The World of Aviation

Sikorsky’s X2 Technology demonstrator team has won the 2010 Robert J Collier Trophy, six months after the X2 demonstrator set an unofficial speed record of 250kt. Sikorsky president Jeffrey P Pino said receiving the trophy was a “tremendous honour” for the company, recognising the “hard work, dedication, skill and vision of many people”. “Sikorsky has

The USAF has utilised a Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk over earthquake and tsunami stricken Japan, collecting data and imagery to assist with Japanese disaster relief efforts. Bloomberg reports that the Guam based UAV has been flying aerial surveillance missions over earthquake and tsunami affected parts of Japan, with the Global Hawk’s recorded imagery set

Boeing has announced the appointment of Jack Jones to become vice president and general manager of the company’s South Carolina facilities. The 31-year Boeing veteran will assume overall responsibility for Boeing South Carolina, where its facilities currently fabricate, assemble and install systems for the aft fuselage sections of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and joins and

Virgin Blue Group has announced increases to both its fares and international fuel surcharges, due to rising fuel prices, with effect from March 21. “Oil prices are reaching increasingly high levels, with the average price of Singapore Jet Fuel rising by around 50 per cent since September 2010, from US$88 a barrel to US$131”, Virgin

The US military has grounded its entire fleet of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, after a dual generator failure and oil leak on test aircraft AF-4 last Friday (March 11). Reuters and DoD Buzz report that the F-35A was completing a flight test at Edwards Air Force base when the mishap occurred, with the

Boeing has announced the completion of final gauntlet testing for its first 747-8 Intercontinental jetliner, a crucial step toward the aircraft’s first flight. Finishing an extensive two-day period of evaluation on late Sunday (March 13), the gauntlet test simulated flight conditions to test systems and ensure flight readiness. First flight of the 747-8I will occur