Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) plans to convert five Kawasaki-built Lockheed P-3Cs into surveillance aircraft equipped with a side-looking image radar. Conversion of the UP-3Es is to begin in 1997. The JMSDF is disposing of around 20 of its 100 P-3Cs and modifying others for new missions.
Source: Flight International
US firm Sierra Nevada (SNC) has been awarded a $170 million contract to deliver two Rapcon-X surveillance aircraft to the Finnish Border Guard.
Turkish business jet charter company Air Sapphire has been heavily fined by the US government for flying a Gulfstream GIV to Russia without authorisation.
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of the Gulfstream G500 and G600 fleet in response to a “quality escape” involving improperly installed engine-mounting hardware.
