The Royal Australian Navy’s Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU), part of Defence’s aircraft test and evaluation capabilities, is preparing to conduct no fewer than seven first of class flight trials (FoCFT) before September. In January, the Unit will embark on HMAS Melbourne to start the MH-60R Seahawk Romeo’s FoCFT in the Adelaide class
Pilatus Aircraft has announced the signing of three PC-21 pilot training aircraft orders, together worth the equivalent of more than $400 million. The French Air Force is set to receive 17 of the aircraft, which will be used to train future military pilots, and two are destined for the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Meanwhile, QinetiQ
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have been upgraded with the final iteration of the aircraft’s Block 3i interim software release, the Department of Defence has confirmed. “The two Australian F-35A have been loaded with the final release of Block 3i (3iP6) during September 2016,” a
A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A has dropped a weapon for the first time after the aircraft was upgraded with its initial combat-capable software load. Images dated December 13 and released on the Department of Defence’s website show F-35A A35-002 carrying a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb in its starboard side internal weapons bay. “The 500lb Paveway II laser-guided bomb,
Boeing’s contender for the US Air Force’s T-X trainer program has completed its first flight. The maiden flight lasted 55 minutes with lead T-X test pilot Steven Schmidt at the controls and Chief Pilot for Air Force Programs Dan Draeger in the instructor’s seat. Schmidt said the aircraft met all expectations. “I’ve been a part
Applications have opened for two scholarships to support female pilots that are either seeking to complete the navigation component of a private or commercial pilot licence, or to gain a formation or aerobatic endorsement. Both of the scholarships are being offered by the Australian Women Pilots’ Association, and are sponsored by the Royal Australian Air
