Platforms & Systems Archives - Page 5 of 7

The F-35: Even the Engine Is Compromised (excerpt)

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

July 2, 2017

Aircraft

Rafale in Combat: “War for Dummies”

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:

May 31, 2011

Aircraft

Lockheed’s F-35 Still Falls Short, Pentagon’s Chief Tester Says

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

August 24, 2016

Aircraft (civil/military systems)

Eaton Wins Hydraulic System Contract For A380 – $200 Million Potential For U.S. Company

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

October 10, 2001

Naval Systems

Singapore Launches Fifth Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Indomitable

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.

September 4, 2024

Helicopters

Australian Chinook Helicopter Refuels Abrams Tanks

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

April 11, 2023

Naval Systems

Bungled Navy Warship Referred to Anti-Corruption Watchdog

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

September 5, 2023

Helicopters

Canada Queries Effectiveness of Sikorsky CH-148 Helicopter

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

September 15, 2023

Aircraft

Northrop Grumman Adding Mobile Targets to B-2 Bomber Capabilities

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

October 7, 2023

Surveillance & Reconnaissance

Aerostat Lifts Singapore’s Watch Over Sky and Sea

Singapore has picked a plain yet clever tool to guard its narrow air lanes and busy strait. A tethered, helium-filled aerostat now hangs above western side of island, feeding fresh radar data day and night. Officers call it a long-view eye that

August 14, 2023

Platforms & Systems - Page 5