Aviation News Mega-Thread

Threads about the world of aviation outside of airshows. General aviation, airlines, spotting, etc.

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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Wed Jul 08, 2020 2:54 pm

First Luke F-16C Viper painted one color grey

For the first time at Luke, the paint shop painted an F-16 one solid medium-gray color versus the traditional dark gray on top and light on bottom in an action that will save the Air Force time and money.

A team of nine 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (EMS) Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance personnel painted an F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron a solid medium-gray color. The process took approximately a week and a half, including sanding, priming and painting.

56th EMS masked an F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron scheduled to be repainted 22 June 2020, at Luke Air Force Base (AZ). 90-0765 is an F-16C Block 42J and joined 363rd Fighter Wing (FW) in July 1992. By July 1994 it moved to Luke and the 56th FW and has stayed there ever since.

While the single color has been used at other Air Force bases, it represents a first for the 56th FW. Never before has there been an F-16 that has a one solid paint scheme at Luke, Luke’s F-16s traditionally have been painted dark gray on top and light gray on the bottom of the aircraft. A recent change to the technical data authorized the change in paint scheme. Painting the aircraft a solid color decreases the total time it takes to repaint the aircraft.

F-16s receive full paints every six to seven years and follow guidance from the technical order which outlines directions on each project. It typically takes four Airmen a week to sand, mask, prime and paint the aircraft. However, the time repainting aircraft may vary due to different cure times of the primer and paint, which dictate the amount of work that can be done in a day.

Throughout the entire process of painting the aircraft, personnel wear protective equipment to prevent chemicals from entering their body. Corrosion and rain erosion prevention are also important considerations. Humidity is a significant factor in corrosion, fortunately Arizona’s humidity level is low. However, the Airmen apply specialized paint to prevent rain erosion on the inlet lip and other parts on an F-16 to provide added protection from corrosion.
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Nolinor Aviation has announced a new subsidiary named OWG. The new airline is planning to operate three The Boeing Company B737-400s on regular flights to "tropical destinations".

OWG stands for "Off We Go" and they plan to launch operations on 1 September, using Nolinor's AOC.
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Top Aces buys Belgian Air Force Alpha Jets

The Belgische Luchtmacht (Belgian Air Force) succeeded in selling 25 surplus Alpha Jets. The aircraft were already offered for sale in October 2018 *).

Top Aces Inc., a company headquartered in Canada, acquired the Alpha Jet 1B+ training aircraft including spare parts. The Quebec-based defence contractor offers contracted airborne training services (CATS). It was founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter pilots. It operates a fleet of modernized fighter aircraft to provide Red Air threat simulation. The fleet of Alpha Jets will be more than doubled. Next to the former Belgian ones they have a fleet of 20 former German Air Force Alpha Jets.

The Belgian Government signed a contract in September 1975 in which they purchased 33 Dassault-Breguet/Dornier (AMD) Alpha Jet 1Bs as an advanced jet trainer. The high wing aircraft replaced two Belgian jet trainers, the Lockheed T-33A and Fouga Magister. The first Alpha Jet (serial AT01, the 5th production Alpha Jet built) was handed over to the BAC on 30 June 1978 and delivered on 6 October 1978. All other Alpha Jets AT02 to AT33, were constructed by SABCA at Gosselies (Belgium). The final and 33rd Alpha Jet was delivered in July 1980. On 13 January 2019, the final three aircraft returned from Cazaux air base (France) after more than fifteen years of joint Fighter training with the Armée de l'air (AdlA, French Air Force).
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Austria retain its Eurofighters, but retires the Saab J105OË

On 6 July 2020, the Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner made a statement on the future of both the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) fifteen Eurofighter EF2000s as well the remaining ageing Saab J105OËs.

Austria currently operates a unique two-fleet system for the defence of the Austrian airspace with the Eurofighter EF2000 supersonic aircraft for airspace surveillance and the Saab J105OË subsonic aircraft for training and complementing the airspace surveillance.

The Austrian Air Force is a component part of the Austrian armed forces (Bundesheer) and can ensure around 10 hours of operational readiness per day for airspace surveillance, with 94% covered by the Eurofighter EF2000 and 6% by the Saab J105OË. But, if one looks at the neighboring countries, one can conclude that none of these countries has a two-fleet system for active airspace surveillance.

Due to the end of its technical life, the remaining twelve Saab J105OËs will be phased out and can only be used until the end of 2020. The aircraft will be withdrawn from use in 2021 as pilot training moves overseas. It is still unclear which country is meant by overseas.

From 1970, Austria purchased a total of 40 Saab J105OË lightweight multi-role aircraft with the intention to deploy them in the trainer, reconnaissance, interception and ground attack roles. In the 1980s, it already became clear that the subsonic Saabs were inadequate for air combat and airspace interdiction. The Saab J105OË remained in service as a trainer and surveillance aircraft.

The Eurofighter EF2000 is a quite different story. Austria has for some years been looking to retire the Eurofighter EF2000s it bought in 2003 and replace them with a cheaper to operate aircraft. In 2003 the deal was the largest procurement in the history of Austria. There are rumours that the operating costs are too high to sustain operations (USD73,000 per hour was one figure given, although this was disputed by Eurofighter). While Austria has been looking to replace its fifteen Eurofighters with a cheaper to operate aircraft, Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has said the fleet will be retained as it would be too costly to exit the contract with Airbus (former Eurofighter). No indication has been given what the end-date of that specific contract is.
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El País is reporting that the International Airline Group is planning to close-down the French part of LEVEL which has been loss making. The airline is the successor of OpenSkies and was established in 2018 and operates three Airbus A330-200s out of Paris Aéroport - Orly (ORY)

The Spanish part of LEVEL, which flies four A330-200s of of Barcelona will be maintained for now.

Last month IAG also pulled the plug on the Austrian-unit of LEVEL.
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Thu Jul 09, 2020 2:51 pm

New Tu-214PU airborne command post for the Office of the President of the Russian Federation

On 8 July 2020, the Kazan Aviation Plant (* KAZ) has completed the construction of a new Tupolev Tu-214PU special purpose aircraft. The flying control center is the second out of three aircraft ordered by the Russian Ministry of Defense under the 2017 contract signed between the UAC and Rostec State Corporation for the Special flight detachment (SLO) “Rossiya” of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. Rostec acts as the formal lead customer of the three Tu-214PUs at the UAC (lead contractor) for subsequent delivery to the Office of the President.

The latest Tu-214PU is registered as RA-64532 (construction number 44912032, and Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces (RF VKS) serial 532). The aircraft made its first flight in Kazan on 19 June 2020. After that maiden flight, the Tupolev was transferred to Ulyanovsk JSC Spectrum Avia for completion of the paint job, the well-known light grey overall livery with Russian-flag-colored cheatline.

The first Tu-214PU aircraft (registration RA-64531, serial 531 and c/n 44811031) from the 2017 contract made its first flight in Kazan on 28 December 2018** and was transferred to the Special flight detachment in the summer of 2019. The last aircraft of this order (serial 533, c/n 44912033) has already been seen at the KAZ plant in advanced stage of construction.

The Tu-214 is based on an Tu-204-200 airliner and is fitted with additional fuel tanks and structural adjustments to cope with the heavier gross weight. Its up-to-10,000 km non-refueling range makes it a preferred platform for various special mission aircraft of the Government of the Russian Federation. To date, the SLO "Rossiya" has operated four Tu-204-300s and fifteen Tu-214s of various modifications, incl. two Tu-214ON observation versions, three Tu-214PU airborne command posts, five Tu-214SR communications relay versions, two Tu-214R ELINT platforms and two Tu-214SUS comm relay centers for the Russian President. Additionally, Russian MoD operate two Tu-214PU-SBUS airborne control nodes equipped with special onboard communication hub SBUS-214. So far, in total, 32 Tu-214 aircraft have been built. Visually you can identify the Tu-214 from the Tu-204 by having an additional full-size main door at the left side of the fuselage just before the wing.
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Four more Su-35S were manufactured for the Russian Knights group

As reported on 8 July 2020 by PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ *) manufactured four more Su-35S' for the Russikiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic team. The new fighters were factory tested at the plant prior to delivery. The Flankers are painted in the colors of the Russian flag but the aircraft are of identical standard with the full combat capabal Su-35S'of the Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces (RF VKS).

The quartet Su-35S' received serials and blue bort numbers RF-95904/54, RF-95905/55, RF-95906/56 and RF-95907/57. The first four Su-35S aircraft for the Russian Knights** aerobatic team were handed over in November 2019, similarly painted in group's corporate colors and sporting blue bort numbers ranging from 50 to 53.

The new fighters were built within the framework of the five-year contract signed in December 2015 between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the JSC Sukhoi Company for the supply of fifty Su-35S 4++ generation fighters. Based on this contract, KnAAZ was to supply ten Su-35S' to the RF VKS annually from 2016 to 2020. The currently delivered aircraft for the Russian Knights are contract positions #41-44. Taking into account the first agreement of 2009 for 48 Su-35S fighters, the RRF VKS should have obtained 98 Su-35S aircraft by the end of 2020.

The Russian Knights** based in Kubinka near Moscow have been flying since April 1991 as an aerobatic group formed from the 237th Guards Proskurov Aircraft Demonstration Center. Since their formation the Knights were using three Su-27P and three Su-27UB Flankers. For a brief period of time since 2003, the group was flying five Su-27M/Su-35 fighters, namely two pre-production aircraft (T10M-3 No.703, assigned Blue 1 and T10M-12 No.712, assigned Blue 2) plus three series examples (former bort numbers 86, 87, 88, assigned Blue 3,4,5). These extremely rare aircraft were never exhibited at public airshows and got finally replaced by eight Su-30SM twin-seaters. The deliveries of Su-30SMs to the group occurred in October-November 2016 and the aircraft were given blue tail numbers from 30 to 37. With the arrival of Su-35S, the remaining Su-30SMs should be transferred to standard combat units.

*KnAAZ - Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant named after Y.A.Gagarin - a branch of Sukhoi Company PJSC, part of the UAC PJSC of Rostec State Corporation

**Russian Knights group air fleet is part of the Center for the Display of Aviation Engineering of the 4th Order of Lenin, part of the Red Banner Center for Military Testing and Training of VKS personnel named after V.P.Chkalov

#RussianKnights #Su35 #Su30 #RusskiyeVityazi #aviation #avgeek #avgeeks #militaryaviation #aviationnews #militaryaviationnews #aircraft #flightdemonstration #airshow #Su27 #Flanker #KomsomolskonAmurAviationPlant #Komsomolsk #KnAAZ
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Upgraded Su-27UBM2 re-delivered to Kazakhstan

A statement of the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported about a handover of two Su-27UBM2 aircraft at the airport in the city of Nur-Sultan in mid June 2020. The aircraft were received after overhaul and modernization to the air forces of Kazakhstan by specialists of the Kazakhstan Aviation Industry.

The repair work was carried out by the engineering staff of the KAI LLP (Kazakhstan Aviation Industry) together with specialists from the 558th Aircraft Repair Plant (558.ARZ) in Baranovichi (Belarus). Over the past two years, this domestic Kazakhstan Aviation Industry enterprise has started to carry out scheduled maintenance on the An-72 military transport aircraft; now they seem to have added overhauls of combat aircraft to its portfolio, as besides the two Su-27UBM-2 aircraft, four Su-25 aircraft are currently undergoing major repairs and modernization in Kazakhstan.

Kazakh Su-27s have an interesting history. Contrary to other ex-CIS states such as Ukraine, Belarus or Uzbekistan, by 1992, not a single Su-27 fighter was based at the airfields of Kazakhstan. At the same time, there was a fairly large number of front-line attack and reconnaissance aircraft, most notably a heavy bomber division armed with 40 Tu-95MS strategic bombers deployed near Semipalatinsk. The latter were of little use for the armed forces of the new sovereign state which proclaimed a nuclear-free status. Nevertheless, these Tu-95MS became a subject of interest to the Government of the Russian Federation, who expressed a desire to trade the heavy bombers for much needed fighters. This lead to an agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan on delivery of 73 combat aircraft to Kazakhstan between 1995-97, incl. 38 Su-27s, 21 MiG-29s and 14 Su-25s. The first Su-27s arrived in Kazakhstan back in 1996, however, Kazakhstan officially announced the acceptance of four fighters as late as in 1999. A year later, an additional pair of Su-27s was officially recognized, with six more single-seaters and two Su-27UB "sparki" following in 2001. The fighters became part of the 604th air base in Taldykorgan, together with MiG-27D fighter-bombers.

According to officially published data, Kazakhstan should have received 14 Su-27 aircraft, but at the same time, Russia repeatedly emphasized that it had fulfilled all obligations to supply combat aircraft to Kazakhstan, therefore some sources estimate the total number of delivered Su-27 airframes in various state to at least two dozens. Most Kazakh Su-27s (or any other fighters, for that matter) were mid-80s production aircraft and upon delivery their condition started to deteriorate rather quickly. In order to improve their airworthiness, the Kazakh Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a number of overhaul and upgrade contracts with different aircraft repair plants scattered around the post-Soviet territory. The golden-bullet force of MiG-31 interceptors was repaired in cooperation with Russian Aircraft Corporation (RSK) MiG, the MiG-29s were sent to Lviv Aircraft Repair Plant (LDARZ) in Ukraine and, finally, a contract for overhaul and modernization of 10 Kazakh Su-27 and Su-27UB fighters was signed with Belarussian 558.ARZ in September 2007. In December 2009, the first two aircraft (Su-27BM2 #05 yellow and Su-27UBM2 #50 yellow) were delivered to Kazakhstan, followed by a second pair (Su-27BM2 #03 yellow and Su-27UBM2 #53 yellow) in April 2010.

The modernized Flanker represents an adaptation of the Su-30KN, a low-cost multirole upgrade originally designed by Irkut (IAZ), on an Su-27 and Su-27UB airframe. The Su-30KN prototype #302 has flown already in 1999 but the type has never been conceived, being inferior in its capabilities to a better equipped rival Su-30MKK/MK2 designed by KnAAZ. While the orders for Su-30MKK soared (China, Vietnam, Venezuela, Indonesia, Uganda), the Su-30KN failed to attract orders and IAZ have offered its technology to Belarus, while concentrating on a much more advanced (and successful) Su-30MKI program for India, which later evolved into today’s Su-30SM. It wasn’t until 2017 when Angola received their ex-Indian Su-30Ks overhauled and upgraded by 558.ARZ, marking the first and probably the last Su-30KNs ever sold worldwide. On the other hand, the adaptation of this upgrade on the Su-27 has already found its way to the Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

The first block of modernization of the Su-27BM2/UBM2 was associated with integration of high-precision weapons, most notably Kh-25ML, Kh-29T, Kh-31A and Kh-31P missiles, KAB-500/1500L bombs with semi-active laser guidance and KAB-500/1500Kr TV guided bombs. At the same time, installation of two additional hardpoints under the wing increased the total number of weapon pylons to 12. The onboard N001 radar has received an autonomous channel for detection of ground and sea targets, as well as the TWS mode enabling use of RVV-AE (Izd.170) active-homing A-A AMRAAM-class missiles. The navigation system has been upgraded to integrate satellite navigation equipment and now is able to store up to 99 waypoints, airfields and radio beacons and calculate up to eight different flight routes. In the cockpit, the monochrome direct vision CRT indicator has been replaced by an MFD, coupled to the new control and diagnostics complex for the power plants and aircraft systems, as well as a new video recording system processing the data directly on a flash memory media.

The second block of improvements is solely related to the Su-27UBM2 twinseaters and includes Israeli-made Rafael Litening III guidance pod carried on a pylon under the right air intake, as well as Belarusian-developed Satellit-M radio-electronic jammer station. In contrast to Gardeniya jammers, the two containers of the Satellit-M jamming system are installed on the suspension points of the R-73 missile launchers, thus not limiting the number of missiles carried on the aircraft. This jammer provides protection of the aircraft from guided missiles in the frequency range 4-12 GHz and has further evolved into the BKO Talisman system, which also protects the aircraft from SAM systems working in the frequency range 12-18 GHz. The principle of operation of the Satellit-M jammer is based on the retransmission of probe signals of the enemy radar with special phase, frequency, amplitude and polarization modulation. This leads to distortion of the wave front detected by the radar systems of the carrier aircraft or missile’s homing head which disrupts the operation of the guidance and tracking system. The jammer also acts on the radio fuse of the incoming missile, causing it to fire prematurely at a safe distance from the protected aircraft.
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Lebanese Air Force Hunters for sale

The Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Lubnania (LEAF, Lebanese Air Force) are trying to sell their fleet of five (of seven) Hawker Hunters and three Sikorsky S-61s to get financial resources to buy new trainer aircraft as Defense News reports.

The three old Bulldog 126s of 1sq (based at Rafic Hariri, Beirut Air Base, Lebanon) are outdated to fulfill the task as primary training aircraft. It is expected that the trio will cease operations within a few years. The LEAF is now focusing on a new trainer, the Pakistani built Super Mushshak. This aircraft could take the role as basic trainer after which the student pilot can continue to A-29B Super Tucano of 7sq (based at Hamat/Wujah Al Hajar Air Base).

As known, the Hunter Mk66s and Mk70s of the LEAF are grounded for several years and are very outdated that no options are left to get them in military service again, although spare parts to keep them in the air are not the problem. The aircraft are stored at Rayak air base. Two Hunters, one of each type, are expected to stay within the LEAF for a future historic flight. The last time a LEAF Hunter flew was in 2010 and in 2012 some performed taxi runs. Some if not all three S-61 have been grounded for some time as well.

The five Hunters as well as the three S-61s, of which spare parts become scarce and very expensive, will be sold in a public bidding in 2020. Most probably, private clubs or small companies are interested in the fighters and helicopters.
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Fri Jul 10, 2020 3:09 pm

Middle East Airlines - Air Liban has taken delivery of their first of fifteen Airbus A321neos.

The plane, registered as T7-ME1, arrived at Beirut on 10 July and is also the first aircraft in the airline’s new livery.
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Airbus proposes H145M to Australia

The Australian Defence Force is seeking an off-the-shelf helicopter in the 4-ton class to support the Army’s special forces, primarily in their domestic counter-terrorism role.

In the programme, also known as Land 2097 Phase 4, Australia is looking to acquire up to 16 helicopters in the four-tonne weight range for use by Special Forces. The capability will be an off the shelf purchase with a range of requirements for various mission roles. Secondary roles include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, fire support, and general utility. A weapons capability is optional. Four helicopters are required to fit in a single C-17A Globemaster III and be capable of rapid deployment from the Australian Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment base at Holsworthy, outside Sydney (NSW). The regiment currently operates the MRH90 Taipan in a special forces support role, and the new helicopter is to complement that capability.

On 11 July 2020, Airbus will offer its H145M helicopter for Australia’s special operations support helicopter programme. Airbus Helicopters has joined hands with over 20 Australian partners to form Team Nightjar. Airbus will become the second contender in the competition, behind an industry team of Bell and Babcock Australia, which is proposing a militarized version of the Bell 429 commercial helicopter.

Other contenders are likely to include Boeing’s AH-6i Little Bird; MD Helicopters’ MD530G; and Leonardo Helicopters' AW109.
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Germany approves procurement Global 6000 ISR

On 2 July 2020, the Bundestag (German Parliament) approved a 750 million euro funding for the procurement of three Global 6000 aircraft that will be used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Ten percent of the budget (75 million euro) will be released as a deposit with the manufacturer Bombardier to reserve the three Global 6000s. The deposit is made because Bombardier will soon stop its current manufacturing run of the type, as it will be phased out in favor of an upgraded version.

The procurement of three Global 6000s with ISR capability will be a replacement for the already cancelled Triton project of the Luftwaffe *). The contractor for the ISR system will be Hensoldt Sensor Solutions. It is not yet known where the ISR modifications will be done, but the headquarters is in Taufkirchen, near Munich (Germany).

The Bombardier Global 6000 was the Luftwaffe’s preferred choice because they have already three Global 6000s VIP variants in their inventory (serials 14+05, 14+06, 14+07). These have been puschased to complement and replace one Global 5000. The procurement of additional aircraft will save maintenance and personnel costs.

Next to Germany, the United Air Emirates Air Force is in the process of accepting the Global 6000 ISR variant into their air force. However, the ISR system of the UAEAF Globals is performed by Marshall Aerospace (UK). In addition to this, SAAB is converting three Global 6000s as GlobalEye in multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platforms for the UAEAF.
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Two new Airbus A321-200NXs for the Luftwaffe!

On 8 July 2020, the contract for the procurement of two Airbus A321Neo for the Luftwaffe (GAF, German Air Force) was signed with Lufthansa Technik. Scramble Facebook News (SFN) reported on a possible procurement of two A321s (originally intended for Lufthansa) on 16 June 2020 *).

The two aircraft will see the same modifications as Airbus A321 serial 15+04. These modifications are additional fuel tanks, a VIP cabin and the possibility of easily converting (part of) the cabin into a medical configuration or a mixed configuration. According to the Luftwaffe, recent experiences, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown that Germany has a need for this kind of capability.

Delivery of both aircraft is planned for early 2021 and after delivery, the aircraft will go through the modification programme which should be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
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Full-scale production of the next-generation fighter for Japan will start in 2031, and massive F-35 order planned

A draft proposal for the development and fielding of the indigenous aircraft programme was presented by the Japanese Ministry of Defense. The prime contractor is not known yet but this manufacturer will selected by 2021. It is expected that the prototype development will be launched before the end of the current Japanese fiscal year, which ends 31 March 2021. The prototype must be completed in 2024 with a first fligh earmarked for 2028.

The next-generation stealth fighter will replace the some ninety Mitsubishi Heavy Industries F-2s. These F-16 clones are slated for retirement in the mid-thirties.

On top of this, on 9 July 2020, the US State Department has cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of 63 Lockheed Martin F-35A and 42 F-35B Lightning IIs and related equipment (including 110 Pratt and Whitney F135 engines) for an estimated cost of USD 23,11 billion.

The massive package also includes all kinds of systems, like Electronic Warfare Systems; Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence/Communications, Navigation and Identification, logistic support systems and equipment, simulators, infrared flares, aircraft ferry and tanker support, personnel training US Government contractors.

The proposed sale of aircraft and support will augment Japan's operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-4 Phantoms are being decommissioned as F-35s are added to the inventory.

The Lightning contract is not signed yet so final agreements must be concluded. Japan is curently the largest export customer of the Lightning II, and plans to operate 157 F-35s, including the aforementioned 42 the STOVL F-35Bs that will be assigned to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). These Bees will be capable of operating from the anti-submarine helicopter destroyer Izumo which is being refurbished for F-35B opeations.
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Blue Islands has re-launched itself with a new corporate identity and new routes to and from the Channel Islands.

The first plane in the new livery is ATR72 G-ISLK, which was previously operated by the airline for defunct flyBe.

It made a visit to Exeter yesterday where Ian Simpson was present to make this picture.
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3rd Combat Aviation Brigade gathered in Rotterdam, Waalhaven

With details well covered on the Scramble messageboard, the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) finished the first leg on the journey to their home at Hunter AAF, Fort Stewart (GA) after their nine month deployment to Europe. The first step commenced on 22 June 2020, when the first helicopters deployed to Constanta (Romania) started their flight to Illesheim Army Air Field (Germany). Over the next few days, all other helicopters deployed to Romania (Constanta), and also the ones deployed to Poland, made their way to Illesheim AAF as well.

All 77 helicopters (4x CH-47F, 8x UH-60L, 26x UH-60M, 15x HH-60M and 24x AH-64D) were present at Illesheim AAF (Germany) by the end of the day on 25 June 2020. The next day the first four helicopters made their way to Eindhoven air base (NL) which was the first part of step two. The third and final step was the movement of the helicopters to the Waalhaven in the port of Rotterdam. This commenced on 1 July 2020, when a single AH-64D Apache was flown from Eindhoven to Rotterdam. The accompanying Black Hawk returned to Eindhoven the same day.

Compared to previous returns via the Netherlands, there were two major differences. First the entire helicopter inventory of the CAB departed Europe through Rotterdam (not counting the four UH-60M Black Hawks deployed to Turkey, more details further on). In the past only the helicopters deployed to Poland and Germany did so, while the ones deployed to the Balkan departed through a port in Greece. Secondly, several of the helicopters did not make a stop at Eindhoven, but flew direct from Germany to Rotterdam. In the past this was exceptionally only, but during this deployment a substantial number of the helicopters did so. It must be mentioned that the majority of the helicopters not stopping at Eindhoven flew directly over the airfield. Only two flights (1x HH-60M and 4x AH-64D on 2 July 2020 and 4x AH-64D on 6 July 2020) passed east of the airfield while avoiding bad weather and/or civil air traffic.

Some unit changes also took place during this deployment. As previously reported, a pair of HH-60M Medevac Black Hawks were left behind by 1st CAB in October 2019. They were taken on charge by C/2-3rd AVN, which only shipped thirteen of their own helicopters to Europe. With these two additional Black Hawks the company was brought back to its usual strength of fifteen helicopters.

Secondly, fourteen AH-64D Apache helicopters used by 1-3rd AVN from Ansbach AHP (Germany) were handed over to 3-17th CAV. A similar number of helicopters made the same move in the opposite direction. Compared to the remainder of the helicopters assigned to 1-3rd AVN, these were the older helicopters which were handed over to 3-17th CAV. Somewhat younger examples were received in return. It is not clear when these changes took place, but most of the helicopters which were handed over to 3-17th CAV carried unit markings on the nose, engine cover and rocket pods. This seems to indicate that the change took place a while ago and not just prior to 3rd CAB moving back to the USA.

The four 4-3rd AVN Black Hawks that were deployed to Turkey were disembarked at Volos port (Greece) when 3rd CAB arrived in Europe in October 2019. In contrast to the rest of the helicopters deployed, they were not returned via the Netherlands but were most likely shipped as air freight from Turkey.

It will take a few more weeks before the helicopters will be transported back to the USA. The cargo vessel ARC Endurance, which is planned to pick up the 3rd CAB in Rotterdam, is unloading the next Combat Aviation Brigade (101st CAB) in La Rochelle (France). After unloading 60 helicopters, she will continue her journey to Alexandroupoli (Greece) to unload the rest of the Aviation Brigade. Then she will come to Rotterdam. Expected date of arrival in Rotterdam is 24 July 2020.

Details on serials, the route that was flown during this operation can be found on the Scramble message board and in the upcoming Scramble 495 which will be published in the first week of August 2020.
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:07 pm

On this day...

80 years ago, on the 10th of July 1940, the Battle of Britain began 🇬🇧🇵🇱.

General Command of the Polish Armed Forces organised an AirToAir photo shoot with the Polish Air Force Mig-29A and F-16C to celebrate the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the creation of 303 and 302 squadrons.

The Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+ Jastrząb from 31st Tactical Air Base. 2nd Tactical Aviation Wing was spotting the new “raven” livery with 302 Squadron emblems while the Mikoyan MiG-29A Fulcrum from 23rd Tactical Air Base spotted its characteristic emblem of 303rd Squadron on it’s upper surface as well aa a painting of Lt. Col. Marian Pisarek on its V-fin.

A total of 147 experienced and battle-hardened Polish airmen fought in the Battle of Britain making up the largest non-British contribution. The 147 Polish pilots shot down 201 German aircraft with No. 303 Squadron having the highest number of kills (126) of any Hurricane squadron engaged in the battle of Britain. Sadly 30 Polish airmen were killed during the battle.

lest we forget
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Sat Jul 11, 2020 6:45 pm

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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Mon Jul 13, 2020 3:06 pm

Farewell 747 Jumbo Joy Flights

Qantas will retire their last remaining Jumbo Jets very soon and won’t let the occasion slip by unnoticed.

After almost 50 years of service, the B747s are being retired, with the last aircraft scheduled to depart Australia on 22 July 2020, bound for storage at Mojave (AZ). Before it departs, they were offering a final opportunity for Australians to fly on the beloved 'Queen of the Skies', operating three exclusive one hour Farewell Jumbo Jet joy flights from Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney, taking in key sights around the cities and surrounds.

The first one already took place on 13 July, with B747-438 VH-OEJ (msn 32914) kicking it off with an amazing flight over Sydney and its surroundings. Two Jumbo Joy flights remain for Flying Kangaroo VH-OEJ with the next trip taking place this Wednesday, 15 July, around Brisbane. The last farewell flight will occur across Canberra this Friday, 17 July.

Qantas will not be profiting off the farewell flights. Instead, the proceeds will be donated to HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park in Wollongong and the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach.

The B747 love story for Qantas started back in the late 60s when it ordered four of the more powerful 747-200B model in 1967. As the folly of supersonic transport unfolded the airline’s affair with the 747 blossomed. The first 747-200B was delivered to the airline in July 1971 and it would be followed by another 56 over all different variants from Boeing (including the SP!). In fact, the airline has operated 65 Jumbos with the additional aircraft leased in (they leased the original 100 series from Aer Lingus and Tower Air, thus having flown all five series!) or purchased second hand during the Asian currency crisis.

Passengers were able to book tickets for these flights (with Premium Economy Plus being reserved for employees) and received the following:
A one-hour joy flight on 'Wunula' (VH-OEJ) takes in key highlights of each city, including a low level flyby over the coast. Our pilots and cabin crew will roam the cabin during the flight for chats and photo opportunities.
Economy
• Pre-flight morning tea
• Light lunch inflight
• Exclusive gift bag
• Guided tour of the 747 by the pilots, including a behind the scenes peek at the crew rest area and a photo opportunity in front of aircraft after the flight
Business
In addition to the Economy inclusions, you'll also enjoy:
• An additional goody bag merchandise including a Retro Roo bowling bag
• Priority access for a post-flight cockpit visit

We would love to receive pictures of these farewell flights!
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