GippsAero built C-NM5 light aircraft flies
The GippsAero built prototype of the Indian designed CNM-5 five-seat light aircraft completed its maiden flight from GippsAero’s LaTrobe Valley, Victoria, base on September 1. The all metal, fixed gear, Lycoming IO-540 powered C-NM5’s basic handling characteristics were evaluated during the 45 minute flight, with subsequent flights evaluating stability and control in different flight regimes.
Pave Hawks achieve 10,000 flight hours
Two HH-60G Pave Hawks have become the first USAF operated H-60 Black Hawk series helicopters to reach the 10,000 flight hour milestone, during simultaneous flights over Kirtland Air Force Base on August 30. The two machines – serials 81-23680 and 81-23644 – are operated by the USAF’s 512th Rescue Squadron, and first entered operational service
Raytheon to provide Bell 429s for interim RAN aircrew training
Raytheon Australia will provide three Bell 429 helicopters to “maintain and develop the skills” of junior RAN aircrew under a new, four year Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) contract from 2012. Raytheon will support and maintain the Bell 429s under the four year, $26 million contract. They will fly approximately 1500 hours per year in
Cargolux “rejects” first 747-8F deliveries
Cargolux has announced that it will “reject” delivery of the first two Boeing 747-8 Freighters planned for September 19 and 21, citing “unresolved contractual issues with Boeing”. While neither party has commented publicly on the exact nature of the dispute, reports have suggested that fuel efficiency issues may to be blame. “The performance problems were
A350 XWB wing lower cover delivered to Broughton
Airbus has announced that the first A350 XWB wing lower cover has been transported from its manufacturing site in Illescas, Spain, to Broughton, UK, for assembly. The carbon fibre wing lower cover for aircraft MSN001 is approximately 32 metres long by six metres wide and will now be fitted to the XWB’s wing in Broughton. Once
Boeing marks 20th anniversary of C-17 first flight
Boeing has celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first flight of its C-17 Globemaster III. Test aircraft T-1 first flew on September 15 1991, completing a two hour test flight from Boeing’s Long Beach site. Interestingly, the C-17 achieved no fewer than 33 world records during initial flight testing from Edwards Air Force Base. “There
