Boeing Brings B-52 into Digital Age with Significant Communications

Enables in-flight task changing and weapons retargeting

Greatly improves situational awareness and mission

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 7, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] is providing an upgraded communications system for U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers so aircrews can send and receive information via satellite links, allowing crews to change mission plans and retarget weapons in flight and better interact with aircraft and ground forces.
To date, mission information has been uploaded to a B-52 only before a flight, not during. The upgrade, one of the largest improvements to the venerable bomber fleet, will therefore significantly improve B-52 effectiveness and flexibility.
"We are bringing this amazing workhorse of a bomber into the digital age and giving our customer the infrastructure necessary for continued future improvements," said Scot Oathout, Boeing B-52 program director.
The upgrade will be done through a new $76 million Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) contract that covers low rate initial production of the first CONECT kits, along with spare parts and maintenance and service at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. System installation will begin during the latter part of 2014.
Other improvements will include a state-of-the-art computing network with workstations at each crew position and an integrated digital interphone with increased capacity; it will enable crew members to talk to one another on headsets with noise-cancelling technology.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Boeing Delivers Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's 1st C-17 Training

ST. LOUIS, May 7, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered a training center for the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, enabling the base to cut costs by training pilots and loadmasters onsite.
“Since we received our first C-17 at Wright-Patt in January 2011, our local crews have had to go on temporary duty at other bases around the country to keep up their flying certifications,” said Michael Galle, U.S. Air Force C-17 program manager for training systems at the base. “Now that we have our own training center, we can increase training efficiency and reduce travel time and costs.”
The delivery is part of an initial $44 million contract awarded in December 2010 to deliver C-17 Weapon System Trainers (WSTs) to Wright-Patterson, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard, N.Y. In December 2011, the Air Force exercised a $29 million option for additional C-17 WST deliveries for Air National Guard bases in Memphis, Tenn., and Martinsburg, W.V., scheduled for completion in 2014.
The Wright-Patterson facility includes a new and fully networked C-17 WST, a training management system, computer-based training devices, a core integrated processor task trainer and portable flight-planning devices. The new WST has the ability to be networked with other U.S. Air Force WST devices around the world for cross-team mission training.
Wright-Patterson is home base for nine C-17s, and the Air Force contracting office for the Boeing C-17 training program has been stationed at the base since the program’s inception in 1989.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Boeing Statement on WestJet Commitment to Order 10 Next-Generation

SEATTLE, May 7, 2013 - Boeing (NYSE: BA) is delighted that WestJet has committed to order 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The commitment, with a current list-price value of $891 million, is a key component of the Calgary-based carrier’s strategy to optimize and modernize its fleet.
         Boeing looks forward to working with WestJet to finalize the order in the coming days. When finalized, the agreement will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries web site as a firm order.

Air Astana takes delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A320

First in the region to benefit from more fuel savings

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Airbus’ Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. The airline becomes the first in the region to benefit from the new wing-tip devices. Air Astana’s A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 148 passengers with 16 in business class and 132 in economy.

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. Sharklets are an option on A320 Family aircraft. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

“We are delighted to receive our first A320 Sharklet equipped aircraft which will optimize our operating costs significantly, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO Air Astana.

“With the delivery of their first Sharklet equipped A320, Air Astana will benefit from lower operating costs and extended range. Further A320 Family aircraft that will be delivered later this year will contribute to the airline’s expansion and growth plans,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Air Astana started commercial service with its first Airbus aircraft, an A320, in 2006, and is currently operating one A319, seven A320s and four A321s.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,500 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.

600 (City of London) Squadron Remember Fallen in The Netherlands

07 May 2013

A group of Royal Air Force Reservists from 600 (City of London) Squadron laid wreaths on the graves of volunteer airmen from their Squadron who lost their lives fighting in the skies over Rotterdam during the Second World War.

On the 10^th May 1940 six Blenheim fighter aircraft from 600 (City of London) Sqn flew a fateful mission to Rotterdam that resulted in just one aircraft returning and leaving seven airmen dead.
Warrant Officer Shobha Earl of 600 Sqn could see how the volunteers in 1940 were probably very similar to the Reservists of today,
“They as Auxiliaries then were probably no different to what we are now. They had a call to help the RAF, they’d been trained to do a job and they probably never even gave it a second thought.
“I imagine they would have said ‘right, we’re on duty, we’ve been given a job, crack on, let’s do it’. And to honest that’s we do these days. All the Reservists that volunteer do it because they want to do it and they’re mad keen for it”.
Unlike many war graves, the airmen that died were buried in church cemeteries close to where their aircraft crashed and their graves have been tended by local communities ever since.
One of the airmen killed was Pilot Officer ‘Bob’ Echlin from Ottawa who moved to England in 1936 to become an insurance underwriter for Lloyds of London and later joined the RAF as a volunteer auxiliary. His aircraft came down near the village of Piershil in The Netherlands and he was buried by the Dutch Army with full military honours in the village’s Dutch Reformed Church.
It remains the only war grave in the cemetery and is fiercely protected by the villagers to this day. In the past The Commonwealth War Graves Commission offered to move the grave to an official war cemetery. The village refused saying “But he is our airman”.
Senior Aircraftman ‘Doc’ Looseley was chosen to lay the wreath,
“It was a huge privilege to lay a wreath, simply these guys are heroes.”
Servaas Stoop, Mayor of Korendijk, which includes the village of Piershil, explained why Pilot Officer Echlin’s grave is so important to the local community,
“Year after year we remember the sacrifices all the people that maintained freedom in the World and Robert Echlin was one of them and he shall be remembered for all time. We are proud that we can maintain his grave.”

Each year in early May, The Netherlands holds ceremonies of remembrance to commemorate the 10^th May 1940, the day the country was invaded by Germany, and the 5^th May 1945, the day the country was liberated by allied forces.
Detachment Commander Flt Lt Dwayne Dawson recognised the value of knowing the Squadron history,
“This is where reality actually hits us. We read about the history of the Squadron and we see it in books but when we come and see where the events took place it gives us a real solid connection. It also gives us lessons for the future and raises the standards we need to be able to deliver should we ever face similar challenges ourselves.”
600 (City of London) Squadron is today based at Royal Air Force Northolt in West London and regularly sees its volunteer Reservists deployed on front line duties in Afghanistan and other parts of the World.
Editor: Pilot Officer Peter Lisney
Photographs:
WO Shobha
Senior Aircraftman ‘Doc’ Looseley
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Top Air Officer Visits Scottish RAF Stations

CAS Visits Scotland

Top Air Officer Visits Scottish RAF Stations

Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer has paid tribute to the role of Scottish-based airmen and women in defending the UK and its interests abroad.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, made his comments during visits to two key stations north of the border – RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Leuchars in Fife –where he met veterans of the conflict in Afghanistan and some of the aircrew and support personnel who guard the UK’s airspace round-the-clock every day of the year.
Air Chief Marshal Dalton said:
“I have greatly enjoyed my visits to both Royal Air Force Lossiemouth and Royal Air Force Leuchars and have been genuinely humbled by the selfless dedication and commitment of our people, both Royal Air Force and civilian, some of whom have recently been honoured for their bravery and outstanding operational service in Afghanistan.
“As the Secretary of State confirmed in March, as part of modernising the United Kingdom’s Defence Forces our frontline Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon squadrons - which provide vital air defence and airspace assurance of the United Kingdom - will move to RAF Lossiemouth to be joined by another new squadron in due course, and RAF Leuchars is to be transformed into a camp for UK troops and their families. I am proud of our personnel at both these stations and of the contribution that they have made and will continue to make on operations and to the security of British interests at home and abroad.”
While at RAF Lossiemouth Sir Stephen met personnel who have recently returned from Operation Herrick including members of 12 (B) Tornado GR4 squadron which recently completed its second tour of duty in south Afghanistan, serving at Kandahar Airfield, earlier this year.
The Squadron is currently in preparations to deploy to Afghanistan later this year and recently returned from Exercise Red Flag in the Nevada desert where it honed its advanced war-fighting skills with Coalition allies from the American and Australian Air Forces.
RAF Lossiemouth is also home to 617 “Dambusters” Squadron which this year marks 70 years since its formation and is also preparing to deploy to Afghanistan to relieve 12 (B) Squadron.
Sir Stephen also met RAF Regiment gunners from 51 Squadron two of whom - Sergeant Roy Geddes MC and Corporal Kurt Lee – were recently awarded military honours for their bravery in defending Camp Bastion from an attack by 15 armed insurgents in September last year.

On the second day of his tour Sir Stephen moved on to RAF Leuchars where 6 Squadron has recently been putting its state-of-the-art multi-role Typhoon jets through their paces in a ground attack role by carrying out training sorties dropping inert weapons off the Scottish coast.

Other Typhoon aircraft at the station carry out its primary role by operating the jet in its fighter role as part of Quick Reaction Alert - providing crews and aircraft at high states of readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to police UK airspace and to intercept unidentified aircraft.

RAF Leuchars Typhoons have also been participating in Exercise Joint Warrior, the largest international tactical exercise held in Europe, practicing missions ranging from Close Air Support, which means protecting troops on the ground, right through to Defensive Counter Air operations where the jets defend airspace and points of interest such as naval assets.

Air Officer Scotland and RAF Leuchars Station Commander, Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew said:

“The visit allowed the Chief of the Air Staff to speak to the highly-trained, quality personnel who sustain the operational outputs at RAF Leuchars every day of the year. ACM Dalton has also been able to witness the excellent work that they we are doing in support of the growth of the Typhoon Force and RAF transition in Scotland.”

At the end of his tour of Scottish RAF stations Air Chief Marshal Dalton said:
“As it has been proved many times in the past, the RAF is agile, adaptable and capable. This is especially true of the Royal Air Force’s fast jet fleet which will soon see the Lightning II join the now battle proven Typhoon and the sterling Tornado GR4. This highly capable fast-jet force will enable the Royal Air Force to continue to fulfil its paramount duty, the control of the air over the whole of the UK and, when necessary, defend and promote our interests overseas in this uncertain world.”
Editor: Simon Mander

Photographer: Cpl Dave Blackburn RAF

Images:

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton talks to Station personnel

Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton is to visit RAF Lossiemouth, accompanied by Lady Dalton. The purpose of the visit is to apprise CAS of developments and achievements at RAF Lossiemouth, and update him on the stations mission, tasks and priorities.
Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill (left) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton (centre) and Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew (right) pose for a photo to promote the upcoming Armed Forces Day on the 29th June 2013
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Edwards completes tests to extend KC-135

4/24/2013 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Known as "The Mighty War Wagon" of the Air Force, the KC-135 Stratotanker has proven to be the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force for more than 50 years.

With the help of the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, along with a multitude of testers, the KC-135 Block 45 test team recently completed a series of tests in April to help extend the aircraft's service life for decades.

"There are currently 419 KC-135s and 59 KC-10s that enhance the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of Global Reach while providing aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. These aircraft also provide mission support including cargo, aeromedical evacuation, personnel transport, and a variety of other specialized missions," said Maj. John Mikal, 418th FLTS KC-135 Block 45 lead project test pilot. "Increasing the life expectancy of the current Air Force tanker fleet is critical. Ongoing upgrade programs help to ensure there is no gap in these mission capabilities, while the new KC-46 program starts replacing the aging KC-135 fleet."

As part of the KC-135 Block 45 upgrades, Mikal said they included a digital flight director, a radar altimeter, an electronic engine instrument display, and Automatic Flight Control System or Autopilot for Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements in order to maintain global airspace access.

The 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Wing refuels French Rafale fighter aircraft

The 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Wing refuels French Rafale fighter aircraft April 23, 2013 over Mali. The 351st’s Stratotankers have been flying refueling sorties for the French since Jan. 27, 2013, to allow their aircraft to fly close-air-support sorties for troops on the ground in Mali.

Fourth F-35A Lightning II arrives at Nellis

A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, followed by a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, flies over Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 24, 2013, prior to landing. The F-35 Lightning II is the fourth of four F-35s to arrive here.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, flown by U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Rodger Hardy with Defense Contract Management Agency, arrives April 24, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The F-35A Lightning II is a single-seat, single engine, fifth generation, multirole fighter that’s able to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability.

The fourth F-35A Lightning II arrives April 24, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron will design the tactics for the F-35A through rigorous test flights over the Nevada Test and Training Range.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Rodger Hardy, Defense Contract Management Agency pilot, delivers the fourth F-35A Lightning II April 24, 2013, to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The aircraft’s modern engine delivers more than 60-percent more thrust than any other aircraft of the same weight.

Photo of the day : JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- An Air Force C-17 airdrops an Army Humvee into JBER's Malemute Drop Zone on April 17.