Malaysia's air force has begun replacing the mechanical hoist on 10 of its ageing Sikorsky S-61 utility helicopters with a new electric system, amid the delayed delivery of 10 new Mil Mi-171 search-and-rescue aircraft from Russia's Ulan-Ude. Local maintenance and modification company Airod will install the new electric hoists over the next year, with Mi-171 deliveries now expected during 2005.
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.
