The World of Aviation

The sixth F-35 JSF development aircraft made its first flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility on April 7. The aircraft, an F-35B dubbed BF-4, is the first of the planned 20 development aircraft to be fitted with a mission system and sensor suite, and Block 0.5 flight software. Sensors fitted include an APG-81 AESA

Virgin Blue and Virgin America have signed an agreement which will allow access from each carrier’s loyalty programs, as well as a cabin crew exchange program between the two carriers. As a result, Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem points on Virgin America services, while members of that airline’s Elevate program will

Evergreen International Airlines has launched a US$175m (A$189m) lawsuit against Boeing after the aircraft manufacturer contracted Atlas Air to operate its four 747 Dreamlifter aircraft. Evergreen has filed the suit in the federal court in Seattle, alleging bad faith and breach of contract, after Boeing gave notice to Oregon based Evergreen that it would switch

The second Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Texan II production representative test vehicle (PRTV) has made its first flight fitted with a new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-68D engine with 1600shp (1195kW). The aircraft is a structurally strengthened version of the popular T-6B advanced trainer, developed specifically to meet a growing requirement in the US and

The Obama administration released its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on April 6 which is designed to reduce the number and types of nuclear weapons in the US arsenal. The review will see the US continue to strengthen its conventional capabilities and reduce the role of its nuclear weapons in deterring non-nuclear attacks, with the administration saying

Speculation is mounting that Embraer is looking at developing an aircraft larger than the E-195 after the Brazilian manufacturer announced a reshuffle of its executive management team. The biggest change is the appointment of Mauro Kern, who was previously the company’s executive vice president, airline market, to the new role of executive vice president, new