News

iniBuilds

Bilbao for Microsoft Flight Simulator released

19th February 2024

Scenery developer Beautiful Model of the Worlds has released Bilbao version 5 for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Greece

First three Greek MH-60R Seahawks nearing delivery

19th February 2024

The first three Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks for the Hellenic Navy are a step closer to delivery after

Argentine Navy

Remains of lost Argentine P-2 Neptune found in Antarctica

19th February 2024

A ceremony has been held alongside the newly discovered aircraft remains to pay tribute to the personnel that lost their lives

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin rolls out first C-130J-30 for New Zealand

16th February 2024

Lockheed Martin formally rolled out the first of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transports for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) at its production facility in Marietta, Georgia, on February 15

Acquisitions

US finally approves sale of F-16 Block 70s to Turkey

16th February 2024

After a two-year delay, Turkey has finally gained approval from the US government to acquire 40 new-build F-16C/D Block 70 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighters and 79 F-16V upgrade kits in a deal worth approximately $23bn

Australia

Australian Wedgetail touches down at RAF Lossiemouth

16th February 2024

A Royal Australian Air Force Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, A30-002, touched down at RAF Lossiemouth today (February 16, 2024).

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Dune expansion pack for MSFS released

16th February 2024

The Microsoft Flight Simulator team has announced the Dune expansion pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available as a free download.

116th Air Refueling Squadron

KC-135T marks 100 years of 116th ARS with heritage scheme

16th February 2024

The 116th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) ‘Ace of Spades’ – a part of the Washington ANG’s 141st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) at Fairchild AFB – has applied a new heritage scheme to one of its KC-135T Stratotankers to commemorate the squadron’s 100th anniversary

Aircraft Deliveries

USAF’s 305th RQS welcomes first Jolly Green II

16th February 2024

The USAF’s 305th Rescue Squadron (RQS) – a component of Air Force Reserve Command’s (AFRC’s) 943rd Rescue Group (RQG) – joined the HH-60W Jolly Green II family on February 1, when the first aircraft (21-14521) arrived at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona

Douglas

Save the Skymaster folds its wings

16th February 2024

The team were attempting to return a Douglas C-54 Skymaster to flying status

JustSim

Nice Cote D'azur Airport – NG Series for MSFS

15th February 2024

JustSim has released a new product line dubbed the NG Series, offering highly realistic and detailed models of airports and the surrounding areas.

Acquisitions

Portugal receives first second-hand P-3C Orion from Germany

15th February 2024

The Força Aerea Portuguesa (FAP; Portuguese Air Force) received the first of six former Marineflieger (German Navy)-operated P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) on February 9

Initial Operational Capability (IOC)

USMC’s first East Coast F-35B unit declared operational

15th February 2024

The USMC formally declared its first East Coast-based F-35B Lightning II squadron operational when Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) ‘Tigers’ – a component of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) – achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) at MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina on February 5