre d’Expériences will tell them they have to leave the zone. pilot assigned to EC 2/30, replied: “The
Aériennes Militaires (CEAM) based at He also decides when and where they can complexity of the threat lay down during
Mont de Marsan used the Solstice system regenerate so as to rejoin the fight.” VOLFA might be a little bit higher than
throughout the exercise. Besides the real aircraft, the air boss what we encounter during current combat
Solstice allows the air boss to see in real may decide to insert simulated Red Force missions. If we are effective during these
time the operating area and every aircraft aircraft. Operators from the CEAM can insert types of exercises we’ll be prepared for
flying within it. The air boss briefs the crews simulated aircraft among the real aircraft those missions even though the level of
during the mass brief and acts as a referee flying in the area of operations. Discussing stress is higher during a wartime mission.”
during the mission. The goal is to stick to the process, Captain Alain from the CEAM Systems fitted on the Rafale like the active
the scenario. For instance, if the air boss said. “Sometimes aircraft have to return electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
sees that there are not enough Red Force to base sooner than planned, due to bad and encrypted data links such as Link 16
aircraft in a zone or that the Red Force weather conditions or when they have used give the fighter more capability to detect
aircraft are not flying where they should be, more fuel than was foreseen. We can then airborne targets, as Captain Cyril explained:
he or she can instruct them to remain within use simulation to provide a richer training “Our radar is more powerful than before and
a realistic scenario, as Lt Colonel Olivier environment for the aircraft that remain in our missiles have a longer range than the
explained: “The air boss will instruct the the area.” previous generation. With Link 16 we can
Red Force before the mission. During the Simulation has become much more link with radars of other aircraft in different
sortie he will tell them what to do. Whenever realistic in recent years and is becoming an locations to see enemy aircraft before we
there is a simulated missile shot from any integral part of crew training. Speaking about even have them on our radar. This gives us
of the aircraft he can decide whether to some of the possibilities, Captain Alain said: the ability to see what the aircraft type is and
validate the shot or not, depending on the “We can program more or less everything: the what they are doing over long distances.
probability provided by the system. These direction, speed, behaviour of specific aircraft Consequently, we have improved situational
combat situations are as realistic as possible or even the radar emission of a simulated awareness, which helps the pilot to take
and when someone is shot the air boss E-3F. We can program the simulated aircraft, appropriate action.”
65
1 The sole Transall C-160R participating in VOLFA was R206/64-GF based at Evreaux.
2 The VOLFA air boss (left) oversees different engagements between Red and Blue Force
fighters during a VOLFA mission. 3 A Blue Force mass briefing for a VOLFA 2016-2
COMAO. 4 A SAMP/T launcher unit carrying eight missiles.
1
Armée de l’Air Rafales should receive participated in SERPENTEX 2016. According simulated shots: “We also have escort fighter
the Meteor active radar-guided beyond to Captain Cyril, there is a good chance aircraft flying with us to provide protection.
visual range air-to-air missile in 2018. The that wartime missions involving fighters, On top of that, we fly in formations of two or
combination of an AESA radar and Meteor is transports or drones will have to be flown three aircraft.”
very powerful: the ability to attack airborne together: “That’s why we want to learn more Transport pilots must be qualified as
targets over 100km (62 nautical miles) away. about each other during these exercises. package leader in order to lead formations of
That is 40km (25 nautical miles) more than Before, everybody would practise their own tactical aircraft, and this remains the highest
the current MICA missile. procedures and brief together in case of a qualification any Armée de l’Air transport
Recently, the Armée de l’Air has joint mission, which meant we needed to pilot can obtain. There are different roles
trained more explicitly in mixed packages adapt as we went along. Nowadays we train in the package. Armée de l’Air Hercules
where tactical transport aircraft operate beforehand, so we already know each other’s and Transall aircraft are equipped with
alongside fighters. Besides the VOLFA procedures, means of communication, countermeasures, but the CN235 is not, so
exercises, Transall C-160s and CN235s also capabilities to be able to work efficiently from depending on the type of threat the mission
the start.” commander decides whether or not a CN235
2
Rafales involved with VOLFA 2016-2 will be part of the package.
also flew with other air assets, including a Captain David said: “If a CN235 takes
Harfang unmanned aerial system from ED part in a mission, then aircraft equipped
1/33 that typically flew in an ISR role, but with countermeasures fly ahead to create a
was also used in the CAS cycle, as Captain protective bubble, detecting electromagnetic
Cyril explained: “We had the Harfang flying or infrared threats. If a threat is detected we
overhead the area and a JTAC [Joint Terminal use manoeuvres and flares, and the CN235
Attack Controller] on the ground. The Harfang remains close enough and in our protective
gathered information about possible hostile bubble so the pilot can react to our actions.”
targets and downlinked that data to the VOLFA tasks transport aircraft crews to
JTAC who then relayed the information to fly specific tasks in large COMAOs. Asked
Rafales when calling in the fighters for CAS. if there are any particular challenges during
Furthermore, the Harfang also acted as an such missions, Captain David replied: “The
airborne FAC [Forward Aircraft Controller] and challenge is to execute the mission according
3 illuminated targets.” to plan. It’s a heavy workload, because
we fly at low level a lot and have to cope
Tactical Transports with airborne and surface-based threats
Four tactical transport aircraft flew different while coordinating with the escort fighters
formations (e.g. two C-130s and a C-160) protecting us and being aware of our aircraft
during missions that included parachute parameters and the other aircraft in the
drops, tactical landings and low-level flying. formation. Amid all of those considerations,
The Armée de l’Air paratroopers came from we have allotted slots: gates that we have
the different Commandos Parachutistes de to pass at very specific times. We cannot be
l’Air units. early or late, because the escort fighters that
Captain David, a C-160 pilot, said that protect us have a limited playtime compared
VOLFA is challenging because of the Red to us, so we have to fit perfectly in the
Force fighters flying against them, citing the mission flow. This flow is also important for
realism of the missile threat despite being the troops on the ground, especially when
66
the area is not completely secured, because

they cannot linger. We have procedures to
minimise the time we spend on the ground.
This week we flew a daytime mission to
Aurillac during which we were on the ground
for 3 minutes and 45 seconds between
landing and take-off to open and close the
ramp and let the troops board.”
The Transall is the oldest transport
aircraft in the Armée de l’Air fleet, but is
still serving in ongoing operations such as
Barkhane and remains a very useful asset,
as Captain David explained: “Currently, the 4
A400 can fly higher, faster, further [than]
and transport three to four times the load assigned to the Red Force to allow French need to have good coordination with the
of the Transall, but does not yet have the aircrews to practise against the system Blue Force fighters. Either we are in
tactical capabilities. The C-130 can also and SAMP/T personnel to train against the contact with an air-to-ground representative
carry a heavier load, but does not have aircrews: “However, they also need to be in the command centre who can inform
the same performance on unprepared able to work together – for instance, when the pilots about our capabilities or we can
runways. This means the Transall is still the SAMP/T is deployed – which means that contact the aircraft directly through a Link
useful from a tactical standpoint when it everybody needs to be able to train together.” 16 datalink. At the same time, we have
comes to infiltration or exfiltration of troops An Armée de l’Air SAMP/T battery has Alpha Jets acting as Su-25s and Mirage
in hostile areas.” four launchers that each carry eight Aster 2000Cs and Mirage 2000-5s as Su-27s and
30 missiles. These missiles can engage Su-30s, together with simulated aircraft to
Air-to-Ground Systems not only aircraft, but also cruise missiles. test our operators.”
The Armée de l’Air used a Tactical Radar There are four SAMP/T squadrons in
Threat Generator (TRTG) to simulate SA-6 France, one at Mont-de-Marsan and one at A Future VOLFA
and SA-8 surface-to-air missile systems and each nuclear base (Avord, Saint-Dizier and VOLFA is likely to continue to be one of the
jamming systems to scramble frequencies Istres). During VOLFA 2016-2, the SAMP/T main exercises for the Armée de l’Air in the
being used by the Blue Force in the area and Crotale systems deployed were from near future. The big advantage compared to
of operation. The TRTG is highly mobile Escadron de défense sol-air 1/950 ‘Crau’ exercises like Red Flag or Maple Flag is that
and, as they would during real operations, from BA125 Istres. personnel do not have to travel far, which
drove around the Red zone at speeds up to Assigned to the Mont-de-Marsan-based reduces costs and time. Those aspects
80km/h (50mph). EDSA 12/950, Captain Laurent was part of alone are so important for an air force that
VOLFA 2016-2 was the first exercise in the team that wrote the mission scenarios has struggled for resources to continue to
which the Armée de l’Air used surface-to- for VOLFA and the role of the ground-to-air perform beyond its operational contracts.
air defence systems on the Blue Force. defence systems. He said the novelty for an The availability of vast training zones above
It is usual to generate threats using short EDSA unit during VOLFA is the cooperation the Massif Central, the infrastructure and
range Crotale and medium range Système with Blue Force aircraft in the same area, capacity of bases like Mont-de-Marsan
sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre (SAMP/T) called a joint engagement zone: “This is provide an ideal training environment for the
systems, but never as part of the Blue Force. very different from acting as a Red Force Armée de l’Air and any foreign air arm
Lt Colonel Olivier said the SAMP/T is typically asset, because now in order to succeed we that wants to participate.
67
MILITARY L-39NG
Albatros R
T
he L-39NG (New to strengthen its weakened position in its were built, with a worldwide proliferation
Generation) is the latest specific market niche by accommodating the in the 1980s and 1990s. This figure also
model offered by Aero needs of existing operators. includes the slightly improved L-59 derivative
Vodochody of the Czech The L-39 continues to give sterling service sold to Egypt and Tunisia and the radically
Republic, widely known worldwide and has plenty of upgrade improved light attack version, the L-159,
as a manufacturer opportunities. As a result, Aero launched the ordered by the Czech Air Force and also
of dependable and L-39NG deep upgrade project, presented for sold to the Iraqi Air Force and US company
affordable jet trainers and the first time at the Farnborough Airshow in Draken International.
light attack aircraft. After July 2014. The project is funded on a 50/50 Legacy Albatros derivatives are widely
more than a decade of basis by Aero and the Czech arms export known as excellent trainers, with superb
flat business without any new aircraft sales, agency Omnipol, which is also responsible handling performance and rugged design
the company is at last set to return to growth for marketing. featuring a sturdy and simple wide-track
in its core business. undercarriage with low-pressure tyres and
In the early 2010s, the company, A Great Legacy engine air inlets situated above the wing to
also known simply as Aero, adopted a The L-39 has the distinction of being the prevent foreign object damage.
pragmatic approach of not continuing with jet trainer produced in the largest numbers Most of the aircraft built between the early
the development of all-new jet trainers for in the world. Designed in the 1970s as a 1970s and the late 1990s are still flying in the
the highly competitive global jet trainer standard advanced jet trainer for the Warsaw fleets of no fewer than 46 military operators
market. Instead, its management decided Pact nations, more than 3,000 examples worldwide, while civilian-registered examples
68
L-39NG MILITARY
The first L-39NG prototype, 2626, is a former

Ukrainian Air Force L-39C bought back
by Aero Vodochody for use as a company
development aircraft. Aero Vodochody
Renewed
Alexander Mladenov introduces the L-39NG jet trainer, a major
upgrade of the big-selling Aero Vodochody Albatros family
fly in some 15 countries, including with four intended to attract a proportion of existing
civil jet display teams. The total flight time customers who feel happy operating their L-39NG CHARACTERISTICS
amassed by the global Albatros fleet has older L-39s, but sooner or later will need Wingspan: 9.56m (31ft 4in)
exceeded five million hours, with aircraft either to consider a replacement or select Length, overall: 12.03m (39ft 6in)
flown in all climatic conditions. These vary an option for a comprehensive upgrade
Height: 4.77m (15ft 6in)
from dry desert to humid jungle and from and life extension. The second phase
salty marine to dry and cold environments, involves offering newly built L-39NGs to Empty weight: 3,100kg (6,834lb)
where the L-39’s rugged design invariably new customers looking to purchase highly Max take-off weight: 5,600–6,000kg (12,346–
demonstrates good reliability. capable yet affordable jet trainers. 13,228lb)
The L-39NG upgrade programme has The NG upgrade package was developed Max internal fuel: 1,200–1,450kg
been divided into two phases to ensure a by Aero’s design office to address these (2,646–3,197lb)
new life for the omnipresent L-39 and make needs and grab a potentially big share of Max payload on external stores: 1,050-
the aircraft more attractive by boosting markets where Aero has little or no chance 1,650kg (2,315-3,637lb)
its performance, improving economics of selling its new L-159B high-performance
Max speed: 420kts (778km/h)
of operation and offering all-new cockpit trainer and light attack aircraft due to its
avionics with an electronic flight information much higher price tag. The L-39NG’s two Range on internal fuel: 1,400nm (2,590km)
system (EFIS). upgrade phases can be implemented Rate of climb at sea level: 4,500ft/min (23m/s)
The first phase incorporates replacing the simultaneously or separately, depending Design load factor: +8/-4G
engine and introducing new avionics. It is on customers’ needs and budget. When
69
MILITARY L-39NG
adopting both phases, they will get a virtually The new engine is set to address the The FJ44-4M is a twin-spool design,
new jet trainer at a price that Aero advertises shortcomings of the L-39’s antiquated featuring a single-stage fan, three-stage
as affordable. A newly built airframe comes AI-25PL engine and the Saphir-5 auxiliary axial low-pressure compressor stages and
with a 15,000-hour total service life, enough power unit (APU) used for engine start- one centrifugal high-pressure compressor
for at least 30 years of use, combining up. The AI-25TL is no longer considered stage in addition to one high-pressure
performance and reliability with economy of to be fuel efficient and has a very long turbine stage and two low-pressure turbine
operation and maintenance. response time for transitioning from idle to stages. Its fuel consumption is claimed to be
According to Jakub Broz, an Aero the maximum power setting, while its time 15% less than that of the AI-25TL, and it is
marketing manager for defence and MRO between overhauls is limited to 750 hours. much more resistant to compressor surges.
businesses, phase one of the L-39NG In addition, there is only one authorised The engine weighs 305kg (670lb) and the
upgrade can be offered to interested overhaul centre, at the manufacturer Motor total weight saving from the AI-25TL when
customers right now, while phase two (which Sich’s premises in Zaporozhya, Ukraine. installed on the L-39NG amounts to about
features a newly produced airframe) can be The FJ44-4M is already proven on military 160kg (353lb). This is possible thanks to the
offered in 2017 at the earliest. aircraft, as it has been used to power the combination of the lighter engine and the
upgraded twin-engine Saab 105 and the removal of the Saphir-5 APU, which is used
Phase One new single-engine Leonardo (formerly Alenia to supply compressed air for the AI-25TL’s
The scope of activities in this phase includes Aermacchi) M-345 jet trainers. Equipped with start-up. The FJ44-4J’s integration on the
the replacement of the existing Ukrainian- an electrical starter, the new engine features L-39NG utilises the existing AI-25TL mounts
made Motor Sich AI-25TL turbofan engine roughly the same maximum thrust rating as on the fuselage, and its installation requires
with the US-made Williams International the AI-25TL, delivering 3,790lb (16.87kN). only minor airframe modifications.
FJ44-4M. In addition, phase one may include The FJ44-4M, however, is lighter and boasts The FJ44-4M is operated on-condition
the integration of an all-new flight/navigation a much better response time of transitioning and its service life exceeds 10,000 hours.
avionics suite supplied by US company from idle to maximum power setting of The engine is not required to undergo
Genesys Aerosystems, originally designed between three and five seconds, compared overhauls at fixed intervals like
for installation on civil aircraft, together with a to 9 to 12 seconds the AI-25TL; instead it
head-up display built by the Czech company for the AI-25TL. only has to be cycled
SPEEL Praha. through four week-
The FJ44-4M, featuring dual- long inspections
channel full authority digital during its heavy
engine control and delivering maintenance
enhanced speed, range and and it is also
endurance, is a militarised free from
and higher-rated derivative calendar
of a very popular turbofan service life
family. Originally designed limitations. By
for powering light business comparison, the
jets, the total flight time AI-25TL’s overhaul
of the FJ44 model family at Motor-Sich takes
has exceeded ten million four to six months
hours, with no fewer as a rule. Furthermore,
than 4,600 units now the FJ44-4M can be
in operation worldwide, serviced by a network of
which demonstrates superb more than 70 maintenance
reliability. centres worldwide, and Williams
2
70
L-39NG MILITARY
International also offers a lifetime warranty New Avionics Suite flight/navigation data, as well as the 3D
under an engine maintenance programme In addition to the new engine, phase one synthetic vision, while the display on the
called TAP Blue. This plan covers all types of the L-39NG upgrade includes the option right shows the information from the engine
of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for integrating an all-new avionics suite information and crew alerting system.
against a fixed price per flight hour paid combined with airframe and systems life The all-new avionics suite conceived
by the customer, including repairs in case extension. for the L-39NG also integrates a GPS
of foreign object damage. The FJ44-4M is The new avionics suite with a modular core module, an attitude reference and heading
not controlled by the International Traffic in is supplied by Genesys Aerosystems, formerly system and an air data system. In addition,
Arms Regulation (ITAR), so Aero will be able S-TEC and Chelton Flight Systems. Being a it features a Czech-developed embedded
to offer it to existing customers worldwide non-ITAR product, the lightweight and highly virtual training system to simulate air-to-air
without restrictions. capable EFIS incorporates three 6 x 8in (152 radars and a tactical situation display.
During intense operations, the FJ44-4M x 203mm) IDU-680 colour displays in each
would justify the L-39’s re-engining, as cockpit in portrait format, arranged side by Phase Two: New Airframe
the combined savings from the lower fuel side. However, the prototype aircraft featured The first L-39NG prototype is to be joined
consumption and reduced maintenance only one IDU-680 and one smaller IDU-450 by a second, which is scheduled to take
requirements will recover the initial display (5 x 4in/127 x 102mm) in the front to the air for the first time in 2017. A set of
investment in re-engining the aircraft in a cockpit in addition to the new Czech-made more extensive features is offered in the
relatively short period. However, Aero is still head-up display. second phase of the L-39NG upgrade.
reluctant to release any information on the The three IDU-680s are interchangeable The first of these is the introduction of a
price of the L-39’s re-engining with the FJ44- and each can be divided into two smaller comprehensively redesigned, newly built
4M and the subsequent return on investment displays, offering each pilot a total of six airframe, which will be lighter and more
in various usage cases. displays. The displays are night vision durable than the existing design. It also
The first flight of an L-39NG prototype googles (NVG) compatible. The 3D features an all-new wing design with integral
powered by the FJ44-4M, but retaining the synthetic vision includes Highway in the Sky fuel tanks (the so-called ‘wet wing’), which
old airframe, took place on September 14, functionality, which shows three-dimensional means the aircraft lacks the characteristic
2015, from Aero’s Odolena Voda facility near terrain, obstacles and traffic on the primary fixed wingtip tanks used on all old versions
Prague. According to Broz, pilot comments flight display (PFD). of the L-39. Removing the wingtip tanks will
after the first sortie were extremely positive, The display on the left side is used to reduce wing loading and allow an increase
as the re-engined Albatros demonstrated a show a moving map with the planned route in the roll rate. The fuselage has a smaller
much better performance. The first L-39NG superimposed on it, together with tactical diameter cross-section due to the smaller
prototype, wearing the serial 2626, is a situation information and simulation of diameter of the new engine. The fuselage
former Ukrainian Air Force L-39C bought the employment of various sensors and will see some use of composites, mainly in
back by Aero Vodochody for use as a weapons. The central display is used as a areas affected by vibration. The combination
company development aircraft. PFD for the presentation of all necessary of the all-new wing and the extensively
1 The first L-39NG prototype seen during its first flight powered by the newly-installed FJ44-4M engine on September 14, 2015. Aero Vodochody
2 The Williams International FJ44-4M offers the same 3,790lb (16.87kN) maximum thrust rating as the AI-25TL, but is lighter and boasts a much
better response time; its acceleration from idle to maximum power setting is between three and five seconds versus nine to 12 seconds for the
AI-25TL. Williams International 3 A computer-generated image of the L-39NG. Aero Vodochody
71
MILITARY L-39NG
The L-39C, the first production standard of the Albatros, is still in use worldwide with
many military and civil operators. This is an example operated by the Slovak Air Force,
one of the three remaining European/NATO operators for the type, together with the
Czech and Bulgarian air forces. Andrey Zinchuk
Market Prospects items) and foreign object damage (such as

In mid-September 2016, Aero reported the bird strike or stone hit).
completion of the first phase of the L-39NG’s Despite the mass use of legacy L-39
development effort, centred on the new versions worldwide, the prospective market
engine and avionics integration. The test for the NG upgrade could be a modest
work included exploration of the entire flight one. No fewer than 700 L-39s continue in
envelope, including flight with up to 8.5g operation today or are held in long-term
manoeuvring loads. The testing has also storage, good for a subsequent return to
encompassed evaluation of the functionality flight operations. However, the vast majority
of the newly installed Genesys Aerosystems of these aircraft are assigned to the fleets
avionics suite. of several big operators in countries that
The main marketing points to attract new will never consider the NG upgrade, such
customers highlighted by Aero include the as Russia and Ukraine, while once-big
ability to use the existing L-39 aircraft up fleets in Libya and Syria are non-existent
to the end of its extended airframe service or unreachable. In addition, many of the
life while avoiding the difficulties associated existing L-39 operators in Third World
1 with the maintenance of the AI-25TL engine, countries are financially constrained and
1 The L-39ZA version, developed in the late combined with lower and predictable struggle to keep their fleets in serviceable
1970s, was designed for use as both trainer and maintenance costs. There is also a possibility condition with limited budgets, so investing
light attack aircraft. Alexander Mladenov to adopt a ‘support by the hour’ programme in a serious upgrade could be far beyond
2 A look into the L-39ZA’s cockpit, packed with that fully covers the L-39NG’s scheduled their financial reach. It will be a pretty good
conventional analogue instruments and a marked maintenance, all unscheduled maintenance success for Aero if it manages to collect
contrast to the cockpit of the L-39NG. events (such as damage, leakages or broken 100 to 120 orders in the medium term. The
Alexander Mladenov
redesigned fuselage also creates less drag,

so the L-39NG will boast better aerodynamic
performance. The all-new wing features four
pylons for external stores in addition to one
pylon under the fuselage; each pylon is rated
at 375kg (827lb). The wing pylons are ‘wet’,
or plumbed to carry external fuel tanks.
The other changes to be introduced in
phase two include single-point refuelling,
increased-volume fuel tanks, NVG-
compatible lighting in both cockpits, VS-2
zero-zero ejection seats and a single-piece
canopy for improved pilot visibility and better
bird strike protection. The aircraft will also
receive a new debriefing system and a health
and usage monitoring system.
According to Jakub Broz, the first new
airframe will be built in 2017, and the first
flight of the phase two L-39NG is set for late
2017 or early 2018, with the first deliveries of
newly built aircraft in 2019 at the earliest.
2
72
L-39NG MILITARY
L-39 MAIN VERSIONS OVERVIEW

The first prototype of the Albatros made its maiden flight on November 4, 1968, at Aero’s factory
airfield in Odolena Voda near Prague. The flight test programme saw the use of four prototypes,
while the first production-standard L-39s were delivered to the-then Czechoslovakian Air Force
in March 1972. The new type was used to replace the L-29 Delfin and the MiG-15UTI in the basic
and advanced training roles for fast-jet pilots. It was provided with two underwing pylons for
UB-16-57U 16-round 57mm rocket packs, practice bombs weighing up to 100kg (220lb) or I-318
heat-seeking air-to-air training rounds. Later, this initial version was redesigned as the L-39C (C
denoting Cviceni, or training).
The L-39C production tally, including the sub-variants, amounted to 2,280 examples. The
main customer was the Soviet Air Force (which took 2,080 aircraft between 1973 and 1991)
and it was also sold to Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Yemen and Iraq. After the
break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia inherited the biggest L-39C fleet, while Ukraine also
got a sizeable inventory and subsequently sold on a significant proportion of it. Former Soviet
L-39Cs were also delivered to or inherited by military operators in the former Soviet republics of
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Lithuania. The latest L-39C operator is the South
Sudan Air Force, which is reported to have received two former Ukrainian aircraft in 2016. A large
number of second-hand L-39Cs were sold to civilian operators and private owners around the
world, mainly in the United States, Canada and Western Europe.
The L-39ZO (ZO denoting Zagrantcny Obchod, or armed) was the second mass production
version. It was designed to offer enhanced weapons training capabilities and be used as a
light attack aircraft; a total of 347 were built. It comes equipped with four underwing pylons for
carrying a total of 1,100kg (2,425lb) of external stores, but otherwise retained the L-39C’s basic
design. The inboard pylon pair is also plumbed for external fuel tanks. The L-39ZO prototype
made its maiden flight on June 25, 1975. Iraq was the launch customer for this version, receiving
its first aircraft in 1977. The L-39ZO was also delivered to East Germany, Libya and Syria. Later,
former Libyan aircraft were delivered to Egypt and Uganda, while former East German examples
were donated to Hungary.
company itself expects the size of the future

NG market to amount to 120 aircraft in the
first four or five years. Aero sources say that
the eventual production rate will reach 15
aircraft a year.
While there are no firm orders yet, some
expressions of keen interest from potential
customers have been made, and these could
be converted into upgrade contracts in the
foreseeable future. The Czech state-owned
company LOM Praha was the first potential
customer who claimed interest in re-engining
its fleet of eight L-39s. The company manages
a military flight training centre at Pardubice
in the Czech Republic mainly to train pilots
for the Czech Air Force, and it seems entirely
natural for it to emerge as the launch customer. The L-39ZA is an armed version, with a GSh-23L gun-pack under the fuselage. Andrey Zinchuk
The second potential customer in Europe that
has expressed strong interest in the L-39NG
is the Breitling Jet Team of France, which flies The L-39ZA was the third version of the Albatros launched into mass production. It has further
aerobatic displays with a fleet of seven L-39Cs. enhanced weapons training capabilities and features a strengthened undercarriage to support
Draken International of Lakeland, Florida, the increased take-off weight, including 1,100kg (2,425lb) of underwing stores. It also introduced
is the principal US partner in the L-39NG a provision for an under-nose gun pack containing a GSh-23L 23mm twin-barrel cannon with
programme. It has concluded an agreement a 3,000rpm rate of fire and 250 rounds. Two prototypes were involved in the L-39ZA’s test
with Aero to undertake the upgrade works programme, with the first taking to the air for the first time on September 29, 1976. A total of 265
on aircraft purchased by operators in the L-39ZAs were built between 1980 and 1997.
Americas. According to the clauses of the The first production-standard L-39ZAs were delivered to the Czechoslovakian Air Force in
exclusive partnership with Aero Vodochody, 1980, and this version remained in production in the 1980s and 1990s. Original export customers
Draken International is also the official included Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Romania, Syria and Thailand. Later, second-hand
distributor of L-39NG and L-159 in the aircraft were sold to Cambodia (ex-Czech examples), Uganda (ex-Bulgarian), Lithuania (ex-Czech)
Americas, offered to both military and civil and Slovakia (which inherited aircraft belonging to the former Czechoslovakian Air Force, also
customers. At the same time, Aero continues including L-39ZAs and L-39Cs).
with its marketing efforts in other parts of the The L-39MS (MS denoting Modernised, Super) is the fourth production-standard Albatros
world, where potential customers could be derivative, with considerably enhanced performance, new equipment, a new powerplant and a
found among existing Albatros operators. refined structure. Developed as a higher-performance trainer in the early 1980s, it introduced the
The chief advantage of the L-39NG is the new PS/ZMK DV-2 turbofan rated at 4,850lb (21.57kN), a strengthened fuselage for operations
superb flight and systems performance that at a higher take-off weight as well as hydraulically actuated flight controls and VS-2 zero-zero
is offered at an affordable price, rendering the ejection seats. The first prototype, powered by the DV-2 engine, made its maiden flight on
aircraft a worthy competitor to more modern September 30, 1986. Externally, the L-39MS can be easily distinguished from the L-39ZA thanks
designs that are beyond the reach of budget- to its more pointed nose, larger wingtip tanks and the upwards/backwards-opening, single-piece
constrained operators. That is why the L-39NG canopy. A batch of six pre-series L-39MS aircraft was delivered to the Czechoslovakian Air Force,
could be a consideration for countries with with the first example taken on strength in 1991; upon the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993,
limited procurement budgets where the L-39 four were retained by the Czech Air Force and two were inherited by the Slovak Air Force.
has been well-established in service; the NG Under the new designation L-59 (assigned in 1991), the L-39MS was also sold to two export
will be the most cost-effective solution for customers, Egypt (49) and Tunisia (12), which took their first jets in 1993 and 1995 respectively.
the next two to three decades.
73
TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT
Aurora Flight Sciences’ LightningStrike uses

24 ducted fans, 18 in its tilting wing and six
in two tilting forward canards. DARPA
Revolutionary A
M
ark Moore can fundamental capabilities in aerospace big power source that will quietly generate
see multiple time over the next 20 to 30 years. Embrace electrical power from liquid hydrocarbon fuel.
revolutions the wave, because there is no choice.” The potential advantages of electric
coming from Moore is enthusiastic about working power for both manned and unmanned
his office at the on what he calls “the crazy frontier of aircraft are already widely understood.
US National aerospace DEP” for which NASA has been Airbus and Chinese companies are already
Aeronautics developing advanced technologies that conducting development. In Slovenia, the
and Space may prove transformational. The Defense Pipistrel WATTsUP light trainer, powered by
Administration Advanced Research Projects Agency an 85kW Siemens electric motor weighing
Langley Research (DARPA), however, is currently working 14kg (30kW) and a dual-redundant 17kWh
Center at Hampton Virginia, where the NASA with industry to start flying prototypes of battery pack which can be quickly replaced
organisation has been pushing the frontiers of hybrid electric-powered vertical take-off or charged in less than one hour, is ready
flight for over a century. He told a symposium and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicles for production. The reason aircraft like the
in Arlington Virginia on December 6 that (UAVs) in the near future. The Great WATTsUp are not currently in production is
revolutions are going to transform flight in Horned Owl UAV is under development because the best electric power technology
at least four technological ways: distributive by the Intelligence Advanced Research currently available gives half the power to
electric power (DEP); additive manufacturing; Projects Activity (IARPA), the intelligence weight ratio of a similar-size piston engine.
advanced sensors; and autonomy community’s version of DARPA. That means half the payload and half
incorporating increased computational Phase one of the programme, which the range. However, new technologies –
power: “They are going to change started in 2012, comprises work on a hybrid including the synergistic effects of multiple
74
REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY
Aircraft David C Isby covers some of the flight research

programmes being undertaken by NASA and
other American Government agencies on
revolutionary aircraft and power systems
advances – and new missions, as well as the efficiency of aircraft electrical power initiative aimed at expanding the routine
emerging objectives, are changing how the from the current motor-controller-battery use of electrical power for flight within the
world looks at electric aircraft. efficiency of 28% to 92%. next decade, NASA is planning to fly its
DARPA’s goals for the VTOL X-Plane latest experimental aircraft or X-plane, the
Why Electric? programme is to use hybrid power to create Scalable Convergent Electric Propulsion
Different objectives for NASA, DARPA and an aircraft capable of 300 to 400kts (555 to Technology Operations Research
IARPA have led them to invest in electric 740km/h), raise its hover efficiency from 60% (SCEPTOR) aircraft in 2017.
aerospace power for different reasons and to to 75%, raise the cruise-life efficiency ratio Designated the X-57 and named the
invest in meeting different goals. from five or six tons (4,500-5,400kg) and Maxwell after Scottish physicist James Clerk
For NASA, investment in pure rather than achieve a useful load of 40% of its overall Maxwell, the X-57 is a highly modified Italian-
hybrid electric power will reduce carbon weight, currently estimated to be between built Technam 2006T aircraft, a type that’s
emissions and reduce the amount of power five and six tons. in service worldwide as a light twin-engine
required. NASA aims for up to a 500% IARPA’s Great Horned Owl VTOL UAV trainer. Among the many objectives of NASA’s
reduction for an aircraft to cruise at 175mph will be light weighing just 20lb (9kg) and New Aviation Horizons initiative, the X-57 will
(280km/h), enabling high-speed cruise use electric power to reduce its acoustic provide a baseline to assess the differences
efficiency at one-fifth the energy expenditure. signature and increase time-on-station for in performance made possible by relying
Electrical power eliminates the penalty persistent surveillance. purely on battery-sustained electric power.
of higher fuel consumption for high-speed Modification of the Technam 2006 to
cruise borne by turbine and piston engines. The Crazy Frontier X-57 configuration is being undertaken by
Other NASA objectives include increasing As part of its New Aviation Horizons Santa Cruz, California-based Joby Aviation.
75
TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT
Modification work includes replacing the

Technam’s original 100shp (75kW) piston
engines with 14 DEP engines. All 14 engines
are mounted on a version of the long, skinny
Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller
Technology high-lift wing that was first
ground tested at NASA’s Armstrong Flight
Research Center, California in 2015. There
are 12 on the leading edge for take-off and
landing, and one on each wingtip for cruise.
Propellers featuring the latest design and
material technology providing 12% greater
efficiency at high-speed cruise is one reason
for different engines.
The X-57 Maxwell is the first NASA X-plane
to fly in over a decade under a $15 million,
three-year X-57 flight-test programme that
is expected to begin in 2018. A further four 1
the US Army, using hybrid power to combine VTOL tiltwing UAV demonstrator powered by
VTOL capability with high-speed flight. An ten electric engines, eight in the wing and two
all-electric powered one-fifth-scale version in the tail, which first flew in 2015. Compared
first flew in April 2016 and the full-size version to rotary wing UAVs, the GL-10 offered a
is expected to fly in 2018. 400% advantage in cruise efficiency in terms
DARPA programme manager Dr Ashish of the lift to drag ratio.
Bagai said: “This VTOL X-plane won’t be The GL-10, like the DARPA and IARPA
in volume production in the next few years, UAVs, creates less noise and offers greater
but is important for the future capabilities it potential endurance, but as a way around the
could enable: imagine electric aircraft that are inherent physics of turbine or piston engines.
more quiet, fuel-efficient and adaptable, and This means the design can be scaled down to
capable of runway-independent operations. the size required by UAVs without accepting
We want to open up whole new design and significant limitations in efficiency, specific
2 mission spaces freed from prior constraints, power and reliability.
types each using different concepts for and enable new VTOL aircraft systems and While this may not matter much for some
electric power will follow the X-57. subsystems.” uses (long-range cruise missiles only carry
In 2016, DARPA’s VTOL X-Plane a payload on a one-way trip), increasing the
programme awarded a Phase 2 contract for Electric Advantages reliability of UAVs carrying expensive sensor
the Aurora Flight Sciences LightningStrike, Tiltwing designs offer the potential for greater and communication payloads is a worthwhile
an aircraft with 24 ducted fans, 18 in its tilting efficiency in VTOL UAVs, providing lift from investment.
wing and six in two tilting forward canards. wings rather than rotors as in a helicopter. While the X-57’s low carbon emissions
LightningStrike is powered by three 1mW Moore said: “The helicopter is a pathetic flying are of interest mainly to civil operators, its
electric generators that, in turn, are charged machine, horribly inefficient. We have a chance low acoustic signature is obviously valuable
by a single 150shp (111kW) Rolls-Royce to do so much better with new technology.” for both civil – enabling urban operations
AE1107C gas turbine. The aircraft is based This was successfully demonstrated by currently limited by helicopters’ noise – and
on Aurora’s earlier Excalibur UAV design for the NASA Langley GL-10 (Greased Lightning) military use.
1 Aurora’s Excalibur UAV used hybrid power to combine VTOL capability with high-speed flight. Aurora Flight Sciences 2 The Siemens 85kW electric motor
installed on a Pipistrel WATTsUp aircraft. www.pipistrel.si 3 Slovenian aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel has built the two-seat WATTsUp aircraft powered by an
85kW Siemens electric motor and 17kWh battery pack. www.pipistrel.si
76
REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY
4 NASA Langley developed the GL-10 Greased

Lightning VTOL tiltwing UAV demonstrator powered
by ten electric engines, eight in the wing and two in
the tail. The aircraft first flew in 2015. NASA
5 NASA is planning to fly the Scalable Conver-
gent Electric Propulsion Technology Operations
Research aircraft in 2017. The aircraft has been
designated the X-57 Maxwell. NASA
4
The X-57 design is intended to reduce It was similar changes, not just in remains an area that has been identified as
its noise signature by 15dB compared to technology but also in markets and end-user having the potential for revolutionary change
the baseline Technam 2006T configuration requirements, that led state-of-the art airliner in aerospace. In the near future, it is likely
equipped with two Rotax 912-S3 piston technology to evolve from the Douglas DC-3 to be hybrid-powered UAVs, with specific
engines. of 1939 to the Boeing 747 of 1969. military tasks, that will be the first to fly, but
Hot temperatures and high take-off altitudes While it’s been a long time since the X-57 and its follow-on X-planes show
will not limit electric engine performance the airliners – or fighters – went through rapid this change may well apply to manned
way they do turbine or piston engines: another technological change, electric power aircraft as well.
potential advantage for both civil and military
applications. However, over the longer-term 5
future, the greatest advantage of electric
power for aircraft may be the potential to be
more reliable and – especially if adopted for
widespread civil-sector use – cheaper than
current engine technology.
Moore claims the US Department of Defense
could achieve incredible cost efficiencies if a
dual-use aerospace electric power technology
is developed.
Synergistic Technologies
One of the most important factors for the
long-term future of aerospace electric power
is the parallel growth in autonomous flight
capabilities. Successfully mass-produced
and usable electric power and autonomous
flight technologies could mean self-flying
cars for the civil sector and flying trucks for
the military will have stopped being science
fiction and become an achievable goal.
Moore said consumer markets are evolving
and that is pushing autonomy towards mass
markets and production volumes.
77
MILITARY EMBRAER KC-390
The first KC-390 prototype, PT-ZNF (msn 390001), flew on

February 3, 2015. All photos Embraer S.A. unless stated
Nigel Pittaway visits Embraer at Sãn José

do Campos to see the KC-390 airlifter
Next Gen Air

T
he development of On November 18, the programme achieved Brasilera are due to begin in the first half
Embraer’s KC-390 a significant milestone with the receipt of of 2018.
medium airlifter is Provisional Type Certification from the Força A total of 28 new production KC-390s are
progressing well, Aerea Brasilera’s Instituto de Fomento e on order for Brazil, together with the two
according to the Coordenação Industrial (Industrial Fostering prototypes, which will be refurbished at the
manufacturer, with the and Co-ordination Institute – IFI), responsible conclusion of the flight test campaign. The
two flying prototypes for military certification. The achievement of company says it also holds letters of intent
having completed provisional certification means the KC-390 for a further 32 aircraft from six countries, but
in excess of 650 in its basic configuration complies with to date no contracts have been signed.
flight hours by early requirements and is an important stepping
November and testing of the static test stone to full type certification. Programme History
airframe about to begin. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer says Embraer had been studying a military airlifter
The KC-390 has been designed in the programme is also on track to achieve in the C-130 Hercules-class since 2006
response to a Força Aerea Brasilera (Brazilian initial operational capability (IOC) in the and a development contract for the KC-390
Air Force) requirement for a medium, basic military airlift role in the second was signed with the Força Aerea Brasilera
multi-role airlifter to replace its ageing fleet half of 2017, followed by final operational in 2009. Shortly afterwards, strategic
of Lockheed C-130H Hercules, which first capability a year later, in the second half of industrial partnerships were signed with
entered service in 1965. 2018. Initial deliveries to the Força Aerea Argentina, the Czech Republic and Portugal
78
EMBRAER KC-390 MILITARY
Airlifter
for the manufacture of subassemblies and
components.
The development contract included the
outskirts of São José dos Campos concluded
in September 2012, followed by the critical
design review (CDR) in March 2013.
with Boeing for sales and marketing of
the KC-390, whereby the US giant would
be responsible for sales, sustainment and
construction of two flying prototypes and Following the CDR milestone, Embraer training opportunities in the United States,
single examples of static and fatigue test launched its marketing campaign at the the UK and select Middle East markets.
airframes. As part of this contract, the two LAAD Defence and Security Trade Fair in Rio Embraer and the Força Aerea Brasilera
prototypes are to be handed over to the de Janeiro in April 2014. subsequently signed the first acquisition
Força Aerea Brasilera when development is President and CEO of Embraer Defense contract valued at BRL 7.2 billion at the
complete. and Security at the time, Luiz Carlos Aguiar manufacturer’s Gavião Peixoto production
From the outset, Embraer designed the told reporters: “The project has firmly and facility and test airfield in São Paulo State
aircraft as a multimission platform, including consistently moved forward, and now we in May 2014, coinciding with the opening
air-to-air refuelling (AAR), aerial fire-fighting, have concluded the CDR we are ready to ceremony of a new final assembly hangar.
search and rescue (SAR) and medevac, using begin discussions with potential customers The first prototype, PT-ZNF (msn 390001),
equipment kits that it says can be installed in of the aircraft. There is a heavy demand for was rolled out at Gavião Peixoto on October
under three hours. replacing older aircraft in this segment of the 21, 2014, attended by the new President and
A preliminary design review undertaken international market.” CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Jackson
with the Força Aerea Brasilera at Embraer’s At the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget in June Schneider, the Brazilian Minister of Defence,
Eugênio de Melo engineering facility on the 2013, Embraer announced it was partnering Celso Amorim and the Commander of the
79
1 2
Força Aerea Brasilera, Lieutenant Brigadier The KC-390 has a maximum cruise According to Embraer, loads include a
General Juniti Saito. speed of 470kts or Mach 0.80 and a service Rheinmetall Boxer 8 x 8, GDLS Stryker (with
Jackson Schneider said: “This significant ceiling of 36,000ft (10,972m). The flight armour), LAV (with turret) or one BMP-3
milestone of the KC-390 programme control system is fully fly-by-wire (FBW) infantry combat vehicle. Alternatively, two
demonstrates Embraer’s ability to manage with active sidestick controllers. Avionics 20ft ISO containers or one Sikorsky S-70
such a complex and high-technology project systems include the Rockwell Collins Pro Black Hawk helicopter (disassembled
and to perform it on track. It paves the way Line Fusion system, similar to that on for transportation) can be carried. In the
for the beginning of the ground tests to Boeing’s 787 airliner, and a Selex Gabbiano medevac role, the Força Aerea Brasilera
prepare for the first flight.” T-20 tactical radar. The flight deck is fully requires 74 stretchers and eight attendants
On February 3, 2015, the prototype lifted night vision goggle compatible and the to be accommodated and there are electrical
from Gavião Peixoto’s 16,440ft (5,000m) long standard crew includes two pilots and a power and oxygen provisions to support this
runway on its maiden flight. The flight lasted loadmaster. requirement.
one hour and 25 minutes and was performed An optional self-protection suite is With a 23,000kg payload, brochure figures
by Embraer test pilots Mozart Louzada and available, including an Elbit radar warning give a range of 1,520 nautical miles (2,815km)
Marcos Salgado de Oliveira Lima, with flight receiver, laser warning receiver, missile and an empty ferry range of 3,310 nautical
test engineers Raphael Lima and Roberto approach warning system and a directional miles (6,130km). From Geneva for example,
Becker. infrared countermeasures in the tail cone, the KC-390 is capable of transporting
together with 14 chaff and flare dispensers 23,000kg to anywhere in the United Kingdom
Technical Description and additional ballistic protection. and the Republic of Ireland, or 14,000kg
Designed around the core military airlift Embraer’s glossy sales brochure (26,455lb) to either Dakar in Senegal or
requirement, the KC-390 is a high-wing, claims the aircraft can carry a maximum Muscat, Oman.
T-tailed aircraft with a rear cargo ramp and an concentrated payload of 26,000kg (57,320lb) To meet Força Aerea Brasilera
uncluttered internal cargo bay. Constructed with a distributed payload limit of 23,000kg requirements for a C-130 replacement, the
largely of traditional materials, it is in the (50,700lb). It notes the KC-390 is capable of KC-390 has to operate from a variety of
same class of transport aircraft as the carrying seven 463L pallets, including two on locations from unpaved austere airfields
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules the ramp, or six pallets and 36 troops, or 80 in the Amazon region to the ice runways
currently in production in the United States. troops (66 paratroopers). of Antarctica, and be capable of carrying
It is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 Although the wing centre tank reduces 12,000kg of cargo over 500 nautical miles
turbofan engines, similar to those installed on cargo bay height from 3.2m (10ft 6in) (925km) from a 4,000ft (1,220m) long semi-
some A320 airliners, each rated at 31,330lb aft of the wing to 2.95m (9ft 8in) at the prepared runway.
(139.4kN) thrust. By using turbofan engines centre section, the rest of the cargo bay is Optional roles include probe and drogue
instead of the turboprops, Embraer claims unencumbered by structure and is 12.7m air refuelling of both fixed and rotary-wing
increased efficiencies due to higher cruise (47ft 8in) long – 18.5m (60ft 8in) including the aircraft, using removable Cobham 912E
speed and altitude. ramp – and 3.45m (11ft 4in) wide. wing-mounted aerial refuelling pods. Up to
1 The cargo bay is 12.7m (47ft 8in) long, or 18.5m (60ft 8in) including the ramp, and 3.45m (11ft 4in) wide. Nigel Pittaway 2 More than a month was spent at
the Força Aerea Brasilera base at Campo Grande in 2016 undertaking the first air drop assessments, which included container delivery system drops.
80
EMBRAER KC-390 MILITARY
3
three auxiliary fuel tanks can be installed in sponsons, main landing gear doors and He said: “The aircraft behaved in a docile
the cargo bay for the AAR role, controlled elevators. and predictable manner. The advanced FBW
by an auxiliary crew station on the flight In Argentina, Fábrica Argentina de Aviones flight control system and avionics make flying
deck, which is not part of the basic aircraft SA manufactures the cargo door, tail cone, easy and render a smooth and precise flight.”
specification, but can be installed on the nose landing door, flap fairings, spoilers and The second aircraft (PT-ZNJ, msn 390002)
production line if requested by a customer. forward electronics bay racks. In the Czech made its maiden flight at Gavião Peixoto on
The auxiliary crew station can also be Republic, Aero Vodochody produces the April 28, 2016. Embraer says the flight test
used to display information from a Rafael cargo ramp, a second rear fuselage structure, campaign is proceeding well, with no major
Litening II electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) pod emergency doors/hatches, wing fixed leading issues. Confidence in the maturity of the
mounted under the forward fuselage in an edges and crew and jump doors. aircraft is such that Embraer flew the aircraft
SAR configuration. By November, Embraer had completed to the UK in July of last year to attend the
both flying prototypes, a static test aircraft Farnborough International Air Show.
Production (msn 390801), and the fatigue test aircraft The first prototype, 390001, departed
Final assembly of the KC-390 is undertaken at (msn 390802) was in the fuselage join stage Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos
Gavião Peixoto and Embraer is also the design at Gavião Peixoto, prior to being moved to Campos and routed via Recife, Sal (Cape
authority for development and certification, the final assembly building in the early part Verde Islands) and Alverca before arriving at
management, integration, structural and final of 2017. Farnborough. After the show it conducted
assemblies, as well as the production in Brazil The production of long-lead components a limited demonstration tour that took it to
of the forward fuselage, rear fuselage (one for the first series production aircraft (msn Odolena Voda, Czech Republic, Cairo (for
structure), engine pylons, AAR pods, vertical 390003) is now underway and the wing a technical stop) and Abu Dhabi. During
stabiliser leading edge, tail boom, wing tips, component sets from Évora have already the trip, Embraer reported that the KC-390
landing gear, and tubing and wiring. been delivered. This first production aircraft displayed 100% availability over the 16
In addition, the strategic agreements is due to be delivered to the Força Aerea planned flights, in surface temperatures
signed with Argentina, the Czech Republic Brasilera in the first half of 2020. up to 45°C (113°F). The return trip to Brazil
and Portugal mean a significant number of included a technical stop at Malta. By the
each KC-390 is manufactured outside Brazil. Flight Test Campaign time it arrived home on July 28 the aircraft
At Évora in Portugal, Embraer Metálicas Following the maiden flight of the first had flown more than 16,300 nautical miles
produces wing skins and vertical stabiliser prototype KC-390 in February 2015, pilot (30,200km) in 23 days and accumulated over
boxes and Embraer Compósitos supplies Mozart Louzada said the aircraft performed 48 flight hours.
the horizontal stabiliser. OGMA in Alverca in accordance with Embraer’s computer The initial phase of the flight test campaign
(65% owned by Embraer), together with modelling and testing – which includes a was to expand the KC-390’s flight envelope
engineering support from Empresa de (non-motion) cockpit engineering simulator to maximum speed and altitude using the
Engenharia Aeronáutica (EEA), supplies and iron bird test rig – validating the maturity initial prototype. KC-390 msn 390002, the
centre fuselage panels, landing gear of the ground test process. second prototype, was initially used for
3 The flight control system is fully fly-by-wire with active sidestick controllers. Avionics include the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion system and a Selex Gabbiano
T-20 tactical radar. Nigel Pittaway 4 The two prototype KC390s are fully equipped with test instrumentation and each aircraft can perform any flight test role.
81
performance evaluation of the V2500-E5 (6), Colombia (12), the Czech Republic (2)
engines before moving on to role-specific and Portugal (6).
testing. Both aircraft are fully equipped The company had proposed a version of
with test instrumentation: each aircraft can the KC-390 to fulfil Canada’s Fixed Wing
perform any flight test role. Search and Rescue (FWSAR) requirement,
All operational modes of the FBW flight which includes the EO/IR pod and a search
control system have been tested and radar which, although mounted in the
completed. Such was the confidence in the nose, is claimed to provide 360o coverage.
system that the second prototype flew for the In December however it was announced
first time in the normal mode, rather than the that the KC-390 had lost out to the Airbus
direct mode used by the first aircraft. Defence and Space C295 in the Canadian
AAR stability tests, using both the high- competition.
speed and low-speed drogues, have been New Zealand recently released a request
1 conducted and the results show basket for information for a strategic and tactical
stability is better than Embraer’s modelling airlift capability to replace its elderly C-130H
predictions. and Boeing 757 transports. Embraer has
KC-390 Programme Engineer Vanderson responded with an offer of five KC-390s.
Moreira said: “In May, we performed the first The Royal New Zealand Air Force Future Air
air drop assessments and we spent more Mobility Capability requirement is seeking
than a month at the Brazilian Air Force’s base delivery of the first aircraft by February 2020
at Campo Grande. We performed static line and for IOC a year later.
and free fall drops with paratroopers and The Royal New Zealand Air Force also
container delivery system dropping, both has another requirement for a Future Air
through the side doors and cargo ramp, and Surveillance Capability (FASC) platform
the results were very good.” to replace its Lockheed P-3K2 Orions. In
The next series of testing will include icing December the New Zealand Government
trials over two separate campaigns. Use of announced it is looking to give early
2 shapes added to the airframe to simulate consideration to the project, following
ice accumulation will be performed first at the receipt of proposals from industry.
Gavião Peixoto, followed by flying in real Fernando Ribeiro de Queiroz says Embraer
icing conditions elsewhere. Crosswind testing is proposing a maritime patrol version of its
will be conducted at Punta Arenas in Chile E190-E2 airliner for the FASC competition,
in early 2017 and cold-soak trials using the but if the technical requirements are
McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air relaxed slightly, it can offer a KC-390 with
Force Base, Florida will follow in the first half the nose-mounted search radar and EO/
of the year. IR pod proposed for Canada’s FWSAR
competition, together with a palletised
Export Orders mission system.
With testing progressing well, Embraer is “You could also remove the mission
marketing the aircraft around the world. system and fly the normal airlift,
The manufacturer holds letters of intent medevac or air-to-air refuelling
for 32 aircraft, from Argentina (6), Chile missions,” he explained.
3
1 Final assembly of the KC-390 is undertaken at Gavião Peixoto in a new facility opened in 2014, which
coincided with Embraer and the Força Aerea Brasilera signing the first acquisition contract. 2 Two IAE
V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each rated at 31,330lb (139.4kN) thrust, power the KC-390. Nigel Pittaway
3 Tests using both the high-speed and low-speed air-to-air refuelling drogues have been conducted to as-
sess basket stability. Up to three auxiliary fuel tanks can be installed in the cargo bay for this role.
Initial static line and free fall drops

with paratroopers were made in
2016. The KC-390 is designed to
carry up to 66 paratroopers.
82
Faun replacement.indd 1 16/01/2017 11:03
IOMAX F_P.indd 1 22/12/2016 14:12

Air International February 2017

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Air International February 2017

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Air International February 2017

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SUPPLEMENT ON BOEING’S SUPER-EFFICIENT 737 MAX

Archangel L-39NG Albatros An-132

BOEING 737 MAX

AIRSCENE END OF A LEGEND SUBSCRIBE

ARCHANGEL: CROP DUSTER TO REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT

A NEW ERA NEXT GEN AIRLIFTER

Chasing the Money

Maiden Flight of the Gulfstream G600

4 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Record Deliveries for Airbus Paul Ridgway

Nigerian Super Mushshaks

New Attack Helo

6 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Main Image: Markings on the fuselage indicate

India in Bangalore in more modern than the An-32’s Ukrainian

Two Belgian Air Component F-16s launch

Old but New Prototype

8 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Bulgarian Full of Fullbacks

Elsewhere, the Kazakhstan MoD closing days of 2016. Eight Su-30MKAs

Overhauls first to be received from a seven aircraft

10 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Right: No less than 14

two strikes took place around Raqqa in

Baltic Su-30SM E-2D Receiver

12 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Fighters, More Fig

14 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

ighters and Close

Blue Blaster’s CAG-bird

India Seeks Final C-17 Kenyan

New Zealand Air Surveillance

16 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

New Brains for

RAAF Spartan IOC

Final Bolkow Flight Overhauled

Dreamliner for New

A330neo Rolls Out

The first A330-900neo rolled out late in December.

18 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Converting the 767-300

Boeing has received 27 firm orders

Cabin of the Future?

United’s First 777-300ER

Alaska Airlines Special A380 Deliveries

Sunwing’s Colourful 737

Iran Air Orders

A350-900 with Lufthansa Airbus first announced an agreement with

20 WWW www.airinternational.com @ [email protected] www.facebook.com/airinternationalmagazine

Image: USAF - Senior Airman Chris Drzazgowski

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER...THIS FANTASTIC SUBSCRIPTION OFFER!

028 AI Subs dps.indd 22 16/01/2017 09:44

 YES, I would like to subscribe to AIR International

2 FREE WITH EVERY Title

SPECIAL OFFER (PLEASE TICK)

12 FOR THE PRICE 24 ISSUES FOR THE

Expiry date Security Code (3 digit code on reverse of card)

OFFER CLOSE DATE: 28 FEBRUARY 2017 PLEASE QUOTE: AI0217

Signature ....................................................................................................................................................Today’s date ..................................................

INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT