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S. Sudan's First VP calls for nationwide forgiveness

Sudan Tribune - mer, 04/01/2017 - 05:09

January 3, 2017 (JUBA) - The South Sudan's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai has urged citizens, particularly those with grievances towards each other and government to forgive, forget and open new chapters in life for the sake of peace.

Taban Deng Gai addresses delegates after he was sworn-in as South Sudan FVP inside the Presidential Palace in the capital of Juba, July 26, 2016 (Photo Reuters/ Jok Solomun)

Gai, who replaced rebel leader Riek Machar last year, made these remarks while speaking at a rally held in Yei River state on Tuesday.

“When two people do not talk to each other, God does not touch their files until they reconcile, though one must be on the right, they will not receive God's blessing if they do not compromise”, he said.

The official said he was in the state to assess the general situation as part of his peace plan and programs to sensitize the population and members of the armed opposition faction, who are yet to respond to calls for cessation of hostilities and move to the cantonment sites.

“This year, how do we want it to be? We want it to be the year of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness and unity,” Gai said in a statement, broadcast on the state-owned South Sudan television (SSBC).

He added, “If you have a problem within the family, reconcile, tell the person who offended you that I have forgiven you. If you have grievances you want to be addressed by the government, come out and tell the president and I am sure he will listen to you and the problem will be solved. This is what we should do and this is what the New Year should be. We need to forgive and reconcile”.

Yei state is one of the states in Equatoria region which have been experiencing insecurity for the last five months since the renewed violence that erupted in the national capital Juba in July last year.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes following the insecurity in the area. Observers have, however, doubted the extent to which Gail controls the armed opposition fighters.

Also although Gai claims to control rebel fighters in the area, he has shown no authority to end atrocities in Yei and its neighboring areas.

A few hours after the First Vice-President's heavily guarded visit to Yei where he spent two nights and after he flew out of Yei, a bus was ambushed on Juba-Nimule road and civilians were killed.

Despite insecurity in the region, Gai is expected to visit Torit and Yambio in Equatoria region before touring Wau in Bahr el Ghazal region.

(ST)

Catégories: Africa

S. Sudan rebel leader ordered detained pilot's release

Sudan Tribune - mer, 04/01/2017 - 04:54

January 3, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan rebel leader, currently in South Africa, ordered for the release of the Tanzanian pilot who landed in a rebel-controlled area within Unity state last week, an official said.

South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks during a briefing in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa April 9, 2016 (Photo Reuters/ Tiksa Negeri)

The armed opposition's chairman of the national committee for information, Mabior Garang said Riek Machar, directed the pilot's release after he was contacted and the latter flown back to Juba.

The plane, a Cessna 208B-Caravan-Registration: 5H.MZA was operated by Mohammed Nassur Saleh. On board was the government-appointed commissioner of Panyinjiar county, Peter Gatkoi.

Carrying a 12-member crew, the plane landed at Ganyliel airstrip, an area controlled by the Machar-led armed opposition fighters sparking concerns and investigations behind the circumstances under which the plane could have landed in a rebel held territory.

Local officials in the area, Mabior said, contacted the higher leadership after the plane landed and spotted the presence of the county commissioner and his entourage after they disembarked.

“The movement's civil administration, the local authorities in Panyijiar county immediately alerted the top leadership of the movement. The Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLM/SPLA Dr. Riek Machar Teny then ordered for the release of the said pilot”, he said in a statement also extended to Sudan Tribune.

The Tanzanian pilot, according to Mabior, was allowed to fly away on humanitarian grounds and he has since returned to Juba.

“The movement has since decided to release both the pilot and the plane on humanitarian grounds and the Pilot have since safely left our liberated territories back to Juba. The innocent pilot, who carried no legal documents and had no access to any embassy in the country, blames Juba government for lying to him that Panyinjiar was under government control”, he stressed.

The armed opposition official, however, expressed regrets and surprise at how saying their opponents in Juba would send an innocent pilot into a rebel controlled area as a bait for propaganda.

“The SPLM/SPLA (IO) regrets that the regime in Juba would send an innocent pilot into our liberated territories without information and then fabricate a story alleging the pilot is being held by the “IO” in exchange for their spokesperson James Gadet; who was kidnapped with the help of Kenya authorities last year,” said Mabior.

He further added, “These allegations are pure propaganda”.

The rebels denied reports that they detained the pilot and demanded ransom.

“In reference to the above subject, the leadership of the SPLM/SPLA In Opposition would like to refute the negative propaganda fabricated by the Salva Kiir administration regarding a Tanzanian pilot, allegedly held for ransom by the SPLM/SPLA (IO) security personnel,” clarified Mabior.

He described the rebel faction as a mass popular movement with civil administration in its liberated territories and that the entire movement commends the leadership shown by the commissioner of Panyijiar Brig. General John Tap Puot and his entire staff, officers and all those who reacted quickly to resolve the situation.

In the past, he said, the rebel had previously released foreign planes which landed without their permissions in Pagak, Uror and Jiech as good gestures to encourage humanitarian services in their territories.

(ST)

Catégories: Africa

Denounce violence, official tells South Sudan rebel leader

Sudan Tribune - mer, 04/01/2017 - 04:54

January 3, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan's First Vice-President, Taban Deng Gai has advised rebel leader, Riek Machar to denounce armed rebellion and return to the young nation.

Riek Machar sits in his field office in a rebel controlled territory in Jonglei State February 1, 2014. (Photo/Reuters/Goran Tomasevic)

Speaking during a visit to Yei River state on Sunday, Gai said regional countries denied Machar safe entry into their territories and would be locked out for a foreseeable future.

“Riek Machar has been parked [in South Africa] like a car without wheels,” Gai told a crowd gathered in Yei town.

“Time for conflict in South Sudan had ended. Time for conflict in the region has ended in all regions,” he told the Juba Monitor newspaper adding, “This is time for peace”.

This was the First Vice-President's first visit to Yei River state since his controversial appointment to replace Machar.

“This year, for the sake of peace, [we] should talk to our relatives to join peace. Let them [rebels] know what happened to Riek Machar. Now Riek Machar is a trouble maker and he has been parked in South Africa. They will be parked like Machar,” said Gai.

“Riek Machar will not be seen again. He would be seen again in elections if there is peace. If there is no peace, Riek Machar will not be seen again,” he added.

Meanwhile, Agel Machar, a youthful member of armed opposition faction said Gai's peaceful approach to the South Sudanese ongoing conflict would work.

“I believe in the leadership of Gen Taban Deng Gai, because he is working for peace, not war. My leaders in the IO-Riek are for war, which I protest,” Agel told The Dawn newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday.

Agel, who hails from Bahr el-Ghazal region, initially backed the Machar-led rebel faction.

(ST)

Catégories: Africa

„Az amerikaiak nem nagyon adhatják fel jelenlegi pozícióikat”

Honvédelem.hu - mer, 04/01/2017 - 02:05
Kemény hullámvasutat hozott a 2016-os év a világpolitikában, és a 2017-es esztendő sem ígérkezik könnyebbnek vagy felhőtlenebbnek. Tálas Péter biztonságpolitikai szakértővel beszélgettünk az idei kilátásokról.
Catégories: Biztonságpolitika

Period pains

BBC Africa - mer, 04/01/2017 - 02:00
A law that gives women in Zambia the right to take a day off work if they're on their period is finally being discussed openly.
Catégories: Africa

105m Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV)

Naval Technology - mer, 04/01/2017 - 01:00
Indian shipbuilding company Goa Shipyard is building two 105m advanced offshore patrol vessels (AOPV) for the mission requirements of the Sri Lankan Navy.
Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

ROK Navy decommissions its last US ship, Pyeongtaek (ATS-27)

Naval Technology - mer, 04/01/2017 - 01:00
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has decommissioned its ship, Pyeongtaek (ATS-27), which was the last US ship transferred to the ROKN.
Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

Beadwindow-Training and Support Services for Naval Personnel

Naval Technology - mer, 04/01/2017 - 01:00
Beadwindow has an international reputation as an established provider of bespoke solutions that meet the specific operational needs of naval personnel in an ever-changing world.
Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

Atlas Elektronik to modernise three class 332A minehunters for the German Navy

Naval Technology - mer, 04/01/2017 - 01:00
BAAINBw, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, has signed a contract with Atlas Elektronik to upgrade the last three class 332A minehunters to new technical standards for the German Navy.
Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

Ameresco secures ESPC award from US NAVFAC EXWC

Naval Technology - mer, 04/01/2017 - 01:00
US-based off-grid solar power provider Ameresco has secured a contract from the US Naval Facilities Engineering (NAVFAC) and Expeditionary Warfare Centre (EXWC) for energy savings at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Parris Island, South Carol…
Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

US Army Extends Oshkosh $179M for JLTV | Joint Venture SADEC to Create Advanced Tech for Saudi and Gulf Markets | Japan Looks to Sell Kawasaki P-1 and C-2 to NZ

Defense Industry Daily - mer, 04/01/2017 - 00:58
Americas

  • The USMC has issued a $60 million contract to Raytheon for TOW missiles. Delivery of the missiles is expected to be completed by December 28, 2018. The weapons are designed to help ground forces engage armored targets like tanks and can also be mounted to land platforms such as the Styker and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

  • Further orders for Oshkosh’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) have been made by the US Army. 409 of the vehicles will be produced in a $179 million contract, with work expected to be completed by this December. Initial low-rate production of the JLTV began last year, as the US Army and USMC look to replace their Humvees.

Middle East & North Africa

  • Turkey’s Aselsan and Saudi Arabia’s Taqnia have formed a joint venture focusing on military electronics. Known as SADEC, the venture will include the building of a factory in Saudi Arabia on the idea of “creating the most advanced available technology.” Radars, electronic warfare suites and electro-optical technology will be developed and manufactured with a view to selling them to the Saudi and Gulf markets.

  • Qatar is looking at the Turkish armor industry for the provision of 1,000 armored vehicles, as Turkish industry aggressively pursues markets in various parts of Asia. A joint venture including Turkish manufacturer BMC, Germany’s Rheinmetall and Malaysia’s Etika Strategi are involved in the negotiations for various armor platform configurations, although specifics on models sought by the Gulf kingdom remain undisclosed.

Europe

  • The Russian Navy has stated that the Ka-52K is slated to replace all current fleets of Ka-29 assault transport helicopters as well as inducting ship-based UAVs as part of long-term naval plans. Russian naval aviation chief, Maj. Gen. Igor Kozhin, made the announcement on Monday, adding that “carrier-based fighter aviation units will get MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter jets in 2017-2020.” The 4++ generation fighters can destroy targets at sea and ground with high-precision guided weapons day and night, in any weather conditions.

Asia Pacific

  • Japan is looking to sell Kawasaki P-1 and C-2 maritime patrol aircraft to New Zealand in what could be Tokyo’s first major arms sale. Classified data on both platforms was provided in September, as Wellington gathers information on other potential acquisitions from US and European competitors. Any deal will involve maintenance of the aircraft and New Zealand might get a chance to produce certain components for the planes under a technology transfer.

  • During his New Year’s speech, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un announced that his country will test an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads this year. Reuters reported a senior US military official as saying that although Pyongyang appears able to put a miniaturized nuclear warhead on a missile, the missile re-entry technology necessary for longer range strikes is still a serious obstacle to their weapons development. Needless to say, the international community has condemned it.

  • Korea Aircraft Industries (KAI) has secured a $523 million contract to provide KUH-1 Surion transport helicopters to South Korea’s marines. The deal covers the production and delivery of 30 helicopters, expected between 2017-2023. Modifications found on the marine variant include foldable blades, emergency floats that can deploy with the press of a button, optional long-range fuel tanks, as well as the ability to carrying nine fully equipped marines in addition to four crew members.

Today’s Video

2016 naval aviation year-in-review:

Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

Surion: Eurocopter’s Korean KHP/KUH Helicopter Deal

Defense Industry Daily - mer, 04/01/2017 - 00:55

KHP/Surion rollout
(click to view full)

South Korea currently owns around 700 helicopters, but more than half are considered outdated, and they need to be replaced. December 2005 marked the endgame for a South Korean competition to produce about 245 utility transport helicopters, which would be developed and produced as a semi-indigenous program. The KHP/ Surion is in the 8-tonne class, and is designed to carry 11 troops. Industrial offsets were also important, as the program is designed to boost Korea’s ability to design and build its own rotary-wing aircraft. EADS Eurocopter was chosen as the cooperating partner.

The Korean government gave its final approval of the contract in June 2006, and the project is underway. Note that while company releases place the program’s value at $6-8 billion, the program hasn’t reached that level yet. The initial contract was for KRW 1.3 trillion ($1.3 billion), and is for research and development only. That development finished in April 2013, and the main production contract is next. It will proceed in parallel with additional contracts to develop Surion specialty versions for Korea’s federal police and Marine Corps, and all of these models will be offered for export through a joint venture with Eurocopter.

The KHP (now KUH) Program

In February 2005 the Ministry of National Defense announced that would launch a multi-billion-dollar procurement project to build utility helicopters in December 2005. A total of 5 trillion won ($4.5 billion) was budgeted for this Korean Helicopter Program (KHP), including research and development expenditures.

The project is aimed at producing hundreds of “Korean Utility Helicopters” (KUH) to replace the aging UH-1H Hueys currently in service. Industrial offsets are also important considerations, as the program is designed to boost indigenous industrial manufacturing capability for rotary-wing aircraft.

Making Surion
click for video

This was a cut-down project from the original effort, which aimed to create a core platform that could have utility or attack helicopter sections built onto it, creating a pair of helicopter types with significant commonality. That original effort was not necessarily an overstretch; the US Marine Corps new UH-1Y Hueys and AH-1Z attack helicopters already embody a high-commonality approach.

The KUH/attack approach does add complexity risk, however, and South Korea ended up buying the AH-64E Apache to address their attack helicopter needs. At the lower end, KAI is developing a Light Armed Helicopter, but commonality is limited to “utilizing technology acquired through KUH development.”

Program and Industrial

DAPA: KUH
click for video

The KUH programme was formally launched in 2006. As of October 2007 the KHP project began to take the name “Korean Utility Helicopter,” and its July 2009 rollout saw reports that began to refer to it as the “Surion” (suri = eagle, on = perfection).

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) is the prime contractor. As the primary partner, EADS Eurocopter will provide technical assistance, and supply the rotor mast, transmission, and autopilot subassemblies. Eurocopter has a stake of 30% in the development phase, and 20% in the production phase.

The initial contract was worth KRW 1.3 trillion ($1.3 billion at the time), and covered research and development only. By the time development finished in 2013, it had spent just KRW 1.2 billion, despite running a bit more than a year past its deadline.

Contracts for the KRW 4.1 trillion production project will be struck separately. Full scale production was expected to begin in 2012, but development wasn’t finished until April 2013.

Initial market expectations were stated as 250 helicopters, indicating a very limited market beyond South Korea’s order. Eurocopter later revised this to 300 machines, and the business plan changed again when the partnership decided that they would offer a civilian version after 2011. This was a significant move, as the design would compete with existing Eurocopter offerings like the new 7 tonne EC 175. By 2013, expectations had grown again, to 400 civil government and military machines in South Korea alone.

In the military market, South Korea’s Yonhap News agency quoted an anonymous government source in July 2009, who said that:

“Seoul also aims to win 300 overseas orders for the KUH in the next 25 years, a government official said on condition of anonymity. That is roughly 30 percent of the projected global demand for Surion-type choppers, which are larger than the UH-1 Iroquois but smaller than the UH-60 Black Hawks.”

As of April 2013, KAI is still using those figures as its export target, even though the competitive field has become more crowded. That’s a tall order if you’re up against competitors like the AW189, Bell 525, and EC175, plus slightly larger de facto competitors like the EC Puma family, Mi-17, NH90, and Sikorsky H-60 family.

KAI’s Surion

KUH Surion
(click to view full)

Some initial sources indicated that their KHP project bid would be based on the Dauphin-derived EC155/ AS 565 Panther, and the diagram initially provided in local media reports appeared to bear that out. The final design bears some similarities to the EC155 and the Puma family, but many differences.

The KUH Surion is 15m long x 2m wide x 4.5m high, with a maximum takeoff weight of 8.7 tonnes. It’s powered by 2 of GE’s popular T-700 turboshaft engines, and incorporates HUMS prognostics throughout the helicopter to provide constant monitoring and advance warning of mechanical issues. Range is reportedly around 480 km.

The cockpit and frame will be armored to handle 7.62mm strikes, while the fuel tanks will be armored up to resist 12.7mm or 14.5mm rounds. More active warning and protection systems are provided by a partnership between EADS Cassidian and South Korea’s LigNex1, and include the widely used AN/AAR-60 MILDS missile warning system.

Expected personnel capacity is 2 crew plus up to 9 fully-armed soldiers. There are some online sources that give the helicopters 4 hardpoints and weapons up to wire-guided TOW missiles, but KAI’s own materials say nothing about that, and there have been no reports of weapon trials.

Contracts & Key Events 2016 – 2017

Surion ATH
(click to view full)

January 4/17: Korea Aircraft Industries (KAI) has secured a $523 million contract to provide KUH-1 Surion transport helicopters to South Korea’s marines. The deal covers the production and delivery of 30 helicopters, expected between 2017-2023. Modifications found on the marine variant include foldable blades, emergency floats that can deploy with the press of a button, optional long-range fuel tanks, as well as the ability to carrying nine fully equipped marines in addition to four crew members.

September 26/16: It’s back to the drawing board for KAI’s KUH-1 Surion as the Korean-made utility helicopter failed a number of extreme climate tests in the USA. If successful, the testing would have given the Surion an international standard and boosted export chances. Several parts will now be redesigned to rectify the defects found during the testing, which puts the helicopter through very challenging humid and freezing temperatures.

2012 – 2013

ROK certifications; Development complete; ROK orders maritime version.

Oct 16/13: Sub-contractors. Elbit Systems announces a follow-on contract for full production of improved ANVIS/HUD 24 Helmet Mounted Displays to equip production Surion helicopters. The initial order that made them part of the project (q.v. March 25/09) was for the system development phase, which ended in March 2013. Sources: Elbit Systems: ANVIS/HUD 24T brochure [PDF] | Oct 16/13 release.

April 16/13: Surion ATH. South Korea’s DAPA procurement agency announces a KRW 800 million (about $733 million) project to develop the ROK Marine Corps’ transport and utility helicopter, which will be a Surion variant. KAI is scheduled to complete development by the end of 2015.

The helicopters will serve on the ROKS Dokdo LHD, and the ROKN also possesses LST ships whose helicopter decks may be able to accomodate the 8-ton class machines. DAPA projects that the Surions “will help double the Korean military’s independent landing operation capability,” while offering greater range than their existing UH-1 Hueys.

KAI’s release is optimistic, forecasting a potential Korean demand of up to 400 helicopters over the 20 years for the ROK’s Army, Marine Corps, Police (vid. 2011 entry), a future MEDEVAC variant, and orders/variants for South Korea’s Coast Guard, Fire Department and Korea Forest Service. They’re also holding to their original forecast of 30% share within global segment demand of over 1,000 helicopters, even though several competitors have entered this segment since the Surion began development.

If KAI’s accompanying graphic looks realistic, that’s because they photoshopped a Surion on top of a real 2010 picture, replacing the USN SH-60F Seahawk that was actually flying over ROKS Dokdo. But they didn’t strip the picture’s metadata, which is actually kind of honest. KAI.

Surion naval utility: system development

March 28-29/13: KAI announces that the KUH/ Surion has completed its development, making South Korea the 11th country in the world to develop a helicopter. The firm says that total investments from KAI, DAPA, and the ROK Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy totaled KRW 1.2 billion (around $1.1 billion). The program involved a combination of KAI, Eurocopter, and government research bodies; and included 98 local vendors, 49 foreign partners, and 28 colleges/research institutes. Overall, about 62.5% of the KUH project budget was “localized” in Korea.

The 4 prototypes successfully completed around 2,700 hours of flight tests, and checked about 7,600 test requirements. KAI.

Surion base model development complete

Feb 21/13: Testing. The Surion finishes low-temperature testing in Alaska, USA. South Korea gets plenty of its own cold weather, but you might as well go where you’re guaranteed ultra-frigid conditions. The tests involved about 50 flights. KAI.

June 2012: Certified. South Korea bestows airworthiness and military certifications on Surion. That seems like an odd thing to do before development is complete. Even if it’s necessary to allow deliveries, certification often means that subsequent fixes are the government’s responsibility. Source: KAI.

2008 – 2011

Surion rollout and 1st flight; Police version SDD; Export JV established.

KUH Surion-Police
(click to view full)

2011: Police version. KAI’s English press release is unclear, but they refer to an apparent agreement with the Korea Police Agency to develop a Surion version for them. The KNPA is a national police force under the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and they have 10 “squadrons” of SWAT teams whose tasks include counter-terrorism and hostage rescue. Source: KAI | Shephard Media.

Police version

July 13/11: Sub-contractors. EADS Cassidian announces a “multi-million euro” contract from Korean Aircraft Industries to supply 24 of its AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System) missile warning systems, with deliveries continuing until 2013. Each system uses about 4 passive sensors, which detect the ultraviolet radiation signature of approaching missiles. Cassidian was working with Korea’s Lig Nex1 to develop the helicopter’s overall electronic countermeasures system, and delivered 36 sensors during the development phase.

MILDS is widely used on a number of helicopter and aircraft models, and EADS’ cooperation in the Surion’s design made it an almost certain choice here.

May 3/11: KAI-EC. Korean Aerospace and Eurocopter establish the KAI-EC joint stock company, based in Seoul to export the Surion helicopter. KAI.

KAI-EC export JV

June 22/10: Official maiden flight. The official maiden test flight is conducted at KAI’s facility in Sacheon, South Chungcheong. Another 3 test helicopters will be built, and test flights will continue through September 2010. This will be followed by “mass production” beginning in March 2012, and “full-scale production” beginning in June 2012. DAPA Commissioner Byun Moo-keun reiterated the program’s core rationale during his speech:

“Despite the fact that our military ranks in seven in the world in operating the number of military helicopter, we have been relying on foreign countries in importing major technologies in developing functions and maintenance… The successful development of Surion has not only led in operating the military tactics efficiently but also formed the basis in improving our own aerospace industry technology.”

See: South Korean MND.

March 10/10: Fly! The Surion has its 30-minute 1st flight at Sacheon, including taxi, hover turns, and a stationary hover at 30 feet. KAI says the flight test program will see the helicopter flying at 140 knots and 2,000 feet by April 2010, and an official ceremony of the first flight will take place in May 2010. Defense News | Shephard Group.

1st flight

ANVIS/HUD
(click to view full)

Nov 2/09: Sub-contractors. Elbit Systems announces that KAI has named them as one of their top 4 Elite Suppliers for the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) program, during the firm’s supplier symposium. Elbit supplies the helicopter’s ANVIS/HUD Helmet Mounted Displays, Vehicle Information systems (VIS) and a Data Transfer Systems (DTS). They’re also a subcontractor to KAI for systems engineering and integration of the entire KUH avionics system.

Oct 1/09: KAH delayed. The South Korean government decides to delay its proposed Korean Attack Helicopter program, which was expected to share some 60-70% commonality with the KUH/ Surion. Flight International.

July 31/09: KAI formally unveils the first KUH helicopter, at a ceremony in the southwestern city of Saechon. Attending dignitaries include South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The new helicopter will be called the “Surion,” and the Yonhap News report says that it sources 60% of its parts from local manufacturers, including the rotor blades and its prognostic health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS). The prototype is due to fly early in 2010, and will eventually be joined by another 3 flight test aircraft. Lee Jae-hong, head of the South Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy’s machinery, aerospace and defense industry division, adds that:

“Even though it is a military helicopter, the KUH already satisfies 96% or 2,363 of the 2,460 international operational standards for civilian helicopters.”

KAI and Eurocopter also plan to pursue civilian sales beginning in 2011, in order to improve their return on investment. Yonhap | The Korea Herald | The Korea Times | Flight International | Rotorhub.

KUH rollout

March 25/09: Sub-contractors. Flight international reports that Elbit Systems has received a contract from Korea Aerospace Industries to supply “advanced helmet-mounted display systems” for the KUH program. The initial contract covers those development aircraft due to be delivered in 2009-10, but continued cooperation could lead to follow-on orders to equip the entire KUH fleet, and possibly other Korean helicopters as well.

Elbit’s ANVIS/HUD combines day and night vision goggles with key flight symbology, allowing “head up, look-out flying at all times. It has been used by the US military since the mid-1990s, and has equipped more than 5,000 helicopters belonging to 20 countries. Integrated platforms include the H-60 series, CH-53, CH-47, CH-46, V-22, AH-1, UH-1, Super Puma, Cougar, and others. Elbit’s HeliDASH system is a higher end choice.

The KUH HMD fits somewhere in the middle. Elbit personnel describe the Korean order as “…the ANVIS-HUD24 with additional capabilities which I am not at liberty to specify.”

2005 – 2007

Eurocopter wins deal; Contract approved; MoU for joint venture; Innovative fuel bladders; Defensive suite picked.

Later KHP concept
(click to view larger)

Oct 18/07: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Eurocopter sign of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a Joint Venture (JV) Company for the worldwide sales and marketing of the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH). It will be in operation by 2010. With a shareholding structure of 51% for KAI and 49% ownership for Eurocopter. Eurocopter role is to provide technical assistance for the development of the helicopter as well as certain sub-assemblies, the transmission, and the autopilot. About 40 Eurocopter engineers are housed at Sacheon (Korea) with KAI.

The Eurorcopter release sets expected Korean orders at about 250 KUH helicopters, while estimating KUH production at “an order of 300 helicopters.”

Oct 15/07: Sub-contractors. EADS Defence & Security announces that it will equip the KHP helicopter with its MILDS AN/AAR-60 self-protection system. Over 5,000 AN/AAR-60 units have been produced and installed aboard a wide variety of rotary wing and wide body aircraft, often as part of a multi-spectral suite of sensors; a version for fighter aircraft is under development.

This advanced, passive imaging sensor detects and tracks the ultraviolet emissions of approaching missiles. All approaches have advantages and disadvantages. As Aramada Magazine’s “Fighting an Invisible Threat” explains, ultraviolet seekers tend to be more effective at lower and slower targets, and are less vulnerable to false acquisitions such as decoys. The sensors are also smaller, lighter and require less cooling. On the flip side, they are more vulnerable to atmospheric conditions, and tend to have poorer sensitivity and resolution than other options such as infrared.

EADS DS will provide the equipment for the development phase, but from 2008 onward the sensors will be integrated by the Korean company LIGNex1 into the KHP self-protection system.

Oct 15/07: KOIS reports that a real-size model of the KHP/KUH transport helicopter will be on display at the Seoul 2007 air show that opens in Seongnam Oct 16-21/07. This will be the first time the helicopter’s form and interior design will be unveiled publicly. The development program is now code-named “Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH),” and aims to produce a prototype in 2009 and begin mass-production in 2012. KOIS adds:

“Under the 1.3-trillion-won ($1.38 billion) program, Korea aims to produce 245 advanced transport helicopters. The DAPA also expects exports of the envisioned helicopters, each priced at around 15 billion won. The 14.7-meter helicopter can carry two gunners and nine other troops, along with two pilots.”

March 1/07: Sub-contractors. GKN Aerospace announces that they have been selected by Hanwha Corporation to supply fuel bladders for the Korean Helicopter Programme (KHP). This contract, awarded by Hanwha Corporation, has a value approaching $3.5 million and is the culmination of a lengthy collaboration. Phase 1 of the contract involves completing the development activity which will be finalized this year, followed by testing and initial production during 2008. Phase 2 commences in 2009, with preparation and first assembly activities at Hanwha’s facilities in Korea.

The fuel bladders will be manufactured using a GKN developed, MIL spec material, which is far more flexible than current materials. This flexibility eases and speeds installation and greatly reduces the potential for damage to the bladder during the installation process. The material is also lighter than current products and, critically, offers a faster self-sealing capability in the event of damage during helicopter operations. GKN release.

Initial KUH Concept
(click to view full)

Oct 31/06: MEP solicitation. KAI release:

“For the Korean Helicopter Program (KHP) propelled by Republic of Korea Government, notice of solicitation for korean/foreign industries participation is hereby issued in the area of Mission Equipment Package (MEP) whose development efforts will be led by Agency for Defense Development and procurement activities will be led by Korea Aerospace Ind., Ltd. (KAI) or Nex1 Future Co., Ltd.”

Full solicitation [PDF].

June 2/06: Final approval. The Korean government gives its final approval of the KHP/KUH contract.

Approval

April 12/06: DAPA OK. South Korea’s DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) formalizes the decision to acquire 245 utility helicopters to be developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Limited in partnership with Eurocopter, and produced as from 2011 onwards. EADS release.

Dec 12/05: Korean Aeronautics Industries (KAI) announces that it has wrapped up KHP negotiations with the French-German manufacturer Eurocopter, as opposed to Bell Helicopter of the USA or the Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland. The Chosun Ibo reports that “The Defense Ministry will finalize its decision after consulting a committee on the KAI recommendations and investigating the potential for technology transfer.” The next day, EADS Eurocopter’s release confirmed a win on the 245 helicopter contract, adding:

“The 6-year KHP development phase will run from 2006 to 2011; In the following 10-year production phase, 245 helicopters are to be manufactured… The KHP helicopter is in the 8 metric ton class and is capable of carrying 2 pilots and 11 troops with an endurance of well over two hours. The helicopter is equipped with the very latest technological advances.

Eurocopter and KAI have agreed to set up a 50/50 subsidiary to market the export version of the KHP helicopter. Forecasts needs for this utility helicopter on the world market are set at 250 machines over 20 years.”

Development actually takes until April 2013.

Eurocopter wins KHP

Additional Readings & Sources

Catégories: Defence`s Feeds

BÚÉK!

Kolozsvári Rádió (Románia/Erdély) - mer, 04/01/2017 - 00:16
Kedves Hallgatóink! Először adott a lehetőség, hogy az új év első perceiben máris magyarul mondhatjuk hallgatóinknak: Boldog Új Évet kívánunk! Zilahi Csaba újévi köszöntője pontban éjfélkor hangzott el, Kolozsváron a 98,8 MHz frekvencián és internetes vételben.   Először vált ez lehetségessé, é...

Thesenpapier zur: Hochschulautonomie

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung - mer, 04/01/2017 - 00:00
Wissenschaft bestimmt in zunehmendem Maße Gesellschaft und Wirtschaft. Ihre Ergebnisse sind entscheidend für die Bewältigung der großen Zukunftsaufgaben.

Trump à la maison-blanche : vers une nouvelle ère républicaine

Algérie 360 - mar, 03/01/2017 - 23:52
Pour la première fois depuis onze ans, les républicains seront au Congrès et à la Maison-Blanche. Donald Trump prendra ses fonctions le 20 janvier prochain.

Les républicains reprennent totalement le pouvoir… et ce n’était pas arrivé depuis onze ans. En 2017, ils seront à la tête de la Maison-Blanche et du Congrès et auront les coudées franches pour imposer un ambitieux programme de réformes conservatrices. Le président républicain de la Chambre des représentants des Etats-Unis Paul Ryan a été d’ailleurs été réélu mardi par 239 voix en sa faveur, contre 189 voix pour la démocrate Nancy Pelosi. Il a fait la quasi-unanimité du groupe républicain, confirmant sa position d’homme fort du Congrès et d’interlocuteur privilégié de Donald Trump. Donald Trump prendra ses fonctions le 20 janvier. Le président soutient le projet législatif de ses partenaires républicains, mais il a montré mardi 3 janvier qu’il continuerait à jouer les trublions, critiquant la réforme controversée d’un discret organisme indépendant sur l’éthique des parlementaires.

Le Congrès élu en novembre, en même temps que le prochain président, prend ses fonctions comme le stipule le 20e amendement de la Constitution le 3 janvier. Première tâche pour les parlementaires américains : confirmer à leurs postes la vingtaine de personnes nommées par Donald Trump dans son équipe gouvernementale. Il y aura des auditions au Sénat dès la semaine prochaine. Certaines personnalités devraient être accueillies avec bienveillance, comme le général James Mattis, désigné chef du Pentagone.

Le temps des réformes

Mais les démocrates, minoritaires, ont promis de mettre des bâtons dans les roues d’au moins huit candidats, dont Rex Tillerson, PDG du géant pétrolier ExxonMobil nommé à la tête de la diplomatie, et Jeff Sessions, sénateur nommé à la Justice. En 2009, le Sénat avait confirmé, à l’unanimité, sept membres du gouvernement du jeune président démocrate Barack Obama le jour même de son investiture.

Puis viendra le temps des réformes, au pas de charge : l’abrogation de la réforme emblématique de l’assurance-santé dite « Obamacare » ; la suppression de centaines de réglementations de l’ère Obama, de l’environnement au travail ; une refonte des impôts, des règles énergétiques… Les républicains se préparent depuis des années à ce retour au pouvoir. Leurs chefs, Paul Ryan du côté de la Chambre des représentants et Mitch McConnell au Sénat, ont un catalogue de lois prêtes à voter, forgées depuis les tranchées idéologiques où Barack Obama les a maintenues pendant huit ans.

« Nous avons passé toute l’année 2016 à nous préparer à un pouvoir unifié en 2017 », expliquait en décembre sur CNBC Paul Ryan, qui devrait être réélu à son poste de « speaker » mardi. « Depuis un an, nous nous sommes préparés à débarquer en 2017 et à tout chambouler ». Donald Trump a déjà donné des gages aux conservateurs et devrait promulguer tout ou presque. Des désaccords existent toutefois sur le gigantesque plan d’investissement dans les infrastructures – 1 000 milliards de dollars – que le populiste a promis à ses électeurs.

« Curer le marigot »

Le successeur de Barack Obama a fait campagne contre le système et l’establishment, promettant de « curer le marigot » et de limiter l’influence des lobbyistes dans son administration. Mais les républicains de la Chambre ont provoqué un tollé en votant à huis clos lundi soir, jour férié aux États-Unis, pour restreindre les pouvoirs du Bureau d’éthique parlementaire, un organisme indépendant créé en 2008 pour enquêter sur d’éventuelles affaires de corruption ou d’autres violations éthiques des élus.

Le groupe majoritaire a adopté un nouveau règlement qui remet le bureau dans le giron des parlementaires ; ce règlement doit être adopté mardi par toute la Chambre. Un changement qui n’a pas plu à Donald Trump. N’ont-ils rien de mieux à faire ? a-t-il écrit en substance sur Twitter mardi. « Concentrez-vous sur la réforme fiscale, la santé et toutes les autres choses bien plus importantes ! » a tonné le président républicain, qui adresse ainsi un premier avertissement à ses alliés du Congrès.

L’affaire des cyberattaques russes

Les 17 prochains jours, jusqu’à son emménagement à la Maison-Blanche, seront également dominés par l’affaire des cyberattaques russes contre le parti démocrate et un proche d’Hillary Clinton pendant la campagne électorale. Barack Obama a sanctionné la Russie pour avoir tenté d’influencer l’issue de l’élection en déstabilisant la candidate démocrate. Mais Donald Trump doute à haute voix que Moscou soit responsable, contre l’opinion des services américains.

Le républicain a déclaré samedi qu’il savait « des choses que les autres gens ne savent pas ». « C’est peut-être quelqu’un d’autre », a-t-il déclaré, promettant des éléments de réponse « mardi ou mercredi ». Le sénateur John McCain, ennemi déclaré de la Russie de Vladimir Poutine, n’a pas attendu. Il a déjà organisé une grande audition au Sénat jeudi, avec le patron du Renseignement américain, James Clapper, et le chef de l’agence d’espionnage NSA, Michael Rogers.

Catégories: Afrique

2017 beginnt mit Malta, Kultur und dem ersten Brexitopfer

EuroNews (DE) - mar, 03/01/2017 - 23:49
Unser täglicher Brief aus Brüssel mit Grégoire Lory
Catégories: Europäische Union

Primaire de la gauche: manuel valls et françois hollande ne se parlent plus

Algérie 360 - mar, 03/01/2017 - 23:45
Un silence glacial règne entre François Hollande et son ancien Premier ministre, Manuel Valls, depuis que ce dernier s’est lancé dans la campagne de la primaire de la gauche. Le Canard enchaîné révèle ainsi que les deux hommes n’entretiennent plus aucun contact.

Peu de temps avant le désistement de François Hollande et l’entrée de Manuel Valls dans la campagne de la primaire de la gauche, ce dernier, alors Premier ministre, confiait au sujet du chef de l’Etat: « Je ne le respecte pas et ne le supporte plus ». Depuis que Manuel Valls a quitté l’Hôtel Matignon, les choses se sont encore dégradées entre les deux hommes.

Manuel Valls n’attend « plus rien » de François Hollande

Le Canard enchaîné, qui paraît ce mercredi, révèle ainsi que le candidat Manuel Valls et le président François Hollande ne se parlent plus, au point de ne pas s’être souhaités de passer une bonne année. L’ancien maire d’Evry (Essonne) a acté la « rupture de confiance durable » avec le premier personnage de l’Etat et assure « ne plus rien en attendre ».

Côté François Hollande, on fait part,dans l’intimité, de ses réserves quant au degré de préparation de la campagne de l’ex-chef du gouvernement: « Valls a l’avantage de l’expérience, mais aucun candidat à la primaire n’est vraiment prêt sur le plan des idées », a déclaré François Hollande à des proches ce lundi. Et Manuel Valls pas plus qu’un autre, doivent comprendre les observateurs.

Le président de la République va-t-il s’engager, tout de même, en faveur de tel ou tel candidat afin d’influer sur le cours du scrutin de la gauche, préliminaire à la présidentielle du printemps? Visiblement, il n’en est pas question: « Si j’avais vraiment voulu peser sur les primaires, j’aurais été candidat », a noté François Hollande.

Catégories: Afrique

Une production record d’agrumes attendue à Boumerdes

Algérie 360 - mar, 03/01/2017 - 23:26

Une production « record » d’agrumes est attendue à Boumerdes au titre de la présente campagne de collecte entamée dernièrement et dont les prévisions tablent sur une récolte de plus de 400.000 quintaux contre près de 390.000 quintaux produites au terme de la meilleure campagne des 3 dernières années, a-t-on appris de la directrice des services agricoles (DSA) de la wilaya. Selon Farida Belakbi, une récolte de plus de 10.000 quintaux d’agrumes a été réalisée à ce jour, soit une moyenne de rendement estimée entre 180 à 200 quintaux à l’hectare, contre une moyenne de pas plus de 100 à 120 quintaux/ha enregistrée ces 3 dernières années. Elle a expliqué cette performance par plusieurs facteurs réunis parmi lesquels les pluies enregistrées « juste à temps et en quantités suffisantes », outre la disponibilité des eaux d’irrigation et des engrais, ajouté à cela le recul des maladies.

Catégories: Afrique

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