Aerospace Diary

Neelam Mathews Dec 6, 2012 The Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile has been successfully launched from a Eurofighter Typhoon as part of the Future Enhancements Flight Test Program. The missile was eject launched from a rear fuselage missile station, which on Eurofighter Typhoon is semi-conformal for aircraft drag and radar signature reduction. The missile motor was fired, providing data that will allow the missile launch envelope to be expanded.  This builds on an earlier series of flight trials, carried out by partner company BAE Systems on behalf of the Eurofighter program, where unpowered missiles were used to demonstrate safe separation on the missile. This current package of work begins the full integration of the Meteor missile with all Eurofighter Typhoon systems. The flight trials were conducted with integrated support from QinetiQ and MBDA at a firing range in Aberporth, Wales, UK on the 4th December.  electronics to deliver optimum comb...

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...