Monday, January 31, 2005
Air Vectors:The Mil Mi-1, Mi-2, & Mi-4
Feburary's Air Vectors features the Soviet first-generation Mil helicopters.
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C-model A-10 takes first flight
The newly designated C-model A-10 Thunderbolt II, modified with precision engagement technology, was flown for the first time recently by a 40th Flight Test Squadron pilot.
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British C-130 Transport Crashes
A British military C-130 transport plane crashed about 25 miles northwest of Baghdad Jan. 30.
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Storm brewing over glitches in Typhoon
In a report prepared for the defence committee of the German parliament said that the eight Eurofighter of the German air force spent an average of just one hour a week in the air because components had to be replaced so frequently. They also lack decoy flares.
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Pilots last to fly in Tomcat skies
U.S. Naval Air Station Key West is having its lasting training class of F-14 pilots and WSOs.
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Kitty Hawk F/A- 18F Aircraft Mishap
An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 was involved in an accident on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) approximately 100 miles southeast of Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 29 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Japan Standard Time. Six ground crew were injured.
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Talons keep Beale sharp
The T-38 Talon is used by U-2 pilots at Beale Air Force Base to keep their fighting, acrobatics, formation and air-refueling techniques sharp.
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Sunday, January 30, 2005
HAL to showcase advanced aircraft at Aero show
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will be showcasing its flagship product Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) at the Aero India exposition next month.
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Beale Air Force Base Fights to Stay Off Closure List
With the Department of Defense due to close more military bases in the next four months, Beale Air Force Base in Marysville is pulling out all the stops to avoid being targeted.
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''Training saved our lives'' in rescue at sea
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bill Mellen, pilot of a MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter encountered trouble 28 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach and had to make an ocean landing.
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DoD Special Briefing on Award of Presidential Helicopter Contract
News transcript from the U.S. Department of Defense on the award of Presidential Helicopter Contract.
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Unannounced flights of F-15 elicit protests on Okinawa
One of the F-15 planes involved in an October mid-air collision has resumed flights over Okinawa, sparking a formal protest from three local governments upset they were not notified.
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Memorandum Of Understanding On J.S.F. Project Presented To Parliament
A bill on the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Turkey and the United States on July 11th, 2002 for Turkey's participation in JSF project system development and demonstration phase was submitted to the Turkish Parliament Speaker's Office Wednesday.
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Saturday, January 29, 2005
RUSSIA * ARMY * WEAPONRY * SUPPLIES
A battalion of S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile launchers will enter Russian service.
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Fighting Falcons tackle 'DEAD' mission
Using the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, the targeting pod and the Link 16, the CJ model of the F-16 Fighting Falcon have transform from suppressing enemy air defenses to destroying enemy air defenses.
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Lockheed, Boeing top Defense list
Lockheed Martin Corp. topped the list of U.S. Defense Department suppliers again last year.
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Problem delays V-22 testing (Registration Required)
Critical operational testing of Bell Helicopter's V-22 Osprey has been delayed about a month by problems with gearbox bearings.
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Navy Daughter Follows in Dad�s Contrails
Fresh out of flight school then, Lt. Cmdr. Tiffany Lord, was the first female (American) military pilot to fly MiG-29 with the German Air Force.
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U.S. Army Helicopter Crashes in Baghdad
An U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crashed in southwest Baghdad on Friday night and the fate of the crew was not immediately known, a U.S. military official said.
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T-37 pilots saw crop duster moments before collision
The pilots of an U.S. Air Force T-37 saw a crop duster moments before the two airplanes collided 5,000 feet above rural southwestern Oklahoma on Jan. 18, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday in a preliminary report on the fatal crash.
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BAE nets �633m from sale of European avionics arm
BAE Systems is to raise up to �633m from the sale of its European avionics interests to the Italian defence group Finmeccanica under a final agreement signed by the two companies.
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Sen McCain Accuses Pentagon Of Hampering Tanker Probe: FT
According to the Financial Times, Senator John McCain wrote in a letter to Pentagon chief Donald Rumsfeld that the U.S. Defense Department tampered with evidence, withheld information and obstructed a congressional investigation into a contract with Boeing.
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Lockheed Martin to Build New Presidential Helicopter
The U.S. Department of Defense announced Jan. 28 that the team led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Oswego, N.Y., has been selected to build the new Presidential helicopter (VXX) based on its U.S. 101 medium lift helicopter.
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Lebanese Air Force takes delivery of two Robinson R44s
General Nouhad Zebian, Lebanese Air Force Commander, arrived at Robinson Helicopter Company to take delivery of their first two Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopters.
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Department of the Navy, "SBIR/STTR Success Stories", Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications System (AWICS)
The U.S. Office of Naval Research has just released its latest book of Small Business Innovation Research �Success Stories�. Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) was selected for its ultra wideband (UWB) Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications System (AWICS) which allows aircrews to operate untethered from ICS long cords, improving mobility, flight safety and emergency egress.
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Friday, January 28, 2005
Raytheon's CLAWS Scores Direct Hit, Marking the End of Development Testing
Raytheon Company's Complementary Low Altitude Weapon System (CLAWS) completed a series of guided missile flight tests with a resounding direct hit, annihilating the surrogate
cruise missile target.
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First Hungarian Gripen ready
At a ceremony, Saab presented the first Hungarian Gripen to roll off the production line at its factory in Link�ping, Sweden.
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'Last man on the moon' drops in on Pax
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Eugene Cernan, commander of the final manned mission to the moon in 1972, spoke at two safety stand downs as well as tour Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
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US firm pitches its early warning systems for India
Northrop Grumman Corp has put on offer its E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) for India. The company will be pitching the Hawkeye at Aero India 2005, which begins February 9 in Bangalore.
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Kaman Awarded Contract to Supply Cockpits for Sikorsky BLACK HAWK Helicopters
Kaman Corporation announced Jan. 27 that its Kaman Aerospace Corp. subsidiary has received a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to manufacture cockpits for various models of Sikorsky's UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopter.
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First Production Item for A400M Airframe
Airbus Military has launched production of the first major airframe component for the A400M military airlifter.
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Northrop Grumman Completes Testing of New Medium Altitude Endurance UAV
Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed the first phase of flight testing a demonstrator version of a new Hunter II medium altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) it plans to offer U.S. military and homeland defense customers.
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Vietnam helicopter crash kills 16
A Vietnamese military helicopter has crashed off the coast, killing all 16 people on board, including two senior officers and the three-member crew.
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Northrop Grumman Readies Commercial Aircraft Anti-Missile System
Northrop Grumman Corporation on 25 Jan. announced it will install and flight test its commercial aircraft protection system, called Guardian, on a Boeing 747 and MD-11 this year.
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Thursday, January 27, 2005
Boeing patents twin-aisle design for under-200-seat aircraft
Late last month, Boeing received a patent titled "Twin Aisle Small Airplane" for a twin aisle aircraft that look suspiciously like a scaled-down version of the military C-17.
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An annual show, but Republic Day mesmerizes again
Indian Air Force's Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, Il-76, An-32, Dornier, Il-78 flight refuelling aircraft, Su-30MKI jets, Jaguars, MiG-29s participate in the Republic Day flypast.
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CHRONOLOGY-U.S. helicopters downed in Iraq.
This is a list of some of the major incidents involving U.S. helicopters in Iraq since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major combat over on May 1.
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MoD postpones £800m contract to build army's scouting drones
The U.K. Ministry of Defence has delayed the signing of an £800m contract to build unmanned reconnaissance drones for the army under the Watchkeeper programme.
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Light plane intrudes into Russia�s airspace on Lithuanian border
A SU-27 fighter plane was ordered into the air outside Kaliningrad to intercept a light plane that intruded into Russia�s airspace on the border with Lithuania on Wednesday.
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RMAF duo escape unhurt
An RMAF flying instructor and a trainee on an Alloutte 111 helicopter escaped unhurt when the aircraft made an emergency landing at the RMAF College Flying Centre airbase.
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B-52 crew recalls harrowing raids (Registration Required)
Thirty-two years ago this month, Ruby Two a U.S. B-52 bomber, was on a bombing run over Vinh, just south of the 20th parallel, the border between South and North Vietnam, when it was hit by surface-to-air missiles.
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U.S. Navy Provides Tremendous Sea-Based Capability in Relief Effort
Deputy Commander Naval Forces, Combined Support Force (CSF) 536, Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory, hosted a Department of Defense (DoD) briefing on Operation Unified Assistance, the post-tsunami relief effort, Jan. 14.
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30 Marines, 1 Sailor Die in Helicopter Crash
Thirty Marines and one Sailor from the 1st Marine Division and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the I Marine Expeditionary Force died Jan. 26 when their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed near Ar Rutbah in the Al Anbar Province while conducting security and stabilization operations.
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MH-53E Crew Survives Helicopter Mishap
An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter of the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 Vanguards went down during a routine training mission in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 25 approximately 28 miles off the coast of Virginia at approximately 3 p.m. with eight people aboard. All eight have been rescued.
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TR�s Flight Deck Certifications Take Off
USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 got underway Jan. 12 for flight deck certifications.
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Air Force gets new lab for testing airborne networking
The U.S. Air Force Communications Agency has received a DC-9 fuselage, minus wings and tail as a new testing facility for the agency.
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Parts kit extends service life of F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 Structure Augmentation Roadmap, or "Falcon STAR," program will use parts kits to strengthen the aircraft�s structure. The multiyear project will extend the service life of the U.S. Air Force�s F-16 Fighting Falcons.
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Promotion case holds up Air Force appointment
India's strategic Western Air Command (WAC), has been headless since January 1 after Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, who was the WAC chief left to be IAF chief.
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Mexican Air Force helicopters collide
Two Mexican Air Force helicopters collided while returning from an exercise Tuesday morning and crashed at a military camp in the state of Mexico, leaving five dead.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Operation Unified Assistance
An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter delivers food and relief supplies to a village on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer�s Mate 1st Class Bart A. Bauer.
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Defense industry grows by 20%
China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that its defense industry recorded strong growth in 2004, with revenues climbing more than 25 percent.
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13th Air Force welcomes Major General Edward Rice as new commander
USAF Major General Dennis Larsen handed the responsibilities of the 13th Air Force at Andersen Air Force Base to Major General Edward Rice.
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Fire at Philadelphia Navy Yard
USS America, a mothballed carrier docked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard caught fire yesterday.
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HSL-47 Logs Record Flight Hours, Assists Tsunami Victims
Air crews assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 47 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) exceeded their quarterly 600 flight hours in January as a result of their direct support of Operation Unified Assistance.
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Review of Airborne Early Warning Project AnnouncedThe South Korean Defense Ministry said Tuesday it will review plans to acquire airborne early warning systems after Israel's IAI ELTA G-550 AEW&C dropped out of the public tender for the so-called E-X project because it is unable to meet the performance standards demanded.
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Airliner antimissile shields too costly, study finds
A study by RAND, the private U.S. research organization, found that putting antimissile defenses on planes is far too expensive to be practical now.
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Qatar's Gulf Helicopter Selects S-92 for VVIP Mission
Gulf Helicopters of Doha, Qatar has signed a contract to purchase an S-92 aircraft to serve VVIP missions. Delivery is scheduled for 2006.
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A-10 Upgrade Programs Nearing Key Milestones, Contractor Says
U.S. Air Force's A-10 precision engagement (PE) program is adding new cockpit displays and the ability to use Northrop Grumman's Litening targeting pod or Lockheed Martin's Sniper XR targeting pod.
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Top US defence contractors to land in Feb
The US Department of Defence will showcase two F-15 Eagles, one KC-135 refueller, one P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft and one C130-J.
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Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Sources: Navy leader eyed for Air Force job (Registration Required)
U.S. Navy Secretary Gordon England, is emerging as a potential replacement for departed Air Force Secretary James Roche, who stepped down this week after a series of scandals and internal problems, according to sources with Pentagon contacts.
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RAF women are 'sexually harassed'
Almost half of the women serving in the Royal Air Force have suffered sexual harassment according to a report obtained by MP Paul Keetch.
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Kitty Hawk Successfully Completes SRA with Sea Trials
USS Kitty Hawk's (CV 63) ship�s restricted availability (SRA) successfully came to an end with the conclusion of sea trials Jan. 15.
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USS Benfold Sets Aviation Milestone
USS Benfold (DDG 65) set an aviation milestone Jan. 24 with its 100th helicopter landing since arriving on station off the coast of Indonesia New Year�s Day. A feat made even more remarkable considering that Benfold, doesn�t have its own helicopter or helicopter hanger.
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VFA-82 Sailors Support Operation Unified Assistance
Members of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 82, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), supported Operation Unified Assistance in January by lending their strong backs and energy to help load relief supplies onto helicopters from Lincoln and other ships in the region.
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SH-60B Detachment Demonstrates Versatility During Operation Unified Assistance
During Operation Unified Assistance in January, pilots, air crews and maintenance teams from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Squadrons (HSL) 43 and 49 reconfigured their helicopters for the humanitarian mission by removing sonobuoy launchers and other sensor equipment.
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Turkey selects ATR-72 for maritime patrol
Turkey has chosen the ATR-72 to be the Turkish Navy�s next ASW and maritime patrol aircraft.
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New Presidential Copters Raise Questions (Registration Required)
Thomas P. Christie, the Pentagon's director of operational test and evaluation, says the U.S. Navy's plan for testing the new presidential helicopter "violates the fly-before-buy concept."
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Ivory Coast Rebels Lash Out Against Plane Repair
Ivory Coast rebels have criticized the U.N. and French peacekeepers' decision to let the Ivory Coast army repair its aircraft.
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Syrian Missile Sale Slots into Secret Russian Air Defense System for Iran
Russian president Vladimir Putin and Syrian president Bashar Assad, who arrived in Moscow Monday, January 24, will sign a $70 million deal for the sale of 20 SA-18 Igla-S batteries mounted on Armored Personnel Carriers.
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Hawaii Air Guard participates in Cope Tiger
Eight F-15 Eagles and 70 Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron deployed to Korat, Thailand Jan. 24 for Cope Tiger 2005.
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Marines Defend C-130 Tanker Amid Criticism, Planned Cuts
The U.S. Marines' new KC-130J has overcome technical hurdles and deserves full funding, a U.S. Marine Corps program official told Dow Jones Newswires, responding to planned budget cuts and recent criticism from the Pentagon's top tester.
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Malaysia might order Airbus A400M: CASA president
Malaysia might order European Airbus A400M military transport planes soon and even US orders are not out of the question, the head of Spanish aerospace group CASA told the daily La Gaceta de los Negocios in an interview published Monday.
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Hungarian Gripen Pilot Conversion Training Underway
The first five Hungarian pilots have arrived in Sweden to start their Gripen conversion training.
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Israel dumps Lakshya, opts for US System
Israel has put on hold its plan to buy India's pilotless target aircraft (PTA) 'Lakshya', instead going for an American sytem, which, officials say, has been offered by Washington for free.
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GREEK C-130 TRANSPORT PLANE WITH HUMANITARIAN AID FOR INDONESIA
A Greek Air Force C-130 transport plane departed 24 Jan. for the province of Aceh in Indonesia. The aircraft carries personnel and equipment and the goal is to install water purification system for the local people to have drinking water and avoid the risk of epidemics.
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Eurofighter is Fully Mission Capable
This week's edition of the German news magazine "Der Spiegel" claims that the German Air Force Eurofighters have only limited combat readiness and that development costs appear to be higher than expected. On Saturday, the German Ministry of Defence rejected this story and confirmed that all development tasks were running according to plan.
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The Tomcat's final flight
As their 32-year run as the premier Navy fighter begins to wane, the F-14 Tomcats that no one needs are being fed into a junk yard�s shredder, nose first, to become blocks of aluminum for cans, crates, even cars.
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Recruits swamp Air Force, Navy; other branches suffer
The U.S. Air Force and the Navy are having more recruit applications than other branches.
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USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Begins Joint Task Force Exercise
The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group, led by Rear Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, is participating in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of southern California through the end of January.
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Raytheon Beating Global Hawk Sensor Cost Goals, Officials Say
Raytheon is beating the U.S. Air Force's cost reduction goals for the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV) sensor suite, according to company officials.
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Monday, January 24, 2005
Operation Unified Assistance
Sailors assigned to the Supply Department aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), line up on the flight deck with forklifts, awaiting supplies to be delivered by an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter during a vertical replenishment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jordon R. Beesley.
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Italy to send attack helicopters to Iraq
Italy is to send its Mangusta attack helicopters to Iraq because of worsening unrest in the run-up to January 30 elections, and following the killing of one of its soldiers by insurgents last week, media reports said on Sunday.
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Treasury and MoD clash over �3bn helicopters
The Department of Trade and Industry has backed defence secretary Geoff Hoon and procurement minister Lord Bach in designating Agusta a strategic UK supplier. This will ensure that Agusta will get a �3bn helicopter contract.
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Selection of pilots: IAF goes in for new system
Pilot candidates for the Indian Air Force will now have to face a modern version of Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), which will test their psychomotor skills to ascertain if they are fit to fly the modern generation of aircraft.
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Halliburton subsidiary KBR wins aircraft carrier contract
The U.K. Ministry of Defence will confirm this week that Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR), Halliburton's engineering and construction subsidiary, had won a contract to manage the construction of two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
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Sunday, January 23, 2005
New Gallery Photos
Gerry has added photos from VFC-12 and VFA-103. Take a look. A big thank you to gerry for contributing.
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USAF Space Command To Report To Jumper On Near-Space Plans
The U.S. Air Force Space Command is considering 10 or more proposals for exploiting near-space, roughly defined as 65,000 to 325,000 feet altitude. Most involve lighter-than-air vehicles such as balloons or airships providing communications relay, surveillance, or GPS-like services.
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Trouble-plagued 'Osprey' plane will be tested over Nevada
Beginning in March or April, the V-22 testing will be conducted out of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.
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Retired colonel recounts history's greatest aces (Registration Required)
Ray Toliver,90, a retired colonel with 28 years in the U.S. Air Force has written volumes about fighter aces from World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
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Chile likely to buy 4 Indian choppers for Rs 160 cr
The Chilean Air Force is considering buying four ALHs �Dhruv� and the negotiations are in the final stages.
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UN Allows Ivory Coast to Repair Crippled Airforce
Ivory Coast has been authorized to repair its fleet of crippled military aircraft in a conciliatory gesture by U.N. and French forces after the army pledged not to use its warplanes to resume hostilities.
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Saturday, January 22, 2005
Navy Takes Action to Balance Student Pilot Population
Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces has identified an excess of student naval aviators (pilots) in the training pipeline, based on current and near-term fleet needs. Starting immediately, several steps will be taken to meet future fleet requirements.
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Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters
Singapore has signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States to acquire six new Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters which will operate off the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) new frigates.
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Boeing unions say company is recalling workers again
In the last seven months, Boeing has recalled 1,371 machinists, 535 engineers and 420 technical workers. Some workers are being recalled to work on the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft.
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Mice build nests in Dutch F-16 jets
Mice seeking shelter in the cold Dutch winter found a short-lived home inside four Dutch air force F-16 fighter jets by building nests with wiring they had gnawed loose, an air force spokesperson said on Thursday.
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NM plans to bid for European air tanker factory
New Mexico plans to submit a bid for a $600 million air tanker factory proposed by EADS.
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JSF may be too heavy, testing official says (Registration Required)
Lockheed Martin Corp.'s JSF version for the U.S. Marine Corps is improved but still runs "significant risk" that it will be too heavy for some missions, the Pentagon's top testing official said.
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Roulettes crash in mid-air
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has confirmed two of its aerobatics team, the Roulettes, were involved in a mid-air collision near Sale in Victoria's east yesterday morning. The pilot of one of the planes was able to land it safely, while the other pilot ejected and parachuted to safety before his plane crashed.
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Pilot Killed, Another Injured in Kuwait Apache Crash
A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache pilot was killed and a second was injured in a training accident that occurred northwest of Kuwait City, Kuwait, 21 Jan., U.S. Central Command officials reported.
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Friday, January 21, 2005
USS Ronald Reagan Helps With Relief Effort
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed San Diego Jan. 11 for routine carrier operations in the local area and to drop off two Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 C-2A Greyhound aircraft in Hawaii to help support Operation Unified Assistance.
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Smiths delivers first avionics for F-35 JSF
Smiths Aerospace announces the delivery of industry�s first Mission Systems avionics for installation in the first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
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Osprey flights on hold
MV-22 Osprey flights aboard New River Air Station were put on what the military called "operational pause" Tuesday, after military officials observed that parts involved in sending power to the aircraft's rotors are wearing faster than anticipated.
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Russia completing tests of unmanned spy plane
The upgraded Pchela-1K UAV is about to complete state tests.
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Lockheed may cut 1,000 F-16 jobs
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.'s west Fort Worth aircraft assembly plant will cut 1,000 jobs this year. All the current and projected layoffs will come from workers on the F-16 fighter jet program.
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Northrop Grumman Begins Testing in New X-47B J-UCAS Systems Integration Laboratory
Northrop Grumman Corporation has begun acceptance testing the first of four new workstations that will allow it to reduce the time and cost to develop operational flight software for the Department of Defense's Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program.
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Louisiana to compete for aircraft plant
Louisiana is competing for a European Aerospace Defense System North America project for a military modification and assembly line for the production of aerial refueling aircraft in the United States.
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Thales, Eurocopter group lands German contract
A consortium comprising defence technology groups Thales, Rheinmetall, Eurocopter and CAE of Canada said Thursday they had landed a EUR 488 million (USD 634 million) contract from the German armed forces to build NH90 helicopter flight training simulators.
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PAF to begin induction of JF-17 fighter jet next year
Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat said his air force will begin induction of JF-17 (Thunder) fighter aircraft next year.
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Elta wins $150m radar system deal
Elta Systems, recently won a $150 million contract to supply satellite-based radar systems to a foreign customer.
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Thursday, January 20, 2005
Faults Cited in Lockheed's C-130J Plane (Registration Required)
The Pentagon Director of Operational Test and Evaluation Thomas Christie said in his annual assessment of top weapons systems, that the C-130J continues to have problems that make it unreliable.
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Army to purchase new Chinooks, upgrade fleet
All of the U.S. Army�s CH-47 Chinooks will be upgraded to the new CH-47F models by 2018 as the result of a partnership between the service and Boeing, the helicopter�s manufacturer.
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India, Israel to conduct military exercise
India and Israel have agreed to hold joint exercises in which Israeli F-16 multi-role fighters will be pitted against India's Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30Mk1 multi-role fighters. The venue and schedule of the manoeuvres is yet to be disclosed.
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Boeing Accepts First C-130 for Avionics Modernization
The Boeing Company marked the induction of the first U.S. Air Force C-130 into the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) in San Antonio, Texas 19 Jan.
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V-22 Program Grappling With New Glitch As Key Review Nears
The V-22 Osprey joint program office is grappling with a gearbox problem in the tiltrotor aircraft's engine pod.
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AERMACCHI-GREECE AGREEMENT FOR M-346
Aermacchi and the Greek Defence Ministry signed a Memorandum of understanding for the possible participation of the Greek industry in producing an advanced M-346 training jet.
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BHR�s HC-11 Det. Rescues Trapped Indonesian Tsunami Victims
The crew of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) rescued more than 40 Indonesians off the coast of Sumatra Jan. 12, during a helicopter humanitarian disaster relief mission.
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Russia to export over 300 military helicopters by 2010
Russia plans to sell more than 300 military helicopters to foreign customers in six years, an official with the Economic Development and Trade Ministry said Wednesday.
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C-17 to land in Kona (Registration Required)
Kona International Airport, Hawaii has been chosen by the U.S. Air Force as the site of a 3,000- to 5,000-foot runway for test landings of C-17 cargo jets.
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Adm. Fallon selected to head Pacific Command
Adm. William J. Fallon has been selected by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to be the next head of the U.S. Pacific Command.
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Deployed C-130Js exceeding expectations
During the first few weeks of new C-130J's deployment, the J model has met and in some cases exceeded expectations of USAF Air Mobility Command.
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Joint Common Missile Seeker Successfully Tracks Tactical Target Vessel in Littoral Testing
Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the further maturation of its Joint Common Missile (JCM) tri-mode seeker with the successful acquisition and track of a tactical littoral target in a test series conducted during December 2004 at Eglin Air Force Base, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.
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Japan defense offical endorses plan for Marine air station off Okinawa
Japan�s Defense Agency Director Yoshinori Ohno endorsed current plans to build a new Marine Corps air station in waters off northern Okinawa.
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Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Operation United Assistance
Local personnel gather around a U.S. Navy SH-60F Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Two (HS-2) while delivering needed food, water, and medical supplies to a village in Cot Daerah, Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jordon R. Beesley.
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Secretary Roche retires
USAF Airmen, along with servicemembers from more than 14 nations, bid farewell to the 20th Secretary of the Air Force at Andrews Air Base Jan. 18.
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IAF to showcase Israeli UAVs in R-Day parade
The Indian Air Force will showcase its Israeli Searcher-II spy drones during the forthcoming Republic Day parade.
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RUSSIAN AF BRINGS FIELD HOSPITAL TO TSUNAMI-STRICKEN INDONESIA
Russian Air Force planes have delivered a field hospital to Banda Aceh, the capital of the Indonesian province of Aceh.
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DOD Seen As Close To Deciding Missile Defense Cuts
The U.S. Defense Department is close to deciding how to distribute a $5 billion cut in missile defense that it approved in December as part of a broader, six-year reduction in defense spending, according to sources.
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Helicopters to be developed only for utility
The South Korean government will scale back the Korea Multi-role Helicopter project to develop a utility version and later determine whether to develop it for attack.
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MI-28N COMBAT HELICOPTER SUCCESSFULLY TESTED
The successful testing of the MI-28N helicopter known as "Night Hunter" is over in Rostov-on-Don. Further tests will proceed in Moscow, according to the press-service of the Rostov helicopter manufacturers.
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DRDO: A stellar success
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation's Vetrivale avionics package for the Su-30MKI impressed the Russians so much that they ask to incorporate some of the technology to the Su-30 variants they sold to Malaysia.
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Air Force Jet, Crop-Duster Collide
An USAF T-37 training jet from Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, struck a crop duster over a rural area southeast of Frederick, southwestern Oklahoma, killing the crop duster pilot, authorities said.
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Pilot error led to October F-15 collision
Pilot error caused a midair collision between two F-15 fighter jets training near the southern Japanese island of Okinawa last October, the Air Force said Tuesday.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Raytheon Delivers Revolutionary APG-79 AESA Radar Ahead of Schedule
Raytheon Company's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) has delivered ahead of schedule its first revolutionary APG-79 radar to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis.
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Chinese air force to recruit more female pilots
China's air force plans to recruit 30 female pilots in 2005, some of whom might join the country's astronauts training program and be sent into space some day, according to an officer in charge of pilots recruitment of the Chinese air force.
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Two AS532UL Cougars recently delivered to Spain for VIP operations
In late 2004, Eurocopter Espa�a delivered two AS 532 UL Cougars in VIP version to the Spanish Defense Ministry.
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Aircrew officers awarded honours
Officers from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury were receiving medals for their overseas service for Iraq.
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Turkey to re-open tender for attack helicopters next month
Turkey is set to launch a new tender to buy 50 attack helicopters for its army in February.
Labels: Turkey Attack Helicopter
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Iraqi air force squadron reactivated
On Jan. 16, U.S. Air Force officers and their counterparts from the fledgling Iraqi air force gathered at a ceremony marking the presentation of three refurbished C-130E Hercules transports to the Iraqi air force. The planes will be assigned to the 23rd Iraqi Air Force Squadron and eventually will be based at Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad.
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Boeing Small Diameter Bombs Hit the Mark in First Live Test
For the first time, on December 13 and 15, two �live�; Boeing Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), were launched for the first time by the U.S. Air Force at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., scoring direct hits on each target.
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Air Defence Day celebrated
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) celebrated Air Defence Day at Masirah Airbase yesterday.
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Monday, January 17, 2005
VMA-311 airframe maintenance: blood and bones of Harrier
Airframe maintenance Marines with U.S. Marine Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, have a huge responsibility of ensuring the overall integrity of the Harrier.
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Japan hopes for Israel arms halt
Japan has asked Israel to stop selling arms to its regional rivals, the country's foreign minister said during a visit to Jerusalem.
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Helicopter pilots' tactics adapt to changed mission (Registration Required)
Over the last nine months in Iraq, U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry aviators have had to adapt their tactics to a guerrilla war in urban areas with no front lines.
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EADS wins �13bn RAF tanker deal
Senior officials at the Ministry of Defence have given the green light to award Britain's biggest private finance initiative (PFI) deal to EADS, to supply the Royal Air Force with new in-flight refuelling tankers.
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Sunday, January 16, 2005
Army sends Huron aircraft to help commander's relief efforts in Indonesia
The U.S. Army in South Korea has sent a C-12U Huron twin-engine turboprop, of the Army�s 17th Aviation Brigade, to Indonesia to help the U.S. military commander directing humanitarian relief efforts in the tsunami-stricken South Asia region, officials said Thursday.
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Army displays newly improved cargo helicopter
U.S. Army aircrews, who operated the CH-47F and the MH-47G discussed the success of the aircraft at a media roundtable at the Pentagon Wednesday afternoon.
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Irish DOD signs AB139 deal
The Irish Department of Defence has signed a contract with Bell/Agusta Aerospace Co. for the delivery of four AB139 helicopters.
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Tire blows on plane carrying injured soldiers
An U.S. Air Force C-130 carrying soldiers injured in Iraq blew a landing gear tire Friday while landing at Fort Hood. No one was hurt.
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Victims of Tsunami: Pakistan sends more Relief Aircrafts
Pakistan dispatched two more C-130 transport aircrafts Friday to help the Tsunami-hit people in Sri Lanka.
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Saturday, January 15, 2005
New Pilatus plane grounded by federal ruling
The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation has banned the Swiss aircraft manufacturer, Pilatus, from further tests of its prototype PC-21 military training plane. It comes one day after the crash of the company�s only other prototype, in which the chief test pilot and another person was seriously injured.
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Private Sector to Repair and Maintain ROC Military Aircraft
Taiwan�s Ministry of National Defense (MND) will contract over NT$2 billion (US$62 million at NT$32.2:US$1) worth of military aircraft repair and maintenance work to the private sector this year, the outsourcing will include the advanced Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) as well as F-16 and Mirage-2000 jet fighters.
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Navy to Choose Presidential Copter Builder (Registration Required)
The Pentagon gave the U.S. Navy the green light Thursday to choose a company to build the next Marine One presidential helicopter fleet. A final selection is expected after stock markets close on Jan. 28.
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Air Force's only B-52 Reserve unit deploys 100 to Guam
The U.S. Air Force�s only B-52 Reserve unit, part of the 93rd Bomb Squadron, deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, earlier this week as part of an ongoing rotation to maintain a continual bomber force in the Pacific region.
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Military and commercial potential for flying saucer
GFS Projects, is on the brink of building the world�s first flying saucer capable of unmanned, self-sustaining and fully manoeuvrable flight. QinetiQ, has an interest based on the possible advantages of using the flying saucer as a UAV in a battlefield environment.
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Boeing to Recognize Charges for USAF 767 Tanker Costs and Conclusion of 717 Production
The Boeing Company announced it plans to recognize pre-tax charges totaling approximately $615 million, or $0.48 per share, related to the U.S. Air Force 767 Tanker program and expenses incurred to end production of the 717.
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Hercules fleet needs to be replaced and expanded, say critics
Critics in New Zealand are calling for the government to replace the C-130 with newer models rather than upgrade the fleet.
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French helicopters fly aid in to Aceh province
Four French Puma helicopters on Thursday joined aid operations underway in Indonesia's tsunami-hit province of Aceh, after arriving Monday on board an Antonov cargo plane, the French defence ministry said in Paris. They will be joined by six other helicopters Friday, when the helicopter carrier Jeanne d'Arc and frigate Georges Leygues arrive.
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Friday, January 14, 2005
U.S. military jet crashes off coast of Sumatra
A U.S. Marine Corps Harrier fighter jet was on a routine training mission approximately 45 miles west of Sumatra when it went down. The pilot sustained minor injuries Thursday when he ejected.
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Carl Vinson heads to new home
The Carl Vinson sailed out of Bremerton Naval Station on Thursday. The aircraft carrier and its 3,200 sailors leave for a six-month round-the-world deployment in the western Pacific. In November, the carrier heads for Norfolk, Va., for a 3�-year refueling overhaul.
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Raytheon Awarded $8 Million Contract to Provide Time-Critical Parts for Navy's SHARP Systems
Raytheon Company has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract to acquire time-critical
parts for the F/A-18 Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) systems.
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Army takes TPS command
Cmdr. Paul Sohl will pass down command of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Jan. 13 marking a milestone in the Navy test pilot training program's illustrious 60 year existence when Lt. Col. Steve Kihara takes command becoming the first Army officer ever to do so.
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Air Force prepares to re-examine West Texas bombing route (Registration Required)
The U.S. Air Force announced Wednesday it will hold additional public hearings, possibly in March, as directed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals over a B-1 bombing route. The bombing route was created to provide low-altitude flight training using high-tech ground stations. The stations simulate battle conditions and monitor whether simulated bombs hit their targets. The plan called for flights as low as 300 feet above the ground.
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Irkutsk aircraft plant to supply Su-30MKM fighters to Malaysia
The Irkutsk aircraft plant has begun fulfilling a contract to supply 18 multipurpose fighters Su-30MKM to Malaysia. A group of specialists of the Malaysian Air Force has arrived at the plant to specify the procedure of purchasing equipment and materials to assemble the combat planes.
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�It�s nothing like the Phalcon deal�
A source familiar with Israel-US defense ties claims that the issue of Israel�s upgrading of UAVs for China is unimportant. Israel was only trying to provide spare parts and not to upgrade the Harpy.
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General says software glitch probably cause crash of high-tech fighter
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper says a software glitch probably caused the crash of an F/A-22 Raptor fighter jet last month at Nellis Air Force Base.
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Russia May Sell Bomber Aircraft to China � Air Force Chief
The chief of the Russian Air Force, Vladimir Mikhailov, said on Thursday, Jan. 13, that the Russian military could sell a number of Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 bomber aircraft to China.
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T-56 engine rolls out: Prime Minister assures full support to PAF
Pakistan rolled out its first indigenously overhauled US-origin T-56 engine for C-130 transport military aircraft.
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Black Hawk helicopter crashes in southwest Colombia, killing 20 soldiers
A U.S.-donated Black Hawk helicopter crashed Thursday while flying in thick fog during a nighttime counternarcotics mission in southwest Colombia, killing all 20 soldiers aboard, the army said.
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Group of senators defends Lockheed (Registration Required)
Twenty-four U.S. senators have urged President Bush not to cancel Lockheed Martin's C-130J transport plane.
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US lawmakers oppose sale of F-16 jets
U.S. Senator Jon Corzine and Representative Frank Pallone is against the proposal by the United States government to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
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Air Force To Make Case For Restored F/A-22 Buy
The U.S. Air Force plans to make the case for restoring recent Pentagon cuts to the F/A-22 Raptor program during the upcoming quadrennial defense review (QDR) this summer, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper.
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Israel asks Russia to halt Syria missile deal
Israel fears that shoulder-held anti-aircraft missiles that Russia is selling to Syria could fall into the hands of Lebanese guerrillas and be aimed at Israeli targets.
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Army adopts NASCAR technology for helicopters
The U.S. Army will use NASCAR windshield tear-offs on its helicopters as an extra layer of protection from sand, rocks.
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F-16s not to participate in Aero India show
Lockheed Martin will display the C-130J Hercules and the P-3C Orion at Aero India 2005, the F-16 will not be participating.
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Spain sends five planes with aid
Spain has sent five military aircraft -- two Hercules C-130 and three CN 235 -- with several tons of humanitarian aid, and medical and military personnel to Indonesia, the Spanish Embassy said in Jakarta.
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F-15E crew uses new targeting pod
An F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew from the 494th Fighter Squadron took part in a flight that marked an evolution in weapons technology when it used a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod on the aircraft Jan. 7.
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General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper ended two weeks of training at Tyndall Air Base Jan. 12, flying his qualification flight in the F/A-22 Raptor, the Air Force�s newest fighter aircraft.
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Kitty Hawk Sets to Sea Again
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), with more than 3,000 Sailors aboard, departed the ship�s forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 11 to conduct sea trials as the final step of a four-month ship�s restricted availability (SRA) maintenance period.
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Big E's Crash and Salvage Advance in Training
Members of USS Enterprise's (Big E) (CVN 65) Air Department V-1 Division completed a crash and salvage flight deck firefighting course in December at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida.
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Thursday, January 13, 2005
Japan to work on svelte spy satellite
Japan wants to scale down the size of its spy satellites to enhance their maneuverability and hopes to launch a small fourth-generation satellite by around fiscal 2010, government sources said Monday.
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British defence official in Lithuania to wrap up NATO air patrol mission
British under secretary of state for defence Ivor Caplin is due in Lithuania to formally hand over responsibility for a NATO air-patrol mission to the Norwegian military, the Lithuanian defence ministry said Tuesday.
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EADS Hires Retired General for Tanker Bid
European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. said it hired retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Silas Johnson to head its marketing effort for the KC-330 in the United States.
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Saab Appoints New Head for Gripen Unit
Aerospace and defense company Saab AB named Johan Lehander the new managing director for its Gripen International unit on Wednesday in a move aimed at expanding its marketability beyond Europe.
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Boeing Signs $549 Million Chinook Contract
The Boeing Company and the U.S. Army signed a $549 million contract Dec. 21, 2004, for 17 new-build CH-47F Chinook helicopters.
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FAA Turns Case Over To Navy
The U.S. Navy is investigating a close call that happened at Nashville International Airport Friday. The incident involved a Navy F-18 fighter jet that came close to hitting the International Plaza Building near Briley Parkway while trying to land.
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Squadron Brings Relief to Tsunami-Devastated Region
The USAF 8th Airlift Squadron from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., continued its vital role in the disaster relief effort. Equipment, supplies and personnel were loaded onto one of the squadron's huge C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets for transport from Utapao, Thailand to Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
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EADS NORTH AMERICA TO SELECT A U.S. SITE FOR AERIAL REFUELING TANKER PRODUCTION
EADS North America will select a site for a Military Modification and Assembly Line (MMAL) for the production of aerial refueling aircraft in the United States. This site would be the center of industrial activity for the KC-330 advanced tanker aircraft, which the company plans to offer the U.S. Air Force.
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Air Force Official Says Service Suffering
Marvin Sambur, the assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force for acquisition, told a group of reporters that the Air Force is suffering from a leadership vacuum, and he predicted a further exodus of senior officials in the fallout from a feud with Congress over a proposed plane leasing deal with Boeing Co.
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UPDATE ON SAF RELIEF OPERATIONS (11 JAN 05)
The RSAF�s Super Puma helicopter detachment in Thailand has returned to Singapore Jan. 11.
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US soldiers relish their new role: lifesavers
While on the ground in Aceh delievering supplies, a C-17 Globemaster III crew helped to assist the crew of a SH-60 that crashed yards away from the airport.
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Aging aircraft star in tsunami aid effort
When relief operations began in Sumatra on Jan. 1, the U.S. Navy's SH-60 Seahawks, flew 1,125 hours during the first 10 days. Some pilots logged as many as nine hours a day in the air as the choppers darted up and down the devastated coastline from sunrise to sunset.
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Indonesia wants foreig troops out by March
USS Abraham Lincoln steamed out of Indonesian waters Wednesday after the Indonesian government declined to let the ship's fighter pilots use its airspace for training missions. Under U.S. Navy rules, pilots of carrier-based warplanes cannot go longer than 14 days without flying or their skills are considered to have degraded too far and they have to undergo extensive retraining.
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Bonhomme Richard, 15th MEU Deliver 50 Tons of Humanitarian Aid Ashore in Sumatra
By air and sea, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit delivered more than 50 tons of humanitarian assistance Jan. 12 to tsunami victims on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
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Through Arms to Syria, Putin Challenges US Middle East Game Rules
Russian president Vladimir Putin�s plan to accede to Syria�s request for SA-10 and SA-18 missiles during president Bashar Assad�s visit to Moscow on January 24.
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Jack Real Recipient of HAI�s Honorary Lifetime Member Award
Jack Real, former President of Hughes Helicopters, is the recipient of Helicopter Association International�s (HAI) Honorary Lifetime Member Award.
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GERMANY PLANS TO OFFER GCC NEW UAV
Rheinmetall Defence Electronics plans to market its new Carola P50 unmanned aerial vehicle to Gulf Cooperation Council members.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Japan mulls joint US research on anti-ballistic laser cannon
Japan is considering an unofficial proposal made by the United States that the two countries conduct joint research on the airborne laser system (ABL) to shoot down ballistic missiles, government sources said.
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Missile defense system to guard Japan only, not other countries
Japan's planned missile defense system will be used solely to intercept ballistic missiles targeting Japan, not missiles that pass over Japan and target other countries.
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Voronezh aircraft builders draft 5-year production program
A new Il-112V military cargo plane for the Russian Air Force is being developed by the Voronezh Aircraft Building Society.
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Howard Co. sailor safe in Sumatra copter crash
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob J. Kirk, a photographer's mate airman, was in the helicopter that crashed while landing at Banda Aceh airport in Indonesia.
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Military retakes outpost overrun by MILF rebels
Supported by an MG-520 attack helicopter and OV-10 Broncos, Philippine troops retook an outpost in Maguindanao lost to Muslim guerrillas.
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Raytheon to Build First Production Global Hawk Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite
Raytheon Company has been awarded a low rate initial production (LRIP) Lot 3 contract to produce three Global Hawk Integrated Sensor Suites (ISS), one an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) with range capabilities of both the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and the electro optical sensor improved by 50 percent over the basic ISS.
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BAE SYSTEMS To Provide Mission Computer and Autopilot System for Hawk Trainers
BAE Systems Platform Solutions will provide the mission computer and autopilot system for 20 Hawk 128 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft recently ordered by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence.
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Russia Min: Near Deal With US On Small Missile Monitoring
The U.S. and Russia are close to completing an agreement designed to limit trafficking in portable air-defense missiles, which some security experts fear terrorists could use against commercial airliners, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Tuesday.
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USS John C. Stennis Arrives at New Homeport
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulled into its new homeport at Bremerton�s Delta Pier on Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.
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JSF Management Approach To Be Kept, DOD Says
The U.S. Defense Department has decided to stick with the current management structure for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter after conducting a congressionally mandated review of how the program is run.
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ScanEagle Proves Worth in Fallujah Fight
The ScanEagle system, developed by Boeing and the Insitu Group of Bingen, Wash., has saved the lives of many Marines during Operation Al Fajr, the coalition operation to remove insurgents from Fallujah, Iraq.
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Lockheed Martin Awarded $10 Million Program for AC-130U Gunship Sensor System
Lockheed Martin received a $10.7 million contract from Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) to provide the Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) for the U.S. Air Force�s AC-130U aircraft. GMS2 will replaces the All Light Level TV (ALLTV) sensor currently on the AC-130U. GMS2 integrates 3rd generation infrared sensing technology with image intensified low-light TV cameras and a suite of lasers to enable the AC-130U to perform its Gunship missions with far greater effectiveness.
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B-1 fleet airborne again
The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers at Ellsworth Air Base are flying again after being grounded Dec. 30 because of a landing-gear problem on one airplane overseas.
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Afghans ask neighbors to return warplanes
The Afghan Defense Ministry is seeking the return of 26 aircraft - nine helicopters, five bombers, eight fighters, two trainer jets and two transporters from Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
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Tuesday, January 11, 2005
More Raptors have landed
Three F/A-22 Raptors taxi on the flightline here Jan. 7 as they arrive at their new home at Tyndall Air Force Base.
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Lockheed's next big idea is far off the radar screen
Lockheed Martin's FB-22 could take off with extra fuel in "conformal" tanks or saddlebags that, once empty, could be pulled into the airplane during flight. It could also change color to match sky conditions.
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Airstrike hits wrong target in Iraq
An investigation is under way after a coalition F-16 aircraft mistakenly conducted an airstrike against the wrong target south of Mosul on Jan. 8, Multinational Force Iraq officials announced.
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Yokota C-130s continue to fly aid to tsunami victims
C-130 Hercules crews from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, continue to fly vital supplies and equipment to tsunami-stricken areas in Southeast Asia.
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Defence analysts slam state's 'rushed' �1.2bn Airbus deal
Defence analysts last week blamed the apparently rushed and even "secretive" deal by the South African government late last year to buy into the new Airbus A400M project.
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Blackwill questions US' proposed F-16 sale to Pak
Former US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill on Monday questioned the timing of the proposed US sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan when it had not stopped cross border terrorism.
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Norwegian planes protect Baltic states
On Wednesday, the Norwegian F-16 pilots will start patrolling the three Baltic countries' air space, allowing four Tornado F-3 fighter jets of the Royal Air Force, on duty since the middle of October last year to return home.
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Apache Block III Helo Will Be FCS Compatible
The Boeing AH-64D Block III Apache helicopter will be compatible with the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS), and have increased power and better sensors.
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Navy Helicopter Crashes in Indonesia
At 7:20 a.m. local time, an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) with four air crew members and six U.S. Navy personnel aboard experienced a hard landing at Banda Aceh airfield in Indonesia.
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Monday, January 10, 2005
Home grown Dhruv helicopter deployed for tsunami relief
India's home grown Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv has been deployed by the Indian Army and the Coast Guard in relief operations in tsunami-affected coastal regions.
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More Cuts May Loom for U.S. Modernization Programs
There are increasing signs that the Bush administration's year-end proposal to slash military spending is not the final word and that modernization initiatives that have avoided the budget ax could still face dark days.
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TNI Chief Agrees with Delay of Sukhoi Planes� Purchase
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief General Endriartono Sutarto had said that the purchase of Sukhoi fighter planes and helicopters from Russia could be delayed if the state budget is prioritized for the handling of the recent disasters in Aceh. Sutarto added that the TNI urgently needs the helicopters and hope that the budget can be approved for their purchases.
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Hercules Returns Home
One of the RNZAF C-130 Hercules, which has been flying relief operations in tsunami-affected areas, will return back to New Zealand.
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Indonesia should not use C-130s against rebels -U.S
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Thursday he hoped Indonesia would use new U.S. C-130 spare parts only for tsunami relief work rather than to "go after" rebel forces in its devastated province of Aceh.
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Korea Develops Advanced Airborne Electronic Warfare System
The South Korean air force will put into use from this year a new locally developed electronic countermeasures equipment, the ALQ-X.
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Navy fighter squadron offering relief
While the majority of the flight operations on the Abraham Lincoln is carried out by its two helicopter squadrons. Members of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 82, "The Marauders," are doing their part on the ground.
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Sunday, January 09, 2005
Rumsfeld: Expand tanker probe
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld ordered an expanded review into the activities of two former Boeing Co. executives who admitted to wrongdoing during negotiations for a $23 billion aerial-refueling tanker proposal for the Air Force.
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Raptor glides home
Escorted by two F-15 Eagles, a F/A-22 Raptor landed at Langley Air Force Base on Friday. It will be used to train maintenance crews.
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Saturday, January 08, 2005
Abraham Lincoln Sumatra Relief
Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Carlos Martinez of Silver Spring, Md., uses lighted wands to direct an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter to drop a cargo net full of relief supplies on the flight deck aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bernardo Fuller.
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RSAF Sumatra Relief
UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan prepares to leave Medan on route to Colombo, Sri Lanka on a RSAF KC-135.
A RSAF Chinook landing on the flight deck of RSS Persistence.
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BHR Delivers More Than 7,000 Pounds of Humanitarian Relief to Tsunami Victims
In support of Operation Unified Assistance, multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) delivered more than 7,000 pounds of humanitarian assistance Jan. 7 to disaster stricken areas of Sumatra, including Banda Aceh and Blagpidie.
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C-130J software upgrades get final adjustment
C-130J Hercules' Block 5.4 software upgrade underwent testing from October through December last year.
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SINGAPORE SENDS MOBILE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (MATC) TOWER TO BANDA ACEH
Singapore has sent a Mobile Air Traffic Control (MATC) Tower to Banda Aceh Airport which will enhance the air traffic control capability at the airport and allow more flights carrying humanitarian supplies to enter Indonesia�s Aceh province. This is upon the request of the Indonesian civil aviation authorities.
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South Africa bought jets it did not want
South Africa's government ignored the advice of its air force chiefs and bought 24 Hawk jets from BAE Systems, Britain's biggest defence company, costing twice as much as a competing aircraft from Italy, it emerged yesterday.
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Brazil to Send Aircraft Carrier to Help Tsunami Victims
Brazil's government is studying the possibility of sending an aircraft carrier with 1,200 Navy personnel, troops from the Army Engineers' Batallion, and Armed Forces helicopters to Asian and African countries affected by the tsunami.
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AMC aircraft, people support tsunami-relief operations
As of Jan. 5, Air Mobility Command aircraft had airlifted six HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and two CH-46 helicopters and related support equipment to support tsunami-relief operations.
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USFK sending more troops, copters to stricken region
The U.S. Army's 17th Aviation Brigade will send eight CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from South Korea to South Asia to support relief operations.
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Pakistan's search for F-16s not worrying
India's new air chief said Friday that there was no need to worry about Pakistan's efforts to purchase F-16 fighter aircraft, saying "We have our own plans".
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Exclusive: Egypt violating airspace (Registration Required)
Unauthorized Egyptian passenger aircraft have been increasingly violating Israel's airspace near Eilat, prompting the IAF to station Hawk anti-aircraft missile batteries and fighter planes close by, ready to shoot down the Egyptian planes if they take a hostile turn. In several cases, fighter jets have actually been scrambled, then returning quietly to base.
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Five new Raptors arrive at Tyndall, AF chief getting lessons
Five more F/A-22 Raptors landed Friday at Tyndall air base where Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, is among the first pilots being trained to fly the new stealth fighter.
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Taiwan test fires anti-ship cruise missile
Taiwan achieved a breakthrough in its efforts to develop counter-strike capabilities against China, successfully testing an anti-ship cruise missile with sufficient range to reach the coast of the mainland.
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'Sexed-Down' Report Leaves Out Advice to Stall Gripens
A SPECIAL government task team suggested deferring the purchase of 28 new Gripen fighter aircraft because of concerns that South Africa might not have enough pilots to fly them, it has emreged from conflicting versions of the government's arms-deal report.
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Brazil fighter jet tender expires, new one likely
Brazil is likely to call a new tender to buy fighter jets in a deal worth about $700 million after failing to choose an offer before the deadline on the last day of 2004, a Defense Ministry official said Friday.
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IAF is keen on Aerospace Command, says new chief
The Indian Air Force is recognizing that space is fast becoming vital in all military operations. Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi says he is very keen to integrate air and space-based systems.
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Efforts on to keep IAF as a potent fighting force: Tyagi
Indian Air Force Air Chief S P Tyagi said India was negotiating with a number of countries, including the US, for acquisition of 125 multi-role aircraft.
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Boeing Tests Broadband In-Flight Communications For Military UAVs
Boeing has demonstrated high-speed wireless communications technology developed by Harris aboard the ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle.
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Friday, January 07, 2005
Operation Unified Assistance
A Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, assigned to the "White Knights" of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron One Six Five (HMM-165), carrying supplies, approaches the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a vertical replenishment operation.
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Frigid freight
Senior Airman Daruis Justice braves blowing snow on the flightline while preparing pallets of communications equipment for shipment to areas affected by tsunamis. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield.
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Runway of IAF Car Nicobar base to be operational in two weeks
The runway of the Indian Air Force station at Car Nicobar, which suffered extensive damage in the December 26 earthquake and tsunami, is expected to be fully operational in about a fortnight, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi said.
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German Armed Forces sends hospital aircraft and mobile rescue center
The German Armed Forces has been using its flying hospitals, so-called "MediVac" airplanes from Airbus, to return injured tourists from southeast Asia to Germany.
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ONE OF THE TWO GREEK C-130 RETURNS TONIGHT
The Greek Foreign Ministry announced that one of the two Greek C-130 transport planes has returned to the military base in Elefsina, near Athens. The plane carried doctors, rescuers, humanitarian assistance and diplomatic personnel to the countries of Southeast Asia hit by earthquake and tidal waves.
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CF-18 Modernization Celebrates Midway Point of Phase I
The Canadian Forces took delivery of the 40th "Phase I" modernized CF-18 Hornet from Boeing International Jan. 6.
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Army colonel to head U.S. Naval Test Pilot School
Army Lt. Col. Steven W. Kihara will relieve Navy Cmdr. Paul A. Sohl as commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School during a change of command ceremony Jan 13. Kihara will become the test pilot school's first Army commanding officer.
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GAF commissions four Russian helicopters
The Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday commissioned four newly acquired multipurpose Russian MI-17 helicopters for the Ghana Air Force.
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MacDill Gets Its 1st Female Commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Margaret Woodward will become the first female commander of MacDill Air Force Base and the 6th Air Mobility Wing next month.
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B-1s return to flight
The B-1B Lancer fleet returned to flight status Jan. 5 following a six-day grounding.
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Raptors cleared to fly again
U.S. Air Force officials cleared the F/A-22 Raptor to resume flight operations Jan. 6 following a comprehensive review of procedural and engineering data.
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Navy's JSOW-C Approved for Full Rate Production
The U.S. Department of the Navy awarded Raytheon Company, Waltham, Mass., a $55.7 million contract to initiate Full Rate Production of the JSOW Unitary (JSOW-C) weapon Dec. 23.
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U.S. TO SUPPLY MILITARY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT PARTS TO INDONESIA
The United States plans to supply spare parts for C-130 military transport aircraft to Indonesia as part of relief efforts for the country. While the United States bans arms exports to Indonesia over alleged military human rights violations, the parts sale will be a "commercial sale."
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Thursday, January 06, 2005
Joint Common Missile's Demise Spurs 'Capability Needs' Study
The U.S. Defense Department still seems interested in eventually developing a capability similar to the Joint Common Missile (JCM), despite a recent decision to kill the air-to-ground missile program.
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Competing To Carry the President
The U.S. Navy will decide this month who will win the Marine One presidential helicopter competition.
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�SAM-X Project� Immobile for Three Years
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) could be postponing or canceling the next-generation guided missile project, also known as Surface to Air Missile (SAM-X).
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Air Force selects 35 for test pilot training
A board has selected 35 officers to take part in the U.S. Air Force�s test pilot program.
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BAE SYSTEMS TO DEVELOP UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE FOR DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has selected BAE Systems as one of three companies to develop a ducted-fan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as part of a first phase of its Organic Air Vehicle Class II (OAV II) program.
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U.S. Aid Supplies Crash into Mall
A load of relief supplies slung under a U.S. military helicopter fell and slammed into a car parked at a shopping mall in the Indonesian city of Medan early Wednesday, local officials said.
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Tsunami spares U.S. base in Diego Garcia
A deep underwater trench, a 30-year-old military decision and a tsunami warning saved U.S. Navy base on Diego Garcia from any significant damage during last week�s tsunami.
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Everett Carrier's 'Top Guns' Take Rear Seat To Helicopter Pilots
Jet fighter pilots took a back seat to the new "top guns" - the helicopter fliers onboard USS Abraham Lincoln.
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Red Wolves Return from Iraq
Nearly 45 pilots, air crew, and maintenance personnel of Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron (HCS) 4, Det. 3, will return to Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 6 after a three month deployment to Iraq.
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Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Abraham Lincoln Sumatra Relief
An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the "Saberhawks" of Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Seven (HSL-47), prepare to touch down to drop off boxes of bottled water in Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tyler J. Clements
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F-35 Trumps F/A-22 In Latest Defense Department Budget Battle
The Defense Department has rebuffed an U.S. Air Force proposal to cut the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, opting instead to slash the Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor. Other significant cuts include the cancellation of the Army-led Joint Common Missile (JCM) and the Air Force's Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser-Extended Range (WCMD-ER).
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McChord AFB commander shifted to tsunami relief duty
USAF Col. Wayne A. Schatz Jr., commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord, leave for Thailand on Tuesday for about a four-week stint as deputy director of mobility forces for U.S. relief efforts in south Asia
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India developing more light combat aircraft prototypes
Three more prototypes of the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas were being developed for the second phase of test flights.
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Army UAV crashes near Imphal airport
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Indian Army crashed near Imphal airport yesterday but no casualty was reported.
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B-1 fleet grounded after landing gear collapses
B-1 Lancers Air Force-wide were grounded after one aircraft�s nose-gear collapsed at a forward-deployed location supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Air Combat Command officials said Jan. 4.
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EDO sees no material effect from F/A-22 cuts
EDO Corp., which makes military antennas and reconnaissance systems, on Tuesday said it did not expect any material effect on earnings or revenues from proposed cuts in funding for the F/A-22 fighter jet program and the Joint Common Missile.
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Defence chiefs forced to choose between fighters and carriers
Senior insiders at the U.K. MoD say it is no longer feasible or affordable for the Government to go ahead with the full order for both the Eurofighter and the future large carrier.
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USS Bonhomme Richard Positions More Than 200,000 Pounds of Disaster Relief Supplies
Helicopters attached to USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR)(LHD 6) airlifted more than 200,000 pounds of disaster relief supplies Jan. 4 from two warehouses on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
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BAE Systems Hawk set to celebrate 25 years with the Red Arrows
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Hawk's first appearance in the Red Arrows.
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Conn receives Stockdale Award
USJFCOM Joint Warfighting Center Staff Group Secretary Navy Cmdr. Scott Conn was recently presented the Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership as commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Boeing:'well-Positioned for Future'
Boeing Co. on Tuesday responded to reports of potential changes to future Defense Department budgets, stating it believes the company is "very well-positioned for the future."
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Top Air Force Official to Pilot Prototype of Trainer Jet
South Korea's top Air Force officer will test-pilot a prototype of a domestically built supersonic trainer jet this week to examine its capability and safety, the Air Force said Tuesday.
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We are at war in Andamans: IAF chief
Indian Air Force new chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal S Tyagi, on Tuesday said that the IAF is facing a war against nature in the Andamans Islands.
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US Army studies complementary air-defence missile concept
The US Army is working on an air-breathing surface-to-air missile (SAM) that could be fielded to supplement the Surface-Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM).
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Maintenance difficulties may force Mirage fighters to be mothballed
Taiwan's Air Force has completed a one-year experiment to determine the feasibility of mothballing French-made Mirage 2000-E jet fighters. One Mirage was mothball for one year.
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Winning Presidential Chopper Bid Will be Named Soon
The South Korean government will make a final announcement within the month on which company will be awarded a W127.5-billion contract to build new presidential helicopters, known as VH-X.
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Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Abraham Lincoln Sumatra Relief
Two Naval Air crewmen, assigned to the �Golden Falcons� of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two (HS-2), carry a seriously injured Indonesian woman to a waiting helicopter for transportation to a medical facility.
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RSAF Phuket Assistance
A RSAF aircrew bringing relief supplies to the disaster area.
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PHASE TWO OF SAF ASSISTANCE TO INDONESIA
Singapore deployed 4 more heavy-lift Chinook helicopters to Indonesia.
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Former 8th Air Force commander dies
Lt. Gen. Martin J. "Rip" Ryan Jr. a highly respected bomber pilot and retired Air Force general who commanded the 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in the early 1990s died Saturday, Air Force sources confirmed Sunday.
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Now Lockheed's C-130 faces the ax (Registration Required)
The Pentagon plans to end the acquisition of the latest model Hercules in two years.
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France to send helicopter carrier to Asia: minister
France will send the helicopter carrier Jeanne d'Arc and the frigate George Leygues to Asia on Monday to provide medical aid to the countries hit by the tsunamis, Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said on Sunday in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche.
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Helicopters help relief operations gain momentum
Within 12 hours of arriving at Utapao Air Base, Thailand from their base in Japan, 10 U.S. C-130 cargo planes began ferrying tons of supplies from warehouses in Bangkok and Polonia, Indonesia, to coastal zones.
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The Raptor as Bomber
The FB-22 is a leading candidate to fulfill USAF�s need for an �interim bomber.�
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Combat Systems Officers
An U.S. Air Force plan aims to generate a new breed of upwardly mobile navigators.
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Monday, January 03, 2005
Abraham Lincoln Sumatra Relief
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Savoy and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Davy Nugent prepares bread in the bakery aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) for the victims of the Tsunami-stricken areas of Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Timothy C. Roache Jr.
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All set for Aero India at Bangalore
At the forthcoming Aero India 2005 in Bangalore, the Defence Exhibitions Organisation (DEO) has planned to set up a 24-hour help desk to enable exhibitors and visitors receive information regarding their participation.
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Strike Group Commander: Ships Ready to Assist
According to Rear Adm. Doug Crowder, commander, Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 have two helicopter squadrons deployed and two C-2 Greyhounds to provide humanitarian aid in Sumatra.
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U.S. Seventh Fleet First to Provide Naval Support to Aceh Province
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) began providing logistical support Jan. 1 to disaster victims in the Indonesian province of Aceh for the first time since earthquakes and tsunamis ravaged Southern Asia Dec. 26.
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US fighters violate Iranian air space: report
According to the evening daily Kayhan, an American fighter entered Iranian air space Thursday night, flying over the southern border strip at Iran's Mousa-Abad region for several minutes.
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Sunday, January 02, 2005
Airmen continue tsunami relief
Airman 1st Class Sara McClaskey readies a cargo net on an aircraft pallet bound for Southeast Asia. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland.
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Abraham Lincoln Sumatra Relief
Helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2 (HS-2) Golden Falcons and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 47 (HSL-47) Saberhawks depart from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) en route to Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy photo
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Tsunami survivors mob U.S. aid copters
Desperate, homeless villagers on the tsunami-ravaged island of Sumatra mobbed American helicopters carrying aid Saturday as the U.S. military launched its largest operation in the region since the Vietnam War, ferrying food and other emergency relief to survivors across the disaster zone.
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Lockheed Martin awarded $716 million contract
The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp.'s aeronautics unit two contracts valued at a combined $716 million for continued work on the F/A-22 stealth fighter plane.
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Luke's future looks good
The Arizona Republic interviewed Col. Robin Rand, commander of Luke Air Force Base.
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Ellsworth defenders prepare for base closing process
Rapid City is preparing itself to keep the nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base from being closed.
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Pentagon plan would slash V-22 orders (Registration Required)
Online publication Inside Defense reported Friday that orders for V-22s would be reduced by $1.2 billion over several years beginning in 2006.
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Saturday, January 01, 2005
Westover reservists deliver helicopters to Thailand
U.S. Air Force reservists from Westover air base launched a relief mission to disaster-stricken Thailand. A crew of 10 reservists flew a C-5 cargo plane to Kadena Air Base in Japan. After the 19-hour flight, they will get a load of five rescue helicopters and deliver them to Thailand.
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U.S. Helicopters to Bring Aid to Indonesia
Helicopters from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will start ferrying relief supplies on Saturday to devastated Indonesian areas to clear supply-line bottlenecks, a U.S. military spokesman said.
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Singapore opens up air, naval bases for relief supplies to Indonesia
Singapore will open its air and naval bases to anyone who is bringing in supplies for the relief efforts in the region.
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Boeing donates $1 million for tsunami relief
The Boeing Company has committed $1 million to support humanitarian efforts of three nonprofit agencies assisting tsunami victims in Southeast Asia.
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ONGOING ADF SUPPORT TO INDONESIA
Three UH-1H Iroquois helicopters from the Australian Defense Force will be deployed to Ache, Indonesia.
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Army Seeks Industry Ideas To Fill Gaps In Air, Missile Defense
The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School is asking for industry help in a study of ways to overcome shortfalls in U.S. air and missile defense capability.
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Blue Angels to Commence Winter Training
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will make its annual deployment Jan. 2, 2005 to Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif., to prepare for the upcoming show season.
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NAS Fallon returns to normal training in 2004
Last year, five USN Carrier Air Groups, came to NAS Fallon for training.
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Osprey's fate is in Marines' hands
Four years after a third fatal crash nearly killed the V-22 program, the fate of the tilt-rotor Osprey is shifting from the hands of highly trained test pilots to conventional Marine fliers who are preparing to test whether the troubled aircraft finally is ready for operational use.
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S.P. Tyagi is new air force chief
Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi took over from Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, as chief of the Indian Air Force.
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UAVs, sniffer dogs being used to locate bodies
IAF UAVs are being used to find bodies deeply buried in jungles and urban areas after the Tsunami.
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