The 61st Wing?s First T-346A Arrives at Galatina
LINK - http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/161854/first-t_346a-trainer-arrives-at-italian-af-pilot-school.html
Registered 61-01, the first Aermacchi T-346A Lead-In Fighter Trainer to be delivered to the Italian air force?s 61st Wing, the pilot training school at Lecce-Galatina, in southern Italy, shortly after landing at its new home.

16 March 2015 Press Release

Airbus & Toulouse airport welcome a Brussels Airlines A320 with unique Tintin livery

An A320 of Brussels Airlines with a special livery inspired by the Tintin comic book ?Red Rackham?s treasure? has landed today at Toulouse-Blagnac airport. The livery was unveiled at the airlines? Brussels Airport home base in Belgium. The aircraft is named ?Rackham? after one of Tintin?s most popular adventures.

The unique livery represents a great black shark, based on the shark shaped submarine invented by popular character Professeur Tournesol in the comic. The painting was carried out by aircraft paint artist Andre Eisele in Ostrava, Czech Republic and took 1,500 man hours in total. The special livery will remain until 2019.

Brussels Airlines is proud to be an ambassador taking Belgian culture around the world. The Tintin livery was developed with Moulinsart, who are custodians of Herg??s oeuvre, the famous Belgian comic book artist who created Tintin.

Brussels Airlines operates a fleet including 32 Airbus aircraft, 24 single-aisle aircraft and 8 A330s. The A320 Family is the world?s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,500 orders to date and over 6,400 aircraft delivered


The First Modernised In India Mig-29UPG Took to the Skies

(Source: Russia and India Report; published Mar 13, 2015)

The first Mig-29UPG modernised by Indian specialists completed its first scheduled test flights in February, said Sergei Korotkov, general director of the MiG Corporation.

In 2009, the IAF and the MiG Aircraft Corporation signed an agreement on the modernisation of 62 Indian MiG-29s, turning them into the MiG-29UPGs. The aircraft are now equipped with modern avionics complexes, similar and compatible to those used in the MiG-29K fighter jets flown by the Indian Navy. The contract is estimated to be worth $964 million.

According to the portal vpk-news, this modernisation significantly expands the range of tasks that the MiG-29 can perform. Currently, the plane is primarily designed to intercept aerial targets and achieve air superiority.

The upgraded aircraft, along with expanded capabilities to destroy air targets, now has the ability to attack ground (surface) targets, both stationary and mobile, with precision weapons at any time of day and in any weather conditions.

The first six MiG-29s were modernised in Russia. The rest will be upgraded in India, where currently four aircrafts are undergoing the reconstruction process.

Portugal announce plans to deploy 4 F-16 MLU to Romania, part of NATO assurance measures.

Persian Gulf night falls over the vastness of the desert. A Rafale Fighter Squadron 1/7 Provence is ready to take off for sure air support to Iraqi forces in the fight against the terrorist group proclaimed Daech.

North Charleston March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered the first 787-9 Dreamliner assembled at its North Charleston, S.C., facility to United Airlines. The airplane also marks a milestone for the 787 program as the 250th Dreamliner to be delivered.

"In 2012, we delivered our first South Carolina-built 787-8, and less than three years later, we're celebrating another significant milestone ? our first 787-9 delivery," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, Boeing South Carolina. "This is an incredible achievement for Boeing, and I'm proud to be a member of the Boeing South Carolina team."

In the first quarter of 2013, Boeing South Carolina teammates began fabrication, assembly and integration of the aft and mid fuselage sections for the first Boeing 787-9 and delivered them to Everett Final Assembly. In November 2014, work began on the first South Carolina-built 787-9 when the first aft and mid sections were delivered to Boeing South Carolina Final Assembly. The airplane rolled out to the flight line in January 2015 and completed its first flight last month.

"Our customers have told us they love flying on the Dreamliner, and we're excited to mark yet another first for the aircraft with this delivery from Boeing South Carolina," said United's Vice President of Fleet Ron Baur. "We were the first North American carrier to fly the 787-8 in September 2012 and the first to fly 787-9s in September 2014. The Dreamliners have allowed us to fly longer distances with greater fuel efficiency and open new direct routes such as Los Angeles to Melbourne, while providing our customers and employees with a more comfortable flying experience."

This is the fourth 787-9 for United Airlines, in addition to the 12 787-8s the airline already has in service.

EAST CHINA SEA (March 17, 2015) An AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, along with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently conducting a certification exercise (CERTEX). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin V. Cunningham/Released)

Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet

The first Block 2 JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft made its maiden flight from the Pakistan Aeronautical Company (PAC) facility at Kamra on 9 February.
LINK - http://www.janes.com/article/49991/block-2-jf-17-makes-first-flight-ahead-of-block-3-improvements

GREENVILLE, S.C., Mar. 18, 2015? Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered today a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) P-3 Orion aircraft 37 days ahead of schedule.

This is the 12th of 14 aircraft in the program to receive Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) modifications and phased depot maintenance. The MLU replaces the outer wings, center wing, horizontal stabilizer and horizontal stabilizer leading edges. All necessary fatigue life-limiting structures are replaced, leading to significantly reduced maintenance and sustainment costs.

The completion of the aircraft significantly ahead of schedule allows for a quicker return of the aircraft to the CBP P-3 fleet supporting homeland security and drug interdiction missions. The MLU will enable the P-3 Orion to support operators for 20-25 more years.

A 480th Fighter Squadron jet is readied for flight during the first sortie of exercise Dacian Warhawk at Campia Turzii, Romania, March 16, 2015. The exercise provides an opportunity for both pilots and support Airmen to work together with their Romanian counterparts to strengthen relationships between nations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

A 480th Fighter Squadron pilot takes off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the first sortie of Dacian Warhawk at Campia Turzii, Romania, March 16, 2015. The training missions are designed to incorporate both air and ground operations between the two nations, and include several partnership building events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 17, 2015) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) taxi an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 238. Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and, along with the embarked 31st MEU, is conducting a certification exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew |)ickinson/Released)

U.S. Air Force pilots in an F-15E Strike Eagle from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., receive fuel from a New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135R over North Carolina, March 17, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Ashlyn J. Correia/ RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force pilots in an F-15E Strike Eagle from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., break away after receiving fuel from a New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135R, not shown, over North Carolina, March 17, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman Ashlyn J. Correia/ RELEASED)

The People's Liberation Army's Air Force Air Demonstration Team, China's best-known aerobatic team, performs at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Thursday, March 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Springtime at Warton Eurofighter Typhoon ZK303/AX

India defence minister admits Su-30 serviceability issues
LINK - http://www.janes.com/article/50038/india-defence-minister-admits-su-30-serviceability-issues

USAF expects KC-46A first flight schedule slip
LINK - http://www.janes.com/article/50079/usaf-expects-kc-46a-first-flight-schedule-slip

Any dummy can fly a Mustang but really cool.

Stokes Bay in Gosport
Thousands of spectators lined the banks of the River Solent in Hampshire today to welcome the 1,092ft-long USS Theodore Roosevelt as it arrived for a five-day visit to the UK. The U.S. aircraft carrier, which measures 1,092ft in length, docked off Stokes Bay in Gosport, Hampshire

LINK - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3006792/100-000-tons-U-S-firepower-big-dock-Portsmouth-Aircraft-carrier-USS-Theodore-Roosevelt-anchors-Hampshire-coast-arriving-UK-five-day-visit.html#ixzz3VD82N9sp

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 20, 2015, fly over Europe. The aircraft were participating in a flying training deployment with the Estonian air force and also participating in additional, unrelated training with the Finnish and Swedish air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christine Griffiths/Released)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 20, 2015, over Europe. The aircraft were participating in a flying training deployment with the Estonian air force and also participating additional, unrelated training with the Finnish and Swedish air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christine Griffiths/Released)

BEIJING, March 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA], Hainan Airlines and Sinopec today celebrated China's first passenger flight with sustainable aviation biofuel, a key environmental milestone for China's commercial aviation industry.

The regularly scheduled Hainan Airlines flight ? which carried more than 100 passengers from Shanghai to Beijing in a Next-Generation 737-800 ? used biofuel made by Sinopec from waste cooking oil collected from restaurants in China. Both of the airplane's CFM International CFM56-7B engines were powered by a fuel blend of approximately 50 percent aviation biofuel mixed with conventional petroleum jet fuel.

"We are honored to see our airplane fly on sustainable aviation biofuel from Shanghai to our nation's capital," said Pu Ming, vice president of Hainan Airlines, who piloted the plane. "As a fast-growing domestic and international carrier, Hainan Airlines is demonstrating our environmental commitment by showing that aviation biofuel can play a safe and effective role in China's air transport system."

"Boeing is proud to advance its decades-long partnership with China by collaborating closely with Hainan Airlines and Sinopec to achieve this significant milestone," said Ian Thomas, president, Boeing China. "We thank and congratulate our partners, whose teamwork, vision and commitment to sustainable aviation are helping to improve our industry and our environment for the long term."

Sustainably produced biofuel, which reduces carbon emissions by 50 to 80 percent compared to petroleum through its lifecycle, is expected to play a key role in supporting aviation's growth while meeting environmental goals. The Boeing Current Market Outlook has forecast that China will require 6,020 new airplanes by 2033 to meet fast-growing passenger demand for domestic and international air travel.

"We are very pleased to work together with Hainan Airlines, China National Aviation Fuel and Boeing to accomplish this remarkable flight, which is a milestone," said Sinopec spokesperson Lv Dapeng. "For many years, Sinopec has maintained a leadership role in China in terms of the development and application of biomass fuel including aviation biofuel and bio-diesel. This fully represents an earnest commitment from Sinopec to continuously advance scientific and technological innovation and promote green and low-emission development."

23 March 2015 Press Release

Airbus has celebrated the delivery of its 9000th aircraft at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany on 20th March 2015. The aircraft is the first A321 to be delivered to Vietnamese carrier VietJetAir and will join the carrier?s all-Airbus A320 Family fleet flying on its fast-growing Asia-Pacific network.

?The delivery of our 9000th aircraft comes as we enjoy ongoing strong demand for aircraft across our product line,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. ?The range of aircraft we offer today is unrivalled, meeting every airline requirement from 100 to over 500 seats with maximum efficiency, uncompromised comfort and broad customer appeal.?

?We are especially pleased to be delivering today?s aircraft to VietJetAir, which is a rising star in the fast-growing Asian region. With the A321, VietJetAir will be able to increase capacity on its most popular routes while benefiting from the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft.?

?We are excited to be adding the A321 to our fleet today as we continue to develop our innovative value-based model in Asia-Pacific,? said Mr. Luu Duc Khanh, Managing Director of VietJetAir. ?Based on our proven experience, we are confident that our decision to operate an all Airbus fleet will bring us unbeatable economies of scale while offering our passengers a comfortable travel experience. It will be a great honour for us to welcome the 9000th Airbus aircraft to its new home in sunny Vietnam.?

VietJetAir first took to the skies at the end of 2011 and now operates a fleet of 22 A320 Family aircraft on a network covering Vietnam and a growing number of destinations across Asia. The A321 delivered today is the first of seven ordered by the airline as part of a major aircraft acquisition plan for up to 100 A320 Family aircraft announced in early 2014.

Since delivering its first A300 in 1974, Airbus has developed the world?s most modern and comprehensive product line. Today this includes the market-leading single aisle A320 Family and the industry?s most extensive Widebody Family, comprising the super-efficient A330, the all-new A350 XWB and the world?s largest aircraft, the flagship double deck A380.

The 9000th delivery comes less than two years after Airbus reached its last milestone of 8000 aircraft-delivered in August 2013. Over the last 10 years, Airbus has doubled its deliveries to reach over 600 aircraft a year today ? a figure that is set to rise further as the demand grows.

F-35B Lightning II aerial refueling maneuvers


ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 22, 2015) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11 performs an air refueling with an EA-18G Growler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 during an airpower demonstration over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony N. Hilkowski/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 22, 2015) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony N. Hilkowski/Released)
Rollout Of B-29 Bomber 'Doc' at Kansas Aviation Museum

MARIETTA, Ga., March 24, 2015 ? Three variants of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were recently delivered to U.S. military operators from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility located here.

On March 19, a U.S. Air Force crew took delivery of and ferried an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations tanker aircraft that is assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command?s 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

On March 24, a U.S. Air Force crew ferried an HC-130J Combat King II personnel recovery aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command?s (ACC) 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. That aircraft was officially delivered to the U.S. Government on March 20

Also on March 19, an HC-130J long-range search and rescue aircraft for the U.S. Coast Guard was delivered and ferried to Lockheed Martin?s Greenville, South Carolina, site for post-production modifications, including paint and finishes. This aircraft will be re-delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2016.

The latest close encounter between NATO and Russian planes over the Baltic Sea was different.
By David Cenciotti

Early morning on Mar. 24, NATO and Swedish QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) interceptors were scrambled to identify and shadow a formation of two Russian Air Force Tu-22M Backfire bombers escorted by two Su-27 Flanker aircraft.

As usual, the aircraft were flying with no FPL, no transponder, in international airspace. But, unlike all the previous events the leading Tu-22M bomber was flying at supersonic speed!

As a consequence of the high-speed of the Russian planes, the Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets, providing BAP (Baltic Air Patrol) duties from Siauliau airbase, Lithuania, had to perform a supersonic run to intercept and escort the Tu-22s and accompanying Su-27s.

According to our sources, this was the very first time a Russian Air Force plane flying from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad Oblast was flying abeam Latvia, within the Riga FIR (Flight Information Region), heading towards Denmark and the Scandinavian peninsula at supersonic speed.

The Backfire decelerated to subsonic speed and rejoined with the rest of the formation that was picked up by a flight of two Su-27s from Kaliningrad that relieved the other two Flankers.

Although the Russians did not violate any rule, their flying without transponder, without establishing radio contact with any ATC agency, may pose dangers to civilian aviation. Even more so, if the bombers or their escort jets fly at supersonic speed or aggressively react to aircraft that are launched to intercept them.

Some analysts believe the purpose of the flight was provocative: Moscow has recently warned Denmark that if it joins Nato?s missile defense shield, its navy will be a legitimate target for a Russian nuclear attack.

As a side note, on the afternoon on Mar. 24, the Italian Typhoons were scrambled again to perform another supersonic interception of two Su-27 Flanker returning to mainland Russia from Kaliningrad: the pair that had been relieved by the second flight of Flankers earlier on the same day.
LINK - http://theaviationist.com/2015/03/24/tu-22-supersonic-over-baltic/

XF8U-1 restoration unveiled today
LINK - http://www.museumofflight.org/event/celebrating-60th-birthday-xf8u-1-crusader
March 25th marks the 60th anniversary of the first flight of one of the Museum's most historic military jets--the Chance Vought XF8U-1 Crusader. The Museum will celebrate the date during an 11 a.m. ceremony with the aircraft at the Museum's Restoration Center and Reserve Collection on Paine Field, Everett, Wash. The event is also the first presentation of the plane after its decades-long restoration.


St-Cloud/La D?fense-Paris, France, 25th March 2015 ? Today, the acceptance ceremony of the first two Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 I/TI was held at Istres, Dassault Aviation?s Flight Test Centre, under the high patronage of HE Ambassador Arun K. Singh, the Indian Ambassador to France. The ceremony was hosted by Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO, and Pierre Eric Pommellet, Thales Executive Vice President, Defence Mission Systems.

The signing of the contract for the upgrade of Indian Mirage 2000 fleet occured in July 2011. The maiden flight of its first upgraded Mirage 2000 was completed successfully by Dassault Aviation on the 5th October 2013, following a two year development phase dedicated to the equipment kit provided by Thales including the radar, the electronic warfare suite and the mission computer.


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., March 25, 2015 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites are steadily replenishing the orbiting constellation, continuing to improve reliability and accuracy for users around the world. The ninth GPS IIF reached orbit about three hours, 20 minutes after launching today aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and sent signals confirming its health.

?Boeing, ULA and the Air Force successfully launched four GPS IIFs last year, the highest operations tempo in over 20 years, and today?s mission marks the first of three launches planned in 2015,? said Dan Hart, vice president, Boeing Government Space Systems. ?As they enter service, the IIFs are advancing and modernizing the GPS constellation by improving accuracy, signal strength and anti-jamming capability. We are also introducing the L-5 civilian ?safety-of-life? signal intended mainly for aviation and transportation.?

The GPS IIF-9, designated as SVN-71, will undergo on-orbit testing and checkout before beginning full operation.

Boeing has served as a prime contractor on GPS since the program?s inception, contributing multiple generations of GPS satellites and accruing more than 525 years of on-orbit operation.

Russian Military to Get 100 Brand New Su-34 Front line Bombers
LINK - http://sputniknews.com/military/20150325/1019992258.html

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. ? March 26, 2015 ? Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has completed and delivered to The Boeing Company a major subassembly of the first of 12 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The subassembly, also known as a shipset, comprises the Growler's center/aft fuselage section, twin vertical tails and all associated subsystems. It is the 115th Growler shipset produced by Northrop Grumman and the first to be produced for an international customer.

"We are honored to celebrate this significant milestone with the U.S. Navy and our industry partners," said RAAF Director General Capability Planning, Air Commodore Michael Kitcher. "I am confident that Growler will provide our air force with the most versatile and effective airborne electronic attack platform in the world."

Including this first Growler, Northrop Grumman has delivered shipsets for 100 Australian F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, including 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets. Northrop Grumman is Boeing's principal subcontractor on the F/A-18 Super Hornet and its Growler derivative.

"Production of the first international Growler shipset marks another important milestone in Northrop Grumman's storied history as a volume producer of advanced aircraft systems of unmatched quality," said John Murnane, F/A-18 program manager and director, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our consistent record of on-time, on-budget performance helps give Australia critical, new offensive and defensive options for its air combat operations."

Northrop Grumman produced and integrated the RAAF Growler shipset on its F/A-18 assembly line in El Segundo, which it uses to produce major center and aft structures for both F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft. The company plans to continue producing shipsets on the line at least through August 2017.

"This significant milestone brings us one step closer to Australia becoming the first country besides the United States to receive this unique airborne electronic attack capability," said Dan Gillian, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18G programs vice president. "Boeing looks forward to celebrating the rollout of the first RAAF Growler this summer."

Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson, F-35 Lightning II student pilot, prepares for his first flight in an F-35A on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 18, 2015. After Jackson completes his training at Eglin AFB, he will go to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., to be an instructor pilot at the international pilot center.

Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson, F-35 Lightning II student pilot, exits his F-35A after completing his first flight on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 18, 2015. Jackson made history as the first Australian pilot to fly in the F-35A. The fifth-generation aircraft will meet Australia?s future air combat and strike needs, providing a networked force-multiplier effect in terms of situational awareness and combat effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marleah Robertson)

The 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron sent four A-10 fighter jets to Powidz Air Base, Poland, Thursday, March 26, 2015. The A-10s were a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.




U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft are refueled on the flightline during a hot pit refuel March 24, 2015. It takes 5-7 minutes to perform a hot pit refuel on an F-16. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)


Aden South Arabia

KEY WEST, Fla. (March 25, 2015) A MK-58 Hawker Hunter from civilian adversary squadron Airborne Tactical Advantage Company launches from Boca Chica Field. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)

KEY WEST, Fla. (March 25, 2015) An F-15E Strike Eagle from the Air Force 333rd Fighter Squadron launches from Boca Chica Field. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)