Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 06 Sept 2013

A screengrab off Chinese state television (above) shows what appears to be a Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark in Chinese Navy colours. The type had only previously been seen in primer or Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's markings.

The pivot continues. The U.S. Army will deploy 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters to South Korea beginning October. This nine-month, rotational deployment will be the first time OH-58Ds will be South Korea since they left in 2008.

The Republic of Korea Air Force will resume flying the KAI T-50 trainer after an interim report found no technical problems with the aircraft following a recent fatal crash.

Bell's internally funded re-engined OH-58 Block II makes first flight

Designed to meet the US Army's new requirements for a more powerful scout helicopter, Bell Helicopter has completed the first flight of a OH-58F Kiowa Warrior re-engined with the Honeywell HTS900-2 engine. It is hoped that the internally funded OH-58 Block II is able to hover at 6,000ft in 35°C (95°F) temperatures.

Australia deploys more helicopters for flood assistance

The Australian Defence Force will deploy more helicopters for assistance to the flood ravaged Australian state of Queensland. Two more ADF Blackhawks and four Kiowas will be deployed to Amberley Airbase, west of the state capital Brisbane. Several helicopters and fixed wing assets are already being deployed on various flood relief missions over the past week.

US Army announces new Fox model for Kiowa Warrior

The US Army will designate its Kiowa Warrior helicopters that will receive cockpit and sensor upgrades as the OH-58F. However the helicopters are still unable to meet the Army's future requirements for "hot-and-high" operations.

Bell to show there's life yet in the Kiowa

Even as the US Army searches for a replacement with vastly improved performance, Bell Helicopter is building a new demonstrator aircraft to prove the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior can remain a viable, long-term option. The demonstrator will be a Bell Model 206B with a significantly more powerful engine.