F-35B STOVLs in proximity trials
Two F-35B STOVL test aircraft based at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland have evaluated the type’s close proximity handling qualities. The flights were conducted at 20,000ft and 30,000ft, and the accompanying image shows BF-1 and BF-3 in formation. Interestingly, the image also shows BF-1 sporting what appears to be an unpainted auxiliary inlet door, possibly
Stranded 787s return to Seattle
Two 787s left stranded at Victorville in California (ZA001) and at Rapid City in South Dakota (ZA005) by the test fleet’s grounding following an on board fire on ZA002 on November 9 have been given dispensation by the US FAA to return to Seattle. Boeing says the return follows initial investigations into the fire which
UK takes seventh C-17
Boeing has delivered the seventh and final C-17 airlifter to the RAF at a ceremony at the company’s Long Beach plant. “The addition of a seventh C-17 to our fleet is a significant milestone that strengthens our support of operations worldwide, especially in Afghanistan,” said Peter Luff, the UK’s Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and
More success for JASSM-ER
The Lockheed Martin JASSM-ER has completed two more successful test flights, making it 10 successes from 11 launches for the 1000km range development of the AGM-158 JASSM. The two test missiles were released from B-1B bombers and flew to targets at the White Sands missile range in New Mexico. The tests focused on the weapon’s
TransAsia orders A330s and A321s
Taiwanese carrier TransAsia has ordered two Airbus A330-300s and six Airbus A321s. The A330s are the first widebodied airliners ordered by the airline. They will be employed mainly on regional routes while the A321s will be for use between the island and the Chinese mainland.
Heliwest wins PNG & WA contracts
Perth based Heliwest has won a contract with telecommunications operator Digicell to support the construction of mobile phone towers in Papua New Guinea. Heliwest says its partner company, Helifix, “will provide skills transfer, training of PNG helicopter pilots and join Digicel in opening up opportunities for local employment.” “The installation of communication towers across a
