USAF to test RAAF top fighter pilots
A brace of USAF F-16 fighters has arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown to participate in the RAAF’s Fighter Combat Instructors’ (FCI) course. The aircraft, which are based at Eielson AFB in Alaska, are painted in dissimilar combat markings and its pilots are trained to mimic those tactics used by potential adversaries. Commander Air Combat Group
Asia Pacific passenger numbers up 7.1 per cent in 2012
Asia Pacific airports recorded an impressive 7.1 per cent increase in passenger throughput during 2012. Beijing was the busiest airport in the region, handling more than 81 million passengers, followed by Tokyo Haneda with 67 million. According to the figures released by the Airports Council International (ACI), many airports in the Asia Pacific region recorded
Mixed signs for GA rebound
Strong demand for helicopters and agricultural aircraft drove a slight increase in total shipments of new general aviation aircraft in 2012 according to figures recently released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). International deliveries increasingly outpaced shipments to domestic customers signifying differences in the economic strength of the US domestic and overseas markets. Shipments
First production model F-35C takes flight
The first production model F-35C carrier variant – CF-6 – has made its maiden flight. On delivery later this year the aircraft will be assigned to the US Navy fighter attack squadron 101 based at Eglin Air Force base in Florida. The unit will serve as the fleet replacement squadron training navy F-35C pilots and
First LHD named ‘Canberra’
The first of two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships was officially named NUSHIP Canberra in a traditional Navy ceremony at BAE Systems’ Williamstown, Victoria yards. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, as well as CDF GEN David Hurley, Chief of Navy VADM Ray Griggs, and
Airbus reverts to Ni-Cad batteries for A350
In the face of ongoing uncertainty about the fitness of lithium-ion batteries for use in commercial aircraft, Airbus has announced it has decided it will install traditional nickel cadmium batteries in the A350. Calling it its “Plan B”, Airbus said the unresolved issues surrounding the 787 lithium-ion battery incidents have caused the manufacturer to take
