F-35A development aircraft AF-01 and AF-02 have flown from Lockheed Martin’s Forth Worth factory in Texas nonstop to Edwards AFB in California to commence flight test operations with the USAF. The two aircraft are the first of eight to be eventually based at Edwards for propulsion, aerial refuelling, logistical support, weapons integration and flight envelope
The US House Armed Services Committee has added funding for the GE/RR F136 engine for the JSF program to the FY011 US defence budget after funding was omitted by the Pentagon, the fifth year in a row this has been done. The US$485m (A$553m) in funds would allow development of the F136 engine to continue.
The Navy’s three AgustaWestland A109 Power helicopters provided under the Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) by Raytheon Australia achieved 1500 hours over the last contract year. The milestone was recognised by Raytheon Australia’s managing director, Michael Ward, on May 13. “From its inception this program has characterised everything we are about as a company –
The US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ceded to Pentagon advice and Congressional support and has approved a multi-year buy of 124 F/A-18E/F/G Super Hornets for the US Navy. The contract, expected to be awarded in the near future, will reportedly see the aircraft acquired for at least 10 per cent less per unit, or
Airservices Australia and the RAAF have signed a Joint Operational Concept to develop and implement harmonised civil and military air traffic management systems, which also promises to save millions of dollars. Under the agreement, the two organisations will align procurement processes on a range of air navigation and air traffic control systems to replace ageing
Jane’s Industry Quarterly has forecast that there will be increased merger and acquisition activity within Australia’s defence industry as a result of the government’s Defence White Paper and the continued appetite of international firms to bid for Australian contracts. “M&A activity stalled in 2009 as investors waited on the sidelines while Australia set out its
