The World of Aviation

Defence has signed a new three year, $136 million contract with Qantas Defence Services for maintenance and support of the RAAF’s 12 C-130H Hercules. “Qantas Defence Services has maintained Australia’s 12 strong C-130H Hercules fleet since 1999, demonstrating that local companies can deliver quality work and value for money,” Minister for Defence Materiel and Science,

Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to demonstrate an autonomous air-to-air refuelling capability from one Global Hawk to another. Dubbed KQ-X, the demonstration will see two Block 10 Global Hawks which are operated by NASA fly in close formation, with one feeding fuel to the

Northrop Grumman has delivered the first set of instructional courseware for F-35 pilots and maintainers on schedule. The material includes presentation material for classroom flying and maintenance instructors, and self-study materials. “Training systems courseware provides the fundamental framework for teaching pilots and aircraft maintainers how to prepare for the F-35 mission or maintenance scenarios they’re

The Australia Aviation Associations Forum, which represents a number of local industry bodies, has condemned the move by the federal government to increase taxation on aviation fuel, which it says could cost the industry in excess of $20 million per year. “The surprise announcement of a 25 per cent increase in fuel tax in the

Boeing has confirmed that Air China has placed an order for 20 737-800s. The aircraft will be used to expand its domestic routes.

The South Australian Aviation Museum has launched an appeal to raise funds to keep Jon Johanson’s record breaking RV-4 aircraft in Australia. The homebuilt flew around the world in both directions and across both Polar regions, and is under threat of being sold to the USA unless an appeal to buy the aircraft is successful.