A DC-3 airplane receives a water-cannon solute during the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift celebration June 16, 2024, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany. The event celebrates the United States’ enduring relationship with Germany and NATO and their combined resolve to stand strong and united to deter and defend every square inch of NATO territory against tyranny. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jeffrey Brenchley)

A B1-B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron taxis after landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, June 15, 2024. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our allies and partners through the employment of our military forces, demonstrating strategic predictability, while becoming more operationally unpredictable to adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

German Air Force PA-200 Tornados take off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, for German Air Force-led deployment Pacific Skies 24, June 17, 2024. Aircraft and personnel will conduct low-level flying training as part of the deployment. Pacific Skies is a combination of several exercises in the Indo-Pacific theater in which German, French and Spanish air forces participate with U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)



A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 17, 2024. The F-22 Raptor is designed to project air dominance and cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft, providing power projection across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June. 16, 2024) A CVM-22B Osprey, assigned to the "Mighty Bison" of the Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM-40) lands on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), June 16. Truman is the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Gomez)

MARIETTA, Ga., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently delivered the 2,700th Hercules multi-mission tactical airlifter, increasing the size, reach and strength of the worldwide C-130 fleet.

This landmark aircraft is a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker operated by the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 at Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Defined by its proven performance and unmatched versatility, operators in 70 nations around the world fly C-130 airlifters to support any mission — anywhere, any time. The current C-130 production model is the C-130J Super Hercules, which includes the KC-130J tactical tanker. To date, the C-130J is certified to support 18 different mission requirements.

"The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. "Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130's ongoing relevance."

The KC-130J is the global standard for tactical tankers, refueling a majority of rotary wing aircraft in operation today and multiple fixed-wing aircraft including the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lightning II fighter aircraft. With its truly tactical design, the KC-130J has the ability to fly at the slow speeds and low altitudes that are ideal when refueling helicopters.

Always evolving, continually innovating and ready for what's next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions — including humanitarian operations around the world. The global C-130J fleet spans 26 operators in 22 nations with 20+ air worthiness certifications. With nearly 3 million flight hours logged across the global fleet of 540+ C-130Js, invaluable insights gained from missions in every scenario equip the C-130J for what's next.

Marignane - Airbus Helicopters has launched the flight test campaign for the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2. This standard is one of the latest NH90 configurations and is being developed specifically for the French Army Aviation, to support special forces operations. The French Ministry for Armed Forces has ordered a total of 18 NH90s in the Standard 2 configuration. Flight testing will continue until the end of the year in accordance with the schedule agreed with the French Armament General Directorate (Direction Générale de l’Armement).

The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns.

The tests will validate the design of the new configuration. The prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 has also been equipped with mechanical and electrical provisions dedicated to the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD) in the view of a future integration at a later stage. These systems will improve the special forces capabilities to operate in highly demanding conditions.

These flight tests are part of the programme launched in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker) for the development and the upgrade of 10 NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration.

Following the programme launch, in December 2023, NAHEMA on behalf of the French Ministry for Armed Forces, awarded a contract to NHIndustries for the production of eight additional NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration, thus renewing their confidence in the NH90 programme.

By the end of the decade, the French Army Aviation will operate 81 NH90 TTHs. The NH90 was first delivered to the French Army in 2011. Sixty-three NH90 TTHs have been delivered so far. It was deployed in operation for the first time in Mali in 2014 and has since reached 50,000 flight hours in total.

The French armed forces’ NH90s are supported by NHI under the NH90 Operational Support (NOS) contract common with Germany, a performance based agreement delegating a major part of the nation’s logistics and maintenance activity to NHI and enabling the customers to focus on their critical operations.

NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture and it is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The Company takes the best from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.

The Ilmavoimat - Flygvapnet - Finnish Air Force have received their NATO accreditation last week. The Finnish Air Force’s NATO accreditation means that they're up to the NATO standard and may operate under NATO Enhanced Air Policing in Romania.

Seven Finnish Air Force F-18 fighter aircraft and more than 100 personnel will be taking part in Finland’s first NATO mission, working with the RAF and the Romanian Air Force protecting NATO’s eastern border. The Air Policing is on standby to launch at a moment's notice to protect NATO members sovereign airspace.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

The Tricolor Arrows landed in Bagotville, Quebec in the last few hours together with other aircraft of the Air Force in support of the North America Tour.

Departing last June 10 from Rivolto Air Base (Udine), they arrived in Bagotville after a transfer that lasted more than 4 days and involved several technical stairs in the Netherlands, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

The one in Bagotville will be the 1st stage of the long-awaited North America Tour 2024 of the National Air Patrol, which will feature ten MBs. 339PAN of the Military Air Force to perform until the end of August in different cities in Canada and the United States, bringing the Tricolor and Italian excellence overseas through a tight program of flights and exhibitions during air demonstrations.
(Photo courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare )

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, is towed into its parking spot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 18, 2024, in support of a bomber task force mission. The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 18, 2024, in support of a bomber task force mission. Bomber missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multilateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Jamison, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations, taxis a B-1B Lancer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 18, 2024, in support of a bomber task force mission. Bomber missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron taxis prior to taking off for a mission in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 at RAF Fairford, England, June 18, 2024. The deployment of strategic bombers to Europe exemplifies the United States’ steadfast support for NATO Allies and fortifies regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

Edwards AFB F-16C 88-456 with its special 50th Anniversary Fighting Falcon tail flash flies over the desert of Southern California. This Viper is assigned to the 416th Flight Test Squadron, flown by outgoing 416th FLTS Commander Lt. Col. Michael Pacini on his last flight with the Skulls. (Air Force photos by Todd Schannuth)




A CC-177 “Globemaster III” aircraft assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force, lands at Pittsburgh International Airport, June 6, 2024. The RCAF provided airlift for the 171st Air Refueling Wing during Exercise Iron Keystone 24’. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

June 18, 2024
Benefitting from more than three decades of strike and stealth technology innovation, the B-21 is the next evolution of the U.S. Air Force strategic bomber fleet and the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft to reach the skies.

The B-21 Raider continues its flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, California, led by a Combined Test Force (CTF) comprised of Northrop Grumman and Air Force personnel. CTF pilots indicate the jet is performing as expected with the aircraft flying like the simulator, reflecting the precision of the digital environment on B-21.

B-21 remains on track to meet its key performance parameter for Average Procurement Unit Cost (APUC) of $550 million in Base Year 2010 dollars. The government has fixed price production options for the first 21 aircraft. Final terms, quantity, and pricing beyond the first 21 aircraft are subject to negotiation. The government and Northrop Grumman have established not to exceed pricing for an additional 19 aircraft.

The average not to exceed value for the subsequent lots is above the average unit price of the five LRIP lots.

Here is what you need to know about Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider as it continues flight test.

Sixth Generation. The B-21 Raider is setting standards for sixth-generation technology. On the outside, next-gen stealth and advancements in low observable processes will make the aircraft easier and less costly to maintain than prior systems. Inside, the B-21’s open architecture will enable rapid upgradability from inclusion of new weapons to software upgrades thanks to advanced networking capabilities and successful cloud environment migration.

Production Focus. A key strategy of the program was to build a production representative first test aircraft. Rather than a prototype, the B-21 test aircraft is equipped with mission systems and was built by the same manufacturing technicians using the same processes and tooling for production aircraft. The body of knowledge and experience gleaned in the development process supports a smooth transition into production on the path to delivering operational capability.

A Digital Aircraft. Northrop Grumman uses agile software development and digital engineering tools to mitigate production risk and enable modern sustainment practices for the B-21 program. Ground testing demonstrated the efficacy of digital modeling with results that outperformed industry standards, paving the way for next-gen platforms and systems.

Advanced Manufacturing. By embracing the benefits of advanced manufacturing, Northrop Grumman invested in a digital ecosystem for the B-21 throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. From training and augmented reality tools allowing technicians to visualize tasks and solve problems before ever touching the plane, to easing integration of supplier parts on the aircraft, these advancements have reduced risk, supported efficiency and cultivated expertise throughout the manufacturing workforce.

Sustainment at the Forefront. Sustainment was a program priority throughout the B-21 program’s design phase. In addition to driving efficiency over the long term, this approach yields more near-term benefits and sets the B-21 further along on tech data, materiel readiness and training which will benefit the user community upon fielding.

A Boeing 767 modified for patient movement moves on the flight line during exercise Ultimate Caduceus at Travis Air Force Base, California, June 16, 2024. Ultimate Caduceus is an annual patient movement training event designed to test the capabilities of and provide field training to aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport teams, medical staging systems, and interagency partners involved in the reception and onward movement functions for global patient movement. (DOD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anita Chebahtah)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2024) U.S. Sailors refuel an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), June 17, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Nine, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aaron Haro Gonzalez)

An EA-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, makes its approach to the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 19, 2024. George Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2024 which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility through joint, multinational, and interagency exchanges and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Russell)

A B1-B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is parked at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, June 17, 2024. The U.S.’ steadfast commitment to security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region remains unchanged. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Audree Campbell)

Mirabel, Canada (June 20, 2024) – Bell Textron Canada Limited a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the successful first flight of one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopters, a variant of the Bell 412EP, under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project. Under GLLE, Bell will provide aircraft modifications to a series of the fleet’s aeronautical components, including its avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems. This news comes nearly five months after Bell was awarded the In-Service Support (ISS) contract that is positioned to sustain the Force’s fleet through 2039.

“The Bell 412 remains a venerable aircraft of choice for militaries across the world, with the Royal Canadian Air Force operating the largest and best equipped militarized fleet of 412s,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. “Bell is honored to continue our relationship with the Royal Canadian Air Force as they expand their mission capabilities with next generation technologies.”

To commemorate this historic flight milestone, Bell hosted an event at Bell’s Commercial Centre of Excellence for attendees to witness the first flight of the upgraded platform.

The Royal Canadian Air Force utilizes their fleet of CH-146 Griffons for a multitude of missions, from the provision of world-wide humanitarian relief in support to the United Nations to the provision of Reassurance measures under NATO. The fleet is also extensively employed in Canada for the provision of Search and Rescue services and support to first responders. Last year, the CH-146 Griffon fleet surpassed half a million flight hours.

“As Canada’s only helicopter manufacturer in-country, Bell is a proud partner of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our facility’s local presence provides us with the ability to work closely with the Canadian government, as well as other local customers to address their aircraft needs”, said Michael Nault, General Manager, Bell Textron Canada. “The GLLE program will help ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force is equipped with cutting-edge defense technologies for years to come.”

The first upgraded CH-146 Griffon completed under the GLLE project is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in 2026 pending military certification.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, 48th Fighter Wing commander, takes off in an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, England, June 20, 2024. The final flight, also known as the fini-flight, is a tradition that marks the departure of a pilot from their last flight in an aircraft and commemorates the pilot’s career accomplishments and successful final mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit land a MV-22B Osprey during a simulated Forward Humanitarian Assistance exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2024. The FHA was conducted to test the Marines’ abilities to interact and aid humanitarian needs while promoting regional stability and security. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan K Maldonado)

Royal Air Force Typhoons escort a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over England, June 18, 2024. Joint and multilateral exercises reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to collective defense and mutual security. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)


A Royal Dutch Air Force F-35 Lightning II flies off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, June 18, 2024. Bomber Task Force Europe provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure, deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance, throughout Europe, and across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

A Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon escorts a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, June 18, 2024. The continuous military cooperation with NATO partners exemplifies the United States' dedication to mutual defense and strategic stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs and Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets escort a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, June 18, 2024. Bomber Task Force Europe provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure, deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance, throughout Europe, and across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

A Royal Canadian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet escorts a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over Canada, June 18, 2024. Joint and multilateral exercises reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to collective defense and mutual security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle flies off of the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over Canada, June 18, 2024. Bomber Task Force operations reflect the United States' ongoing commitment to Alliance solidarity and regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripens fly off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, June 18, 2024. NATO Allies and partners routinely train together in order to refine tactics, techniques, and best practices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, departs from a KC-135 Stratotanker from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over the Norwegian sea, June 18, 2024. Currently deployed to RAF Fairford, England, the B-52s integrated with NATO allies and regional partners during several missions, ensuring interoperability, enhancing readiness and building relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Viviam Chiu)

The NATO Tiger Meet 2024 (NTM 24) took place from June 3 to 14, with the participation of 6 Belgian F-16s in Schleiswig, Germany. A mixture of young and experienced pilots took part in Composite Air Operations (COMAO4s) to promote integration with other nations and keep them prepared for complex missions. During these flights, new software was also tested and evaluated on Belgian aircraft.
(Photos courtesy of the Belgian Air Force)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2024) An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the Tigertails of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125, lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Pacific Ocean, June 24. E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne, early warning missions to provide valuable information to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 as it plans and executes operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan C. Brown)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2024) Sailors guide an EA-18G Growler, attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Pacific Ocean, June 24. The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan C. Brown)

A Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier jet lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during joint flight operations over the Baltic Sea as part of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, June 15, 2024. BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elton Taylor)

E-11A aircraft play key role during humanitarian airdrops in Gaza.
A U.S. Air Force E-11A Aircraft equipped with the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node taxis on the flightline at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 9, 2024. The E-11 enables cross-platform integration that enhances overall mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has deployed F-16s, which have arrived in Western Australia! Over the next few months, the RSAF will be deploying the F-16s and F-15SGs to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce on a rotational basis as part of the Extended Fighter Detachment (EFD). This marks the first time our F-16s and F-15SGs will be deployed there!

This EFD will provide valuable and realistic training opportunities for our air and ground crew, allowing us to hone our operational competencies in the vast airspace available in Australia.

We are grateful for Australia’s strong support and friendship, which made this EFD possible. This deployment is a testament to the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Australia.
(Photos courtesy of the RAAF)

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 167th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron takes flight at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 24, 2024. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force with the capability to provide rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or forward bases in the deployment area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from Aviano Air Base’s 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, also known as the ‘Buzzards,’ currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, prepares to taxi out for a flight in an undisclosed location in Pakistan during Exercise Falcon Talon, June 4, 2024. U.S. Air Force Central’s 378th Air Expeditionary Wing and Pakistan Air Force Airmen recently conducted the fifth iteration of Exercise Falcon Talon, a bilateral Field Training Exercise focused on tactical-level counter-terrorism, air-to-ground weapons employment and subject matter expert exchanges. (Courtesy photo)

Capt. Sanfilippo celebrated her graduation from F-15C fighter pilot training at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 14, 2024. Sanfilippo is the first female fighter pilot assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, its 194th Fighter Squadron, and the California Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Benjamin White, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter pilot, parks a F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter designated as tail number 0358 following a sortie in which the fighter reached 10,000 flying hours at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 24, 2024. The 10,000 flight hour milestone for tail number 0358 is a testament to the longevity of the F-16 aircraft model, which was first introduced to the Air Force’s aircraft fleet in 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Albert Morel)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 22, 2024, in support of a bomber task force mission. Bomber missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multilateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, June 26, 2024 – Embraer today delivered the second KC-390 multi-mission aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP). The platform includes standard NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) equipment already integrated into the aircraft and meets the requirements set by the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) of Portugal. In 2019, FAP ordered five KC-390, including a comprehensive services and support package and a flight simulator. The first aircraft entered into service in October 2023 at Beja Air Base.

“The second KC-390 Millennium delivery to the Portuguese Air Force is another important step in the process of internationalizing our aircraft, which is increasing its market recognition particularly among NATO nations. The Portuguese Air Force is a long-term partner of Embraer and has supported us strategically since the beginning of the program. We will continue to work together to advance our partnership in the coming years,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer’s Defense & Security.

“With the delivery of this second aircraft we will accelerate the integration of this distinguish capability in the Portuguese Air Force allowing us to increment the operational missions and prepare additional crew members and technicians for the future to come. With the results already achieved with the first aircraft it’s clear that with this second one we will see the Portuguese KC-390s flying all around the world proving their capabilities, versatility and availability and providing added mission value for Portugal, partners and alliances,” says General João Cartaxo Alves, Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff.

Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 13,000 flight hours, with operational availability of around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.

The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

Rome, 26 June 2024
The AW609 tiltrotor programme set another major industry capability milestone after its first successful ship trial, which was recently conducted with the support of the Italian Navy. From 3-12 April, the AW609 AC4 aircraft, fully representative of the final production configuration, performed demonstration trials relocating from Leonardo’s facility based in Cascina Costa (Samarate) to Maristaer Grottaglie Naval Base. The tiltrotor, with test pilots and flight test engineers from Leonardo (supported by Italian Navy personnel for the embarked operations), took off from the base inbound from the Italian aircraft carrier (ITS CAVOUR - Navy Fleet Flagship), 20 nm offshore, showing its effective approach, stable deck landing, and touchdown capabilities.

During the demonstration, the AW609 provided a unique opportunity to further strengthen the awareness of the outstanding advantages of Leonardo’s tiltrotor in a dedicated maritime environment. This testifies how the world’s first tiltrotor set to achieve a civil certification meets demanding operational and safety standards. Therefore it is ideally positioned to meet a range of government and public service needs, in Italy and globally.

Integral to the demonstration phase, was an initial test campaign developed and executed in a full synthetic environment leveraging the AW609 development/engineering simulator, which is located in Cascina Costa. Digital twin applications delivered a preliminary assessment of the activities and manoeuvres, which were later performed in operation to the benefit of capability development, time reduction, safety, and sustainability. Deck landing and take-off procedures were performed in over 15 different conditions (including wind conditions), featuring straight-in and lateral approach, vertical landing, vertical take-off, and lateral exit.

The demonstration trials are the latest step taken under the activities carried out by a joint working group established in 2022 including Leonardo, the Italian Navy, the Italian Army, and Guardia di Finanza (Italy’s Customs Police). The working group is intended to evaluate the potential of tiltrotor technologies as complementary capabilities to the assets already in use among government services, providing a fast long range capability with vertical take-off and landing and fast cruise, above the weather thanks to the AW609’s unique pressurized cabin and high altitude performance. The assessment performed by the working group would help to define the benefits for logistic transport (vertical take-off/landing, long range, fast point-to-point connection with above-the-weather cruise) and, later in the future, maritime surveillance (vertical take-off/landing, fast transfer to patrolling area and larger area coverage).

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, said: “Fast rotorcraft technologies continue to be core to our forward-looking capability development and value-proposition in the vertical lift domain, which has been extensively demonstrated by the progress on the AW609 tiltrotor programme. The recent ship trials in Italy with the strong support of the Italian Navy, within the framework of the working group also joined by the Italian Army and Guardia di Finanza, represent an important step towards the development of government applications as we reinforce our position to lead tiltrotor-based initiatives internationally and to meet future emerging requirements.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: “The success of these trials set a major capability demonstration milestone to show the unique advantages of tiltrotors, and particularly that of the AW609, through a combination of high performance and versatility, which remains unmatched in the vertical flight sector. This experience provides an important opportunity to appreciate benefits that can truly revolutionise a range of missions or even open new operational possibilities. We thank all of our partners in this demonstration and for the studies undertaken, we look forward to moving to the next stages of evaluation.”

Following the first ship trials campaign, Leonardo will start a detailed evaluation and analysis of the collected data. These would allow possible follow-on trials to better refine approaches as well as drive further platform enhancements to operate in the naval/embarked environment.
The AW609 excels at providing fast point-to-point transportation at long ranges, allowing timely access to remote locations, hosting up to nine passengers in the comfort of a pressurized cabin and it is therefore designed to transform a variety of missions, including public services and government roles. The programme development has logged, to date, in excess of 1,900 flight hours in Italy and USA.

It leverages unique industrial and technological capabilities and skills making Leonardo a leading player in the rapidly emerging fast rotorcraft domain, where tiltrotor architectures are proving more and more to be the best solution to meet future operational needs.