The World of Aviation

The RAN’s NUSQN725 MH-60R Romeo Seahawk training unit embedded with US Navy training squadrons at NAS Jacksonville in Florida has started dipping sonar operations. The unit has received, installed and calibrated its first Airborne Low Frequency Sonar System (ALFS), and has been conducting trials in an exercise area off the Florida coast. The ALFS comprises the

United Airlines has announced it will increase the frequency of its forthcoming direct Melbourne-Los Angeles Boeing 787-9 flights to daily from March 12 next year. In February the US carrier announced that it would operate new non-stop MEL-LAX flights six days a week from October 28 using the 787-9. Currently, United operates a daily to Melbourne from

Northrop Grumman has announced it has set up a collaboration effort with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University to study the airworthiness requirements for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Australia. The collaboration involves developing solutions for safely and efficiently operating UAS in all airspace environments with a particular focus on larger systems

The US State department has approved the sale of the Raytheon AIM-9X infra-red air-to-air missile to Australia. The request submitted by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and valued at $US534m (A$568m) is for “up to” 350 AIM-9X missiles, and also includes training and captive missiles, tactical guidance units, test sets and support equipment,

The US State department has approved the sale of 24 Beechcraft AT-6C Texan II light attack aircraft to Iraq. The sale, valued at US$790m (A$841m) includes the aircraft as well as a package of two spare P&WC PT-6A-68 engines, ALE-47 Counter-Measure Dispensing Systems, AAR-47 Missile Launch Detection Systems, spare and repair parts, maintenance and support

Qantas will offer its Boeing 767 and 747 pilots voluntary redundancy as the airline retires older aircraft from its fleet. The Australian and International Pilots Association, which represents Qantas pilots, says it will seek a “fair and reasonable” redundancy package for those affected. “AIPA is now negotiating with the company to ensure the voluntary redundancies