PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 10, 2016) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 flies a mission. Providing a combat-ready force to protect collective maritime interests, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago / Released

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 10, 2016) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 prepares to refuel aircraft. Providing a combat-ready force to protect collective maritime interests, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago / Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 10, 2016) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 prepares to refuel an EA-18G Growler assigned to the Wizards Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133. Providing a combat-ready force to protect collective maritime interests, Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago / Released)

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Hirofumi Egusa, 3rd Fighter Squadron, climbs into the cockpit of a JASDF F-2 aircraft during Cope North 16, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 11, 2016. Japanese forces are among the 22 total flying units and nearly 3,000 personnel from six countries participating in CN16. The exercise aims to grow strength, interoperability and beneficial relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets. (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force photo by Sgt. Masahiro Kobayashi/Released)

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- The Army Corps of Engineers, 51st Civil Engineer and 51st Operations Support Squadron completed a five-year project of constructing a new runway for Osan Air Base and began flying operations in January.

Osan AB has the Air Force?s oldest runway, constructed in 1952, which supported operations from the Korean War?s F-86 Sabres to today?s A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons.

?After over 60 years of use, our (old) runway made our increasing need of delivering air superiority a challenge,? said Johnny Duraccio, the 51st OSS airfield manager. ?If one of the runways goes down due to maintenance, we have backup capabilities from the other, so we can sustain our training and combat missions.

?This new runway enhances our combat capabilities by expanding the (51st FW) commander?s vision and philosophy of ?Fight Tonight? readiness,? he added.

Construction on the new runway began in 2011 under the Land Partnership Plan, an agreement between U.S. Forces Korea and South Korea?s Ministry of National Defense to reshape the posture of U.S. military forces in the country.

After opening the new runway for operations, the 51st CES is scheduled to begin repairs on the old runway this fall

10 February 2016 Press Release

Airbus has started final assembly of the first A350-1000 on schedule at the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. This A350-1000, one of three flight test aircraft to be built, will take to the skies for its maiden flight before the end of 2016. A350-1000 deliveries will start in mid-2017.

To ensure the smooth integration of the A350-1000 into the FAL while A350-900 production is ramping-up, Airbus has added three additional final assembly stations. For maximum flexibility, all stations in the A350 XWB FAL can be used for both models.

Currently in ?Station 50? for fuselage join-up and nose landing gear installation, the first A350-1000 will next move to ?Station 40? where the wings, main landing gear, pylons and tail planes will be installed. To save time and optimise the A350 assembly process, Airbus starts the cabin furnishing and first electrical power-on in parallel to the structural assembly work. After this stage is completed, the aircraft continues through the FAL process, with final structural activities, ground tests, painting, cabin & cockpit completion and engines installation before being transferred to the flight test centre.

While having a very high degree of commonality with the A350-900, the A350-1000, measuring nearly 74 meters from nose to tail, is the longest fuselage version of Airbus? all-new family of wide body jetliners. The A350-1000 will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the most powerful engine developed for an Airbus aircraft. The A350-1000 comfortably seats 366 passengers in a typical 3-class configuration and flies on routes of up to almost 8,000 nautical miles which represents a significant revenue-generating advantage for operators. So far, Airbus has won 181 A350-1000 orders from 10 customers.

103 Search and Rescue Squadron from 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, are deployed to Iceland to train with the Icelandic Coast Guard from 9-12 February 2016.
Members from 103 Squadron Gander, NL onboard a CH-149 Cormorant aircraft hoist Sergeant Sean Daniell with a member from the Iceland Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) and his dog Joey in Neskaupstadur, Iceland during a Joint SAR Exercise held in Iceland on 9 February 2016.

Photo By: Master Corporal Johanie Maheu, 14 Wing Imaging Greenwood

An F-22 Raptor, assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., disconnects from the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel to continue on its training sortie during exercise Red Flag 16-1 Feb. 4, 2016. The high-tempo exercise incorporates both day and night missions that give aircrews an opportunity to experience advanced, relevant, and realistic combat-like situations in a controlled environment to increase their ability to complete missions and safely return home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Burt Traynor)

X-2 first flight imminent
Mitsubishi?s prototype X-2, also known as the Advanced Technology Demonstrator-X (ATD-X), serial 51-0001, appears to be close to making its first flight after video emerged of taxi trials today. Having been rolled out on July 12, 2014, the maiden flight has been a while in coming."
The X-2, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, measures 14.2 metres (47 feet) long and 9.1 metres wide and was built as a successor to the F-2 fighter jets developed jointly with the United States.

With the F-15 being replaced by the F-22 in US Air Force service, the Raptor naturally became the preferred choice to succeed the F-15J in Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) service too. However, a ban on export of the F-22 issued by US Congress prevented its acquisition even by America?s closest alleys. This forced Japan to initiate its own studies for a modern, ?fifth-generation? fighter, which could enter service as the F-3 after 2025. This was aided by experience gained with the Mitsubishi F-2 project, which has given Japanese aerospace industry the confidence to embark on such an ambitious project.

The X-2 has been undergoing ground tests since its roll-out. It features a prominent canopy with at least the option to include a second crewmember in the cockpit. The next and probably most noticeable feature is a three-dimensional thrust-vectoring capability. Similar to the system used by the Rockwell X-31, thrust is controlled via three paddles on each engine nozzle.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., taxis at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. prepares for end of runway inspections during Red Flag 16-1, Feb. 10, 2016. EOR inspections take place right before an aircraft launches, and ensure that each and every aircraft is safe for flight. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., takes off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during Red Flag 16-1, Feb. 10, 2016. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise which gives the participants an opportunity to train to fight and win together in a peacetime environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano)

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 12, 2016 ? A combined Boeing/U.S. Air Force aircrew aboard the KC-46 tanker successfully refueled an F/A-18 aircraft in flight February 10th. The air refueling was the program?s first using the KC-46?s hose and drogue system. During the 4+ hour flight, the tanker?s air refueling operator smoothly transferred fuel to the F/A-18 flying at 20,000 feet.

The KC-46 will refuel U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft using both its boom and hose and drogue systems. The boom allows the tanker to transfer up to 1,200 gallons of fuel per minute, while the plane?s hose and drogue systems, located on both the plane?s wing and centerline, enables the KC-46 to refuel smaller aircraft such as the F/A-18 with up to 400 gallons of fuel per minute.

On January 24, the KC-46 refueled an F-16 fighter using its air refueling boom. The refueling flights are part of the program?s Milestone C demonstration, which will lead to a low-rate initial production decision later this year.

Boeing plans to build 179 KC-46 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

The first air-to-air refuelling from an RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to a United States Air Force (USAF) C-17A Globemaster III occurred on February 10 over Edwards Air Force Base in the United States.

The five-hour sortie saw 39 contacts between the KC-30A and C-17A aircraft. During these contacts approximately 6,800 kilograms of fuel was transferred to the C-17A via the KC-30A?s Advanced Refuelling Boom System (ARBS).

Air-to-air refuelling of a C-17A significantly increases the aircraft?s range, making it capable of carrying heavy payloads further.

The RAAF operates five KC-30A MRTTs, with two more joining the fleet from 2018. The KC-30A has a fuel capacity of more than 100 tonnes, allowing it to fly up to 1800 kilometres from its home base and offload up to 50 tonnes of fuel for four hours.

The RAAF also operates a fleet of eight C-17A transport aircraft, the latest two examples of which were delivered in 2015. These aircraft are extensively employed in support of Defence operations abroad, and are currently conducting missions to Antarctica for the Australian Antarctic Division.

The KC-30A?s ARBS is also compatible with refuelling the F-35A Lightning II, as well as the E-7A Wedgetail, P-8A Poseidon, and other KC-30As. Each KC-30A is also equipped with two hose-and-drogue refuelling pods that are compatible with the RAAF?s own Hornet and Super Hornet strike fighters, and the Growler electronic attack aircraft.

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Feb. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed Operational Assessment (OA). Pending final data analysis, the completion of this milestone signals the maturity of the system and paves the way for a positive Milestone C decision. Milestone C will transition Triton into low rate initial production.

As part of OA, an integrated test team made up of Navy personnel from Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons VX-1 and VX-20, Unmanned Patrol Squadron, VUP-19 and Northrop Grumman demonstrated the reliability of Triton over the course of approximately 60 flight hours. The team analyzed sensor imagery and validated radar performance of Triton's sensors at different altitudes and ranges. The aircraft system's ability to classify targets and disseminate critical data was also examined as part of the operational effectiveness and suitability testing. Successful evaluation of Triton's time on station confirmed that it will meet flight duration requirements.

"Operational assessment for Triton included several flights which exercised the weapon system through operationally relevant scenarios that demonstrated its readiness to meet the Navy's maritime intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance needs," said Doug Shaffer, vice president, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman. "As a result of the flight tests, the program moves one step closer to a milestone C decision later this spring."

Four U.S. Air Force F-22 "Raptor" fighter aircraft from Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted a flyover in the vicinity of Osan Air Base, South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Feb. 17, 2016. The Raptors were joined by four F-15 Slam Eagles and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons. The F-22 is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances and currently cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Song, Kyong Hwan/Released)



A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft from Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis along the runway at Osan Air Base, South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Feb. 17, 2016. The Raptors were joined by four F-15 Slam Eagles and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons in a flyover prior to landing. The F-22 is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances and currently cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 17, 2016 ? Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), has appointed UI Helicopter Co., Ltd to become a Sikorsky-authorized Customer Support Center in the Republic of Korea. Based in Yesan, 100 km south of Seoul, the CSC will enable operators of Sikorsky S-76? and S-92? commercial helicopters to source repair and overhaul services within the country?s borders.

?UI Helicopter has more than proved through years of professionalism and discipline the ability to maintain, repair and overhaul large helicopters,? said Christophe Nurit, Sikorsky?s vice president for Asia. ?We are very pleased to recommend UI Helicopter to the growing number of operators of S-76 and S-92 aircraft in South Korea, who rightly expect the highest level of support for their Sikorsky aircraft.?

Customers across the Republic of Korea operate 14 of Sikorsky?s S-76 medium size commercial helicopter to transport corporate executives and for utility missions. Of Sikorsky?s larger S-92 helicopter, three are flown by the Korean Air Force for executive transport, and one by the Korean Coast Guard for search and rescue duties. A second S-92 aircraft for the Coast Guard is on order from Sikorsky for delivery in 2017.

UI Helicopter will be the only Sikorsky-authorized Customer Support Center in the Republic of Korea to service S-76 and S-92 helicopters. Of the more than 20 Customer Support Centers authorized by Sikorsky worldwide, only a small number are approved to offer MRO services for both Sikorsky commercial helicopter types.

"We take a great privilege in our relationship with Sikorsky, since we are the founder of helicopter industry in the Republic of Korea with a long history in its profession," said Albert S. Rim, President and Representative Director of UI Helicopter Co., Ltd.

"Our participation in the team effort with Sikorsky to serve the many loyal customers of Sikorsky in Korea will contribute to the customer satisfaction for product support. Henceforth our skilled workforce will ensure the operators of Sikorsky S-92 and S-76 helicopters across the country can receive in a very timely manner the devoted and advanced service, and the parts that the proven aircraft require for the safe operations."

Established in 1986, UI Helicopter has grown to become one of the Republic of Korea?s leading providers of helicopter Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services.

Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered 275 S-92 heavy lift helicopters to operators who have accumulated more than 950,000 flight hours on the global fleet for offshore oil and gas, business transport and search and rescue missions. The platform?s safety record is best-in-class.

Of the S-76 helicopter family, Sikorsky has delivered more than 800 aircraft to customers globally since 1979. An active anti-vibration control system in the new S-76D aircraft generates the quietest and smoothest ride of any helicopter in its class.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] South Carolina marked a milestone today, with the delivery of the 100th airplane built at the North Charleston site. The airplane, a 787-8, was delivered to American Airlines in front of hundreds of Boeing South Carolina teammates.

"Reaching this milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of Boeing South Carolina. "As we continue to prepare for the new 787-10 and production rate increases, we're excited about what the future holds here in North Charleston."

Today's delivery marked American's first 787 from Boeing South Carolina and 14th overall. The airline has 28 more Dreamliners on order.

"The 787 has quickly become an important part of our fleet, allowing us to fly profitably to new places like Auckland, New Zealand," said Chuck Schubert, Vice President of Network Planning at American Airlines. "When we're trying to match the right plane to each route, the 787 is a great aircraft to have."

Yesterday RAF Typhoons intercepted Russian Blackjack aircraft inside the UK's area of interest.

Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, said: "Yesterday's activity is a reminder that even as the Royal Air Force serves the nation in the fight against Daesh overseas, our men and women work 24/7 to secure the skies at home too. Pilots, ground crew, aerospace battle managers and air traffic controllers, regular and reserve, worked as a whole force yesterday, as they do every hour of every day to safeguard UK airspace."

Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander, Maj. Gen. Hoo Cher Mou, Singapore Chief of Air Force, Heidi Grant, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs and pilots from the Singapore and U.S. Air Force pose for a group photo in front of an F-22A Raptor and F-15SG Strike Eagle during the Singapore International Airshow, at Changi International Airport, Singapore, Feb. 17, 2016. Singapore is a strong partner with the U.S. that provides mutual training a cooperation opportunities between the two nations? military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

17 February 2016 Press Release

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options. The news was announced today at the Singapore Airshow by Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines and Fabrice Br?gier, President & CEO of Airbus.

Philippine Airlines will configure its A350-900s with a premium three class layout and will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US west coast and New York, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. The aircraft will enable the carrier to operate non-stop service on the 8,000 nautical mile New York ? Manila route all year round with a full passenger load.

?After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,? said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. ?With the A350 we will be flying the world?s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort. The A350?s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long haul routes.?

?We are pleased to welcome Philippine Airlines as the latest airline to select the all-new A350 XWB,? said Fabrice Br?gier Airbus President & CEO. ?The A350 XWB has set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin aisle category. Passengers flying with Philippine Airlines can look forward to the new levels of comfort offered by the aircraft, with a wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space for all.?

The A350 XWB is world?s latest generation airliner and the newest member of the Airbus widebody family. Featuring the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB brings a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

Twenty-five years since the Royal Air Force helped liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein?s forces, an RAF Tornado GR4 has been painted in the iconic Gulf War ?desert pink? paint scheme to honour the aircraft type?s almost continuous operational service since then. On 28 February ? the 25th anniversary of Saddam?s forces? withdrawal from Kuwait ? the aircraft is planned to stage a flypast at the National Arboretum at an event honouring the British forces involved in the Gulf War.

The ?desert pink? Tornado, number ZG750, is based at RAF Lossiemouth with XV(R) Squadron, which saw active service during Operation Granby, the UK?s codename for the Gulf War. The aircraft carries 11 ?battle honours? on its tail, recalling the Tornado?s almost continuous service on operations worldwide since 1991.

Air Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff (Designate) said: ?Having flown the Tornado on operations, it is wonderful to see this aircraft in a paint scheme marking 25 years of almost constant deployed operations for the Tornado Force. It has consistently been at the forefront of the RAF?s attack capability and continues to make an enormous contribution today on operations in the Middle East against Daesh, operating alongside Typhoon, and will continue to do so until its planned exit from Service. I look forward to my time as the next Chief of the Air Staff, when I will oversee the introduction into operational service of the Tornado?s replacement, the F-35B Lightning II.?

Tornado F3 fighters and GR1 bombers ? from which today?s Tornado GR4 descends ? were among the earliest allied aircraft to launch operations against Saddam?s forces in Kuwait from January 1991. Tornado GR aircraft have seen active service on operations worldwide every year since then, including in humanitarian, reconnaissance and strike roles. Recent deployments include Libya, Nigeria and Afghanistan, and Tornado GR4s are currently flying in Iraq and Syria as part of a global coalition to help defeat the Daesh terrorist group.

Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, who is responsible for RAF strike aircraft as Air Officer Commanding 1 Group RAF, said: ?The Royal Air Force can look back at Tornado?s service on Operation GRANBY with great pride. In the 25 years since the Gulf War, Tornado has proven itself again and again to be a formidable strike aircraft with an enviable operational record; today it continues to serve the nation in the fight against Daesh. I?m humbled by the courage and hard work of every man and woman involved in maintaining and flying this incredible machine.?

The Tornado was introduced into RAF service in 1979, and has been updated throughout its life to keep up with the changing requirements of the modern battlefield. Today?s Tornado GR4s carry improved precision guided weapons including the Paveway IV laser- or GPS-guided bomb and Brimstone missiles, as well as cutting-edge RAPTOR and Litening III surveillance and targeting pods.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Niugini announced today at the Singapore Airshow an order for four 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

"Papua New Guinea is like no other place on earth and the 737 MAX will allow us to economically and efficiently connect our beautiful country with the rest of the world. The superb economics of the 737 MAX will enable us to increase flight frequencies and develop into new markets which offer significant opportunities for Air Niugini," said Sir Frederick Reiher, KCMG, KBE, Chairman of Air Niugini. "As our region continues to grow, the 737 MAX is the perfect choice for Air Niugini positioning us for success and ensuring we continue to provide our customers with the best experience possible. We look forward to receiving our first airplanes in 2020."

The previously unidentified order adds to the national carrier's current fleet of Next-Generation 737s and 767-300ERs (extended range) airplanes.

"We are honored to expand our current partnership with Air Niugini, with the addition of four 737 MAX 8 airplanes," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will provide Air Niugini with the fuel efficiency, operating economics and passenger amenities they need to ensure their success for the future."

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class ? 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor.

Air Niugini operates a robust domestic network of more than 25 destinations from its Port Moresby hub, as well as numerous international routes across Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Japan, and in the near future, China.

SINGAPORE --- Saab?s next-generation Gripen E combat jet will be rolled out of the assembly site at Linkoping, Sweden, on May 18, the company announced during a briefing with reporters at the Singapore Airshow.

Three aircraft are planned for the test phase of the new aircraft E/F variant, which has been purchased by Swedish and Brazilian air forces.

No timing has been given for the first flight of the jet, which incorporates a raft of improvements over the earlier C/D version, most notably the addition of an active electronically scanned radar.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 21, 2016) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 lands on USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tomas Compian/ Released

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 11:34 p.m., Feb. 20, 2016, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Michael Peterson/Released)

A U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-17 Globemaster aircraft quietly awaits an early morning departure out of Stuttgart Army Airfield, Germany, Feb. 19, 2016. (U.S. Army photo's by Visual Information Specialist Jason Johnston/Released)


Antarctic flights prove a huge success

The Royal Australian Air Force has successfully flown the final flight into East Antarctica in a series of proof of concept flights by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in support of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

Since November 2015 the C-17A Globemaster III has touched down in Antarctica at Wilkins Aerodrome five times, delivering heavy lift cargo in support of the Australian Antarctic programme.

Director General Air Operations, Air Commodore Joe Iervasi, said the flights have been a huge success.

?I am proud of the crews that have been involved in this collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division,? Air Commodore Iervasi said.

?Royal Australian Air Force successfully moved over 109 tonnes of machinery and cargo both in and out of Antarctica, conducted an air drop of four heliboxes from 500 feet and simulated an emergency aeromedical evacuation.

?The opportunity to test the C-17A in these conditions has proven to be an invaluable experience for the Royal Australian Air Force to enhance the capability of this aircraft and Australia?s logistical and scientific capabilities in Antarctica.?

Australian Antarctic Division Director, Dr Nick Gales, said the five proof of concept flights have demonstrated their ability to improve the logistic and scientific capability of Australia?s Antarctic programme.

?The collaboration between the Australian Antarctic Division and the Royal Australian Air Force has showcased and further developed the specialist skills of both organisations, with tangible benefits to Australia?s Antarctic programme.

?We were able to deliver a range of critical equipment to and from Antarctica on the C-17A, including a 23 tonne tractor flown from Wilkins to Hobart for repairs with a turnaround of just over two months, compared to two years via ship. Another piece of machinery was taken south just four weeks after it returned to Australia for repairs on the Aurora Australis.

?That the flights to and from Wilkins Aerodrome flew return from Hobart Airport further demonstrates Tasmania?s status as a leading gateway to Antarctica.?

Results from the series of flights will now be considered by the AAD and the Australian Defence Force. Currently there are no future commitments by either AAD or RAAF to undertake future flights.