The world military today (May 2, 2024) has the following information: The fifth generation fighter F-35 continues to be late for upgrades, Boeing receives another contract to produce MH-helicopters. 139A Gray Wolf, Zimbabwe orders Super Mushshak training aircraft from Pakistan.
* The F-35 fighter upgrade package continues to be delayed
According to Air & Space Magazine, the upgrade package for the fifth generation fighter F-35, also known as technology refresh package 3 (TR-3), continues. delayed. This causes the timeline for handing over the F-35 to partners to continue to be pushed back.
Responding to this information, the Pentagon still maintains a tough stance: Refusing to accept F-35 versions that lack upgrades. Therefore, the introduction of this fifth generation fighter was significantly delayed. There are many factors causing this delay at Lockheed Martin, ranging from software integration issues and delays in the production of electronic components.
The F-35 fighter upgrade package continues to be delayed. Photo: Bulgarian Military
American lawmakers have made no secret of their disappointment about these continuous and long delays, typically Democratic Congressman Donald Norcross. Mr. Donald Norcross expressed his frustration clearly in the most recent hearing of the House Armed Services Committee as follows: “Year after year, we meet in this very room and Whenever we meet, this issue remains unresolved. Anyone who looks here can easily understand the source of our disappointment.”
Lockheed Martin has proposed an alternative solution as it continues to resolve the crisis facing this latest generation American fighter. That is, Lockheed Martin will deliver a number of partially upgraded F-35s under the TR-3 package. If everything goes according to Lockheed Martin’s plan, partially upgraded versions of the F-35 fighter may be allowed to fly in August or September this year.
Military Watch said Jim Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin, also confirmed that the company will only deliver 75 to 110 F-35s in 2024; That is, the delivery level is only 50-73% of the expected level. After a previous production cut in 2023, further production cuts in 2024 make this year most likely the first year that China’s J-20 fifth-generation fighter is capable of exceeding over the F-35 to become the most produced new generation fighter aircraft in the world.
* Boeing received another contract to produce the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter
According to Military Leak, the US Air Force continues to sign a contract worth $178 million with Boeing. The contract will include Boeing producing seven MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters and providing a maintenance and training package for the US Air Force.
Boeing received the contract to produce the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter. Photo: Military Leak
Thus, the total number of MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters the US Air Force has signed with Boeing has now reached 26. The first MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter was put into test flight in December. 2023 and is currently undergoing additional testing. The remaining units under contract are currently in various stages of production. In September 2018, the MH-139 Gray Wolf was selected by the US Air Force to replace the UH-1N fleet. MH-139 program director Azeem Khan said: “Developing the “Gray Wolf” and aiming to produce this helicopter model at maximum capacity is an important step in the priority of modernizing the US military.”
Boeing’s MH-139A Gray Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter developed based on the AW139 commercial helicopter version that was previously put into use. With high performance, operational flexibility and safety, the MH-139A will take on the role of protecting intercontinental ballistic missile facilities and transporting US government officials and security forces. .
Integrating unprecedented equipment systems such as avionics systems and modern flight decks, the MH-139A has high flexibility and outstanding operational performance, able to undertake tasks in the Air Force. America for decades to come. The outstanding advantages of the MH-139A include: Flying 50% faster, flying 50% farther, a 30% larger cabin and an increased lifting capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,267kg) compared to the old platform (AW139), with Fully autonomous driving capability to reduce pilot workload, right-sized to optimize operations and reduce operating and support costs.
* Zimbabwe orders Super Mushshak training aircraft from Pakistan
Zimbabwe orders Super Mushshak training aircraft from Pakistan. Photo: airforce-technology.com
According to Military Africa, Pakistan’s Kamra Aviation Group has received a contract to supply 12 Super Mushshak training aircraft to Zimbabwe. Also according to Military Africa, this contract worth millions of dollars was targeted when Zimbabwe participated in a security and defense exhibition organized by Islamabad in 2022. At this exhibition, there were 30 contracts of various types. signed.
The MFI-17 Super Mushshak training aircraft is a 2 or 3-seat light aircraft, using a single engine, with a landing gear design with 3 fixed wheels, not retractable during flight. The aircraft was developed to meet US FAR 23 standards, and can take off from randomly prepared short runways. The aircraft is powered by a 260 horsepower piston engine with modern glass cockpit options, situation control system and dual control system.
Thus, Zimbabwe has officially joined the list of African countries, including Nigeria, purchasing Super Mushshak training aircraft from Pakistan.
HUU DUONG (synthetic)
* Categories World military today The People’s Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information about world security and military defense activities in the past 24 hours.
