Aerospace Diary

The first night refueling in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program was completed Thursday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, AF-4, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, rendezvoused with an Air Force KC-135 tanker and successfully received fuel through the F-35’s boom receptacle. Vitt’s sortie lasted more than three hours. In addition to qualifying with the KC-135, the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards AFB will also conduct night refueling tests with the KC-10.

Neelam Mathews Feb 6, 2012 Defense Minister AK Antony held talks with his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim in Delhi today.  While both leaders held candid discussions on bilateral defense cooperation and regional security issues, Aerospace Diary wonders if India’s decision to declare Rafale as the lowest bidder for the MMRCA was on the agenda. The Rafale is on the shortlist of the Brazilian Air Force combat aircraft fighter requirement. It has been said Brazil was looking at India’s decision before it made its own to buy 36 combat aircraft. Transfer of military technology is a key factor for Brazil as it considers Boeing's F-18 Super Hornet, the Rafale of France's Dassault, and the Gripen NG of Saab,  Sweden. Earlier, there were reports that Brazil may be viewing the Typhoon and Lightning II as the fourth and fifth contenders in the race. Amorim, on a visit to India from February 4-8, was accorded a tri-Services Guard of Honor. Senior officials of the Brazilian Ministr...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Nov 30, 2011 Defense Minister A.K Antony replies to queries- The contract for procurement of two aerostats was signed with Rafael, Israel on 15 lh March, 2002. The first Aerostat system was commissioned on 15 1h May, 2007 while the second Aerostat was commissioned on 15 lh May, 2008. While one aerostat system is working well, the other system was damaged due to sudden strong gust of wind on 27 lh May, 2009 and became non-operational. Steps have been initiated for recovery of the system. The CAG has commented on certain aspects of IAF's Aerostat Radars. Requisite action is being taken.                         The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has not invited India to become a partner in its missile defense program. The US has not offered India a partnership in the development of the world’s most advanced fighter plane, F-35 j...