An F-15EX Eagle II lands on the flight line after a training operation at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 15, 2023. The aircraft is able to fly at a speed of Mach 2.5, constituting it as the world’s fastest fighter jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Tan)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael Tope, right, and Brig. Gen. Michael Rawls, taxi down the runway in a F-15EX Eagle II for a training operation at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 15, 2023. The EX is the most advanced variant of the F-15 aircraft family, with the capability to carry a great number of missiles in support of the F-35A Lightning II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Tan)

An F-15EX Eagle II sits on the flightline at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 15, 2023. An upgraded version of the F-15 fourth-generation fighter jet, the F-15EX boasts a new electronic warfare system and an open mission systems architecture with advanced battle management systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Tan)

Exactly ten years ago, on this day, the first of three RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft arrived at 51 Squadron, RAF Waddington. Their world-leading electronic surveillance capability has provided strategic and tactical intelligence to commanders, and supported coalition and NATO operations.

In 2014, it deployed on Operation Herrick and soon after became the first RAF aircraft to fly on Operation Shader.
Today, RAF Rivet Joint specialists work alongside their American partner squadrons and industry colleagues to develop, improve, integrate, and test the mission systems required for tomorrow’s battlespace.
(Photo courtesy of the RAF)

RAAF No. 77 Squadron joined No. 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal for this year’s Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

The two-week exercise involved the use of small-diameter bomb (SDB) glide test vehicles to measure flight characteristics of guided munitions, and aims to advance interoperability between the two squadrons.

Operating throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australian airspace, the F-35A aircrews integrated seamlessly into high-end offensive counter air tactics, while maintenance, armament, logistics and support crews operated alongside one another, demonstrating the readiness of Air Combat Group squadrons.
(Photos courtesy of the RAAF)

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, November 23, 2023 - Embraer (NYSE: ERJ, B3: EMB3) has delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) its fifth EMB 145 AEW&C aircraft, upgraded and designated as E-99M in the FAB. The aircraft has been updated to perform Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) functions, as well as participate in intelligence, surveillance, and airborne reconnaissance missions.

"The delivery of the fifth E-99 is an important milestone for the E-99M project. This is the first aircraft delivered in FOC (Full Operational Capability) configuration, with systems fully certified for use by the Brazilian Air Force for protecting the country and its national sovereignty," says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. The executive further states, "The four aircraft previously delivered will be upgraded so that they can fully perform all the missions for which they were designed."

Developed utilizing the platform established by the successful ERJ 145 regional jet, the FAB's E-99 is capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying targets in its coverage zone and transmit the information via Data Link. The aircraft conducts airspace surveillance, interception control and management, electronic intelligence, and border monitoring missions.

The E-99M aircraft now features an updated Erieye Radar and Command & Control (C2) systems. The aircraft will also include a new Electronic Warfare (Non-Communication - NCOM) systems, a new IFF Transponder, seven software-defined V/UHF radios, a new Mission Audio system with VoIP technology, and a new Mission Audio and Data recorder, as well as a Data Link function adapted to a new architecture. The interior of the aircraft has also seen an update to improve crew comfort and expand the operating capacity with five consoles redesigned and optimized for more efficient use of the upgraded systems.

The E-99M project is led by the Combat Aircraft Program Coordinating Committee (COPAC) together with Embraer and international suppliers such as SAAB, Aeroelectronica International (AELI), and Rohde & Schwarz. Atech, a subsidiary of Embraer, is participating in the project by developing part of the command-and-control system, as well as six mission planning and analysis stations which will provide training and development opportunities for the crews.

About Embraer

Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., fly over the Gulf of Mexico during exercise Checkered Flag 24-1, Nov. 7, 2023. The 325th Fighter Wing recently transitioned missions, progressing towards a combat-ready F-35 mission with more than 70 aircraft projected to call Tyndall AFB home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 25, 2023) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 25, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG 9), is conducting integrated training exercises in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John A. Miller)

A C-5M Super Galaxy sits on the flightline at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 11, 2023. The C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the United States Air Force and is used primarily to transport unique and oversized cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amanda Jett)

Madrid -Airbus has successfully tested a new simplified human machine interface (HMI) along with advanced autonomous features through a project code-named Vertex. These technologies, developed by Airbus UpNext, are controlled by a touchscreen tablet and aim to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot workload, and further increase safety.

The Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab flew fully automated from lift-off, taxi, takeoff, cruise, approach and then landing during a one hour test flight by following a predefined route. During this flight, the pilot monitored the system which is able to detect unforeseen obstacles and automatically recalculate a safe flight path. Whenever necessary the pilot can easily override the controls through the tablet and resume the mission afterwards. The flight test period ran from the 27th of October through to the 22nd of November at the Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, France.

“This successful demonstration of a fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing is a great step towards the reduced pilot workload and simplified HMI that the Airbus Urban Air Mobility team intends to implement on CityAirbus NextGen. It could also have immediate applications for helicopters in low level flights close to obstacles thanks to the information provided by the lidars* on board,” said Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext.

Airbus Helicopters will continue to mature the different technologies that comprise Vertex: vision based sensors and algorithms for situational awareness and obstacle detection; fly-by-wire for enhanced auto-pilot; and an advanced human-machine-interface - in the form of a touchscreen and head worn display for inflight monitoring and control.

Fort Worth, TX (27 November 2023) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been selected to compete for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. The SPRINT program intends to design, build, and fly an X-Plane, an experimental aircraft to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility platforms. Phase 1A includes conceptual design, culminating in a formal Conceptual Design Review.

“Bell is honored to be selected for SPRINT and thrilled to support another X-plane, which will bring unprecedented speed to vertical lift aircraft,” said Jason Hurst, executive vice president, Engineering, Bell. “In our rich 85-year history, Bell has produced memorable X-planes, such as the Bell X-1 and XV-15, and expanded our VTOL aircraft capabilities. This contract award is a testament to Bell's ability to build on past successful high-speed aircraft programs while investing in new research to validate HSVTOL technology.”

Bell plans to leverage its extensive investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology to demonstrate advanced performance capabilities. Bell is currently conducting risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to demonstrate its folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies using a dedicated test article.

Bell’s HSVTOL technology blends the hover capability of a helicopter with the speed (400+ kts), range, and survivability of jet aircraft. Bell has developed high-speed vertical lift technology for more than 85 years, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and continues to build on its proven history of fast flight from the Bell X-1.

Italian air force Lt. Col. Stefano Vit, 313th Aerobatic Group “Frecce Tricolori” outgoing commander, taxis on the runway during the group’s change of command at Rivolto Air Force Base, Italy, Nov. 28, 2023. During the change of command, the Frecce Tricolori performed an “in-flight handover” where the previous commander broke away from the formation, leaving the new commander in charge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Stubblefield)

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing sits on a flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 27, 2023. The aircraft prepares to depart in support of Operation Christmas Drop 2023 (OCD 23). During OCD, a portion of the wing is activated as the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to flatten communication and promote flexible self-sustainment throughout the operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

A U.S. Marine holds a fuel hose being secured during defueling operations on a downed U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon in waters just off the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 26, 2023. The successful defueling of the downed P-8A was critical to the execution of the aircraft salvage plan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brandon Aultman)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 26, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 26, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG 9), is conducting integrated training exercises in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adina Phebus)

Madrid -Airbus Helicopters and ÖAMTC Air Rescue announced a new contract for two H135s during the third edition of European Rotors. The announcement follows an initial contract for five H135s signed at the end of 2020.

“It's a matter of course for us to constantly develop and improve our fleet so that we can provide our patients with comprehensive care at the highest possible level of quality and safety," said Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Air Rescue. "The H135 with Helionix is perfectly tailored to our needs and proves itself day after day and night after night in operations throughout Austria. The significantly more powerful helicopter, which is certified for instrument flight and has an autopilot, brings us a decisive step closer to our vision of being able to help anywhere, at any time and in any weather.”

"We are proud to have been a partner of ÖAMTC Air Rescue for more than 40 years with our helicopters and services," said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters. "I would like to thank ÖAMTC Air Rescue for their continued confidence in our H135 helicopters. We're looking forward to many more years of successful cooperation.”

ÖAMTC Air Rescue operates 31 H135 helicopters from 17 permanent bases and 4 additional winter bases in Austria. Last year, the operator flew more than 20,000 missions, with an average of 52 missions per day. The operator began providing air rescue services in Austria in 1983 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

The H135 is the helicopter of reference for helicopter emergency medical service operators worldwide. It combines a wide, unobstructed cabin with excellent performance, range and payload capacity, as well as low sound levels. The oversized sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors enable fast loading/unloading of patients, with additional safety during ground operations provided by Airbus’ signature shrouded Fenestron tail rotor. The H135 is the global market leader for helicopter emergency medical services with more than 700 helicopters all around the world being used for life-saving missions.

Airbus’ light, twin-engine H135 incorporates the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, which, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays, the H135’s cockpit is night vision goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator, which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

To date, more than 1,500 helicopters of the H135 family have been delivered worldwide, clocking in more than 7 million flight hours.

RAF personnel currently on a multinational exercise in Spain had the honour of meeting the Spanish Monarch, His Majesty King Felipe VI, at Los Llanos Air Base, Albacete.

During the visit, His Majesty was given a tour of the facilities and met British and French pilots who had just returned from a training mission.

The RAF personnel from 29 Squadron at Royal Air Force Coningsby are currently deployed for three weeks on the Tactical Leadership Programme exercise with counterparts from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The course is part of a long-running initiative to improve the interoperability and effectiveness of Allied air forces. The crews are instructed on the planning, briefing, and execution of tactical air operations. This includes acting as mission commanders to lead multinational training sorties involving formations of different types of fighter aircraft.
(Photos courtesy of the RAF)

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, over the Southeastern United States, Nov. 28, 2023. The C-17 can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings)

Airmen from the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing prepare an F-15C Eagle for the afternoon launch Nov. 16, 2023 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
(Photo by Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

An F-35A Lightning II takes off from Hill Air Force Base Nov. 21, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jack Rodgers)

A C-5M Super Galaxy taxis down the flightline shortly after landing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Nov. 8, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jack Rodgers)


MIELEC, Poland Nov. 24, 2023 -- PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, delivered the first four new-generation, European manufactured S-70M Black Hawk utility helicopters to Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, with two more aircraft on schedule to arrive by the end of 2023. Purchased as part of the European Union’s VISION 2020 project, the intended missions for Romania’s new Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters include maritime and land search and rescue, firefighting, transport and medical emergency support.

An additional Black Hawk, procured within the European HeliPol project, is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year and is allocated for the Romanian Police, increasing its operational capacity.

The helicopters are part of a framework agreement that will see up to 12 Polish-built S-70M Black Hawks supplied to Romania over the next four years.

“Arrival of the first Black Hawk helicopters in Romania is a historic event. The Black Hawk is the most capable and dependable helicopter for crews who conduct vital lifesaving and firefighting missions,” said Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky. “These multi-role helicopters bring flexibility to conduct rescue missions at greater ranges and in the most challenging environments, and with increased survivability.”

Romania Joins International Fleet of Black Hawk Operators

Romania joins a global family of Black Hawk operators and becomes the 11th country and 18th customer for Black Hawk helicopters built by PZL Mielec, Poland’s largest exporter of aerospace equipment.

The cabin of both the land and maritime variant Black Hawks will accommodate a medical suite designed and provided by DELTAMED, a Cluj-Napoca-based integrator of emergency vehicles outfitted for patient care and rescue.

The multi-role S-70 Black Hawk features digital avionics, powerful GE engines, high strength airframe structures and composite wide chord rotor blades that yield increased situational awareness, survivability, and performance.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 28, 2023―Boeing [NYSE: BA] will build an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a Lot 10 contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force valued at $2.3 billion. One hundred fifty-three KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now on contract globally, providing advanced capability advantages for the joint force and allies.

“We appreciate our partnership with the U.S. Air Force, which allows for the expansion of the capacity and capability of the KC-46A fleet,” said Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “We understand the advantages that KC-46 capabilities give the warfighters, and in the current global environment, we continue to focus our investments on evolving the aircraft for the changing needs of the mission.”

With a supplier network of about 37,000 American workers employed by more than 650 businesses throughout more than 40 U.S. states, the combat-proven KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century.

From aerial refueling, cargo and passenger transportation, aeromedical evacuation support, and data connectivity at the tactical edge, the KC-46A Pegasus has already been called a “game changer” for its ability to transmit and exchange data, enabling rapid air mobility, global reach and Agile Combat Employment.

Earlier this year, the Air Force awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract, adding more advanced communications capabilities to enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness.

To date, Boeing has delivered 76 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

# # #

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Madrid -Airbus Helicopters and the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service have announced a contract for three five-bladed H145 multi-mission helicopters at the 2023 European Rotors trade show, expanding the service's fleet. These three additional H145s bring the total number of Airbus helicopters in service with the Lithuanian government to eleven, further strengthening Airbus Helicopters’ position in this mission segment. The helicopters will be operated for a wide range of missions including search and rescue, disaster relief and medevac, border patrol, firefighting, transport of donor organs, and operational deployment of the Lithuanian Special Forces.

“We are allocating significant resources to provide our State Border Guard Service with state-of-the-art equipment such as the multi-mission H145 helicopters,” said Agné Bilotaité, the Lithuanian Minister of Interior. “Funded in part by the national budget and also thanks to European funding, the H145s will further strengthen the intelligence and response capabilities of our border guards and contribute to Lithuania’s security,” she added.

“We are honoured that the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service is placing its trust in Airbus Helicopters once again with the selection of the H145 as its next generation multi-role helicopter,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business for Airbus Helicopters. “Our partnership started in 2002 when the Lithuanian State Border Guard received their first EC120. Twenty-one years later, it is a privilege to support such a distinguished organisation and to contribute to essential security missions in order to protect and serve the population of Lithuania and to make Europe safer," he added.

There are more than 200 helicopters of the H145 helicopter family deployed to public services and law enforcement missions all around the world.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,650 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than 7.5 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.

Getafe, 29 November 2023 – Airbus has signed a contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defence for the development and acquisition of SIRTAP, a High Performance Tactical UAS that will reinforce the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Force.

This contract includes a total of nine systems, each consisting of three unmanned aerial vehicles and one ground control station. Furthermore, two simulators will be supplied to train the Spanish Armed Forces.

“This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment together with the Spanish Ministry of Defence, will reinforce national sovereignty. SIRTAP will be fully developed in Spain, integrating national capabilities. However, thanks to its versatility and the use of ITAR-free components, we also expect it to play a key role on the international market,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

SIRTAP, with a payload of more than 150kgs, has been designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions, both over land and at sea. A range of more than 2,000km and an endurance of more than 20 hours will provide high flexibility and reactivity, allowing for day and night operations in the most demanding environments. The system will be certified to fly in segregated airspace.

In the future, this tactical UAS will be able to operate jointly with other platforms to be integrated into a system of systems. The development of SIRTAP will bring the national industry key experience and competences in the field of Remote Carriers for FCAS.

First flight of the SIRTAP prototype is expected to take place in 2025.

.

ARJ21 aircraft carries more than 10 million passengers.

On board of Flight CZ3892 of China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou to Jieyang, ARJ21 aircraft ushered in the 10 millionth passenger on November 24th, 2023. So far, ARJ21 aircraft have carried more than 10 million passengers.

ARJ21 aircraft is the first turbofan regional jet independently developed by China. Since ARJ21 aircraft was officially put into commercial operation in June 2016, a total of 117 aircraft have been delivered to the customers such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Chengdu Airlines, Genghis Khan Airlines, Jiangxi Air, China Express Airlines and TransNusa. The aircraft have successively served in more than 400 routes in more than 140 cities at home and abroad, operated nearly 1,800 flights per week, basically forming an airline network covering the regions such as North China, Northeast China, East China, Southwest China, Northwest China and Central-South China, and launched overseas operations in Indonesia.

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) has always adhered to the principle of being customer centered to provide customized services for customers, gained the customer service core competences of customer training, material support, engineering and maintenance support, technical publication service, flight operation support, and market and commercial support, and established an operation support system to ensure the large-scale development of ARJ21 aircraft.

Against the background of the service mode of "An Interconnected Network of Trunk, Regional, and General Aviation" enforced by Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), all airlines have explored the operation modes of combining trunk lines with regional lines and combining regional lines with regional lines in accordance with their own characteristics, therefore, there is a large market development space for ARJ21 aircraft. COMAC will continue to work hand in hand with customers to deepen domestic aviation markets, expand overseas markets, promote the large-scale operation of China-made commercial aircraft, boost the high-quality development of civil aviation, and make positive contributions to continuously meeting air passengers' travel demands for popularization and convenience.

São José Dos Campos, Brazil, 29th November 2023 – Porter Airlines has exercised purchase rights to place a firm order for 25 Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets, adding to their 50 existing firm orders. Porter will use the new aircraft to extend its award-winning service to destinations throughout North America. The deal, valued at US$2.1bn at list price, will be added to the Q4 backlog, and brings Porter’s orders with Embraer to 75 firm, with 25 purchase rights remaining.

Porter, the North American launch customer for Embraer’s E195-E2, has already taken delivery of 24 E195-E2s, and recently announced new destinations including Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles; with destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean also planned. The aircraft are currently deployed from Eastern Canada, with a focus on Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa. Halifax and Montreal are also seeing new services with the E195-E2. Porter has chosen to configure the 146-seat aircraft in a comfortable 132-seat all-economy configuration, with a variety of seat pitches on offer for their guests: 36, 34, and 30 inches.

Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said, “At Porter, we entered a new era when we began operating the E195-E2 earlier this year. The jet is exceeding our expectations, especially in terms of fuel burn, and delivering an incredible level of customer satisfaction to our passengers with a quiet, comfortable ride. These additional 25 orders enable us to continue extending our reach throughout North America, with more exciting new destinations.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Porter Airlines is an exciting disrupter delivering an elevated passenger experience that’s shaking up the North American market. Choosing the E2 to deliver an upgraded service is a huge endorsement of the jet’s comfort and capabilities, and a further endorsement of the E2 - the world’s quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft.”

Munich, 29 November 2023 – Now it's official: The Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) is coming. Following the recent parliamentary approval by the German budget committee, Airbus will equip 15 German Eurofighters for electronic combat - and equip them with a transmitter location and self-protection system from Saab, as well as "AARGM" anti-radar missiles from the American company Northrop Grumman. The Eurofighter EK is to be NATO-certified by 2030 and will then replace the Tornado in the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) role.

"Electronic warfare and reconnaissance are an important NATO requirement: current conflicts and the present security situation show how important the two capabilities are," says Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schöllhorn. "In this respect, the German government's decision to include such an important capability as electronic warfare in the Eurofighter capability portfolio is an important measure. EK will add this important capability to the already broad operational spectrum of the Eurofighter while strengthening European sovereignty and autonomy."

With the parliamentary approval by the Budget Committee, the Eurofighter is now officially set as the successor to the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance). Airbus is now looking forward to the official order to integrate the selected technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The corresponding contract between Eurofighter GmbH, as prime contractor, and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) is expected to be signed before the end of the year.

With Saab’s transmitter location system and the Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) from Northrop Grumman, the Eurofighter EK will be able to detect, localise and disable anti-aircraft radars. In addition, the Saab solution has jammers that improve the Eurofighter's self-protection. The Eurofighter EK also has technologies on board that were developed by small and medium-sized enterprises and a start-up. These include an AI solution that makes it possible to analyse radar data on-board and quickly determine precise self-protection measures.

Airbus is currently working with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office on a detailed schedule for the implementation of the selected EK solutions in 15 Eurofighters.

Madrid - The Norwegian Air Ambulance has ordered three H135s and two five-bladed H145s that will be used for life-saving missions in Denmark, following a tender the operator recently won in the country. Moreover, the HEMS operator will take delivery of two new H145s in 2024 to expand their fleet in Norway.

“I would like to thank the Norwegian Air Ambulance for its continued trust in our helicopters to support their essential life-saving missions,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region, Airbus Helicopters. “Our mission is to provide our operators with the best solutions possible, in order to make the world a safer place. Representing more than 1100 of the 2700 helicopters deployed for HEMS operations across the globe, it is a genuine source of pride to see that the H135 and the H145 are the benchmark for those missions worldwide, making a positive difference to people requiring urgent medical care. ”

“The H135 and the five-bladed H145 have proven to be very versatile and suitable helicopters for our HEMS operations,” said Leif Olstad, CEO of Norwegian Air Ambulance. “With the new helicopters we will continue to serve the people of Denmark and Norway with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best service possible.”

Today, Norwegian Air Ambulance operates all 13 HEMS bases in Norway and all 4 bases in Denmark using a 100% Helionix-equipped fleet of H135s and H145s. The organisation's parent company, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, was the first operator in the world to take delivery of a five-bladed H145 in 2020.

The H135 is the market leader in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) worldwide, followed by the H145. Both helicopters are equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, enhancing complementarity and enabling an almost seamless transition from one type to another, while its features increase safety and reduce pilot workload. Their particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H135 and the H145 the quietest helicopters in their class, while their CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst their direct competitors.

Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing 54% of the 2,700 EMS helicopters flying in the world today.

Yesterday was the CIRCAETE aviation security exercise in which several nations participated. The objective: to practice the processes of coordination of permanent security postures (PPS) in the respective national areas, as well as aircraft interception procedures.

This training resulted in conducting actions against an aerial threat in the Western Mediterranean and interceptions of a classified aircraft “Renegade”.

To do so, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Italy have conducted interceptions of a French MRTT (playing the role of "Renegade") from their airspace. Again this year, the six sky police of the group "5+5 Defense", as well as the command and control structures (Command and Control - C2, including the National Air Operations Center of Lyon-Mont Verdun for France) were able to train together and dialogue, under real conditions and according to an operating tempo.
(Photos courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)