IsraelDefense magazine reported June 19 that the Israeli government has submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) for the purchase of two Boeing KC-46 in-air refueling tanker aircraft. The request indicates an option for an additional six, the publication noted.

A contract has not yet been signed. Israel has been known to be examining a possible buy of either the KC-46 or Lockheed Martin's Multi-Role Tanker Transport, based on the Airbus A330. Several publications, including IsraelDefense, reported in April 2019 that the government was preparing to move forward with an LoR for the Boeing aircraft.

Assuming Israel purchases the KC-46s, the first of the two could be delivered in either 2022 or 2023.

In addition to new tanker aircraft, Israel is in the process of evaluating new purchases of fighter aircraft as well as transport helicopters. It is examining options produced by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and could complete decisions on these in the coming months.

Source:  IsraelDefense
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In this cooperation, Embraer Defense & Security is to provide the air platform, ground support, communications systems and aircraft integration while ELTA is to provide the AEW radar, SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and other electronic systems and system integration.

The P600 AEW addresses the growing market of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities for countries that require cost-effective, high performance and flexible solutions for defense and homeland security missions. The Embraer Praetor 600 is the best performing super-midsize bizjet in its category, offering intercontinental range with an outstanding payload capability, high availability and reliability, short turn-around and low life cycle costs. Coupled with ELTA’s superior radar technology, the P600 AEW offers the benefits of cutting edge, proven systems and provides capabilities available until now only on much larger platforms.

The P600 AEW can provide an extended Air Situational Picture by monitoring aerial activity in areas outside ground radar coverage. It can perform various missions such as Air Defense, Early Warning, Command and Control, Fighter Fleet Efficiency, Territorial Defense, and Maritime Surveillance. Also, the P600 AEW can be configured with the full range of AEW&C sensor and control systems, including; 4th generation Digital AESA AEW Radar, civil and military IFF, ESM/ELINT with Radar Warning Receiver capability, Command & Control, comprehensive communication suite including Data Networks and Satellite Links, and a robust Self Protection Suite (SPS).

A comprehensive communications suite allows for data link capability as well as satellite communication for operations beyond the line of sight data link. It also secures interoperability with allied forces. Network centric warfare (NCW) capability transforms the P600 AEW into a member of a tactical network. An advanced self-protection system (SPS) performs the detection of potential threats activating any required electronic support measures.

"This aircraft delivers superior performance and flexibility that translates into the greatest value proposition in its category", said Jackson Schneider, President & CEO Embraer Defense & Security. "It can be easily configured to match the customer needs and it can perform a wide variety of missions in a very efficient and cost-effective way."

As part of IAI’s new strategy, we are ramping up our collaborations with global business entities, leveraging the know-how and technology accumulated over decades of aerospace and defense operations. As the pioneers of the bizjet AEW, ELTA Systems has made large strides over the years towards offering cost effective AEW capabilities for the growing and changing global needs", said Yoav Tourgeman, ELTA President & IAI Executive VP. "Our partnership, forged with Embraer Defense & Security, enables us to introduce a new market segment by offering a cost effective midsize bizjet AEW system."

Source:  Embraer
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Training will be delivered at the CAE Dothan Training Center in Dothan, Alabama, in addition to CAE training centers in Dallas, Texas and Morristown, New Jersey.

The UC-12 is a military version of the Beechcraft King Air multi-mission aircraft and used by the Navy for personnel and cargo transport, range clearance, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance. The Navy operates UC-12B/F/M Huron as modified variants of the King Air B200 as well as the UC-12W Huron as a modified version of the King Air 350 aircraft.

CAE will be providing initial and refresher training courses for Navy pilots and naval flight officers. Training for Navy UC-12 aircrews on the King Air 200 Pro Line 21 cockpit will be conducted at the CAE Dothan Training Center while non-Pro Line King Air 200 will take place at the CAE Dallas training center. Training for Navy UC-12 aircrews on the King Air 350 Pro Line 21 and Fusion cockpits will be conducted at the CAE New Jersey Morristown training center.

Source:  CAE
Associated URL: Click here to visit