August 14Another serial transport aircraft IL-76MD-90A, produced under contract with the Russian Defense Ministry, made its first flight, revealing a series of factory tests. Due to the production of avionics KRET new Russian transport plane would be the best aircraft in its class in terms of price and quality.The flight lasted more than seven hours and was successful. The given program has been implemented in full, after which the aircraft landed at the airport "Ulyanovsk-Vostochny"."The crew, headed by the commander of the ship, honored test pilot Nicholas Kuimova carried a maximum of checks on the general behavior of the aircraft in the sky, carried out assessment of the characteristics of its handling and stability, and also tested the engines, systems and equipment," - said the chief of flight test plant "Aviastar-SP" Yuri coined.The new aircraft was named after the legendary aircraft designer Viktor Livanov, who headed the Aviation Complex. Ilyushin, has invested a lot of energy and knowledge to the development of modified Il-76MD-90A.
The Thunderbirds perform the calypso pass, an aerobatic maneuver, during the 2015 Dakota Thunder airshow and open house at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 15, 2015. Each Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon is assigned a crew chief and an assistant crew chief to ensure their jet remains mission-ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

The Thunderbirds fly by in their diamond opener formation during the 2015 Dakota Thunder Air Show and open house at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 15, 2015. Ellsworth held the air show to show its appreciation to the public for its support of the U.S. military over the years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

Bugatti first flight

"In keeping with our Full-Disclosure policy, here is my summation of our first flight experience:

We intended this flight to be limited to a short hop down the runway to check power required/power available and to check control responsiveness in all three axes. Preflight preparation and before-takeoff checks were normal. Takeoff was normal and at a predetermined reduced power (80%) setting; takeoff roll was 3000 feet and I became airborne at 90 knots. I climbed to 100 AGL to check power and control responsiveness. The plane responded as expected to all power changes and control inputs. Maximum airspeed was 110 knots.

I reduced power for landing but the airplane floated much more than we anticipated. I landed further down the runway than planned but with sufficient distance to stop the plane. Unfortunately, I lost the right brake and the airplane departed the left side of the runway at slow speed. Due to heavy rains the night before, the ground was soft and the airplane tipped upward on its nose, damaging the spinner and both props.

Such is the nature of flight testing a new design. The relevant news is we successfully flew the Bugatti 100P for the first time. The plane flew beautifully. "

From there facebook account.

What a shame


But a fantastic acheivment

EDWARDS AFB --- An F-35A fired 181 rounds from its four-barrel, 25 mm Gatling gun during a ground test at Edwards Air Force Base, California, earlier this month. The gun is embedded in the F-35A?s left wing and will provide pilots with the ability to strafe air-to-ground or air-to-air targets.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force aims to complete ground testing this month and start airborne gun testing in the fall. At the end of the program?s system development and demonstration phase in 2017, the F-35 will have an operational gun.

The first phase of F-35 gun testing started June 9, when initial shots were fired from the ground at the base?s gun harmonizing range. Over the next few months, the amount of munitions fired gradually increased until the 181 rounds were fired August 14.

To conduct the testing, an F-35 flight sciences aircraft, AF-2, underwent instrumentation modifications and used a production version of the GAU-22/A gun. The ground tests were designed using software to replicate being in flight and the aircraft used a target practice round, PGU-23/U, which does not explode on impact.

In integrating a weapon into the stealthy F-35 aircraft, the gun must be kept hidden behind closed doors, reducing its radar cross section, until the trigger is engaged. The tests certify the gun?s ability to spin up and down correctly.

The GAU-22/A system will be further tested with a line production F-35A next year for integration with the jet?s full avionics and mission systems capabilities. Test pilots will then observe qualitative effects, such as muzzle flash, human factors, and flying qualities.

The F-35 test team will also monitor the GAU-22/A's performance and ensure all systems work as designed, validating that the aircraft can withstand the loads of a firing the gun, mitigating potential effects including vibrations, acoustics and airflow.

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Sriwijaya Air today celebrated the delivery of two new Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes. This is the first all-new airplane delivery for Sriwijaya Air, Indonesia's third largest carrier.

"Today is a very important day for Sriwijaya Air, with the delivery of our first all-new airplanes," said Chandra Lie, president of Sriwijaya Air. "These new 737-900ERs allow us to remain a leader in the market with superior economics and the ability to provide our customers with a world-class cabin experience."

The Jakarta-based airline operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737 airplanes and offers flights to various Indonesian destinations and a select few international cities.

The new 737-900ERs feature Boeing's innovative Sky Interior with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, larger pivoting overhead stowage bins, and LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness.

"We are proud to build upon our decade-long partnership with Sriwijaya Air with this double delivery of their first all-new airplanes," said Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With market-leading fuel efficiency and reliability, and the passenger-pleasing Boeing Sky Interior, these new 737-900ERs strengthen Sriwijaya Air's current fleet of 737s, with additional range, capability and comfort."

Part 2


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released)

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J Eagle takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. JASDF and Republic of Korea Air Force units are deployed to Eielson along with assorted aircraft and support personnel from multiple service branches for RF-A, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released)

A Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-16D Fighting Falcon takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. ROKAF and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units are deployed to Eielson along with assorted aircraft and support personnel from multiple service branches for RF-A, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 22, 2015) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 prepares to land on USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck. Sailors from the John C. Stennis Strike Group are undergoing Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise (COMPTUEX/JTFEX), the final step in certifying to deploy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andre T. Richard / Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 22, 2015) - A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Combat Support Squadron (VRC) 30 lands on USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck. Sailors from the John C. Stennis Strike Group are undergoing Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise (COMPTUEX/JTFEX), the final step in certifying to deploy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andre T. Richard / Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 22, 2015) - An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 prepares to land on USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck. Sailors from the John C. Stennis Strike Group are undergoing Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise (COMPTUEX/JTFEX), the final step in certifying to deploy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andre T. Richard / Released)

SEATTLE, Aug. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Nok Air today celebrated the airline's first direct-purchased Next-Generation 737-800. The delivery marks the first of seven Next-Generation 737-800s the airline has on order with Boeing.

"We are pleased to welcome additional 737-800 airplanes into our fleet as we continue to expand our regional and international route network," said Piya Yodmani, Deputy CEO, Nok Air. "Nok Air looks forward to introducing Boeing's new 737 MAX 8 in the next couple of years. The new 737 MAX will build on the high-standards of the existing Next-Generation models to deliver valuable savings in fuel efficiency."

Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Nok Air is a low-cost carrier that operates an all-Boeing fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s.

"Nok Air is a valued Boeing customer and we are honored to deliver their first direct-purchased Next-Generation 737-800," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Their commitment to Boeing's 737 family of airplanes is a testament to the market-leading efficiency and reliability of our airplanes."

The airline currently operates 18 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes on lease and has an additional six on order with Boeing after today's delivery. The airline is also a 737 MAX customer with eight 737 MAX 8 airplanes on order.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels French Dassault Mirage's over Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Aug. 20, 2015. OIR is the military intervention against Daesh. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Sandra Welch)



POINT MUGU, Calif. ? Aug. 25, 2015 ? Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with over an hour of fuel in reserve.

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) ? The Air Force plans to send its most sophisticated warplane, the F-22 Raptor fighter, to Europe as a potential deterrent to Russian aggression, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said Monday.

The F-22 deployment comes in response to requirements from commanders in the region, James and Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh, the chief of staff, told reporters.

The Air Force will not say when the jets will arrive in Europe, but their deployment comes days after Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged that Russia posed "an existential threat" to the United States because of its nuclear weapons arsenal. He did not, however, echo comments from other military leaders that Russia was the greatest threat to U.S. security.

"Vladimir Putin's Russia behaves, in many respects, as ? in some respects and in very important respects, as an antagonist," Carter said. "That is new. That is something, therefore, that we need to adjust to and counter. And we're doing that in an approach that I've called strong and balanced."

James referred to Carter's approach to Russia, saying the F-22 deployment is "certainly on the strong side of the coin."

Commanders and allies in Europe have expressed interest in training with F-22s and their pilots, Welsh said. The F-22's attribute is dominating enemy fighters and defenses.

26 August 2015
Brothers Paul and Nigel Wharmby - both former RAF Harrier pilots - are together making a real difference to training operations at RAF Valley.
It?s unusual enough to find siblings serving at the same base within the RAF - but even more so when they are working together to train and mentor future fast jet pilots.

Elder brother Nigel is a Flight Lieutenant flying instructor with 208(R) squadron flying the Hawk T1. Formerly an Air Commodore and Director of Flying Training for the RAF, Nigel has returned to flying as a full-time reservist. This has meant that the wealth of experience he can bring ? over 5000 flying hours on a variety of aircraft types, including 2000 hours Harrier, 2000 hours Hawk and 500 hours King Air ? can be retained to the benefit of today?s young pilots. This has already born fruit, with 14 trained fast jet pilots being delivered to the front line last year by 208(R) squadron in no small part due to Flt Lt Wharmby?s expertise and experience. The squadron also re-trained or refreshed 30 Hawk pilots and instructors in the same period.
Photographs:
(L) Wg Cdr Paul Wharmby (R) Flt Lt Nigel Wharmby.
208 (R) Sqn Hawks above Anglesey.





The MAKS-2015 International Air and Space Show kicked off on Tuesday in the city of Zhukovsky, outside Moscow.











EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air today marked the delivery of the airline's first 747-8 Intercontinental. The new fuel-efficient jet is the first of 10 747-8 passenger airplanes the carrier has on order.

"This new aircraft delivers better fuel economy," said Walter Cho, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Korean Air. "That is important to a global airline such as ours. And it supports our goal to build and operate a first-class fleet of world-class aircraft."

With this delivery, Korean Air becomes the first airline in the world to operate both the passenger and freighter versions of the 747-8. Korean Air currently operates seven 747-8 Freighters.

"Korean Air has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 40 years and we are honored to celebrate yet another milestone delivery together with their first 747-8 Intercontinental," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As one of the few airlines that have operated almost all models of the 747 family, we are excited that Korean Air is extending the tradition with our newest 747-8 Intercontinental. I am confident that the 747-8 will continue to play an important role in Korean Air's long-term success."

Korea's flag carrier currently operates a fleet of 87 Boeing passenger airplanes that includes 737, 747 and 777s. The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 28 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

With a range of 7,730 nautical miles (14,310 km), the 747-8 Intercontinental offers 16 percent savings in fuel consumption and emissions over its predecessor, the 747-400, while generating 30 percent less noise. The airplane also features an all-new, 787 Dreamliner-inspired interior that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort.

Korean Air's jet is configured with 368 seats and features the brand new First Class Kosmo Suite 2.0, which include a sliding door and higher partitions to provide added privacy for passengers. The suites are also equipped with updated in-flight entertainment systems, with large 24-inch high-definition monitors and new handheld touch remotes.

The airline's Business Class Prestige Suites will feature staggered seating and privacy panels, along with 18-inch high definition touch screens.

The Thunderbirds Delta Formation flies over Yosemite National Park during their return from Minden, Nev., Aug. 25, 2015. The mission of the Thunderbirds is to recruit new Airmen, retain the current Airmen, and represent the nearly 40,000 Airmen deployed at any given time. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Jason Couillard)

100 Squadron pilots have swapped their familiar Hawk jet surroundings to take flight in Slovakian MiG-29?s on day two of SLOVAK HAWK II.

The pilots, usually based at RAF Leeming, are currently on exercise with the Slovak Air Force at Sliac Airbase, Slovakia.

100 Squadron pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matthew Masters, said: ?This is a candid insight into Slovakian flying techniques, and experiencing first hand the capability of their aircraft only enhances interoperability between our two countries.?

100 Sqn will take part in the Slovakian International Air Fest this weekend, 29-30 August 2015.





An A-4 Skyhawk pilot's prepares for take-off Aug. 21 in support of operational test of the F-35A for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The A-4s served as adversary aircraft and were provided by Draken International, Inc., which is a provider of tactical fighter aircraft for contract air services that include military use. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Rebecca Amber)


U.S. Marine Corps Harriers from MCAS Yuma receive fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Southwest Asia, Aug. 25, 2015. Coalition forces fly daily missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Taylor Queen/Released)

MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 27, 2015 ? A crew from the U.S. Air Force today ferried a new MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, from the Lockheed Martin facility here. The Commando II supports missions such as in-flight refueling, infiltration/exfiltration, and aerial delivery and resupply of special operations forces.
Photo by Andrew McMurtrie.

The first F-35A Lightning II for Norway was towed out of the Lockheed Martin F-35 main production facility in Fort Worth, as on 19 August 2015. The aircraft (company number AM-1) is currently in the Aircraft Final Finishes, where it will receive its low observable coatings.
From there it will undergo a series of functional fuel system checks prior to operational ground checks, and first flight.
The aircraft will be delivered to Luke AFB, Arizona, later this year, where it will join the US Air Force?s F-35 international pilot training program fleet.
AM-1 is the first of four F-35s for the Royal Norwegian Air Force currently in production.

The Avro Vulcan XH558, accompanied by an F-15C Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, fly over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 27, 2015, during a flyover. This historic event marks the first and last time these aircraft will ever fly together.
(U.S. Air Force photo's/Senior Airman Trevor T. McBride)










Three F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., fly over the runway before landing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22s, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., prepares to land on the runway at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22s, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft pilot assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., taxis to a hardened aircraft shelter at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft pilot assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., prepares to exit an F-22 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Barack Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft pilot assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., exits an F-22 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 28, 2015. The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III and more than 50 Airmen to Spangdahlem in support of the first F-22 European training deployment. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, a $1 billion pledge announced by President Obama in March 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

August 28, 2015

A-4 Skyhawks have taken to the skies over Edwards in support of operational test of the F-35A for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. They are part of a tactics development and evaluation exercise initiated by the 323nd Test and Evaluation Squadron and supported by the Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Team from Aug. 17-28.

Pictured from top down is an F-35 Lightning II, an F-16 Fighting Falcon and an A-4 Skyhawk. In support of an operational test exercise for their F-35s, the Royal Netherlands Air Force contingent at Edwards brought in six A-4s from Draken International, six F-16s from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard, and a KDC-10 Air Refueling tanker from the RNLAF 334th Transport Squadron at Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands. The Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Team contracted Draken International to provide the small fleet of A-4s that were employed as adversary aircraft with a variety of types of mission sets. (Photo courtesy by Frank Crebas)