NZ C-130 upgrade issues settled
The New Zealand government has come to an agreement with prime contractor L-3 Comm Spar and subcontractor Safe Air to complete the RNZAF’s C-130 upgrade program. The work comprises the replacement of the aircraft’s centre wing sections and a comprehensive... [Continue reading]
Construction of first BAMS Global Hawk starts
Northrop Grumman has commenced construction of the fuselage of the first MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) version of the Global Hawk UAS at its Moss Point, Mississippi facility. The fuselage will be delivered to Northrop Grumman’s final... [Continue reading]
LockMart tests new Hellfire
Lockheed Martin has successfully tested the latest version of its Hellfire air-to-surface missile range, the AGM-1114R ‘Romeo’. The new model features a multi-purpose warhead which covers the entire target set of the Hellfire range, rather than the... [Continue reading]
Defence charter contract cleared of irregularities
A contract awarded to Adagold Aviation for the provision of transport services to the ADF has been cleared of any irregularities following allegations by incumbent, Strategic Aviation, that Adagold received inside information on the tender requirements,... [Continue reading]
RAF’s first A330 MRTT rolled out
The first Airbus A330 MRTT for the RAF’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program has been rolled out of its hangar at Getafe near Madrid in Spain. The aircraft, the first of 14 A330s on order under a complex commercial lease arrangement, will... [Continue reading]
Switzerland postpones F-5E replacement program
The long running program to replace Switzerland’s ageing fleet of F-5E/F Tiger II fighters has again been postponed due to budgetary constraints. The decision was announced just days before the decision on the successful replacement was due, with the... [Continue reading]
USAF inducts first LRIP AMP C-130
The USAF has inducted the first of 20 C-130s into its Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia to be upgraded under the Avionics Modernisation Program (AMP). The AMP includes glass cockpits that include a head-up display, six flat panel full colour... [Continue reading]
BAMS Global Hawk given MQ-4C designation
The US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) version of the Global Hawk UAV has been given the designation MQ-4C. Based on the Block 20 RQ-4B airframe, the MQ-4C features a 360 degree maritime radar and other sensor and communications enhancements... [Continue reading]
USAF orders more WGS satellites
The USAF has converted the first of up to six options it was holding for a Block II Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite to add to the six already under contract. The first five WGS satellites were procured by the USAF while the sixth was paid for... [Continue reading]
LockMart wins US unmanned cargo helicopter
Lockheed Martin has been selected as the winner of the US Army/Marine Corps Autonomous Technologies for Unmanned Air Systems (ATUAS) program for an unmanned cargo delivery helicopter with an unmanned version of Kaman’s K-Max helicopter. The Army Aviation... [Continue reading]
US Army ERMP dubbed ‘Grey Eagle’
The General Atomics MQ-1C Extended-Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) UAS has been dubbed Grey Eagle by the US Army. A derivative of the Predator family, the MQ-1C features a heavy fuel engine and different sensor and communications payloads. Read More →
