LOW-COST, HIGH HOPES THE BUDGET AIRLINE REVOLUTION IN ASIA-PACIFIC LIFT-OFF FOR UK SPACE - Royal Aeronautical Society
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www.aerosociety.com LOW-COST, HIGH HOPES THE BUDGET AIRLINE REVOLUTION IN ASIA-PACIFIC February 2014 LIFT-OFF FOR UK SPACE CYBERSECURITY AND AVIATION IRANIAN GA AIRCRAFT
2014 Honours, Medals & Awards The most prestigious and long-standing awards in global aerospace honouring achievements, innovation and excellence. The Society’s Honours, Medals and Awards are open to everyone in the global aerospace community — from senior professionals to students and graduates. Do you know an individual or team that has made an outstanding contribution to aerospace and merit recognition? Nominate them today. The nomination form can be found on our website www.aerosociety.com/medalsandawards. The closing date for the 2014 round is 31 March 2014. For further information call Anna Banton on +44 (0)20 7670 4312 or email anna.banton@aerosociety.com
ATR
Volume 41 Number 2
Textron AirLand
February 2014
Low-cost high hopes Flight of the Scorpion
The growth of the Asia- Textron AirLand launches
14 Pacific low-cost air
transport market. 30 new low-cost jet strike
aircraft.
Contents
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: The Editor, AEROSPACE, No.4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ, UK publications@aerosociety.com
Comment Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
aeronautical intelligence, and feedback.
analysis and comment.
Iran: winners and losers 10 Antenna
Howard Wheeldon looks
58 The Last Word
Keith Hayward on the new
space race in Asia.
at the future of defence
BAE Systems
procurement privatisation
The current international negotiations over
Iran’s nuclear ambitions raise the possibility that
Tehran’s leadership may be seeking to give up
Features
USMC
Dorna Aircraft
its plans for nuclear weapons — in return for relief
from crippling sanctions. It is obviously very early
days yet and, given Iran’s history, there is much to be said for Ronald
Reagan’s famous maxim ‘trust but verify’ — but the change in attitude
has been refreshing. Moreover, any breakthrough agreement will have
significant implications for the aerospace industry. Should sanctions
be lifted, even slightly, this may open up a previously closed or highly
restricted market for Western products, skills and services. It may even, 18 32
as seen on page 32, go in the opposite direction with aerospace talent Persian Eagle
from Iran now able to market their products and skills to the world. Pacific storm Profile of Iranian GA
Yet there also may be a downside for some companies. Military Asia-Pacific defence manufacturer Dorna Aircraft.
procurement in the Gulf, for example, has been mainly driven by fears round-up.
of the Iranian threat. Only recently, it has to be remembered, that talk of
NASA
Reaction Engines
a joint Israel/US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities (and the potential for
wider war in the Gulf) was presented as a ‘when, not if’ choice.
So was it, therefore, coincidence that the UAE decided against
acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon late last year, despite high-level
lobbying? Or was it a merely a pragmatic move by the UAE that with
conciliatory noises emanating from Tehran, there was now no need to be
rushed into a decision over an expensive combat aircraft? With a global
buyer’s market for fighter aircraft, the UAE can afford to wait and should 34
peace talks with Iran break down — it can be sure that re-opening the 22 Lift-off for UK space
contest will have defence companies falling over themselves to offer A 20-year vision for the UK
better deals. It’s hip to be square
space industry.
The CubeSat revolution.
As ever — there are both winners and losers.
Tim Robinson 39 Careers in Aerospace
NEWS IN BRIEF 26 Cybersecurity and
aviation
LIVE
Report on the 2013 RAeS
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com Tackling the hacker threat. careers fair.
Editor-in-Chief AEROSPACE is published by the Royal
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+44 (0)20 7670 4300 ISSN 2052-451X Space debris — the legal issues,
publications@aerosociety.com 55 Obituary US moves closer to RPAS operation
www.aerosociety.com Front cover: Sharklets fitted to an AirAsia A320. Airbus 56 RAeS Elections in controlled airspace
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Radome
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
Self-defence
The Gripen NG features a comprehensive
EW self-defence system. Elisra will provide
a passive IR missile warning system, while
the fighter will be one of the first to offer the
Selex BriteCloud Expendable Active Decoy
Extra range
Relocating the
as part of its defence suite. undercarriage position
allows a 40% increase
in fuel capacity, giving a
combat radius of 700nm and
ferry range of 2,200nm. A
retractable IFR probe is now
fitted.
NEWS IN BRIEF
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????? ????? ?????? More power
The Gripen NG replaces the Volvo RM12/
?????? ???? ???? ??? ??? F404 used on the C/D with GE’s F414G
????? ????? engine — as used on the F/A-18 Super
Hornet — giving the Gripen NG 20% more
thrust and allowing supercruise.
Saab
4 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014
Sensor fusion
The Gripen NG features a partioned
avionics architecture — separating flight
safety and mission functions — allowing from
rapid updates. One such upgrade could be AESA radar
replacing the three colour cockpit MFDs The Gripen NG features the Selex Galileo ES
with a single giant touchscreen display. 05 Raven active electronically scanned array
(AESA) radar, with a moving swash plate that
allows scan angles up to 100°.
IRST
Sensors also include the Selex
Skyward-G passive infrared search
and track system (IRST).
More weapons
Relocated landing gear now
allows ten external hardpoints for
carrying weapons, external fuel
tanks, surveillance and targeting
pods. For Brazil, integrated air-to-
air missiles may include Derby,
A-Darter and Meteor.
DEFENCE
Lightweight champ lands
knock-out blow in Brazil
Brazil has selected the Saab Gripen NG to become its air force’s new fighter aircraft, beating off competition from
the Dassault Rafale and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The $4·5bn F-X2 contract will see 36 Gripens replace
ageing Dassault Mirage 2000C fighters and Northrop F-5EMs. The contract is expected to be signed in 10-12 months
with first deliveries to follow 48 months later, although older Gripen C/Ds from the Swedish Air Force may be
supplied first until the new aircraft are ready.
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Radome
AEROSPACE DEFENCE
FanWing wins France approves Rafale
EU research F3 R upgrade
project The French Defence BVRAAM missile, a Thales
Ministry has given PDL-NG laser designation
the go-ahead for pod and the latest laser
Dassault to develop homing version of the
the fourth tranche of Sagem AASM Hammer
FanWing/Adrian Mann
Rafale fighters to F3 R air-to-ground modular
standard. weapon, already trialed in
The upgraded version Mali. Validation of these
will include integration new weapons is expected
with the MBDA Meteor by 2018.
Innovative rotating wing propulsion aircraft developer FanWing has received a joint
EU award for a two-year research and development project. Led by the DLR German
Bombardier’s $2bn
Aerospace and Space Research Centre, the SOAR (diStributed Open-rotor AiRcraft) biz-jet order
project is being conducted by FanWing in conjunction with the University of Saarland and Bombardier has completed a $2·2bn
the von Karman Institute. Work will include wind-tunnel testing and CFD data and analysis order for 38 business jets from an
documentation with the aim of optimising rotor blades and wingshape. Experimental data unidentified customer. The order is for 28
collected during the programme will be used to design a full-size open fan wing aircraft
Global and ten Challenger 605 biz-jets.
design suitable for carrying 60-70 passengers or up to eight tons of freight.
SPACEFLIGHT AIR TRANSPORT
Third powered flight for Aeroflot unveils Red Devil
Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic’s an altitude of 46,000ft
SpaceShipTwo made its and Mach 1·4 above the
third rocket-powered test Mojave Desert. The flight
flight on 10 January. The also tested new reflective Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has unveiled one of two new Airbus A321s which will
Aeroflot
ten-minute flight saw thermal protection for the feature the red, white and blue livery of the Manchester United football team. The
the spaceplane reach tail booms. football club signed a five-year partnership with Aeroflot in July 2013.
NEWS IN BRIEF
been in hibernation mode Medina on 5 January after
Brazilian aircraft India has cancelled a since June 2011. On 4 January Airbus rolled its right landing gear failed
manufacturer Embraer has $770m order for 12 out its fourth A350 flight to deploy.
announced that it met its AW101 helicopters from Remanufactured bizjet test aircraft. The first A350
planned delivery targets for AgustaWestland following specialist Nextant to be fitted with a fully The first Reaper UAVs to
2013. During the year, the allegations of malpractice Aerospace has announced equipped cabin interior, be operated by the French
company delivered a total in the purchase process. that it is to fly its first re- MSN2 features a special Air Force have been
of 90 commercial aircraft (see Pacific Storm p 18) engined and modernised ‘all carbon’ black and white deployed to the Sahel
and 119 business jets. King Air G90XT in the chequered livery. region of Africa in support
Scientists at ESA have first quarter of this year. of the on-going French
Malaysian carrier AirAsiaX reactivated the Rosetta The G90XT replaces the A total of 29 people campaign in Mali.
has ordered 25 Airbus space probe prior to its original G90 aircraft’s Pratt are reported to have
A330-300s plus ten planned rendezvous with & Whitney Canada PT6 been injured during the SpaceX has launched the
options. The airline is Comet 67P/Churyumov- engines with GE H80s, evacuation of a Saudi Asian communications
planning to use the aircraft Gerasimenko in November together with a Garmin Airlines Boeing 767- satellite Thaicom 6 into
for low-cost long-haul 2014. Launched in March G1000 flightdeck and new 300ER after it made an geosynchronous transfer
operations. 2004, the spacecraft has interiors. emergency landing in orbit (GTO) aboard a
6 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014
SPACEFLIGHT AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
Cygnus delivers Airports Commission Airbus,
supplies to ISS tips Heathrow/Gatwick Boeing
expansion 2013
The Airports Commission, options suggested by the results
led by Sir Howard Davies, report is the building of a
has published its interim third 3,500m runway at
report on the future Heathrow, lengthening
expansion of UK airports, an existing Heathrow
saying that one additional runway to 6,000m and a
runway is needed by 2030. new 3,000m runway at
Airbus
Among the short-listed Gatwick.
Private US space delivered supplies to DEFENCE Airbus has
company Orbital the ISS, arriving on 12
reported that it
Sciences Corporation
launched its Cygnus
January. The launch
was originally scheduled
Pave Hawk crash in outsold Boeing in
cargo spacecraft aboard for 8 January but was UK kills four 2013 with a record
an Antares rocket from postponed due to total of 1,503 net
the NASA Wallops Flight unusually high levels of A US Air Force HH-60G RAF Lakenheath when it orders compared
Facility in Virginia on 9 space radiation which Pave Hawk helicopter came down on a nature to Boeing’s total of
January. exceeded the spacecraft’s crashed in East Anglia on reserve near Cley next the
1,355. Airbus also
NASA
The unmanned spacecraft design constraints. 7 January killing all four Sea in Norfolk. The cause
trumped Boeing
crew. The aircraft was on of the accident is under
a training mission from investigation.
with its current
order backlog
GENERAL AVIATION of 5,559 aircraft
Embraer’s Legacy 450 against Boeing's
4,080 orderbook.
makes first flight However, Boeing
Embraer’s latest biz-jet facility in Sao Jose dos took top spot
the ‘mid light’ Legacy Campos, Brazil. The full for production,
450 made its maiden fly-by-wire Legacy 450, a delivering 648
flight on 28 December smaller variant of the 500,
aircraft compared
in a 95 minute test flight is expected to achieve
USAF
to Airbus’ 626.
from the manufacturer’s certification in 2015.
Falcon 9 rocket. Lift-off flight to New Zealand. Flag a long-term contract volunteers for a one-way Sikorsky S-76Ds that
took place on 6 January carrier Air New Zealand is to sustain the Royal trip to the Red Planet, Bristow placed in March
from Cape Canaveral AFB. the launch customer for Netherlands Air Force’s starting in 2025. 2013.
the -9 variant. fleet of Hercules C-130s. The applicants were drawn
US GA manufacturer Under the Cockpit Upgrade from some 202,000 Engine manufacturer
Mooney is to restart aircraft Singapore leasing (CUP) and Cabin Safety people who responded Snecma has announced
production following a company Avation has Improvements (CSIMP) to Mars One’s call for that it is to build a
cash infusion from its bought five ATR 72-600 Sustainment Programme colonists for the ultimate prototype open-rotor which
new Chinese owners. The regional turboprops plus (CCSP), Marshall ADG reality TV show. will be ground tested in
Mooney production line five options. The new order will provide airworthiness, 2016 and flight tested on
was closed in 2008 but means that Avation now maintenance and reliability Bristow Group has an Airbus A340 in 2019.
could be working again has 14 new ATR 72-600s information. received its first fully
within six months. to be delivered before the configured S-76D Bombardier has won
end of 2015. Dutch-based Martian helicopter from Sikorsky an order from American
In January a Boeing 787-9 colony space company, for offshore oil-rig support. Airlines for 30 CRJ900
test aircraft made its first Marshall Aerospace and Mars One has chosen The delivery is the first regional jets plus 40
overseas debut with a Defence Group has won a shortlist of 1,058 of an order for up to 26 options.
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Radome
AEROSPACE GENERAL AVIATION
Textron to buy London Air The London Air Ambulance service has celebrated
Beechcraft Ambulance’s its first 25 years of operation. Starting in January
1990 flying out of Biggin Hill, the service has come
The recently rebranded the parent company of
silver jubilee to the aid of over 30,000 patients. The service is now
fundraising for a second helicopter.
US GA manufacturer Beechcraft for $1·4bn
$
Beechcraft deal, and bring
is to be together
bought the
by Cessna
Textron, and
owner London Air Ambulance
of the Beechcraft
Cessna GA GA and business
company and Bell aircraft brands. The deal is
Helicopters. Textron is expected to be completed
to buy Beech Holdings, in the first half of 2014.
DEFENCE SPACEFLIGHT
US aerospace company
Is it a truck? Is it a plane? Advanced Tactics has Reaction Engines tie up
developed a vertical
take-off military transport
with USAF research lab
vehicle. Named the AT
Black Knight Transformer, UK space company and potential future
an unmanned technology Reaction Engines development of Reaction
demonstrator completed has arranged a co- Engines’ SABRE air-
driving tests in December operative research and breathing rocket engine
2013 and is scheduled to development agreement designed for low-cost
make its first flight early with the US Air Force space access and high-
this year. The vehicle is Research Laboratory’s speed atmospheric flight.
Advanced Tactics
designed for autonomous Aerospace Systems The assessement will
casualty evacuation, Directorate (AFRL/RQ). be used to inform US
as well as manned or The tie up will assess the government stakeholders
unmanned cargo resupply. performance, applications of SABRE’s potential.
NEWS IN BRIEF
additional Ariane 5 which will have test sites regulatory approval, the (SLS) heavy lift rocket.
The USAF and US Coast launchers from Airbus for the commercial use name change will take
Guard (USCG) are to swap Defence & Space. The new of UAVs. The six states place in the second quarter A Kamov Ka-32 helicopter
two aircraft types — with Ariane 5s are scheduled to are Alaska, Nevada, New of 2014. from a Chinese icebreaker
the USCG acquiring 14 begin launching from 2017 York, North Dakota, Texas has successfully airlifted to
surplus USAF C-27J onwards. and Virginia. The sites will BAE Systems has said that safety passengers aboard
Spartan transports that be used to help develop RAF Tornados have flown a research vessel that had
were put into temporary A pilot was killed and operational rules for the with 3D printed or additive been trapped in Antarctic
storage. In exchange, the two others injured when safe operation of UAVs in layer manufacturing (ALM) ice.
Air Force is set to receive a Canadair Challenger commercial airspace by the parts. BAE predicts this
seven C-130s from the 601 private jet crashed end of 2015. could cut the cost of Members of the Boeing
Coast Guard, which will at Aspen/Pitkin County spares by over £1·2m in machinists union voted by
be converted into forestry airport in Chicago on 5 The American Airlines the next four years. 51 to 49% on 3 January
fire-fighting aircraft. January. Group is to rebrand its to accept a new contract
American Eagle Airlines ATK has completed hot fire which should ensure the
Arianespace has placed The US FAA has subsidiary under the new avionics tests on NASA’s continuation of Boeing
an €2bn order for 18 announced the six states name of Envoy. Subject to new Space Launch System 777 production in Seattle.
8 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014
DEFENCE 777Xs for AEROSPACE
UAE pulls Cathay US company Flexsys is to
Cathay Pacific test fly its FlexFoil variable Morphing flaps to
geometry control surfaces
plug on has ordered 21
aboard a Gulfstream GIII be tested
Boeing 777-9X
Typhoon aircraft. Deliveries
in July. Trailing-edge flaps
will be replaced with 14ft
deal are scheduled FlexFoil surfaces together
between 2021 to with 24in transition
Flexsys
In December, BAE Systems 2024. sections at each end.
reported that the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) will
not be proceeding any
SPACEFLIGHT
further with a proposed Infographic: Gaia reaches L2 Lagrange point
£6bn deal to buy 60
Eurofighter Typhoons,
with the company saying:
“The UAE have advised
that they have elected
not to proceed with these
proposals at this time.”
Meanwhile, the company
reported that: “Whilst good
progress has been made,
a definitive agreement has
yet to be reached” over the
finalisation of the Salaam
deal to supply Typhoons to
Saudia Arabia.
Airbus Defence and Space
Eurofighter
ON THE MOVE
Lockheed Martin elected Director of KLM UK Muilenburg, while Shelley Abubakar is to be its new
Marillyn Hewson as Engineering. Lavender will replace Air Officer Commanding The International Air
Chairman of the Board Chadwick as leader of Training Command Kaduna Transport Association
from 1 January. Dennis Muilenburg has Boeing Military Aircraft. while his predecessor Air (IATA) has appointed Kevin
been named as Boeing’s Vice Marshal I Umar moves Hiatt as Senior VP, Safety
ADS has announced that new Vice Chairman, Etihad Airways has to Defence Headquarters and Flight Operations.
its new President for the President and CEO. appointed Amina Tahe as as Chief of Policy & Plans.
next two years will be Raymond Conner is Head of Media Relations. Walid Abukhaled is to
Marcus Bryson. promoted to Boeing Vice Charles Paterson is the become CE of Northrop
Chairman, President and Jeff Standerski has been new Senior Vice President Grumman's Saudi business.
Emirates president Tim CEO of Boeing Commercial appointed Senior VP of of Business Development
Clark has been awarded a Airplanes. Christopher Rockwell Collins’ new and Strategy for GKN Raytheon CEO William H
knighthood in the UK New Chadwick is appointed Information Management Aerospace, replacing Swanson is to step down.
Year Honours List. as Boeing Executive VP, Services division. Michael McCann who has He will be succeeded by
President, President and become CEO of GKN EVP and COO Dr Thomas
Arjan Meijer has been CEO, Boeing Defense, The Nigerian Air Force has Aerospace — Engine A Kennedy, effective from
appointed Managing Space & Security, replacing announced that AVM SB Systems. March.
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antenna: Global Outlook and
Analysis with
HOWARD WHEELDON
GoCo dead —
long live DE&S+!
T
he potential creation of a GoCo — employed, currently made up of 16,000 military and
Government Owned, Contractor civil service posts, making the right decision on the
Operated — organisation to run defence future restructuring of the defence procurement
procurement operation in the UK may organisation would be crucial to its success. The
now be off the agenda but that does not process of required change had begun as long ago
mean the idea of privatisation of the procurement as October 2009 when the independent ‘Review of
operation has been permanently ditched. Acquisition for the Secretary of State for Defence’
Nevertheless, for now, defence procurement is to be was conducted by Bernard Gray. His report was to
retained in the public sector within what has been be largely critical of how defence procurement was
defined as a substantially upgraded and yet freed up conducted and its principal recommendation was
DE&S+ operation which, as announced by Secretary that, in future procurement should be outsourced
of State for Defence in December, will be given new to a government-owned, contractor-operated
powers from April allowing it to break away from organisation. Hence, the idea of GoCo was born.
current civil service pay restraints. Not surprisingly, the outsourcing recommendation
Poor leadership, low morale and a lack of drive met with stiff opposition from the Brown
combined with the distinct lack of remuneration Government. But, with a change of Government in
incentive lie at the heart of why UK defence April 2010 and publication six months later of the
procurement is in a mess. There has been too little SDSR, the possibility of creating a GoCo took a
incentive to succeed and precious little in the way giant step forward towards potential reality when
of constructive leadership. There have also been the Coalition signalled an intention to seriously
a combination of other factors, including constant consider this as a possibility within the overarching
changes being made to already agreed programme act of defence reform.
requirements and differing sections of the military While few disagreed that something was very
being allowed to interfere on equipment programmes badly wrong with how the system of defence
forcing through expensive change without a proper procurement operated, how to resolve the problem
understanding of the consequences. Then, there are and secure a more sound and efficient system that
the politically based arguments on final numbers, would provide best value for the taxpayer, give the
cost, timing and use of available cash — all have military with what they required on budget and on
played a part in preventing the establishment of a time while at the same time to work better for the
clear cut and efficient system in procurement-based MoD and industry would be fraught with difficulty.
decision-making processes. To be fair, there has Opinions differed and, while the Secretary for
already been some improvement in performance of Defence and the by now Chief of Defence Materiel,
the existing Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Bernard Gray were firmly behind the GoCo, the
operation. Under Chief of Defence Materiel, Bernard decision was made to test the wider views of
Gray, operational management has significantly industry together with those that might potentially
improved. But, set against a background of forced choose to compete for the contract to operate
cuts in the number of staff employed combined with
the unfortunate loss of highly skilled staff that have AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat
chosen to leave DE&S due either to the constant — but is it time for a shake-up in
living in fear of losing their job or the very poor UK defence procurement?
levels of pay, many have jumped ship, seizing better
opportunities offered in the private sector. No matter
whether procurement was to be partially privatised
or to remain inside the public sector, it was very clear
that large scale change was needed.
The right decisions
With an annual budget of £14bn and responsibility
for an already much reduced number of staff
10 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2013Chief of Defence
Material, Bernard
Gray
MoD
GoCo. Against this background it should be noted Debate far from over
that all the way through, on the grounds of fear
of potentially increased risk, Whitehall support for With the House of Commons Defence Select
GoCo was very limited. Committee looking at not only why the notional
Even if the GoCo idea had real merit as time idea of part privatising the operation of defence
moved on as the debate and potential concerns procurement failed, why the various bidders POOR
widened, it was, I suspect, the personalities involved walked away and, importantly, why the current LEADERSHIP,
in the potential creation and running of a future Chief of Defence Material was given the job of
GoCo that gave rise to the largest area of concern. running the proposed DE&S+ operation without
LOW MORALE,
The defence industry itself made plain that it would there being a competition, the debate on defence LACK OF DRIVE
be happy to work with whatever system of procurement is far from over. More sparks COMBINED
procurement operation was decided may well fly in terms of the personalities WITH THE
by the Defence Minister. In the end, involved and the pressure on the
left with only one potential bidder, Defence Secretary on the handling DISTINCT
the increased complexities and of procurement debate may well LACK OF
perceived risk placed on those intensify. The bottom line is that, REMUNERATION
within the private sector that from a would-be private sector
had led two other consortium stance, the GoCo option failed
INCENTIVE
partnerships to withdraw left because those that might have LIE AT THE
the Defence Secretary with wished to sign up to operate it in HEART OF WHY
little choice but to back away partnership with the MoD had no UK DEFENCE
from the GoCo option in favour of guarantee of being allowed to make
public sector retention of defence profit without realising further substantial
PROCUREMENT
procurement in the form of an upgraded MoD cuts in operational cost. That neither the IS IN A MESS
DE&S+ structure that would be given much greater Treasury nor the Cabinet Office had been keen
freedom of operation. on the GoCo option due to the fear of future risk
Abandoning the GoCo option in favour of and probably also that the proposed Trading Fund
moving forward with a public sector-based DE&S+ under which it would operate would not have
was to be a bitter blow for Defence Secretary Philip been a central body of Government should not be
Hammond just as it would also be for its principal ignored.
advocate, Bernard Gray. And it would be Gray that, By the time the GoCo competition was killed
to the surprise of some, the Government asked to off in favour of moving forward with a revised
run the upgraded DE&S+. While it is true that it had and rejuvenated public sector DE&S+ option, the
been Gray who had given birth to the GoCo option process had cost the taxpayer £7·4m. Moving
for future defence procurement, given the need forward the DE&S+ option will, according to Gray,
for stability through what will be a further process cost a further £17·3m to establish.
of change, I will no doubt be in the minority when Three years since the procurement debate
I say that I believe Philip Hammond has made the started, have we now moved on? DE&S may be
right decision. Gruff, unpopular perhaps, suffering weakened through the GoCo stealth process
fools badly and even causing unnecessary internal attempt but I do believe that, for now the right
friction as Gray is often accused, I believe that, decision has been made. In the knowledge that
given that he has one year of his contract left to run £4bn of programme risk provision is set in stone
and given his large scale experience in procurement and, as Hammond confirmed again in December,
operation, this remaining period should be used that the procurement programme has at least been
wisely in the process of change and transition of stabilised, the new DE&S+ structure can start from
DE&S to DE&S+. a reasonably clean slate.
Given the value of defence to the national
economy, the prospect of future cost overruns is
not in my view an excuse for the MoD to attempt
further risk reduction through policies of buying
off-the-shelf. That would be counterproductive but,
by learning to work closer and more efficiently with
industry and by improving internal and external
communication, DE&S+ should be able to play
a much larger part in the overall risk reduction
process. The emergence of trust and stability in the
AgustaWestland
relationship between government procurer, supplier
and those directly responsible for procurement
will be important in the final analysis as to whether
DE&S+ will be enduring or not.
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/ra www.aerosociety.com FEBRUARY 2014 11Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE
Wikipedia
answers. Relying on experts carried in such aircraft (see
alone without oversight, Cybersecurity in aviation,
simply isn’t enough. Recent p26).
evidence for this assertion
include the banking crisis Paul E. Team Lead, Data
of 2006 onwards and the Centre at Arik Air You
Mid-Staffs NHS scandal. have a valid point Johnny.
However, I believe that
John Blauth AMRAeS as every new technology
Immediate Network Ltd comes with its challenges,
system vulnerability to
hacks is one of the issues
i
that would most likely
lead to the deployment of
RPAS (remotely piloted air
systems) in fully unmanned
civil roles (i.e. cargo,
Glider on tow. agricultural operations)
first. It may take quite a
while before we see RPAS
Glider upset training Maintaining this reflex Rupert Murdoch, British spy deployed in the commercial
While reading the and using the rudder on a chiefs or any number of fat Johnny S. Independent passenger transport sector.
December issue of commercial aircraft can be cats — bosses of energy airlines aviation In the initial stages of RPAS
AEROSPACE, I stumbled detrimental and may even firms, failed banks, the BBC professional [on deployment in the open
upon an article entitled worsen the situation in the — they have provided many implications of US moves airspace, as you clearly
The right attitude(1) which case of an upset situation of the big political moments to introduce RPAS into point out, control system
summarises the different (ironically, the article later in this Parliament.’ to penetrate right into the lapse) time, RPAS hacks
to read about easyJet such approach is endorsed The AAIB, the CAA and Pentagon’s secret files. would be mitigated to a point
Captain Sarah Kelman in the ‘safety’ tab of your their colleagues at the Sooner or later a similar beyond which they would
explaining how gliders magazine. I would like to DfT are all experts in their breakthrough by terrorist be a much less significant
are capable of teaching suggest that this approach field who do vital work on hackers could make it threat when we eventually
stalls, spin and upset be revised to avoid behalf of all UK citizens. possible for them to ‘hijack’ have remotely piloted
situations. I would have possible negative training It is because of this last a civil remotely controlled manned aircraft systems
liked to have been present on such a delicate subject. point that what they do aircraft and use it for their in the open airspace. Of
at the full presentation in should be overseen by own nefarious means. The course, this is not saying
the hope that my doubts Peimann Tofighi knowledgeable, though not safeguards will make this that the aerospace design
are reassured as, in my expert, politicians who are impossible? Try telling that community will not have
point of view, this approach Role of Parliamentary responsible for ensuring to the military and civilian to do anything about
is totally against safety. Transport Committee that the interests of citizens people who have to counter this potential barrier.
Although I can understand The answer to the question are taken into account. hacker attacks (like bank Due recognition must be
that gliders can teach a lot posed by Michael Benoy The Transport Committee’s frauds) in the present time. given to this threat in the
about basic aerodynamics, in AEROSPACE, Letters, role is to ask questions A self-destruct system current design of RPAS
they can certainly not be December 2013(2) that might appear simple, on board may help but systems for civil operations
taken as references for (What value does the irrelevant or daft but these it will not apply if, in the and adequate mitigating
commercial aviation when Parliamentary Transport can deliver important future, passengers are measures must be taken.
it comes to upset training. Committee add to the
Flying a glider requires AAIB and CAA?) is simple:
Microdrones GmBH
certain reactions that are independent oversight.
prohibited when flying It is a recent habit to mock
a commercial aircraft, politicians and to sneer at
especially during an upset the political process but
recovery. When flying that is to ignore the useful
a glider, the yaw effect and often valuable work
necessitates a strong carried out by Parliament’s
activity on the rudder; select committees.
this is true in normal and As the Economist wrote in
abnormal situations. November: ‘Whether grilling md4-100 quadrotor UAV.
12 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014NVIDIA
Geoffrey W. @RAFScopie [On Space @4tis [On a Belgian
Chartered senior aircraft Debris the legal issues](5) school using a quad-
structural design The Cosmos collision the copter UAV to monitor
and development article mentions was 1st students taking exams] I’m
engineering professional. reported & catalogued guessing it’s a hoax. It’s
There is a lot of research by non other than moi noisy, disruptive (blow-
potential not only in (& my team that night.) ing papers), could injure
aerodynamics and future someone & only ~15 mins
configurations but also flying time. PR stunt?
in lightweight airframe
structures (advanced
stitched composites), new @sUASNews [On who
manufacturing methods, is winning race to unlock
incorporating into existing skies for UAVs](3) Europe @Aspavold [On Hawk jet
basic configurations. The already did. At last count trainer turning 40 this year]
issue as always is funding. there where 1,164 great product, proud to
certificated operators. have worked on them for
Japan has over 14,000. 17 years of my career
@MarcusUAV Good @P_H_Images It’s fair
to hear the commercial to say that comparing
market is finally taking the [Hawk] T2 to the
shape there.... T1 is like comparing
@LossComm [On USAF a British Leyland Mini
PaveHawk crash] What’s to the current version!
the protocol for a foreign
mil a/c crash on UK soil?
Do @aaibgovuk lead, MoD
or foreign mil? T2 Hawk trainers from RAF Valley.
Graphic representation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
from computer graphics company NVIDIA.
BAE Systems
R&D — the need for
supercomputers
Charles G. CFD, software with the most
Fluid Dynamics and efficient numerical solvers
Engineering Software for massively parallel
Tool Developer and supercomputers is also
Analyst [on What do needed. I believe that the
you think is in store for transonic tunnel from
the renaissance of UK DERA Bedford went to
Aerospace?](4) I think also ARA. There was also a
having more powerful new low-speed tunnel at
HPCs (supercomputers) Farnborough? The UK
are needed compared to also contributed I believe
what is in the USA, China a third of the money
and Europe. Since most towards the cryogenic
engineering products are tunnel at Koln which can 1. The right attitude, AEROSPACE, December 2013, p 22.
designed virtually and the reproduce true Reynolds 2. Transmission, AEROSPACE, December 2013, p 12.
3. http://media.aerosociety.com/aerospace-insight/2014/01/10/the-us-moves-closer-to-rpas-operation-in-controlled-
physics is modelled virtually number flows. The wind- airspace/8977/
having the most powerful tunnels complement 4. http://media.aerosociety.com/aerospace-insight/2013/12/06/the-uk-aerospace-renaissance/8881/
HPCs is an advantage and validate the CFD 5. Space debris: The legal issues, AEROSPACE, January 2014, p 14.
for modelling coupled developments. But it is only
aerodynamic/structure/ with updated tools can
acoustics/combustion/
thermal to make the
further developments in
aerodynamics, propulsion,
Online
Additional features and content are available to view
most efficient designs. systems and design be
Developing the necessary made. online at http://media.aerosociety.com/aerospace-insight
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com FEBRUARY 2014 13Asia-Pacific airlines
Low-cost carriers
46
T
en years ago, low-cost carriers (LCCs) as it does not include aircraft ordered for LCCs
were the minor players in the Asia- which are owned by larger airlines which often utilise
Pacific region, representing only around aircraft ordered by their parent company.
Asia-Pacific LCCs
2% of total capacity. However, the
market has since experienced a radical Owners and operators
1,000
reversal with budget airlines now accounting for
over 50% of intra-regional capacity in Southeast While many Asia-Pacific LCCs are privately owned,
Asia and 10% in North Asia. others are operated as subsidiaries of larger
Total LCC aircraft
In the past two years, the expansion of LCCs (see table on next page). The largest group
LCCs has been continuing to accelerate at an operator is AirAsia whose LCC-owned or controlled
1,500
unprecedented rate with more and more new airlines accounts for a total fleet of 172 aircraft,
carriers joining the market each year — six in 2012, plus a further 388 on order. AirAsia’s LCC affiliates
five in 2013 and a further 11 planned in 2014. include Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia (a 49/51%
LCC aircraft on order
According to statistics published by CAPA Centre joint venture between AirAsia and local interests),
for Aviation, there are currently 46 airlines classified Philippines’ AirAsia and AirAsia X — the latter
50%
as low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific region, specialising in long-haul routes based on low-cost
operating close to 1,000 aircraft, equivalent to 15% airports. The second largest group is Lion which also
of the estimated total 6,800 in-service commercial operates Jakarta-based regional operator Wings Air.
LCC share of total
aircraft fleet in the region (see table on p15). This Lion is also unique among LCCs in operating a full-
capacity in SE Asia
figure will continue to rise, with an additional 1,500 service subsidiary, Batik.
new LCC aircraft on order, equivalent to 50% of total The third largest LCC operator is the Jetstar
new orders. The total may actually be even larger, group with 116 aircraft, while another leading
Low-cost high
hopes
Recent years have seen a huge expansion in low-cost
airline operations in the Asia-Pacific region. But can this
growth rate be sustained? BILL READ reports.
Tigerair and its affiliate airlines
now have a fleet of 50 Airbus
A320s.
14 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014low-cost carrier is Cebu Pacific Air with 48
A319/320/330 and ATR72-500s operating
domestic and international services within Asia.
To counter the threat of competition from LCCs,
a number of mainstream carriers have created
their own budget airlines. Australian flag carrier
Qantas operates long-haul LCC Jetstar which, in
turn, operates a number of regional joint venture
ATR
carriers — Jetstar Asia in Singapore, Jetstar Pacific
in Vietnam, Jetstar Japan and Jetstar Hong Kong.
Air India operates a low cost subsidiary Air India Asia-Pacific low-cost carriers by country
Express based in Mumbai which flies to both
destinations within India as well as to Asia and Country LCCs (no. of aircraft*) + new LCCs for 2014
the Middle East. Thai Airlines has a 39% share in AUSTRALIA Jetstar Airways (74), Tigerair Australia (12)
Bangkok-based LCC Nok Air which has domestic CHINA Hong Kong Express (4), Lucky Air (17), Spring Airlines (39),
flights within Thailand using a fleet of Boeing West Air (13) + China United, Jetstar Hong Kong, Jiu Yuan
737-800s together with ATR and Saab regional China, China United Airlines
turboprops. Asiana Airlines operates a subsidiary INDIA Air India Express (21), GoAir (17), IndiGo (73), JetLite (13),
called Air Busan while Korean Air has a low-cost SpiceJet (56) + AirAsia India
carrier based in Seoul called Jin Air. INDONESIA Citilink (24), Indonesia AirAsia (30), Lion Air (94), Lion Air
Some LCCs are jointly owned by a number of Indonesia, Tigerair Mandala (9), Wings Air (27)
companies. Singapore-based Tigerair (formally JAPAN Air Do (13), Jetstar Japan (18), Peach (11), Skymark
Tiger Airways) is owned by Tiger Airways Holdings; Airlines (33), Solaseed (12), Star Flyer (11), Vanilla Air (2)
a consortium comprising Singapore Airlines, Indigo + Spring Japan
Partners Singapore and RyanAsia. Jetstar Japan MALAYSIA AirAsia (74), AirAsia X (19), Malindo Air (10)
is a joint venture between Qantas Airways, Japan MYANMAR Golden Myanmar Airlines (2)
Airlines and Mitsubishi and sources its aircraft from PHILIPPINES Cebu Pacific Air (48), Philippines AirAsia (2), Tigerair
Qantas. Japanese low-cost carrier Peach is a joint Philippines (5), Zest Air (13)
venture between All Nippon Airways, Innovation SINGAPORE Scoot (6), Tigerair (25)
Network Corporation of Japan and First Eastern SOUTH KOREA Air Busan (11), Eastar Jet (9), Jeju Air (13), Jin Air (10),
Investment Group. Sri Lanka’s only LCC, Mihin T’way (6)
Lanka, is owned by the Sri Lankan government. SRI LANKA Mihin Lanka (3)
TAIWAN - + Tigerair Taiwan
THAILAND Nok Air (21), Orient Thai Airlines (22), Thai AirAsia (35),
Expansion plans Thai Lion Air (2) + NokScoot, Thai AirAsia X, Thai VietJet
VIETNAM Jetstar Asia (19), Jetstar Pacific (5), VietJet Air (10)
All the LCCs have ambitions to expand and many
have already invested in new aircraft. Lion Air *Based on CAPA statistics for end 2013
recently took delivery of its 100th 737 and is asking
Boeing to increase its rate of future deliveries. The
carrier is also reported to be considering placing Airlines, followed by a new Thai affiliate, Thai Lion Air, Asia-Pacific
an order for 50 or more Bombardier CSeries 300 which began flying in December using a fleet of two LCCs’ aircraft
regional jets in early 2014. At the 2012 Singapore 737-900ERs. In some cases, new budget carriers orderbook
Air Show, Lion Air’s regional subsidiary Wings Air are being created by re-launching full-service model
signed a contract for the purchase of 27 additional
ATR 72-600 aircraft. Once these have been added
to its fleet at the end of 2015, Wings will become
airlines. Hong Kong Express is one such example
while Vanilla was formerly AirAsia Japan.
In 2014, up to 11 new LCCs may begin flying in
576
Lion group
the largest operator of ATR aircraft in the world, with the Asia-Pacific region (see table above). In March
a total fleet of 60 aircraft (20 ATR 72-500s and 40
ATR 72-600s). Meanwhile, South Korean budget
this year, Lion Air plans to launch a new Indonesia
LCC under the name of Batik Airlines. Meanwhile,
388
AirAsia group
carrier Jeju Air has announced plans to increase its AirAsia has taken over control of Batavia Airways
current 13-strong 737-800 fleet by an additional and is seeking approval from the Indian Directorate
six or seven aircraft during 2014, as well as raising
annual sales by 23% from won 340bn to won
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to set up AirAsia
India, a new low-cost airline to be jointly owned with
125
Jetstar group
530bn. SAI-owned Scoot also plans to increase its two Indian investors. Thai carrier Nok Air is planning
fleet of six 777-200s to 14 aircraft by 2016 while
Thai LCC Nok Air is planning to almost double its
to begin competing with Air Asia X in the medium/
long-haul sector with the launch of NokScoot 70
VietJet
fleet to 30 aircraft by the end of 2015. — a new LCC carrier set up in conjunction with
New LCCs are continuing to take-off. In March Singapore Airlines’ subsidiary Scoot and due to
18
Airbus
2013, Lion Air began operating a new 49% owned begin flying in the second quarter of 2014 using
Malaysian low-cost budget airline called Malindo two SIA 777-200s. Tigerair group
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com FEBRUARY 2014 15Asia-Pacific airlines
Low-cost carriers
While countries in Northern Asia have been
slower to adopt the LCC concept than their
southern neighbours, the situation is beginning to
change. In Taiwan, which currently only has 4-5%
LCC market share, China Airways announced plans
to launch Tigerair Taiwan in 2014, a new LCC joint-
venture with Tigerair. Meanwhile, Vietnamese LCC
VietJet, which competes with state-owned Vietnam
Airlines Corp and Jetstar Pacific, has declared its
aim to double its domestic market share to 50% in
three years.
The low-cost model has also reached mainland
ATR
China. Shanghai-based Spring Airlines, founded in
2005, claims to be China’s first and only low-cost
Asia-Pacific low-cost affiliates
airline — although Hong Kong Express, Lucky and
Owners Affiliates
West Air are also operating under the low-cost
model with another four to join them in 2014. AIR ASIA Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, Zest Air,
Philippines AirAsia, AirAsia X,
Spring Airlines, which recently took delivery of its
AirAsia India (2014), Thai AirAsia X (2014)
39th aircraft, is planning to expand with the launch AIR INDIA Air India Express
of Spring Airlines Japan in May 2014. In early ANA Peach, Vanilla Air
January, China Eastern Airlines announced plans to ASIANA AIRLINES Air Busan
convert its China United Airlines subsidiary into a CHINA AIRLINES/TIGERAIR Tigerair Taiwan (2014)
low-cost carrier. CHINA EASTERN China United (2014)
CHINA EASTERN/JETSTAR Jetstar Hong Kong (2014)
GARUDA Citilink
If you can’t beat them HAINAN AIRLINES Lucky Air, West Air
HONG KONG AIRLINES Hong Kong Express
Instead of competing with each other, some Asia- JET AIRWAYS JetLite
Pacific LCCs have decided to work together instead. JETSTAR Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific, Valuair
Malindo Air recently signed an interline agreement KAM AIR/VIETJET Thai VietJet (2014)
with Thai Lion Air which would allow passengers KOREAN AIR Jin Air
to book a single combined e-ticket for flights LION Wings Air, Malindo Air, Thai Lion Air
SINGAPORE AIRLINES Scoot
operated by both airlines. Qantas controlled Jetstar
SCOOT/NOK NokScoot (2014)
Asia is considering joining the Qantas-Emirates SPRING AIRLINES Spring Japan (2014)
airline alliance. In December Tigerair and SpiceJet SRILANKAN AIRLINES Mihin Lanka
signed a three-year interline agreement to enable TIGERAIR Tigerair Australia, Tigerair Mandala, Tigerair
greater connectivity between flights Philippines (to be sold to Cebu Pacific)
operated by both carriers. Tigerair, VIETJET AIR VietJet
which has an existing interline
agreement with Singapore- based
Scoot, also announced that
the two carriers are to form a
it was announced that
partnership Tigerair was to sell
to further align its 40% stake in
their commercial Tigerair Philippines
activities. In January to Cebu Pacific, as
part of a strategic
alliance being set
up between the two
Lion Air Malaysian and carriers.
Thai affiliates Malindo Air
In some cases, too
and Thai Lion Air operate
an interline agreement to much co-operation can
market joint e-tickets. ATR get airlines into trouble. In
September, the Malaysian
Competition Commission
(MyCC) fined its national carrier
MAS and AirAsia RM10m each for
monopolising four routes during an eight-
month pact.
xx AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014Safety concerns other two aircraft to follow in 2015.
Although the Indian market has often been
The growth in low-cost operations has not been reported as showing huge potential for LCCs, fierce
without its problems. In April 2013, a newly competition and a lack of sufficient demand have
purchased Lion Air 737-800 crashed into the sea made business difficult for carriers operating in the
after landing short of the runway at Bali Airport. region. In 2013 IndiGo and GoAir were reported as
IF PROOF WERE Despite the aircraft breaking into two, all 101 being the only Indian carriers to report a profit in the
NEEDED OF passengers and seven crew were safely evacuated, previous financial year while, in September, Indian
THE GROWING although four passengers were treated for serious LCC SpiceJet announced a quarterly loss of Rs
IMPORTANCE injuries. A preliminary report from Indonesia’s 559·49 crore.
National Transportation Safety Committee called Airports are also beginning to reach capacity.
OF THE ASIA- on the airline to tighten up pilot training and safety Airports of Thailand (AOT) is trying to free up
PACIFIC procedures. The airline was again in the headlines more space at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport by
MARKET, THEN after passengers staged public protests after offering reduced landing fees to airlines that move
IT CAN BEEN experiencing a series of delays and cancellations their operations to Don Muang 45km away. Not
on its flights due to industrial and organisational all carriers are keen to make the move, as they
FOUND IN THE problems. In October, Lion Air was the subject of a face losing connections with other flights. Phuket
EXPANSION two-week evaluation by the Indonesian Ministry of Airport in Thailand is also running well over capacity,
OF ITS LOW- Transportation. although a $180m airport upgrade is due to be
There have also been safety concerns with other completed in 2015.
COST AIR airlines. In August the Civil Aviation Authority of the There is also the threat of regional politics
TRANSPORT Philippines (CAAP) grounded Air Asia budget carrier adversely effecting demand. Recent political
SECTOR affiliate Zest Air due to a series of safety breaches, conflicts in Thailand have reduced the country’s
including refuelling with passengers onboard. A tourist demand with a knock-on effect on airlines.
number of other Asian carriers are also raising safety Thai AirAsia recently reported that its cabin loadings
concerns, as shown by the list of airlines currently in November fell by 5% to 82% with the biggest
banned from flying within the European Union decline in demand being from China.
which includes Lion Air, Citilink Indonesia, Air Asia China’s own politics may also have an adverse
Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Zest Airways. effect on the Asia-Pacific airlines. Beijing has
recently set up a new air defence zone over the
Future challenges East China Sea and is demanding that all foreign
aircraft passing through the zone should identify
Three new Boeing 737s Although at present the future looks rosy for the themselves to Chinese authorities. While this edict
being prepared for delivery
Asia-Pacific low-cost airline segment, it might be has largely been ignored by US, Japanese and
at Seattle in June to Lion Air.
Lion Air now has a fleet of wise to add a few words of caution. The present South Korean military aircraft, Korean Airlines and
over 100 737s. Boeing buoyant economic conditions may not last forever Asiana Airlines have both begun filing flight plans
and there is the risk that there may not be sufficient while the US government has advised US carriers
demand in the future for all the new aircraft United, American and Delta also to comply, adding
capacity currently on order. The Asia-Pacific region that the decision did “not indicate US government
has suffered from economic downturns before. acceptance of China’s requirements.” Japan,
Eleven years ago saw demand for air travel in however, has not complied and civil aircraft operated
the region plummet due to the outbreak of by ANA and Japan Airlines have continued to fly
SARS with flights to and from China down through the zone without informing China. Military
by 45% at one point. tensions in the area remain high and there are
Even if demand does hold up, too concerns that civil air travel could be adversely
much growth can sometimes bring affected should the situation escalate (see Pacific
problems of its own — including Storm, p 18).
pilot shortages, airport and air traffic
congestion and pollution. Low-cost future
Not all LCCs are finding the
going easy. Garuda Indonesia If proof were needed of the growing importance of
affiliate Citilink had a tough year in the Asia-Pacific market, then it can been found in
2013 due to the fall of over 20% in the expansion of its low-cost air transport sector. By
the Indonesian rupiah against the US how much this sector will grow and whether it will
dollar. The airline had announced plans for be sustainable is difficult to predict at the moment,
rapid expansion in 2014 with new routes to as the low-cost revolution is still underway. But the
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Perth but scaled present prospects look good. In the words of Tony
back its investment plans when it announced in Fernandes, CEO of Air Asia X: “There are three
December that it was reducing an order for ten billion people in Asia. As long as we keep fares low,
Airbus A320s due in 2014 down to eight, with the people will fly.”
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com FEBRUARY 2014 17DEFENCE
Asia-Pacific defence procurement
PacificStorm
The US pivot to Asia-Pacific and China’s accelerating
military capabilities are amid growing tensions in
the region. TIM ROBINSON assesses air power
and defence in Asia Pacific.
is emerging as not only an economic superpower
— but a military one at that. Its ‘great leap’ forward
in terms of naval expeditory power, precision
weapons, UAVs and stealth aircraft, along with its
new assertiveness such as unilaterally declaring an
air defence zone over disputed islands — has thus
increased tensions amongst its regional neighbours.
A
Despite the US's public ‘pivot to Asia’ there
Lockheed Martin growing military power, intent on too is also an unspoken concern by allies in
flexing its newly found muscles and the region that a war-weary, isolationist and
is to support proving its status, runs up against the budgetary constrained US — now simply cannot be
repair of Japan's established order. Nationalism and everywhere in the Pacific where it might be needed.
Lockheed Martin
F-2 fighters bellicose posturing runs riot. It is no The resullt has seen growth in military spending
wonder that in the recent months, parallels have and procurement in Asia-Pacific with a 5% increase
damaged in the
been found between 1914 and an inexorable drift year-on-year fleet size. Let’s take a look at some
2011 tsunami. to war, and 2014, where a new, confident China selected military aviation developments.
18 AEROSPACE / FEBRUARY 2014You can also read
