07.23.2018
Old Iron II is proudly displayed on the left nose of KC-135 ?Stratotanker? Tail #80099 assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing. Aerospace Maintenance Specialist Master Sgt. Bryan Cruzi is the lead crew chief for the aircraft and is the designer of the painting. Master Sgt. Curzi considered this art work to be a rededication of the original Old Iron. The design is similar in conception with some personal dedications hidden within the painting. Curzi?s father retired from the steel industry after working 47 years and his initials can be found on the ladle holding the molten steel. There is a humming bird for his mother, and a bunny rabbit for a close friend of Master Sgt. Curzi whom has since passed away. The 171st previously was a part of Strategic Air Command before becoming a refueling wing. As a dedication to our history, the SAC arm and armor symbol can be found on all of the 171st nose art. Here, he SAC Arm holding the ladle of molten steel.
Photo's by Staff Sgt. Bryan Hoover/released.


PACIFIC OCEAN (July 21, 2018) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the ?Bounty Hunters? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 prepares to make an arrested landing on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, and about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world?s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world?s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan M. Kinee/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 21, 2018) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the ?Bounty Hunters? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, and about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world?s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world?s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan M. Kinee/Released)

SEATTLE, July 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Jeju Air celebrated the delivery of the airline's first direct-buy Next-Generation 737-800 airplane today during a ceremony at the Seattle Delivery Center. With this delivery Jeju Air will become the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in Korea to own and operate a Next-Generation 737-800.

"This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for Jeju Air as we continue to revolutionize Korea's dynamic commercial aviation industry," said Seok-Joo Lee, President and CEO of Jeju Air. "Owning and operating our own airplanes will further differentiate Jeju Air and our local competitors. We are fully prepared to introduce this new airplane into our expanding fleet and they will play an integral role in our growth strategy."

This delivery marks the first of three Next-Generation 737-800s the airline has on order with Boeing. Based in Jeju Island, South Korea, the all-Boeing carrier currently operates a fleet of 34 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes.

"We are proud to deliver the first directly purchased Next-Generation 737-800 to Jeju Air," said Rick Anderson, vice president of Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This milestone represents the strong partnership that we share with Jeju, whom we have shared an intimate partnership with since their inception more than 10 years ago. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Jeju Air."

Jeju Air currently serves 40 domestic and international routes with approximately 150 daily flights. The carrier is also a founding member of the Value Alliance, the first pan-regional low-cost carrier alliance formed in 2016 comprising of eight airlines based in Asia.

The 737-800 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family.

C-130J Super Hercules aircrew members assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, fly a mission over East Africa, July 24, 2018. The 75th EAS supports Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa with medical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian and airdrop operations.
(U.S. Air Force photo's by Tech. Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.)


PACIFIC OCEAN (July 22, 2018) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the ?Gauntlets? of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ethan J. Soto/Released)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
The 33rd Fighter Wing conducted F-35A Lightning II night flying operations May 29-31, 2018, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Each night, more than a dozen jets took off between sunset and midnight. The night sorties satisfied a training requirement for student pilots who will routinely fly day and night operations upon entering the combat Air Force.

During this iteration of the pilot training syllabus, the night flying portion was stretched later into evening hours than in the past, allowing for more qualifications to be checked off across fewer days.

?Flying later into the night allows us to complete these requirements in the shortest time possible,? said Lt. Col. Nicholas Edwards, 58th Fighter Squadron director of operations.

The impact local weather patterns have on flying operations was also considered when extending the flying window.

?This also allows us to remain flexible with the unforeseen summer thunderstorms that might otherwise delay the graduation of new F-35 pilots,? said Edwards.

Instructor pilots and schedulers who work to execute the mandatory requirement understand the impact late night flying can have on the local community and take it into consideration when scheduling the sorties.

?We are grateful to our community neighbors for their support and understanding as we work to prepare America's Airmen to protect our national interests while minimizing the impact to the local community,? said Edwards

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --
Southern Nevada residents may notice an increase in military aircraft activity from July 23 through Aug. 3 as Nellis begins the U.S. Air Force?s largest air-to-air combat training exercise ? Red Flag 18-3.

Red Flag exercises provide mission commanders, maintenance personnel, ground controllers, and air, space and cyber operators the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios to prepare for future warfare.

The goal of Red Flag 18-3 is to maintain air, space and cyber superiority through innovation, integration and interoperability.

?Red Flag exercises deliver readiness,? said Col. Michael Mathes, 414th Combat Training Squadron commander. ?They are unmatched opportunities for our Airmen, sister services international participants to experience realistic combat scenarios that prepare them for future conflicts.?

In addition, the Colombian Air Force will participate in the exercise to enhance training and foster enduring relationships through shared participation in operations.

?The Colombian Air Force?s participation for this iteration of Red Flag is building on our two countries? long-standing partnership and cooperation,? said Mathes. ?We continue to learn from each other and the insight we gain into each other?s operations ensures we maintain a high level of mutual readiness.?

Linking participants through teamwork-enforced activities provides a more adaptable force.

?For the Colombian Air Force, participating for the second time in Red Flag signifies the opportunity to increase the training of our pilots in a very challenging environment,? said Brig. Gen. Pablo Garcia, Aerial Combat Command 1 commander. ?We are ready to learn, apply our knowledge and gain more experience in combat aerial maneuvers with combat squadrons of the U.S. Air Force.?

Red Flag ensures combat air forces are ready to win the nation's wars and builds partnerships and interoperability among allies and across multiple domains.

Since its establishment in 1975, Red Flag has provided training for over 440,000 military personnel, including members of approximately 28 allied countries? air forces, through various exercise scenarios over the skies of the Nevada Test and Training Range.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AOR (July 23, 2018)
An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Vipers" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48 completes the day's flight operations on the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay (Released)

British helicopters have arrived in West Africa to provide support to the French counter-terrorism operation in Mali.

Three RAF Chinook helicopters from RAF Odiham, supported by RAF ground personnel, are preparing to begin providing logistical and troop movement support to our allies.

The Chinooks will provide niche logistical support and will also help improve safety by moving troops by air, rather than ground where they are more vulnerable to attack.

The UK has been a long-standing supporter of the French military operations in Mali and has worked with international partners to prevent extremists from using the ungoverned space in the Sahel to plan and launch attacks on Europe, as well as counter the illegal trade in people, drugs, weapons and wildlife.

F-16D Fighting Falcons from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Ari., taxi during a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., July 24, 2018. Representatives from the Air National Guard fighter wings, Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units will conduct daily sorties from July 24-27 to hone their skills with tactical-level air-intercept procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Airman Timothy Tweet)


A U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin takes off during a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., July 24, 2018. Representatives from the Air National Guard fighter wings, Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units will conduct daily sorties from July 24-27 to hone their skills with tactical-level air-intercept procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Timothy Tweet)

Press release
25 July 2018

Saab has received an order from BAE Systems for development of a new pyrotechnic smart self-protection system for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to defeat radar- and IR-guided threats.

The order is part of a framework agreement with BAE Systems consisting of development, production, support and future sales of the Smart Dispenser System (SDS), a pyrotechnic smart self-protection system for the Royal Air Force?s (RAF) Typhoons and future Eurofighter opportunities.

SDS is the latest generation in Saab?s BOP family of pyrotechnic countermeasure dispensers. BOP is in-service on fighters and other combat aircraft types, and has been proven over several decades including on active operations.

?This new smart dispenser system provides a significant increase in self-protection capability to defeat modern threats by dispensing optimised countermeasure sequences and directions. SDS will significantly enhance the combat survivability of the Eurofighter Typhoon?, says Anders Carp, head of Saab business area Surveillance. ?Saab?s electromechanical self-protection system BOL has been in use on Eurofighter since its inception, and we are now looking forward to strengthening the platform?s countermeasure capability through SDS.?

Saab has been a close partner to the RAF for nearly forty years, providing products and services across the air power spectrum. Counter-measure dispensing technologies have been provided by Saab to the RAF, alongside leading edge radars and sensors, for decades to protect aircraft such as Harrier, Tornado and Typhoon.

The development and integration work of SDS will be carried out at the Saab site in J?rf?lla, Sweden and will be finished in the 2020 timeframe.

F-16D Fighting Falcons from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Ariz., takes off during a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., July 25, 2018. Representatives from the Air National Guard fighter wings, Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units will conduct daily sorties from July 24-27 to hone their skills with tactical-level air-intercept procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Timothy Tweet)

F-15D Eagle takes off during a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., July 25, 2018. Representatives from the Air National Guard fighter wings, Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units will conduct daily sorties from July 24-27 to hone their skills with tactical-level air-intercept procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Timothy Tweet)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron flies over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England during a surge operation, July 25. During surge operations, aircrew enter engagements with opposing aircraft from beyond visual range, and continuously calculate the closing distance to determine the proper tactic to employ once the opposing aircraft enters view. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

An F-15C Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 20, 2018. The quick generation of large numbers of sorties during a surge provides important training for aircraft maintenance personnel and is similar to what they experience in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Eric Burks)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England during a surge operation, July 25. Liberty Wing aircrews use surge operations to preserve combat skills through effective training to ensure they are fully prepared for potential contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones)

An F-15 Eagle from the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Ore. Breaks away after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 141st Air Refueling Wing during Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell training exercise July 24, 2018 over western Oregon. CrossTell is a three-day exercise involving multiple Air National Guard units, the Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units to conduct training scenarios to replicate airborne intercepts designed to safely escort violators out of restricted airspace. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Rose M. Lust)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet Blue Angel from Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, flies next to a 434th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the Midwest July 25, 2018. During the flight, Grissom demonstrated its air refueling capabilities and participated in the annual Airventure Oshkosh Air Show at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 25, 2018) An E-2D Hawkeye assigned to the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 lands on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is currently conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problems (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Maxwell Anderson/Released)

U.S. Airmen with the 60th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo onto a C-5M Super Galaxy at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., June 29, 2017. Travis is home to the largest Aerial Port on the West Coast. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Timothy Bundy)


JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --
U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps forces are scheduled to participate alongside 16 partner and allied nations in the Royal Australian Air Force?s Pitch Black exercise from July 27-August 17 in Northern Australia.

Exercise Pitch Black is conducted biennially to enhance flight operations and proficiency as well as maintain interoperability between partner nations. It also extends Northern Australia?s critical role in supporting combined training as part of the U.S. and Australia?s Force Posture Initiative.

Approximately 140 total aircraft are scheduled to participate in the training, to include U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps: fighter and bomber jets; refuelers; rotary wing aircraft; and supporting ground forces.

Participating nations scheduled to participate include: Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sweden and the Philippines.

Pitch Black began in 1990 as an exercise between Singapore and Australia, and the United States last participated in 2016. This year?s iteration of the exercise is being conducted during the Marine Corps Force-Darwin (MRF-D) initiative, which is one of two components that comprise a Force Posture Agreement between the two nations and serve as a tangible demonstration of the United States? sustained commitment to the U.S.-Australia alliance and the Indo-Pacific region.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- The Air Force initiated its own depot maintenance here for the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft July 17, 2018, to deliver more aircraft faster, leading to increased readiness for warfighters.

Officials with the JSTARS program office at Robins AFB want to increase the number of aircraft available for operations and training as the service transitions to the Advanced Battle Management System, a capability that will fuse global air and space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information.

One way to deliver assets quicker and meet operational need is for the government workforce at Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex to supplement the contractor workload, said Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, commander of the complex.

"We have a tremendously talented workforce of uniformed and civilian Airmen who are excited about the opportunity to prove themselves by working on this first JSTARS aircraft," Kubinec said. "We are leveraging the experience of the operational wings and the program office team here at Robins to improve warfighting readiness."

The proof of concept will help the Air Force better understand the costs of performing JSTARS depot maintenance organically. If the organic maintenance concept is proven successful, the Air Force currently plans to induct one aircraft per year at Robins over the next couple of years.

The Air Force intends to fly JSTARS into the mid-to-late 2020s while the follow-on Advanced Battle Management System is developed. ABMS will integrate battlefield surveillance information from a variety of sensors to provide commanders better situational awareness in combat. The Air Force has said ABMS is needed to provide critical capabilities to survive against adversaries in a contested environment.

The Air Force announced in June that Robins AFB will host the initial elements of the ABMS, paving the way for a long-term mission in Middle Georgia. Selecting Robins enables the Air Force to leverage existing infrastructure and the more than 40 years of experience resident in the Robins' workforce.

U.S. Airmen clean an A-10 Thunderbolt II in an aircraft wash rack at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., July 24, 2018. The main purpose of the wash rack is to clean equipment while preventing contaminates from entering the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristine Legate)

DALLAS, July 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor successfully intercepted an Air-Breathing Threat (ABT) in a test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The test marked the furthest distance a PAC-3 MSE missile has intercepted an ABT, which represents fixed-wing aircraft or cruise missiles.
The U.S. Army-led missile defense flight test demonstrated the unique Hit-to-Kill capability of the PAC-3 family of missiles, which defends against threats through body-to-body contact. The test also reconfirmed PAC-3 MSE's ability to detect, track and intercept incoming ABTs or missiles. The test was observed by representatives from the U.S. Army and a current Foreign Military Sales PAC-3 MSE customer.

"PAC-3 MSE continues to be successful against today's evolving threats, and this most recent test validates its effectiveness at extreme distances," said Jay Pitman, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Today's global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 Hit-to-Kill interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defense systems."

The PAC-3 CRI and MSE are high-velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Twelve nations have procured the PAC-3 missile defense interceptor: the U.S., Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.

A world leader in systems integration and development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, Lockheed Martin's experience spans missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, as well as communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, radar and signal processing, and threat-representative targets for missile defense tests.

Farnborough, 25 July 2018 ? Zephyr S, Airbus? High-Altitude-Pseudo-Satellite, has surpassed the current flight endurance record of an aircraft without refueling of 14 days, 22 minutes and 8 seconds and continues to pioneer the stratosphere.

The Zephyr aircraft departed for its maiden flight from Arizona, USA on 11th July 2018.

This first flight of the Zephyr S aims to prove and demonstrate the aircraft capabilities, with the final endurance record to be confirmed on landing.
About the Airbus Zephyr Programme:
solar-powered aircraft, providing a wide scope of applications, ranging for example from maritime surveillance and services, border patrol missions, communications, forest fire detection and monitoring, or navigation. Operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 feet / 21 kilometers, the ultra-lightweight Zephyr has a wingspan of 25 meters and a weigh of less than 75kg, and flies above weather (clouds, jet streams) and above regular air traffic, covering local or regional footprints. Ideally suited for "local persistence" (ISR/Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), the Zephyr has the ability to stay focused on a specific area of interest (which can be hundreds of miles wide) while providing it with satellite-like communications and Earth observation services (with greater imagery granularity) over long periods of time without interruption. Not quite an aircraft and not quite a satellite, but incorporating aspects of both, the Zephyr has the persistence of a satellite with the flexibility of a UAV. The only civil aircraft that used to fly at this altitude was Concorde and only the famous military U2 and SR-71 Blackbird could operate at similar levels. The Zephyr successfully achieved several world records, including the longest flight duration without refueling.

RAF Typhoons based in Romania have been launched in response to Russian Su-24 FENCER aircraft operating near NATO airspace over the Black Sea.

Operating from the Romanian Mihail Kog?lniceanu Air Base near Constanta on the Black Sea coast, the RAF Typhoons responded to the suspected bomber aircraft heading west towards NATO airspace.

The Russian aircraft was flying over the western Black Sea and were monitored by two Typhoon pilots from 135 Expeditionary Air Wing, in accordance with the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission the RAF is conducting in Romania.

The RAF mission in Romania is part of NATO?s Assurance Measures introduced in 2014. At the time, the Alliance started implementing these Assurance Measures with the goal of demonstrating the collective resolve of Allies and the defensive nature of NATO.

News Article / July 26, 2018
By Lieutenant-Colonel Travis Chapman
Designed in the late 1950s and procured by Canada through a dynamic acquisition program in the early 1960s, the CH-124 Sea King helicopter has served Canadians with distinction since May 24, 1963. Longevity, avionics and mission system upgrades, and the utility of a medium-lift helicopter came together to create a legacy that ignites a passion spanning multiple generations, unlike any other Royal Canadian Air Force asset.

The CH-124 pre-dates Bill C-243, ?The Canadian Forces Reorganization Act?, and so the Sikorsky HSS-2 was acquired as a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon system, and was designated CHSS-2 upon entering Canadian service. A maritime helicopter, it has operated from aircraft carrier Her Majesty?s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Bonaventure, St. Laurent-class destroyer escorts and Iroquois-class destroyers, auxiliary oiler replenishment ships, and Halifax-class frigates.

In many ways, Canada?s efforts to embark a large aircraft on a small flight deck revolutionized the concept of organic air support to naval operations by showing the theoretical to be possible. Given the capabilities of a larger helicopter, crews could carry more armament, more fuel, and a suite of avionics?with capacity for growth. Considering the rapid advancement of submarine capabilities in the 1950s, the CHSS-2 became a potent counter-punch to non-friendly submarines. Over time, it proved capable of acting as an autonomous, multi-role ASW weapon system through several permanent and temporary modifications that included radar, sonobuoy processing, GPS, automatic identification system, tactical common datalink, and various iterations of tactical navigation computers, as well as the development of aircraft-specific tactics for crews to employ.

Currently, the Sea King is flown by squadrons belonging to 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia.

To pay tribute to the history of Canada's esteemed maritime helicopter, Major Trevor Cadeau, 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron aircraft maintenance engineering officer, initiated a project in December 2017 with technical and operational staff at Director Aerospace Equipment Program Management (Maritime) and 1 Canadian Air Division to change Sea King tail number CH12417's modern livery to one inspired by the original RCN livery from 1963 (as pictured on aircraft 4005), and previously applied in 2010 to commemorate the Canadian Naval Centennial.

The success of the latest livery project belongs to a large team from Patricia Bay, British Columbia; Shearwater, Nova Scotia; Ottawa, Ontario; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Essential to its impressive execution were technicians from 12 Air Maintenance Squadron (AMS), and 423 and 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadrons.

Of course, once painted, it had to be reassembled. Again, personnel from 12 AMS, and 423 and 443 Squadrons worked tirelessly, putting the aircraft back together.

Not only does the special paint scheme honour the Sea King?s history and exceptional contributions to RCN and RCAF operations over the last 55 years, but the project presented an uncommon professional development opportunity for many aircraft structures technicians. Those involved in the project were able to exercise their own painting skill sets, using the new paint booth in the 12 AMS hangar in Shearwater, Nova Scotia.

In addition to CH12417, team members also repainted aircraft CH12401 in preparation for its induction into the Shearwater Aviation Museum.

Although 423 Squadron ceased Sea King flight operations on Canada?s east coast in January 2018, and has already transitioned to the CH-148 Cyclone, 443 Squadron, which belongs to 12 Wing but is based at Patricia Bay, has been flying the CH-124 throughout 2018 in support of deployed operations onboard HMCS St. John?s, and domestic taskings and advanced force generation at Arundel Castle in Patricia Bay.

On June 13, 2018, a crew from 443 Squadron left Shearwater on a cross-country ferry flight bringing CH12417 from the home of maritime aviation in Shearwater to Pat Bay. 443 Squadron is proud of our history and success with the Sea King, and will enthusiastically fly CH12417 during the fleet?s final six months of RCAF service.

Over the summer, civilians and service personnel can expect to see CH12417 in its new clothes at various airshows, and in the skies over Victoria and Pat Bay. Adding an extra dose of excitement, Cyclones will operate alongside Sea Kings at 443 Squadron from August until the end of December 2018.

Post-retirement, it is expected that CH12417 will remain at 443 Squadron as a ?gate guardian?. It will also be present at the Sea King Retirement 2018 festivities planned in Victoria from November 30 to December 1, 2018. The organizing committee is planning an impassioned salute to this workhorse's 55 years of service to Canada, and CH12417 should feature prominently in both the flying and ground events.

The livery is an outstanding testament to our pride in our aircraft and our community's history. It is a fitting compliment to a weapon system that has served generations of Canadians at home, and Canada?s foreign policy abroad, for more than 55 years.
Photo Corporal Cody Chaisson.

Royal Australian Air Force fast jet aircraft will conduct a flypast in support of activities to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice on Friday, 27 July at approximately 11.00am.

A single F/A-18A/B aircraft from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, based at RAAF Base Williamtown, will make its approach over Lake Burley Griffin before turning left down Anzac Parade towards the War Memorial.

The aircraft will fly at speeds up to 560 km/hr and at heights no lower than 70m above ground level.

All flying is subject to change due to weather and operational requirements.

F-16D Fighting Falcons from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Ariz., intercepts a Cessna 182 Skylane, piloted by the Civil Air Patrol during a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., July 26, 2018. Representatives from the Air National Guard fighter wings, Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard rotary-wing air intercept units will conduct daily sorties from July 24-27 to hone their skills with tactical-level air-intercept procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Airman Timothy Tweet)


F-15Cs from the 122nd Fighter Squadron of the 159th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, taxi out from Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho on July 27, 2018. The 122FS was in Boise to perform dissimilar air combat training with the 190th Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)


F-15Cs from the 122nd Fighter Squadron of the 159th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, take off from Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho on July 27, 2018. The 122FS was in Boise to perform dissimilar air combat training with the 190th Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)




Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and two Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) F-15 fighters execute a routine bilateral training mission in the vicinity of Japan, July 26, 2018. This mission was flown in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command?s Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) operations, which are a key component to improving combined and joint service interoperability. Bilateral training missions such as this allow the two countries to improve upon combined capabilities, tactical skills, and relationships. (Courtesy Photo's)





ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 25, 2018) An E-2D Hawkeye from the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 performs a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Sherman/Released)

ARLINGTON, Va., July 27, 2018 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] and India recently took a significant step toward modernizing the Indian Air Force?s helicopter fleet by completing the first flights of Apache and Chinook helicopters destined for delivery next year.

?We look forward to delivering this phenomenal capability to India,? said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. ?From coastal operations to high-altitude mountainous missions, these aircraft will play vital roles with the Indian armed forces.?

India ultimately will receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack, and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook transport, helicopters.

Army Sgt. Brian Taylor, a UH-60L Black Hawk crew chief with the 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, California Army National Guard, works outside the helicopter, Saturday, July 28, 2018, during preflight checks at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. The crew is flying to Northern California to support firefighting efforts in the state. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

A UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the California Army National Guard takes off from Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California, on Saturday morning, July 28, 2018, to support firefighting efforts in Northern California. The helicopter is painted with pink markings and numbers to increase its visibility in smoky conditions upon arrival to the fire areas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 28, 2018) A Chilean Navy SH-32 Cougar helicopter prepares for launch during a replenishment-at-sea with Royal Canadian Navy supply ship MV Asterix off the coast of Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, July 28. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, and about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world?s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world?s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs/Released)

A crew from the Royal Australian Air Force flew one of their E-7A "Wedgetail" AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft into Tinker July 13. Wing Commander Mike "Mango" Bowen met with the 552nd Air Control Wing Director of Staff Lt. Col. Brian Donehue to discuss with reporters their new exchange program between the two wings.


RAF FAIRFORD, U.K. -- A B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, was featured at the 2018 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, July 13-14, 2018.

RIAT is the world?s largest military airshow and the U.S. Air Force participates annually as a symbol of commitment to its British and European allies.

The weekend-long airshow drew a record 185,000 attendees this year. There were 79 military delegations, including 64 military chiefs, from around the world. U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, also attended.

The B-2?s RIAT flyby was a surprise; the stealth bomber flew direct from the United States to commemorate the RAF centennial.

The B-2, flanked by F-15Cs, wowed crowds at RIAT and around the globe as pictures and videos of the flyby quickly went viral on social media.

Team Whiteman was honored to participate in this year?s RIAT, especially to help celebrate the Royal Air Force?s 100th anniversary. Being a part of the airshow reinforces our shared values and strong alliance with the United Kingdom.

Other participating U.S. Air Force aircraft included the F-35, KC-135, MC-130, F-15E, F-15C, B-1, C-17, HH-60Hawk and KC-10. There were a total of 302 aircraft representing 30 nations at RIAT.

The first Ultra Long Range Airbus A350 XWB to be delivered to launch customer Singapore Airlines has rolled out of the paintshop in the carrier?s distinctive livery. Now at an advanced stage of production, the aircraft will undergo further testing before being delivered to the airline in the coming months.

Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, and all of them are in various stages of assembly. The first aircraft to have flown has successfully completed its flight test programme, which focused on the redesigned fuel system. It is now being fitted with its cabin.

The airline will operate the aircraft on non-stop services from Singapore to the U.S. This includes flights between Singapore and New York, which will be the world?s longest commercial service, as well as on routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Ultra Long Range A350-900 is the latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family, and will have an extended range of up to 9,700 nautical miles. This has been achieved by a modified fuel system, which increases the aircraft?s fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres without the need for additional fuel tanks.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the Ultra Long Range A350 is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace by Airbus cabin, offering absolute well-being on board with the quietest twin-aisle cabin and new air systems.

At the end of June 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 882 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Singapore Airlines is one of the largest customers for the A350 XWB Family, having ordered a total of 67 A350-900s, including the seven Ultra Long Range models. The carrier has already taken delivery of 21 A350-900s.

Johannesburg, South Africa, July 30, 2018 ? Hot on the heels of an exciting performance at the UK?s Farnborough Airshow, where Embraer enjoyed a bumper crop of new aircraft orders, Embraer?s new generation aircraft, the E190-E2, visited Africa for a Continental tour. The aircraft visited six counties: Algiers, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Mauritius and South Africa. At each stop, the world?s quietest and most efficient passenger jet in its segment attracted the attention of the local aviation community and the press, performing demonstration flights to showcase its capabilities.

?The debut of the E190-E2 in Africa is an excellent opportunity for Embraer to showoff this ground breaking aircraft that sets new standards in profitability for airlines and comfort levels for passengers,? said Raul Villaron, Vice President, Sales, for Middle East & Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation. ?The E190-E2 cuts fuel burn by more than 17% and is perfectly suited to operate in hot and harsh environments. Some of the airlines for which we presented the aircraft are already an E-Jet operator and eager to know more about the E2s.?

Africa?s air transport market measured in RPK is expected to grow by 4.8% in the next 20 years, seeing an extra 270 million passengers for a total market of 400 million passengers. Some countries stand out amongst the fastest growing in the world, superseding the continent?s average and reaching a compound growth rate of over 7.2% per year.

The launch of the new ?Single African Air Market? and consequent attenuation of barriers will create a new environment to further foster growth in many sectors in Africa, expanding tourism and trade. Adding non-stop flights and frequency would enable the country to build a more connected and profitable air industry

Beyond new market prospects, there are also opportunities to match aircraft capacity to market demand. Currently the majority of seat capacity in Africa is located above the 150-seat segment. However, 70% of intra-regional and domestic markets operated by narrow-bodies have fewer than 130 passengers on board on average in each flight. This results in average load factors of approximately 60%, still far from the global average. Another major impact of deploying large narrow bodies into thin routes is the resulting low number of frequencies: Almost 70% of the intra-African routes are served with fewer than one flight per day.

?To respond to Africa?s needs for right-sizing, Embraer?s priority is to continue to grow our customer base in the continent and this growth will come from new E-Jets ? current and new ?E2? generation ? as well as from pre-owned E-Jets and ERJs,? Villaron continued.

Over the last 10 years Embraer has grown considerably in Africa, moving from a fleet of around 40 aircraft, predominantly turboprops, to over 150 aircraft, mostly jets, flown by more than 50 operators all over the continent ? a trend that Embraer expects will continue over the next years with the E2 family. Such growth is the result of Embraer?s commitment to the region and the performance of its highly efficient right-sized aircraft serving the segment up to 150 seats.

At Farnborough Airshow 2018, Embraer announced its newest African customer. Mauritania Airlines signed a firm order for two E175 jets with a 76-seat configuration, as part of its fleet modernization program. The E175s will replace some of its older narrow-body jets and complement its younger fleet. Deliveries will take place in 2019.

Embraer is the world?s leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleet of 70 customers in 50 countries. The versatile 70-150 seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline carriers.

Montreal, July 30, 2018 ? Bombardier has proudly delivered another Challenger 650 aircraft converted into an air ambulance to longstanding customer Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. The Swiss air ambulance service will soon take possession of a third Challenger 650 aircraft, completing the replacement of its earlier-generation Challenger 604 fleet.

In a shining example of Bombardier?s diverse fleet of business jets being put to specialized use, these robust, spacious and high-performing Challenger 650 aircraft are specially outfitted with intensive care units, representing the next generation of airborne medical evacuation.

?Over the years, Bombardier Challenger aircraft have proven their reliability and endurance, and helped Rega come to the aid of so many people. We are extremely proud to have our aircraft continue to play a part in life-saving work,? said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. ?The Challenger 650 aircraft is an ideal air ambulance vehicle, robust and versatile with a smooth ride that is essential when delivering in-flight medical care.?

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega, a non-profit foundation and one of the world's pioneers in aeromedical evacuation, carries out air-rescue operations in Switzerland with a fleet of 17 rescue helicopters and repatriates patients from abroad with three ambulance jets. A long-standing Bombardier customer, Rega acquired its first Challenger aircraft in 1982 and has operated Challenger aircraft ever since.

The Challenger 650 aircraft combines the tried-and-true performance upon which Rega has depended for decades, with the enhancements and technology to be the life-saving fleet of a new generation. Its higher-thrust engines will allow for a shorter take-off distance, and the Bombardier Vision flight deck reduces pilot workload. The Challenger 650 aircraft offers a quieter cabin and a smooth ride, for the comfort of both patients and crew, as well as an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles.

Bombardier delivered the second Challenger 650 aircraft to Rega on July 25 in Peterborough, Canada.

Rega?s first Challenger 650 aircraft was delivered on April 9 of this year, while the third and final aircraft in Rega?s next-generation fleet will be delivered later in 2018.

This landmark year between Bombardier and Rega is the culmination of decades of successful co-operation and mutual respect.

The Challenger 650 aircraft, a member of the world?s best-selling large business aircraft series, has the versatility to carry out various special missions. It features the highest wing loading of any aircraft it its class, providing an exceptionally smooth ride that benefits passengers, minimizes pilot fatigue and extends the life of mission equipment. Pilots benefit from both Enhanced and Synthetic Vision thanks to the Bombardier Vision flight deck, as well as the unmatched capabilities of the industry-leading MultiScan weather radar.

Bombardier boasts more than 1,000 specialized aircraft in service around the world. From its Learjet, Challenger and Global fleet of business aircraft to its versatile Q400 multi-role aircraft, Bombardier offers a wide variety of platforms for government missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to medical evacuations or VIP transport.

Colombian Air Force Kfir fighter jet's land on the flightline at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during Red Flag 18-3 July 26, 2018. Red Flag gives aircrew an opportunity to safely experience advanced, relevant and realistic-combat like situations in a controlled environment. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)


F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force pilot Navy Lt. William Bowen, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, conducts an Advanced Aerial Refueling Control Law test with an F-35B, June 20, 2018, behind an F/A-18F, also from VX-23.
Photo by Dane Wiedmann.

F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force pilot Navy Lt. William Bowen, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, conducts an Advanced Aerial Refueling Control Law test with an F-35C, June 26, 2018, behind an F/A-18F, also from VX-23.
Photo by Dane Wiedmann.

Two F-15C Eagles assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 30, 2018 in support of NATO?s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to its allies and partners through the global employment of its military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to land at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 30, 2018 in support of NATO?s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission. The transatlantic strategic relationship between the U.S. and its European allies and partners has been forged over the past seven decades, and it is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences, and vision. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

Two RAF Typhoons have landed at Kecskemet Airbase to begin bilateral training with the Hungarian Air Force.

The joint training event involves crews from RAF's 1 (F) Squadron and the Hungarian Puma Tactical Fighter Squadron, who fly SAAB JAS-39 Gripen jets.

This is the first time RAF Typhoons and Hungarian Gripen jets have trained together in this way and aims to strengthen defence ties between the UK and Hungary.

A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, conduct flight operations during an Operational Readiness Assessment at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., July 30, 2018. More than 500 Citizen-Airmen and 12 A-10's of the 127th Wing ANGB mobilized for a simulated deployment for an ORA that created opportunities to practice their proficiency while being assessed for wartime tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Master Sgt. David Kujawa)



A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II is reflected off the surface of a mirror on the flight line at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., July 30, 2018. The F-35 was staged for a photo shoot in preparation for RAAF F-35?s returning to Australia later this year. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham)



SEATTLE (July 31, 2018) A Coast Guard SEATTLE (July 31, 2018) A Coast Guard HC-27J Spartan medium-range surveillance aircraft performs a flyover at a parade of ships in Elliott Bay during the 69th annual Seafair Fleet Week. Seafair Fleet Week is an annual celebration of the sea services wherein Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members from visiting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and ships from Canada make the city a port of call. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vaughan Dill/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 31, 2018) The sun rises over the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) as she steams through the Atlantic Ocean, July 31, 2018. Iwo Jima is deployed with its amphibious ready group in support of maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in Europe and the middle east. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel C. Coxwest/Released)

DULLES, Va. ? July 30, 2018 ? Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced that its ?S.S. J.R. Thompson? Cygnus? spacecraft successfully completed its ninth cargo supply mission to the International Space Station under NASA?s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-1) contract. The spacecraft removed more than 6,600 pounds (over 3,000 kilograms) of disposable cargo, a new record for Cygnus. The ?S.S. J.R. Thompson? also successfully executed secondary missions that included the demonstration of Cygnus? ability to reboost the space station and the deployment of six CubeSats into orbit from a NanoRacks CubeSat deployer.

The mission officially concluded on July 30 at 5:17 p.m. ET when Cygnus performed a safe, destructive re-entry into the Earth?s atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. The spacecraft remained docked for 52 days at the orbiting laboratory and departed the space station on July 15.

?From launch to our safe re-entry, the ?S.S. J.R. Thompson? performed every phase of this mission perfectly,? said Frank Culbertson, president, space systems group, Northrop Grumman. ?We now turn our attention toward final preparations for the next Cygnus cargo mission later this year with a continued focus on supporting the needs of the crew members aboard the International Space Station, as well as enabling crucial research programs in space.?

The mission began May 21 when Cygnus launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Antares? rocket from NASA?s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Upon arrival at the orbiting laboratory, Cygnus delivered approximately 7,400 pounds (3,350 kilograms) of cargo, supplies and scientific experiments to the astronauts.

Pending NASA?s specific cargo needs, Northrop Grumman is prepared to launch an additional CRS mission later this year aboard the company?s Antares rocket from NASA?s Wallops Flight Facility.

August 1, 2018 Toronto Commercial Aircraft, Press Release
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that its 90-passenger Q400 aircraft configuration has received its certification from Transport Canada, becoming the first in-production commercial turboprop in the world to reach that capacity.

?With increasing growth in the number of passengers per departure in the turboprop market, we are excited to offer our customers a higher-capacity configuration and 15 percent lower cost per seat compared to the previous standard Q400, leading to more profitability potential for airlines,? said Todd Young, Head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. ?This milestone certification showcases -- once again -- the unique versatility of the Q400 turboprop and our continued commitment to the evolution of the program.

?Upon delivery later this year, our launch customer SpiceJet will become the first airline to take advantage of the profitable and efficient operations of the 90-seat Q400 aircraft following its order of up to 50 in 2017,? added Mr. Young.

Combined with the Q400 aircraft?s unique speed flexibility, which is driving higher scheduling efficiency, this new segment solution is perfectly adapted to high-demand turboprop markets and will further enhance economic connectivity between smaller towns and major hubs.

The 90-seat configuration represents another step in Bombardier?s continuous improvement of its Q400 aircraft, aimed at addressing traffic growth and customer bottom line. Other improvements under development includes a 2,000-lb-increase in payload capacity and an escalation of the A-Check and C-Check intervals from 600/6,000 to 800/8,000 flight hours.

Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A has played a key role in assisting the French Air Force fly Rafales to Exercise Pitch Black 18 for the very first time.

The KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport travelled from the Middle East region to RAAF Base Darwin, refuelling three French Air Force Dassault Rafale aircraft who are participating in Exercise Pitch Black along the way.

French Air Force (Arm?e de l'Air Fran?aise) Detachment Commander Colonel Arnaud Brunetta said although it was a long journey for his team to come to Australia, they were excited to have the opportunity to train in a new environment with so many different nationalities.

?Pitch Black gives our personnel the opportunity to participate in work exchanges with the ADF which is important for professional and personal growth,? Colonel Brunetta said.

?We are proud of our aircraft, the Rafale?s have travelled a long distance with over 20 hours of flying to arrive in Australia with no technical issues.?

In order to get to Australia, the three Rafale aircraft and their crew travelled more than 14,000 kilometres.

With over 4000 personnel, 140 aircraft and from 16 different nations, Exercise Pitch Black 18 is the largest iteration of the Northern Territory exercise ever held and will conclude on the 17th of August.

By FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge

A C-17 Globemaster III carrying dignified transfer cases containing fallen service members takes off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 1, 2018, and heads to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, where members of the Defense POW Accounting Agency will attempt to identify the remains. The UNC repatriated 55 cases of remains from the Democratic People?s Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul "Loco" Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander/pilot, opens the weapons door-bay during a practice performance at Langley Air Force Base, Va., August 1, 2018. The F-22 Raptor carries all its weapons internally to maintain the Raptor?s stealth characteristics.
Photo's by Senior Airman Kaylee Dubois.



Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers fly over the Pacific Ocean during a routine training mission Aug. 2, 2018. This mission was flown in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command?s Continuous Bomber Presence operations, which are a key component to improving combined and joint service interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis)




ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 31, 2018) Sailors conduct routine maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 aboard the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is currently conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problems (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Will Hardy/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2018) An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is currently conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problems (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Will Hardy/Released)

Two Typhoons from RAF's 1 (F) Squadron and Saab JAS-39 Gripen jets flown by the Hungarian Air Force Puma Tactical Fighter Squadron have been conducting bilateral training from Kecskemet Air Base.

This is the first time RAF Typhoon and Hungarian Gripen jets have trained together in this way and aims to strengthen a growing defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Hungary.

Gaining first-hand experience of working together will lead to a better understanding of capabilities and increased co-operation in the air and among ground crews.

Crew chiefs from the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on an A-10C Thunderbolt II before take-off from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2018. The Airmen, from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, are deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel by providing close-air support to Afghan forces and other coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristin High)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II, from the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off in front of the Kandahar International Airport, on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2018. The A-10 flew in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel providing aide to Afghan forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristin High)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot from the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, prepares to park after a mission on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2018. The mission, in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, provided aide to Afghan coalition partners against opposing forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristin High)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2018) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 lands on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Darion Chanelle Triplett)

A Gauntlet Aerospace Alpha Jet flies above the Mojave Desert earlier this year. Two Alpha Jets have been contracted to serve as chase aircraft for test missions at Edwards. The 412th Operations Group is conducting an experiment to determine if the planes can successfully provide needed test support. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Ethan Wagner)