NATO last week received its first upgraded E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft under the $1.32 billion Boeing-led mid-term modernisation production and retrofit programme. The aircraft was handed over at EADS's Military Air Systems facility in Manching, Germany. EADS will upgrade the mission systems on the remaining fleet of 16 Geilenkirchen-based E-3As by the end of 2008.
Source: Flight International
The service logged its final active service flight with the venerable Sikorsky combat search and rescue helicopter, as deliveries of the new HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopter ramp up.
Leonardo Helicopters has finally revealed the design of the unmanned Proteus technology demonstrator it is developing through a £60 million ($75 million) contract for the UK Royal Navy, confirming the strong influence of the AW09 on the platform.
Ireland has ordered four Airbus Helicopters H145Ms for operation by the Irish Air Corps as replacements for its fleet of elderly H135s.
