To implement this solution, a Probe Refueling Adapter (or simply a hose-and-cone refueling adapter) was developed, which is installed in the nose of the aircraft beneath the cockpit. This innovation is notable for the fact that it does not require significant structural modifications to the aircraft. According to the National Guard test center, this adapter can be installed or removed directly at the airfield in a matter of hours, allowing the aircraft’s configuration to be quickly adapted to a specific mission.

With the new system, the A-10 will be able to refuel from Lockheed Martin HC-130J aircraft, which are used in search-and-rescue operations alongside Sikorsky HH-60W helicopters. These platforms are better suited to the attack aircraft’s operating speeds and altitudes, particularly when performing close air support and rescue missions. The introduction of an alternative refueling method also resolves compatibility issues with the new Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers, which still face technical limitations when operating with light and slow aircraft such as the A-10.

Testing and certification were completed in record time, it took only a few weeks from concept to operational approval. The first successful refueling flight from an HC-130J has already been completed, confirming the system’s readiness for practical use. It is spotted during the operation “Epic fury”.

Srećko Bradić

References:

A New Device Gives the A-10 Warthog Another Way to Refuel

https://www.twz.com/air/a-10-warthog-being-tested-with-aerial-refueling-probe

Warthog Learns a New Trick: A-10 Gets Probe-and-Drogue Refueling

In pack of few Jiutian SS-UAV, that could be serious challenge for most modern army’s of the world, on land or sea. Its maximum range also provide capabilities of deep strikes inside enemy territory. Launching a pack of missiles which could fly another hundreds of kilemeters is definitely harsh challenge for possible war opponent. Kamikaze UAV already perform its combat capabilities. Apart of internal storage, Jiutian SS-UAV have also eight external warload points with options to carry air to surface as well air to air missiles.

Stand of use of weapons mean that Jiutian SS-UAV don’t need to enter enemy airspace. To mention there Chinese copy of the American AGM-154 JSOW glide bomb, LY-V501 and its range of 130 km and anti vessel missile KD-88 with a flight range of up to 200 km. Some of this armament is shown on the video here.

So, who is the target? Hardly to believe that such development is pointed to face Taiwan, range of Jiutian SS-UAV is over too much and China right now have full power for possible invasion of this island. USA is too far away and hardly believe that target could be country who provide them so much technology. Also, USA natural reserves are weak and they are too far away. Only options can be Russian Federation. They are close, rich with natural reserves, which China need. Must be noticed that some time ago, China published video from fully automated factory which can daily produce one thousand of anti ship and cruise missiles!! With this new drone carrier Jiutian SS-UAV and this weapon capabilities, its obvious that something big forthcoming.

Srećko Bradić

As reported by the media of Kazakhstan 117 old Soviet fighters, belonging to the Air Force of the Republic of Kazakhstan, were put up for auction on the electronic platform for the sale of state assets. The state enterprise responsible for the realization of this aviation equipment is “Kazarnaulyexport” (Қазарнаулыэкспорт). The total value of all 117 airplanes put up for auction is 1.8 billion tenge. The auction is scheduled to start on October 26.

MiG-31, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-24 aircraft were put up for auction:
– 81 airplanes of 1975-1989 production years are located at the Zhetygen airfield in Almaty region (here we are talking about MiG-29, Su-24 and MiG-27). The starting price for the whole lot is 1 billion 19 million 782 thousand 199 tenge.
– 11 aircraft for 230.5 million tenge are kept at the 610th air base of the Nurken Abdirov Air Defense Force of Kazakhstan in Karaganda (here it is MiG-31),
– 10 units for 358.3 million tenge in Semey (here MiG-31s are kept)
– 15 airplanes for 194.8 million tenge in Shymkent (here, probably, we are talking about MiG-29).

The sale of old aircraft is carried out on the condition of their liquidation on the territory of military units. “Given their technical condition and uniqueness, their use for other purposes, including as a source of spare parts is impossible,” the documentation says.

Idea was to use high energy laser for that duty and such laser was developed in Kurchatov Institute of nuclear Technology. That was carbon dioxide laser and early tested on one modified Il-76 in 1983. That airplane was Il-76MD, Soviet register SSSR-86879 (СССР-86879) but it was mostly called Il-76LL with BL (Ил-76ЛЛ с БЛ), which denote flying lab with combat laser (боевым лазер). For the operations of laser was built in two electric generators AI-24BT(АИ-24ВТ ) with power of 2,1 MW. Space craft which should use third laser was 17F19D Skif-D(17Ф19Д “Скиф-Д”), where letter D mean demonstrational (демонстрационный) and order to built it was assigned at 27th August 1984. KB Salyut (КБ “Салют”) was dedicated for its manufacture and plan was to launch in space Skif-D in early 1987 and booster rocket was to ne Energiya (“Энергия”). In the operational structure of Skif-D should also be included transport craft as well spaceship Buran. First Skif-D should have number 18101 on its airframe.

Testing’s of laser in the specially made vacuum tunnel, show some problems in operations and possible aiming on targets so this made need to make one craft just for systems testing’s, without laser and it was named Skif-D1. Plans for launching was June 1987. for Skif-D1 (N18101) and 1988. for Skif-D2 (18301) with laser. Follow to that was plans to launch another craft of that type, heavy one, 17F19C Stilleto (17Ф19С “Скиф-Стилет”). This system already exist as ground system, which used infra red laser on 1.06 nm frequency. During the 1985. was first test buster rocker Energia.

After some corrections, new version appeared, Skif-DM, it was 77 tons weight, 36,9m long and diameter of 4,1m and it was done in Lavochkin, well know fighter manufacturer from WW2. Alongside with various equipment testing’s was also prepared various targets on which system was to be tested from orbit. Skif-DM was painted in special black color, in order to maximize heating the the unit. Complex get code 14A02 and it consist from RH 11K25 Energiya N6SL (РН 11К25 “Энергия” N6СЛ) and KA 17F19DM Skif-DM N18201. (КА 17Ф19ДМ “Скиф-ДМ” N18201). In February 1987. were decided to launch it and make test above Pacific Ocean against four military targets and six geophysical.

Few days before planed start, on kosmodrom Baykonur arived president Gorbachov and he met personnel who was engaged into this project. Met was followed by his long speech. And in this speech he notes that ‘we are against sending armament into space’. destiny of the project was clear after that. Finances were reduced and finally all work stop in 1989., this make death to the Soviet Star War program.

Srećko Bradić

On 27 June 2022 we had to say farewell to our dear friend Nico Braas. Nico was a valued member of Letletlet and a frequent contributor to the site.

We will remember Nico as a very enthousiastic photo collector and an expert on many aviation subjects. For many years, he was a volunteer for the Lelystad based Aviodrome museum, which is home to the Fokker heritage archives. His main passion was the subject of prototype and test aircraft. He was a knowledgeable and most helpful enthousiast who was always standing by to help were he could. In this way, he contributed in scores of books, articles and research in general. Nico’s passion for aviation lives on in various booktitles he has written during the past years.

Our condolences go out to his wife Ineke and brothers Jan and Gerard, his family and friends.

Edwin Hoogschagen

The joint programme worked on Zhongshan Institute of science and technology (NCSIST), state Corporation Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and the air force of Taiwan, based on a two seat version of the plane F-CK-1 “Ching-Kuo”, but has about 80% of the changes relative to the basic model.

The aircraft is designed to replace the outdated training AIDC AT-3 and Northrop F-5. Taiwan air force ordered 66 samples of the aircraft.

Bradić Srećko

Photo: Formosa Military Image Press

During the ‘Rescue Weekend’ organized by the Aviodrome Museum at Lelystad airport two interesting visitors flew in. The first one to arrive was the Belgian based Lockheed 12A Electra Junior NC14999. The second was the German based Electra Junior NC18130.

Although the weather was marginal, they definitely were the stars of this event!

Nico Braas

The F 13 made its first flight on 25 June 1919. It was at that time far ahead if its time and due to its durable construction it was used until far in the thirties. In total more than 300 were built.

In spite of the relatively large number built only very few are still left; none of these in flying condition. In fact, restoring an original F 13 into flying condition and also fly it would always present the risk that when crashed none will be left.

The alternative is building an exact replica. A flying replica of this iconic type was built in Switzerland; sponsored by the suitcase manufacturer Rimowa. It carries the registration HB-RIM and is powered by a 450 hp radial air-cooled Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine. It was completed in 2016 and during flights it has attracted much attention at airshows.

HB-RIM was invited as the ‘crowd puller’ by the Aviodrome Theme Park Museum at Lelystad airport the Netherlands during the annual ‘Rescue Hero’ event on 18-19 August 2018.

It arrived on Friday 17 August.

After two starts and landings and refuelling at Lelystad it left for a short trip with a German passenger to Texel airport. Unfortunately it suffered a nose stand before the flight back to Lelystad. With a damaged propeller and damage of the fuselage nose it was unable to make its presence at the ‘Rescue Hero’ event.

The photo’s show the F 13 on Friday 7th August at Lelystad after its arrival. Hopefully we will soon see it back in the air again!

Nico Braas

During the modernization of the Tu-22M3M was installed a new complex of modern digital avionics. In particular, the aircraft received new navigation, communication, sighting equipment, engine control and fuel automation, electronic warfare equipment. Replacement of 80% of avionics allowed to increase the accuracy of navigation and the level of automation of aircraft control, simplify its maintenance and preflight training. The avionics of the Tu-22M3M unified with similar systems of the Tu-160M.

More info here http://uacrussia.ru/ru/press-center/news/tupolev-peredal-na-ispytaniya-pervyy-tu-22m3m

Srećko Bradić

Korea Aerospace Industries Corporation (KAI) signed a contract worth $ 1.1 billion to supply Iraq with 24 T-50IQ combat training aircraft/light fighters on 12 December 2013. This aircraft is adapted to the requirements of the Iraqi air force version developed and produced by KAI combat training aircraft/light fighter FA-50-version of the training and combat aircraft T- 50 Golden Eagle joint development KAI and Lockheed Martin. At the time of signing, this contract was the largest one-time agreement on the sale of South Korean weapons for export. The contract price includes the training of Iraqi flight and ground personnel. In the future, KAI also signed several contracts for comprehensive support of Iraqi aircraft for a period of 25 years, totaling $ 2 billion. Delivery of first batch started in 2017 when first six samples were shiped to Basra.

Srecko Bradic

Source: https://dambiev.livejournal.com/1204995.html