World AirNews June 2018

Advertorial
TECHNICAL
SMALL
ENOUGH TO FIT
ON YOUR BAG
G
ARMIN INTERNATIONAL has introduced what it calls
the inReach Mini, a smaller and more compact satellite
communicator with available two-way messaging and a 24/7 SOS
function when combined with an inReach subscription to access
the Iridium satellite network.
Measuring just less than 100 mm tall by 50 mm wide, the lightweight
inReach Mini can easily be carried in a backpack, boat,
plane, or glove box.
No more worrying about spotty coverage or being within range
of a cell tower – the inReach Mini works anywhere when using the
Iridium satellite network.
For the ultra-light experience, the inReach Mini encompasses it
all, from messaging to tracking to declaring an SOS. It can be used
on its own or paired with a compatible device. The Earthmate app
easily pairs with the inReach Mini via Bluetooth to a compatible
smartphone for access to unlimited maps and aerial imagery.
The Earthmate app also allows all of the inReach features to be
accessed through the paired mobile device, so a user can reach
anyone in their contact list. The app will seamlessly allow the user
to access their compatible device’s contact list for quick access
without manual entry.
The inReach Mini also works with Garmin’s increasingly popular
fēnix smartwatch line to send and receive messages from their
watch with the device securely fastened to their pack, kit, or
vehicle. The user can remotely programme the device to send and
NEWS
S
audi Arabian Military Industries
(SAMI) and Boeing recently signed
a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to
develop a new joint venture aimed at localising
more than 55% of the MRO services
for fixed and rotary-wing military aircraft in
Saudi Arabia.
The agreement will also transfer technology
to install weaponry on these aircraft as
well as localize the supply chain for spare
parts in the Kingdom.
Commenting on this important milestone,
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of
SAMI, said "Boeing has a long-standing
commitment to Saudi Arabia, and is extremely
keen on expanding its footprint in
the country. Inspired by the vision of Prince
Mohammed bin Salman, SAMI, on the
other hand, is exploring all collaborative
opportunities to build a strong autonomous
military industries ecosystem in the
Kingdom."
The joint venture agreement will provide
sustainment services for fixed- and rotary-wing
military aircraft of the KSA military
fleet and will be the sole provider of these
‎services for all military aviation platforms
of the KSA military fleet, strengthening the
Kingdom's defence capabilities and enhancing
its deterrent potential.
"We deeply appreciate the trust that
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general,
and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman
personally, are placing in Boeing to help
deliver Vision 2030 with this new joint
venture," said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing
Chairman, President, and CEO.
"Our relationship with the Kingdom dates
World Airnews | June 2018
— 40 —
receive messages with compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or
other mobile devices.
Pilots will also have the ability to send and receive messages
conveniently through their Garmin Pilot app right from the cockpit.
Garmin Pilot leverages the inReach Mini’s GPS positioning to drive
a georeferenced aircraft position symbol on a tablet’s moving map
display.
The device has the ability to provide tracking for those wanting
to follow the flight, using the web-based Map Share page created
for each inReach account.
Like all inReach devices, a user can hit the SOS button in case of
emergency that sends a distress signal to GEOS, a 24/7 International
Emergency Response Coordination Centre. GEOS will track the
device which triggered the SOS, notify the proper contacts, and
send the necessary emergency responders to the exact location.
GEOS will deliver a confirmation that help is on the way and also
continually update the user on the status of the response team.
GEOS will also reach out to the user’s emergency contact and alert
them of the situation. Q
SAUDI ARABIAN MILITARY
INDUSTRIES AND BOEING
IN NEW JOINT VENTURE
back more than 70 years, and we look forward
to continuing our successful partnership
in support of the Kingdom's national
security and aerospace industry needs."
The MoA will further solidify the enduring
relationship between Boeing and
Saudi Arabia and result in the development
of local research, design, engineering,
manufacturing, and MRO abilities. The JV
will continuously improve performance
and growth, upgrade the readiness of and
increase confidence in, the Saudi military
fleet, enhance maintenance capabilities,
and reduce support costs throughout the
fleet's life.
In addition, the agreement will create
6,000 jobs and training opportunities
for Saudi youth, support local content,
improve Saudization levels in the industry,
and assist towards achieving the ambitious
Vision 2030 plan. Q
T
HE SUCCESSFUL serial production
of the Russian Mi-28NE helicopter
with dual controls has made it possible to
start massive re-armament of the Russian
Army’s aviation units, as well as to capture
a slice of the world market for this type of
aircraft.
The new capabilities of the Night Hunter
has opened up a new perspective in the
world military market. A few foreign
customers have already shown interest in
the renewed helicopter resulting in export
contracts having been signed for the supply
of Mi-28NE helicopters with dual controls.
The story of Mi-28NE from its beginning
is one of seemingly constant improvement
and modernisation with the latest dual control
option adding even more value to the
helicopter type.
The helicopter was initially designed as
a special-purpose highly-maneuverable
rotary-wing attack aircraft intended to be
“a flying platform for installation of various
armaments”.
It was nicknamed as a “Night Hunter” by
Russian troops thanks to its ability to perform
combat missions at any time of day or
night and in any weather conditions.
The Mi-28NE was also designed to
provide fire support for the forward land
troops and to be deployed as a part of
anti-mechanised defence, to destroy
armoured vehicles, strike low flying and
low-speed air targets, conduct air reconnaissance,
as well as to provide target
designation to combat helicopters and
fixed-wing aircraft.
The Night Hunter is heavily armoured and
features high combat survivability.
Maintaining all the functions of the strike
helicopter, the M-28NE with dual control
system significantly simplifies the training
process of military pilots who need the
practical flight hours in Night Hunters.
Furthermore, in combat action in case
of emergency with one of the pilots being
incapacitated, the other pilot will be able to
take over control.
In 2014, only two months after the first
dual control helicopter had been delivered
to the foreign customer, it was declared
that the first three Mi-28NE helicopters had
achieved the state of operational readiness.
At that time the aircraft had already
been used for defensive action against
attacking militants. This military operation
took place long before Mi-28NE helicopters
were used by Russian Aerospace Forces
in Syria during the operation to liberate
Palmyra in 2016.
Foreign buyers of the new Russian-made
combat helicopter had to speedily enhance
their own air force in the fight against
numerous militia units and terrorist groups.
Russian helicopters rapidly became an
important component of the army aviation.
From the very beginning of its operation,
the pilots have deployed all kinds of weapons
on the Mi-28NE helicopters including
missiles, rockets and armaments.
Besides common S-8 type rockets, the
helicopters were often equipped with containers
of more powerful S-13 type rockets
of 122-mm calibre. Airborne 30 mm gun
mounts were regularly deployed in combat
operations.
The routine missions of Mi-28NE helicopters
were fire support during military
operations in cities and pursuit of militants’
in armed pickup trucks and petrol tankers
in the desert. They were also engaged in
major combat operations as well.
Among the most valuable advantages of
Mi-28NE helicopters are not only all-weather
and round-the-clock application capability,
but also their fire power. The military
conflicts experience of the recent years has
shown that strike helicopters are mainly
deployed in close contact with the enemy.
The latest anti-terrorist operations
have vividly demonstrated that the armed
World Airnews | June 2018
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ADVERTORIAL
THE NIGHT HUNTER
IN ITS NEW OUTFIT
photos by Alexey Nagaev
forces of many countries are in dire need
of helicopters such as the Night Hunter –
an up-to-date and highly-efficient aircraft
possessing high manoeuvrability and great
fire power.
According to operators’ opinions, the
modern combat helicopters provides a
quantum jump in the development of the
national army aviation.
The use Mi-28NE helicopters is becoming
increasingly common and the Russian-made
helicopters are traditionally in
great demand in the Middle East, Africa,
Asia-Pacific region, Latin America and in CIS
countries.
The extensive application of the helicopter
in local conflicts makes it possible for
customers to develop new requirements
for the Night Hunter.
The further upgrading of the helicopter
is aimed at the extension of the armament
variety.
It will include new Ataka and Khrizantema
antitank missiles featuring two-channel
control system – both radio channels and
laser-beam channels are used.
The application of Khrizantema missiles
makes it possible to increase the target
destruction range up to 10 km. In addition,
the upgraded helicopter can be equipped
with aircraft bombs the efficiency of which
has been proven in local conflicts over the
last decade.
It is planned to equip the upgraded Mi-
28 with main rotor blades of a new design,
which will improve its performance in high
mountains and hot climatic conditions, as
well as enhancing the capabilities in terms
of aerobatic execution. The stabilizer with
enlarged surface area will make it possible
to improve the controllability of the helicopter.
In addition, it is planned to equip
the aircraft with more powerful engines
and a new Russian-made auxiliary power
plant.
Moving with the times, the helicopter
will also be able to interact with UAVs. Q