A fleet of 20 Russian air force Antonov An-124 freighters, grounded last December following the fatal crash of an aircraft at Irkutsk, resumed flying on 15 May. The air force reveals that since 1987, 34% of incidents involving military operated An-124s have been caused by engine failure. Only about half of the An-124s it operates in the commercial sector are kept in an airworthy condition.
Source: Flight International
Germany has awarded Qinetiq an Aerial Training Services contract to support its armed forces by operating a fleet of two turboprop-powered types.
Stockholm’s selection of a new-generation tactical airlifter will be a “political decision”, says Swedish air force chief Major General Jonas Wikman.
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
