The F-35 promised reach without rival, yet its heart – Pratt & Whitney’s F135 – burns fuel like an older design. Thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) shows why. The F100-PW-229 that powers late-model F-15s and F-16s clocks 0.726 lb/hr/lb. The F135 sits at 0.889 lb/hr/lb, a 22 percent penalty that drags range and keeps tankers busy.
The F-35: Even the Engine Is Compromised (excerpt) Read More »
Pilots walk to their jets before sunrise, climb the ladder, key the INS, and watch the route and target files flow in by Link 16. A typical launch leaves the chocks with the following kit:
Rafale in Combat: “War for Dummies” Read More »
Lockheed Martin’s F-35 is America’s most expensive weapons project. After fifteen years in development, the jet is still not ready for the fight the services expect. A confidential memorandum dated Aug 9 from Dr. Michael Gilmore, the Defense Department’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, warns that the fighter “is not on a path toward success.” His language is blunt.
Lockheed’s F-35 Still Falls Short, Pentagon’s Chief Tester Says Read More »
Airbus has chosen the diversified power-management company Eaton Corporation to develop and build the hydraulic power-generation system for its new A380 wide-body jetliner. The multi-year award covers design, qualification, initial production and long-term support. Eaton projects revenue of about $200 million over the next two decades. Work will take place at Eaton’s aerospace facilities in Jackson, Mississippi; Irvine, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Eaton Wins Hydraulic System Contract For A380 – $200 Million Potential For U.S. Company Read More »
The Republic of Singapore Navy rolled out RSS Indomitable, its fifth Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV). The slip at Benoi Yard filled fast with brass, engineers, and overseas guests keen to see what fresh hull adds to regional sea security.
Singapore Launches Fifth Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Indomitable Read More »
The Army pushed a dusty run at Townsville this week, hooking a Chinook’s fuel lines straight into three Abrams. Blades kept spinning, hoses hissed, and heavy armor rolled off topped up. Roads in those scrub ridges stay rough, so air-pump beats truck every time trucks bog.
Australian Chinook Helicopter Refuels Abrams Tanks Read More »
Australia’s $45 billion Hunter-class frigate program faces fresh scrutiny after Senator David Shoebridge asked the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to examine how the Royal Australian Navy chose the British Type 26 design despite warnings it carried “extreme risk.” The referral follows a May Auditor-General report that found officials kept no minutes for two critical meetings, skipped a value-for-money study, and failed to update risk registers while costs climbed.
Bungled Navy Warship Referred to Anti-Corruption Watchdog Read More »
Federal Defense chiefs ordered a deep look at Sikorsky’s CH-148 Cyclone fleet. Crews trust these birds for day-to-day patrols over grey water, yet lawmakers now ask plain shut questions about hard mission value. They wonder if the helo keeps pace with rough sea demands or if hidden faults still bite. A few analysts warn that long answer may shape Arctic reach for years. In short the stakes feel heavy, maybe heavier than first planed.
Canada Queries Effectiveness of Sikorsky CH-148 Helicopter Read More »
The B-2 Spirit edges into a new era. Air Force engineers push the bomber toward a fresh role—striking vehicles that refuse to sit still. The project looks dry on paper, yet it shifts how commanders think about fast raids. Crews on the flight line watch small changes pile up; each tweak nudges the jet away from its 1990s roots.
Northrop Grumman Adding Mobile Targets to B-2 Bomber Capabilities Read More »
