Dave Allport
First operational test mission for the F-15EX
Full, large scale operational tests with the US Air Force’s first two Boeing F-15EX Eagle IIs recently got underway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 57th Wing at Nellis announced on October 22 that the new type’s first-ever operational test missions were being undertaken at Nellis from October 18-25, paired with F-15Cs and F-15Es
Another successful USMC Australian rotation concluded
Another US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) deployment to Australia has successfully concluded. After an eight-month stay in the Northern Territory, the contingent of approximately 2,200 Marines and their equipment which made up the tenth iteration of MRF-D made their way home during September and October
New Malaysian Navy AW139s test flying
Two Leonardo AW139 maritime operations helicopters (MOH) destined for Tentaru Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM – Royal Malaysian Navy) service have recently been test flying in Italy while being prepared for delivery.
Indonesia receives second new-build NC212i transport
A new NC212i light transport aircraft has been delivered to the Indonesian Air Force by PT Dirgantari Indonesia (PTDI)
India's third MH-60R completes pre-delivery testing
Lockheed Martin India announced on October 13 that the third Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk for the Indian Navy - serial IN753 - has completed pre-delivery testing ahead of schedule
Overheating APU caused nearly US$3m of damage to USAF F-22
A new US Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report has revealed that an overheating auxiliary power unit (APU) caused nearly US$3m of damage to an F-22A Raptor in a previously unreported incident at Nellis AFB, Nevada, on October 30, 2020
New Zealand retires first P-3K2 Orion
The Royal New Zealand Air Force retired its first Lockheed P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft on September 24, after 55 years of operational service
Second Boeing 737 arrives in the UK for Wedgetail conversion
A second Boeing 737 has been delivered to the UK for conversion to E-7A Wedgetail AEW1 airborne early warning and control configuration for the RAF
USAF’s first Europe-based F-35A unit activated at Lakenheath
During a ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, on October 1, the USAF re-activated the first USAFE Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter squadron as part of the resident 48th FW
Australia to buy attrition replacement for lost Growler
US State Department approval has been granted for the possible Foreign Military Sale of a single US Navy Boeing EA-18G Growler to the Australian government, which will act as an attrition replacement for an example that was damaged beyond repair by an engine fire on January 27, 2018