THE FIRST BOEING 767 AIRBORNE Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft had its maiden flight on 9 August, with a 2h 55min sortie from Everett, Washington. The flight marks the start of a seven-month test programme, before the installation of the aircraft's prime mission equipment (Flight International, 14-20 August, P4). The aircraft is one of four, which will be delivered to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force in 1998.
Source: Flight International
Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters from the US Marine Corps took part in recent US strikes against targets in Yemen, marking the first known combat flight for the carrier-based variant of the stealth fighter.
Bahrain’s military fleet renewal could be set to advance further, with a potential acquisition of ex-US Marine Corps (USMC) Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters still in the mix.
L3Harris is anticipating the launch of a flight-test campaign involving its Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system – technology that will play a key role in protecting new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters operated by nations including Bahrain.
