Missile and other news and notes from around the ‘sphere: MANPADs vs Helos Lots of concern/interest in countering the MANPAD (MAN Portable Air Defense) missiles in the wake of increased helo loses these past couple of weeks. While the CH-46 loss that has gained so much coverage appears to have been mechanical in nature (Update:…
No, not for the Scribe or his clan, but for Pinch and his intended Nova Scotian bride-to-be. Drop by and pass along your best wishes!– SJS
Have a couple of irons in the fire — hopefully at least one will be out later this week. Space/missile roll-up tomorrow/Wednesday. In the meantime, a couple of Hawkeye clips for your viewing pleasure… From the ’06 show at Oceana (look close, you’ll see some ‘vapes). This Hawkeye has the new props — while there…
In the face of rising inflation (78% over the past 4 years) nationalization of the country’s largest electric company and the disappearance of staples from store shelves in reaction to government imposed price controls, comes this report on Venezuela’s ongoing military build-up. The Su-30s are kind of old news, but growing bonds with a radical…
A couple of interesting news notes picked up whilst culling international lists (one of the nicer aspects of YHS’ current job):First item — problems continue apace for the sublaunched variant of the Topol-M, the Bulava (“Mace”). Prior to this latest test (failure) there had been a number of statements in what passes for the open…
Hawker Sea Hawk F.Mk.1-6 It may (but really shouldn’t) surprise some readers that the Royal Navy once boasted an air arm of flattops with airwings similar in composition to those of the US (mix of fighters, attack, ASW and of course, AEW) which saw action in various corners of the world. Alas, that heritage is…
Press Report: No Conventional TRIDENT: Defense News, February 1, 2007. Pressure from Capitol Hill has derailed Pentagon plans to refit nuclear-tipped Trident missiles with conventional warheads, which will force the U.S. military to seek more expensive ways to perform the prompt global strike (PGS) mission. Lawmakers worry that placing conventional warheads on the Tridents could…
In testimony before the Senate today, SecDef Gates announced: “The president has decided to stand-up a new unified, combatant command, Africa Command, to oversee security cooperation, building partnership capability, defense support to non-military missions, and, if directed, military operations on the African continent,” Gates said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The command…
So there we were, all bundled into the back of the COD — the AIRLANT eval team headed back to Norfolk after “evaluating” the ship/air wing lo these past 3 days. Not being fond of COD flights to begin with, YHS had managed to snag a seat on the last row, or if looking at…
Couple of additions today to the Blogroll: Reflections by Kris: Fellow denizen of Lex’s ‘hood and kindred motorhead to boot Tailhook Association – Daily Briefing: Good to see the Organization up and in the ‘sphere and a couple I mentioned in the context of articles the past few weeks dealing with arms control matters: The…
