An F-16 Fighting Falcon parks on the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 22, 2021. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Suzie Plotnikov)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis on the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 22, 2021. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Suzie Plotnikov)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron takes-off at Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 22, 2021.
Increase flying operations are key to the success of maintaining a free and open U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. It also provided critical training opportunities for Airmen from the 31st Maintenance Group and 31st Operations Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)

Fuels technicians assigned to the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepare fuel hoses to hot-pit refuel a B-2 Spirit at Lajes Field, Azores, March 22, 2021. The B-2s are currently supporting Bomber Task Force missions across Europe and stop a Lajes to conduct hot-pit refueling and crew changes before continuing to the High North. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar)


03.21.2021
An F-16 aircraft parked on the tarmac beside other aircraft at the HQ of EX Amalgam Dart 21-2 on Saturday 20 March 2021. Image taken at 5th Wing Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada.
Photo by: PO2 Rene Duguay, Imagery tech.

03.18.2021
Warrant Officer Kent Campbell, Flight Engineer from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, observes an engine run-up of a CH-149 Cormorant before taking off from 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador en route to Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut, Canada during the NORAD Exercise AMALGAM DART 21-2, March 18, 2021. Image taken 18 March 2021 at 5th Wing Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada.
Photo by: PO2 Rene Duguay, Imagery tech.

A Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 140th Wing leaves for take off at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 22, 2021.The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operate together in the Arctic. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Basic Mira Roman)

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft Falcon prepares to take off at 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 22, 2022.
Photo by CANR NORAD

Mr. Tom "Sulu" Hill and Capt. Nic "Blade" Arosemena of the 586th Flight Test Squadron fly a T-38 Talon above the White Sands test range, New Mexico, February 19, 2021. The T-38 performed a "safety chase" flight, supporting a test mission with an F-16 from Eglin AFB, Florida. (U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire)


F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 333rd Fighter take off at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, March 11, 2021. An array of avionics and electronics systems enables the F-15E to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Kimberly Barrera)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Van Wyk, 120th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to depart in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operate together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs network space-based, aerial and ground based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 search and rescue and tactical aircraft, and a CC-150T air refueler; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-146 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participate in the exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Basic Mira Roman)

A Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 140th Wing sits on the flightline at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 24, 2021.
(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Basic Mira Roman)

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 22, 2021. The 436th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB houses, maintains and operates the C-5M Super Galaxy as well as the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

After departing the active runway and retracting his aircrafts landing gear, Maj. Justin “Poker” Choate, 514th Flight Test Squadron F-16 test pilot, levels off to gain airspeed prior to performing the maximum climb to altitude during a functional check flight from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Mar. 22, 2021. Known as an FCF or Zoom flight, these flights are a performed by 514 FLTS crews to insure that aircraft being repaired or modified by the Ogden Air Logistics Complex meet safety standards and are ready to be returned to squadrons around the world following depot maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photos by Alex R. Lloyd)


Capt. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, pulls the nose up into a climb during a practice demonstration at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Mar. 23, 2021. The demonstration team is part of Air Combat Command and is assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB. Capt. Wolfe grew up a military child as the daughter of retired Col. Jon Wolfe and has flown the T-6 Texan II, T-38 Talon, F-22 Raptor and now the F-35A Lightning II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alex R. Lloyd)

A pilot assigned to the 64th Aggressors Squadron flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon with the ‘Wraith’ paint scheme, which is part of the Red Team during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 17, 2021. Red Flag Nellis is the premier training exercise that allows participants to work with joint and allied partners in 2.9 million acres of land and airspace to advance interoperability. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

CANBERRA, Australia – March 23, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Australia (NYSE: NOC) and Leonardo Australia’s team has been shortlisted to proceed to the next phase of the SEA129 Phase 5 program for the acquisition of a maritime unmanned aerial system (MUAS) designed to deliver a deployable intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) capability to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Northrop Grumman and Leonardo proposal will enhance capability effects and tactical decision-making during RAN maritime operations.

“Northrop Grumman brings decades of unmatched expertise delivering and sustaining unmanned and manned aerial systems for customers in Australia and across the globe,” said Christine Zeitz, general manager, Asia Pacific, Northrop Grumman. “We are confident our MUAS offering delivers world-class capability that addresses the RAN’s ISR&T mission requirements and optimises Australian industry capability.”

The Northrop Grumman and Leonardo team’s proposal includes the state-of-the-art AWHero MUAS platform and subsystems, a capability specifically designed to operate in complex maritime environments. The AWHero is based on a mature and modular architecture that allows a wide and easily reconfigurable range of payloads including Leonardo’s Maritime Radar for unmatched ISR&T area coverage.

The team’s offering also includes an exportable variant of Northrop Grumman’s ground-breaking Distributed Autonomy/Responsive Control (DA/RC) command and control system. Integrated with the ship, control station and aircraft, DA/RC will deliver enhanced and automated tactical decision making to the RAN to help outmatch threats in a complex, unpredictable threat environment. The collaborative autonomy software will also be incorporated in Northrop Grumman Australia’s distributed systems integration laboratory which will provide the RAN and Australian industry a collaborative development environment to effectively exploit evolving technologies.

“We are excited to join forces with Northrop Grumman and Australian industry partners, further strengthening our collaborative approach in Australia,” said Brian McEachen, VP Military Sales Asia-Pacific, Leonardo Helicopters. “The integrated capability of the AWHero leverages Leonardo’s expertise in rotorcraft, system integration, UAS and operations in the maritime domain, which combined with Northrop Grumman’s extensive portfolio of world-leading capabilities and technologies will provide the Royal Australian Navy with a level of advanced MUAS-based ISR&T they seek both now and into the future.”

An integral part of the Northrop Grumman and Leonardo proposal is a commitment to maximising Australian industry participation. A robust and reliable domestic support network of proven industry members will be engaged in the production, delivery, sustainment and follow-on development of sovereign MUAS capability to the Australian Defence Force to meet the RAN’s current and future needs.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 24, 2021 – The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey has logged more than 600,000 flight-hours, providing continuous customer support to maintain mission readiness and transport critical cargo and personnel.

Built by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], the V-22 fleet has grown to more than 400 aircraft and is operated by the United States Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The V-22 is the only military production tiltrotor aircraft in the world. Its speed, range, maneuverability and logistical capability make it one of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions for its customers.

“There is no other aircraft in the world capable of matching the unique capabilities of the Osprey,” said Kurt Fuller, Bell V-22 vice president and Bell Boeing program director. “The 600,000 flight-hours represent countless tactical, logistical and humanitarian assistance missions, and the dedication of the men and women who maintain and operate the aircraft every day to keep it an advanced aircraft.”

Bell Boeing directly supports V-22 readiness by providing comprehensive global services to V-22 squadrons, including maintenance support, training, on-site field representatives, data analytics and new and repaired parts. For example, the Naval Air Systems Command recently awarded Bell Boeing a contract to deliver and install kits for nacelle improvements and the conversion area harness onto the CV-22 aircraft for the Air Force. The program refines the design of the nacelles and wiring harnesses for better reliability and maintainability, ultimately reducing repair time and improving readiness.

“Each V-22 flight hour is the product of a team effort,” said Col. Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Program Office program manager. “Enabled by pilots, maintainers, testers, engineers, the program workforce and our industry partners who, together, ensure safe and effective V-22 operation.”

Recent program accomplishments include the V-22’s latest variant, the CMV-22B, assigned to the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30, completing the first delivery of an F-35 engine to the USS Carl Vinson, along with successful paradrops with the U.S. Navy’s parachuting team, “The Leap Frogs,” earlier in the year.

“From its first flight over 30 years ago to achieving this significant flight-hour milestone, the V-22 has a demonstrated legacy of mission success,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing V-22 vice president and Bell Boeing V-22 deputy program director. “As we look at optimizing future sustainment and support, our customer partnerships and commitment to innovation, flexibility and agility will ensure we build on the aircraft’s ability to support whatever the mission demands.”

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

WICHITA, Kan. (March 24, 2021) – Textron Aviation announced today it was awarded a contract for the 28th and 29th Beechcraft King Air 350/360CER turboprop aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO).

“These two Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) will complete the current acquisition program of record and join a fleet of King Air 350 turboprops safeguarding the United States border,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales. “Textron Aviation is also honored to have recently delivered the 26th aircraft of this type.”

The agency’s aircraft are equipped with a sophisticated array of technology that can be deployed for ground interdiction operations, air-to-air intercept operations and medium-range maritime patrols, including active and passive sensors and an optimized communications suite. The aircraft are operated by skilled crewmembers who employ the mission equipment and coordinate information flow to the ground.

The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is an extended range version of the King Air 360 twin-engine turboprop aircraft, resulting in enhanced mission flexibility. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A or optional factory installed PT6A-67A turboprop engines with Hartzell four blade propellers power the King Air 360ER aircraft and a fully integrated Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite provides pilot(s) with state-of-the-art touchscreen controls.

SAN DIEGO – 24 March 2021 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced today that the family of Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) surpassed 1 million flight hours on March 16, 2021 during U.S. Army flight operations.

This historic milestone is the latest accomplishment on a remarkable journey that started in March 2004 with the first flight of an early variant of the Gray Eagle UAS family called Army IGNAT. Since that first flight, GA-ASI and the U.S. Army have fielded over 250 Gray Eagle-type aircraft, including the new Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) aircraft. Over 80% of the 1 million flight hours were flown in support of deployed operations with a better than 90% Mission Capable Rate.

“This landmark event demonstrates the inherent value of our Gray Eagle systems for the warfighter,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “It also is a testament to the great partnership between GA-ASI and the U.S. Army, which have worked together to expand the capability of Gray Eagle so the system will continue to be a key enabler for today’s mission and an enduring platform for tomorrow’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).”

The GE-ER UAS is a 40-hour endurance aircraft with increased payload capacity, reliability and maintainability over the legacy MQ-1C Gray Eagle first fielded in 2009. On the dawn of the next million flight hours, GE-ER is being further enhanced under the U.S. Army’s modernization program to incorporate leading-edge technology for standoff survivability, while expanding the payload capabilities to include Air Launched Effects (ALEs) and long-range sensors for stand-in effects. This MDO-ready UAS will be powered by a new 200-hp Enhanced Heavy Fuel Engine and dual 7.5kw brushless generators to enable the growing capabilities needed by commanders in the future MDO environment.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

A B-2 Spirit, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, arrives at Lajes Field, Azores, March 25, 2021. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Sala

Two CF-18 Hornets from 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta, approaching a CC-150 Polaris Airbus from 437 Transport Squadron in Trenton, Ontario, to conduct air-to-air refueling operations over the Canadian Arctic during the NORAD Exercise AMALGAM DART 21-2, on March 23, 2021.
Photos: MCpl PJ Letourneau, Canadian Forces Combat Camera





U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons intercept two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operate together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs network space-based, aerial and ground based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 search and rescue and tactical aircraft, and a CC-150T air refueler; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participate in the exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photos)



U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, supported by a U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus, Intercept NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft during exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operate together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs network space-based, aerial and ground based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 search and rescue and tactical aircraft, and a CC-150T air refueler; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participate in the exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photo)

25.03.2021
Within the framework of the international competition the Games-2021, the next stage of the competition for air training of aviation crews of the Leningrad army of the air force and air defence of the Western Military District Aviadarts-2021 has ended in St. Petersburg.

The participants of the army stage of the competition are flight crews of Ka-52, Mi-28 and Mi-24 reconnaissance and attack helicopters, as well as multi-purpose Mi-8, which showed the best results in the qualifying stage on the basis of aviation military units of the formation stationed in the Leningrad, Pskov and Smolensk regions.

As part of the competition, the pilots performed a flight along the route, conducting visual aerial reconnaissance, as well as practicing piloting techniques. At the final stage, the pilots demonstrated their professional skills in the course of combat use against ground targets using unguided aircraft missiles and automatic aircraft guns.

The crews of the army aviation of the Leningrad air force and air defense formation, who scored the most points at the end of the qualifying stage, will compete at the all-Russian stage of the competition.
(Photos courtesy of the
Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)

Fort Worth, TX (March 26, 2021) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the sale of one Bell 429 helicopter to Cambodia’s Chip Mong Group Co., Ltd. It is the first Bell 429 sale in Cambodia.

Chip Mong, a leading real estate, hospitality, beverages, retail and banking conglomerate, intends to use the Bell 429 for corporate transport and chartering purposes.

“Our acquisition of the state-of-the-art Bell 429 demonstrates Chip Mong’s confidence in the Bell aircraft to serve our growing businesses. This Bell 429 combined with the other two Bell 505s in our fleet will allow us to serve our customers in the hospitality and real estate industry. It will also substantially contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth in line with the development efforts and guidance of the Cambodian government,” said Neak Oknha LEANG Meng, group president for Chip Mong.

“We are honored that the Chip Mong has selected the Bell 429 as their light twin helicopter of choice. The Bell 429’s smooth and peaceful ride makes it perfect for executive business travel and relaxation, with ample storage and space for six people,” said David Sale, managing director for Bell Asia Pacific. “Its remarkable flight performance coupled with its multi-mission pedigree make it best suited to the Chip Mong Group’s aim of providing exceptional quality.”

With over 400 Bell 429s around the globe, the aircraft has been one of the most successful light twin helicopters on the market since its certification in 2009. The Bell 429 is known for its exceptional speed, performance, range, and low lifecycle cost. The aircraft’s readiness makes it ideal for a variety of missions such as law enforcement, para-public, oil and gas, and corporate transport.

WICHITA, Kan. (March 25, 2021) – The Cessna SkyCourier turboprop continues to surpass significant milestones as it begins the certification flight test phase of the program for the high-wing, large utility aircraft. Each major achievement has allowed the members of the flight test program a better understanding of the aircraft’s strength, capability and durability.

The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

The fleet of three flight test aircraft has now completed more than 700 flight test hours, and the program continues toward FAA certification and first deliveries later this year.

Since the third aircraft joined the flight test program in late 2020, the Cessna SkyCourier team has gained momentum through several substantial accomplishments that include:

Envelope expansion to all corners of the speed, altitude, and structural design.

Extreme hot and cold weather testing, ensuring aircraft systems are functional and operational at extreme temperatures.

Bird strike testing, which included eight separate tests over a two-month period, to demonstrate the impact resistance of the windshield glass and surrounding structure.

Certification of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engine through Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification expected soon.

Natural icing certification, demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to operate in actual icing conditions.

“The SkyCourier was designed to fulfill a need in the marketplace for a flexible, reliable, high-utilization aircraft for customers around the world, and its versatility makes it a great fit for a wide range of operations,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The aircraft has performed exceptionally well through every phase of testing, and we’re pleased by its progress. With the start of certification flight test phase, we are entering one of the most important phases of the SkyCourier program, and I’m confident in our highly skilled team and the outstanding abilities of this aircraft.”
Program accomplishments

Production final assembly for the SkyCourier begins this month on the company’s east campus in Wichita. State-of-the-art tooling, including high-speed machining, has been developed for the aircraft’s assembly. “We’re excited to manufacture another revolutionary product for our customers,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Operations. “Everything with the Cessna SkyCourier tooling is brand new and designed and produced in house. Our production team has made final preparations to the process, focusing on every step to ensure assembly is completed with great efficiency and excellent quality.”
Relentless capability

The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft will be offered in two configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter and a 19-seat passenger version, all based on the common platform. The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft will deliver a combination of robust performance and lower operating costs. The aircraft will include single-point pressure refueling as standard to enable faster turnarounds. The aircraft features the popular Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and offers highlights such as a maximum cruise speed of up to 200 ktas and a maximum range of 900 nm.

A significant investment in a series of spiral upgrades is set to ensure that Typhoon FGR4 remains the backbone of UK combat airpower.
A highly capable force of seven operational Typhoon squadrons will benefit from significant investment in a powerful electronically scanned array radar known as Radar 2, and Typhoons will also be equipped in future with the new UK-developed Spear Cap 3 precision air-launched weapon.
These upgrades will provide the leap in capability necessary to ensure the Typhoon Force can operate in the most challenging threat scenarios through to the introduction into service of the full Future Combat Air System.

INDIAN OCEAN (March 25, 2021) – F/A-18F Super Hornets, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, approache the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 25, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Wheeler)


INDIAN OCEAN (March 24, 2021) – An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 24, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos W. Hopper)

INDIAN OCEAN (March 24, 2021) – An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, catches an arresting wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 24, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos W. Hopper)

8th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcons take off during a routine training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 24, 2021. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It can reach top speeds of 1,500 mph and can reach altitudes of more than 50,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Kristin S. High)




Airmen assigned to the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on an F-15C Eagle during surge operations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 25, 2021. While surging, Liberty Wing fighter squadrons can fly more than 50 sorties a day, honing air-to-air tactics, advance combat maneuvers and ensuring readiness capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron lands on the flightline during surge operations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 24, 2021. The 48th Fighter Wing maintains combat readiness through daily training, ensuring the ability to provide superior airpower capabilities in support of United States interests and those of their allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Koby I. Saunders)

A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, K.S., sits on the flightline at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N. J., March 26, 2021. Joint Base MDL leadership returned from a four-day visit at McConnell AFB where they familiarized themselves with the KC-46 and its role in mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)

A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker conducts air-to-air refueling with a U.S. Air Force F-16 over the Canadian Arctic during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 24, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise. (Photos credit: USAF Pilot)



A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer long-range bomber fly over the Canadian Arctic along with U.S. Air Force F-16 during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 24, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-2 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the ArCtic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise. (Photos credit: USAF Pilot)




NATO E-3 "AWACS" Sentry aircraft travels the skies of the Canadian Arctic during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 24, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-02 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise. (Photos credit: USAF Pilot)




A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 and U.S. Air Force F-16 fly in formation as a U.S. Air Force F-16 conducts air-to-air refueling from a KC-10 during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 22 and 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-02 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise. (Photos credit:RCAF)



A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 long range patrol aircraft flies in formation with two U.S. Air Force F-16s and a RCAF CF-18 during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 22 and 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-02 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise. (Photos credit:RCAF)


U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds train and present to Gen. Mark D. Kelly, Commander of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 25, 2021. COMACC and the FAA have certified the demonstration team prior to the 2021 season. (U.S. Air Force photos by Nicholas J. De La Pena)




An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 21-2, March 18, 2021. Red Flag began in 1975 as an aerial combat exercise but has evolved to include war-fighting across air, space and cyberspace domains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Zachary Rufus)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., fires an AIM-9M Sidewinder during training and evaluation at Weapons System Evaluation Program-East, March 10, 2021, at Tyndall AFB, Fla. WSEPs are held to evaluate air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons systems on behalf of Air Combat Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Savanah Bray)

Two RCAF CH-149 Cormorants are readied for training at Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut, the most northerly permanently settled place on Earth. The helicopter crews are in Alert to provide standby SAR support to North American Aerospace Defense Command
Exercise AmalgamDart
Photo by: WO Scott Elliston, 103 SAR Squadron.

A 103Sqn Ch-149 Cormorant helicopter sits on the tundra near Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut during SAR training in support of NORADCommand Exercise AmalgamDart on March 24, 2021.
Photo by : LCdr Amanda Harris, USCG exchange officer at 103 SAR Squadron

A C-17 Globemaster III, 429 Transport Squadron, prepares to transport troops from 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, back to Canadian Forces Base Bagotville at the conclusion of exercise Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 26, 2021.
Photos by CANR NORAD.


Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 140th Wing prepare to depart 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador after participating in exercise Amalgam Dart 21-2, March 25, 2021.
Photos by CANR NORAD.


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, taxis off from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 26, 2021. Spangdahlem AB hosted exercise AGILE SABRE, which tested out Agile Combat Employement capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley)

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 154th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, H.I., approaches at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 29, 2021. The Sakura trees reached full bloom two days earlier than last year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

A group of T-1s stand by on the flight line awaiting the first flight of the new week, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas Mar. 29. 2021. The T-1 is the airframe that pilots train on when tracking into heavy aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Phaff)

INDIAN OCEAN (March 28, 2021) Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers assigned to the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 fly in formation with an Indian air force Jaguar and two Su-30MKIs over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), March 28, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Wheeler)

INDIAN OCEAN (March 28, 2021) – An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, top, flies in formation with an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI, middle, and Jaguar over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 28, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos W. Hopper)

SEATTLE, March 29, 2021 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Southwest Airlines today announced the carrier will continue to build its business around the 737 MAX family with a new order for 100 airplanes and 155 options across two models. The deal comes after a multi-year fleet evaluation by Southwest and means that Boeing and its suppliers could build more than 600 new 737 MAX jets for the airline through 2031.

Southwest had been exploring options to modernize the largest component of its fleet: the 737-700 that serves the airline’s needs for a 140-150 seat airplane. With the new agreement, the airline reaffirmed the 737-7 as its preferred replacement and growth airplane. The jet will complement the 737-8, which serves Southwest’s needs for a 175-seat model. Both 737 MAX family members will reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by at least 14% compared to the airplanes they replace, helping to improve operating costs and environmental performance. Southwest said the solution allows it to maintain the operational efficiencies of an all-Boeing 737 fleet to support its low-cost, point-to-point route network.

“Southwest Airlines has been operating the Boeing 737 series for nearly 50 years, and the aircraft has made significant contributions to our unparalleled success. Today’s commitment to the 737 MAX solidifies our continued appreciation for the aircraft and confirms our plans to offer the Boeing 737 series of aircraft to our Employees and Customers for years to come,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman and CEO. “We are proud to continue our tradition of being the world’s largest operator of an all-Boeing fleet.”

“In addition to supporting our efforts to operate sustainably and efficiently, the 737 MAX offers Employees and Customers travel comforts such as a quieter cabin, larger overhead bin spaces, seating with adjustable headrests, and more galley space for onboard service,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest’s chief operating officer.

The new purchase agreement takes Southwest’s order book to 200 737-7s and 180 737-8s, more than 30 of which have already been delivered. Southwest will also have 270 options for either of the two models, taking the carrier’s direct-buy commitment to more than 600 airplanes. The airline also plans additional 737 MAX jets through third-party lessors.

“Southwest Airlines has long been a leader and bellwether for the airline industry and this order is a big vote of confidence for commercial air travel. As vaccine distribution continues to pick-up, people are returning to the skies and fueling hopes for a full recovery and renewed growth across our industry,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are deeply honored by Southwest’s continuing trust in Boeing and the 737. Their fleet decision today brings more stability for our biggest commercial program and will ensure that our entire 737 family will be building new airplanes for Southwest for years to come.”

As part of the agreement, Southwest will also expand its use of Boeing’s digital solutions to support its 737 MAX fleet, including Airplane Health Management, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and digital navigation charting tools. Boeing will also provide system software upgrades and new wireless communications-enabling equipment to support Southwest’s operations.

Singapore, 29 March 2021 – The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has taken delivery of its first H225M helicopter in Singapore.

Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of H225M Medium Lift Helicopters in 2016.

Congratulating Singapore on the H225Ms, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said: “Airbus is very happy to celebrate this important milestone with the RSAF. This delivery is exceptionally significant as Airbus and the RSAF overcame the COVID-19 pandemic challenges in 2020 to achieve a smooth handover of the helicopter.”

“The RSAF has been a long-term partner of Airbus since its first Aerospatiale SA316B Alouette III entered into service more than 50 years ago. We appreciate the trust Singapore has placed in our helicopters, and we look forward to the H225Ms playing a critical role in the RSAF for many years to come,” added Even.

Singapore’s fleet of H225Ms is expected to assume a wide range of roles, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

A combat-proven multi-purpose and versatile asset, the H225M enables military forces to deploy wherever and whenever needed. H225Ms are currently in service across the world, having accumulated more than 143,000 flight hours. The H225M is relied upon by Brazil, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico Thailand to support their most demanding missions.

03.29.2021.
Bombardier announced today that it delivered the 50th Global 7500 aircraft. The milestone delivery was achieved as production of the industry flagship continues to mature, and as the aircraft’s in-service performance continues to deliver very high levels of reliability.

The 50th delivery of the Global 7500 business jet follows a successful 2020, where Bombardier delivered 35 of these aircraft, including a record 16 deliveries in Q4. Bombardier continues to receive strong interest for the Global 7500 business jet and order activity is robust worldwide.

“The Global 7500 aircraft is unrivalled in the market,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. “It provides an unmatched combination of speed, range, comfort and reliability, making it both the industry flagship and a key driver of our growth strategy. As we mark this delivery milestone, I want to recognize and thank the many talented employees who supported the development and launch of this aircraft, as well as those currently working on the program and supporting our customers in the field. The world-class calibre of workmanship and technology found in each aircraft continues to drive strong market demand and industry-wide recognition.”

Since its entry-into-service at the end of 2018, the Global 7500 business jet has demonstrated an outstanding dispatch reliability rate of 99.7% in-service and has proven to be the highest-performing aircraft in the industry by completing various key speed records and challenging flights, including the longest city-pair flown by a purpose-built business aircraft, connecting Sydney and Detroit non-stop. In its inaugural year of service, the aircraft received multiple accolades including the 2019 Aviation Week Grand Laureate Award, the 2019 Robb Report Best of the Best Business Jet of the Year Award and the 2018 Red Dot Award for Product Design.

Thanks to visionary design and superior performance, the Global 7500 aircraft is the industry flagship, redefining the business aircraft experience. With four distinct living spaces plus a dedicated crew rest area, it is unique among business jets in spaciousness, comfort, highly personalized design flexibility and patented cabin innovations.

The advanced wing on the Global 7500 aircraft was conceived to optimize speed, range and control, and ensure an exceptionally smooth ride. The aircraft’s leading-edge wing design offers steep approach capability and short-field performance, while redefining flight comfort and wellness in business aviation. With its impressive and unsurpassed long-range capability of 7,700 nautical miles (14, 260 km) at M 0.85, it can fly eight passengers non-stop from New York to Hong Kong, and Singapore to San Francisco.*

Among its many distinctions, the Global 7500 aircraft is also the first business jet to have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which provides detailed information about the aircraft’s life cycle environmental footprint. The Global 7500 aircraft is the first business jet conceived with this approach and reflects Bombardier’s commitment to its overarching environmental sustainability strategy.

03.29.2021.
Today Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled to intercept 2 Russian TU-142 'BEAR F' aircraft that approached the Northern edge of the UK area of interest.

The Cold War era Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft were monitored by our NATO partners and intercepted by Norwegian aircraft before handing over control to the Control and Reporting Centre, currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
RAF Typhoons tracked the aircraft across the North Sea, supported by Voyager Air-to-Air Refuelling from RAF Brize Norton
in Oxfordshire.
Photos courtesy of the MOD)

03.29.2021.
For the first time since its commissioning in the forces, an A330 Phoenix from the ERVTS 01.031 "Bretagne" has been deployed as part of Operation Barkhane using the air base at N ' Djamena .
For the past two weeks, it has been replacing one of the C-135 aircraft, the A330 Phoenix has been able to refuel in flight and transport troops and material that brings significant added value to operations in Sahelo-Saharan Band (BSS).
(Photo courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)

INDIAN OCEAN (March 29, 2021) – An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 29, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Terence Deleon Guerrero)

An Airman from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron marshals an AC-130J Ghostrider to its parking location after landing at Kadena Air Base on March 29, 2021. The AC-130J is visiting Kadena Air Base to participate in Exercise Balikatan held annually for a few weeks in the spring. The majority of the exercise will take place in the Philippines.
(Photo by Capt. RENEE DOUGLAS)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --

A Record of Decision was issued by the U.S. Air Force, making Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, the official location to host three new squadrons of the F-35A Lightning II.

Air Force officials selected Tyndall based on numerous attributes, including infrastructure capability, quality of life for Airmen, and airspace. The selection process included a thorough environmental impact analysis, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The decision followed a 2018 proposal by the Air Force to base F-35s at Tyndall after extensive damage from Hurricane Michael prompted the base’s re-design to become the Department of Defense’s first Installation of the Future. This has allowed the Air Force to rebuild the base to accommodate the unique needs of the F-35A.

"Adding F-35 squadrons at Tyndall ensures Airmen will continue to have a strategic advantage as the 325th Fighter Wing enhances fighter training and combat readiness,” said Col. Greg Moseley, 325th FW commander.

The F-35s will be delivered to three fighter squadrons in multiple phases, with the first aircraft planned to arrive in September 2023. Each of the squadrons will have 24 Joint Strike Fighters assigned; totaling 72 aircraft assigned to Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing once full mission capability is achieved.

Tyndall adjoins the Gulf Range Complex, comprised of 130,000 square miles of training airspace over the Gulf of Mexico, and is one of the few ranges in the U.S. capable of supporting large-scale air combat training. Direct access to this range is essential for fifth-generation fighter readiness and for live-fire testing and training.

“The airspace surrounding Tyndall is a national treasure,” said Moseley. “The type of training conducted here integrates the DoD’s most advanced aircraft and builds a dynamic force.”

As threats evolve and change around the world, the 325th FW and Air Combat Command must train daily to deter and defend against any threat.

“Air dominance is critical to the National Defense Strategy and basing F-35s at Tyndall will only further our service’s air superiority goals for 2030 and beyond,” said Moseley.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Kip Sumner)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 29, 2021) An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the "Screwtops" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123, lands on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in the Mediterranean Sea, March 29, 2021. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Pinske)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 24, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). This is the first time the F-35B and AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are training on the same flight deck using Essex as a launch platform. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration training provides the Essex Amphibious Ready Group/11th Marine Expeditionary Unit its first opportunity to plan, brief, and execute multiple mission packages. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Israel Chincio)

29.03.2021.
Two Tu-160 strategic missile carriers performed a planned flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas. The fihter escort was provided by the crews of the MiG-31 aircraft of the naval aviation of the Russian Navy. The flight duration was over 8 hours.

Long-range aviation pilots regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Black and Baltic Seas, and the Pacific Ocean.
All flights of the Russian Aerospace Force are carried out in strict accordance with the International airspace management system.
(Photo courtesy of the
Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)

Mar 30, 2021.
Saab has successfully conducted the trial which marked the first time an exterior 3D-printed part has been flown on a Gripen, rather than internal 3D-printed components. The purpose of the trial was to test how additive manufacturing could be used in battlefield damage repair.

The test flight took place in the skies above Saab’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden, on Friday 19th March. Gripen was fitted with a replacement hatch that had been 3D-printed using additive manufacturing, using a nylon polymer called PA2200. This work is a step towards 3D-printed spares being used for rapid repairs to fighter aircraft that have sustained damage while deployed on remote operations, thereby gaining a vital time-saving advantage.

Since there was no 3D computer model of the original hatch, it was removed from the aircraft and put in a scanner. This process in turn enabled 3D printing of an exact copy, tailor-made to this individual aircraft.

“Post-flight intial inspection of the hatch was very positive and showed no visual structural changes had occurred from the flight. The potential of this approach means that maintenance personnel in the field can get access to individually fitted spare parts and you no longer have to resort to emergency fixes nor cannibalise other broken-down aircraft for their parts, while also further reducing the small number of parts brought on a deployment. This also reduces the operational time lost in repairs,” says Håkan Stake, contract manager for support to Gripen C/D, and manager of the development project.

To achieve the goal of deploying this capability, further testing is required along with agreements on material standards.

This milestone is the latest step in Saab’s embrace of additive manufacturing. In 2017 Saab co-founded the AMEXCI consortium for the specific purpose of furthering the technology, and Saab has been working with AMEXCI’s experts ever since to find new applications and ways to produce parts and equipment using additive manufacturing.

“This test flight of a component with operational impact is an important step as an aircraft, including all its parts, always has to meet the tough requirements of an airworthiness process. In terms of increasing operational availability in the field, additive manufacturing will be a game changer,” says Ellen Molin, senior vice president and head of Saab’s business area Support and Services.

The next step for Håkan Stake and his team are to look at alternative materials to PA2200, ones that are also flexible and can withstand the cold at high altitudes. They will also progress a container solution so that printing equipment can be taken on deployments.

Tokyo, 30 March 2021 – Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will expand its fleet with two new H225 helicopters, taking its total Super Puma fleet up to 17, comprising two AS332s and 15 H225s. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received its tenth H225 in February this year. The new helicopters will join its growing fleet to support territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“From the first Super Puma delivery nearly 30 years ago to the latest H225 orders, we greatly appreciate Japan Coast Guard’s continued trust in our products and services,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This repeat H225 order reinforces the aircraft’s position as a reference in SAR operations and security enforcement. We are proud of how the deployment of the agency’s fleet has ensured mission success throughout the years. Airbus will continue to ensure the fleet’s high availability, in support of the agency’s safe operations.”

JCG’s H225 fleet is covered by Airbus’ highly adaptive HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows the national coast guard agency to focus on its flight operations whilst Airbus manages its assets

Offering the industry’s best range, speed, payload and reliability in the 11-ton-category twin-engine rotorcraft, the H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family that has accumulated more than 5.7 million flight hours in all-weather conditions around the world. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and renowned autopilot precision, the H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles.

Close to 30 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown in Japan by civil, parapublic operators, and Japan’s Ministry of Defense for various search and rescue missions, VIP, fire-fighting, and passenger and goods transportation.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 30, 2021) Sailors conduct preflight checks on an E/A-18G Growler, attached to the "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in the Mediterranean Sea, March 30, 2021. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jacob Hilgendorf)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prepare to depart after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, while flying routine operations over Southwest Asia March 25, 2021. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multirole fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Taylor Harrison)




31.03.2021
The crews of the Su-34 multifunctional fighter-bombers of the Central Military District (CMD) during the tactical flight exercise that began today in the Arctic zone will practice combat launches of missiles at sea targets.

To participate in the exercise, the Su-34 pilots made a non-stop flight from Chelyabinsk to Murmansk region, covering more than 2,000 kilometers. Crews of fighter-bombers will practice use of short-range air-to-surface missiles to destroy sea targets simulating ships and submarines on the surface. In addition, the pilots will perform combat training missions for patrolling the Arctic zone in pairs, air navigation, as well as maneuvering over a water surface.

A tactical flight exercise with combat missile launches is taking place over the White Sea at the Lumbovka training ground and will end at the end of the week. The exercise is attended by more than 300 military personnel from among the flight, engineering and technical personnel, the control and flight support group, about 10 Su-34 fighter-bombers and over 50 pieces of ground equipment are involved.
(photo courtesy of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)

SEATTLE, March 30, 2021 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Alaska Airlines announced today the companies have completed an agreement for 23 737-9 airplanes and 15 options. With this agreement, the carrier’s 737 MAX order book, including options and lease commitments, stands at 120 airplanes.

This deal was first announced in December 2020 as a commitment and will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

Alaska Airlines received its first 737-9 in January and began revenue service on March 1. Its second 737-9 entered service on March 18, with two additional 737-9s scheduled to begin revenue service next week. The airline is embarking on a fleet modernization program to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. The 737-9 – equipped with new, more fuel-efficient engines and improved aerodynamics – will use 20% less fuel and reduce emissions by 20% per seat compared to airplanes it replaces.

Toulouse, 31 March 2021 - Corsair has taken delivery of its first A330-900, on lease from Avolon, to join the French airline’s fleet.

By selecting a total of five A330neos, Corsair is executing its strategy to become an all-A330 operator. Thanks to the A330neo’s latest technologies, Corsair will benefit from cost-effective and eco-efficient solutions, while providing passengers with the best comfort standards in the quietest cabins in its class.

The aircraft features 352 seats in a three-class layout, providing all the comfort and amenities of Airbus’ leading ‘Airspace’ cabin, including state-of-the-art passenger in-flight entertainment (IFE) and full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines. The Corsair aircraft will also be the first A330neo to feature an increased maximum take-off weight of 251 tonnes. This capability will allow the airline to fly long-haul destinations up to 13,400 km (7,200nm) or benefit from ten tons more payload on board.

The A330neo is a new-generation aircraft and successor to the hugely popular A330ceo widebody family. As well as the new engine option, the aircraft benefits from a host of innovations, including aerodynamic improvements and new wings and winglets that together contribute to 25% fuel-burn and CO2 reductions.

Corsair, which already operates an Airbus fleet of five A330 Family aircraft, became a member of the Airbus Skywise ‘Open Data Platform’ in 2020, thus benefiting from several Skywise-based services, such as a real-time in-service fleet performance analysis capability (aircraft health monitoring), reliability analysis and predictive maintenance.

WICHITA, Kan. (March 31, 2021) – Textron Aviation today celebrates the 1,000th delivery of its best-selling 560XL series midsize business jet with a delivery of the Cessna Citation XLS+ to a customer based in the Northeastern United States. The aircraft will be managed and operated by Custom Jet Charters, an FAA-certified Part 135 operator based at Palm Beach International and Westchester County Airports, known for providing air charter services.

The 560XL jet series includes the Cessna Citation Excel, Cessna Citation XLS and Cessna Citation XLS+ models, all designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

Offering transcontinental range, enhanced cabin and cockpit technology and superior performance, the jets in the 560XL family have transformed business aviation, evolving with the industry and operators throughout the past 25 years. Today, the global fleet of 560XL aircraft has amassed more than five million flight hours.

“The 560XL series is known for propelling the landscape of business aviation forward, delivering speed, spaciousness and comfort to a new segment of the industry. Its evolution and prominence continue to resonate with customers across the globe: Every two minutes, a 560XL jet takes off or lands somewhere in the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “This milestone delivery is a direct reflection of our customers’ trust and the dedication of our employees who continue to build and support the Citation 560XL family of aircraft.”

The most recent evolution of the Citation 560XL family of jets, the Citation XLS+ features wide passenger seats, FADEC engine controls and Collins Pro Line 21 avionics with four LCD cockpit displays and the addition of graphical weather charts and maps.

This year, Cessna-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd., a Textron joint venture in China, is expected to deliver the 300th Cessna Citation XLS+ to the Flight Inspection Center of CAAAC (CFIC). This will be the sixth aircraft delivered as part of the eight Cessna Citation XLS+ purchase agreement signed in December 2018.
About Cessna Citation XLS

Business owners consistently choose the Cessna Citation XLS+ more than any other aircraft in the midsize category for its unparalleled combination of performance, comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favorable operating efficiencies.

The Citation XLS+ equips operators with speeds of up to 441 knots (817 kilometers/ hour) with a maximum economy range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889 kilometers), a takeoff field length as short as 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) and climbs to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in 29 minutes. With outstanding high-elevation performance and steep approach capabilities, the XLS+ can take off and land at airports with an elevation of up to 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) and meets the standards of ILS CAT II.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 199th Fighter Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron fly alongside a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during 5th generation fighter training near Japan, Apr. 1, 2021. The F-22 Raptors are currently operating out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s dynamic force employment concept. U.S. and Japanese forces train and operate together regularly, employing a full spectrum of joint and bilateral capabilities, to defend Japan and support a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kakaris)

The sun sets over a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on the flight line at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 30, 2021. The 436th Airlift Wing owns, maintains and operates C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with a mission to provide rapid global airlift, combat ready Airmen and unrivaled installation support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephani Barge)

INDIAN OCEAN (March 31, 2021) An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter flies above the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) during a passing exercise March 31, 2021. Russell, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade Costin)

ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 31, 2021 — The U.S. Navy today awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $1.6 billion production contract for the next 11 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Nine aircraft will join the U.S. Navy fleet and two will go to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a cooperative partner in the P-8A joint program since 2009. The contract brings the total number of U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft under contract to 128 and the RAAF total to 14.

“The P-8A continues to be an invaluable asset and these additional aircraft will help deliver expanded maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities to the fleet,” said Capt. Eric Gardner, program manager for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Program Office.

The P-8A is a long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft used by the U.S Navy. It’s vital for intelligence gathering, surveillance reconnaissance and search and rescue. Deployed around the world, with 103 aircraft in service and more than 300,000 flight-hours, the P-8’s performance and reliability delivers confidence to customers operating in an uncertain world.

“We continue to hear feedback from deployed Navy squadrons who tell us the P-8A is exceeding expectations”, said Stu Voboril, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s P-8A program. “Our focus is on delivering the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft. That only happens when teams truly collaborate, listen and focus on customer priorities.”

The P-8 is militarized with maritime weapons, a modern open mission system architecture and commercial-like support for affordability. It’s the principal aircraft with the ability to detect and track submarines. The aircraft is modified to include a bomb bay and pylons for weapons. It has two weapons stations on each wing and can carry 129 sonobuoys. The aircraft is also fitted with an in-flight refueling system.

A military derivative of the Boeing 737 Next-Generation airplane, the P-8 combines the most advanced weapon system in the world with the cost advantages of the most popular airliner on the planet. The P-8 shares 86% commonality with the commercial 737NG, providing enormous supply chain economies of scale in production and support.

The P-8 has two variants: The P-8I, flown by the Indian Navy, and the P-8A Poseidon, flown by the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The RAAF has acquired the Boeing aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales process and will receive a variant designed and produced for the U.S. Navy called the P-8A Poseidon.
(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Hooker)

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - The sun rises behind a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 2, 2021. Approximately 25 aircraft participated in a large formation exercise (LFE) demonstrating the base’s ability to avoid aircraft damage from approaching severe weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Sizelove)

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers, KC-46 Pegasus and C-17 Gloemaster IIIs line up for an elephant walk at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, during a large formation exercise, April 2, 2021. The exercise was conducted to simulate a mass evacuation of aircraft in preparation of an emergency weather situation. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Klemm)

FALLON, Nev. (Apr. 1, 2021)
A MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, stationed in San Diego, lands in the snow during high-altitude landing training, hosted by Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon. The Navy Mountain Flying Course trains pilots and aircrew for challenges associated with flying the aircraft to its limitations in higher density altitudes and power management of the aircraft in this environment. The training conducted during Air Wing Fallon drives air wing integration and ensures that all CVW-2 squadrons are ready to conduct the full range of military operations when they deploy later this year. HSC 4 provides vertical lift search and rescue, logistics, anti-surface warfare, special operations forces support, and combat search and rescue capabilities.
(U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released)

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft fly over the U.S. Air Force Central Command area of responsibility during a mission supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, March 30, 2021. The F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is a compact, multirole fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. CJTF-OIR enables its partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria and sets conditions for follow-on operations to increase regional stability (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride)








An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 366th Fighter Wing pulls away after being refueled by a 191st Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over Idaho, March 30, 2021. As of April 2019, the U.S. Air Force and its reserve and guard components operate 219 F-15Es. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cole Yardley)

31 March 2021
Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have today extended a contract to provide support and maintenance services for Gripen. The order value amounts to approximately SEK 1.6 billion for the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2022. Saab has booked SEK 1.5 billion of the order value in Q1.

The contract covers performance-based support and maintenance of Gripen and is an extension of a previously signed contract in May 2017 with FMV.

The contract includes support and maintenance services essential to aviation operations with Gripen. The contract covers, for example, design and support, component maintenance, the provision of logistics, technical system support, publications, spare parts, repairs, ground support equipment and pilot equipment.

“With this extension Saab will continue to provide support for the effective operation and availability of Gripen. It is essential for us to constantly develop our support concept by implementing innovative solutions and this contract gives us the possibility to do so together with our customer,” says Ellen Molin, Head of the Support and Services business area within Saab.

The work will be carried out at Saab's facilities in Linköping, Arboga, Järfälla, Gothenburg and Östersund.

Fort Worth, Texas (March 31, 2021) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and the U.S. Army have agreed to terms on the execution of the second phase of the Competitive Demonstration and Risk Reduction (CD&RR) contract that was awarded in March 2020 for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. This new contract is an important milestone and testament to the continued momentum for Army modernization. Bell’s flight-proven V-280 Valor design advances from an aircraft with transformational speed and survivability towards a low-risk weapons system ready to support joint combined arms and maneuver operations around the world.

“This is the next step to a program of record and Bell is proud to closely collaborate with the Army to transition our flight-proven V-280 Valor into a highly-capable and sustainable FLRAA weapons system,” said Keith Flail, executive vice president, Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell. “Bell and our Team Valor teammates continue to optimize our platform based on research, design, and thorough flight-testing of the aircraft to deliver an outstanding capability for the Army.”

During phase one of the CD&RR, Bell provided detailed iterations on the V-280 design, data to highlight the feasibility of executing the program of record requirements, and executed trade studies using model-based systems engineering. This work will continue under phase two as the Army finalizes requirements for the program of record planned for 2022.

Bell has already safely delivered groundbreaking performance and successfully completed a rapid design, build, and test program with the V-280. Since its first flight in 2017, the V-280 team has executed a rigorous flight test program flying more than 200 hours through over 160 individual test flights that delivered critical data to validate Bell’s digital models and performance.

As the FLRAA competition moves to a program of record, Bell continues to take a holistic approach to transition the V-280 to a weapons system that ensures exceptional performance and is affordable throughout the lifecycle. From the outset, the Bell V-280 Valor was designed for efficiency—using simplified and inherently reliable designs, adhering to Army Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) requirements, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing reliability. Bell applied digital design and manufacturing technologies, included maintenance as part of the design process, and used emerging commercial processes to bring a comprehensive view of digital models, processing, and analysis. This methodology has reduced programmatic risk, improved lifecycle maintenance and servicing outcomes, increasing program affordability.

“This aircraft is not an engineering science project. The V-280 tiltrotor provides a critical and combat-proven capability needed to maintain our U.S. military’s ability to deter adversaries by radically improving over the current fleet’s speed, range, versatility, and sustainability. Our program has provided evidence that the V-280 is a transformational long-range assault aircraft solution for the Army and we are proud to move forward as a team to continue to mature the weapons system,” said Ryan Ehinger, vice president and program director, FLRAA at Bell.

4 Wing Cold Lake conducted a large formation fly-past over the City of Cold Lake today, April 1. 15 CF-18 Hornets and 6 CT-155 Hawks flew in formation to celebrate the #RCAF's 97th Birthday.
(Photos courtesy of the RCAF)



Today, Airbus A400M Atlas #110 landed on the Base aérienne 123 Orléans-Bricy

Delivered by a crew of the CEAM AWC, Tactical Transport Planes team, this is the 18th Atlas to join the Air Force and Space fleet, implemented in la 61 he transport squadron.
(Photos courtesy of Mathilde Defossez.)

SUEZ CANAL (April 2, 2021) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal, April 2. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group 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 Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Joseph T. Miller)

An F-16CM Falcon fighter jet, assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, takes-off for a Red Flag 21-2 mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, March 16, 2021. Red Flag takes place over the Nevada Test and Training Range and provides the warfighter a flexible, realistic and multidimensional battle space to conduct advanced training of U.S. military services and coalition forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-15SG Strike Eagle fighter jets, assigned to the 428th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, taxis prior to a mission during Red Flag 21-2, at Nellis AFB, Nevada, March 18, 2021. The F-15SG is a variant of the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet and used by the Republic of Singapore Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

RED SEA (April 3, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Sarah Bland signals as an aircraft elevator raises an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in the Red Sea. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Pinske)

WICHITA, Kan. (April 5, 2021) – Textron Aviation today marked the delivery of the 600th aircraft from the Cessna Citation CJ3 family, the industry’s best-selling light jet series. The milestone Cessna Citation CJ3+ was delivered to an unnamed customer in North America.

“Since joining the Citation family, the Citation CJ3 series has proven to be an incredible performer for customers around the world with the connectivity, price, range and efficient operation that puts it at the top of its category,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The CJ3+ remains a strong performer due to its versatility as COVID-19 limitations have prompted customers to look for alternatives to commercial travel.”

This aircraft features a fresh air system to keep cabin air clean, bringing fresh air from outside into the aircraft through the engines. The engines compress and heat the air eliminating pathogens and germs. The air is then cooled and enters the cabin as cold or warm air, depending on passenger preference.

The Citation CJ3+ boasts the latest technology in the cabin and cockpit providing both unrivalled comfort and productivity for passengers, and intuitive, efficient operation for either single-pilot operation – perfect for owner-operators – or traditional two-pilot operations.
About the Citation CJ3+
The single-pilot Citation CJ3+ delivers exceptional performance, G3000 avionics and high-speed internet capabilities. Best-in-class acquisition and operating costs, seating for nine passengers, and up to 1,000 lb of baggage capacity make the CJ3+ the ultimate utility player.

With a range of up to 2,040 nautical miles, the Citation CJ3+ is perfectly suited for the light jet market segment and can fly single-pilot and up to four passengers nonstop from Washington, D.C. to Mexico City; from London to Moscow; from Shanghai to Bangkok; or from Lima to São Paulo.

Designed to provide the most efficient flight profile by minimizing fuel costs and environmental impact, the Citation CJ3+ burns, on average, 10 percent less fuel and costs 5 percent less in maintenance per flight hour versus other aircraft in the light jet segment.