News

Attrition Report

Greek F-4E Phantom II crashes into the Ionian Sea

2nd February 2023

An Hellenic Air Force-operated McDonnell Douglas F-4E (AUP) Phantom II crashed in the waters of the Ionian Sea, some 25nm (46km) south of Andravida – the type’s home base – on January 30

Honeycomb Aeronautical

Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals now available on pre-order

2nd February 2023

Honeycomb Aeronautical has announced the launch of pre-orders for the Charlie Rudder Pedals, the latest addition to its line of high-performance flight simulation equipment.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems: RAF’s Tranche 1 Typhoons could be upgraded and retained

2nd February 2023

BAE Systems has told MPs that the RAF’s ageing fleet of Tranche 1 Typhoon FGR4s – which is slated to be phased out of UK military service in 2025 – could be upgraded and retained for operational use

Australia

Boeing extends support contract for Australian Chinook fleet

2nd February 2023

Boeing Defence Australia will extend its support to the Australian Army Air Corps’ 14-strong fleet of CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift tactical transport helicopters after a contract extension was signed with the Australian Department of Defence on January 20

Aero Legends

Passenger flights in ex-military jets get CAA approval

2nd February 2023

Aero Legends look forward to flying customers in a BAC Strikemaster

Aircraft Deliveries

Russia receives another upgraded Tu-22M3 bomber

1st February 2023

The United Aircraft Corporation has delivered another modernised Tu-22M3 Backfire-C supersonic-capable strategic bomber/missile carrier to the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Long-Range Aviation command

Advanced Jet Trainer

Engine issues with RAF’s Hawk T2 fleet may take three years to solve

1st February 2023

BAE Systems has said that technical issues with the Hawk T2’s Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 951 non-afterburning turbofan engine could take between two and three years to resolve, leaving the fleet’s flying hours greatly reduced

Hogsback Ranch for Microsoft Flight Simulator

1st February 2023

Hogsback Ranch is a private airstrip in the North California backcountry with breathtaking views and the perfect location for virtual bush trip adventures.

Aircraft Restoration

Unique Waco flies again in New Zealand

1st February 2023

Sole surviving UOC Custom makes maiden post-restoration flight from airfield where it was first based 85 years ago

Australia

New Australian airline Bonza takes to the air

1st February 2023

A new low-cost carrier called Bonza has entered the Australian airline scene flying Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar

Biggin Hill hosts USAF Aircraft and Vehicles tour

1st February 2023

The Kent-based attraction has announced the latest in its series of themed hangar tours

Atlas Air

Historic handover marks end of the line for Boeing 747

1st February 2023

The last ever Boeing 747 to be built was handed over on January 31, 2023, in a ceremony at Paine Field, Washington that was broadcast live on the internet.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Helipads LA Police for MSFS now available

1st February 2023

Orbx has introduced a new Police Activities Expansion Pack that offers a unique and realistic look into the daily operations of Police forces in the LA metropolitan area.

First Flight

Lockheed Martin has flown the F-16 Block 70 for the first time

31st January 2023

Lockheed Martin revealed on January 24 that it had successfully completed its first F-16 Block 70 flight from its Greenville facility in South Carolina, marking a key milestone in the development and eventual delivery of the latest and most advanced version of the Fighting Falcon family to date