Aviation Articles

Divested B-1B to become ground integration lab at Edwards AFB

The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center revealed on March 8 that a recently retired B-1B Lancer will become the new Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL) at Edwards AFB in California

US approves Japan’s $23bn F-35 purchase

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 105 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters to Japan.

Safran to support Dutch Cougar engines

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has signed a multi-year contract with Safran Helicopter Engines to provide engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for its AS532U2 Cougar utility helicopter fleet.

Gripen E/F parts production begins in Brazil

Saab announced that parts production of its Gripen E/F multi-role fighter has started at its new sub-assembly facility in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, on July 7.

US approves French E-2D acquisition

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of three Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and associated equipment to France.

Third KC-390 for Brazil

A third Embraer KC-390 Millennium medium-lift tactical transport has been handed over to the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB, Brazilian Air Force).

US Navy begins TH-73A instructor pilot training

The first two instructor pilots from the US Navy’s Training Air Wing 5 (TAW 5) have arrived at Leonardo’s production facility in Philadelphia to train on the new TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).

New countermeasures for USAF AC-130J, MC-130J

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has been contracted to develop and deliver new radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM) systems for the US Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) AC-130J and MC-130J fleets.

Eielson AFB doubles F-35A fleet

The number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) has doubled, following the arrival of three more examples at the Alaskan base on June 25.

Indonesian MV-22 purchase gets green light

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of eight Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia.