Northrop Grumman re-states KC-X pullout threat
Northrop Grumman has re-stated its threat to not bid its A330 based KC-30 for the USAF’s troubled KC-X tanker program unless significant changes are made to the RFP conditions, according to a report by Reuters. In a letter dated December 1 and sent to Ashton Carter, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, Air
P-8 testbed receives APY-10 radar
The first Boeing P-8A Poseidon systems testbed has been fitted with its Raytheon APY-10 maritime radar at Boeing Field in Seattle. The aircraft, dubbed T-2, the P-8 program’s primary mission system test aircraft, will test and verify the APY-10’s and other systems’ performance starting in 2010.
A400M costs to rise 40 per cent
Costs for the troubled Airbus A400M military transport program could rise by as much as 37 per cent, according to French newspaper Les Echos. Already delayed more than three years due to technical and industrial difficulties, a report from auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers says the seven original partner nations are now faced with an increase in
India grounds Su-30s after crash
India has grounded its fleet of about 100 Su-30 and Su-30MKI strike fighters for the second time this year for inspections following a crash caused by an apparent engine fire. The crash, which occurred on November 30, is the second this year following an incident on April 30 in which a pilot was killed. Both
Phenom 300 certified
Embraer’s Phenom 300 light business jet has been certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority. “We are very happy to announce that the Phenom 300 has not only met all original specification targets, but has also surpassed many performance goals,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Jets executive vice president in a December 3 statement.
Qantas commences RNP trials in Melbourne
Qantas commenced trials of RNP (Required Navigation Performance) procedures at Melbourne Airport on December 3, which it believes will help cut the environmental impact of its flights. “RNP utilises GPS technology that allows pilots to optimise flight approach and departure tracks,” explained Qantas group executive government and corporate affairs David Epstein. “This results in shorter
