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The first F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter took off on
its initial test flight from Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth,
Texas on 12:44 December 15, 2006 piloted by the program's Chief
Pilot Jon Beesley. The aircraft was airborne 35 minutes on its
maiden flight. It has now embarked on a 12,000-hour flight-test
program.
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Australia
Considers F/A-18E/F for a A$2 Billion F-111 Replacement
While commitment for the future Joint Strike Fighter plan is
reaffirmed, Australian Government is considering a A$2 billion
back-up plan to replace the Australian Air Force's aging F-111
fighter bombers while it waits for the controversial Joint Strike
Fighter jets to be delivered. The Australians are considering
buying 24 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to cover the widening gap
between F-111 deactivation and activation of F-35s. (ABC
Australia) |
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The Australian Defence Materiel Organisation has signed contracts
with Boeing Australia Limited for the delivery and support of
a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability for the
Army. Boeing Australia, teamed with Israel Aircraft Industries,
will provide the I-View UAV
system. The Army’s TUAVs are scheduled to commence
operational service in late 2009, operated by 132 Battery, of
the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, based
at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera. |
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KAI Wins Orders for 50 Additional
K-50 Trainers
The Government of South Korea has signed a contract with Korea
Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the procurement of 50 additional
T-50 and TA-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainers, bringing
the total number of T-50s ordered by South Korea to more than
70 of which eight are already operational. The T-50 was co-developed
by KAI and Lockheed Martin to train pilots who will fly advanced
fighters. The aircraft also carry weapons, including air/air
missiles and air/ground weapons, performing light attack missions. |
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A new merger in the German defense market. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
(KMW) has acquired the defense division of Blohm + Voss Industrie.
This acquisition is the second transaction in the European armor
market announced this week, following the acquisition of Danish
armor specialist Roshield by the Dutch TenCate group.
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The upgrading of 66 Indian Air Force MiG-29s has moved one
step further with the official signing of the U.S. $850 million
deal, with Moscow-based MiG Company. India currently operates
three squadrons of MiG29s received between 1986 and 1996. The
modernization process will include the introduction of the Klimov
RD-33 series 3 extended life-cycle jet engines, new, more
durable version of the original MiG-29 power plant. Other additions
will include improved radars, and advanced avionics. The aircraft
will be fitted with aerial refueling thus extending their range
and mission endurance. |
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 The
German Army accepted the first three NH90 Tactical Transport
Helicopters on December 13th, 2006. The German Army is the first
customer to get this model. The helicopters will be used for
flight and maintenance training with the German Army Air Corps.
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