11 Dec 2007 | Ref. 386/2007 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California — BAE Systems completed the first test of an autonomous landing system intended for large mobility and transport aircraft. The test demonstrated the system’s ability to enhance pilot vision in a simulated zero-visibility landing scenario.

The demonstration of the Autonomous Approach and Landing Capability (AALC) system took place at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base aboard a C-130H aircraft.

AALC technology fuses millimeter-wave radar and infrared imaging, enabling pilots to see the runway and detect obstacles in a variety of visibility-limiting conditions. BAE Systems is under an $11.4 million contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory for AALC development and flight demonstration.

"This technology essentially lets aircrews maintain their vision through all weather and obscurants," said Clark Freise, vice president of defense avionics for BAE Systems in Johnson City, New York. "It promises to save lives by making it much safer for pilots to confidently land, taxi, and take off." The technology could be used on several types of aircraft, including military and civil transports, helicopters, and special-purpose civil aircraft.

Infrared sensors are used commonly on military aircraft, but IR technology — while useful in dark or hazy conditions — is not effective in heavy fog, smoke, dust, or snow. Under these conditions, AALC generates an image from the millimeter-wave radar that is displayed to the aircrew via a digital light engine head-up display, with flight-guidance symbology overlaid digitally onto the image.

BAE Systems was awarded the initial AALC contract in 2004.

12 Dec 2007 | Ref. 390/2007 NASHUA, New Hampshire — BAE Systems opened a new 30,000-square-foot facility at its South Nashua, New Hampshire, location for production work on the F-22A Raptor and F-35 Lightning II electronic warfare programs. The site will support more than 1,400 of BAE Systems’ 4,500 employees who work in New Hampshire and who contribute to the F-22 and F-35 programs.

"The new facility is capable of assembling and testing complex microwave products and performing assembly, integration, and acceptance testing at significantly reduced cost and cycle times," said Mike Dow, vice president of operations for BAE Systems in Nashua. "It’s an important step in our mission to improve supplier relationships, enhance product design, and inspire our employees to meet the needs of our nation’s men and women in uniform."

BAE Systems provides the electronic warfare suites for the F-22 and F-35 aircraft. The suites detect, analyze, evaluate, and react to electronic threats fielded by potential adversaries. About 60 suppliers from New Hampshire provide products and services to support the programs.

20 Dec 2007 | Ref. 400/2007 FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida — Two BAE Systems-built Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guided rockets were successfully test-fired from a U.S. Army Kiowa Warrior helicopter on Dec. 13. These tests confirm that the APKWS rocket is compatible with the Kiowa Warrior’s carriage and launch systems and demonstrate that the weapon can be fired from the helicopter without requiring platform integration or modifications.

The tests also proved again the weapon’s ability to acquire, track, and hit a laser-designated target, with both rockets striking the target well within accuracy requirements established by the Army and Marine Corps.

Following launch, the first APKWS rocket was guided by a ground-based laser designator to a ground target. The second launch was guided by a laser designator in a second helicopter flying near the launch platform. This "buddy lase" scenario is typical of Army operations.

"The successful firing of APKWS shows that the system can be employed without any modifications to the aircraft or launchers and with minimal crew training," said Lt. Col. Paul Bontrager, commander of the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. "Integration of APKWS will give our aircrews the ability to precisely employ 2.75-inch rockets from an extended range against the enemy with reduced error or collateral damage, providing aircrews with increased precision, lethality, range, and protection in the global war on terrorism." APKWS is a low-cost precision munition system that modifies a standard 2.75-inch unguided rocket into a highly precise, laser-guided weapon capable of engaging unarmored and lightly armored targets. Sensors guide the warhead to its target with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that the intended target is destroyed while greatly lessening the risk of collateral damage. With APKWS, military aircrews can engage targets that often were unreachable with conventional 2.75-inch rockets.

These tests mark the second time in three months that APKWS rockets have been fired from an aircraft. Similar tests, conducted in September, involved a U.S. Marine Corps Cobra helicopter.

"In the past three months, BAE Systems has demonstrated, in cooperation with our customers, that APKWS can be launched from the Army Kiowa and Marine Corps Cobra," said Frank Wilson, vice president and general manager of precision targeting for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. "These platforms are true workhorses in the current attack helicopter fleet, and their pilots need a weapon that will eliminate the target without harming surrounding non-combatants or taking out whole buildings. APKWS is that weapon, and these tests demonstrate its maturity, accuracy, and reliability."

BAE Systems has been the prime contractor for APKWS since April 2006. APKWS is a joint-interest program with Army and Navy/Marine Corps participation.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards)

A crew chief marshals in a C-17 Globemaster III for download on the flightline Dec. 8 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The C-17 crew was delivering three new mine resistant ambush protected vehicle for the Army.

12/21/2007 Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy firing positions in the area of Garmsir. Coalition forces were engaged by enemy combatants. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the strike was successful.

Enemy combatants in Asadabad were struck by GBU-38s and GBU-31s dropped by a B-1B. The strike was declared successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier successfully conducted shows of force in Musa Qala to deter enemy activities.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles deterred enemy activities through shows of force performed southwest of Kandahar. The mission was deemed a success.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on enemy personnel in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were observed placing improvised explosive devices. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet successfully performed a show of force to suppress enemy fire in Basrah. The mission achieved the desired effect as enemy fire ceased.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 120 airlift sorties were flown, 460 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,050 passengers were transported. This included approximately 12,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 19, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 165 receiving aircraft.

21 Dec 2007 | Ref. 401/2007 Brough, United Kingdom. – A new generation of fast jet training for the UK MoD’s RAF and RN pilots moved a step closer with the start of final assembly on the first production Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

The aircraft, designated RT003, is the first of 28 production Hawk AJTs purchased by UK MoD being manufactured by BAE Systems at Brough.

Two development Hawks AJTs already produced by BAE Systems under the design and development contract signed with the UK MoD in 2004 are now in the final phase of their flight development programme at BAE Systems Warton.

The Hawk AJT is equipped with some of the latest avionic systems ensuring that the aircraft is the ideal platform for training the next generation of fast jet pilots. These systems include a Ground Proximity Warning System a Digital Moving Map and a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - the Hawk AJT is the only advanced jet trainer in the world fitted with TCAS.

RAF and RN pilots will move seamlessly from the Hawk to Typhoon and globally the Hawk is used to train pilots for frontline aircraft such as F-16, Gripen and Su-30.

Simon Bee, Final Assembly IPT Leader at BAE Systems Brough, said "RT003 commencing the final assembly stage is a significant milestone for the UK AJT programme. During this final stage the wing will be fitted to the fuselage, the engine will be installed and the aircraft will undergo a series of ground tests before it flies for the first time from Brough."

Mark Parkinson, Managing Director - Training Solutions, BAE Systems added: "The UK Hawk AJT will build on the success and capabilities of the TMk1 Hawk that has served the UK so well. This next generation aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics to provide the ideal platform for training the pilots of the future when it enters service."

The aircraft will transfer to Warton during the second quarter of 2008, where it will complete a production flight acceptance test programme, painting and customer acceptance before being delivered to the UK MoD later in the year.

In 2003, the UK MoD selected the BAE Systems Hawk AJT to meet its advanced jet trainer requirement and the production contract for the 28 aircraft, including productionisation of the two development aircraft, was signed in October 2006.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chad Strohmeyer

Dec. 25 airpower summary: A-10s support war effort An A-10 Thunderbolt II fires flares. A-10s conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Afghanistan.

12/26/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The mission was reported as successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

F-15Es performed multiple shows of force in Kandahar and a show of force in Kajaki Dam. The shows of force, including the use of flares, were performed to deter enemy actions. All of the missions were reported as a success by a JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In Khowst and Kajaki Dam, multiple shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in the area. JTACs reported the missions achieved the desired effects.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy compound in Mosul. Coalition forces encountered hostile fire from enemy combatants within the compound. The strike destroyed the intended target, according to a JTAC.

An F-16 targeted an enemy position with GBU-38s northeast of Baqubah. Friendly forces were engaged with enemy combatants in the area. A JTAC declared the strike successful.

Enemy fire was suppressed by an F-16 show of force in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado deterred enemy activities and showed continued presence over coalition positions by performing shows of force in Um Qasr. The mission was deemed a success by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 610 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,626 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 24, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 227 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Val Gempis

Fuel the Spirit A B-2 Spirit bomber prepares to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Aerial refueling is an integral part of the global strike capability of the stealth bomber.

12/26/2007 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- Members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here with B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., took off on a two-ship exercise destined to Alaska Dec. 18 when one bomber was diverted to a global power sortie.

Global power missions, which are more than 20 hours long, demonstrate the global strike capability of America’s bomber force.

"The jets were launched with flight plans and mission materials for Alaska," said Lt. Col. John Vitacca, the 393rd EBS commander. "However, in flight, one jet was re-tasked to Hawaii and was sent new target information to facilitate coordinated weapons releases with ground parties at Pohakuloa Training Range."

Both bombers later hit their intended targets near simultaneously. This ability to instantly adjust target sets is a cornerstone of America’s airpower.

"This tasking demonstrates how flexible our Airmen and aircraft are," said Col. Damian McCarthy, the 36th Operations Group commander. "Our global strike capability can be adjusted mid-mission should the combatant commander deem it necessary. The strategic battlefield is in a constant state of flux and our adaptability makes our bomber force a very lethal platform."

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Eric Kreps

KC-135 Stratotankers, like this one, support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. On Dec. 25, Air Force and Royal Air Force tanker crews flew 34 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.1 million pounds of fuel to 195 receiving aircraft.

12/27/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Deh’ Rawod. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission as successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. A JTAC deemed the mission a success.

Enemy activities were deterred by an A-10 through a show of force northeast of Orgune. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to suppress enemy activities in Baqubah. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on a structure housing enemy combatants in Baqubah. Enemy personnel were observed going inside the building during an engagement with coalition forces. The bomb destroyed the intended target according to a JTAC.

An F-16 successfully conducted a show of force by firing flares to suppress enemy fire west of Mosul. A JTAC declared the mission achieved the desired effect.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force, Navy and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, 399 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,526 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 25, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 34 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.1 million pounds of fuel to 195 receiving aircraft.

27 Nov 07 From a corner of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province a specialist RAF unit is winning the battle to control the skies over Afghanistan. Report by Simon Mander.

Around-the-clock, personnel from No 1 Air Control Centre (1 ACC) are the eyes and ears of NATO forces battling the Taliban. Equipped with the latest mobile surface-based radar this unique unit provides air surveillance, and command, control and communication capabilities across southern and western Afghanistan, in support of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force.

Officer Commanding 1 ACC, Wing Commander Neal Dewar, said:

"1 ACC is the RAF’s only, and one of the world’s very few, deployable ground-based air surveillance units capable of high tempo operations of the type we see here. It’s quite high-tech; the radar we use allows us to provide 3-D coverage of the airspace across the whole of southern and western Afghanistan."

Close air support is much in demand by coalition forces. The link between aircraft and a ground-based Forward Air Traffic Controller operating with coalition troops engaged with enemy forces on the ground is vital - and 1 ACC provides that link.

Since deploying on operations in December 2006 the unit, which is normally based at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in Lincolnshire, has been using its Type 101 long-range search radar to produce a continuous real time picture of traffic in the skies above Afghanistan.

Then, using a variety of ground-to-air radios and satellite communications the unit co-ordinates aircraft within the area. A significant proportion of the unit’s output is focused on enhancing air safety.

Afghan airspace can become very congested with fast jet aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aircraft all requiring airspace in which to conduct their missions.

In addition, NATO coalition ground forces require airspace to fire mortars, artillery and rockets, or for bomb disposal tasks. And civilian airliners continue to use Afghan airspace providing revenue for the Afghan Government.

By ensuring all these users are kept separate from each other 1 ACC personnel play a vital role in enabling NATO forces on the ground and in the air to target the Taliban while steering clear of friendly forces and civilians.

Senior Aircraftman Michael McCaffrey from Bridlington, North Yorkshire, is one of a close knit team of 32 personnel whose job is to ensure RAF and other aircraft can operate effectively and safely within the target area:

"We help the aircraft get into position to help the troops on the ground a lot quicker than they would if we weren’t here. The troops on the ground love us out here," the 27-year-old Air Surveillance Operator explained.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder

An EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia. The EC-130J conducts information operations, psychological operations and civil affairs broadcasts in the AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands.

12/28/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force to deter further enemy action in Deh’ Rawod. The mission was declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

A French Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F1-CR conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Deh’ Rawod. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted northeast of Shinkay.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on an enemy structure located in Deh’ Rawod. The JTAC confirmed the strike destroyed the target.

A Mirage successfully deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted in Sangin. In addition, an F1-CR performed a show of force. The missions were deemed a success.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on enemy combatants in Iskandariyah. Al Qaeda personnel were observed repositioning in the area. The bomb struck the intended targets.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Some 131 airlift sorties were flown, 485 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,847 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 67,440 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and South Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 26, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.