The first composite wingbox for the Airbus Military A400M transport has been removed from its assembly jig at Airbus UK's Filton site in Bristol. Weighing around 3t, the 23m (75ft)-long port wing structure will next receive its hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and electrical systems and flight control surfaces before being delivered to the A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain. First flight of the type is set for January 2008.
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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.
