August 6, 2009 at 9:58 am
AIR International August Issue – ON SALE NOW

FEATURES
AU REVOIR PICARDIE
Details from France on the disbandment of EC 02.012 ‘Picardie’.
LUXAIR FIGHT’S BACK
Andreas Spaeth provides an insight into Luxembourg’s national carrier that has had to fight against low-cost carriers setting up nearby and a crumbling business clientele at home.
SIX ONE SEVEN
No.617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron is still at the tip of the spear in the RAF’s strike force. In the first of a two-part article, AIR International Editor Mark Ayton reports from a squadron detachment at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.
MEETING DU CENTENAIRE
Mark Ayton was at Reims for the centennial airshow that marked the first ever international event of this nature 100 years ago.
SERVING THE FLEET
Andy Sheppard details the diverse range of work undertaken by the Royal Navy’s Hawks.
EAGLE EYE 737
After a three-year delay, Boeing is finally set to deliver the first Airborne Early Warning & Control 737 to the Royal Australian Air Force. Dino Carrara reports on the latest developments from Seattle.
SAR DREAM MACHINE
On May 6, 2009, the French Navy’s Flottille 24F passed the 20,000 flying hours mark on the Falcon 50M SURMAR. Henri-Pierre Grolleau visited Lann-Bihoué to hear how this business jet is performing in its new role.
STRAIGHT TALKING
Boeing has a lot riding on the success of the Dreamliner. AIR International’s Assistant Editor Dino Carrara hears first hand from Jim Haas, Director of 787 Product Marketing, in a May interview why airlines should buy the new airliner.
THE RAF AT 91 – PART 3
Jon Lake looks at the RAF training system and explains how civilianisation continues to change its make-up.
And much more!
AIR International August is available now for just £4.10 with FREE P&P* from our online shop. Alternatively, pick up your copy at WHSmith, Borders and all other leading newsagents.
AirForces Monthly August issue – OUT NOW

[SIZE=”2″]Featuring:
GAME ON: BFM TRAINING
Lt Col ‘Cricket’ Renner, an F-15C pilot assigned to the 19th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, explains Basics Fighter Manoeuvres (BFM) in the world’s leading combat proven ‘dogfighter’.
FORCE REPORT: HELLENIC NAVY AND COAST GUARD
Ian Harding, Christopher Lofting and Richard Gennis report on the recent restructuring of units and an upgrading of air assets in the Hellenic Navy and Coast Guard.
UK AIR DEFENCE – THE FIGHTER FORCE SHRINKS
Although their need is greatest right now, Britain’s air defences have actually been progressively run down and are now in a parlous state, as Jon Lake explains.
THE RUSSIAN BEAR GETS RESTLESS AGAIN
Alexander Mladenov examines Russian long-range aviation developments between 2008 and 2009, which resulted in its nuclear-capable bombers patrolling along America’s coastline and intimidating a US Carrier Battle Group.
RED KITES IN CONFLICT
AFM visits 606 Squadron, RAF Reserve, at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, where the unit will mark its tenth anniversary later this year. A decade of working in many conflict zones.
COMMAND HELICOPTER FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN
British troops have been involved in some of the biggest battles of recent times in Afghanistan. When the call goes out for airborne assistance, Command Helicopter Force is one of the first units to respond. Patrick Allen reports on its complex role in a challenging war.
ATTRITION
AFM’s Dave Allport reports on the world’s latest military aviation accidents.
MARINE HARRIERS OVER IRAQ
Having come in for some harsh criticism about their combat record in Desert Storm, the AV-8B squadrons of the USMC had a point to prove during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Warren E Thompson recalls their change in fortunes and how the AV-8B proved to be the ideal close air support platform.
JUST A NICE PIC…
Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16AM J-015 shows off its new display colours as it spits out flares whilst being displayed by Capt Ralph ‘Sheik’ Aarts during the RNLAF Air Show at Volkel Air Base on June 19.
AirForces Monthly August issue is available from July 9 for just £4.10 at WHSmith, Borders and all other leading newsagents. Alternatively, order online with FREE P&P* at http://www.keypublishing.com/shop.
*UK and BFPO only
NEW!
Our superb range of Just Flight and Flight 1 simulations are now available from our online shop…
F-117A Stealth Fighter – Just £18.49 + FREE P&P*
Buy now
MiG-15 – Just £18.49 + FREE P&P*
Buy now
Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Just £17.99 + FREE P&P*
Buy Online
For our complete range of flight simulations at superb prices visit our online shop today
*UK and BFPO only, Europe £3.00, ROW £4.00
For our complete range of flight simulations at superb prices visit our online shop today
*UK and BFPO only, Europe £3.00, ROW £4.00
NEW!

Produced by Key Publishing’s award-winning team of expert military aviation journalists, Air Combat features over 40 of the World’s top military aircraft. From the fastest combat jets to essential helicopters and huge transports, from the remote airfields of Pakistan to the cobalt skies of Nevada, Air Combat 2009 takes you on a whirlwind tour of the world’s most advanced air forces and the aircraft that make them tick
Set over 100 high-quality pages, Air Combat combines the best aerial photography with our outstanding knowledge of the world’s air forces to provide a must-have addition to any aviation enthusiasts’ collection.
Features include:
– Over 40 military aircraft and helicopters, including F/A-18F Super Hornet, Apache AH1 and F-22 Raptor.
– Air Forces from across the world including RAF, USAF and those in Europe, Asia and South America.
– Full aircraft combat history.
– Production and delivery dates.
– Latest roundels and markings.
Air Combat is available now for just £4.99 with FREE P&P* from our online shop. Alternatively, pick up your copy from WHSmith, Borders and all other leading newsagents.
AirUtopia DVD’s EXCLUSIVELY available from Key Publishing in the UK!
AirUtopia’s aviation DVD’s are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Featuring the famous Kai Tak Airport, Airbus A380, Concorde and many more! The superb AirUtopia collection is now available from [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/“]Key’s Aviation Shop.[/URL]
Including:

F-14 Cockpit (DVD311)
Are you ready to go where few have been before? Join AirUtopia onboard an F-14 during a real wartime mission! Enjoy low level flights up to Mach 2 over desert and mountain terrain from carrier takeoff to carrier landing! Experience the view from an F14 during taxi and taking off and experience barrel rolls, in flight refueling from a KC 135 and KA6 Intruder and do some touch and go carrier landings all while listening to the live audio.
This DVD is a must for all military fans – you will see and feel what only
a few brave pilots have experienced!
Price: Just £12.49 + FREE P&P*
Order your copy today from our [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/acatalog/AirUtopia.html“]online shop[/URL]

USS JFK (DVD310)
Go where few have been before… on board the super carrier USS John F. Kennedy during the first wave of attacks during the Gulf War. AirUtopia cameras were the only ones there! You’ll feel like you’re on board as you watch this live action production with numerous unbelievable takeoffs and landings, both day and night. Witness the intensity and the afterburners! A must see for all military aviation fans!
Price: Just £12.49 + FREE P&P*
Order your copy today from our [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/acatalog/AirUtopia.html“]online shop[/URL]
For more from our fantastic AirUtopia collection, visit our online store today!
NOW HALF PRICE!
RAF Official Calendar 2009 [M106]

The Official Royal Air Force 2009 Calendar features 12 superb images of iconic aircraft from across the history of the RAF, from the historic Lancaster Bomber to the futuristic Eurofighter Typhoon. Also featured is a centre-page tribute to English aviation pioneer Sir Thomas Sopwith.
The artwork, from the Royal Air Force collection, is set over 12 high-quality, glossy pages making this calendar the perfect accompaniment to the year ahead!
Price: Was £9.99…NOW JUST £4.99+P&P!
Click here to order your copy from Key’s aviation shop
RAF Annual Official Review 2009

The Aircraft – The Weapons Systems – The Operations – The Personnel
Produced by Key Publishing’s award-winning team of expert military aviation journalists, working closely with RAF personnel in the UK and overseas, the RAF Official Annual Review 2009 provides a complete portrait of the aircraft, the missions and the people who comprise Britain’s 21st Century air defence operations.
Set over 132-high quality pages, this special publication includes:
– Exclusive access to the Typhoon, Tornado and Harrier
– Operations including Telic, Iraq and Herrick, Afghanistan
– Behind-the-scenes look at the RAF’s renowned flying training system
– The support network who keep aircraft in the air – including the RAF Regiment
– Search and rescue, air defence and fighter control from across the UK
– All current weaponry systems plus the possible future role of space technology
– Red Arrows, Battle of Britain memorial flight, Falcons and much, much more!
Code: (RAFYRBK)
Just £4.99 plus FREE P&P*
Order your copy from our online shop
Special Offers
NOW BACK IN STOCK!
Rolls-Royce: Powering the Whispering Giant – The Trent 900 Engine

The Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines power the world’s largest airliner, the Airbus A380.
In February 2001, Rolls-Royce announced the launch of one of the most ambitious engineering programmes in the company’s Civil Aerospace history – to develop the Trent 900 engine to power the Airbus A380, a new and exciting aircraft which would become the largest civil airliner ever built.
The Trent 900 is the 4th member of the Trent family, and holds pride of place as the largest jet engine ever produced by Rolls-Royce. ‘Powering the Whispering Giant’ plots the Trent 900 journey in photographs from concept to design, development, testing, first flight on the A340 flying test bed, flight test on the A380, Route Proving, Service Readiness and Entry into Service in October 2007.
This colourful publication combines the best images from throughout the programme, with descriptions of each major step along the way, to offer the reader a unique insight into one of the most public and most exciting new jet engine programmes ever undertaken.
Just £15.99 + P&P
Click here to order your copy from Key’s Aviation shop
NEW!
Our superb range of Just Flight and Flight 1 simulations are now available from our online shop…
F-117A Stealth Fighter – Just £18.49 + FREE P&P*
Buy now
MiG-15 – Just £18.49 + FREE P&P*
Buy now
For our complete range of flight simulations at superb prices visit our online shop today
*UK and BFPO only, Europe £3.00, ROW £4.00
For our complete range of flight simulations at superb prices visit our online shop today
*UK and BFPO only, Europe £3.00, ROW £4.00
NEW!

Produced by Key Publishing’s award-winning team of expert military aviation journalists, Air Combat features over 40 of the World’s top military aircraft. From the fastest combat jets to essential helicopters and huge transports, from the remote airfields of Pakistan to the cobalt skies of Nevada, Air Combat 2009 takes you on a whirlwind tour of the world’s most advanced air forces and the aircraft that make them tick
Set over 100 high-quality pages, Air Combat combines the best aerial photography with our outstanding knowledge of the world’s air forces to provide a must-have addition to any aviation enthusiasts’ collection.
Features include:
– Over 40 military aircraft and helicopters, including F/A-18F Super Hornet, Apache AH1 and F-22 Raptor.
– Air Forces from across the world including RAF, USAF and those in Europe, Asia and South America.
– Full aircraft combat history.
– Production and delivery dates.
– Latest roundels and markings.
Air Combat is available now for just £4.99 with FREE P&P* from our online shop. Alternatively, pick up your copy from WHSmith, Borders and all other leading newsagents.
AirUtopia DVD’s EXCLUSIVELY available from Key Publishing in the UK!
AirUtopia’s aviation DVD’s are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Featuring the famous Kai Tak Airport, Airbus A380, Concorde and many more! The superb AirUtopia collection is now available from [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/“]Key’s Aviation Shop.[/URL]
Including:

F-14 Cockpit (DVD311)
Are you ready to go where few have been before? Join AirUtopia onboard an F-14 during a real wartime mission! Enjoy low level flights up to Mach 2 over desert and mountain terrain from carrier takeoff to carrier landing! Experience the view from an F14 during taxi and taking off and experience barrel rolls, in flight refueling from a KC 135 and KA6 Intruder and do some touch and go carrier landings all while listening to the live audio.
This DVD is a must for all military fans – you will see and feel what only
a few brave pilots have experienced!
Price: Just £12.49 + FREE P&P*
Order your copy today from our [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/acatalog/AirUtopia.html“]online shop[/URL]

USS JFK (DVD310)
Go where few have been before… on board the super carrier USS John F. Kennedy during the first wave of attacks during the Gulf War. AirUtopia cameras were the only ones there! You’ll feel like you’re on board as you watch this live action production with numerous unbelievable takeoffs and landings, both day and night. Witness the intensity and the afterburners! A must see for all military aviation fans!
Price: Just £12.49 + FREE P&P*
Order your copy today from our [URL=”http://shop.keypublishing.com/acatalog/AirUtopia.html“]online shop[/URL]
For more from our fantastic AirUtopia collection, visit our online store today!
NOW HALF PRICE!
RAF Official Calendar 2009 [M106]

The Official Royal Air Force 2009 Calendar features 12 superb images of iconic aircraft from across the history of the RAF, from the historic Lancaster Bomber to the futuristic Eurofighter Typhoon. Also featured is a centre-page tribute to English aviation pioneer Sir Thomas Sopwith.
The artwork, from the Royal Air Force collection, is set over 12 high-quality, glossy pages making this calendar the perfect accompaniment to the year ahead!
Price: Was £9.99…NOW JUST £4.99+P&P!
Click here to order your copy from Key’s aviation shop
Special Offers
NEW!

Hurricane Salute
Produced by the world renowned FlyPast editorial team, this special issue magazine pays tribute to a wartime warhorse which shot down more enemy aircraft than any other defence during the Battle of Britain and destroyed more enemy aircraft than any other allied fighter during World War Two.
Key Publishing’s latest 100-page special issue provides a long overdue insight into the Hurricane
Featuring:
– ‘First’ and ‘Last’ Hurricanes
– The Battle of Britain
– Fighter Command’s only VC
– The Battle of France
– Aces
– Squadrons
– Variants
– Worldwide Survivors
– Rebuilding and covering
– Flying the Hurricane, plus much more!
Code: [FPHURR]
Just £4.99 plus FREE P&P*
Order your copy from our online shop now ![/B]
RAF Annual Official Review 2009
The Aircraft – The Weapons Systems – The Operations – The Personnel
Produced by Key Publishing’s award-winning team of expert military aviation journalists, working closely with RAF personnel in the UK and overseas, the RAF Official Annual Review 2009 provides a complete portrait of the aircraft, the missions and the people who comprise Britain’s 21st Century air defence operations.
Set over 132-high quality pages, this special publication includes:
– Exclusive access to the Typhoon, Tornado and Harrier
– Operations including Telic, Iraq and Herrick, Afghanistan
– Behind-the-scenes look at the RAF’s renowned flying training system
– The support network who keep aircraft in the air – including the RAF Regiment
– Search and rescue, air defence and fighter control from across the UK
– All current weaponry systems plus the possible future role of space technology
– Red Arrows, Battle of Britain memorial flight, Falcons and much, much more!
Code: (RAFYRBK)
Just £4.99 plus FREE P&P*
Order your copy from our online shop
Special Offers
NOW BACK IN STOCK!
Rolls-Royce: Powering the Whispering Giant – The Trent 900 Engine

The Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines power the world’s largest airliner, the Airbus A380.
In February 2001, Rolls-Royce announced the launch of one of the most ambitious engineering programmes in the company’s Civil Aerospace history – to develop the Trent 900 engine to power the Airbus A380, a new and exciting aircraft which would become the largest civil airliner ever built.
The Trent 900 is the 4th member of the Trent family, and holds pride of place as the largest jet engine ever produced by Rolls-Royce. ‘Powering the Whispering Giant’ plots the Trent 900 journey in photographs from concept to design, development, testing, first flight on the A340 flying test bed, flight test on the A380, Route Proving, Service Readiness and Entry into Service in October 2007.
This colourful publication combines the best images from throughout the programme, with descriptions of each major step along the way, to offer the reader a unique insight into one of the most public and most exciting new jet engine programmes ever undertaken.
Just £15.99 + P&P
Click here to order your copy from Key’s Aviation shop