Khalem Chapman
Divested B-1B to become ground integration lab at Edwards AFB
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center revealed on March 8 that a recently retired B-1B Lancer will become the new Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL) at Edwards AFB in California
US approves Japan’s $23bn F-35 purchase
The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 105 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters to Japan.
Safran to support Dutch Cougar engines
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has signed a multi-year contract with Safran Helicopter Engines to provide engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for its AS532U2 Cougar utility helicopter fleet.
Gripen E/F parts production begins in Brazil
Saab announced that parts production of its Gripen E/F multi-role fighter has started at its new sub-assembly facility in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, on July 7.
US approves French E-2D acquisition
The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of three Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and associated equipment to France.
Third KC-390 for Brazil
A third Embraer KC-390 Millennium medium-lift tactical transport has been handed over to the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB, Brazilian Air Force).
US Navy begins TH-73A instructor pilot training
The first two instructor pilots from the US Navy’s Training Air Wing 5 (TAW 5) have arrived at Leonardo’s production facility in Philadelphia to train on the new TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
New countermeasures for USAF AC-130J, MC-130J
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has been contracted to develop and deliver new radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM) systems for the US Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) AC-130J and MC-130J fleets.
Eielson AFB doubles F-35A fleet
The number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) has doubled, following the arrival of three more examples at the Alaskan base on June 25.
Indonesian MV-22 purchase gets green light
The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of eight Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia.
RAF Typhoons take part in German-led exercise
Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s from No 11 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, have taken part in the German-led Exercise MAGDay over the southern North Sea.
Safran to support German and Norwegian NH90 engines
The NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) has contracted Safran Helicopter Engines to support 276 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines, the powerplant of Germany and Norway’s NH90 fleets.