Aviation News
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Aircraft involved in strikes against ISIL.
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle's after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over northern Iraq after conducting air strikes in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Bruch/Released)
An F-22A Raptor taxis in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility prior to strike operations in Syria Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Russ Scalf)
This is the first time F-22's have been used in combat.
A U.S Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft leaves a KC-10 Extender after refueling over northern Iraq after conducting air strikes in Syria, September 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Jefferson S. Heiland)
A U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornet receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over northern Iraq after conducting air strikes in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)
A formation of U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornets leaves after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over northern Iraq, Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)
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25 September 2014 Press Release
The first A320neo to fly has landed back at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport France at 02:22 pm local time after successfully completing its first flight which lasted around two and a half hours. The aircraft ? carrying the registration F-WNEO ? was flown by Airbus Experimental Test Pilots Philippe Pellerin and Etienne Miche de Malleray. Accompanying them in the cockpit was Test-Flight Engineer Jean-Paul Lambert. Monitoring the progress of the flight profile were the Flight-Test Engineers Manfred Birnfeld and Sandra Bour-Schaeffer.
Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Br?gier said: ?I congratulate the whole A320neo development team, ground crew and air crew for making this day happen. The A320neo which has taken to the air today builds on the outstanding success of the A320 Family. The aircraft through its incremental innovations combines the most efficient engine and aerodynamic technologies, as well as new cabin features to bring to market a product which will consume 20 percent less fuel per passenger.?
For its first flight, the A320neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, lifted off from Blagnac at around 60 tonnes. During the flight, which took the aircraft around southern France, the crew explored the aircraft?s flight envelope and systems operation, while the progress was monitored by experts on the ground in real-time via a direct telemetry link.
This maiden flight marks the beginning of a rigorous flight test campaign involving eight aircraft encompassing all models and both new engine options ? the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM and the CFM International LEAP-1A turbofans. Overall, the NEO development fleet will perform a combined total of around 3,000 hours of flight testing. The A320neo with Pratt & Whitney engines will be the first variant in the Neo Family to receive type certification followed by its entry into airline service in the 4th quarter of 2015 with first operator Qatar Airways
GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 24, 2014? Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) P-3 Orion aircraft 34 days ahead of schedule on Sept. 23 from its facilities here.
This is the 10th of 14 aircraft in the program to receive Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) modifications and phased depot maintenance. The aircraft received an Avionics Upgrade Modification which included flight station panels and controls, new autopilot system and an update to the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) mission system computer. This accomplishment allows for a quicker return of the aircraft to the CBP P-3 fleet supporting homeland security and drug interdiction missions.
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 24, 2014 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Eastern Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline?s first 777-300ER. The new airplane is the first of 20 777-300ERs China Eastern has on order.
China Eastern debuted its new livery on the new 777-300ER ? a change to its 25-year old livery. The new look features an updated logo ? a swallow consisting of two capital letters, C and E, which represent the carrier?s name.
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26 September 2014 Press Release
For the first time, Etihad Airways unveiled its all-new livery design on its first Airbus A380 at a special ceremony at the Airbus site in Hamburg?, Germany.
The airline?s first flagship aircraft? will now go through its final phase of cabin furnishing, followed by ground and flight tests, before being delivered to the Abu Dhabi based airline towards the end of the year.
Etihad Airways has firm orders for ten A380s and will become the 13th operator of the aircraft.
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Wreckage of Ju 87 "Stuka" discovered near Croatian Island ?irje
Almost 2 weeks ago remains of Ju 87 "Stuka" dive bomber has been discovered near Croatian Island of ?irje but information was publicly disclosed only yesterday... wreckage is in surprisingly good condition after all this years under the relatively warm waters of the Adriatic and it stands on its wheels down position on the seabed. It is estimated that it is possible to be fully restored which is planned in the future.
There are only 2 of these existing aircrafts in museums in Chicago and London out of 5709 total built, 2 other wrecks from the Norway and Greek waters were found in much worse conditions.
It was discovered by luck fallowing the information from local fisherman community, the dive was conducted by the members of Department of Underwater Archeology of The Croatian Restauration Society, diving club ZG-SUB and Ministry of Defence Military Museum.
Engine from the plane has been ripped off from the impact with the sea and it lies close to the aircraft.... it is presumed that this is Italian Airforce R-2 variant of the famous dive-bomber shot down by Royal Yugoslav Army in April War of 1941.
Literature says it is probably the Ju 87 R-2 aircraft from the 239. Squadriglia, 97 Gruppo Bombardamento a tuffo which on 12.04. 1941 with 2 more aircraft was involved in attack on Royal Yugoslav Navy hydroplane squadron anchored in the bay of Jadrtovac near the city of ?ibenik.... two planes were hit, one plane was shot down and its crew was killed, second one was damaged and was forced to land on the sea where it layed until now.
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A Belgian F-16 fighter jet takes off to join an international coalition fighting against the Islamic State (IS), at the military airbase in Florennes September 26, 2014. Belgium is sending six F-16 fighter jets to fight against IS militants in Iraq. (*******/Eric Vidal)
Paveway IV Laser Guided bombs await being loaded onto RAF Tornado GR4's at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in this handout photo from the Ministry of Defence September 26, 2014. Britain's parliament approved air strikes against Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Iraq by a decisive margin on Friday, paving the way for the Royal Air Force to join U.S.-led military action with immediate effect. Six Cyprus-based Tornado GR4 fighter-bombers were on standby to take part in initial sorties after Prime Minister David Cameron recalled parliament from recess to back military action following a formal request from the Iraqi government. (*******/Cpl Neil Bryden/Ministry of Defence/Handout)
A British Tornado jet prepares to takeoff at the RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus September 27, 2014. Britain's parliament approved air strikes against Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Iraq by a decisive margin on Friday, paving the way for the Royal Air Force to join U.S.-led military action with immediate effect. Six Cyprus-based Tornado GR4 fighter-bombers were on standby to take part in initial sorties after Prime Minister David Cameron recalled parliament from recess to back military action following a formal request from the Iraqi government. (*******/Stringer)
From SEPT 9th
BLACK SEA (Sept. 9, 2014) A Ukrainian navy Beriev Be-12 participates in exercise Sea Breeze 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Herman)
Note the filth on the rear fin. -
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today rolled out of its paint hangar the first 787-9 Dreamliner that will be delivered to Etihad Airways. Shown here, the airplane is painted in the airline's new 'Facets of Abu Dhabi' livery with colors reminiscent of the desert landscape, inspired by the culture, Islamic design and architecture motifs of the United Arab Emirates.
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The Ju87wreck off the coast of croatia is currently discussed
at the new luftwaffe research group forums.
When there's something new i will report here.
ATB
Armin -
Thanks Armin.
A U.S Air Force KC-10 Extender refuels an F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft prior to strike operations in Syria, Sept. 26, 2014. These aircraft were part of a strike package that was engaging ISIL targets in Syria.
The Ministry of Defence has announced that the Army?s next generation of Unmanned Air System (UAS), Watchkeeper, is now fully operational in Afghanistan.
This new capability is providing force protection for British troops as they prepare to draw down from Afghanistan by the end of this year.
Footage released today shows Watchkeeper carrying out surveillance tasks and gaining situational awareness via its cutting edge cameras and radar capability, a new asset for the UK?s Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, made the announcement on a visit to Kabul alongside Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton ? who also visited Camp Bastion where he met the Army personnel and saw Watchkeeper flying operationally.
30 September 2014 Press Release
The world?s latest generation commercial airliner, the A350-900, has received Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on 30th September 2014. The certified aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification will follow shortly.
The EASA A350-900 Type Certificate was signed by EASA?s Executive Director, Patrick Ky. The document was handed over to Airbus? Executive Vice President Engineering, Charles Champion and Airbus? A350 XWB Chief Engineer, Gordon McConnell.
?Receiving the A350-900 Type Certification from EASA is a great achievement for Airbus and for all our partners who have contributed to designing, building and certificating this fantastic, new generation aircraft. The A350-900 is now ready to fly from the nest and be enjoyed by airlines and passengers,? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO. ?The A350 XWB embodies many extra innovative technologies which make all the difference in passenger comfort and airline efficiency.?
?The A350 XWB manufacturing programme has also been innovative and ambitious, aiming for a fully mature aircraft at entry into service and this is what we are proud to be delivering to our first A350 XWB customer, Qatar Airways, before the end of the year. Our fleet of five test aircraft completed the certification campaign, on time, cost and quality. Accumulating more than 2,600 flight test hours, we created and successfully achieved one of the industry?s most thorough and efficient test programmes ever developed for a jetliner,? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO.
The A350-900 Type Certification comes after successfully finishing a stringent programme of certification trials which has taken its airframe and systems well beyond their design limits to ensure all airworthiness criteria are fully met.
The A350 XWB is Airbus? all-new mid-size long range product line and the newest member of Airbus' leading widebody family. The A350 XWB stands out in its class thanks to its combination of passenger comfort, technological innovation and its unique industrial process. Built hand-in-hand with our customers, the A350 XWB sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the end of May 2014, the A350 XWB had won 750 orders from 39 customers worldwide.
All five test aircraft in formation.
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 29, 2014 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air China today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 747-8 Intercontinental. Air China is the first carrier in Asia to operate the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8. Pictured here is the first of seven 747-8 Intercontinentals that will eventually deliver to Air China.
From the Globe & Mail today
The Canadian government will pay for maintenance and upgrades to extend the life of the country?s aging CF-18 fighters so they last until about 2025, sources say ? a strong sign that Ottawa is far from ready to pick a new warplane.
The federal government will also make the next required payment to keep alive its partnership in the Joint Strike Fighter program producing the controversial F-35 fighter-bomber, the sources say. The contribution, in the $25-million to $30-million range, means Canada will still be able to buy the plane at a slight discount if it chooses and, in the meantime, Canadian companies remain eligible to bid on supply contracts for the project.
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30 September 2014 Press Release
Final assembly of the first A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines has begun at the Roger B?teille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France.
Scheduled for delivery in mid-2015, the aircraft will see Vietnam Airlines become the first Asian airline to fly the A350 XWB and the second operator in the world of the all-new, fuel-efficient widebody.
Vietnam Airlines has a total of 10 A350 XWB on order. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier?s premium long range services.
A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II ground attack aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 311 from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., taxis on the flightline during Distant Frontier at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 25, 2014. Distant Frontier was a preparation period for Red Flag-Alaska 15-1 participants to familiarize themselves to the airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Araos/Released)
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off during Distant Frontier at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 25, 2014. Aggressor pilots are trained to act as opposing forces in RF-A to prepare U.S. and allied forces for real-world aerial combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Araos/Released)
