Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions.

[S-A-B-E-R->]

Northrop Grumman Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR)
FEBRUARY 10, 2012*

The Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), designed specifically for the F-16, is the newest addition to the Northrop Grumman robust family of multi-function sensors. Leveraging Northrop Grumman’s world-leading AESA technology base, SABR was designed to maximize radar system performance within existing F-16 allocations. SABR is a full performance fire control AESA designed to the support next generation weapons and tactics, in the presence of the world’s densely-packed electronic threat environment. Backed by decades of experience in the design, development and integration of electronically scanned radar technology, SABR immediately showed its strong heritage, building an unmatched record of successful “firsts,” when flight operations started. SABR made its debut on an F-16 in November, 2009, making it the first retrofit AESA to fly in an F-16. Because of Northrop Grumman’s 35+years of experience with the F-16, SABR spent only 3 days in a systems integration lab (SIL) and quick-turned to flight at Edwards AFB. With only USAF flight test pilots and flight test engineers aboard, SABR flew 17 sorties with 100% mission success rate.

SABR Leverages Commonality to Maximize Affordability

Since SABR’s initial unveiling, Northrop Grumman has continued efforts to expand capability and reduce risk. Our SABR system has accumulated thousands of operating hours in the lab and in the air, all without failure, demonstrating superior operational performance and reliability. The antenna has proven as robust as any of the other 5th generation AESAs Northrop Grumman has produced. SABR takes advantage of Northrop Grumman’s world-leading processes established for rapid, accurate production of the APG-77, -77(V)1, -80, and -81. Northrop Grumman produces AESA radars in a single facility at one location, allowing for tight quality control at every step. The facility houses both the AESA design and production teams. This enables cross-program synergies and rapid innovation producing very consistent, highly reliable systems. Unique in-house automated manufacture and test, antenna test ranges, and our one-of-a-kind flight engineering and test organization assure that SABR’s customers benefit from these synergies.

5th Generation Fighter Capability

Northrop Grumman has continued to grow SABR’s capabilities. By using an internal software porting process, SABR operational capabilities were enhanced to host F-35 modes. SABR participated along with US Forces in operational scenarios and showcased revolutionary operational performance. SABR flew side-by-side with the APG-81 in matching Northrop Grumman flight test aircraft and produced exceptional results in a very challenging environment. For all those who seek AESA performance to deal with the current and evolving threats, there is no substitute for proven flight test results. Only Northrop Grumman can provide these results, and only Northrop Grumman can link them to 5th Generation Fighter capabilities in an F-16.

Northrop Grumman Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) | Defense Update

any chance we buy this beauty

 

[humza_313]

any chance we buy this beauty

Hahaha! Cant see the beauty! Link broken =D

---------- Post added at 11:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 AM ----------

36 in hand
24 in the process of upgrade and delivery(mix of blk 15 and 40)
36 new
96 total (5.3 sqdns)
the original plan was 108 a/c (6 sqdns) so expect additional used F-16s to cover this gap.

I have heard that they are purchasing USED F-16s from some scandanavian airforces. Dont remember the country. And in the coming years all the block 15s will be converted to F-16AM/BM block 40+ through MLU.

 

[fatman17]

J-20 Mighty Dragon
5th Gen Fighter


The J-20 #2001 prototype/technology demonstrator made its maiden flight on January 11, 2011 over the city of Chengdu, wearing a distinctive dark green color scheme (RAM coating applied?) and powered by two indigenous WS-1X turbofan engines. The prototype features a pair of all-moving tailfins and Russian 1.44 style twin ventral stabilizing fins and tail booms, which shield the engine nozzles but might increase RCS. Also there are four large underwing actuator fairings which might not be stealth optimized. It also features an F-22 style forward fuselage, including adjustable Caret inlets but with DSI bumps installed at the upper inner corners, as well as a one-piece frameless canopy. Small LERX are installed between the canards and main wings in order to generate vortex together with the canards at high AoA. Two small dark diamond shaped windows can be seen on both sides of the nose, which could house certain EO sensors, such as MAWS and/or IRST. Two additional windows are seen underneath the rear fuselage, plus two more on top of the forward fuselage above the canard wings, suggesting a distributed situational awareness system similar to the EODAS onboard American F-35 was installed providing a full 360° coverage. Besides a large belly weapon bay for short/long-range AAMs (up to 6 PL-10, PL-12C/D & PL-21), two smaller lateral weapon bays have been identified behind the air inlets for short-range AAMs (up to 2 PL-10). The 2001 prototype appears to fly without an internal gun, which is expected to be installed on later ones. First disclosed by US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) in 1997 as XXJ, J-20 (Project 718) is a 4th generation heavy multi-role fighter to enter the service with PLAAF between 2016 and 2018, a timeframe much faster than the one (>2020) anticipated by the western military analysts. Since early 90s both CAC/611 Institute and SAC/601 Institute had been working their own designs to bid for a twin-engine heavy fighter with stealth capability and maneuverability comparable to American F-22. It was speculated that 601 Institute was working on a "tri-plane" design (J-19?) based on canard/conventional layout/V-shape tailfin while 611 Institute working on a design based on canard/tailless delta wing/V-shape tailfin/lateral DSI/bump inlet layout. All designs were expected to feature a belly internal weapon bay to reduce RCS, which has been speculated to be <0.05m2 (head-on). J-20 also incorporates an advanced FBW (or FBL?) system fully integrated with the fire-control and the engine systems. Its fire-control radar is expected to be AESA (Type 1475/KLJ5?) based on the less powerful model being tested onboard J-10B, both are developed by the 14th Institute. The radar is thought to be comparable to American APG-77. The next generation secure datalink is believed to be installed as well which provides secure networking with other J-20s and KJ-200/2000 AWACS. The aircraft also features a "pure" glass cockpit (two large color LCDs plus a few smaller ones and a wide-angle holographic HUD). Many of these subsystems have been tested onboard J-10B to speed up the development (see above). A dorsal receptacle might be installed to reduce RCS instead of a nose probe for IFR purpose. The exact type of engine powering prototypes is uncertain, even though a Chinese or Russian turbofan engine including AL-31F (13t class) and enhanced WS-10 (WS-10X?) (14t class) has been speculated. The enhanced WS-10X turbofan is capable of generating a higher thrust by sacrificing the engine life. Therefore this particular type of engine is for the J-20 prototype only and not for production models. Leaked images suggest that two types of engines were installed (separately on two 2001 prototypes?) but only one type was used for the maiden flight. One is AL-31F, the other is thought to be WS-10X featuring a silver color "stealth" nozzle with saw tooth edges to reduce RCS and IR emission. However the nozzle has yet to demonstrate an axisymmetric TVC capability. It was reported in November 2006 that a 17-18t class T/W=9.5-10 turbofan (WS-15/"large thrust") with a TVC nozzle is being developed and will eventually power J-20s in production. J-20 appears slightly longer and slimmer than both F-22 and T-50, suggesting a compromise between achieving high speed/maneuverability and the less powerful engines available. Therefore currently the J-20 prototype still lacks the supercurise capability until the planned WS-15 turbofan enters the service. Russian assistance was also speculated in terms of software support for calculating the RCS and aerodynamics of various designs. The overall performance of J-20 is thought to be superior to that of Russian T-50 (maneuverability & supercruise) but still inferior to that of American F-22 (electronics & stealth). In August 2008 it was reported that 611 Institute was selected to be the main contractor for the development of J-20 and 601 Institute as the sub-contractor. Subsequently a full-scale metal mockup was built at CAC. One rumor in May 2010 claimed that 611 Institute started to construct the first prototype, which was expected to fly by the end of 2010, even though the full configuration version won't fly until a few years later. Two prototypes have been constructed and the first low-speed taxi trial by 2001 took place on November 4, 2010. Once entering the service, J-20 could pose a significant impact/challenge to the air balance in eastern Asian and western Pacific region.

- Last Updated 2/15/12

 

[Nishan_101]

Oman Seeks BAE Systems Bid for Typhoon



• The government of Oman has requested that BAE Systems submit a formal bid for the supply of Typhoon fighter aircraft. The move clarifies the Middle East nation’s continuing commitment to the program following delays in completing negotiations.

J-10B/BS are much cheaper and better platform for Oman and they must look seriously into it.....

 

[fatman17]

Chinese FAB-3000

They might not be smart but the are really, really, big. Who says size doesn't matter? - drop them from C-130's and see what happens below!

 

[PakShaheen79]

J-10B/BS are much cheaper and better platform for Oman and they must look seriously into it.....

Only problem with J-10B program is that it is in prototyping phase and China seriously cannot show it to anyone right now (except Pakistan )

 

[fatman17]

Military Flight Training 2012 conference taking place in London next month.

Now in its 11th year, Military Flight Training provides an exclusive opportunity to meet Air Training Commanders and Programme Managers responsible for establishing current requirements, future capabilities and technological developments necessary to reduce training gaps. The conference programme analyses the debate between the increased use of innovative simulation over live flight training, the necessary regime and equipment advancements to provide bespoke 5th Generation Fighter Training and pioneering methods of increasing flight training excellence whilst reducing costs.

The 2012 event has been developed to provide you with some fantastic new features:

&#8226;Military Flight Training 2020+ event theme: Focused discussions on the equipment and regime development road map t o the year 2020+
&#8226;Advanced Pilot Training Workshop: Extensive discussions of experiences and plans for advanced pilot training led by the T-X Program Office responsible for the $7.2 billion T-X Program
&#8226;5th Generation Fighter Focus Day: Targeted discussions on the topics that matter to you most during the Training & Simulation for the 5th Generation Fighter Focus Day
&#8226;New Networking Opportunities: Participate in interactive round table discussions designed to provoke in-depth debate regarding the hottest topics in requirements, capabilities & applications
The conference includes presentations from the world&#8217;s leading air forces, navies and armies with keynote sessions delivered by senior decision makers. The 2012 speaker faculty includes:

&#8226;Air Vice Marshal Aman, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Training), Pakistan Air Force
&#8226;Brigadier General Nowland, Director Plans, Programs and Assessment, Air Education Training Command, US Air Force
&#8226;Brigadier General Frigerio, Deputy Chief of Aerospace Plans and Policy, Italian Air Force
&#8226;Brigadier General Darendeli, Chief of Air Training, Turkish Air Force
&#8226;Colonel Van Dusen, T-X Chief Program Manager & Senior Materiel Leader, Training Aircraft Joint Program Office, Aeronautical Systems Center, US Air Force
&#8226;Lieutenant Colonel Vitas, Deputy Program Manager T-X, Training Aircraft Divisio n, Aeronautical Systems Center, US Air Force

 

[fatman17]

Commander of S Lankan Air Force visits Air HQs



Staff Reporter


Islamabad&#8212;Air Marshal Harsha Duminda Abeywickrama, Commander of Sri Lankan Air Force visited Air Headquarters Islamabad.

He is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force for 06 days. On his arrival at Air Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force received the distinguished guest.

A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the Guard of Honour. After reviewing the Guard of Honour, he was introduced to Principal Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force. The visiting guest paid homage to the martyrs of PAF by laying floral wreath on Martyrs&#8217; Monument at Air Headquarters Islamabad.

 

[Nishan_101]

Is there any news about the PAC construction and its progress at NAWABSHAH, as we are all expecting that it will be much bigger than the KAMRA one???

 

[Nishan_101]

Only problem with J-10B program is that it is in prototyping phase and China seriously cannot show it to anyone right now (except Pakistan )

I think the J-10B and J-10BS is also completed and China don't used to let others now about its project other than the JF-17. FC-20 that Pakistan will be getting soon are good ones and I am sure that Oman requirements can be easily fulfilled with them and I am sure that getting 100 of these would supplement them in every way along with some 5 AWE&Cs too.

 

[Storm Force]

Buying military hardware is VERY political.

OMAN WILL buy trusted reliable ALLY western equipment. THEY cannot risk fallout with the west

 

[fatman17]

Is there any news about the PAC construction and its progress at NAWABSHAH, as we are all expecting that it will be much bigger than the KAMRA one???

delayed - 'moula' ($$$) problem!

 

[fatman17]

New DG ISI and PAF chief take command

DAWN.COM

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Tahir Rafique Butt and others in Peshawar.

ISLAMABAD: Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt on Monday took over as the new Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force, DawnNews reported.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman was due to retire on March 18, 2012, on completion of his three-year tenure.

The PAF&#8217;s change of command ceremony took place at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad.

Former Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman pinned the batch and handed over the PAF&#8217;s Sword of Command to the new Air Marshal.

The PAF&#8217;s scout paraded and saluted the former and new Air Marshal.



Moreover, Lt Gen Zahir ul Islam took charge of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief from the Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha who was scheduled to retired.

 

[fatman17]

Passing the baton

By: S M Hali


March 21, 2012.


Pakistan Air Force witnessed a change in command through a solemn, but impressive ceremony at the headquarters on Monday, March 19, 2012. The passing of the baton was symbolically marked by handing over the command sword by the outgoing Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman to his successor Deputy Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt.

The departing Air Chief, however, will look back at his tenure with satisfaction. He spearheaded the induction and operationalisation of a number of force multipliers in the PAF, which include four IL-78P Midas air-to-air refueler aircrafts from Ukraine, the Swedish Saab-2000 Erieye and Chinese Shaanxi ZDK-03 AEW&C (airborne early warning and control aircraft), fourth generation F-16 Block-52 state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, upgradation of the old F-16 Block 15 MLU (midlife update) and the JF-17 Thunder indigenously produced in collaboration with China, additional air transport aircraft and missile systems, precision guided munitions and remotely piloted vehicles that assisted in the war on terror.

Under the leadership of Qamar Suleman, the PAF developed the counter insurgency doctrine, carried out extensive training and implemented successful strategy against the militants. Operating in tandem with his khaki counterpart, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, he led successful aerial operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA against them. Another remarkable achievement is the flight safety record during his tenure despite extensive flying. He incorporated a paradigm shift in the PAF training philosophy from skill-based to knowledge-based.

The PAF showcased its modern weapons system platforms through exercise &#8220;Highmark&#8221;, and dovetailing air operations in the biggest army exercise &#8220;Azm-e-Nau&#8221; and naval exercise &#8220;Amn&#8221;. Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India wanted to conduct surgical strikes against selected targets in Pakistan. The air force was put on high alert and on December 14, 2008, when two Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircrafts penetrated Pakistani airspace, they were intercepted and forced to retreat, prompting New Delhi to call off its foolhardy scheme. In his farewell speech, Suleman not only highlighted PAF&#8217;s achievements gained through teamwork, but also disappointments mainly referring to the May 2, 2011, US operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden.

Both Rao Qamar Suleman and Tahir Rafique Butt have been my juniors in the air force, as well as at the PAF Public School, Sargodha. In fact, I had the opportunity to briefly teach Butt at the PAF Academy, Risalpur, and have followed his training career with keen interest. Indeed, Tahir is an excellent choice to lead the PAF. He has been selected on merit, and is a capable, upright and honest officer, who will lead by personal example.

Surely, he would strengthen the air force and focus on the operational employment of the weapon systems already inducted. His main challenges would be the motivation of the PAF personnel, purging the service of extremists, if any, in the elite fighting force, and ensuring that the force continues its support in the war on terror under the guidance of the government.

Pakistan&#8217;s arch rival India has a formidable air force. Despit this, the PAF has always faced the challenges from the IAF gallantly, getting the better of its numerically superior adversary in all encounters. In its latest budget, India has enhanced its defence outlay by 17 percent. With its scarce resources, Islamabad cannot pursue keeping up with New Delhi&#8217;s ambitious weapons systems induction programme. Hence, Tahir would be well advised not to pursue it, but instead focus on PAF&#8217;s traditional advantages of better training, superior maintenance and enhanced operational capabilities of its aircrew.

n The writer is a political and defence analyst.

Email: sultanm.hali@gmail.com

 

[fatman17]

PAF in highest state of operational readiness: Rao

By: Our Staff Reporter | March 20, 2012


ISLAMABAD - without naming political leadership, the outgoing PAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman has emphasised the need for unambiguous instructions given to the armed forces in order to responding to challenges to the national security.&#8221;Where there were successes, PAF also faces certain challenges as well.

However, we must analyse our environment and decide about our policies and give clear unambiguous instructions to the armed forces&#8221;, the outgoing PAF Chief said in his address to the command handing over talking over ceremony here at PAF headquarters on Monday.

The outgoing Air Chief said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been equipped with latest weapon systems, which has enhanced its operational capabilities to adequately meet all the challenges.

Rao Qamar Suleman said he was retiring from the PAF with a deep sense of fulfilment, as the PAF was in the highest state of operational readiness.

He said all the latest weapon systems have been inducted and operationalised ; the fighter fleet has been upgraded with the fourth generation fighter aircraft and force multipliers.

He pointed out that the PAF has established two squadrons of its very own indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder Aircraft whose production started in the last three years.

This aircraft also saw unprecedented success in various exercises and international Air Shows the world over.

Air Chief Marshal Qamar Suleman said other major inductions included Saab-2000 AEW&C, ZDK-03 AWACS, IL-76 air-to-air refuellers and Spada-2000 Lomad systems. Alongside induction of sophisticated equipment, its operationalisation and availability for operations was attained in a very professional manner within these 3 years.

He said handling technologies four decades apart was the real test for the operational and technical experts of the PAF. They all can be proud of the fact that, despite limitations, PAF as a team with its talented human resource accomplished both the tasks in the most professional manner.

&#8220;Today we can claim with confidence that the technical and operational capabilities of PAF have been strengthened to adequately meet all the challenges,&#8221; he declared.

He said another important achievement, while they were inducting and operationalising new hardware, participating in national and international exercises, revamping training system, operating the legacy systems and undertaking all operational tasks as necessitated by the environment, the PAF also accomplished maximum flying in its history.

For two consecutive years, PAF crossed the 90,000 hrs mark and they could be proud of the fact that these feats were accomplished while achieving the best ever flight safety record in these three years and making 2010 an accident free year first time in our history and that too with maximum flying during the year.

The outgoing Air Chief said during the last three years, there have been numerous new initiatives, introduction of new policies and systems, very large number of successful operational and non-operational accomplishments and meaningful contributions towards nation building as well as provision of support during natural calamities. All this could not have been possible without Allah Almighty&#8217;s blessings and devotion, dedication and hard work by his excellent team, which included all the PSOs, ACsAS, field commanders and all airmen of the PAF.

He thanked all members of his team for their all out support and for helping him achieve all he could do with outstanding standards of professionalism and safety.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman reminded that where there were successes, PAF also faces certain challenges as well.

But as professionals they need to understand that PAF operates in very difficult environment, and has to work within the defined policy guidelines and constraints.

They must analyse environment and decide about their policies and give clear unambiguous instructions to the armed forces.

He congratulated Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff.

He said Air Chief Marshal Tahir is an outstanding professional, accomplished airman and good human being.

He said it was a matter of satisfaction for him that he was handing over the command of PAF to a thoroughbred professional. He has a poised personality, and the rare ability to judge and analyse matters with deep insight, Rao observed.

He expressed the confidence that under the able leadership of the new commander, the force as a team will work with the same dedication and find new ways to make PAF &#8216;Second to None&#8217; as envisioned by the great Quaid.

He hoped under the leadership of new commander, Pakistan Air Force would attain new heights of glory.

Later, Air Chief Marshal, Rao Qamar Suleman formally handed over the PAF&#8217;s Sword of Command to Air Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt.

Both the outgoing and incoming air chiefs were presented separate guards of honour to formally mark the change of command. Born in 1955, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt received his early education at PAF Public School, Sargodha. Subsequently, he joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy, Risalpur in March, 1977. After doing his Fighter and Operational Conversion Courses, he has flown various types of fighters and training aircraft on PAF Inventory.

He is a qualified Flying Instructor and also a Combat Commander on Fighters. He has commanded an elite Fighter Squadron, a Fighter Flying Wing and two PAF Bases. In staff jobs at Air Headquarters, the Air Marshal has served as Deputy Director Plans, Director Flight Safety, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (P-O) in Personnel Branch and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training). In senior staff assignments, the Air Marshal has the distinction of having served as Director General National Accountability Bureau (KPK) Commandant National Security College, NDU, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel).

Before taking over as air chief, he was serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

Tahir Rafique Butt is a graduate of Staff College, Turkey and National Defence University, Islamabad from where he did his M.Sc in Defence and Strategic Studies.

He is married and blessed with three children. In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with the awards of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat.