Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Argentina dissolves U.S. military cargo plane dispute

03/12/2011

Argentine judge Marcelo Aguinsky dismissed charges against the U.S. after an American military aircraft was seized in the South American country for allegedly smuggling undeclared items, including weapons and surveillance equipment, local media reported Friday.

Airbus Military to launch A400M series production

03/12/2011

Speaking on 9 March at parent company EADS's 2010 results presentation, chief executive Louis Gallois confirmed that the controversial aircraft - which has been dogged by delays and political fighting over funding - will finally start rolling off the production line later this year.

NATO mulling 'range of options' in Libya

03/11/2011

NATO is considering a range of options, including humanitarian aid and military intervention, but any action should have a clear legal basis, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Thursday.

Pakistan plans to buy more F-16s

03/10/2011

Pakistan is trying to purchase used F-16 fighter jets from the United States to enhance its air capabilities, diplomatic sources told.

No-fly zones

03/10/2011

What are they? As the name suggests, no-fly zones are geographical areas designated as forbidden to air traffic, and are instituted as a way of preventing rogue regimes from bombing their own people. In order to be effective, a no-fly zone must be patrolled by military aircraft that have the authority to shoot down unauthorized planes.

Italians offer Turkey partnership on new military aircraft plan

03/10/2011

Italian defense giant Finmeccanica, a top international group operating in Turkey's defense and aerospace industries, is proposing a partnership to meet Turkey's future military aircraft requirements, a top company official has said.

Boeing Begins Final Assembly of 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft

03/10/2011

Boeing today began final assembly of the first U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon production aircraft in the company's Renton factory. The P-8A is the first of six low-rate initial production aircraft that Boeing is building as part of a $1.6 billion contract awarded by the Navy in January.

GCC overspends to counter Iran warns Forecast International report

03/10/2011

Forecast International has suggested that some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries may be susceptible to “over-buying for a certain kind of threat that is not readily apparent,” referring to Iran in its latest report on Middle East military spending.

Japan stealth jet prototype set to fly in 2014

03/09/2011

Japan is looking to join the United States, China and Russia with a stealth fighter that senior Japanese air force officials say can be ready for a prototype test flight in just three years, significantly upping the ante in the intensifying battle for air superiority in the Pacific.

Air National Guard’s Airbridge program extended

03/09/2011

Even before Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing learned that the Boeing Co. was awarded a contract to build 179 new aerial refueling tankers, the 101st and the state’s congressional delegation already had started petitioning for the new planes to be stationed in Bangor.

US Military Planners Consider No-Fly Zone Over Libya

03/09/2011

U.S. officials are looking at several responses to Libya's conflict, including imposing a no-fly zone over the country.

Lockheed Martin Completes C4ISR Mission System Delivery for Coast Guard Surveillance Aircraft

03/09/2011

Lockheed Martin recently delivered the ninth and final Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) mission system pallet for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Medium Range Surveillance (MRS) aircraft based at Air Station Miami and Aviation Training Center Mobile.

The J-20 Clarified

03/08/2011

Two months after the impressive new Chinese fighter, the J-20, made its first flight, it's been possible to scrutinize the photos, videos and other evidence, and form a better idea of where the Chinese are with their new "stealth fighter."

IAS officer cautioned for dropping file on aircraft deal

03/08/2011

The ministry of defence has cautioned a senior IAS officer for "accidentally dropping a secret file" related to the $10.4 billion medium multi-role combat aircraft deal.

How Do You Make a No-Fly Zone?

03/08/2011

American politicians are debating whether to establish a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Muammar Qaddafi from bombing rebels. The Pentagon and White House advisors warn that such an operation would be complicated and tantamount to war, while several senators say it could be accomplished with relative ease. How do you set up a no-fly zone?

Civilian gunship shown at helicopter convention

03/08/2011

Want your personal helicopter armed? Bell Helicopter is developing an armed commercial helicopter based on its 407 model. It is marketed to a wide range of law enforcement and paramilitary missions worldwide.

Military chiefs sign letter calling for rethink on defence

03/08/2011

Dozens of Britain's most respected military leaders, politicians, academic experts and forces families groups have signed a letter in The Independent on Sunday, calling on the Prime Minister to reopen the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), barely five months after it was completed.

Four U.S. Military Aircraft Fly 312 Egyptians Home from Tunisia-Libya Border

03/08/2011

As part of the United States effort to respond to the evolving humanitarian emergency on the Libya-Tunisia border, the U.S. military has taken action to assist with the return of Egyptian citizens who wish to leave Tunisia and return to their home country.

AIrbus completes fatigue testing on A400M as it heads toward certification

03/08/2011

Airbus Military has successfully completed the number of required simulated flight-cycles on a full scale test airframe to achieve civil type certification of the A400M by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Second F-35 Production Jet Takes First Flight

03/08/2011

AF-7, the second F-35 Lightning II production jet, takes off on its first flight Friday, March 4, from Naval Air Station Fort Worth JointAF-7, the second F-35 Lightning II production jet, takes off on its first flight Friday, March 4, from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.

Lockheed Martin, Boeing lock horns over FX-? plan

03/07/2011

Two of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies based in the United States have begun a fierce battle in Korea over what would be the biggest arms-procurement deal ever in the country.

2nd Boeing-built Orbital Test Vehicle X-37B Begins Flight

03/07/2011

Boeing today announced the successful launch of the second Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) for the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The OTV was launched on an Atlas V rocket into a low-Earth orbit today at 5:46 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41.

Research and Markets: Unmanned Aircraft Market Shares, Strategies and Forecasts, Worldwide 2011 to 2017

03/06/2011

Research and Markets has announced the addition of WinterGreen Research, Inc.'s new report "Unmanned Aircraft Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2011 to 2017" to their offering.

U.S. AFRICOM Delivers Government Aid Supplies to Tunisia

03/06/2011

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft arrived in Djerba, Tunisia, March 4, 2011 - less than one day after President Barack Obama directed U.S. military aircraft support to the international aid effort to assist those who've fled fighting in Libya and are stranded in Tunisia.

Boeing's next tanker challenge: Meeting deadlines, making money

03/05/2011

Chicago-based Boeing won the price shootout, underbidding the European defense contractor by $2 billion, EADS North America Chairman Ralph Crosby said Friday. Now comes the hard part: developing and building the flying gas stations on a fixed-price contract with little leeway for cost overruns, analysts said.