Aerospace

These are two new challenges Malaysia faces in purchasing FA50.

Malaysia and South Korea are stuck with the final price of the FA 50 and Malaysia ask KAI to match the price of HAL Tejas Mk1A. they asked them to bring down the price of the unit price of the AESA radar and Inflight refueling capable FA 50 version from 50 million to 43 million USD to make it comparable to the price of Tejas MK-1A.

KAI selected a few of the fighter aircraft for the country’s defense squad which should be single-seater fighter jets and the trainer type of category aircraft with refueling facilities. Malaysia was chosen for the KAI’s FA 50 and Tejas fighter jet from HAL. finally, it selected the Korean fighter jet.

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which India offered to Malaysia despite Mk-1A having a higher TRM AESA and better Weapons package including Brahmos capability, KAI, however, is not agreeing to this demand as it would mean a loss for the company which has not yet completed certification of the equipment listed in RMAF RFP requirements.

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Another reason behind KAI’s reluctance is that, unlike India which is the sole owner of the Tejas program and has exclusive rights to decide which systems to buy/make to integrate with Tejas as per customer demands, Fa-50 is a Joint program between US company Lockheed Martin and Korean KAI, thus certification and integration of new equipment for Fa-50 would be more time consuming and expensive.

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There is also the possibility of limiting the technology transfer if it builds in Malaysia. there are challenges which have to face it by Malaysia with KAI.

While this stalemate between both sides over the pricing might not be a deal breaker, as per Malaysian media it might delay the signing of the final contract by a month.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.