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Showing posts with label Philippine Air Force. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine Air Force. Show all posts

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Igorota elite PAF pilot operates the A-29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft

Photo Courtesy || Bert Alangui

Cordillera - 2nd Lieutenant Lei Vannete Alangui, a proud Igorota from the Applai tribe of Sagada, Mt. Province is among the elite Philippine Air Force pilot that operates the A-29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft. 

2Lt. Alangui, a registered nurse was a certified military pilot of the elite branch of the Philippine army after finishing rigorous 15-months of training in 2019.

The A-29B “Super Tucano” turboprop attack aircraft is built for the 15th Strike Wing mission “To conduct counterinsurgency and special warfare operations.”The A-29B Super Tucano’s global track record is clear; and equally clear was the fact that it was the right tool for the 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force and get into the hands to empower their ground operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Abu Sayyaf Group.

This practical and affordable young attack aircraft is perfect for fighting enemy ground forces, with its durability, lightness, and long loiter time allowing it to remain close to the fight. With a "Too little for too much" reputation and a Cost Per Flight Hour (CPFH) of $1000, it is a cost-effective solution for the 15th Strike Wing.

The Super Tucano is highly interoperable with ground operations, maneuvering deftly in high temperatures and rugged terrain. Its ability to operate in close collaboration with ground forces makes it an ideal choice for the 15th Strike Wing's mission.

With a combat radius of 300 nautical miles, a top speed of 367 mph, and a range of up to 720 nautical miles, the A-29 turboprop attack aircraft is ideal for effective attacks in urban environments and other condensed combat situations.

In counterinsurgency operations, the A-29 can make a significant difference in a number of ways. By providing overhead fire support, the aircraft can identify and engage pockets of enemy fighters, reducing the need for ground troops to enter into direct combat. Additionally, the A-29 can serve as an intelligent node, providing targeted information and data regarding troop movements.

The A-29 has also been recommended by the USAF for use in the Afghan war due to the high cost of operating the A-10. Why spend resources on a costly aircraft when the A-29 can perform the same mission at a fraction of the cost?

With 12 years of service and thousands of combat flight hours, the A-29 has a proven record of success with 15 air forces around the world and counting. It is the go-to choice for close air support operations worldwide.

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Sunday, April 3, 2022

1Lt. Jul Composano-Beran: PAF's First-Ever Female Fighter Pilot

Photo Courtesy || PAF

PHILIPPINES - The Philippine Air Force made history for having its own, first-ever Female Fighter Pilot on March 30, 2022 from the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

1LT JUL LAIZA MAE B CAMPOSANO-BERAN PAF was checked out as the first female AS-211 combat mission ready pilot and wingman.

1LT CAMPOSANO-BERAN PAF, a native of Tulunan, Cotabato is a member of Philippine Military Academy SINAGLAHI Class of 2015 and became the 5th female in the academy to receive the Athletic Saber Award over 170 members of her class. She graduated from Military Pilot Training in 2017 from the Philippine Air Force Flying School. 

As we celebrate the National Women's Month this March, the Philippine Air Force joins in recognizing the significant role of women in our organization and society.

Salute to all women!

source || PAF-MIL

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Saturday, December 11, 2021

LOOK: Two Units of Brand New T129 ATAK Helicopter from Turkey arrive in PH

Photo Courtesy || PH Air Force

Update (March 9, 2022) - The Philippine Air Force welcomes the arrival of two of six units of T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey on March 9, 2022, at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. 

A total of six units were acquired from Turkish Aerospace Industries in line with the AFP Modernization Program - Horizon 2. 

The 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force will operate these choppers alongside AH-1S Cobra helicopters for Close Air Support to ground troops, armed surveillance, and reconnaissance.  - Philippine Armed Forces

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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon add Turkish-made attack helicopters in its arsenal as part of the AFP's modernization program. 

2 units of the T129 ATAK helicopter are expected to be delivered to the PAF this December according to Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, PAF commander.

A total of six T129 attack helicopters will be acquired for a total contract price of USD269,388,862 (about PHP12.9 billion) from the Turkish Aerospace Industries through a government-to-government mode of procurement under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, according to Philippine Information Agency.

The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and further developed in Turkey, which is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot, high environments and adverse geographical conditions, both day and night.

READ ALSO: Philippine Black Hawks landed in Cordillera for the very first time

The T129 ATAK is equipped with a 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon in a nose turret with 500 ammunitions capacity and up to 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support. The helicopter is also equipped with up to 8 UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles, 8 air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles.

READ ALSO: Igorot pilot successful in his first solo flight using PA 101 (Cessna 150)

The T129 ATAK helicopter also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capability in the battlefield. The electronic warfare and countermeasure systems of the helicopter features Radar Warning Receiver System (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer System (RFKS) and Laser Receiver System (LIAS) in addition to Warning System (FIS), Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS), IR (Infrared), and Countermeasure System.

source || PIA and Wikipedia


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Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...