Military Aviation News

AirTanker Conducts First Passenger Flight
AirTanker Conducts First Passenger Flight Received Relevant Regulatory Approval January 5th

X-47B aboard USS Harry S. Truman
Northrop Grumman X-47B Pegasus Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The air vehicle arrived by barge from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The USS Truman is the first aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft. The Navy plans to conduct X-47B carrier deck handling tests aboard the ship.

KC-135 upgrades to keep aircraft flying for decades
The 1950's-era KC-135 Stratotankers are slated starting next year to be souped-up with upgraded engines that will extend the nation's global reach for another two decades. At the same time, experts say the improved engines will also burn less fuel and spend less time in maintenance.

493rd EFS flies to protect Iceland's air sovereignty
KEFLAVIK, Iceland -- The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is conducting Icelandic air policing missions here until June 7. The squadron, which is made up of U.S. Air Force and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization personnel, is a specialized team prepared to ensure Iceland's air sovereignty.

MC-130 J name change promotes modern missions, preserves heritage
Officials announced at HURLBURT FIELD, Fla on March 9 a popular name change for the MC130-J that honors the Air Commando legacy and capitalizes on the versatility of the aircraft. "Air Force Special Operation Command MC-130 Js will be equipped to fly various missions and will be called Commando II," said Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, AFSOC commander, in the memorandum requesting the change. "This name best reflects the multimission role of the aircraft and the units that will fly them."

Harrier GR.9 arrives at IWM Duxford
Recently, BAE Systems Harrier GR9 ZD461 was transported from RAF Cottesmore to IWM Duxford, where it will undergo conservation work and a rebuild.

Eglin launches first F-35 training mission
No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.

Boeing delivers the first production P-8A Poseidon to the U.S. Navy
Boeing on March 4 officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011.

Russian Air Force orders 92 Sukhoi Su-34 bombers
March 1, 2012, Moscow — Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and General Director of the Sukhoi Company Igor Ozar signed a state contract for delivery of 92 Su-34 frontline bombers

100th Air Refueling celebrates 20 years at RAF Mildenhall
The 100th Air Refueling Wing celebrated its birthday Feb. 1, marking 20 years since the wing returned to East Anglia. The 100th arrived in England Feb. 1, 1992, after being out of the U.K. for 47 years, and was redesignated the 100th Air Refueling Wing.

U.S. to Sell F-15 Fighters to Saudi Arabia
The United States will sell 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrades for 70 existing aircraft to Saudi Arabia under a nearly $29.4 billion agreement, U.S. officials announced today.

305th Air Mobility Wing carries out first Elephant Walk in 5 years
The 305th Air Mobility Wing completed its first 'Elephant Walk' in nearly five years, launching all 12 KC-10 Extenders on the ramp, one right after the other, in a 30-minute time period Dec. 20.

Sikorsky completes first S-92 SAR helicopter for Irish Coast Guard
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has completed production of an S-92 helicopter for operation by CHC Helicopter on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard.

Sukhoi completes delivery of new Su-27SM's to Russian Air Force
The Sukhoi Company has completed delivery of 12 new multi-purpose Su-27SM(3) fighters to the Russian Air Force. They were released under a state contract, signed between the Sukhoi Company and the Ministry of Defence at the MAKS-2009 air show.

Swiss plan to replace F-5 Tigers with Gripens
The Swiss Defence Minister, Ueli Maurer, announced at a press conference on November 30 that the Saab JAS39 Gripen has been selected to replace the Swiss Air Force's F-5E/F Tiger IIs.

33rd RQS kicks off PACIFIC THUNDER
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron are teaming up with the 25th Fighter Squadron for PACIFIC THUNDER to ensure they are ready at a moment's notice to bring our warriors home.

Airbus Military A400M performs water ingestion tests
Airbus Military has successfully completed tests to demonstrate the ability of the A400M new generation airlifter to operate on wet runways and taxiways without ingesting water into the engines.

Official rollout of first Euro Hawk for German Forces
EURO HAWK, the premier Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the German Armed Forces, was presented today to government officials and media during a rollout ceremony held in Manching, Germany.

Boeing Awarded Contract for PBL Sustainment of C-17 Globemaster III
October 7th - Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received a performance based logistics (PBL) contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP).

USAF F-22 fleet to resume flight operations
The Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have recently approved an implementation plan developed by Air Combat Command officials that will allow the F-22 Raptor to resume flight operations after a four-month stand down.

2(AC) Squadron Tornados, to the moon and back
Servicemen and women from 2(AC) Squadron are returning to RAF Marham after supporting UK missions over Libya as part of Operation Ellamy.

Rare restored Fury arrives at Duxford
A very special aircraft arrives at Duxford. Recently, Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) brought a very special historic aircraft to Duxford for reassembly and display.

Mexico orders four C-27J aircraft
Finmeccanica, through its operating company Alenia Aeronautica, signed a contract worth approximately USD 200 million with Mexico to supply four tactical transport aircraft C-27J.

RAF Tornado ground attack jets clock up 1,000,000 flying hours
The RAF’s ground attack Tornados currently serving in Afghanistan and Libya have clocked up a staggering one million flying hours. Number 617 Squadron “ The Dambusters” took the aircraft through the landmark in Afghanistan this week.

First C295 with AEW&C rotodome completes maiden flight
The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military’s site in Seville (Spain).

French helicopters see action in Libya
On the night of 3rd June 2011, French Army Aviation (ALAT) Gazelle & Tigre attack helicopters operating from the assault ship Tonnerre carried out their first combat mission in Libya.

UK Apaches conduct operations over Libya
Apache attack helicopters, flying from HMS Ocean, conducted their first operational sorties over Libya last night as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to protect civilians under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Enhanced Paveway III arrives for Operation Ellamy
Royal Air Force capabilities for missions over Libya have been increased with the arrival of ‘bunker busting’ 2000lb bombs.

Apache clocks up 100,000 hours
The British Army’s Apache Attack Helicopter has clocked up a landmark 100,000 flying hours, a third of which have been flown on operations in Afghanistan. The achievement – equivalent to a single helicopter staying aloft for 11½ years – has seen Apache emerge as a vital battlefield tool in Afghanistan. As well as pinpoint strikes in support of ISAF troops, Apache has proved itself invaluable through its ability to escort other helicopters and land convoys and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capabilities.

The BBMF Dakota shows off its new scheme
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Douglas C-47 Dakota (ZA947) arrived back at RAF Coningsby on April 11, 2011 resplendent in a new colour scheme, following a major overhaul at Humberside over the winter months. It was then flown directly to Manchester Airport for repainting by Air Livery (Manchester). After several aborted attempts to return to its home base due to crosswinds, it arrived landed safely at Coningsby.

First F-35A for USAF completes first flight
The first F-35A production aircraft that will be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, later this year took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base on Friday, May 6, with Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti at the controls.

The first of four C-130J Super Hercules for Qatar completed
The first of four C-130J Super Hercules for the Qatar Emiri Air Force has completed production at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta.

Boeing Phantom Ray completes first flight
The Boeing Phantom Ray unmanned airborne system (UAS) successfully completed its first flight April 27 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

IWM Duxford's Conservation Team embarks on an exciting new project
Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Conservation Department is about to embark on a large-scale project to undertake conservation work on B-17 Flying Fortress Mary Alice, currently on display in the American Air Museum.

India selects Rafale and Typhoon for MMRCA shortlist
The Indian Ministry of Defence has issued letters to two of the six vendors competing in the Indian Air Force tender for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), asking them to extend the validity of their commercial bids.

RAF's biggest ever aircraft arrives in the UK
The RAF’s largest ever aircraft with a 60 metre wingspan and nearly 60 metres long arrived in the UK for the first time today, the MOD has announced. The new future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) has also been named publicly by the RAF as Voyager.

RAF Tornados to get Helmet Mounted Cueing System
BAE Systems have been awarded an £8 million An Urgent Operational Requirement contract to fit a Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) to the Royal Air Force Tornado fleet.

RAF Typhoon drops bombs in Libya
Typhoon jets are providing a ground attack capability in addition to Tornado GR4 aircraft as British forces continue to support NATO operations in Libya.

Dutch Armed Forces hit hard by cut backs
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced cuts that aims to save €1 billion from the defence budget and will see up to 5000 defence jobs, both military & civil servant, being lost.

RAF Eye in the sky hits 20,000 hours over Afghanistan
Reaper, the RAF’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft has reached a landmark 20,000 operational flying hours over Afghanistan, the MOD announced today. The 39 Squadron aircraft have proven themselves as the eyes in the sky for front line troops.

MC-130J rollout accelerates AFSOC recapitalisation
Air Force Special Operations Command officials welcomed the latest variant of the MC-130 at a rollout ceremony held at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Ga., factory recently.

Swedish Air Force participates in Unified Protector
March 3 - The Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) has deployed eight JAS39 Gripen fighters to Sigonella air base in Italy to take part in Operation Unified Protector, the NATO codename for operations over Libya, previously known as Operation Odyssey Dawn.

First operational Denel Rooivalk attack helicopters delivered to South African Air Force
April 1 - The first five fully operational Denel Rooivalk combat support helicopters have been handed over to the South African Air Force.

Chile takes delivery of first anti-submarine warfare C295
April 1 - The Chilean Navy has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military C295 in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. The handover took place after the aircraft was certified by INTA, the Spanish authority responsible for certification and military airworthiness.

USAF B-1 bombers fly from the US to attack targets in Libya
March 29 - B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing launched early Sunday, March 27 from their home station of Ellsworth Air Force Base to strike targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Lockheed Martin rolls out first Special Ops MC-130J Combat Shadow II
Lockheed Martin rolled out the first aircraft in a new fleet of MC-130J Combat Shadow IIs for the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC) during a ceremony here today.

U.S. Naval Test Pilot School celebrates 66 years
Standing in front of the the Navy’s oldest and newest aircraft, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School students, staff and faculty celebrated the school's birthday earlier this month.

First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for RAF displays its three-point refuelling capability
The first A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK Royal Air Force is here captured with both its underwing pods and fuselage refuelling unit (FRU) deployed simultaneously. The photo was taken from a Spanish Air Force F-18 during a recent handling qualities flight as the FSTA nears civil and military certification.

RAF Lossiemouth Tornado GR.4s set new record
On March 23, 2011, XV Squadron, stationed at RAF Lossiemouth, set a new RAF record by flying for more than 5,000 hours in a year. No other fast-jet squadron in the history of the RAF has achieved this level of operation before.

Qatar orders 3 EMS configured AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters
March 21 - The Qatar Armed Forces have signed a contract for three AW139 medium twin helicopters plus a comprehensive logistics support package.

USAF F-15E down in Libya, crew is safe
March 22 - Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over northeast Libya, March 21, 2011 at approximately 10:30 p.m. CET.

First KC-135 arrives for Rivet Joint conversion for RAF
Following the decision to procure Rivet Joint as the replacement for the Nimrod R1, the first aircrew from No. 51 Squadron RAF Waddington deployed to commence operational conversion training on United States Air Force (USAF) Rivet Joint aircraft.

Operation Odyssey Dawn - Day 1 - US involvment
March 20 - On the first night of Operation Odyssey Dawn, numerous United States aircraft and weapons systems were employed over and around Libya.

Operation Odyssey Dawn - Day 1 - RAF involvment
March 20 - On the first night of Operation Odyssey Dawn, British Armed Forces have participated in a coordinated strike against Libyan Air Defence system.

Operation Odyssey Dawn - the first night
March 20 - The first night of Operation Odyssey Dawn, the United Nations air operation against Libya, began with a bang.