Defence officials decide fate of two Scottish bases

The future of two important and historic Scottish bases, uncertain throughout the recent strategic defence review, has been effectively decided.

RAF Leuchars has been handed over to the army, and RAF Lossiemouth – one of the busiest military airfields in the country – remains with the air force.

IDEF 2011: EADS Cassidian and TAI sign Talarion MoU

EADS Cassidian has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Talarion UAV programme at a ceremony at IDEF 2011 in Istanbul on 11 May.

The agreement will see both companies continue with the development of the next-generation Talarion MALE UAV to fulfil the existing requirements placed by France, Germany and Spain.

Thailand takes delivery of Airbus Military C212-400

Fitted with a specific kit, the main role of these aircraft is “rain-making” through cloud-seeding in the largely drought-affected country, as well as boosting water volume in dams. The C212 can also transport personnel, as well as bulky items thanks to the rear ramp. It has a 22 m3 cabin volume and is able to carry up to 2.8 tonnes of cargo.

U.S. Air Force Poised to Launch First-of-its-Kind Space Based Infrared System Satellite

The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin are ready to launch the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft on Friday, May 6

Phantom Ray Under Way In First Flight

Washington – Despite a tight veil of security being thrown over Boeing’s Phantom Ray unmanned aircraft demonstration program, several industry officials say the stealth-shaped aircraft made its first flight at Edwards AFB, Calif., on April 27.

AgustaWestland Competes for U.S. Air Force Programs

“AgustaWestland North America is prepared to participate and to vigorously compete for both the U.S. Air Force’s CVLSP and HH-60 recapitalization programs – two separate but important missions,” said AgustaWestland North America’s Chief Executive Officer, R. Scott Rettig. “We plan to offer the advanced military version of the best selling AW139 – the AW139M – which has been fully missionized with proven U.S. military technology for CVLSP requirements, and the battle-tested HH-71 for the Combat Search and Rescue mission.”

US Approves Sale of Second Super-Hercules to Israel

Israel has purchased a second C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from manufacturer Lockheed Martin, a year after it ordered its first C-130J. The U.S. government has approved the sale, as well as funding for advance procurement of items for a third aircraft.

NZ Air Force Welcomes Upgraded P-3k2 Orion

The Royal New Zealand Air Force today accepted the first upgraded P-3K2 Orion from the Ministry of Defence during a short ceremony at Air Force Base Whenuapai. Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell said the upgraded aircraft represents a significant advance in technology and will introduce a fundamental change to the capability of No. 5 Squadron as they transition from their traditional role as a Maritime Patrol Force to an Airborne Surveillance and Response Force.