All articles by Craig Hoyle – Page 16
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News
UK Royal Navy reviewing specifications for struggling Crowsnest AEW system
The UK Royal Navy is reviewing its required capabilities for the Crowsnest airborne early warning and control system, after experiencing early shortcomings with the technology.
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News
A400M on track to assume UK special forces support role, Airbus says
Airbus Defence & Space is making good progress against an accelerated capability development plan for the UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) A400M Atlas fleet, a senior company official says.
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News
UK Wedgetail AEW delivery schedule slips to 2024
The UK will face a longer than expected operational gap until the reintroduction of a dedicated fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft capability, with prime contractor Boeing Defence UK confirming a slip to the delivery schedule for its E-7A Wedgetail programme.
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Analysis
Which types departed our World Air Forces fleet listing?
We highlight some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded in the 12 months since we published our last World Air Forces directory at the end of 2021.
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News
US Air National Guard recommends acquiring Leonardo's BriteCloud decoy
The US Air National Guard (ANG) has taken a significant step towards acquiring Leonardo’s BriteCloud 218 active decoy to protect its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, after issuing a so-called fielding recommendation.
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News
Qinetiq-led team gets new Tempest engineering support contract
A Qinetiq-led team has been awarded £31 million ($37 million) to continue delivering engineering support to the UK’s Future Combat Air System programme until mid-2025.
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News
Germany reports key agreement will revive stalled FCAS effort
Europe’s three-nation Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme has edged closer to entering its delayed next stage, following the conclusion of key talks.
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News
RAF Voyager tanker makes history with 100% SAF-powered flight
A UK Royal Air Force (RAF) tanker/transport has conducted a milestone flight performed using only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the service and its industry partners claiming the achievement to be a world first.
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Analysis
How Leonardo’s M-346 helped Italy to become a training Master
A little over a decade since the first customer example of Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer was handed over, the type is now in service with six nations, and supporting the instruction of new pilots for multiple other air forces.
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News
Bahraini AH-1Z makes show debut, as deliveries gather pace
One of Bahrain’s newly delivered Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters broke cover on the opening day of the Bahrain International Airshow, with the “Zulu” appearing in the static display.
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News
Royal Jordanian signs Pratt & Whitney deal for A320neo, E-Jet fleets
Royal Jordanian and Pratt & Whitney have signed propulsion contracts to equip the carrier’s future Airbus A320neo-family and Embraer E-Jet E2 aircraft with geared turbofan engines.
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Analysis
F-16 deliveries near resumption, as Bahrain’s lead Block 70 jet takes shape
Instead of dying out as Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II scoops up an increasing number of international orders, the manufacturer’s older F-16 is enjoying a late-life revival.
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News
Pakistan debuts JF-17 fighters at Bahrain air show
Pakistan’s air force has brought a trio of JF-17 fighters to make the type’s Bahrain show debut, with the “Thunder” taking part in the flying display.
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News
Tunisian air force receives its first T-6C trainer
Tunisia has received its first of eight Beechcraft T-6C trainers, making it the second African nation to field the turboprop-powered type.
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News
Romania signs $385m deal to acquire 32 surplus Norwegian F-16 fighters
Romania’s defence ministry has signed a €388 million ($385 million) contract to acquire 32 surplus Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs from Norway, with the jets to be transferred from late 2023.
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News
First RAF Wedgetail gains its MESA radar array
The first of three Boeing 737NG airframes undergoing modification into the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control configuration for the UK has had its distinctive “top hat” radar array installed.
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News
Royal Jordanian Air Force orders Bell 505 trainers
The Royal Jordanian Air Force is to acquire 10 Bell 505s for training duties, under a deal signed with the US manufacturer on 1 November.
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News
Major RAF exercise hones Asraam missile use
Pilots from multiple Royal Air Force (RAF) squadrons have taken part in what the service describes as the “largest ever mass firing” of MBDA Asraam short-range air-to-air missiles. During a 10-day activity conducted over the Hebrides air weapons ranges, “pilots from eight different squadrons successfully launched a total of 53 ...
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News
UK takes its penultimate A400M, as Airbus demonstrates tactical progress
The UK Royal Air Force has received the penultimate example of its on-order A400M tactical transports, with Airbus Defence & Space having transferred its 21st Atlas on 11 October.
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News
Norway retires electronic warfare-roled Falcon 20s after 50 years of service
The Royal Norwegian Air Force has retired its two Dassault Falcon 20 electronic warfare aircraft, bringing to an end half a century of operations with the adapted business jets.