n Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker refuels an F-35A during a test sortie Aug. 6, 2015. Italy?s F-35 program achieved two recent milestones with the completion of the first aerial refueling certification between an Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker with an F-35A and the inaugural flight of an Italian-built F-35A. (Lockheed Martin photo's/Jonathan Case)


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 10, 2015 ? Today, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) introduced Advanced EOTS, an evolutionary electro-optical targeting system, which is available for the F-35?s Block 4 development.

Designed to replace EOTS, the F-35?s current electro-optical targeting system, Advanced EOTS incorporates a wide range of enhancements and upgrades, including short-wave infrared, high-definition television, an infrared marker and improved image detector resolution. These enhancements increase F-35 pilots? recognition and detection ranges, enabling greater overall targeting performance.

?In today?s environment, threats to our warfighters continue to evolve,? said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. ?With significant capability and performance enhancements, Advanced EOTS ensures that F-35 pilots can stay ahead of these threats, detecting targets faster and at greater distances while remaining unseen.?

Due to its similarity in shape and size to EOTS, Advanced EOTS can be installed with minimal changes to the F-35?s interface. It will be housed behind the same low-drag window, maintaining the F-35?s stealthy profile. Advanced EOTS production will be completed on the current EOTS line.

Advanced EOTS and EOTS are the first sensors to combine forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to provide precise air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capability. Advanced EOTS was developed jointly through significant Lockheed Martin and supplier investment, with team members drawing on proven experience in electro-optical sensor design and manufacturing.

On Thu 10 September, Royal Air Force Aerospace Battle Managers at RAF Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) Boulmer in Nothumberland alerted and scrambled RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept two Russian military ??Blackjack? aircraft who were flying in international airspace.

The RAF Typhoon pilots visually identified the two Russian aircraft and escorted them whilst in the UK area of interest. Air to air refuelling (AAR) support was provided by an RAF Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.





An F/A-18A Hornet from Australia's Air Task Group, flown by the Commander of the Strike Element, refuels from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. This was the first mission of Operation OKRA to be flown over Syria. Carried on the sortie was an Australian National Flag which was also carried on the first mission into Iraq by the Hornets.

F/A-18A Hornets from Australia's Air Task Group fly in formation with a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft during the first mission of Operation OKRA to be flown over Syria.

Night Vision image of an F/A-18A Hornet from Australia's Air Task Group refuelling from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft during the first mission of Operation OKRA to be flown over Syria.

14 September 2015 Press Release

Wizz Air, the largest low cost carrier serving Eastern and Central Europe, has firmed-up a commitment signed in June at Le Bourget International Paris airshow for 110 A321neo aircraft. The agreement is the largest single order for the popular A321neo ever. The deal pushes firm NEO orders above 4,300 aircraft. This order includes the latest A321neo Airbus Cabin Flex configuration with 239 seats in 18 inch comfort standard.

Currently Wizz Air operates 63 A320 Family aircraft on one of Central and Eastern Europe?s most extensive networks with over 380 routes from 22 bases.

?This order will help us to build on our strong market position in Central and Eastern Europe. It also provides significant flexibility to match our fleet to our growth requirements,? said J?zsef V?radi, Wizz Air Chief Executive Officer. ?The new aircraft will enable us to sustain our cost advantage through cabin innovations, the latest engine technology and other efficiency improvements, while enhancing our customer offering and experience. Airbus is a key partner for us and we believe they have the best aircraft to serve our markets and we are happy to be continuing our longstanding relationship with them.?

?We are extremely happy Wizz Air has confirmed its confidence in our A320 Family. The A320neo Family which includes the A321neo deliver unbeatable productivity and fuel efficiency allowing Wizz Air to expand its network and services, ?? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers ??The A320 Family offers the lowest operating cost and the highest passenger comfort with the widest roomiest cabin which also helps with faster airport turnaround times?.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner R2-D2 Painting the ANA Star Wars HD
LINK-- http://www.ana-sw.com/

Air Dominance, Alaska Style Sept 4th
The 90th FS (nicknamed Pair-O-Dice) was the first F-22 squadron in Alaska, receiving its advanced aircraft in 2007. The 525th FS (nicknamed Bulldogs) received their Raptors later the same year. In addition, the Air Force Reserve Command?s 302nd FS (the Hellions) is an Associate unit that provides pilots and maintainers who fly and fix the aircraft alongside their active duty counterparts.
Photo's by John Dibbs.





PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2015) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Bounty Hunters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, launches from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington is operating in Southern California waters, preparing to deploy around South America as a part of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2015) An F/A-18E from the "Golden Dragons" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 is launched from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington is operating in Southern California waters, preparing to deploy around South America as a part of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch/Released)

PALMDALE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Air Force expects to increase the number of B-2 stealth bombers available for combat by one full jet and reduce fleet sustainment costs significantly under a new maintenance agreement worked out with B-2 prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC).

Under the contract modification signed in April, Northrop Grumman will give each B-2 a major, end-to-end overhaul ? a process called programmed depot maintenance (PDM) ? once every nine years. Each jet currently undergoes PDM once every seven years. The PDM process, which includes a complete restoration of the jet's exterior surfaces, is performed at the company's Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in Palmdale.

"This new approach to B-2 maintenance is a win-win for the Air Force and the nation," said Brig. Gen Eric Fick, Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. "It will enhance the jet's readiness to conduct global security missions, and is expected to save taxpayers about $900 million in maintenance costs over the life of the fleet."

"The nine-year PDM cycle is part of an aggressive on-going effort by Northrop Grumman and the Air Force to increase bomber availability," said Pat McMahon, sector vice president and general manager for military aircraft systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our experienced work force has critically reviewed every PDM material and process for potential improvements. As a result, we've been able to reduce the length of the PDM process, and increase the time between PDM periods."

Bolstered by the adoption of USAF best practices used by other Northrop Grumman programs, the new nine-year overhaul cycle will reduce the average length of B-2 PDM to 365 days, down from more than 400 days in previous years. Under the new rhythm, Northrop Grumman will induct a B-2 into PDM approximately once every six months.

"Our delivery of the B-2 Spirit of Ohio back to the Air Force in August marked the last time we expect to have more than two jets in PDM at any one time," said McMahon. "Fewer jets undergoing PDM in Palmdale will keep more B-2s ready to serve the nation's security needs."

The B-2 is the only long-range, large-payload U.S. military aircraft that can penetrate deeply into denied access enemy air space. It can fly 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled and more than 10,000 nautical miles with just one aerial refueling, giving it the ability to reach any point on the globe within hours and hold at risk an enemy's most heavily defended targets.
RENTON, Wash., Sept. 15, 2015
Boeing [NYSE: BA] employees in Renton, Wash., have started final assembly of the first 737 MAX 8, the first member of Boeing?s new, more efficient single-aisle family, on schedule.

Pictured here mechanics have attached the wings to the body of the airplane. The 737 MAX team remains on track to roll out the first completed 737 MAX by the end of the year and fly it in early 2016.

Boeing has unveiled an up-gunned version of its supersonic F-15C air superiority jet designed to keep the aging fleet operationally relevant through 2040.

Called 2040C, the upgrade package includes ?quad pack? munitions racks designed to double the aircraft?s air-to-air missile payload to 16 and conformal fuel tanks for extended-range flights.

For communications, Boeing is naturally offering ?Talon HATE? ? the air force?s programme of record for connecting the F-15 with Lockheed Martin?s F-22 Raptor.

In terms of survivability, Boeing?s package includes Raytheon?s APG-63(v)3 active synthetically scanned array (AESA) radar and a long-range infrared search and track (IRST) sensor for ?first sight, first shot, first kill? air-to-air combat.

2040C continues delivery of the Northrop Grumman?s Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) systems ? a programme designed to equip the fourth-generation F-15 with the latest electronic warfare capabilities.

Boeing vice president of F-15 programs Mike Gibbons says the 2040C concept is an evolution of the Silent Eagle proposed to South Korea, with some low-observable improvements but mostly a focus on the latest air capabilities and lethality.


A KC-130J Super Hercules maneuvers through the skies during a division flight over eastern North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander with air-to-air refueling, assault support and offensive air support, day and night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. The squadron has supported these operations since its activation June 1, 1928. VMGR-252 remains the oldest continually active squadron in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jason Jimenez/Released)

Two KC-130J Super Hercules maneuver through the skies during a division flight over eastern North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander with air-to-air refueling, assault support and offensive air support, day and night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. The squadron has supported these operations since its activation June 1, 1928. VMGR-252 remains the oldest continually active squadron in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo's by Lance Cpl. Jason Jimenez/Released)


AgustaWestland; issued Sept 15, 2015
ROME --- The AgustaWestland AW609 TiltRotor set a speed record on a 1000 km ?point-to-point? journey. The aircraft, with its unique combination of the turboprop airplane?s speed and helicopter?s take-off and landing capabilities, flew from its Yeovil facility in southwest England to its Cascina Costa facility near Milan, Italy, a distance of 1161 km (721 miles / 627 nm), in just 2 hours 18 minutes.

The AW609 TiltRotor features technology which will revolutionize commercial aviation transport: the record set in flight between Southern UK and Northern Italy clearly demonstrates the unprecedented advantages of the tiltrotor concept for point-to-point journeys. The AW609 will be able to connect two important cities, such as London and Milan, in about two hours, taking off and landing vertically from the cities? urban areas just like a helicopter, flying at the cruise speed of a turboprop airplane in all weather conditions. Combining fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight attributes, the AW609 provides at least 30% to 50% time savings when compared to using a combination of car, helicopter and business jet, typically for travel to destinations up to 1100 km (700 miles) away.

The flight started with a vertical take-off from Yeovil. The aircraft then climbed to its en route cruising altitude of 25,000 ft (8,000 m), passing north of Southampton, just south of Paris, over the Alps and Piemonte in Italy, before descending and landing at Cascina Costa near Milan just 2 hours 18 minutes later.

The AW609 TiltRotor, with its unparalleled performance and capable of transporting up to nine passengers in comfort in its pressurized cabin, opens up new possibilities for a wide range of missions for corporate transport but also offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and homeland security among others.

17 September 2015.
Royal Air Force Marham saw a historic event last week as four of its Tornado GR4 aircraft, alongside a fifth aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth, took part in a routine training sortie with a twist.
Four of the jets carried a special centenary painted tail fin commemorating the 100th anniversary of each individual squadron with the fifth jet's tail fin celebrating 40 years of the Tornado.
The first Squadron to pass the 100 year mark was Number IX(B) Squadron who were formed at St Omer in France on the 8th December 1914. As the pioneers of night flying the squadron were given their motto 'Per Nocto Volamus' (Throughout the Night We Fly) and their famous green bat, which was the night camouflage colour, is depicted on the tail fin.

The second jet was from Number 12(B) Squadron who celebrated their centenary on Valentine's Day this year. They were formed at Netheravon on 14 February 1915. In 1926 they took delivery of the Fairey Fox aircraft which gave them their emblem of the fox, as depicted on their tail fin, and their motto ?Lead the Field? in recognition of their development of daylight bombing tactics.

The third jet from Marham was from 31 Squadron who are also known as the Goldstars. They are the youngest of the three Squadrons whose anniversary is due later this year on 11th October 2015. Their tail depicts the Gold Star of India which is in recognition of them being the first operational military unit in Indian skies assisting the army in dealing with tribal unrest hence their motto ?First in Indian Skies?
The last aircraft from Marham was the jet displaying the 40th Anniversary tail fin which was commissioned in 2014 to mark 40 years of the Tornado.

The four aircraft left Marham for the routine training sortie and met up with the fifth aircraft from XV Sqn, the operational conversion unit based at RAF Lossiemouth. XV Squadron were formed in Farnborough on 1st March 1915. Their tail fin depicts the Hind's Head from their squadron emblem. The original emblem of a Hart's head was modified to the Hind's head in 1927 to depict the aircraft that was in service at that time.





An EA-6B Prowler, belonging to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing glides through calm skies while conducting aerial maneuvers during an air-to-air refuel training exercise over the Atlantic Ocean Sept. 14, 2015. Aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., were supported by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 off the eastern Atlantic coast during the training exercise to hone their aerial refueling skills. VMGR-252 is the force multiplier for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force as it extends the operational reach of other aviation platforms under all weather conditions, day or night during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)

An EA-6B Prowler, belonging to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing attaches to the hose of a KC-130 Super Hercules while conducting aerial maneuvers during an air-to-air refuel training exercise over the Atlantic Ocean Sept. 14, 2015.

16 September 2015 Press Release

The first A350 XWB for TAM Airlines rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, revealing the aircraft in its signature red, white and blue livery. The aircraft will continue through the next stages of production, including the installation of engines, completion of cabin furnishing and cockpit fitting, before starting ground and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery to TAM Airlines in December.

TAM will become the first airline from the Americas to fly the A350 XWB and the fourth operator in the world. LATAM Airlines Group, made up of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, has ordered 27 A350-900. The carrier will start operating the A350 XWB in January 2016 between Sao Paulo and Manaus, followed by international operations between Sao Paulo and Miami, and Sao Paulo and Madrid.

17 September 2015
The first A350 XWB for Finnair has completed its first flight in Toulouse. The aircraft will now enter the final production phase including further ground checks and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks.
Finnair will become the first airline in Europe to operate the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Finnair has acquired a total of 19 A350 XWBs and will operate its fleet on premium long haul routes, beginning with services between Helsinki and Shanghai.

Two F/A-18F Super Hornets from Number 1 and Number 6 Squadron and a single KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport from Number 33 Squadron will depart RAAF Base Amberley at 3am on Wednesday 16 September 2015.

The reason for this early morning flight is for Air Force to participate in the celebrations that are taking place to mark the 40th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea?s Independence.

A bomb-laden Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18A Hornet multi-role fighter aircraft is seen during its transit for a mission over Iraq. The F/A-18As provide close air support and precision strike operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces.

A bomb-laden Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18A Hornet multi-role fighter aircraft refuels from a United States Air Force (USAF) KC-10 Extender air-to-air refuelling aircraft over the Arabian Gulf during mission a mission to Iraq. Air-to-air refuelling is essential for ensuring the F/A-18As can remain on-station for as long as possible to conduct close air support and precision strike operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces.

Royal Navy; issued Sept 17, 2015
PUNISHING conditions were not a problem for the Royal Navy?s newest helicopter as it was tested for the first time in the searing heat of the Gulf by a naval team from Portsmouth.

Wildcat ? which will provide the aerial eyes and punch of British destroyers and frigates for a generation ? spent a fortnight flying in the Middle East during key trials with the Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Duncan.
It is the first time the new helicopter has experienced such extreme heat, with the mercury rising to 45 degrees C.

On top of this, the six-tonne aircraft had to contend with strong wind.

Both HMS Duncan?s crew and the test pilots were pleased Wildcat?s performance, with the helicopter even managing to land backwards on the flight deck as the destroyer powered through the Gulf.

HMS Duncan?s commanding officer Commander Richard Atkinson said the Wildcat trials had ?surpassed expectations?.

09.17.2015..PLA army aviation helicopter gunships,WZ-10 & WZ-19 perform during the Helicopter Tianjin helicopter Fair.



The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has demonstrated robotic helicopter legs that promise to soften and stabilise rotorcraft landings for just a ?moderate increase? in weight.

By replacing traditional landing gears with automatic robotic legs, the US government thinks it can reduced hard landings by a factor of five and land on 20? slopes without risk of the rotor blades hitting the ground.

The technology being developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology under DARPA?s Mission Adaptive Rotor (MAR) programme could ?greatly expand the effectiveness of helicopters across many military and national security missions,? DARPA said in a statement.

?Helicopters are incredibly manoeuvrable in the air, but during landing and takeoff their traditional skid- and wheel-based landing gear requires stable, flat surfaces?surfaces that are often unavailable in helicopter-needy environs such as forward operating areas, ships at sea and natural-disaster zones,? the organisation says.


PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 16, 2015) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington is operating in Southern California waters, preparing to deploy around South America as a part of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

21 September 2015
The Red Arrows have flown with the Vulcan bomber for the final time in a show of great British aviation icons.
Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team performed a flypast with the mighty Cold War aircraft at the Southport Air Show.

Thousands of people cheered and waved as the Red Arrows? nine distinctive British-built Hawk aircraft made a V-shape in front of the Vulcan.

The striking formation flew over water, along the coast of the north-west town, having joined up over the sea about 10 miles from Prestatyn.
It was the highlight of the air show, at which both the Vulcan and Red Arrows also displayed individually.

The Vulcan, XH558, is the last airworthy example of the UK's famous V-Force fleet and 2015 is the delta-winged aircraft?s final flying season.




ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 19, 2015) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the ?Jolly Rogers? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, lands on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is underway participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman B. Siens/Released)

21 September 2015 Press Release

Scandinavian Airlines is the first European airline to receive the new A330-300 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) variant. The aircraft was delivered to SAS during a ceremony held at Airbus in Toulouse, France. SAS has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines to power its new A330-300.

Launched in 2012 as Airbus? latest evolution to the twin-engine widebody A330 Family, the increased take-off weight A330-200 and A330-300 incorporate a new aerodynamic package, engine improvements and an optional centre fuel tank (the latter for the A330-300 version). These upgrades allow for an extended range of up to 6,100 nautical miles while offering up to 2 percent less fuel burn.

"At SAS our vision is to make life easier for Scandinavia's frequent travelers and we are now delighted to welcome our passengers on board the new A330 Enhanced,? says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS. "We are making substantial investments in our fleet and network which means that we by far have the strongest intercontinental offer to and from Scandinavia. In parallel we are able to significantly bring down fuel consumption with new aircraft coming in which will lower our costs and support our goals to reduce emissions."

?As first European operator of the 242-tonne A330-300, we look forward to seeing SAS enjoy the additional benefits delivered by this innovative aircraft? said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice President, Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. ?This longer-range A330 will fit seamlessly into SAS?s current fleet alongside their current A330s, and will pave the way for their A350s in the future. The A330s higher take-off weight allows the airline to fly new Asian routes, with an operational reliability of well over 99 percent. SAS?s passengers will be able to experience the best-in-class cabin comfort that only Airbus offers.?

Scandinavian Airlines, is currently operating 25 A320 Family aircraft, plus four A330-300s and eight A340s. In addition, 30 A320neos are still to be delivered to SAS, along with another three A330-300s and eight A350-900 ordered in 2013.

First F-35A local training sortie
The 34th Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. George Watkins flies a combat-coded F-35A Lightning II aircraft past the control tower at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 17. During the sortie, the base?s first, Watkins conducted mission qualification training focusing on weapons employment, range familiarization and mission system proficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo's/Alex R. Lloyd)

21 September, 2015
The Polish air force has received its first pair of modernised Sukhoi Su-22M4 strike aircraft from the WZL-2 depot in Bydgoszcz.

Following a decision early last year to keep the Soviet-era type in service for another decade, the aircraft are being equipped with new VHF/UHF radios, as well as having their cockpit instruments labelled with imperial units.
Test flights involving modernised aircraft were performed in late August and early September, and the first two have been returned to the Swidwin air base. Another four will be delivered by the end of this year, and eventually the air force will have 12 Su-22M4 strike aircraft and six Su-22UM3K. Each aircraft will have an approved remaining service life of 800 flight hours, or 10 years.

Another aspect of the modernisation is a new, two-tone grey camouflage on the upper wing surfaces and fuselage, with light grey underneath. The air force selected the scheme ? which replaces a more colourful prior livery, to match that used on its Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds.

MARIETTA, Ga., Sept. 21, 2015 ?U.S. Air Force crews today ferried an MC-130J Commando II aircraft from the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) facility here to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Commando II supports such missions as in-flight refueling, infiltration/exfiltration, and aerial delivery and resupply of special operations forces.
Photo: David Key, Lockheed Martin.

21 September 2015 Press Release

China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its 50th A330 aircraft at a ceremony celebrated on Friday 18th in Toulouse, France. Powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, the A330-200 features a comfortable two class cabin layout seating 30 passengers in business class and 203 in economy.

?We are very happy to take delivery of this 50th A330. It symbolically represents our 30 years of partnership with Airbus. With high efficiency, high economic performance and unrivalled comfort, the A330 gives our passengers an unrivalled flying experience,? said Ma Xulun, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines. ?The A330 has been key to our expansion and competiveness in international markets. We are looking forward to many more passengers to fly Airbus aircraft while enjoying the best service from China Eastern.?

?With a fleet of that has grown to 50 A330s over nine years, China Eastern is demonstrating its continued confidence in the superior performance and comfort of the A330,? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO, ?We are confident that with one of the world?s largest A330 fleets, China Eastern will strengthen its position as one of Asia?s leading international carriers and continue to offer its passengers the best flying experience.?

China Eastern began operating the A330 in 2006 and today its fleet has grown to be one of the world?s largest. China Eastern also operates a fleet of around 230 single aisle A320 Family aircraft, taking its Airbus fleet to some 280 planes in total. China Eastern is one of Mainland China?s three major airlines.

F-16 Fighter fighter jets from the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, sit on the flightline before an training sortie Sept. 17, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. About 120 Airmen from the 180th FW traveled to Tyndall to participate in the Combat Archer exercise, a weapons system evaluation program designed to test the effectiveness of our Airmen and air-to-air weapon system capability of our F-16s and other combat aircraft.


An F-15 Eagle from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, sits on the flightline before an early morning training sortie Sept. 17, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The unit traveled to Tyndall to participate in the Combat Archer exercise, a weapons system evaluation program designed to test the effectiveness of our Airmen and air-to-air weapon system capability combat aircraft.
Photos by SM Sgt Beth Holliker.

Fort Worth, Texas September 22, 2015
Ceremonies were held today at the Lockheed Martin F-35 production facility celebrating the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II for the Norwegian Armed Forces. The event marked an important production milestone for the future of Norway?s national defense.
AM-1 and Norway?s second jet, known as AM-2, are scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Norwegian Air Force later this year, and will be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where they will be used for Norwegian and partner country pilot training.


Flying Tigers Land In Estonia.
9/22/2015 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia
Two U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi down the runway after landing at Amari Air Base, Estonia Sept 21, 2015. These aircraft, deployed as a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, will train with NATO allies to strengthen interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins/Released)

Maintenance Airmen from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron do post-flight maintenance on U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs on the flightline at Amari Air Base, Estonia Sept 21, 2015. Twelve aircraft and approximately 350 Airmen and support Equipment from the 23d Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., are deployed as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins/Released)

A P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang fly over Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, during a Military Tattoo on base Sept. 16, 2015. The ?Warbirds flight?, which also consisted of two B-25 Mitchells and two P-40 Warhawks. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant/Released)

TASS; published Sept 23, 2015
MOSCOW --- Russia and Egypt have signed an agreement on supplies of fifty helicopters of the Ka-52 Alligator family and Moscow does not rule out delivery of the deck-based version of these helicopters that were designed for the defaulted Mistral project, a well-connected source in the sphere of defense technologies told TASS.

"An agreement on the supplies of fifty Ka-52 helicopters has been signed," he said. "If the Egyptian side finds it necessary, the sea-based version of the helicopters will be supplied."

Officials at the state weaponry trading company Rosoboronexport refrained from commenting on the information.

Elysees Palace said earlier on Wednesday the French government had reached an agreement on the sales to Egypt of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers that were originally built for the Russian Navy.

(Sept. 23, 2015) ? An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the Airborne Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, approaches the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a fly over. Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently conducting regularly scheduled maintenance in its homeport of Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jameson E. Lynch/Released)

September 23
Ilyushin press release showing a new Il-38N.
(does not say where)









Introducing the 1,000mph BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car


Bagram?s busy flight line
A U.S. EC-130H Compass Call aircraft assigned to the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron lands at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 22, 2015. The Compass Call is an airborne tactical weapon system using a heavily modified version of the C-130 Hercules airframe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford/Released)

A 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. 22, 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)