August 17, 2012 Military Aviation News

Female pilots trained for new fighter jet

08/17/2012

A group of Chinese female pilots have recently made their first solo flights in the J-10 combat aircraft, becoming the first female air force pilots capable of flying the multirole aircraft - the country's most advanced fighter jet. The five female pilots completed solo flights and missions navigating the J-10 on July 29 and 30, the PLA Daily reported on Wednesday.

Canadians work with Americans on Pacific military exercise

08/17/2012

Residents of the Comox Valley are familiar with various military aircraft passing overhead and perhaps wonder what roles they play in Canada’s air defence or rescue capability. Recently I had the opportunity to observe one aspect of their role. I was permitted to fly on one of the CC 130 Hercules tankers out of Winnipeg Squadron 435, used to refuel other aircraft while in flight, as part of the biannual RIMPAC Exercise 2012 in Hawaii.

Replacement Snowbirds aircraft to cost $755 million

08/17/2012

The Canadian Forces is planning to spend $755 million on a new fleet of aircraft for its Snowbirds aerobatics team, according to documents obtained by the Citizen. The Snowbirds will need new planes by 2020 and the Royal Canadian Air Force is now examining various options.

Syrian Rebels Step Up Efforts to Get Anti-Aircraft Missiles

08/17/2012

Syrian rebels are redoubling their efforts to acquire portable anti-aircraft missiles following government airstrikes on cities and towns in the north of the country.In the latest such strike, a Syrian Air Force jet bombed the rebel-held town of Azaz near the Turkish border, killing at least 50 people and wounding more than 100.Rebel commanders and activists say their buyers are now scouring the arms black markets in the region to get the shoulder-fired missiles that can counter the government.

Russian Mi-28 Helicopter Gunship Crashes

08/17/2012

A Russian Army Mil Mi-28N, one of the force's newest machines, crashed on Thursday at its base in Mozdok, North Ossetia. The two-man crew was not injured according to preliminary information. "An Mi-28N made a heavy landing while on a training flight," a source in the Southern Military District said. "The crew was not hurt and neither was anyone on the ground. The cause is being investigated."

Boeing Marks 50 Years of Delivering Chinook Helicopters

08/17/2012

As Boeing marks the 50th anniversary of delivering the first H-47 Chinook military helicopter, the company is nearing completion of a $130 million renovation of its production line near Philadelphia that will help it meet global demand for the latest model, the CH-47F.

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