The World of Aviation

Australia’s upcoming Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) has moved a step closer to completion, after the first ship’s hull was launched at Ferrol Dockyard, Spain. The launch ceremony was attended by RAN Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Russ Crane, Agent-General for Victoria Sally Capp and various other Australian and Spanish dignitaries. Vice-Admiral Crane also attended the keel

CAE Australia has announced the completion of a major upgrade to the Australian Army’s S-70A Black Hawk Full Flight and Mission Simulator (FFMS). With CAE’s upgrade, the Black Hawk FFMS now includes an electronic warfare package featuring new missile warning systems and sensors, as well as a countermeasures dispensing system. Visual upgrades were also recently

International light aircraft pilot register Earthrounders has recognised GippasAero’s GA8 TC Airvan, after the aircraft successfully circumnavigated the globe last year for charity. Piloted by Ken evers and Tim Pryse, the Airvan had undertaken the flight to raise funds for malaria awareness, and so has become the first Australian designed and manufactured aircraft to be

The US Navy has deployed its new EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft for the first time, Boeing has announced. The EA-18G, a derivate of the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet, will replace the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler, and features a full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced the successful completion of a key wind tunnel test of a model of its Sea Avenger UAS. GA-ASI claims the test “validated the low-speed characteristics of a new wing, resulting in higher endurance and lower approach speeds” for the Sea Avenger, which is designed to meet the US

A 20 per cent growth in international visitor numbers from China will see Air New Zealand add two more direct flights each week between Auckland, Beijing and Shanghai. Subject to government and landing slot approval, the airline will add an extra Tuesday Auckland-Beijing return service from December 6, and an additional Sunday Auckland-Shanghai return service