EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --
Those common, vibrating ?thwip? helicopter sounds arrived well before they showed up, as 413th Flight Test Squadron personnel turned to look to the north at Eglin Air Force Base, May 19.

Seconds later, two helicopters appeared and the sounds and vibrations intensified. The Air Force?s newest combat search and rescue helicopter, the HH-60W Jolly Green II, led the way down the Duke Field runway. It was followed by the Army?s multi-role combat helicopter, the AH-64 Apache.

The two aircraft landed at Eglin AFB completing their first flight and combined test mission together.

The Apache, from Redstone Army Test Center, Alabama, flew in for system testing with the HH-60W.

?The unique configuration of the AH-64 Apache gave our team the opportunity to test capabilities of the HH-60W in ways normally not possible here,? said Christopher Martin, 413th FLTS HH-60W lead test engineer ?Tests like these will ensure the Jolly Green II will be able to perform its critical combat search and rescue mission when fielded in the joint warfighting environment.?

The joint service test-effort marks another milestone in Jolly Green II's development. This year, the new helicopter has completed extreme environment, communications and defense system testing just to name a few.

The 413th FLTS leads the HH-60W integrated test team along with members of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Detachment 2, and Air Force Operational Test Center.

?We are very proud of the work our integrated test team accomplished in 2020 despite a myriad of operational restrictions due to COVID-19,? said Shawn Hammond, HH-60W test program manager. ?The team?s success is due to a mission-focused mindset to ensure the crews flying the Jolly Green II into combat have the most reliable and capable helicopter for the job.?
(U.S. Air Force photo's by Samuel King Jr.)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, carrying U.S. Agency for International Development ventilators to be delivered to Moscow, Russia, prepares to take off at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 2, 2020. Dover AFB?s strategic location facilitates the expedient delivery of supplies throughout the globe, including Russia, where the COVID-19 outbreak is worsening and there are the third-highest number of cases in the world and the highest number of cases in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

A new model of the CV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft, assigned to the 801st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, taxis behind a previous model of the aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jun. 2, 2020. The new model CV-22 was delivered to the 801st SOAMXS and will continue the 8th Special Operations Squadron?s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph P. LeVeille)

Various aircraft participating in Orange Flag Exercise (OFE) fly over Edwards Air Force Base, California, during OFE 19-2. COVID-19 telework operations have created new opportunities for engineers from the 412th Test Wing teams to spend more time on software development environments to support weapons analysis, and to support multi-platform multi-service analysis for large force exercises such as OFE.
(Courtesy photo)

An RQ-4 Global Hawk, assigned to the 319th Operations Group, Detachment 1, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May, 30, 2020, for a rotational deployment. The movement maintains operations for Global Hawks during months of inclement weather endured at Andersen AFB, as typhoons and other scenarios have the potential to hinder readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Aaron Church)

F-15C Eagle's assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron prepare to land at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 2, 2020. The Liberty Wing continues to maintain combat readiness in order to safeguard U.S. national interests and those of NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)


JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 3, 2020 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Super Hornet test aircraft for the U.S. Navy?s Blue Angel flight demonstration squadron. The unpainted aircraft now enters the flight test and evaluation phase at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Boeing expects to deliver a total of 11 aircraft for the squadron in 2020.

?The Super Hornet is an iconic representation of excellence in naval aviation,? said ret. Admiral Pat Walsh, vice president of U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Services for Boeing. Walsh flew with the Blue Angels from 1985 to 1987 as the Left Wingman (#3) and Slot Pilot (#4). ?As Boeing continues to support the operational fleet of Navy Super Hornets, we are excited to see this platform enter a critical phase of its journey to joining the team.?

The flight demonstration squadron has flown Boeing or Boeing-heritage aircraft for more than 50 years, starting with the F-4J Phantom II in 1969, and then moving to the A-4F Skyhawk. The team currently operates the F/A-18A-D Hornet.

Boeing converts F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets into Blue Angels at the company?s Cecil Field facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Major modifications include the addition of an oil tank for the smoke-generation system, fuel systems that enable the aircraft to fly inverted for extended periods of time, civilian-compatible navigation equipment, cameras and adjustments for the aircraft?s center of gravity.

Boeing is the world?s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Trondheim, 3 June 2020 ? Helitrans of Norway has become the first customer to take delivery of new Airbus helicopters using the e-Delivery process devised to enable deliveries while ensuring compliance with COVID-19 health and safety restrictions.

Trondheim-based Helitrans formally accepted the latest two H125s into its fleet following a series of actions that allowed all the requirements of the normal process to be met without the need for physical meetings or travel.

The system relies on the customer accepting flight-test and inspection findings conducted by authorized Airbus staff in place of their own employees who usually perform those tasks.

Key elements include an expanded test flight including the customer acceptance tests, a video inspection of the helicopter and loose object check, disinfection of all items, and the aircraft documentation verification.

The summary information was presented via an online video conference with representatives of Airbus Helicopters, authorized dealer ?stnes and Helitrans enabling the formal transfer of title to take place. Finally the helicopters were transported by road to Norway to be received by the customer at Trondheim.

Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President of Global Business, Ben Bridge, said: ?We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by our customers in the current difficult environment and we are doing all we can to support them - including maintaining scheduled deliveries. At the same time the health and safety of our employees is our number one priority. Fortunately we have built a level of trust with key customers over the years that has made this innovative process possible.?

Helitrans Managing Director Richard Andre Simonsen said: ?Even at this difficult time there are critical business activities that we need to undertake and we appreciate the support of everyone involved in making this delivery happen in a safe manner. It is a reflection of our confidence in each other that we are able to do this.?

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, breaks away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, after receiving fuel during a strategic bomber mission off the northern Norwegian coast, June 3, 2020. The Arctic is a strategic region with growing geopolitical and global importance, bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nu?ez)



Norwegian F-16s and F-35s train with a B-52H Stratofortress during a long-range, long duration strategic Bomber Task Mission throughout Europe and the Arctic region June 3, 2020. The Arctic is a strategic region with growing geopolitical and global importance, the U.S. Department of Defense is working with our Arctic nations and multinational and interagency public and private partners to maintain a secure and stable region where nations work cooperatively to address challenges. (Courtesy photo by Norwegian Air Force)

A B-52H Stratofortress prepares to take off at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 2, 2020. The B-52s are conducting a long-range, long duration strategic Bomber Task Force mission throughout Europe and the Arctic region.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alyssa Day)

A B-52H Stratofortress prepares for takeoff at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 2, 2020.During flight, the B-52s will perform integrating and interoperability training with Norwegian aircraft over the Arctic Ocean and Laptev Sea.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jan K. Valle)

The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transit the Atlantic Ocean June 4, 2020, marking the first time a Ford-class and a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier operated together underway. Ford is underway conducting integrated air wing operations, and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group remains at sea in the Atlantic as a certified carrier strike group force ready for tasking in order to protect the crew from the risks posed by COVID-19, following their successful deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Riley McDowell and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ruben Reed)

A 127th Wing crew chief marshals out an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2020. The 107th Fighter Squadron is a component of the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard. Airmen from Michigan's National Guard continually fly and train to ensure global vigilance, reach, and power for a broad range of missions across the globe. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry L. Atwell)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 5, 2020) ? An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the ?Tomcatters? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) June 5, 2020. Following an extended visit to Guam in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Theodore Roosevelt is returning to operational tasking during a deployment to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dylan Lavin)

U.S. Air Force Col. David Skalicky, the 354th Operations Group commander, waits for his F-35A Lightning II to be hot pit refueled at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 2, 2020. Hot-pit refueling eliminates extra maintenance, decreases refueling time and extends the amount of training aircrew members receive during each flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Larue Guerrisky)

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron wait to be refueled during a hot pit refueling at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 2, 2020. A hot pit refueling is the process of an aircraft landing, taxiing to the hot pit area, refuelling and taking off again while engines are running. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Larue Guerrisky)

A new world record has been set by the Voyager aircraft for the fastest ever flight between the UK and the Falkland Islands with the journey of 6,834 nautical miles being completed in 15 hours and 9 minutes, breaking the previous record (set in 1987 by an RAF VC-10 aircraft) by 36 minutes.

Flights between the UK and the Falkland Islands are nothing new, they operate twice a week from RAF Brize Norton, known as The South Atlantic Airbridge and are the crucial link between Britain and the overseas territory.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 8, 2020) ? U.S. Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the ?Golden Warriors? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) June 8, 2020. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dylan Lavin)

F-15 Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing support a flypast over Normandy, France in support of the 76th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2020. An epic multinational operation, D-Day forged partnerships and reinforces trans-Atlantic bonds that remain to this day. (U.S. Air Force photo's/ Master Sgt. Matthew Plew)




The 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Viper flagship sits at the 8th AMU, June 4, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The aircraft received a repaint which is a long-standing tradition that allows the aircraft to be showcased with distinguishing and identifiable markings of their respective unit. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)



ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 7, 2020) The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams through a storm in the Atlantic Ocean, June 7, 2020 prior to disembarking Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 following successful integrated air wing operations. Gerald R. Ford is underway conducting an independent steaming event. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist RJ Stratchko/Released)

U.S. Airmen from the 86th Maintenance Squadron and local nationals from the 435th Construction and Training Squadron tow an RF-4C Phantom II aircraft to be put on static display at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 4, 2020. The 86th MXS fabrication flight spent two years restoring the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John R. Wright)

U.S. Airmen from the 86th Maintenance Squadron and local nationals from the 435th Construction and Training Squadron disconnect the load block of a crane and emplace an RF-4C Phantom II aircraft for static display at the traffic circle near the Northside Fitness Center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 8, 2020. Movement and emplacement of the aircraft was a two-day, joint effort between the 86th Maintenance Group, 86th Civil Engineer Group and 435th CTS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John R. Wright)

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing sits on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, June 8, 2020. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Fritz)

BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2020) A German Mk88A Super Lynx helicopter piloted by German military service members flies over the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020 in the Baltic Sea, June 7, 2020. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 49th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo's by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kyle Steckler and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor)


A U.S. Customs and Border Protection takes off from the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 5, 2020. CBP and SFS work together by flying around to ensure the perimeter of the approximately 10,600 acre installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens)

ARABIAN SEA (June 8, 2020) An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the "Screwtops" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron 123, lands on the flight deck during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), June 8, 2020.Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Orion K. Shotton/Released)

ARABIAN SEA (June 8, 2020) an E/A-18G Growler, attached to the "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron 130, lands on the flight deck during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), June 8, 2020. Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Orion K. Shotton/Released)

WICHITA, Kan. (June 8, 2020) ? Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, was awarded a contract by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for the sale of 17 Cessna piston engine aircraft. Using fiscal year 2020 funds, the CAP agreed to purchase 11 Skyhawk 172S, five Skylane 182T and one Turbo Stationair HD T206HD aircraft. The aircraft will join a fleet of nearly 550 Cessna aircraft currently owned and operated by the CAP.

?From search and rescue, to disaster relief and homeland security, the missions the CAP undertake daily are as broad as their footprint across the U.S. We are honored that Cessna aircraft continue to be the organization?s platform of choice for these crucial operations,? said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales. ?The Cessna piston aircraft fleet is renowned in general aviation for its operating costs, performance and durability, all important factors for an organization supporting a variety of communities throughout the country.?

As the Air Force Auxiliary, the CAP performs missions for government agencies, and as a non-profit organization they also serve states and communities. In fiscal year 2019, the CAP saved 117 lives and flew nearly 96,000 hours in their Cessna piston fleet. Today, the CAP is the world?s largest Cessna piston operator.

In addition to the just announced contract, in 2019, the CAP ordered 19 aircraft and deliveries of those have begun, with two Turbo Stationair HD pistons already delivered.

A Polish air force F-16V Viper approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during Exercise Baltic Operations, over Poland, June 9, 2020. The Baltics is a critical artery of commerce, with 15% of the world?s seaborne/maritime cargo traffic transiting through the region each year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nu?ez)

A Finnish air force F/A-18 Hornet is refueled by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during Exercise Baltic Operations, over Poland, June 9, 2020. BALTOPS brings together a robust professional constellation of allies and partners to conduct operations that safeguard security, prosperity and the free and open international order. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nu?ez)

U.S. Air Force weapons load crew members, assigned to the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, load an AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) to a F-35 Lightning II, during Exercise Combat Archer at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 10, 2020. Combat Archer is managed by the Weapons Systems Evaluation Program and it is used to assess the performance of the maintenance crew, weapons load crew members and aircrew members. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)


BALTIC SEA (June 08, 2020) German Navy Sea King helicopter (Mk.41) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conduct joint flight operations during BALTOPS 2020, June 09. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt.j.g. Sarah Claudy/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 10, 2020) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the ?Eagles? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 practices a touch-and-go maneuver on the flight deck of the Navy?s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) maintaining Ronald Reagan?s tactical advantage during flight operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Jetzer)

09 June 2020
The decks of HMS Queen Elizabeth are roaring with the sound of F-35 Lightning jets as the famous Dambusters squadron landed on the aircraft carrier for the first time today.

Pilots, engineers, cyberspace and mission support staff from 617 Squadron, the UK?s operational strike squadron, embarked the carrier over the weekend during a quick stop in Portsmouth for supplies before the aircraft themselves landed on board this afternoon.

It marks the first time 617 Squadron ? famously known as the Dambusters ? has fully joined HMS Queen Elizabeth as the UK prepares to deploy the next generation squadron of fighter aircraft to operate from the sea.

The F-35 jets that landed on board today will be the same aircraft that will sail next year with the ship for her maiden Global Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment.

Commander Mark Sparrow, the Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, said: ?We are excited to be on board the carrier and we have been training hard to be here.

?This is the first time the ship?s operational squadron has embarked and worked together.

?The F-35 brings next generation capability to UK Defence through its ability to find, destroy or avoid enemy air defences and enemy aircraft whilst gathering intelligence data.?
(Photo's MOD)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 conducts a touch and go exercise at Auxiliary Airfield II aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma training ground on June 9, 2020. VMGR-352 is stationed out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. (U.S. Marine Corps photo's by LCpl Gabrielle Sanders)


A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender operated by the 514th Air Mobility Wing sits on the flightline at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 10, 2020. The 514th AMW is an associate Air Force Reserve wing that supports air mobility through aerial refueling, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and mobility support.
(Photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Evans)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron patrols the United States Central Command area of responsibility, June 2, 2020. The F-15C Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, demonstrating U.S. Air Forces Central Commands' posture to compete, deter, and win against state and non-state actors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brandon Cribelar)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle deployed with the 44th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker deployed with the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over the United States Central Command area of responsibility, June 2, 2020. The F-15C Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, demonstrating U.S. Air Forces Central Commands' posture to compete, deter, and win against state and non-state actors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brandon Cribelar)

A maintainer and a pilot with the 514th Flight Test Squadron prepare to launch an F-16 Fighting Falcon with a "ghost" paint scheme at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 3, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon with a "ghost" paint scheme departs Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 3, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Lt. Col. Michael Sackenheim, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, waves to onlookers from the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II after returning from a 5-month deployment June 10, 2020, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Approximately 300 members assigned to the 74th EFS returned from deployment June 10-12. The 74th EFS, which consisted of personnel from the 23d Fighter Group and 23d Maintenance Group, were deployed as a part of Operation Freedom Sentinel. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaylin P. Hankerson)

The first KC-46A Pegasus lands at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 12, 2020. The 916th Air Refueling Wing expects to receive 12 aircraft in total. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob B. Derry)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 12, 2020) ? An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the ?Black Knights? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) June 12, 2020. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Wheeler)

Three RAF Puma helicopters deployed to Kinloss Barracks to support the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) in the coronavirus fight are heading back to their Oxfordshire base today, nearly three months after being stood up in support COVID-19 activity in Scotland.

The aircraft and crews from RAF Benson had responded to an urgent request in March from SAS to provide it with an interim ability to move infectious patients by air ? especially vital to remote highland and island communities during the coronavirus crisis.

The support of the RAF has given the SAS the time to build its own infectious patient air-lift capacity, removing the need for ongoing support from their military colleagues.

The Ministry of Defence can swiftly re-deploy the aircraft in support of the Scottish authorities should future circumstances require them.
(Photo's MOD)

Some amazing CF-188 Hornet pictures that were taken from a 437 Transport Squadron CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refueling aircraft, while flying to 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta from Mirabel, Quebec.
(Photos: Corporal Kenneth Beliwicz.)

Airmen assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron prepare to fly a B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 13, 2020. Bomber Task Force missions help maintain global stability and security while enabling units to become familiar with operations in different regions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stuart Bright)

A B-52H Stratofortress deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrives at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to conduct Bomber Task Force operations, June 14, 2020. Strategic bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a diverse and uncertain security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Miller)

F-15C Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron flie during a training exercise May 27, 2020, out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Cynthia Bel?o)



PACIFIC OCEAN (June 14, 2020) A C-2 Greyhound, from the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, sits on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the "Screamin' Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, conducts a vertical replenishment-at-sea. Nimitz, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Christoph/Released)

PROMONTORY, Utah ? June 15, 2020 ? Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today that the segments for the two rocket boosters that will be used to help launch NASA?s first Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis I mission have arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The booster segments will be the first elements of the SLS rocket to be stacked on the mobile launcher in preparation for the launch of Artemis I, and the completed boosters will provide more than 75 percent of the initial thrust for launch.

?New technologies and material upgrades enable the boosters to meet the high performance demands of SLS, the most powerful rocket NASA has built to date,? said Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. ?Our technology will help propel the first woman and the next man to the moon.?

Artemis I is the first in a series of missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and Mars. It is the first integrated launch of NASA?s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center.

NASA and Northrop Grumman conducted a series of ground tests beginning in 2010 to satisfy requirements for the certification of the five-segment booster. Three demonstration motor tests and two qualification tests proved the liftoff and ascent thrust capabilities of the booster are fully qualified for use on NASA?s SLS rocket, with expected first flight in 2021.

Northrop Grumman has supplied rocket propulsion to NASA since the Apollo program and continued its partnership for the entire 30 years of the Space Shuttle Program. Leveraging the success and flight-proven design of the shuttle boosters, the new five-segment configuration ensures reliability and offers lower manufacturing costs. Each rocket booster provides a maximum thrust of 3.6 million pounds for launching SLS and generates more thrust than 14 four-engine jumbo commercial airliners.

From the first lunar lander to the space shuttle boosters, to supplying the International Space Station with vital cargo, Northrop Grumman has pioneered new products and ideas that have been put into orbit, on the moon, and in deep space for more than 50 years. As a part of NASA?s Artemis program, we are building on our mission heritage with new innovations to enable NASA to return humans to the moon, with the ultimate goal of human exploration of Mars.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

BALTIC SEA (June 15, 2020) A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress long-range bomber flies over the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020, June 15, 2020. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, this year marking the 49th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor)

BALTIC SEA (June 15, 2020) An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 flies near the British Royal Navy Duke-class frigate HMS Kent (F78) while participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020 in the Baltic Sea, June 15, 2020. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 49th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kyle Steckler)

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet, assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force, escorts a B-52 Stratofortress during a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission, June 14, 2020. NORAD routinely conducts intercept training in support of its mission to protect the sovereign airspaces of the United States and Canada. (Courtesy Photo)

An F-22 Raptor, assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf, Richardson, Alaska, escorts a B-52 Stratofortress during a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission, June 14, 2020. NORAD routinely conducts intercept training in support of its mission to protect the sovereign airspaces of the United States and Canada. (Courtesy Photo)