The Israeli air force has begun operations with armed Sikorsky CH-53s. The heavylift helicopter has been equipped with laser-guided MBT Nimrod missiles, which provide a stand- off ground-attack capability. The CH-53 can carry up to eight of the missiles, believed to have a 20km (11nm) range. The weapon was designed as a land forces anti-tank weapon.
Source: Flight International
The US government has blacklisted more private companies over alleged connections to the training of Chinese military aviators, including two firms operated by former test pilots in the UK Royal Air Force and South African Air Force.
The troubled aerostructures manufacturer has become an important supplier of several key US defence programmes, including the air force’s new stealth bomber and the army’s next-generation tiltrotor.
With Boeing having delivered the first operational example of its latest F-15EX multi-role fighter, US Air Force pilots who previously flew the F-15C are beginning the process of transitioning to the new jet.
