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F35-I(Adir): News,Videos and Pictures
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DavidSling
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DavidSling
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The IAF enters the Fifth Generation Era
While the Israeli Air Force receives its first two F-35 'Adir' stealth fighters, battles are being waged over the IDF Cyber Command and IMOD's massive computer tender. Amir Rapaport's weekly column
Amir Rapaport | 15/12/2016
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The F-35 has landed (Photo: IDF)
At last, it happened: after nightfall last Monday, the two F-35 'Adir' stealth fighters, the newest weapon system joining the ranks of IAF, finally landed at Nevatim airbase.
The American pilots climbed down the ladders attached to their cockpits, thereby handing over the aircraft for airborne testing by Israeli pilots in the sky over Israel, as of last Tuesday. This series of tests will only last a few more days, but it will take more than a year before the first 'Adir' squadron (out of two, for the time being – a total of 50 aircraft) is up to full complement.
As we have written before, the importance of the F-35 as an aircraft is second to the importance of the state-of-the-art systems fitted to it – some of which are made in Israel.
IAF Commandant Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel voiced this in his address following the delayed ceremony: "A new era is beginning at Nevatim," said Eshel without hesitation. "This is not a normal development but a quantum leap. This aircraft provides inconceivable capabilities and is expected to evolve further in the future. With the Israeli capabilities incorporated in it, it is unlike any other F-35 worldwide. The new aircraft constitutes a milestone in Israel's national security for decades to come."
Now, let's address some of the issues that have not received so much PR. The arrival of the new F-35 fighters at Nevatim airbase has completed the shifting of the IAF's center of gravity to the Negev. It is hard to believe, but only 15 years ago the Nevatim airbase was to be closed down. Now it is the largest airbase of IDF.
The reason for Nevatim airbase having evolved into the primary airbase of IAF is the fact that it is located a maximum distance away from the missile launchers of Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Those rockets currently constitute a serious nuisance as far as IAF is concerned – especially the GPS-guided missiles already available to Hezbollah, which might interfere with the operations of Ramat-David airbase, the IAF's northern base.
The acquisition of the F-35 'Adir' fighters is yet another demonstration of the fact that IDF, and IAF in particular, are the most important organization with regard to decision-making within the Israeli defense establishment. IAF had decided many years ago that they wanted two squadrons of the F-35 future fighter (in the future, IAF plans to establish a third F-35 squadron), and all of the discussions conducted since then by the defense cabinet along the way to the realization of the procurement deal were nothing more than a waste of time, as far as IDF were concerned.
Fact: when the cabinet decided, about eighteen months ago, to settle for a decision to acquire 14 aircraft only out of the second squadron, in view of objection to the aircraft led by Minister Yuval Steinitz, it was obvious to everyone involved that sooner or later the original quota IAF had wanted would be filled – not a single aircraft less. Indeed, two weeks ago the cabinet ordered that the acquisition be completed, with the full consent of Minister Steinitz.
The reason why IDF can have any decision they want passed by the government, be it with regard to operational matters or with regard to procurement, is the structural weakness of the Ministry of Defense, which regards itself, first and foremost, as an organization charged with providing services to IDF rather than as a policy-making organ. The attempt by former defense minister Shaul Mofaz to establish, in the previous decade, a planning division within the Ministry, as a counterweight to IDF, failed miserably and was defeated owing to the adamant objection of the IDF Chief of Staff at the time, Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon.
Not just with regard to procurement transactions, but with regard to the budget as a whole: the IDF Planning Directorate has recently presented to the government ministers, as always, the IDF's budget needs for the year 2017. Neither the Minister of Defense nor the government as a whole possess the means to deal with the data and demands presented by IDF – not even the National Security Council, which does not normally deal with any aspect of defense procurement (with the exception of the German submarine and surface vessel affair currently being investigated by the Israel Police, over which thousands of words have been written and spoken in the last few weeks). Is Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman better qualified than his predecessors to influence the position of IDF regarding major defense issues? It does not appear so. The IDF officers shower Lieberman with respect at the internal defense discussions, but they all know that the Minister of Defense is not equipped, professionally, to deal with the "Staff Work" – the magic catchphrase of IDF. The Minister – any minister of defense for that matter – followed by the entire government, will almost always endorse the recommendations placed on his desk in the office overlooking the roofs of Tel-Aviv from the 14th floor of the IMOD building at the Quirya in Tel-Aviv.
IDF Cyber Command: the Final Decision
The Minister of Defense has no say even with regard to the issue that has blown up a storm within IDF recently. The IDF Chief of Staff will have to decide very soon who will take charge of the IDF's new Cyber Command – either the Intelligence Directorate or the C4I Directorate.
A titanic struggle is currently raging between the two IDF directorates with regard to that decision. The results of this struggle will be clarified very soon.
Meanwhile, in the civilian market, the cyber technology field continues to develop and grow. The Prime Minister has recently ordered that export restrictions be lifted with regard to civilian cyber technology systems whose technology had not originated from the Israeli defense establishment, thereby providing another push to the Israeli cyber technology industry which, in 2016, attracted not less than 20% of all global investments in this industry worldwide (according to preliminary estimates).
Next Thursday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate, in Beersheba, the national cyber center – a world first. The center is a major project of the national cyber bureau headed by Dr. Eviatar Matania, which is already being studied by countries around the world that tend to emulate Israel's moves in the field of cyber technology – with regard to national security as well as with regard to the development of the cyber technology industry and research activities.
The Computer Tender
In the Israeli industrial sector, a raging battle broke out over IMOD's intention to select Cisco Systems as the winner of the tender worth hundreds of millions of ILS for the supply of computer servers to IDF for a period of three years with an option of a two-year extension.
The IDF and IMOD are disputed over this issue – a rare occurrence – and the HP Company, which provided the servers until recently, is fighting until the last moment over the tender whose results have not been finalized officially. Once again, the smoke screen obscuring the outcome of this massive tender will clear within the next few days.
While the Israeli Air Force receives its first two F-35 'Adir' stealth fighters, battles are being waged over the IDF Cyber Command and IMOD's massive computer tender. Amir Rapaport's weekly column
Amir Rapaport | 15/12/2016
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The F-35 has landed (Photo: IDF)
At last, it happened: after nightfall last Monday, the two F-35 'Adir' stealth fighters, the newest weapon system joining the ranks of IAF, finally landed at Nevatim airbase.
The American pilots climbed down the ladders attached to their cockpits, thereby handing over the aircraft for airborne testing by Israeli pilots in the sky over Israel, as of last Tuesday. This series of tests will only last a few more days, but it will take more than a year before the first 'Adir' squadron (out of two, for the time being – a total of 50 aircraft) is up to full complement.
As we have written before, the importance of the F-35 as an aircraft is second to the importance of the state-of-the-art systems fitted to it – some of which are made in Israel.
IAF Commandant Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel voiced this in his address following the delayed ceremony: "A new era is beginning at Nevatim," said Eshel without hesitation. "This is not a normal development but a quantum leap. This aircraft provides inconceivable capabilities and is expected to evolve further in the future. With the Israeli capabilities incorporated in it, it is unlike any other F-35 worldwide. The new aircraft constitutes a milestone in Israel's national security for decades to come."
Now, let's address some of the issues that have not received so much PR. The arrival of the new F-35 fighters at Nevatim airbase has completed the shifting of the IAF's center of gravity to the Negev. It is hard to believe, but only 15 years ago the Nevatim airbase was to be closed down. Now it is the largest airbase of IDF.
The reason for Nevatim airbase having evolved into the primary airbase of IAF is the fact that it is located a maximum distance away from the missile launchers of Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Those rockets currently constitute a serious nuisance as far as IAF is concerned – especially the GPS-guided missiles already available to Hezbollah, which might interfere with the operations of Ramat-David airbase, the IAF's northern base.
The acquisition of the F-35 'Adir' fighters is yet another demonstration of the fact that IDF, and IAF in particular, are the most important organization with regard to decision-making within the Israeli defense establishment. IAF had decided many years ago that they wanted two squadrons of the F-35 future fighter (in the future, IAF plans to establish a third F-35 squadron), and all of the discussions conducted since then by the defense cabinet along the way to the realization of the procurement deal were nothing more than a waste of time, as far as IDF were concerned.
Fact: when the cabinet decided, about eighteen months ago, to settle for a decision to acquire 14 aircraft only out of the second squadron, in view of objection to the aircraft led by Minister Yuval Steinitz, it was obvious to everyone involved that sooner or later the original quota IAF had wanted would be filled – not a single aircraft less. Indeed, two weeks ago the cabinet ordered that the acquisition be completed, with the full consent of Minister Steinitz.
The reason why IDF can have any decision they want passed by the government, be it with regard to operational matters or with regard to procurement, is the structural weakness of the Ministry of Defense, which regards itself, first and foremost, as an organization charged with providing services to IDF rather than as a policy-making organ. The attempt by former defense minister Shaul Mofaz to establish, in the previous decade, a planning division within the Ministry, as a counterweight to IDF, failed miserably and was defeated owing to the adamant objection of the IDF Chief of Staff at the time, Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon.
Not just with regard to procurement transactions, but with regard to the budget as a whole: the IDF Planning Directorate has recently presented to the government ministers, as always, the IDF's budget needs for the year 2017. Neither the Minister of Defense nor the government as a whole possess the means to deal with the data and demands presented by IDF – not even the National Security Council, which does not normally deal with any aspect of defense procurement (with the exception of the German submarine and surface vessel affair currently being investigated by the Israel Police, over which thousands of words have been written and spoken in the last few weeks). Is Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman better qualified than his predecessors to influence the position of IDF regarding major defense issues? It does not appear so. The IDF officers shower Lieberman with respect at the internal defense discussions, but they all know that the Minister of Defense is not equipped, professionally, to deal with the "Staff Work" – the magic catchphrase of IDF. The Minister – any minister of defense for that matter – followed by the entire government, will almost always endorse the recommendations placed on his desk in the office overlooking the roofs of Tel-Aviv from the 14th floor of the IMOD building at the Quirya in Tel-Aviv.
IDF Cyber Command: the Final Decision
The Minister of Defense has no say even with regard to the issue that has blown up a storm within IDF recently. The IDF Chief of Staff will have to decide very soon who will take charge of the IDF's new Cyber Command – either the Intelligence Directorate or the C4I Directorate.
A titanic struggle is currently raging between the two IDF directorates with regard to that decision. The results of this struggle will be clarified very soon.
Meanwhile, in the civilian market, the cyber technology field continues to develop and grow. The Prime Minister has recently ordered that export restrictions be lifted with regard to civilian cyber technology systems whose technology had not originated from the Israeli defense establishment, thereby providing another push to the Israeli cyber technology industry which, in 2016, attracted not less than 20% of all global investments in this industry worldwide (according to preliminary estimates).
Next Thursday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate, in Beersheba, the national cyber center – a world first. The center is a major project of the national cyber bureau headed by Dr. Eviatar Matania, which is already being studied by countries around the world that tend to emulate Israel's moves in the field of cyber technology – with regard to national security as well as with regard to the development of the cyber technology industry and research activities.
The Computer Tender
In the Israeli industrial sector, a raging battle broke out over IMOD's intention to select Cisco Systems as the winner of the tender worth hundreds of millions of ILS for the supply of computer servers to IDF for a period of three years with an option of a two-year extension.
The IDF and IMOD are disputed over this issue – a rare occurrence – and the HP Company, which provided the servers until recently, is fighting until the last moment over the tender whose results have not been finalized officially. Once again, the smoke screen obscuring the outcome of this massive tender will clear within the next few days.
DavidSling
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The F-35 is a supercomputer in the sky
Despite all its flaws, the F-35 will give Israel the ability to maintain air superiority over all its neighbors and further afield, and allow it to attack where it has never attacked before.
To the joy of many in Israel’s defense establishment, Israel’s most advanced piece of weaponry, a pair of F-35 stealth fighter jets, landed in Nevatim Air Base late Monday after a six-hour delay.
But the jet fighters, which had been grounded in Italy due to fog, are only the beginning, with Israel expecting to receive a total of 50, two full squadrons, by 2022.
“Israel never had a stealth fighter before the F-35; it is a huge jump and will be a huge challenge,” Brig.-Gen. (res.) Abraham Assael told The Jerusalem Post before the planes landed, adding that “it is a very interesting time for our air force,” as the F-35 “is more like a system than a plane, and it will take time to fully understand the system.”
The plane, he said, “is an enigma,” and after years of development of the most expensive plane in history, the advanced jet will, according to senior Israeli officials, give Israel complete air superiority in the region for the next 40 years. Lt.- Col. Yotam, the squadron commander of the Adir, as the Israeli version of the F-35 is called, added that the Adir was purchased “in order to attack places that we are not always able to attack.”
The fifth-generation jet “is a quantum leap in relation to the combat aircraft we have today,” according to Yotam, designed to fly longer and faster than most fighter jets. Its extremely low radar signature allows it to operate undetected deep inside enemy territory, evading advanced missile-defense systems like the Russian-made S-300s and S-400s deployed both in Syria and Iran.
Those missile-defense systems pose an “obvious risk to Israel’s air force, and we cannot ignore their presence in the area,” Assael said.
But the need for the jet was also a subject of fierce debate in the government, where some wondered whether such an expensive jet was necessary, questioning whether Israel could have spent the $100 million plus per plane on hardware that could be more relevant to the current threats facing Israel.
The next conflict that Israel will face against Hamas or Hezbollah is likely not going to be a full-fledged war, and the F-35 will likely not need to use its stealth technology to strike targets, unless Hezbollah gets its hands on Russian-provided S-300 or S-400 surface-to-air missiles in Syria, an unlikely scenario.
But Hezbollah is Israel’s most dangerous enemy, known to have a massive arsenal of advanced weaponry, given to it by its Iranian patrons, and technological advances along with battlefield experience gained by the group in Syria.
Another terrorist group on Israel’s borders, Islamic State, continues to fight against Western air and ground forces relatively successfully, downing aircraft over Syria and Iraq. While Islamic State has been losing significant amounts of territory, its branch in the Sinai Peninsula is their strongest, having killed hundreds of Egyptian security forces, downed a Russian passenger plane, fired rockets toward Israel and released videos showing terrorists with man-portable air-defense systems.
But it’s not only terrorist groups that pose a threat to Israel. According to a senior IDF officer, the military buildup in the Middle East is a significant problem. “We see arms deals totaling $200 billion in weapons in the Middle East. We are a small country with a lot of strategic targets, and that is clear to everyone.”
In addition to the S-300s and S-400s on Israel’s northern border, to the south, Egypt has signed a deal with France to buy 24 Rafale fighter jets. The Saudis and Qataris have also bought the latest, most sophisticated F-15s, and Iran has expressed interest in purchasing Russian- made Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-role fighter jets.
According to Yiftah Shapir of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, it was crucial for Israel to refurbish its fleet of aircraft, as the IAF currently relies on the F-15 Baz and F-16 Barak.
Israel received the first F-15s in 1977 and the first F-16s in 1980, and the first squadron of F-15s are due to be pulled from service next year.
“These planes have now flown for close to 40 years,” Shapir told the Post, and the IAF has chosen the F-35 to replace them.
“If you think about our security, we are currently relying on an airplane that is 40 years old. And since we get foreign military aid from the United States, we cannot even think about buying planes from somewhere else.”
Because Israel buys its aircraft using the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Jerusalem and Washington, there was no option to consider buying cheaper jets from European countries, and the possibility of buying from Russia or China is out of the question.
As Israel awaited the arrival of the jets, US President-elect Donald Trump said that he would completely reevaluate the costly aircraft program, once he takes office on January 20.
Taking to Twitter, Trump said the cost of the Lockheed Martin program was too high and that billions would be saved once he takes office.
“The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20,” Trump posted.
And if Trump cuts the F-35 program, the cost of the plane would skyrocket, and so would Israel’s bill.
The F-35 is a controversial plane with an expensive price tag of close to $100m. per plane, delays and at least 27 serious safety failures as of the end of October 2015, including one where flaws in the plane’s coolant system led to the United States Air Force grounding the jet a mere two months after they were declared combat ready in August. Eight of the planes grounded by the USAF belong to Israel.
The jet had also been banned from taxiing, taking off or flying within 25 miles (40 km.) of known lightning strikes, because of the possibility of an explosive mixture of fuel vapor and oxygen collecting in the fuel tanks.
The restrictions have since been lifted, but a mere week after the USAF declared its version of the F-35 ready for limited combat operations, the Pentagon’s top tester warned that there were still many failures.
According to an August 9 memo by Michael Gilmore, the Defense Department’s director of operational testing, if the F-35 would be needed for a combat mission, it would currently need “support to locate and avoid modern threats, acquire targets, and engage formations of enemy fighter aircraft” because of “outstanding performance deficiencies and limited weapons carriage available (i.e., two bombs and two air-to-air missiles).”
In addition, according to the memo, the F-35 Block 3i also has deficiencies in “fusion, electronic warfare and weapons employment,” which “result in ambiguous threat displays, limited ability to effectively respond to threats, and in some cases a requirement for off-board sources to provide coordinates for precision attack.”
Some reports have even said that it was unable to reliably defeat the older F-16 in test flights. But according to Shapir, the USAF planned to use the F-35, designed for attacking ground targets, alongside the F-22 Stealth Raptor, the best in the world in air-to-air combat. And while Israel does not have any F-22s, the F-35 will fly alongside F-16s, the type of plane that struck Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981.
Despite all the flaws of the expensive F-35 Adir, Israel’s defense establishment is pleased. It has acquired its first stealth jet, a supercomputer that will help Israel maintain its qualitative advantage in an area where one must always stay two steps ahead of one’s enemy.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Supercomputer-in-the-sky-475533
Despite all its flaws, the F-35 will give Israel the ability to maintain air superiority over all its neighbors and further afield, and allow it to attack where it has never attacked before.
To the joy of many in Israel’s defense establishment, Israel’s most advanced piece of weaponry, a pair of F-35 stealth fighter jets, landed in Nevatim Air Base late Monday after a six-hour delay.
But the jet fighters, which had been grounded in Italy due to fog, are only the beginning, with Israel expecting to receive a total of 50, two full squadrons, by 2022.
“Israel never had a stealth fighter before the F-35; it is a huge jump and will be a huge challenge,” Brig.-Gen. (res.) Abraham Assael told The Jerusalem Post before the planes landed, adding that “it is a very interesting time for our air force,” as the F-35 “is more like a system than a plane, and it will take time to fully understand the system.”
The plane, he said, “is an enigma,” and after years of development of the most expensive plane in history, the advanced jet will, according to senior Israeli officials, give Israel complete air superiority in the region for the next 40 years. Lt.- Col. Yotam, the squadron commander of the Adir, as the Israeli version of the F-35 is called, added that the Adir was purchased “in order to attack places that we are not always able to attack.”
The fifth-generation jet “is a quantum leap in relation to the combat aircraft we have today,” according to Yotam, designed to fly longer and faster than most fighter jets. Its extremely low radar signature allows it to operate undetected deep inside enemy territory, evading advanced missile-defense systems like the Russian-made S-300s and S-400s deployed both in Syria and Iran.
Those missile-defense systems pose an “obvious risk to Israel’s air force, and we cannot ignore their presence in the area,” Assael said.
But the need for the jet was also a subject of fierce debate in the government, where some wondered whether such an expensive jet was necessary, questioning whether Israel could have spent the $100 million plus per plane on hardware that could be more relevant to the current threats facing Israel.
The next conflict that Israel will face against Hamas or Hezbollah is likely not going to be a full-fledged war, and the F-35 will likely not need to use its stealth technology to strike targets, unless Hezbollah gets its hands on Russian-provided S-300 or S-400 surface-to-air missiles in Syria, an unlikely scenario.
But Hezbollah is Israel’s most dangerous enemy, known to have a massive arsenal of advanced weaponry, given to it by its Iranian patrons, and technological advances along with battlefield experience gained by the group in Syria.
Another terrorist group on Israel’s borders, Islamic State, continues to fight against Western air and ground forces relatively successfully, downing aircraft over Syria and Iraq. While Islamic State has been losing significant amounts of territory, its branch in the Sinai Peninsula is their strongest, having killed hundreds of Egyptian security forces, downed a Russian passenger plane, fired rockets toward Israel and released videos showing terrorists with man-portable air-defense systems.
But it’s not only terrorist groups that pose a threat to Israel. According to a senior IDF officer, the military buildup in the Middle East is a significant problem. “We see arms deals totaling $200 billion in weapons in the Middle East. We are a small country with a lot of strategic targets, and that is clear to everyone.”
In addition to the S-300s and S-400s on Israel’s northern border, to the south, Egypt has signed a deal with France to buy 24 Rafale fighter jets. The Saudis and Qataris have also bought the latest, most sophisticated F-15s, and Iran has expressed interest in purchasing Russian- made Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-role fighter jets.
According to Yiftah Shapir of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, it was crucial for Israel to refurbish its fleet of aircraft, as the IAF currently relies on the F-15 Baz and F-16 Barak.
Israel received the first F-15s in 1977 and the first F-16s in 1980, and the first squadron of F-15s are due to be pulled from service next year.
“These planes have now flown for close to 40 years,” Shapir told the Post, and the IAF has chosen the F-35 to replace them.
“If you think about our security, we are currently relying on an airplane that is 40 years old. And since we get foreign military aid from the United States, we cannot even think about buying planes from somewhere else.”
Because Israel buys its aircraft using the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Jerusalem and Washington, there was no option to consider buying cheaper jets from European countries, and the possibility of buying from Russia or China is out of the question.
As Israel awaited the arrival of the jets, US President-elect Donald Trump said that he would completely reevaluate the costly aircraft program, once he takes office on January 20.
Taking to Twitter, Trump said the cost of the Lockheed Martin program was too high and that billions would be saved once he takes office.
“The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20,” Trump posted.
And if Trump cuts the F-35 program, the cost of the plane would skyrocket, and so would Israel’s bill.
The F-35 is a controversial plane with an expensive price tag of close to $100m. per plane, delays and at least 27 serious safety failures as of the end of October 2015, including one where flaws in the plane’s coolant system led to the United States Air Force grounding the jet a mere two months after they were declared combat ready in August. Eight of the planes grounded by the USAF belong to Israel.
The jet had also been banned from taxiing, taking off or flying within 25 miles (40 km.) of known lightning strikes, because of the possibility of an explosive mixture of fuel vapor and oxygen collecting in the fuel tanks.
The restrictions have since been lifted, but a mere week after the USAF declared its version of the F-35 ready for limited combat operations, the Pentagon’s top tester warned that there were still many failures.
According to an August 9 memo by Michael Gilmore, the Defense Department’s director of operational testing, if the F-35 would be needed for a combat mission, it would currently need “support to locate and avoid modern threats, acquire targets, and engage formations of enemy fighter aircraft” because of “outstanding performance deficiencies and limited weapons carriage available (i.e., two bombs and two air-to-air missiles).”
In addition, according to the memo, the F-35 Block 3i also has deficiencies in “fusion, electronic warfare and weapons employment,” which “result in ambiguous threat displays, limited ability to effectively respond to threats, and in some cases a requirement for off-board sources to provide coordinates for precision attack.”
Some reports have even said that it was unable to reliably defeat the older F-16 in test flights. But according to Shapir, the USAF planned to use the F-35, designed for attacking ground targets, alongside the F-22 Stealth Raptor, the best in the world in air-to-air combat. And while Israel does not have any F-22s, the F-35 will fly alongside F-16s, the type of plane that struck Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981.
Despite all the flaws of the expensive F-35 Adir, Israel’s defense establishment is pleased. It has acquired its first stealth jet, a supercomputer that will help Israel maintain its qualitative advantage in an area where one must always stay two steps ahead of one’s enemy.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Supercomputer-in-the-sky-475533
DavidSling
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US Representatives To Remain in Israel In Support of New F-35Is
TEL AVIV – About 30 Lockheed Martin specialists and three US Air Force representatives will remain in Israel indefinitely to help the Israel Air Force (IAF) operate and maintain its newest acquisition, the F-35I Adir.
The Lockheed Martin team, two USAF F-35 pilots and one USAF aircrew instructor are co-located at the IAF’s Nevatim base in the Negev desert, home of the 140th Golden Eagles Squadron, which received its first pair of Adir (Awesome/Mighty) Dec. 12.
Defense News
F-35 Triggers Conceptual Overhaul in Israel Air Force
While USAF personnel are expected to return to home bases in about six months, many of the Lockheed Martin team will remain at Nevatim years after the service declares initial operational capability by the end of 2017, IAF and US sources said.
“We don’t just say, ‘Here’s your planes, good luck. Hope all goes well,’” said Mike Rein, Lockheed Martin F-35 communications director.
“We’re working very closely with them … Over time, as they go through the process and learn more about this fifth-generation fighter, they will get to a point where we will downsize our in-country representation. But even once they’ve reached that point, we won’t go away. We’re contracted to provide back-shop support for the long term,” Rein told Defense News.
Rein noted that the highly computerized, sensor-fused, fifth-generation aircraft comes with a steep learning curve at the beginning of its operational life, given all the data that must be tracked before, during and following flight. Even after the IAF masters logistical and operational procedures, he said Lockheed Martin will be present to assist Israel and other F-35 partner and customer nations as new software updates come online.
IAF generals quoted in the latest edition of the service’s in-house, Hebrew language journal cited unprecedented cooperation with — as well as dependence on — Lockheed Martin, developer and prime contractor for the F-35.
“We’re much more dependent on the manufacturer who gives us an entire maintenance and logistics envelope … We’ll have to learn to work with foreign experts who are here and are supporting us,” Brig. Gen. Ran Bashvitz, head of the IAF Equipment Branch, told the service’s Air Force Journal.
“We’re talking about technological and engineering challenges that oblige us to understand that there is knowledge here that is unknown to us … It’s a much more complex challenge than all other platforms that we’ve absorbed into our force in the past because its engineering is much more closed and much less open to changes,” he said.
Two Israeli F-35 “Adirs” fly in formation and display the US and Israeli flags after receiving fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135, Dec, 6, 2016.
Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Erik D. Anthony/US Air Force
In a special volume dedicated to receipt of the F-35 Adirs, Bashsvitz hailed the new aircraft as “trailblazers” and insisted the service has full confidence in the US Air Force, Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office for correcting various glitches discovered along the way.
“It takes time for an aircraft to mature. In all the systems and subsystems, we’re seeing a learning process, experiments and sometimes mistakes in order to bring, at the end of the day, an entirely new operational capability. It’s impossible to make a technological leap any other way; there’s no magic,” he said.
Another report in the same journal interviewed officers in Bashvitz’ department who said the Lockheed personnel as well as USAF representatives would be essential in the coming six months.
“In the first half-year, there is a process of passing the baton here in Israel. Afterwards, the number of experts that are here will decline and only those permanent advisers will remain,” one of the officers was quoted as saying.
The officer noted that the IAF is establishing at Tel Nof Air Base some 30 minutes south of Tel Aviv three F-35-specific maintenance capability units that will respectively specialize in structures, paint and composite materials. Such capabilities, the officer said, should come online by 2020.
As for pilot training, Brig. Gen. Tal Kalman, head of the IAF Air Staff, told the in-house magazine that due to the high fidelity of the Lockheed Martin flight simulators, the service expects to certify pilots with much less actual hours flown in the cockpit. According to Kalman, more time spent in simulators will drive down operational costs.
“While the cost of routine operations and maintenance of the Adir is higher than those of fourth-generation fighters, when viewed in totality, costs to operate an Adir squadron won’t be significantly different than a fourth-generation squadron, largely due to much wider use of simulators,” he said.
Defense News
Israel 'Ready' to Operate F-35s Without Ever Actually Flying Them
Kalman noted that with its F-15I and F-16I force, pilots spend about 10 percent of their time in simulators compared to 90 percent in the air. With the Adir, he said the ratio would be about 50:50.
In another report in the same in-house journal, another officer, a lieutenant colonel, said that by late December, the first two Adirs should enter normal flight rotations after an intense, two-week inspection period. He noted that all pilots and air crews had to polish what he called “Adirit,” a “complicated, new language” based on all the English-language manuals, procedures and acronyms that come with the aircraft.
He cited a directive by IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel that the service adapt itself to the F-35 Adir, and not the other way around; something that represented a significant departure from Israel’s receipt of previous aircraft.
“Over the years, the IAF developed its own systems and procedures, some of which were very advanced and uniquely suited to us like a glove on hand. But here, we must adapt ourselves to this American system,” noted the officer, whose title was listed as head of Adir issues in the IAF aircraft department.
The officer added, “Also in the past, we worked alongside the Americans, often on a day-to-day basis. But here, the cooperation has reached new heights that is unprecedented.”
@Penguin @500 @Natan @Archdemon @GBU-28 @F-15I @mike2000 is back @Blue Marlin @Mountain Jew @Beny Karachun @Adir-M @F-22Raptor @C130 @Desertfalcon
http://www.defensenews.com/articles...-could-impact-follow-on-modernization-program
TEL AVIV – About 30 Lockheed Martin specialists and three US Air Force representatives will remain in Israel indefinitely to help the Israel Air Force (IAF) operate and maintain its newest acquisition, the F-35I Adir.
The Lockheed Martin team, two USAF F-35 pilots and one USAF aircrew instructor are co-located at the IAF’s Nevatim base in the Negev desert, home of the 140th Golden Eagles Squadron, which received its first pair of Adir (Awesome/Mighty) Dec. 12.
Defense News
F-35 Triggers Conceptual Overhaul in Israel Air Force
While USAF personnel are expected to return to home bases in about six months, many of the Lockheed Martin team will remain at Nevatim years after the service declares initial operational capability by the end of 2017, IAF and US sources said.
“We don’t just say, ‘Here’s your planes, good luck. Hope all goes well,’” said Mike Rein, Lockheed Martin F-35 communications director.
“We’re working very closely with them … Over time, as they go through the process and learn more about this fifth-generation fighter, they will get to a point where we will downsize our in-country representation. But even once they’ve reached that point, we won’t go away. We’re contracted to provide back-shop support for the long term,” Rein told Defense News.
Rein noted that the highly computerized, sensor-fused, fifth-generation aircraft comes with a steep learning curve at the beginning of its operational life, given all the data that must be tracked before, during and following flight. Even after the IAF masters logistical and operational procedures, he said Lockheed Martin will be present to assist Israel and other F-35 partner and customer nations as new software updates come online.
IAF generals quoted in the latest edition of the service’s in-house, Hebrew language journal cited unprecedented cooperation with — as well as dependence on — Lockheed Martin, developer and prime contractor for the F-35.
“We’re much more dependent on the manufacturer who gives us an entire maintenance and logistics envelope … We’ll have to learn to work with foreign experts who are here and are supporting us,” Brig. Gen. Ran Bashvitz, head of the IAF Equipment Branch, told the service’s Air Force Journal.
“We’re talking about technological and engineering challenges that oblige us to understand that there is knowledge here that is unknown to us … It’s a much more complex challenge than all other platforms that we’ve absorbed into our force in the past because its engineering is much more closed and much less open to changes,” he said.
Two Israeli F-35 “Adirs” fly in formation and display the US and Israeli flags after receiving fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135, Dec, 6, 2016.
Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Erik D. Anthony/US Air Force
In a special volume dedicated to receipt of the F-35 Adirs, Bashsvitz hailed the new aircraft as “trailblazers” and insisted the service has full confidence in the US Air Force, Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office for correcting various glitches discovered along the way.
“It takes time for an aircraft to mature. In all the systems and subsystems, we’re seeing a learning process, experiments and sometimes mistakes in order to bring, at the end of the day, an entirely new operational capability. It’s impossible to make a technological leap any other way; there’s no magic,” he said.
Another report in the same journal interviewed officers in Bashvitz’ department who said the Lockheed personnel as well as USAF representatives would be essential in the coming six months.
“In the first half-year, there is a process of passing the baton here in Israel. Afterwards, the number of experts that are here will decline and only those permanent advisers will remain,” one of the officers was quoted as saying.
The officer noted that the IAF is establishing at Tel Nof Air Base some 30 minutes south of Tel Aviv three F-35-specific maintenance capability units that will respectively specialize in structures, paint and composite materials. Such capabilities, the officer said, should come online by 2020.
As for pilot training, Brig. Gen. Tal Kalman, head of the IAF Air Staff, told the in-house magazine that due to the high fidelity of the Lockheed Martin flight simulators, the service expects to certify pilots with much less actual hours flown in the cockpit. According to Kalman, more time spent in simulators will drive down operational costs.
“While the cost of routine operations and maintenance of the Adir is higher than those of fourth-generation fighters, when viewed in totality, costs to operate an Adir squadron won’t be significantly different than a fourth-generation squadron, largely due to much wider use of simulators,” he said.
Defense News
Israel 'Ready' to Operate F-35s Without Ever Actually Flying Them
Kalman noted that with its F-15I and F-16I force, pilots spend about 10 percent of their time in simulators compared to 90 percent in the air. With the Adir, he said the ratio would be about 50:50.
In another report in the same in-house journal, another officer, a lieutenant colonel, said that by late December, the first two Adirs should enter normal flight rotations after an intense, two-week inspection period. He noted that all pilots and air crews had to polish what he called “Adirit,” a “complicated, new language” based on all the English-language manuals, procedures and acronyms that come with the aircraft.
He cited a directive by IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel that the service adapt itself to the F-35 Adir, and not the other way around; something that represented a significant departure from Israel’s receipt of previous aircraft.
“Over the years, the IAF developed its own systems and procedures, some of which were very advanced and uniquely suited to us like a glove on hand. But here, we must adapt ourselves to this American system,” noted the officer, whose title was listed as head of Adir issues in the IAF aircraft department.
The officer added, “Also in the past, we worked alongside the Americans, often on a day-to-day basis. But here, the cooperation has reached new heights that is unprecedented.”
@Penguin @500 @Natan @Archdemon @GBU-28 @F-15I @mike2000 is back @Blue Marlin @Mountain Jew @Beny Karachun @Adir-M @F-22Raptor @C130 @Desertfalcon
http://www.defensenews.com/articles...-could-impact-follow-on-modernization-program
DavidSling
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DISCLAIMER: During a discussion, I noticed that some people are misinformed about on-board technologies and capabilities of the F-35 series aircraft. So I will explain in this thread what F-35 is all about.
ON-BOARD SENSORS
AESA radar system (active)
Model: AN/APG-81
Developer: Northrop Grumman
Highlight: Engaging surface and airborne targets at long range.
The Distributed Aperture System (active)
Code: AN/AAQ-37
Developer: Northrop Grumman
Highlight: 360 degree spherical situational awareness (the first of its kind in aviation history)
The Electro-Optical Targeting System (passive via manual control; active via fusion)
Alternatively: TFLIR (targeting forward-looking infrared) with infrared search and track functionality
Code: AN/AAQ-40
Developer: Lockheed Martin
Highlight: Precision strikes
Stealthy attribute: Mounted inside the air-frame (reduction in radar cross-section and aerodynamic drag)
The Communications, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) Suite (passive via manual control; active via fusion)
Type: Software defined radios (IFF, VHF and UHF receive and transmit voice data)
Code: AN/ASQ-242
Developer: Northrop Gumman
Highlight: Network-centric communications (Link 16, MADL and more)
NOTE: F-35 aircraft is equipped with a physical radio (as a backup)
The Electronic Warfare Suite (active)
Code: AN/ASQ-239
Developer: BAE Systems
Highlight: Detection of surface and airborne threats and relevant countermeasures
SENSOR FUSION SYSTEM
This system represents the most innovative aspect of F-35 aircraft and is central to its design philosophy. The on-board sensors of the F-35 aircraft are electronically fused in order to work as a collective whole (i.e. Sensor Fusion Engine) and provide valuable feedback to the pilot in real-time (via) Tactical Situation Display (TSD) component of the on-board cockpit (C-5 ISR/D) and Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), during a military operation. The end-result is unparalleled 360 degree situational awareness and reduced workload for the pilot.
TRON warfare doctrine
If several F-35 aircraft are involved in the same military operation (a squadron), they can establish a knowledge-sharing network in which each F-35 aircraft is a sensor fusion node (C-5 ISR/D) for the other. In this setting, each F-35 aircraft complements the situational awareness of the other and makes it almost impractical for the enemy to compromise situation awareness of the entire squadron. This network-centric warfare strategy is dubbed as TRON warfare strategy.
F-35 is not just about stealth. Sensor Fusion System is central to its design philosophy and is a departure from traditional mechanics and information-sharing concepts in the older aircraft (5th generation in true sense of the word). With no second crew member, and the traditional head-up display replaced by a sophisticated helmet-mounted display as a component of Sensor Fusion System, F-35 is a class of its own.
REFERENCES
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/the-f-35-how-it-works/
http://www.sldinfo.com/whitepapers/the-f-35-and-advanced-sensor-fusion/
http://www.sldinfo.com/the-f-35-as-a-“flying-sensor-fusion-engine”-positioning-the-fleet-for-“tron”-warfare/
http://www.sldinfo.com/cni-and-madl-data-link-also-iocd-along-with-f-35b/
http://www.slideshare.net/robbinlaird/combat-systems-fusion-engine-for-the-f35
http://www.sldinfo.com/the-impact-o...5th-generation-fighters-on-combat-capability/
http://www.monch.com/mpg/news/12-c5i/499-c5isr-d-explained.html
Source: https://defence.pk/threads/understa...-35-jsf-for-the-dummies.472240/#ixzz4Ve4QVwGp
@LeGenD
ON-BOARD SENSORS
AESA radar system (active)
Model: AN/APG-81
Developer: Northrop Grumman
Highlight: Engaging surface and airborne targets at long range.
The Distributed Aperture System (active)
Code: AN/AAQ-37
Developer: Northrop Grumman
Highlight: 360 degree spherical situational awareness (the first of its kind in aviation history)
The Electro-Optical Targeting System (passive via manual control; active via fusion)
Alternatively: TFLIR (targeting forward-looking infrared) with infrared search and track functionality
Code: AN/AAQ-40
Developer: Lockheed Martin
Highlight: Precision strikes
Stealthy attribute: Mounted inside the air-frame (reduction in radar cross-section and aerodynamic drag)
The Communications, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) Suite (passive via manual control; active via fusion)
Type: Software defined radios (IFF, VHF and UHF receive and transmit voice data)
Code: AN/ASQ-242
Developer: Northrop Gumman
Highlight: Network-centric communications (Link 16, MADL and more)
NOTE: F-35 aircraft is equipped with a physical radio (as a backup)
The Electronic Warfare Suite (active)
Code: AN/ASQ-239
Developer: BAE Systems
Highlight: Detection of surface and airborne threats and relevant countermeasures
SENSOR FUSION SYSTEM
This system represents the most innovative aspect of F-35 aircraft and is central to its design philosophy. The on-board sensors of the F-35 aircraft are electronically fused in order to work as a collective whole (i.e. Sensor Fusion Engine) and provide valuable feedback to the pilot in real-time (via) Tactical Situation Display (TSD) component of the on-board cockpit (C-5 ISR/D) and Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), during a military operation. The end-result is unparalleled 360 degree situational awareness and reduced workload for the pilot.
TRON warfare doctrine
If several F-35 aircraft are involved in the same military operation (a squadron), they can establish a knowledge-sharing network in which each F-35 aircraft is a sensor fusion node (C-5 ISR/D) for the other. In this setting, each F-35 aircraft complements the situational awareness of the other and makes it almost impractical for the enemy to compromise situation awareness of the entire squadron. This network-centric warfare strategy is dubbed as TRON warfare strategy.
- INFORMATION SHARING RANGE: Concurrent with the pilot's own judgement which is limited by physical realities, the pilot will be able to “see” using cockpit electronic displays and signals to their helmet allowing them not to just fight with their individual aircraft but be able to network and direct engagements at 800+ miles in 360 Degrees of 3 dimensional space out to all connected platforms.
- EFFECTIVENESS IN NUMBERS: Suppose that an enemy is able to neutralize one of the on-board sensors of a single F-35 aircraft in a formation of several. The likelihood that the enemy will be able to do the same to another F-35 in the same formation is slim to none. Therefore, it is almost impractical for the enemy to defeat multiple sensors on multiple F-35 aircraft simultaneously.
- NETWORK-CENTRIC SENSOR FUSION CAPABILITY: Because the sensors between (and within) the F-35 aircraft are fused, the pilot in the affected aircraft can simply tap in to another aircraft’s sensor suite to get the desired information.
F-35 is not just about stealth. Sensor Fusion System is central to its design philosophy and is a departure from traditional mechanics and information-sharing concepts in the older aircraft (5th generation in true sense of the word). With no second crew member, and the traditional head-up display replaced by a sophisticated helmet-mounted display as a component of Sensor Fusion System, F-35 is a class of its own.
REFERENCES
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/the-f-35-how-it-works/
http://www.sldinfo.com/whitepapers/the-f-35-and-advanced-sensor-fusion/
http://www.sldinfo.com/the-f-35-as-a-“flying-sensor-fusion-engine”-positioning-the-fleet-for-“tron”-warfare/
http://www.sldinfo.com/cni-and-madl-data-link-also-iocd-along-with-f-35b/
http://www.slideshare.net/robbinlaird/combat-systems-fusion-engine-for-the-f35
http://www.sldinfo.com/the-impact-o...5th-generation-fighters-on-combat-capability/
http://www.monch.com/mpg/news/12-c5i/499-c5isr-d-explained.html
Source: https://defence.pk/threads/understa...-35-jsf-for-the-dummies.472240/#ixzz4Ve4QVwGp
@LeGenD
DavidSling
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The “Adir’s” First Night FlightRelease date16.01.2017
Today, the “Adir” (F-35I) jets took off for their first night flight since arriving in Israel about a month ago. Upon landing, the “Golden Eagle” Squadron noted a successful first night sortie. “This flight holds a significant statement”
Zohar Boneh
The pair of “Adir” (F-35I) stealth fighters took off for their first night flight in the IAF this evening, only a month after landing in Israel. “We are performing a night flight very quickly in comparison to other aircraft that were integrated in the IAF”, said Lt. Col. Yotam, Commander of the “Golden Eagle” Squadron that received the “Adir”. “It’s a significant statement that says that to us, there is no difference between a day flight and a night flight”.
“Night flights are not unusual occurrences”, stated Lt. Col. Yotam. “The aircraft’s systems allow for comfortable flight at night, that is almost identical to a day flight. Despite this, like in every mission, we operate slowly and in a supervised manner, while performing in-depth risk management. Tonight, we are examining how the aircraft’s night vision systems fit with the flight familiar to us”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Advanced Technnology - Allows Flight in the Dark
Night flights hold many challenges, but the technology and systems at the disposal of the IAF’s fighter division in general and the “Adir” (F-35I) fighters in particular allow them to operate in the dark. “Of course we are limited by certain human limitations that we cannot overcome, but the technological response and the assistance that the aircraft offer in night flights are very advanced and we haven’t encountered them in other aircraft”.
One of the systems that Lt. Col. Yotam referred to is called DAS (Distributed Aperture System) and is unique to the F-35. The system provides the pilot with a 360 situational awareness system that displays a 360 image of the aircraft’s surrounding directly in the helmet. This is done with the help of cameras mounted around the stealth fighter’s airframe. Thanks to DAS, that provides the F-35 pilot with a full, high quality, 360 image at night as well, the pilot is empowered with situational awareness and can take off safely and perform his mission.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
At All Hours
The cover of darkness is often a significant advantage that serves IAF squadrons, minimizes the risk of harming uninvolved civilians and reduces the risk to the aircrew. Nonetheless, according to the “Golden Eagle” Squadron’s training program, night flight are not uniquely designated, but the ability is of great significance when defining the aircraft’s activities. “The ‘Adir’s ability to fly in threatened areas is allowed not only thanks to the dark”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “We plan to fly without constraints of time or space, so it is a scenario we want and need to train for”.
The night flight was performed as part of the aircraft’s integration program in the IAF and its preparation for operational capability by the end of 2017. “The F-35 program is in development”, said IAF Chief of Air Staff, Brig. Gen. Tal Kelman. “As expected from a complex, in-development program of a fighter aircraft, defects are being discovered, similarly to other development programs of different platforms we acquired in the past. The majority of the defects are software defects, and if necessary, corrections and changes are made. The program maintains complete transparency with its customers and is obligated to provide full security in the operation of the aircraft״.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
http://www.iaf.org.il/4456-48916-en/IAF.aspx
Today, the “Adir” (F-35I) jets took off for their first night flight since arriving in Israel about a month ago. Upon landing, the “Golden Eagle” Squadron noted a successful first night sortie. “This flight holds a significant statement”
Zohar Boneh
The pair of “Adir” (F-35I) stealth fighters took off for their first night flight in the IAF this evening, only a month after landing in Israel. “We are performing a night flight very quickly in comparison to other aircraft that were integrated in the IAF”, said Lt. Col. Yotam, Commander of the “Golden Eagle” Squadron that received the “Adir”. “It’s a significant statement that says that to us, there is no difference between a day flight and a night flight”.
“Night flights are not unusual occurrences”, stated Lt. Col. Yotam. “The aircraft’s systems allow for comfortable flight at night, that is almost identical to a day flight. Despite this, like in every mission, we operate slowly and in a supervised manner, while performing in-depth risk management. Tonight, we are examining how the aircraft’s night vision systems fit with the flight familiar to us”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Advanced Technnology - Allows Flight in the Dark
Night flights hold many challenges, but the technology and systems at the disposal of the IAF’s fighter division in general and the “Adir” (F-35I) fighters in particular allow them to operate in the dark. “Of course we are limited by certain human limitations that we cannot overcome, but the technological response and the assistance that the aircraft offer in night flights are very advanced and we haven’t encountered them in other aircraft”.
One of the systems that Lt. Col. Yotam referred to is called DAS (Distributed Aperture System) and is unique to the F-35. The system provides the pilot with a 360 situational awareness system that displays a 360 image of the aircraft’s surrounding directly in the helmet. This is done with the help of cameras mounted around the stealth fighter’s airframe. Thanks to DAS, that provides the F-35 pilot with a full, high quality, 360 image at night as well, the pilot is empowered with situational awareness and can take off safely and perform his mission.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
At All Hours
The cover of darkness is often a significant advantage that serves IAF squadrons, minimizes the risk of harming uninvolved civilians and reduces the risk to the aircrew. Nonetheless, according to the “Golden Eagle” Squadron’s training program, night flight are not uniquely designated, but the ability is of great significance when defining the aircraft’s activities. “The ‘Adir’s ability to fly in threatened areas is allowed not only thanks to the dark”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “We plan to fly without constraints of time or space, so it is a scenario we want and need to train for”.
The night flight was performed as part of the aircraft’s integration program in the IAF and its preparation for operational capability by the end of 2017. “The F-35 program is in development”, said IAF Chief of Air Staff, Brig. Gen. Tal Kelman. “As expected from a complex, in-development program of a fighter aircraft, defects are being discovered, similarly to other development programs of different platforms we acquired in the past. The majority of the defects are software defects, and if necessary, corrections and changes are made. The program maintains complete transparency with its customers and is obligated to provide full security in the operation of the aircraft״.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
http://www.iaf.org.il/4456-48916-en/IAF.aspx
DavidSling
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DavidSling
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DavidSling
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Israeli F-35 buy-back surpasses $1 billion
By: Barbara Opall-Rome, February 12, 2017 (Photo Credit: Liz Lutz/Lockheed Martin)
TEL AVIV – Israel’s Defense Ministry announced Sunday that completed industrial cooperation or buy-back contracts with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program surpassed the $1 billion benchmark since Israel signed its first contract in 2010 for an initial 19 fighters.
According to Avi Dadon, MoD’s deputy director of purchasing, Israeli firms entered into $258 million worth of new contracts during 2016, a 33 percent surge from the previous year.
“The scope of industrial cooperation between [Lockheed Martin] and Israeli industries, just in the past year, illustrates the big, raw potential of this deal to the Israeli economy,” Dadon said.
Key Israeli suppliers to Lockheed Martin for the year that just closed include Elbit Systems, which together with Rockwell Collins expanded their production contract for sensor-fuzed helmets by $206 million; and Israel Aerospace Industries, which received a $26 million follow-on contract for wing sets.
Two other Elbit subsidiaries – Cyclone and Tadiran – also scored orders exceeding $20 million last year for structural components and radio amplifiers respectively.
Dadon noted that several Lockheed Martin contracts were extended to small firms in northern Israel to support industries near the “line of confrontation” along the border with Lebanon.
He said the Ministry aimed to work in the coming year “to further deepen” industrial cooperation associated with Israel’s F-35 program.
Israel is now negotiating its third contract for another 17 F-35A fighters, which will bring the Israel Air Force’s inventory to 50.
In an interview late last year, Jack Crisler, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for F-35 business development, said Israeli technology was benefiting not only those planes destined for the Israel Air Force, but in many cases, all partner and customer nations of the fifth-generation fighter.
@opallrome
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/israeli-f-35-buy-back-surpasses-1-billion
By: Barbara Opall-Rome, February 12, 2017 (Photo Credit: Liz Lutz/Lockheed Martin)
TEL AVIV – Israel’s Defense Ministry announced Sunday that completed industrial cooperation or buy-back contracts with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program surpassed the $1 billion benchmark since Israel signed its first contract in 2010 for an initial 19 fighters.
According to Avi Dadon, MoD’s deputy director of purchasing, Israeli firms entered into $258 million worth of new contracts during 2016, a 33 percent surge from the previous year.
“The scope of industrial cooperation between [Lockheed Martin] and Israeli industries, just in the past year, illustrates the big, raw potential of this deal to the Israeli economy,” Dadon said.
Key Israeli suppliers to Lockheed Martin for the year that just closed include Elbit Systems, which together with Rockwell Collins expanded their production contract for sensor-fuzed helmets by $206 million; and Israel Aerospace Industries, which received a $26 million follow-on contract for wing sets.
Two other Elbit subsidiaries – Cyclone and Tadiran – also scored orders exceeding $20 million last year for structural components and radio amplifiers respectively.
Dadon noted that several Lockheed Martin contracts were extended to small firms in northern Israel to support industries near the “line of confrontation” along the border with Lebanon.
He said the Ministry aimed to work in the coming year “to further deepen” industrial cooperation associated with Israel’s F-35 program.
Israel is now negotiating its third contract for another 17 F-35A fighters, which will bring the Israel Air Force’s inventory to 50.
In an interview late last year, Jack Crisler, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for F-35 business development, said Israeli technology was benefiting not only those planes destined for the Israel Air Force, but in many cases, all partner and customer nations of the fifth-generation fighter.
@opallrome
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/israeli-f-35-buy-back-surpasses-1-billion
DavidSling
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F-35 Integration Office Director Visits IAFRelease date20.02.2017
Next articlePrevious article
Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, who is responsible for the integration process of the F-35 in the United States Air Force, visited Israel last week in order to strengthen cooperation and share knowledge. During his visit, General Pleus met with the Heads of the IAF’s Directorates and Divisions and toured the “Golden Eagle” Squadron
Zohar Boneh
Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, Director of the F-35 Integration Office, U.S Air Force, visited the IAF last week in order to strengthen IAF-USAF cooperation regarding the new F-35Ir. During his visit, General Pleus toured Tel-Nof AFB and visited the IAF Test Squadron and Aerial Maintenance Unit. He performed a simulator sortie in the IAF Fighter Simulator Squadron in Hatzor AFB and toured Nevatim AFB and the “Golden Eagle” Squadron that operates the “Adir” (F-35I).
General Pleus is responsible for integrating activities across air staff directorates, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, partners, Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, major commands and the Joint Program Office to ensure connectivity of information and decisions across the F-35 enterprise.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Integrating Together
Similarly to the IAF, the USAF is also currently in the process of integrating the F-35. The fifth generation stealth fighter wields new capabilities and requires a comprehensive change in aircraft, squadron and Force-wide operation concepts. In the passing August, the USAF declared the F-35A jet “combat ready”, when it announced IOC (initial operational capability). The IAF expects to declare F-35I IOC in December 2017.
“For the first time, we face a scenario in which the IAF and USAF are integrating an aircraft simultaneously”, shared Maj. Roei from the IAF International Affairs Branch. “We integrated the F-15 and F-16 jets years after them, so when we faced difficulties, they usually had the answer. Here, we face the challenges of integration side by side, so the communication between us is fundamental”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Strengthening the Bond
This is General Pleus’ second visit to the Israeli Air Force, after attending the “Adir” F-35I landing ceremony in December. This time, he was invited to Israel as a guest of Brig. Gen. Tal Kelman, the Chief of Air Staff and met with the other heads of IAF Divisions and Directorates in order to discuss the integration process and its various aspects, such as intelligence, operations and training.
“The communication with the USAF F-35 Integration Office is of great importance”, explained Maj. Roei. “Brig. Gen. Pleus has a central role and deals with a wide spectrum of aspects regarding the integration of the aircraft. The goal of the visit was to create the necessary connection in order to strengthen and guarantee the channels the information goes through”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
@Penguin @500 @Natan @Archdemon @GBU-28 @F-15I @mike2000 is back @Blue Marlin @Mountain Jew @Beny Karachun @Adir-M @Ilay @theman111 @Providence @F-22Raptor
Next articlePrevious article
Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, who is responsible for the integration process of the F-35 in the United States Air Force, visited Israel last week in order to strengthen cooperation and share knowledge. During his visit, General Pleus met with the Heads of the IAF’s Directorates and Divisions and toured the “Golden Eagle” Squadron
Zohar Boneh
Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, Director of the F-35 Integration Office, U.S Air Force, visited the IAF last week in order to strengthen IAF-USAF cooperation regarding the new F-35Ir. During his visit, General Pleus toured Tel-Nof AFB and visited the IAF Test Squadron and Aerial Maintenance Unit. He performed a simulator sortie in the IAF Fighter Simulator Squadron in Hatzor AFB and toured Nevatim AFB and the “Golden Eagle” Squadron that operates the “Adir” (F-35I).
General Pleus is responsible for integrating activities across air staff directorates, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, partners, Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, major commands and the Joint Program Office to ensure connectivity of information and decisions across the F-35 enterprise.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Integrating Together
Similarly to the IAF, the USAF is also currently in the process of integrating the F-35. The fifth generation stealth fighter wields new capabilities and requires a comprehensive change in aircraft, squadron and Force-wide operation concepts. In the passing August, the USAF declared the F-35A jet “combat ready”, when it announced IOC (initial operational capability). The IAF expects to declare F-35I IOC in December 2017.
“For the first time, we face a scenario in which the IAF and USAF are integrating an aircraft simultaneously”, shared Maj. Roei from the IAF International Affairs Branch. “We integrated the F-15 and F-16 jets years after them, so when we faced difficulties, they usually had the answer. Here, we face the challenges of integration side by side, so the communication between us is fundamental”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
Strengthening the Bond
This is General Pleus’ second visit to the Israeli Air Force, after attending the “Adir” F-35I landing ceremony in December. This time, he was invited to Israel as a guest of Brig. Gen. Tal Kelman, the Chief of Air Staff and met with the other heads of IAF Divisions and Directorates in order to discuss the integration process and its various aspects, such as intelligence, operations and training.
“The communication with the USAF F-35 Integration Office is of great importance”, explained Maj. Roei. “Brig. Gen. Pleus has a central role and deals with a wide spectrum of aspects regarding the integration of the aircraft. The goal of the visit was to create the necessary connection in order to strengthen and guarantee the channels the information goes through”.
Photography: Mor Tzidon
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DavidSling
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The “Adir” & “Sufa” Fly TogetherRelease date01.03.2017
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A unique bond has formed between the “Golden Eagle” and the “Negev” Squadrons: besides flying together, the squadrons are both participating in the “Adir” (F-35I) integration process. “The effectiveness of the exercises rises when we have other aircraft beside us”
Zohar Boneh
The “Adir” (F-35I) has been flying above Israel for over two months and the rumble of its engine has become a familiar sound. What you might not know is that the stealth fighter often flies beside the “Sufa” (F-16I) which was the IAF’s newest fighter aircraft until the “Adir” arrived. The mutual flight isn’t coincidental. In fact, the “Negev” Squadron, which operates the “Sufa” operates as an escort squadron to the “Golden Eagle” Squadron, which is in the process of integrating the “Adir”.
“The reason we decided to cooperate with an escort squadron was a lesson the USAF learned”, shared Lt. Col. Yotam, Commander of the “Golden Eagle” Squadron. “The ‘Sufa’ jets fly alongside the ‘Adir’ in almost every sortie. In fact, there are aircraft, aircrew members and technical crews from the ‘Negev’ squadron in Nevatim AFB at any given time in order to support us. It isn’t an easy operation, but the entire air force supports it”.
Photography: Maj. Ofer
Effective Training, Better Decisions
There are currently only two “Adir” stealth fighters in the IAF and completion of flight formations with “Sufa” jets deeply contributes to the training exercise. “The effectiveness of the exercise rises when there are other aircraft beside us”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “Besides, we have another advantage – the ‘Negev’ Squadron is a double-seat squadron, so when we fly alongside the ‘Sufa’, we have a guide who escorts us in the sky”.
“The ‘Negev’ Squadron personnel are fully exposed to the secrets of the ‘Adir’ and are an inseparable part of the integration process”, he added. “We treat it as the wisdom of the crowd – as more people experience this special aircraft, the decisions we make, which will have a great impact on the IAF for years to come, will be better”.
Photography: Maj. Ofer
Why “Sufa”?
Choosing the “Negev” Squadron to escort the “Golden Eagle” Squadron is a choice of great significance, as in comparison with other IAF platforms, its aircraft are the most similar to the “Adir”. Moreover, it was the first squadron to integrate the F-16I in February 2004. The fact that it is a double-seat squadron is also of great significance to the learning process. “In the ‘Adir’, we perform many actions that pilots usually do not, but ‘Sufa’ WSOs do daily. We are utilizing this opportunity in order to learn certain actions from them, which are critical to operating the ‘Adir’”.
Despite the cooperation stemming from the desire to train the “Golden Eagle” Squadron’s pilots, the squadrons’ special bond is a two way street. “Most of the scenarios we perform train the ‘Sufa’ pilots as well”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “In addition, in the long run I am sure that this squadron will be the first to enjoy the fruits of change the ‘Adir’ will bring, which are relevant to fourth generation fighters aircraft as well”.
http://www.iaf.org.il/4458-49049-en/IAF.aspx
Next articlePrevious article
A unique bond has formed between the “Golden Eagle” and the “Negev” Squadrons: besides flying together, the squadrons are both participating in the “Adir” (F-35I) integration process. “The effectiveness of the exercises rises when we have other aircraft beside us”
Zohar Boneh
The “Adir” (F-35I) has been flying above Israel for over two months and the rumble of its engine has become a familiar sound. What you might not know is that the stealth fighter often flies beside the “Sufa” (F-16I) which was the IAF’s newest fighter aircraft until the “Adir” arrived. The mutual flight isn’t coincidental. In fact, the “Negev” Squadron, which operates the “Sufa” operates as an escort squadron to the “Golden Eagle” Squadron, which is in the process of integrating the “Adir”.
“The reason we decided to cooperate with an escort squadron was a lesson the USAF learned”, shared Lt. Col. Yotam, Commander of the “Golden Eagle” Squadron. “The ‘Sufa’ jets fly alongside the ‘Adir’ in almost every sortie. In fact, there are aircraft, aircrew members and technical crews from the ‘Negev’ squadron in Nevatim AFB at any given time in order to support us. It isn’t an easy operation, but the entire air force supports it”.
Photography: Maj. Ofer
Effective Training, Better Decisions
There are currently only two “Adir” stealth fighters in the IAF and completion of flight formations with “Sufa” jets deeply contributes to the training exercise. “The effectiveness of the exercise rises when there are other aircraft beside us”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “Besides, we have another advantage – the ‘Negev’ Squadron is a double-seat squadron, so when we fly alongside the ‘Sufa’, we have a guide who escorts us in the sky”.
“The ‘Negev’ Squadron personnel are fully exposed to the secrets of the ‘Adir’ and are an inseparable part of the integration process”, he added. “We treat it as the wisdom of the crowd – as more people experience this special aircraft, the decisions we make, which will have a great impact on the IAF for years to come, will be better”.
Photography: Maj. Ofer
Why “Sufa”?
Choosing the “Negev” Squadron to escort the “Golden Eagle” Squadron is a choice of great significance, as in comparison with other IAF platforms, its aircraft are the most similar to the “Adir”. Moreover, it was the first squadron to integrate the F-16I in February 2004. The fact that it is a double-seat squadron is also of great significance to the learning process. “In the ‘Adir’, we perform many actions that pilots usually do not, but ‘Sufa’ WSOs do daily. We are utilizing this opportunity in order to learn certain actions from them, which are critical to operating the ‘Adir’”.
Despite the cooperation stemming from the desire to train the “Golden Eagle” Squadron’s pilots, the squadrons’ special bond is a two way street. “Most of the scenarios we perform train the ‘Sufa’ pilots as well”, explained Lt. Col. Yotam. “In addition, in the long run I am sure that this squadron will be the first to enjoy the fruits of change the ‘Adir’ will bring, which are relevant to fourth generation fighters aircraft as well”.
http://www.iaf.org.il/4458-49049-en/IAF.aspx
DavidSling
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DavidSling
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“Adir” Maintenance Training Center Inaugurated
A first-of-its-kind maintenance training center, based in Nevatim AFB, was inaugurated this week and will allow “Adir” (F-35I) technicians to rehearse various scenarios in a manner never before seen in the IAF
Zohar Boneh
The “Adir” (F-35I) Maintenance Training Center in Nevatim AFB, the first F-35 maintenance training center outside of the U.S and the first of its kind in the IAF was inaugurated this week. “This is a different and advanced instruction concept, adapted to the fifth generation”, said Maj. Yaniv, an officer from the IAF Material Directorate. “It is equipped with systems that speak for themselves and provide new instruction capabilities”.
Archive Photo
3D Stealth
The center is divided into instruction classes in which each cadet can participate in frontal instruction style lessons or work independently and a simulator that is composed of two screens which provide a 3D view of the jet and allow the cadets to train for different scenarios. Beside it lays a laptop which is an exact copy of the computer which escorts the technicians in their daily work routine. “The trainee will see the wheels and bolt moving and the shadow he makes”, described Maj. Tzachi Gino, Commander of the Maintenance Training Center. “As a result, when the technicians step up to the aircraft for the first time, they’ll not only know what to do, but what it’s supposed to look like”.
According to Maj. Yaniv, “The simulator is built to make the cadet feel like he is standing in front of the aircraft”. In addition, it enables the cadets learn while being accompanied by instructors who supervise and oversee their performance. “The computer supervises the technicians’ work and warns them when they operate incorrectly or make security mistakes”, shared Maj. Tzachi.
Photography: Celia Garion
25 Professions, One Place
No less than 25 different technical professions will be studied in the new training center, some of which are unique to the “Adir”. “We train technicians of all levels, from their first steps to senior technicians”, said Maj. Tzachi. “Everyone will come back to the training center in order to maintain their fitness for various missions”.
http://www.iaf.org.il/4458-49051-en/IAF.aspx
A first-of-its-kind maintenance training center, based in Nevatim AFB, was inaugurated this week and will allow “Adir” (F-35I) technicians to rehearse various scenarios in a manner never before seen in the IAF
Zohar Boneh
The “Adir” (F-35I) Maintenance Training Center in Nevatim AFB, the first F-35 maintenance training center outside of the U.S and the first of its kind in the IAF was inaugurated this week. “This is a different and advanced instruction concept, adapted to the fifth generation”, said Maj. Yaniv, an officer from the IAF Material Directorate. “It is equipped with systems that speak for themselves and provide new instruction capabilities”.
Archive Photo
3D Stealth
The center is divided into instruction classes in which each cadet can participate in frontal instruction style lessons or work independently and a simulator that is composed of two screens which provide a 3D view of the jet and allow the cadets to train for different scenarios. Beside it lays a laptop which is an exact copy of the computer which escorts the technicians in their daily work routine. “The trainee will see the wheels and bolt moving and the shadow he makes”, described Maj. Tzachi Gino, Commander of the Maintenance Training Center. “As a result, when the technicians step up to the aircraft for the first time, they’ll not only know what to do, but what it’s supposed to look like”.
According to Maj. Yaniv, “The simulator is built to make the cadet feel like he is standing in front of the aircraft”. In addition, it enables the cadets learn while being accompanied by instructors who supervise and oversee their performance. “The computer supervises the technicians’ work and warns them when they operate incorrectly or make security mistakes”, shared Maj. Tzachi.
Photography: Celia Garion
25 Professions, One Place
No less than 25 different technical professions will be studied in the new training center, some of which are unique to the “Adir”. “We train technicians of all levels, from their first steps to senior technicians”, said Maj. Tzachi. “Everyone will come back to the training center in order to maintain their fitness for various missions”.
http://www.iaf.org.il/4458-49051-en/IAF.aspx
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