Prime contractor Israel Aircraft Industries is scheduled to start flight tests of the first prototype of the Turkish air force's upgraded McDonnell Douglas F-4 next January. The second prototype will fly two months later. The $600 million project covers 54 aircraft. Thirty-four of them will be upgraded in Israel, with the rest being modified at a Turkish air force base with kits flown from Israel.
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.
