The Chilean air force’s $900 million F-16 programme has passed its first flight milestone, with Lockheed Martin conducting the fighter’s first post-production check-ride. Santiago’s first three of 10 F-16C/D Block 50 aircraft are scheduled for acceptance by the US government this month, ahead of flight-tests.
Source: Flight International
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.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
