U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa fly an aerial refueling mission with pilots from the Spanish Air Force, Aug. 13, near Mor?n Air Base, Spain. While this particular training was a first for the two countries, the U.S. and Spain work together routinely, fostering one of the closest defense partnerships around the world. (U.S. Marine Corps photo's by Staff Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy/Released)

RAF Lossiemouth?s 6 Squadron have returned home to their Moray airbase after successfully carrying out NATO?s Baltic Air Policing in Estonia.

The Squadron deployed 4 months ago to Amari Airbase in order to protect the airspace of the Baltic region. In this time the Squadron has seen one of the busiest periods recorded, including the intercept of 10 Russian aircraft during a single mission.




Blue Angels and F-22 Demo Team arrive at 177th FW
Seven U.S. Navy F/A18 Hornets, belonging to the Blue Angels, sit parked on the flightline at the Atlantic City Air National Guard, N.J., Aug. 31, 2015. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, and will be performing at this Wednesday's Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder Over The Boardwalk." (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Shane S. Karp/Released)

A U.S. Air Force crew chief belonging to the ACC F-22 Raptor Demo Team taxis the aircraft onto the flightline at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., Aug. 31, 2015. Two F-22s will be performing at this Wednesday's Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder Over The Boardwalk." (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Airman Shane S. Karp/Released)


A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor taxis on the flight line at Lask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 31, 2015. The F-22s have previously deployed to both the Pacific and Southwest Asia for Airmen to train in a realistic environment while testing partner nations' ability to host an advanced aircraft like the F-22. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys aircraft and Airmen to Europe for training and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)


EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 29, 2015 ? When the third Boeing-built [NYSE: BA] Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is now in orbit, becomes fully operational later this year it will provide the technology and coverage necessary for worldwide high-speed broadband access.

Inmarsat-5 F3 sent signals from space following its launch yesterday on an International Launch Services Proton Breeze M launch vehicle. After reaching final orbit, the spacecraft will undergo testing and checkout before becoming operational.

?The Inmarsat Global Xpress network will be the first high-speed Ka-band broadband network to span the world,? said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. ?New technology and engineering design will allow us to steer capacity where it?s needed most and adjust to shifting subscriber usage patterns and evolving demographics over the minimum 15-year life span of the network. We can now look forward to the introduction of global GX commercial services by the end of this year.?

Each of the three Inmarsat-5 satellites use fixed narrow spot beams to deliver higher speeds through more compact terminals. Steerable beams direct additional capacity in real-time to where it?s needed to provide seamless, global broadband communications coverage to Inmarsat users worldwide on land, at sea, and in the air. The first two Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellites were launched December 2013 and February 2015, respectively. A fourth Boeing-built Inmarsat-5 (F4) is scheduled for delivery in mid-2016.

?The 702HP (high power) satellite is ideally suited for delivering the advanced capabilities Inmarsat required for this mission,? said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. ?More than 20 of these 702HP spacecraft are in orbit now for customers, including Inmarsat, providing reliable, affordable and innovative service.?

Boeing has a strategic marketing partnership with Inmarsat and currently provides both military Ka-band and commercial Global Xpress services to U.S. government customers. Boeing recently concluded an extensive demonstration program for ten U.S. government customer communities using the Inmarsat-5 F2 spacecraft.

Typhoon And Spitfire To Fly Together For The First Time At IWM Duxford
RAF?s famous fighter aircraft, past and present, take to the skies for The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a Eurofighter Typhoon from 29 (R) Squadron and a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take to the skies together for a remarkable flying display as part of The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show on Saturday 19 September.

This award-winning display presents the iconic fighter aircraft that defended Britain?s skies 75 years ago alongside the contemporary fighter aircraft that has the same role today.

The state-of-the art Typhoon fighter jet is painted, for 2015, in a Battle of Britain-era colour scheme to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of the aircrews who took part in the battle 75 years ago.

RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Jez Attridge said, ?This fully operational Typhoon will be a dynamic reminder to all that see it over the summer of the link between the modern Royal Air Force and The Few that defended our nation 75 years ago during the battle. Today that mission endures with Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert, every minute of every day. The RAF?s Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons defend the UK against potentially hostile aircraft approaching the UK sovereign airspace.? Group Captain Attridge added: ?The technology has changed since the Battle of Britain but the mission for the RAF to protect the UK remains unchanged?.

Photograph: Ben Dunnell

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2015) The U.S. Navy's fourth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) communications satellite, encapsulated in a 5-meter payload fairing lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41. The MUOS 4 satellite will bring advanced, new global communications capabilities to mobile military forces. (Photo's courtesy United Launch Alliance/Released)



An F-16 and the first two F-35A Lightning II aircraft fly in formation over Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 2, 2015. After landing, these F-35A aircraft became the first two operational F-35s to arrive at the base. The rest of the fleet of up to 72 F-35s will be coming in on a staggered basis, spread through 2019. There are several factors that make Hill ideally suited to receive the F-35 including access to the Utah Test and Training Range; Hill's robust base infrastructure; and its support team made up of dedicated Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar/Released)

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft piloted by Col. David Lyons, 388th Fighter Wing commander, touches down at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 2, 2015. This and another fighter jet piloted by Lt. Col. Yosef Morris, 34th Fighter Squadron director of operations, were the first two operational F-35s to be received at the base. The rest of the fleet of up to 72 F-35s will be coming in on a staggered basis, spread through 2019. Selecting Hill AFB to host America's newest fifth generation fighter is a tribute to the active-duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings' rich heritage. It is fitting the 388th Fighter Wing becomes the first operational F-35 unit, just as it was with the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in January 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar/Released)

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft passes under a water arch at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 2, 2015. The jet and another F-35A, the first of the Air Force's newest fifth-generation fighter aircraft to arrive at the base, were delivered by Col. David Lyons, 388th Fighter Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Yosef Morris, 34th Fighter Squadron director of operations. The rest of the fleet of up to 72 F-35s will be coming in on a staggered basis through 2019. The 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill were selected as the first Air Force units to fly combat-coded F-35s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar/Released)

EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 3, 2015 Boeing and Emirates Airline today celebrated the simultaneous delivery of three 777s ? two 777-300ERs and one 777 Freighter ? marking the entry of the 150th 777 into Emirates' fleet.

Today's delivery marks the first time in 15 years that Boeing has delivered three 777s at one time to a single customer.

Emirates is the world's largest operator of the 777 and also the only airline ever to operate all six of the 777 variants introduced into service by Boeing.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor takes off from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in a training sortie over Europe Sept. 3, 2015. The U.S Air Force has deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, approximately 60 Airmen and associated equipment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The deployment will occur from August 28 to mid-September 2015. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla. While these aircraft and Airmen are in Europe, they will conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft. The F-22s will also forward deploy from Germany to maximize training opportunities while demonstrating our commitment to NATO allies and the security of Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo,s by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 480th Fighter Squadron takes off from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in a training sortie with F-22 Raptors Sept. 3, 2015. The U.S Air Force has deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, approximately 60 Airmen and associated equipment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The deployment will occur from August 28 to mid-September 2015. The inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative. The F-22?s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla. While these aircraft and Airmen are in Europe, they will conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft. The F-22?s will also forward deploy from Germany to maximize training opportunities while demonstrating our commitment to NATO allies and the security of Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)

04 September 2015
New RAF intelligence aircraft arrives in UK seven months early.
As part of its Airseeker Programme, the second signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to the RAF, seven months early, the MOD has announced.

The specialist surveillance aircraft was handed over today at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and will be deployable on operations within a matter of weeks.

Since delivery of the first aircraft last year, over 60 improvements have been incorporated into the second aeroplane ranging from upgrades to the aircraft?s mission systems to engine improvements providing increased fuel efficiency and durability.





U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles receive fuel from a KC-135R, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over Southwest Asia Sept., 3, 2015. Coalition forces fly daily missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.(U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Taylor Queen/Released)



Bengaluru, September 3, 2015:

HAL successfully carried out the hot and the high-altitude trials of indigenously designed, developed attack chopper Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) at Leh recently. ?These seasonal trials - including cold weather trials carried out at Leh during February this year - have been completed as part of the certification process. The flight trials at Leh have established hover performance and low speed handling characteristics of the helicopter under extreme weather conditions at different altitudes (3200 to 4800 m). During the trials, the helicopter and systems performed satisfactorily. LCH also has proven its capability to land and take off at Forward Landing Base in Siachen. LCH is the first attack helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen?, says Mr.T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL.

The trials were carried out on the third prototype of LCH (TD3) at Leh at the temperatures ranging from 13 to 27 degree centigrade with the participation of user pilots from Air Force, Army and representatives from CEMILAC and DGAQA. Various tests included assessment and validation of flight envelope in ?Hot-and-High? conditions, culminating in landing at forward bases at geographic elevations of 13,600 feet to 15,800 feet. These landings and take-offs were demonstrated with reasonable amount of weapon load and fuel.

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy cleared Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to begin full-rate production on the AIM-9X? Sidewinder Block II infrared air-to-air missile. The program completed operational test and evaluation earlier this year and Raytheon is now approved to produce missiles at full factory capacity.

"We've proven the increased capabilities of the AIM-9X Block II, and are confident Raytheon can produce missiles at full rate," said U.S. Navy Program Manager Captain Jim Stoneman, PMA-259. "We look forward to getting them into the hands of our warfighters as quickly as possible."

The U.S. Navy and Air Force, along with several international partners who have purchased the AIM-9X Block II, are receiving Sidewinder deliveries.

"An updated electronics package gives the missile features significant enhancements, like the ability to lock on after launch using a new datalink that supports beyond-visual-range engagements," said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. "Sidewinder remains the warfighter's weapon of choice for short-range air-to-air missiles."

Planes of Fame Air Museum
LINK -- https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153098783303790&id=23688958789

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 95th Fighter Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., fly over the Baltic Sea Sept. 4, 2015. The U.S. Air Force has deployed four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, approximately 60 Airmen and associated equipment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. While these aircraft and Airmen are in Europe, they will conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)

An F-22 Raptor takes off from ?mari Air Base, Estonia, Sept. 4, 2015, following a brief forward deployment. The F-22s have previously deployed to both the Pacific and Southwest Asia for Airmen to train in a realistic environment while testing partner nations' ability to host advanced aircraft like the F-22. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys aircraft and Airmen to Europe for training and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Photographs: Cpl Phil Major

41(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron has had Typhoon ZK315, which was the 100th Typhoon built for RAF Service, painted in a centenary paint scheme in preparation for its 100th anniversary since formation in 1915.





U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off on a combat sortie from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2015. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford/Released)



CAMERI AIR BASE, Italy, Sept. 7, 2015 ? Italy?s first F-35A Lightning II, known as AL-1 and assembled at the Cameri Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility, flew for the first time today marking the program?s first-ever F-35 flight outside the United States.

Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot Bill ?Gigs? Gigliotti, lifted off the runway at 1:05 p.m. European Standard Time for a 1:22 hour check flight in AL-1 marking a historic milestone for Italy, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi manufacturing cooperation and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

?The first flight of AL-1 is a monumental achievement thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi and Lockheed Martin teammates,? said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin F-35 Program General Manager. ?Italy?s ?primo volo? (first flight) sets a firm foundation for Italy?s F-35 program and future opportunities for the Cameri FACO. My heartfelt congratulations to all who worked tirelessly to bring us to this major international program milestone.?

Today?s first flight for AL-1 went as planned. ?As expected, the jet performed exceptionally well and without any surprises,? Gigliotti said. ?I?m honored to have flown AL-1 on its maiden flight and grateful to the Cameri team for providing a great jet. We look forward to continued successes leading up to aircraft delivery later this year.?

7 September 2015 Press Release

The 50th A330 to be operated by Air China, which is also China?s first A330-300 with the increased 242 tonne maximum take-off-weight (MTOW) capability, has successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. Displaying a special livery to celebrate the ?50th A330 for Air China?, the aircraft will be delivered to the Chinese carrier in September.

Air China is the flag carrier of China, one of the world?s most dynamic aviation markets. Air China introduced its first A330 in 2006 and since then has become Air China?s benchmark widebody aircraft, supporting its tremendous growth both on domestic and international routes. Air China operates a fleet of 169 Airbus aircraft, comprising 120 A320 Family and 49 A330 Family aircraft.

Moscow Times published Sep. 08, 2015.
The Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract Monday with aircraft manufacturer Irkut for the delivery of eight Su-30SM multi-role fighter jets, and teed up a larger contract for up to 75 of the military planes, Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov said, state-run news agency RIA Novosti reported.

Borisov, the Defense Ministry's man in charge of military procurements, said the planes were being purchased for the Russian navy, and ?will give additional orders to the Irkut Aviation Plant, and secure its corresponding economic stability.?

Irkut is one of Russia's three largest military aircraft manufacturers, alongside the more internationally famous MiG and Sukhoi aircraft companies. All three firms are owned by the United Aircraft Corporation, a large state-owned aviation industry holding.

The company is completing the final deliveries of a 2011 contract for 60 Su-30SM fighter jets, and according to Borisov the Defense Ministry is preparing to sign a follow-on contract next year. The new agreement would see 20 to 25 of the jets delivered annually to the military for a period of three years.

The Su-30SM is the latest modification of the Russian Su-30 heavy multi-role fighter, based on the older MKI model developed for export to the Indian air force. The Su-30 is itself based on the Soviet-designed Su-27 Flanker fighter jets.

BLACK SEA (Sept. 8, 2015) A Ukrainian KA-27 helicopter touches down abaord the USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) flight deck during exercise Sea Breeze 2015, Sept. 8. Donald Cook, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is participating in exercise Sea Breeze 2015. Sea Breeze is an air, land and maritime exercise designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability in the Black Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Sean Spratt/Released)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 9, 2015 ? Boeing delivered the seventh CH-47F Chinook to the Australian Army on budget August 10th, three weeks ahead of schedule, supporting modernization of Australia?s cargo helicopter fleet and eventually replacing the Commonwealth?s six older CH-47D Chinooks. The seven advanced Chinooks were ordered as part of a U.S. Government Foreign Military Sales agreement with Australia in 2012.

Boeing Service Engineering teams prepped and loaded the CH-47F into a C-5 Galaxy transport at Dover Air Force Base, Del., for delivery to Townsville, Queensland Australia. (Boeing photo)
9 September 2015 Press Release

RwandAir, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for an A330-200 and a larger A330-300, at a signature ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda. With this order RwandAir becomes a new Airbus customer and is the first East African customer for the long-haul airliner. This agreement firms up a commitment announced earlier this year.

Aircraft deliveries will begin in the second half of 2016, enabling the country?s carrier to deploy its new flagship aircraft on medium and long-haul routes serving destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The two aircraft will feature a three class cabin layouts. The A330-200 will have 244 seats (20 business class, 21 premium and 203 economy class) and the A330-300 will have 274 seats (30 business class, 21 premium and 223 economy class). The aircraft will be equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 772B engines.

?As we look to introduce wide body aircraft for the first time into our fleet, with its proven economics, reliability and passenger comfort, we have found the A330 to perfectly support our plans to expand into Europe and Asia, to enhance our regional presence, to open up new routes and to grow our market share. We are also delighted to have these aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce, as the Trent 700 engine delivers the most efficient and reliable power, and will maximize the revenue earning potential of our new aircraft?? said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir.

?We are extremely pleased that RwandAir has confirmed its confidence in the A330, and are happy to welcome them as a new A330 customer,? said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice President, Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. ?Their Passengers will enjoy best-in-class passenger comfort that only Airbus offers as well as the newest state of the art in-flight entertainment system. Rwandair will be able to benefit with the A330s from the unique combination of unbeatable economics, versatility and fuel efficiency.?

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 408th Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany conduct aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall Air Base, England during a training sortie Sept. 9, 2015, over the United Kingdom. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)



Saab AB; issued Sept 10, 2015
On 27 October 2014 Saab announced the conclusion of a contract with the Brazilian Federal Government for the development and production of 36 Gripen NG aircraft.

The contract has now come into effect as all required conditions have been fulfilled. Today, the order value of approximately SEK39.3 billion is booked by Saab as order intake. Gripen NG deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force will be undertaken from 2019 to 2024.

The associated industrial co-operation contract (including technology transfer to Brazilian industries), which was signed in October 2014, also comes into effect today.

?Through the Gripen NG programme, we continue to build on the industrial relations between Brazil and Sweden. I am confident that this important programme will serve as a platform for new business and contribute to the growth of both the Brazilian and Swedish industry,? says Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Saab?s Board of Directors.

?This important milestone marks the formal start to the Brazilian Gripen NG programme. We will now work full speed ahead to ensure timely deliveries of Gripen NG to Brazil. Our partnership with Brazilian industry strengthens Saab?s position in Latin America and supports our strategy for growth through industrial co-operation,? says H?kan Buskhe, President and CEO of Saab.

The technology transfer programme will further contribute to the development of an independent, advanced defence industrial base in Brazil. Brazilian engineers and technicians will come to Saab for education and on-the job-training in Sweden starting in October 2015.

?The acquisition of Gripen NG will provide benefits beyond the enlargement of the Brazilian Air Force?s operational capacity. In addition to equipping FAB with one of the world's most modern fighters, the participation in the development of Gripen NG means a technological breakthrough for Brazilian industry,? says Lieutenant-Brigadier Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.

Saab?s Gripen is a multi-role combat aircraft capable of undertaking the full range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, including specialist roles such as intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) and electronic warfare. Gripen is equipped with the most modern sensors and mission systems, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and infra-red search and track (IRST) system. It can be armed with any air-launched weapon that a customer requires, and integration of new capabilities is speedy and affordable. Gripen is easily deployable, with a very low maintenance and support footprint coupled with high reliability.


Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers? changing needs.