The CTOL F-35A variant of the Joint Strike Fighter has completed its first weapons release of an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. F-35A AF-1 flown by Maj Matthew Phillips jettisoned the instrumented AIM-120 over the China Lake test range from an internal weapons bay on October 19. It was the second in-flight weapons release in three days for
Wichita-based Hawker Beechcraft plans to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the first quarter of 2013 as a standalone company after a potential deal with Chinese partner Superior Aviation Beijing Co fell through. The two companies failed to agree terms. The future focus for Hawker Beechcraft will remain on high performance single and twin engine
Boeing and Korea’s Samsung have agreed to conduct joint research and development on inflight entertainment and communications systems. The companies will initially start development of lighter weight advanced displays and wireless networking that offer more capabilities for onboard entertainment and air-to-ground communication. The memorandum of understanding is seen as an initial step towards greater cooperation.
The 10 metre vertical tail plane of the first flyable A350 has been painted up at the manufacturer’s facility in Germany. This is the first component of the A350 to be painted in Airbus’s distinctive livery, using environmentally-friendly, chromate-free primer paint. Mating of the fuselage components will be complete by the end of November, with
Shell has launched its VIP JET dedicated refuelling service for fixed and rotary wing corporate and business aircraft customers at Sydney, Brisbane and Perth Airports, aimed at reducing turnaound times. Pilots and flight operations departments can phone the VIP JET service 30 minutes prior to landing to ensure their aircraft is met on the tarmac
Resource charter FIFO operator Alliance Airlines has used its annual general meeting to flag plans to continue expanding its aircraft fleet. “Despite the current economic environment your company continues to experience growth and this will result in the need to acquire further aircraft,” chairman Steve Padgett said. “The Board are continuing to review appropriate funding
