The Boeing EA-18G Growler has completed its first combat deployment for the US Navy, with EA-18Gs from electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 returning home from operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf on July 9. Returning to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island last week, VAQ-132 completed an eight month deployment which saw the aircraft participate in
A new type of C-130 Hercules simulator is set give aircraft loadmasters exposure to realistic combat environments, with the RAAF’s introduction of the Hercules Observer Trainer (HOT) on June 29. Originally developed by Defence Research and Development Canada, the approximately $1 million HOT system will provide 37SQN C-130 loadmasters based at RAAF Richmond with a
Up to seven RAAF F/A-18 Hornets have begun their participation in this year’s Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11-2, a multinational air combat training exercise designed to test the skills of pilots and ground crew personnel in a realistic, combat environment. Based at Alaska’s Eielson Air Force Base, Red Flag Alaska will see Hornets from RAAF
The US Army has taken delivery of its 300th Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, following on from the delivery of the 200th aircraft in July last year. In service with the US Army since 2006, the UH-60M features airframe, avionics and engine improvements. According to Sikorsky, over 900 UH-60Ms are expected to be delivered to
Airbus Military has finalised a strategic collaboration agreement with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), aimed at providing support to the Indonesian aerospace industry. Signed on July 6, the agreement follows on from a MoU signed between both parties in Feburary, and will initiate the first phase of the program, with Airbus Military to support PTDI in
An Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) for the RAF has completed its first contacts with a Tornado as part of a program to formally qualify the Tornado to refuel from the FSTA in operational service. The two aircraft performed a series of dry contacts near RAF Boscombe Down over late June/early
