Missile boost
Diehl BGT Defence's IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile will be adapted for surface-launched applications under a €123 million ($166 million) contract with Germany's BWB procurement agency. To deliver the short-range element of the Medium Extended Air Defence System for Germany, the IRIS-T SL will receive a rocket motor upgrade, datalink and GPS navigation.
Canberra adieu
The Indian air force has ceased operations with its English Electric Canberra strike aircraft after 50 years of use. Flown by 106 Sqn, the service's last Canberras made their final flights at Agra airbase on 11 May.
C-17 delivers
The Royal Australian Air Force's second of four C-17 strategic transports was due to arrive at Amberley airbase near Brisbane on 19 May, following its acceptance at Boeing's Long Beach plant in California on 11 May. It will carry associated logistics support equipment and new rigid-hull inflatable boats for the Australian army.
Improved litening
Rafael is developing a fourth-generation version of its market-leading Litening targeting pod. The Israeli company declines to outline the planned additional capabilities, but says the new version will be compatible with "very advanced guided weapons". Offered in conjunction with partners including Northrop Grumman and Ultra Electronics, the Litening design has so far been selected by 20 air forces.
Sentry test
The UK Ministry of Defence is to fund a technical maturity demonstration of Boeing's Block 40/45 mission system upgrade for the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft using software developed by Qinetiq. The MoD says the work is aimed at finding a replacement for the mission system on board the Royal Air Force's seven E-3D Sentry aircraft based at Waddington in Lincolnshire.
Source: Flight International
