Category: Defence

First flight of Northrop Grumman’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Aerial System, originally scheduled for the end of this year, has been delayed until the first quarter of 2010 following reported propulsion acoustic and engine-start sequencing issues. The aircraft is now not due to commence low speed taxi tests until late December before building up to first

Two ADF MRH 90 helicopters recently completed first of class sea trials with HMAS Manoora off the coast of Tasmania. MRHs A40-007 and 008 performed more than 200 deck landings during the trials, operating from the Manoora‘s three helicopter landing spots. More than 520 trial evaluation test points were completed, with the helicopters operating at

Australia has committed to buy a first batch of 14 Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) and associated training and support infrastructure for the RAAF at an estimated cost of $3.2 billion, Defence Minister Senator John Faulkner announced today, after cabinet’s National Security Committee granted second pass approval for the purchase. The announcement sees

RAAF base Glenbrook in the lower Blue Mountains near Penrith, home of the RAAF’s Headquarters Air Command, will close in 2015. Originally slated for closure in 2010, the base, located in the former 1920s era Lapstone Hotel, will remain operational until upgrade works to RAAF base Amberley are completed and the new HQ Joint Operations