Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Typhoon debut in Libyan strikes

03/26/2011

As British officials this week claimed the defeat of Libyan air defenses, the aircraft prided to have contributed most to that success include the Rafale, Mirage 200, Tornado and F-16. Other aircraft noted to have contributed to successful air runs against the military assets of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi include the F-15, F-18, B-2 and Harrier jump jets.

Qatar fighter jet flies mission over Libya, first Arab nation to join no-fly zone against Khadafy

03/26/2011

A Qatar fighter pilot, in a strong and symbolic show of military support, became the first from any Arab nation to fly a combat mission over Libya Friday.

Ground operation in Libya could start in April - Russian intelligence

03/26/2011

The international coalition force is planning a ground operation in Libya that could start in late April, a high-ranking Russian intelligence service source said on Friday.

Britain's first female Typhoon pilot in action over Libya

03/25/2011

A female pilot in Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) has become the first woman to fly a Typhoon fighter aircraft on a combat mission during the current enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya, British media reports said Thursday.

Coalition continues to defend Libyan civilians

03/25/2011

Coalition forces continue to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, striking air defense capabilities and regime forces that threaten Libyan civilians, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney said here March 24.

Britain to deploy fighter aircraft for Libya mission

03/25/2011

Britain pushed ahead Friday with preparations to take a key role in an international military operation to enforce the UN Security Council's resolution on Libya, regardless of the ceasefire announced by the regime of Moamer al-Gaddafi, dpa reported.

Avic Engine Unit Seeks Western Workers

03/25/2011

The drive to enlist foreign staff, in part focusing on experienced workers, is another manifestation of Chinese industry’s ability to wield national resources and the lure of market access in its quest for the knowledge it needs to rapidly catch up with Western aerospace leaders.

Turkey defers purchase of F-35 jets

03/25/2011

Turkey has postponed the purchase of 100 US-made F-35 warplanes in objection to the American's refusal to share the aircraft's technology.

Libya: coalition steps up attacks but Gaddafi tanks still in Misurata

03/25/2011

Coalition forces have intensified their attacks in Libya but have been unable to prevent Col Muammar Gaddafi's tanks entering the key town of Misurata, it was reported on Thursday evening.

First Libyan jet destroyed by French air force

03/25/2011

French officials said that a Rafale fighter jet had fired on the Libyan aircraft after a coalition AWACS surveillance plane detected that it was violating the no-fly zone by flying above the city of Misrata, the scene of fierce fighting for more than a week. The missile hit the warplane shortly after it had landed at the city's airport.

NATO to take control of military operation in Libya

03/25/2011

NATO will take over control of military operations to ensure a no-fly zone in Libya early next week, diplomatic sources in Brussels said on Thursday.

The Qatar Armed Forces Order Three EMS-Configured AW139s

03/24/2011

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Qatar Armed Forces have signed a contract for three AW139 medium twin helicopters plus a comprehensive logistics support package. These aircraft will be operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force to perform emergency medical service missions.

New contract for AERO Vodochody worth several million Euros

03/24/2011

Aero Vodochody received business worth several million Euros from Swedish company SAAB Aeronautics for production of pylons for Swedish and Thai air forces.

NATO Coalition Attack Hits Libyan Air Defenses

03/24/2011

Last night the joint task force ‘Odyssey Dawn’, comprising U.S. Navy and Royal Navy surface ships and submarines launched a massive attack on Libya, firing 112 Tomahawk sea-launched cruise missiles. The missiles were fired from U.S. and British attack submarines and U.S. Navy surface ships. An airstrike with Storm Shadow cruise missiles was also launched by RAF Tornado GR4, flying straight from Marham airbase in the U.K., a 3,000 mile return flight. The attack targeted about 20 radar and anti-ai

U.S. jet crew safe after crash in Libya

03/24/2011

U.S. forces safely recovered the two-man crew of an American fighter jet after it crashed during a mission against a missile site in eastern Libya, Pentagon officials said Tuesday.

Family Members Charged In Conspiracy To Export Fighter Jet Engines To Iran

03/24/2011

Miami’s U.S. Attorney announced that four family members were charged in a five-count indictment alleging they illegally attempted to export 22 F-5 jet fighter engines to Iran, violating sanctions.

Libya no-fly zone leadership squabbles continue within Nato

03/24/2011

A flotilla of warships has begun patrolling the Mediterranean under Nato command to block attempts by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to replenish his combat forces with arms and mercenaries. But the attempt at a Nato show of unity in policing a UN arms embargo was undermined by a third day of squabbling at alliance headquarters in Brussels over who should be in charge of the air campaign.

Naval strike aircraft to be part of Russian Air Force

03/23/2011

Naval strike aircraft will be reassigned to the Russian Air Force by the end of 2011, a high-ranking Navy source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday. Naval strike aircraft include Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers, MiG-31 Foxhound interceptors, Su-27 Flanker fighter jets, and Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft.

Teams Sped to U.S. Crash Site

03/23/2011

The F-15E Strike Eagle fighter was flying just before midnight Tuesday at 22,000 feet over northeastern Libya when its engines pitched out. In the frantic seconds that followed, the plane's pilot and weapon systems officer decided they had no choice but to eject.

Canadian fighter jets fly first mission in Libyan no-fly zone

03/23/2011

Canadian jet fighters have flown their first mission in the skies over Libya as part of a coalition effort to rein in Moammar Gadhafi’s crackdown on pro-democracy rebels.

Gates cites efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Libya

03/23/2011

Coalition forces enforcing a no-fly zone in Libya to halt the slaughter of citizens by Moammar Gadhafi "have gone to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here March 22.

NATO to take overall control of Libyan mission - top EU diplomat

03/23/2011

NATO should assume overall command of the international operation in Libya, the EU top diplomat said.

Gates expects fighting in Libya to recede within days

03/23/2011

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday the significant military fighting going on in Libya now "should recede in the next few days."

HC-130J Completes Developmental Testing

03/23/2011

The new HC-130J personnel recovery aircraft, developed for the United States Air Force Air Combat Command, has completed developmental testing. The final test point was air-to-air refueling and was achieved on March 14. This was the first refueling of an HC-130J, and the first ever boom refueling of a C-130 where the aircraft’s refueling receiver was installed during aircraft production.

F-15E incident in Libya; crew recovered

03/22/2011

Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over northeast, Libya, March 21, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.