The Dutch Air Force has tested skis on a Eurocopter AS532 Cougar MkII of the Tactical Helicopter Group's 300Sqn, ahead of the "Snow Falcon" exercise in southern Norway later this month. The Dutch have borrowed skis from the Swiss air force to equip four of the seven Cougars to be used by the 11th Air Mobile Brigade in the NATO multi-national exercise. They are expected to buy their own equipment once the results of Snow Falcon are known.
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.
