November 2011 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Switzerland opt for Saab's Gripen fighter jets to replace F-5 3011111

Switzerland opt for Saab's Gripen fighter jets to replace F-5
 

Switzerland has chosen to replace its F-5 fighter jet fleet with Swedish defence and aerospace group Saab's JAS-39 Gripen, Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources close to the government. Switzerland has decided against buying the Dassault Rafale or Eurofighter. While the Rafale is the only aircraft that has exceeded the Swiss Air Force minimum requirements, the Gripen was the cheapest offer and therefore was selected by the Federal Council.

Switzerland has chosen to replace its F-5 fighter jet fleet with Swedish defence and aerospace group Saab's JAS-39 Gripen, Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources close to the government. Switzerland has decided against buying the Dassault Rafale or Eurofighter. While the Rafale is the only aircraft that has exceeded the Swiss Air Force minimum requirements, the Gripen was the cheapest offer and therefore was selected by the Federal Council.
 

Increased Test Productivity Lifts Off With First Flight of Second Northrop Grumman-Built X-47B 2811111

Increased Test Productivity Lifts Off With First Flight of Second Northrop Grumman-Built X-47B
 

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Navy will be able to increase the pace and productivity of the X-47B flight test program following the successful first flight Nov. 22 of the second air vehicle developed for the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Navy will be able to increase the pace and productivity of the X-47B flight test program following the successful first flight Nov. 22 of the second air vehicle developed for the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.
 

Eurocopter delivers the first of six EC145s ordered by Kazakh Ministries of Defense and Emergencies 2611111

Eurocopter delivers the first of six EC145s ordered by Kazakh Ministries of Defense and Emergencies
 

Eurocopter delivered the first of six EC145s ordered to date by the Kazakh Ministries of Defense and Emergencies. A total of 45 of the helicopters are to be purchased, and will be assembled by the new joint venture Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering, in which Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering have a 50/50 share.

Eurocopter delivered the first of six EC145s ordered to date by the Kazakh Ministries of Defense and Emergencies. A total of 45 of the helicopters are to be purchased, and will be assembled by the new joint venture Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering, in which Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering have a 50/50 share.
 

Arab states with the support of Turkish warplanes and U.S. logistic ready for no-fly zone in Syria 2511111

Arab states with the support of Turkish warplanes and U.S. logistic ready for no-fly zone in Syria
 

Arab states are reportedly set to impose a no-fly zone over Syria with US logistical support and Turkish warplanes. But as the drive to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on “humanitarian grounds” continues, the Libyan scenario seems to be repeating itself.

Arab states are reportedly set to impose a no-fly zone over Syria with US logistical support and Turkish warplanes. But as the drive to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on “humanitarian grounds” continues, the Libyan scenario seems to be repeating itself.
 

The first F-35 stealth fighter aircraft is expected to arrive in Israel in 2015 2411112

The first F-35 stealth fighter aircraft is expected to arrive in Israel in 2015
 

The F-35 fighter aircraft will be based at the IAF's Nevatim Airbase in the Negev, the IAF commander has determined. The deal to acquire the F-35 was signed in the last year and the planes are expected to arrive in Israel in the next few years.

The F-35 fighter aircraft will be based at the IAF's Nevatim Airbase in the Negev, the IAF commander has determined. The deal to acquire the F-35 was signed in the last year and the planes are expected to arrive in Israel in the next few years.
 

India aicraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics unveils project new FGFA Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft 2411111

India aicraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics unveils FGFA Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
 

Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics published a few promising fighter specifications FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft), created in cooperation with Russia on the basis of combat aircraft T-50 (PAK FA). According to the description, the Indian version of the aircraft will be network-centric and will act in a group with other FGFA even in areas with "poor communication".

Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics published a few promising fighter specifications FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft), created in cooperation with Russia on the basis of combat aircraft T-50 (PAK FA). According to the description, the Indian version of the aircraft will be network-centric and will act in a group with other FGFA even in areas with "poor communication".
 

Lockheed Martin completes assembly of the first international fighter F-35 BK-1 for United Kingdom 2211114

Lockheed Martin completes assembly of the first international fighter F-35 BK-1 for United Kingdom
 

The first international Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35 Lightning II rolled out of the factory Sunday evening. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence will use the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet, known as BK-1, for training and operational tests.

The first international Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35 Lightning II rolled out of the factory Sunday evening. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence will use the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet, known as BK-1, for training and operational tests.
 

Russian Air Force take delivery of about 90 modernized aircraft and helicopters in 2012 2211113

Russian Air Force take delivery of about 90 modernized aircraft and helicopters in 2012
 

The Russian Air Force will take delivery of about 90 new of modernized fixed and rotary wing aircraft in 2012, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

The Russian Air Force will take delivery of about 90 new of modernized fixed and rotary wing aircraft in 2012, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.
 

Sukhoi Company adds the third T-50 PAK FA fighter aicraft prototype to flight tests program 2211112

Sukhoi Company adds the third T-50 PAK FA fighter aicraft prototype to flight tests program
 

Today the first flight of the 3-rd prototype of the fifth generation aviation complex (PAK FA) took place in Sukhoi’s KnAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The plane was piloted by distinguished test pilot of the Russian Federation, the Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan.

Today the first flight of the 3-rd prototype of the Russian fifth generation aviation complex (PAK FA) took place in Sukhoi’s KnAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The plane was piloted by distinguished test pilot of the Russian Federation, the Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan.
 

Fifth-generation Chinese stealth fighter aircraft J-20 conducts new test flight in southwest of China 2211111

Fifth-generation Chinese stealth fighter aircraft J-20 conducts new test flight in southwest of China
 

The Chinese Press Agency Xinhuanet unveils new pictures which show latest test flight of the new generation of stealth fighter aicraft J-20 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, November 21, 2011.
 

British Tranche 2 Typhoon aicraft in unfamiliar conditions during exercise Bersama in Malaysia 2111113

British Tranche 2 Typhoon aicraft in unfamiliar conditions during exercise Bersama in Malaysia
 

Pilots and ground crew from Number 6 Squadron have gained priceless experience in operating the Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft in unfamiliar conditions during Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia. This was the first overseas deployment of Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft and the first deployment of 6 Squadron since it reformed at RAF Leuchars in September 2010.

Pilots and ground crew from Number 6 Squadron have gained priceless experience in operating the Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft in unfamiliar conditions during Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia. This was the first overseas deployment of Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft and the first deployment of 6 Squadron since it reformed at RAF Leuchars in September 2010.
 

Chinese fighter aircraft spotted with the new next generation of AAM air-to-air missile PL10 2111112

Chinese fighter aircraft spotted with the new next generation of AAM air-to-air missile PL10
 

A Chinese fighter aicraft J-11B was spotted for the first time with a new generation of air-to-air missile AAM PL10.

A Chinese fighter aicraft J-11B was spotted for the first time with a new generation of air-to-air missile AAM PL10.
 

French Air Force will sign a contract for new Multi-Role Tanker Transports aircraft A330 in 2013 2111111

French Air Force will sign a contract for new Multi-Role Tanker Transports aircraft A330 in 2013
 

The French Air Force will sign a contract for between five and seven A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports in 2013, with quick deliveries foreseen, according to its commander General Jean-Paul Palomeros. Budget difficulties thwarted earlier French attempts to procure a new tanker.

The French Air Force will sign a contract for between five and seven Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports in 2013, with quick deliveries foreseen, according to its commander General Jean-Paul Palomeros. Budget difficulties thwarted earlier French attempts to procure a new tanker.
 

Acceptance of the first T-346A advanced fighter trainer aicraft for the Italian Air Force completed 2011112

Acceptance of the first T-346A advanced fighter trainer aicraft for the Italian Air Force completed
 

The General Directorate of Air Armaments (DGAA) in Rome was the venue for the acceptance ceremony for the T-346A, the first aircraft of the M-346 series, built by Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica company).
 

Gulfstream G650 plane has received its provisional certificate from Federal Aviation Administration 2011111

Gulfstream G650 plane has received its provisional certificate from Federal Aviation Administration
 

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the Gulfstream G650 has received its provisional type certificate (PTC) from the Federal Aviation Administration. This clears the way for the company to begin interior completions of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet in preparation for customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012, as originally planned.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the Gulfstream G650 has received its provisional type certificate (PTC) from the Federal Aviation Administration. This clears the way for the company to begin interior completions of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet in preparation for customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012, as originally planned.
 

Ghana Air Force has taken the delivery of the first of two Airbus C295 military transport aircraft 1911113

Ghana Air Force has taken the delivery of the first of two Airbus C295 military transport aircraft
 

The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of the first of two C295 aircraft that it ordered from Airbus Military. The second aircraft will be delivered in the first quarter of 2012.

The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of the first of two C295 aircraft that it ordered from Airbus Military. The second aircraft will be delivered in the first quarter of 2012.
 

Air Force of India approves the purchase for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aicraft 1911112

Air Force of India approves the purchase for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aicraft.
 

The Indian Finance Ministry has cleared the deal for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft. The deal is worth $565-million (Rs 2,900-crore). "The deal will be presented to the Cabinet next week for final clearance. Contract signature will follow soon after," Browne said.

The Indian Finance Ministry has cleared the deal for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft. The deal is worth $565-million (Rs 2,900-crore). "The deal will be presented to the Cabinet next week for final clearance. Contract signature will follow soon after," Browne said.
 

Italian prototype trainer aicraft M346 has crashed near Dubai during the Air Show 2011 1911111

Italian prototype trainer aicraft M346 has crashed near Dubai during the Air Show 2011
 

An Italian prototype trainer aicraft M346 crashed November 17, 2011, off Dubai's coast on its way home after taking part in the Dubai Airshow 2011, aviation sources said. Alenia Aermacchi, which owns the trainer M-346, confirmed that the plane crashed and that its crew of two pilots ejected before the aircraft went down.

An Italian prototype trainer aicraft M346 crashed November 17, 2011, off Dubai's coast on its way home after taking part in the Dubai Airshow 2011, aviation sources said. Alenia Aermacchi, which owns the trainer M-346, confirmed that the plane crashed and that its crew of two pilots ejected before the aircraft went down.
 

Patria delivers first modernised Hawk Mk 66 trainer aicraft to the Finnish Air Force 1811115

Patria delivers first modernised Hawk Mk 66 trainer aicraft to the Finnish Air Force
 

In a recent handover ceremony in Kauhava, Patria delivered the first of a series of modified, ultramodern twin-seat Hawk Mk 66 aircraft to the Finnish Air Force. Working closely with the Finnish Air Force, Patria has assumed responsibility for the specification, design and implementation of all system integration for the modernisation project, which will span three years.

In a recent handover ceremony in Kauhava, Patria delivered the first of a series of modified, ultramodern twin-seat Hawk Mk 66 aircraft to the Finnish Air Force. Working closely with the Finnish Air Force, Patria has assumed responsibility for the specification, design and implementation of all system integration for the modernisation project, which will span three years.
 

United States Announces Successful Test of Army Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Concept 1811114

United States Announces Successful Test of Army Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Concept
 

Today the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command conducted the first test flight of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept. At 6:30 a.m. EST (1:30 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Time), a first-of-its-kind glide vehicle, designed to fly within the earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speed and long range, was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii to the Reagan Test Site, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll.

Today the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command conducted the first test flight of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept. At 6:30 a.m. EST (1:30 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Time), a first-of-its-kind glide vehicle, designed to fly within the earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speed and long range, was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii to the Reagan Test Site, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll.
 

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