Malaysia Mulled Maritime Patrol Aircraft Options

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is keen to buy four maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). It is considering various options from the high end P-8 Posideon to the cheaper CN-235, including an offer of a free transfer of Kawasaki P-1 from Japan.

Star

Japan's Concerned With MV-22 Osprey's High Accident Rate

Japan's Defense Ministry reported that the rate of serious accidents involving the US Marines' MV-22 Osprey aircraft is at a record high. It was at 3.27 per 100,000 flying hours as of September 2017.  This is the highest since the records started in 2012.

NHK

Kawasaki C-2 Debuts at Dubai Airshow

NHK Video

Japan's Kawasaki C-2 military airlift made its international debut at the Dubai Airshow in UAE. Japan is positioning the C-2 to compete in the same market as Lockheed Martin C-130, Embracer KC-390 and Airbus A400M. Several countries including New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly interested in the aircraft.

Thailand To Buy More T-50 Jets

Thailand is expected to add on to its existing order of twelve T50 advanced jet trainers from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Initially, Thailand ordered four aircraft which will be delivery beginning from January 2018 to March 2018. The advanced jet trainer, which the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) designates as T-50TH, were ordered in 2015 for about US$110 million. A second batch of eight aircraft was ordered recently, to delivered from October 2019.  Thailand is likely to order two to four more of the trainer jets.

The compact South Korean aircraft is already operated in Indonesia and Philippines with Malaysia as another potential customer.

Asian Defence Technology

Malaysia Seeks Light Combat Aircraft

Just months after shelving the plan to purchase a high end fighter as a replacement for their MiG-29 fleet, Malaysia is considering the purchase of a Light Combat Aircraft for the RMAF instead. The cost is reportedly is large factor in the decision. The South Korean FA-50 is reportedly a prime candidate. The type is already in service with neighbors Philippines and Indonesia (T-50) with orders on the way for Thailand (T-50).

Janes

CNA

KAI

KC-390 Embracer Prototype Almost Crashed

The first prototype of the Brazilian Embracer KC-390 military airlift/ tanker aircraft almost crashed during stall testing. The company has grounded the aircraft the flight test incident on Oct. 12. 

The KC-390 was performing critical pre-stall tests, that involved high Angle Of Attack and  simulated ice formation on wings. During the maneuver, an equipment used for the tests, allegedly detached from its mounting and rolled to the back of the cargo compartment causing a sudden change in the center of gravity of the aircraft. As a result, the pilots lost control of the aircraft which stalled and started to spin towards the ground. Reportedly, the pilots were able to regain control and recover the aircraft when it was only 1,000 feet (about 300 m) above the ground.

According to Embracer, the prototype suffered no damage to its “primary aircraft structure,” but requires repair to some of its access hatches and aerodynamic fairings. 

The production and delivery schedule remains on track. The first KC-390 will be delivered from the middle of next year, with flight testing having reached an advanced stage.

Aviationist

Reuter

Flight Global

Indonesia Buys Norwegian Advanced SAM System

Indonesia has placed a $77million order for the Kongsberg Norwegian advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS). The NASAMS is a medium-range HIMAD (High to Medium Air Defense) based on the Raytheon advanced medium-range, air-to-air missile (AMRAAM). Kongsberg announced on October 31 the order for one complete unit of the NASAMS, including command posts, radars, launchers, radios and integration, and training and logistics support.

The AMRAAM missiles will be acquired from the United States via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal.

ainonline.com

Kongsberg