Airbus Military is confident its work with the RAAF will lead to initial operating capability of the KC-30A’s refueling boom in 2014, adding that final operating capability for probe and drogue refueling was expected in the new year. Senior representatives from Airbus Military were in Australia recently to discuss progress on the boom and other
The eventual retirement of the RNZAF’s C-130Hs will see Airbus Military pitch the A400M and newly-launched C295W to the New Zealand government. Announced at its annual briefing to trade media, Airbus Military said while it views New Zealand as a longer-term proposition, it is confident the two aircraft could fill the gap to be left
Airbus Military has launched a significantly-improved performance version of the C295 tactical transport aircraft. The C295W – the ‘W’ signifying the addition of winglets – will offer a one tonne increase in payload, 10 per cent greater range and a 30-minute increase in time-on-station for surveillance models from fuel savings of up to six per
The second production Airbus Military A400M has successfully completed its first engine runs as it begins final preparation for its maiden flight later this month. The aircraft – MSN8 – is now undergoing taxying trials outside the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain. Airbus Military expects to complete four A400M aircraft in 2013 and will
The US Pentagon has reported it expects a US$4.5 billion saving in the cost of acquiring its planned fleet of 2,443 F-35s, equating to a one per cent drop from the earlier projected US$395.7 billion to US$391.2 billion. Lockheed Martin said it would continue to work with defence officials to drive the cost of the
With the rising proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Australia set to order the Triton, The Williams Foundation is conducting a timely enquiry into the topic: Protecting Australia with Drones: Cheaper? Better? Smarter? Safer? The enquiry will canvass the broad scope of issues surrounding the deployment of UAVs in civil and military use in
