Defence & security

King Air vigilantes in FIDAE 2012

Carlos Ay

In line with World-wide trends, FIDAE 2012 was an ideal stage for a number of modern intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance companies to promote both their manned and unmanned airborne solutions for a wide range of military and government applications. Heralded by the renowned Wichita manufacturer and populated by American, European and Middle Eastern offerings, industry was marketing a variety of systems turning long range King Airs 350/350ER aircraft into cost-effective solutions for battlefield surveillance, signal intelligence, maritime patrol, search and rescue and border surveillance, enforcement of terrorism, piracy, contraband and anti-narcotics legislation and environmental protection against pollution, illegal fishing and forest fires.

Defence & security

TLP 2012 schedule revealed

Antonio Pérez Lerma

Even though it will make a dent in its plans and resources, the economical crisis now looming over most of Europe and the United States will not deter NATO’s continued commitment to combined flying crews training. News coming from Albacete confirm the Spanish air base at Los Llanos will continue to host academic and flying courses for the organization’s Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP). Read-on to learn more about TLP’s 2012 flying schedule.

Defence & security

Boeing VP: South America may purchase “the latest model of the C-17”

Carlos Ay

Coinciding with the exhibition of a C-17A Globemaster III in Chile’s air and space fair in March 2010, Boeing was reported as talking to prospective customers about the creation of a South American consortium to operate the type following a “time-sharing” scheme already developed by several NATO air forces. Aeromilitaria Argentina has been following the story and got exclusive comments on the subject from Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Defence & security

“Salitre II”: Air combat training over Atacama desert

Carlos Ay

Northern Chile’s crystal clear skies, low population density and limited air traffic provide an ideal background for dissimilar air combat training. Late in 2009, the South American nation was host to the second edition of a a large-scale, multi-national exercise gathering combat aircraft and crews from four American and one European air forces. Masked as a peace-restoring exercise, Salitre II was a golden opportunity to see American Eagles, Chilean Fighting Falcons and Tigers, Argentine Fighting Hawks, Brazilian Falcons and French Mirages practice the fine art and science of modern air combat. Gaceta Aeronáutica was there to illustrate and report.