All news – Page 6325
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Next-generation datalink held up
Efforts by the US Federal Aviation Administration to develop and deploy the next-generation digital air-to-ground communications system could be delayed by budget cuts, US aviation agency officials have warned. For now, controller pilot datalink communications (CPDLC), a key element of the FAA's "free flight" programme, remains on track despite ...
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Bell awaits Air87 decision
A review of the Australian Army's Project Air 87 armed-reconnaissance helicopters tendering process is to be handed to Australian defence minister John Moore. An announcement on the outcome is expected before the end of this month. The move follows a protest from Bell Helicopter Textron. Australia's new head ...
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Belgium will decide on JSF by year end
The Belgian Government is expected to decide on whether to join the international Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme by the end of this month. Although the Belgian air force's 90 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters are not due to be replaced before 2010, an early decision is necessary if Belgian ...
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USA urged to review missile ban
Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC The US Government is likely to be forced shortly to review its ban on the sale of actively guided beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles to South America as French, Israeli, Russian and Taiwanese suppliers line up to fill emerging requirements in Chile, Brazil and Peru. ...
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New roles considered for Global Hawk
Ramon Lopez/WASHINGTON DC Northrop Grumman is beginning to look at developments of its RQ-4A Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle that could include stealth features for the airframe and payloads that would allow it to perform nearly 20 more operational roles. Plans are also being developed to deploy Global Hawk ...
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USN says door is 'still open' to BROACH
The US Navy says that despite of the US Air Force's rejection of the BAE Systems BROACH, the door is still open to fitting the multi-warhead penetrator to the Raytheon AGM-154C Joint Stand Off Weapon (JSOW), provided that the UK manufacturer can achieve a significant cost reduction. Raytheon, meanwhile, ...
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MiG 1.42 fighter poised to take to the air
The MiG 1.42 multifunction lightweight fighter prototype could fly within two months if no further problems arise, according to the Russian combat aircraft developer. Meanwhile, MiG's parent organisation, VPK MAPO, has been transformed into the Russian Aircraft Building Corporation MIG (RSK MIG). MiG 1.42 chief constructor and director Yuri ...
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Sentry refit
Boeing has started upgrading the first NATO-operated E-3 Sentry. The $450 million engineering, manufacturing and development contract includes improvements to the E-3's computers, displays, communications, navigation and identification systems. Installation is due to be finished in the middle of next year and qualification testing completed by spring 2001. Retrofit of ...
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Tomahawk switch
Raytheon has started negotiations with Williams International on developing a smaller version of its F122 engine for use with the Tactical Tomahawk missile. At the same time, Raytheon has ordered Teledyne Continental Motors to cease development work on the J402 engine for the weapon as Teledyne is unable to demonstrate ...
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Upgrade venture
Israeli Aircraft Industries and Elbit Systems are to offer competing upgrades for the MAPO MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-22. Both are offering MiG-29 and Su-22 improvement programmes to a number of eastern European countries. Source: Flight International
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UK withdraws C-130 from East Timor
The UK has completed its operations in East Timor with the withdrawal of its remaining Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and troops from the Australian-led International Force East Timor (INTERFET). Royal Air Force detachment commander Sqn Ldr Andy Torrance says it has been "an unusual experience" operating under Australian command. ...
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Shorts wins British Army anti-aircraft Starstreak missile order
Shorts Missile Systems (SMS) has won a new £200 million ($333 million) UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract to supply the British Army with Starstreak high-velocity missiles for low level air defence operations. The production agreement will equip British Army air defence forces responsible for front line, rapid reaction and ...
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USAF chooses LOCAAS power
Ramon Lopez/WASHINGTON DC The US Air Force has chosen Technical Directions (TDI) to provide the engine for the powered version of Lockheed Martin's Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS). Michigan-based TDI will supply a 30lb (0.13kN) thrust turbojet to replace the previously used 50lb thrust Hamilton Sundstrand TJ50 engine, ...
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Joining up
The support helicopters of the UK's three forces are now under one command Stewart Penney/WILTON Last year, the UK's Strategic Defence Review (SDR) launched a plethora of joint service organisations to fulfil the Ministry of Defence's aim of increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness over traditional single-service units and commands. ...
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Twenty first century turbines
Life in the 21st century looks set to be healthy for turboprop engine builders Guy Norris/LOS ANGELESTurboprop makers are getting used to paraphrasing author Mark Twain. Rumours of their death are premature, they say, and there is evidence that - if anything - they could be looking forward to a ...
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SMA to increase take-off power of MR200 engine
Societe de Motorisations Aeronautiques (SMA) has pushed back certification of its MR200 diesel powerplant by about five months to enhance the engine's take-off power from 110kW (150hp) to 170kW. "We want to give the engine extra power for take-off to increase the aircraft's performance," says Luc Pelon, SMA's vice-president, ...
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Safire sells out personal business jet
Kate Sarsfield/LONDON Safire Aircraft's S-26 twin-engined personal business jet is sold out for the first year of production. The manufacturer has received more than 200 orders in just four months. Safire president Michael Margaritoff says: "We had a tremendous reply, mostly from pilots who put down deposits for the S-26. ...
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Airline approval sought for A3XX
Julian Moxon/PARIS The Airbus Industrie supervisory board has authorised the consortium to carry out a limited "pre-commercial launch" of the 550-seat A3XX to test the market before a full commercial go-ahead in the first half of next year (Flight International, 24-30 November). Airbus declines to reveal the number ...
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Libyan carriers to discuss division of domestic market
Andrew Chuter/TRIPOLI Libyan Arab Airlines will hold talks with Air Jamahiriya next year over a possible division of Libya's domestic market between the two carriers. The Libyan Government lifted operating restrictions on Air Jamahiriya, formerly the Light Air Company, earlier this year, giving it permission to operate domestic ...
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Marketplace
United Parcel Service (UPS) has decided to accelerate the acquisition of its new Airbus A300-600 freighters, with the delivery of seven aircraft next year instead of the four originally planned. The airline holds firm orders for 30 Pratt & Whitney PW4158-powered A300s plus 30 options, with deliveries due between next ...