Edwards completes tests to extend KC-135

4/24/2013 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Known as "The Mighty War Wagon" of the Air Force, the KC-135 Stratotanker has proven to be the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force for more than 50 years.

With the help of the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, along with a multitude of testers, the KC-135 Block 45 test team recently completed a series of tests in April to help extend the aircraft's service life for decades.

"There are currently 419 KC-135s and 59 KC-10s that enhance the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of Global Reach while providing aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. These aircraft also provide mission support including cargo, aeromedical evacuation, personnel transport, and a variety of other specialized missions," said Maj. John Mikal, 418th FLTS KC-135 Block 45 lead project test pilot. "Increasing the life expectancy of the current Air Force tanker fleet is critical. Ongoing upgrade programs help to ensure there is no gap in these mission capabilities, while the new KC-46 program starts replacing the aging KC-135 fleet."

As part of the KC-135 Block 45 upgrades, Mikal said they included a digital flight director, a radar altimeter, an electronic engine instrument display, and Automatic Flight Control System or Autopilot for Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements in order to maintain global airspace access.

The 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Wing refuels French Rafale fighter aircraft

The 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Wing refuels French Rafale fighter aircraft April 23, 2013 over Mali. The 351st’s Stratotankers have been flying refueling sorties for the French since Jan. 27, 2013, to allow their aircraft to fly close-air-support sorties for troops on the ground in Mali.

Fourth F-35A Lightning II arrives at Nellis

A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, followed by a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, flies over Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 24, 2013, prior to landing. The F-35 Lightning II is the fourth of four F-35s to arrive here.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, flown by U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Rodger Hardy with Defense Contract Management Agency, arrives April 24, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The F-35A Lightning II is a single-seat, single engine, fifth generation, multirole fighter that’s able to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability.

The fourth F-35A Lightning II arrives April 24, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron will design the tactics for the F-35A through rigorous test flights over the Nevada Test and Training Range.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Rodger Hardy, Defense Contract Management Agency pilot, delivers the fourth F-35A Lightning II April 24, 2013, to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The aircraft’s modern engine delivers more than 60-percent more thrust than any other aircraft of the same weight.

Photo of the day : JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- An Air Force C-17 airdrops an Army Humvee into JBER's Malemute Drop Zone on April 17.

Ramstein Airmen train with Romanian counterparts

by Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2013 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- More than 80 Airmen from Ramstein participated in exercise Carpathian Spring in Romania April 12 through 21.

The exercise was designed for aircrew to receive upgrade training as well as building partnership capacity with Romanians.

"Sequestration has forced us to be more efficient with our training funds and hours," said Capt. Michael Trimble, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft commander. "We have come to Romania to maximize the training available to us. They have great airspace and terrain."

While in Romania, executing effective C-130J Super Hercules aircrew training was a priority.

"Aircrew conducted low-level flying and assault landings, while the 435th Contingency Response Group operated drop zones and manned foreign jumpers," said Capt. Bradley Buinicky, 86th Operations Support Squadron chief of current operations. "For members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, it gave them good exposure for doing their job in a different location."

Having been gone for more than a night required several Airmen from the 86th AMXS to ensure the aircraft were properly maintained.

"We were able to interact with the Romanians and see how they do things maintenance wise," said Senior Airman Sean Acebedo, 86th AMXS engine mechanic. "It was a good training mission for us to be able to support."

Romanian military members observed and became familiarized with maintenance, drop zone operations and pallet building, said Buinicky.

"This is our fifth year of training with the 37th [Airlift Squadron]," said Romanian Brig. Gen. Adrian Ciolponea, 6th Special Operation Brigade commander. "It's always a pleasure and we learn a lot from NCOs and officers, pilots and aircrew. They are all professionals in this job."

Condensing what would have been a month or two of training in Germany, the aircrew was able to get all the training needed in a little more than a week in Romania.

Six pilots were upgraded and two loadmasters met all qualifications to drop personnel during the training. Overall more than 250 Romanian paratroopers were airdropped, with about 350 night-vision goggle events over the course of the 10 days.

"It's going very well," said Trimble. "We have had excellent jumps, great training for the aircrew, the weather has been spectacular and the support from the Romanians has been very generous. We have nothing to complain about."

Eurocopter UK reinforces its British private/VIP market leadership with the delivery of three AS350 and EC120 helicopters

With a series of deliveries, Eurocopter has further extended its lead in Britain’s private/VIP market and once more confirmed the company’s role as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Two of the rotorcraft are the AS350 B3e evolved members of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, while the third is an EC120 B.

The design and customization activities for these aircraft were performed in the UK, with the Eurocopter UK subsidiary applying its onshore expertise in work ranging from avionics integration to interior design and outfitting, as well as installation of other customer-defined systems such as radar altimeters and iPads.

“Tailored solutions based on British design, parts manufacturing, integration, flight testing and certification have made us the preferred choice of UK customers in this market segment,” said Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Limited. “We are proud to continue the expansion of our unique civil helicopter heritage, skills and customer base, and will continue to extend Britain’s civil helicopter hub even more in the future.”
 

© Eurocopter  Anthony Pecchi

A fleet of 314 turbine helicopters is operated by private and business aviation customers across the UK, which represents the largest market of its kind in Europe, and is ranked third worldwide. With close to 40% of this fleet in Britain, Eurocopter provides more than any other helicopter manufacturer.

Langley F-22s, Airmen integrate with Kadena operations

F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on July 28, 2012. The F-22's deployment is in support of the U.S. Pacific Commander's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The deployed unit will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady/Released)

 
by Staff Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena offers everything from aircraft hangars to radios, ensuring the 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., is fully able to integrate its F-22 Raptor squadron into daily operations here.

The fifth-generation aircraft's deployment to Kadena, which began earlier this year, not only signifies a continued commitment to regional stability and security, but also provides opportunities for both Kadena and Langley Airmen to learn about each other's aircraft in order to integrate operations enhancing Kadena's strategic position as the "Keytone of the Pacific."

Being familiar with other aircraft, its needs and limitations, as well as its capabilities is crucial to ensuring the mission is accomplished, no matter the location.

According to Lt. Col. Jason Hinds, 94th EFS commander, having the Raptors in the region is just one more step toward the U.S.'s strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific theater.

"It's important for the F-22 to deploy to Kadena for a few reasons," Hinds said. "The first is to give the pilots, the maintainers, and our entire team from Langley AFB the familiarity with the location and the airspace we would be flying in any kind of future contingency operations.

"The second part ... is our airplane is unique in the capabilities it brings to combatant commanders. The speed, the stealth, the supercruise, the maneuverability and the integrated avionics that the F-22s provide, give a unique capability ... especially in a highly contested environment," the colonel added.

"This integrated team puts air superiority on "steroids," and it's somewhat of a Yin-Yang relationship where Eagles make Raptors invisible, and Raptors make Eagles invincible," said Brig Gen Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander.

The deployment and integration into Kadena operations also provides maintenance Airmen the opportunity to become familiar with the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

"We try to integrate our Airmen into their operations as much as we can ... to get them to understand what kind of challenges the F-22 brings with it," said Maj. Chris Smith, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer. "While it's cutting edge technology, that technology also changes the way we do business."

Differences could be as simple as changing a tire or a difference in terminology, so whether during a training day, down day or an Airman just being curious, leadership on both sides have taken every step to give their Airmen chances to work with the other aircraft since the 94th EFS's arrival on-island.

Senior Airman Jeffrey Hartman, 1st Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection specialist deployed to support the 94th EFS, had little experience with the F-15s until this deployment.

"Getting to work on the F-15 (Eagle) is exciting because it's something new, something different," said Hartman. "A lot of the inspections are different and it helps us to challenge our minds and work on different things.

"Most NDI people are not aircraft specific, but once you work on one kind of airframe you typically stay with that type of aircraft - fighters stay with fighters, heavies stay with heavies," he said.

While deployed to Kadena, NDI Airmen join their counterparts in the Kadena NDI shop. They work together every day, every shift, to make sure operations are as cohesive as possible.

"When we forward deploy anywhere, the likelihood today is that our F-22 guys and our F-15 guys, maintenance and operations, are going to be operating together," said Smith. "If they don't know how to do that in practice, then it's going to be that much more difficult when the chaos and fog of war comes down."

Cooperation from personnel in every aspect -- mission planning, mission execution, aircraft maintenance and daily operations, is vital to making sure the 94th EFS is always ready to accomplish the mission.

"Without the 18th Wing, we wouldn't be able to execute our mission on a day-to-day basis," said Hinds.

Forward basing of assets gives the U.S. Pacific Command the ability to respond rapidly to any contingency, anywhere in the theater in minimal time, and also underscores the U.S. commitment to ensuring stability and security in the Pacific region.

Austrian Technik receives City of Vienna’s Environmental Prize for revolutionary method of cleaning aircraft toilet systems

Austrian Technik receives City of Vienna’s Environmental Prize for revolutionary method of cleaning aircraft toilet systems

Innovation and research are a top priority at the Lufthansa Group. The latest example is a revolutionary method for cleaning vacuum waste line systems that was developed by technicians at Austrian Technik, the aircraft maintenance arm of Austrian Airlines, and is now also being tested by Lufthansa Technik. The innovative system is not only kind to the environment but also saves time and money. For this invention, the MRO division of Austrian Airlines has now been awarded the Environmental Prize of the City of Vienna.
Waliclean, as the new cleaning system is called, is based on a simple principle: a solution of regular citric acid and warm water is circulated through the aircraft’s waste line system by means of regulated negative pressure. Once the system has been successfully cleaned, it is rinsed with clear water and emptied. The rinse water can be disposed of easily via the sewage system. In the past, three different maintenance methods had to be employed several times a year to keep the waste line system functioning, and the acid bath used had to be specially disposed of. Thanks to Waliclean, Austrian Airlines, which has been using the method since 2012, will save about 7,165 litres of chemicals per year. Today, 2,100 kg of environmentally compatible citric acid is used instead of chemicals. This conserves the environment, protects staff and significantly improves storage, transport and disposal requirements.
The weight saving after using Waliclean is about 75 kg in the case of an Austrian Airlines Boeing 777, which amounts to an annual saving of 44 tonnes of kerosene per aircraft. That is equivalent to about 138 tonnes of  CO2.  Using the new cleansing method will also generate substantial financial savings, as Austrian Airlines will be able to reduce the man-hours required by more than 4,000 per year.
Lufthansa Technik aims to put the Waliclean system into operation this summer. The necessary preparations are already underway at Lufthansa Technik’s Frankfurt base. 
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Media Relations Lufthansa Group

Anzac Day ceremonies honour servicemen and women

Anzac Day ceremonies to remember service and sacrifice.

Anzac Day 2013

Anzac Day ceremonies are being held in cities and towns around Australia and overseas on 25 April to mark the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings of World War I.
Australian Defence Force personnel deployed on operations overseas, including in Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands, will participate in local Anzac Day commemorations.
More than 3000 Australian service men and women are serving on operations, continuing the Anzac spirit while serving Australia’s national interests.
The sailors, soldiers and airmen and women of Australia’s Federation Guard will lead Australia’s ceremonial contingent at Anzac Day services being held at Gallipoli in Turkey, Villers-Bretonneux in France and Ypres, Belgium.
As well, thousands of past and present servicemen and women will participate in Anzac Day ceremonies being held around Australia.
Anzac Day commemorations remember the original ANZACs who died on 25 April 1915 and honour the men and women who have served in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions.

EADS and Airbus donate four million RMB to earthquake hit Ya’an city in South western China

Eurocopter, another EADS subsidiary also contributes to disaster relief operations

24 April 2013

Airbus and its parent company EADS have donated a total of RMB 4 million (about US$647,200) to the earthquake hit area of Ya’an, Sichuan province, in south west of China via the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC).

Eurocopter, another subsidy of EADS has also contributed to the disaster relief operations. Since 21^st April, two Eurocopter helicopters, EC120 and EC135, have been deployed on the earthquake site. Moreover, Eurocopter China will provide special technical and financial support to its Sichuan based private operator, Sichuan Xilin Fengteng General Aviation Cmpany from Guanghan, for the operation of the two helicopters, on request of the Authorities, to participate to the disaster relief air rescue missions.

Airbus China has expressed its intention to contribute to the after-quake reconstruction of Ya’an through supporting students in need in the area.

A quake measured at magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck Ya’an on Saturday morning, leaving more than 200 people dead missing and more than 11,000 injured. The number of casualties is expected increase as the rescue efforts continue.

Coast Guard assists in multiple agency search, locates overdue hiker near Kodiak, Alaska

Petty Officer 1st Class Claude Morrissey, an aviation survival technician stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, escorts a rescued hiker from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to awaiting emergency medical personnel on the air station runway, April 23, 2013. The Coast Guard worked with the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to locate the missing man. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg)

Personnel from RAF Wittering have laid a wreath beneath the waves of the Gibraltar coast during Exercise Chariot Rock.

RAF Divers Remember Liberator Fallen

24 April 2013

Personnel from RAF Wittering have laid a wreath beneath the waves of the Gibraltar coast during Exercise Chariot Rock.

The wreath was laid in memory of those killed in the crash of a Liberator bomber on 4 July 1943. This bomber was carrying General Wladyslaw Sikorski, the Polish Prime Minister in exile at the time, and his family back to the UK from a morale raising visit to Polish troops serving in the Middle East with the 8^th Army.
Flt Lt Tim Taylor (51) from Bristol who laid the wreath, said:
“A key objective of Ex Chariot Rock was to remember those that have gone before and I am delighted that we were able to do that today.”
WO Goodwin (47) from Falmouth who accompanied him, added:
“The site of the crash is very close to Spanish waters and a Gibraltar Port Police launch kept a close eye on the expedition throughout the day’s diving.”
The Sub Aqua Diving expedition, Exercise Chariot Rock took place in Gibraltar over Easter. Using the excellent facilities at Gun Wharf a team from RAF Wittering, Marham and Coningsby Sub-Aqua Clubs spent 2 weeks diving a variety of wrecks around the peninsula.
Gibraltar has a rich and varied maritime history, much of it tied to our own. It was to Gibraltar that Nelson’s fleet recovered after the Battle of Trafalgar. The bay where Nelson’s body was landed after the battle was one of the dive sites and has in the past turned up ink wells dating back to the Napoleonic Wars period. The conditions in the water were on a par with the UK in the summer, the weather out of the water more than making up for the limited visibility.
Editor: Flt Lt Donald Earl
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Flt Lt Eric Clarke MID flew with the Waddington Flying Club at the age of 100 years and 1 day, beating the club’s previous record for the oldest person airborne by 1 day.

High Flyer

24 April 2013

Flt Lt Eric Clarke MID flew with the Waddington Flying Club at the age of 100 years and 1 day, beating the club’s previous record for the oldest person airborne by 1 day.

During the Second World War Eric flew with 49 Squadron at RAF Scampton as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner on Hampden, Manchester and Lancaster aircraft. Eric completed a tour of operations with Bomber Command and went on to train new aircrew for the rest of the war. Eric’s flight today was in a Cessna 172, much smaller than the heavy bombers he flew in the war, but the sights and sounds brought back many memories. As he flew over his old base at RAF Scampton, Eric related how his last landing there had been on returning from his last operational flight and he pointed out the hangar that was 49 Squadron’s home at that time.
Following his flight Mr. Clarke said
“I’ve had a wonderful day, everyone has been so marvellous”
Yesterday, Eric celebrated his 100^th birthday at the Doncaster Mansion House with a full civic reception and was awarded the Bomber Command Clasp by Air Marshall Sir Graham Miller KBE. Although many people pointed out that Eric must be the oldest surviving Bomber Command Veteran, he was keen to point out that there was no proof of this. However, after today’s flight he was happy to concede that he was the oldest one still aviating.
RAF Waddington Flying Club member Flight Lieutenant Gary Mennell said:
“It’s been a real privilege to fly Eric today. He’s a truly inspirational airman”
Editor: Lindsey Askin
Photograph:
Ready to go!
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

LAN and TAM take delivery of first Airbus A320s with Sharklets

LAN and TAM Airlines, two of Latin America’s leading airlines and part of the LATAM Airlines Group -- one of Airbus largest customers in terms of orders, in-service aircraft and backlog -- took delivery of their first Airbus A320s equipped with Sharklets. Powered by CFM, the LAN and TAM aircraft were delivered this week and will begin operating domestic routes within Chile and Brazil. The two airlines combined have ordered 380 aircraft and have more than 240 aircraft in operation. Their joint Airbus backlog totals nearly 180 aircraft.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn up to four percent over longer sectors and reduce approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year. Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Airbus delivered its first A320 equipped with Sharklets to TAM Airlines for operation on domestic routes in Brazil

Airbus’ 2.4-metre tall Sharklets wingtip devices reduce aerodynamic drag and will provide increased efficiency to operators LAN and TAM Airlines

LAN Airlines took delivery this week of its first Sharklets-equipped Airbus A320 for operation on domestic routes in Chile

Search and Rescue Trainees caught up in Live Rescue

24 April 2013

A Griffin helicopter of the Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) at RAF Valley has completed an actual Search and Rescue off Anglesey, in North Wales.

The crew, made up of Instructional staff from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, based at RAF Shawbury, were airborne on a training flight as ZJ703 (a Griffin HAR 2), callsign Pedro 84. The helicopter departed RAF Valley at 1315 on Friday 19 April 2013 on an opportunity deck training sortie as part of the crew development phase of the Albanian SAR course. Shortly after departing RAF Valley the staff Winch Operator, Mr Taff Chaplin spotted 2 canoeists in distress a short distance off South Stack lighthouse. He directed the aircraft Captain, Mr John Harrison, to the scene where they found that one of the pair had fallen out of his canoe and was too cold and exhausted to climb back in. Having checked that Rescue 122 (the C Flight 22 Sqn SAR 1^st Standby Sea King) was not immediately available (C Flight conceded that Pedro 84 was best placed to complete the rescue) the staff crew took over and Mr “Chic” Pritchard was deployed to recover both canoeists to the aircraft. Although cold and exhausted the canoeists were otherwise unharmed and were dropped off with the coastguard at Holyhead. Pedro 84 then returned to the scene to assist the Treaddur Bay Inshore Rescue Boat and the SMIT Tamar (SARTU training boat) in the recovery of the canoes and equipment. Although the Albanian students were not directly involved with the rescue itself this was a good opportunity for them to see how a SAROP can unfold and how the techniques they have been learning is applied to such a scenario.
Students move to SARTU on completion of their course at RAF Shawbury, having completed over 14 months flying the Squirrel and then the larger Griffin helicopters. The training at SARTU then allows them to move on SAR Flights across the UK.
Editor: Sqn Ldr Hope
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

C-130 Refueling AV-8B Harrier's & V-22 Osprey's

As part of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron Ones' Weapons and Tactics Instructors course, Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, based out of MCAS Miramar, Calif., and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, based out of MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, conducted refueling exercises with participating AV-8B Harrier's and V-22 Osprey's over the Bristol Military Operation Area in Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 19

71st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin commemorations

(L to R) Commander 1st Brigade Brigadier John Frewen, Commander Northern Command, Air Commodore Ken Watson, Commanding Officer of HMAS Coonawarra, Commander Ben Favelle salute after laying a wreath at the USS Peary Memorial Service in Darwin.

Top End Defence personnel have honoured the courage and the sacrifice of those who perished during the first and largest enemy attack on Australian soil.
Supporting the 71st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin commemorations, Defence members helped recount the events of 19 February 1942 with a Royal Australian Air Force fast jet flypast and ceremonial gunfire by the Army’s 8th/12th Regiment RAA.
The Bombing of Darwin was the first of more than 90 Japanese air raids across the Top End of Australia from February 1942 until November 1943.
Commander Northern Command Air Commodore Ken Watson said the event was a defining moment in Australia’s history.
“Until recently the events of this day have remained largely untold and yet this was the day that a small community fought with desperation against overwhelming odds to defend their homeland,” Air Commodore Watson said.
The first wave of 188 aircraft attacked Darwin at 9:58am on Thursday, 19 February 1942 from four Japanese Navy carriers steaming approximately 450km to the north-west. All four ships had participated in the attack on Pearl Harbour two months prior.
About 243 people were confirmed dead and between 320 and 500 injured. Eight ships (naval and civilian) were sunk in the harbour including USS Peary, in which more than 80 American sailors perished.
“As members of the Australian Defence Force it is a great privilege to help recognise the sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in order to preserve our freedom today,” Air Commodore Watson said.
On 7 December 2011, the Governor-General proclaimed February 19 a National Day of Observance, to be known as “Bombing of Darwin Day” in honour of those who fell during the attack.

Video : Multimedia package about service members training on terminal area employment phase techniques

Multimedia package about service members training on terminal area employment phase techniques.

BOOK : The Official Dambusters Experience

I have to plug this book its very very good. 

Review

an essential companion to one of the war's most exciting and memorable moments --RAF News

A wonderfully commemorative coffee table tome --Family Tree magazine

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War s most audacious raid on 16th to 17th May 1943, Carlton have collaborated with the RAF to bring you an extraordinary book, containing newly researched and never-before-published facsimile documents sourced from the RAF Archives Foreword by the last surviving pilot of the raid - Les Munro As one that took part on the Dams Raid ... I never thought for one moment that I would take part in an operation that would be recognized at the time and subsequent years as a major event in the history of the British War Effort in the air Les Munro The Dambusters Experience tells the behind-the-scenes story,and re-lives the attack itself under the leadership of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, as he and his men deployed, for the first time, the devastating new secret weapon developed by brilliant scientist Barnes Wallis. Fully illustrated and accompanied by beautifully reproduced memorabilia surrounding the raid, from log-books and flight-plans to eye-witness accounts of the damage inflicted on the dams, this unique homage to the Dambusters squadron is an essential companion to one of the war smost exciting and memorable moments.

About the Author

John Sweetman is one of Britain's most renowned military historians. He is Hon. Research Fellow at Keele University and former Head of Defence and International Affairs at Sandhurst. He has written many books on the Second World War including The Dambusters Raid, Tirpitz: Huntina the Beast and omber Crew: Taking on the Reich.

A charity run in aid of the NSPCC and Royal Air Forces Association took Royal Air Force members from 99 squadron back to their roots in Yatesbury.

99 Sqn raise money for NSPCC

23 April 2013

A charity run in aid of the NSPCC and Royal Air Forces Association took Royal Air Force members from 99 squadron back to their roots in Yatesbury.

The Squadron, which operates C17 heavy-lift transport aircraft, is based at RAF Brize Norton, but was first formed at Yatesbury in 1917 as a bomber squad during World War One. The run, organised by Flight Operations Manager, Sergeant Marc Cowling, started at Yatesbury and used 3 teams to cover the 39 mile journey back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
The first leg of 13.1 miles was the fastest, completed in 1 hour 33 minutes. Sergeant Daz Mitchell said;
“It was meant to be a nice gentle jog to start off with, but Sergeant Chris Clark set a pretty fast pace, and we all managed to keep up.”
The second and third legs were completed in equally respectable times of 1 hour and 45 minutes and 1 hour and 56 minutes. Sgt Chris Hazell said,
“I normally run with Witney and Brize Norton running clubs. It was great to run today with members of 99 Squadron and raise money for charity. It’s been a real challenge but I’ve enjoyed it.”
Sergeant Cowling who has been a member of the Royal Air Force for 17 years, said,

“There are a lot of keen runners on the squadron and there are a lot of proactive people who like doing things for charity. Once I realised where the squadron was formed and how far away it was, the idea just came into my head. The NSPCC is a charity that helps provide invaluable support to many vulnerable children. The work they do is truly amazing and really does change lives.”
In January 2012, Sergeant Cowling raised £1,000 for the NSPCC through a 24-hour snooker marathon and for this event he is hoping to double the amount of money raised with a target of £2,000. The current total is £1500, therefore, should you wish to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/Marc-Cowling1.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Northrop Grumman Launches Third Annual Innovation Challenge Flying Competition for Emirati Students

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – April 23, 2013 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the start of the 2013 Innovation Challenge Flying Competition. Northrop Grumman is the industry sponsor of this competition, which is held in coordination with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
The flying competition, which is open to the public as spectators, is taking place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi April 23-24. Spectators are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed and built by United Arab Emirates (UAE) student teams who were mentored by Northrop Grumman engineers.
"Innovation Challenge is a significant opportunity for students to apply mathematics and science knowledge to a real-world engineering project," said Gene Fraser, corporate vice president, programs, quality and engineering at Northrop Grumman. "Through this competition, Northrop Grumman helps contribute to Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. The program allows students to combine their academic knowledge with practical experience as they prepare to enter a competitive work environment. We are proud to sponsor this event and look forward to an exciting competition."
Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor, HCT, said that Innovation Challenge was an important milestone for HCT students. "We are very pleased to see our students, both male and female, utilize the knowledge gained during their classes in such a hands-on manner during this event," Kamali said. "We are again grateful to Northrop Grumman for committing such wonderful support, which provides our students with enriching experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics."
In 2010, Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding with HCT to develop initiatives in the UAE related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Innovation Challenge is a result of this partnership, and ADASI and AUVSI formalized their participation in the event by signing memorandums of understanding in February during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference.
During the 2013 Innovation Challenge, 11 teams of HCT students, who have been mentored by Northrop Grumman engineers, gained hands-on experience by designing, building and testing an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Each team will be evaluated based on an oral presentation about the design and build of its UAV, in addition to the aircraft's flight, which must meet specific criteria. The student team that finishes first in the competition will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the annual AUVSI convention in Washington, D.C., in August, courtesy of Northrop Grumman. The AUVSI convention will provide the winning team with the opportunity to present its aircraft to an international audience of industry representatives, government officials and educators.
ADASI will provide the second-place team with a trip to one of the company's subsidiaries. The organization also intends to provide academic scholarships to selected students.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Northrop Grumman-Developed Multifunction Advanced Data Link Achieves Successful Flight Test Milestone for F-35 Program

SAN DIEGO – April 23, 2013 –The Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) waveform developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was successfully demonstrated in a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program flight test, validating an eight-year development effort to advance communication among fifth-generation aircraft.



MADL is a high-data-rate, directional communications link. It allows coordinated tactics and engagement to bring significant operational advantages to fifth-generation aircraft operating in high-threat environments. MADL is a key capability provided by Northrop Grumman's F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics.
The F-35 CNI avionics flying onboard two Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft established the MADL link between two airborne platforms for the first time. Data passed between aircraft via MADL was correlated with data from other F-35 sensors by Lockheed Martin's fusion system to form a simplified situational awareness picture on the cockpit displays.
"During the flight tests, MADL functioned reliably with excellent range at multiples of required specifications while demonstrating ability to network fifth-generation fighters," said Mike Twyman, vice president and general manager of the Defense Systems division for Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "This success is a significant achievement for the F-35 program and enabling joint aerial concept of operations."
The MADL flight test is an important element of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Block 2 software release, which provides advanced mission systems capability at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and other training and operational locations. At Edwards, MADL joined the CNI Link-16 and Variable Message Format network waveforms already in flight test on F-35 aircraft.
Northrop Grumman's integrated CNI system provides to F-35 pilots the equivalent capability of more than 27 avionics subsystems. By using its industry-leading software-defined radio technology, Northrop Grumman's design allows the simultaneous operation of multiple critical functions while greatly reducing size, weight and power demands on the advanced fighter. These functions include Identification Friend or Foe, automatic acquisition of fly-to points, and various voice and data communications, including MADL, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Requirements Oversight Council for use on all low-observable platforms.
As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work required to develop and produce the aircraft. In addition to developing and producing the CNI system, Northrop Grumman produces the center fuselage; designed and produces the aircraft's radar and electro-optical subsystem; develops mission systems and mission planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use, support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Boeing Winnipeg Announces Site Expansion and 737 MAX Work

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 23, 2013 /-- Boeing (NYSE: BA) Canada Winnipeg today announced plans to increase its Murray Park Road manufacturing site by more than 22 percent, primarily to house new composites work for Boeing's 737 MAX airplane.
The building will be expanded by 14,000 square meters (150,000 square feet) to a total of 62,000 square meters (665,000 square feet) of manufacturing space. It will be used mainly to construct the one-piece composite acoustic inner barrel on the newly designed engine nacelle inlet for the 737 MAX.
The inner barrel is one of the latest quiet engine technologies that will be employed on the 737 MAX to help reduce the operational noise of the airplane by up to 40 percent.
"Boeing Canada Winnipeg has a great future ahead in support of unprecedented production rates," said Kevin Bartelson, general manager, Boeing Canada Winnipeg. "Earlier this year, we negotiated a successful contract extension with our local Canadian Auto Workers union. This contract ensures we have the stable workforce, skills and now the manufacturing space we need to take on exciting new production for the 737 MAX."
The expanded building, which includes two bays about the size of 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools, will house the 737 MAX and some 787 Dreamliner production. Construction will begin immediately on the west side of the existing Murray Park facility, with an estimated completion by the fourth quarter of 2014. Today's event was held in conjunction with Stantec and Graham Construction, the design-builders of the facility.
"I am very pleased with how our Winnipeg team has actively taken steps to be globally competitive and a reliable supplier to Boeing," said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager, Boeing Fabrication, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We value the Canadian aerospace industry by consistently placing work with our Boeing Canadian facilities and supplier partners."
This site investment and contract award supports Boeing's continued presence in Winnipeg and enduring relationship with Canadian industry. These investments are aligned to the Industrial & Regional Benefits policy.
Canada is one of the largest international supplier bases for Boeing. Today, Boeing has 1,900 employees across Canada and partners with more than 200 major suppliers across the country. Combined with the Boeing facilities, this supply network significantly contributes to the Canadian economy by generating approximately $1 billion in business annually in Canada. Boeing Winnipeg is the largest aerospace composite manufacturing centre in Canada and manufactures complex composite parts for the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 airplanes.
Contact:
Terry Trupp
Boeing Canada Winnipeg Communications
1-204-294-9080
terry.trupp@boeing.com
Cris McHugh
Boeing Fabrication Communications
+1 206-851-9884 (mobile)
cristina.a.mchugh@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing

Airbus and IBM to help aircraft operators optimize fleet management and operations

Airbus and IBM are working together to transform Airbus’ fleet solution offerings, which will provide airlines and operators with advanced IT services for maintenance, engineering and flight operations. These fleet service offerings will enhance operational efficiencies, help airlines to manage their aircraft more effectively and improve customer service by smarter use of ‘big-data’.

“Airbus Smarter Fleet Solutions” (ASFS) will initially focus on two activities: Firstly, it will integrate and also further develop Airbus’ current portfolio of software products (“e-solutions”). Presently, the latter comprise an extensive range of standalone applications, which are accessed via a variety of online and offline media, and are used by about 200 operators today. Secondly, ASFS will provide tailored fleet data management using an open, modular and flexible platform. This service will give customers visibility to plan ahead for smooth operations. It will also enable them to easily integrate existing and new services and solutions – a level of value-added service, which is increasingly being sought. This trend is being driven by today’s growing volumes and complexities of operational ‘big-data’ from multiple resources, new technological opportunities, and by the economic environment which increases the ‘value-for-money” expectations from IT solutions.

 “Today’s aircraft can generate up to a half terabyte of data per flight, an unprecedented volume and variety of data seen in few other industries,” said Timothy J. Wholey, Global Leader, Aerospace & Defense Industry, IBM Global Business Services. “IBM is pleased to provide technology and services that will provide Airbus and its customers a smart way to extract real-time data, identify patterns and act on insights to help improve efficiency and enhance the passengers’ travel experience.”

Didier Lux, EVP Customer Services, Airbus says: “This agreement with IBM is a major step in the implementation of Airbus’ aim to provide airlines with strong added-value innovative services for their long-term business development.” He adds: “Our customers will soon benefit from the most advanced information management solutions to address their engineering, operational and maintenance needs.”

The Smarter Fleet Solutions bring together Airbus’ aircraft manufacturer expertise with IBM’s expertise in managing ‘big-data’, advanced analytics and asset optimization needed in today’s commercial aircraft operations.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Airbus is an EADS company.

A Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon F2 from Number XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby is pictured escorting a Russian Bear-H aircraft over the North Atlantic Ocean. QRA procedures entail aircraft being held at continuous ground readiness, so that they can take off within minutes - without pre-warning - to provide air defence.

 Photo of the Day

Vueling Shareholders accept IAG offer

Vueling, the Spanish low cost carrier based in Barcelona, is to become part of International Airlines Group (IAG) after the majority of its shareholders accepted IAG's cash tender offer for the airline, following recommendation by the Vueling board.
IAG's subsidiary Iberia already owns 45.85 per cent of Vueling's shares and Iberia's board agreed not to tender them in the offer. The Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) has announced today that 82.48 per cent of the remaining shareholders have accepted IAG's offer of €9.25 per share. Therefore, the IAG group will own 90.51 per cent of Vueling.
The cost of purchasing the Vueling shares is €123.5 million.
Vueling will be a standalone company within IAG with its chief executive Alex Cruz reporting into IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "Vueling is a great airline and will be a welcome addition to IAG where it will benefit from the group's financial strength. We plan to retain Vueling's current business model and management structure and its strong base in Barcelona".
The acquisition will be completed on April 26, 2013.

Barbara Valcuende de Almada appointed as Commercial Aircraft Solutions Program Manager in Brazil

Strengthening Customer Support in Brazil

 

In this position, Valcuende de Almada provides Embraer onsite support, supply chain collaboration, and aftermarket support and facilitation with the overall goal of enhancing BAE Systems’ capability and engagement in Brazil, an emerging aircraft market cluster.
“Embraer is a key customer for BAE Systems,” said Todd Rash, vice president and deputy general manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions at BAE Systems. “Barbara’s on-site presence will facilitate the relationship between the two companies and enable us to better serve Embraer.”

Valcuende de Almada joined the company in 2008, working in the UK for BAE Systems’ shared services organization. She received a master’s degree in management and finance from the University of Bath, and is originally from Vitoria, Brazil.
BAE Systems’ Commercial Aircraft Solutions has more than four decades of experience in manufacturing high-integrity avionics, flight and engine controls, and a broad range of cabin and flight-deck electronics. The company has had a presence in Brazil dating back to 1998, and its current involvement spans both commercial avionics and military systems such as Naval guns, radars and armored vehicles. It is seeking to establish mutually beneficial industrial partnerships with the Brazilian defense, aerospace and security industry. In 2011, BAE Systems was selected by aircraft manufacturer Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to provide flight control electronics for KC-390 transport.
Issued by:
Shelby Cohen, BAE Systems
+1 607 658 6687
shelby.cohen@baesystems.com

A Chinook helicopter airlifted one of the RAF's historic aircraft to a new jet museum yesterday, Monday 22 April.

RAF airlift Britain's first jet fighter to new home

23 April 2013

A Chinook helicopter airlifted one of the RAF's historic aircraft to a new jet museum yesterday, Monday 22 April.

Located at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, home of NATO’s Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), the aircraft, an early 1950s’ Meteor, was lifted by a Chinook helicopter and moved to its new home at the Jet Age Museum, located at Gloucestershire Airport in Staverton.
The Meteor was once the ‘gate guardian’ for the Imjin Barracks site in its former life as RAF Innsworth. Following the RAF station’s closure in 2008, transfer to the British Army and reopening as Imjin Barracks in 2010, the Meteor was moved to a new location next to HQ ARRC’s Installation Briefing Centre.
Imjin’s Meteor was recently purchased by the Jet Age Museum and is slated for restoration and inclusion in its exhibits, which will focus on the region’s extensive aircraft production history and affiliation with the aviation industry.
The Gloster Meteor was both the UK’s first jet aircraft and the Allies’ first operational jet fighter. The Meteor’s development was heavily reliant on its ground-breaking turbojet engines, developed by Sir Frank Whittle and his company, Power Jets Ltd.
Development of the aircraft began in 1940. The Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations in July 1944 with 616 Squadron of the RAF. Although the Meteor was not an aerodynamically advanced aircraft, it proved to be a successful and effective combat fighter.

Several major variants of the Meteor were made to incorporate technological advances during the 1940s and 1950s. Thousands of Meteors were built to serve in the RAF and other air forces and remained in use for several decades.

Royal Air Force Typhoons have appeared in new markings for the first time today.

Typhoons in new Colours

23 April 2013

Royal Air Force Typhoons have appeared in new markings for the first time today.

The Typhoons are now operated by 41 (Reserve) Test & Evaluation Squadron (TES) at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The aircraft were inherited from 17 (R) TES, a squadron that has now begun to prepare for the introduction of the Lightning II aircraft into RAF service.

41 (R) TES has a distinguished history, dating back to its formation in 1916. The squadron was formed at St Omer in France, and to this day the squadron carries the Cross of Lorraine, the symbol of the French town, on its aircraft.
After a distinguished wartime period, including service in the Battle of Britain where one of its members became the highest scoring British ace, Flt Lt Eric Lock, the squadron had a post-war career that included operations with a large variety of aircraft, including the Phantom, Harrier, Jaguar and Tornado.
The modern squadron is equipped with Tornado GR4 and Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. The squadron is responsible for testing and evaluating aircraft, equipment and operating practices for the front-line squadrons.
Wing Commander Mark Rodden, the current squadron boss said, “Today marks the start of another phase of our history. While Typhoon is already a world-class aircraft, we will continue to develop the platform to maximise its potential. The Typhoon is the latest addition to a long line of thoroughbreds that have worn our markings”.
Photograph:
Royal Air Force Typhoons.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

47 Squadron Long -Range Search and Rescue Call-Out in the South Atlantic

Rescue on the High Seas

23 April 2013

47 Squadron Long -Range Search and Rescue Call-Out in the South Atlantic

In the evening of Monday the 11^th of February 2013 a Spanish registered fishing vessel, the Pesca Vaquiero, operating in international waters outside of the 200 nautical mile limit of the Falklands Outer Conservation Zone (FOCZ) passed a request for assistance to British authorities in the Falkland Islands (FI). A member of the vessel’s crew – an Indonesian sailor – had been taken ill with severe abdominal pains and was diagnosed with suspected appendicitis. Due to the gravity of the situation and, faced with the prospect of a critically ill casualty on board, the captain of the ship elected to sail direct to the Falklands in the hope of facilitating some form of rescue operation by UK Search and Rescue (SAR) assets based at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA).

The SAR assets based at MPA consist of 2 RAF elements; a Hercules C130J of 1312 Flight manned by crews from 47 Squadron, and a Sea King helicopter of 1546 Flight manned by crews from across the RAF’s SAR force. These were alerted to the situation at approx 10.00 pm on the 11^th and an emergency meeting was immediately convened between the crews to come up with a rescue plan. The Sea King, with an operational range of approximately 230 nautical miles radius, was the only asset with the capability to extract the casualty at sea so the first challenge for the crews was to work out roughly when the vessel would be within reach. This entailed waiting until the target vessel had entered the FOCZ and resulted in an initial launch time of approximately 8.00 am the following day. With a cruise speed of more than double that of the helicopter, the Hercules was planned to launch 30 minutes behind the Sea King in order to overtake en-route and reach the location of the vessel 30 minutes before the arrival of the helicopter on scene. The Hercules was also scheduled to carry a RAF Spanish translator to assist with on scene communications with the fishing vessel.

Recent Release : Air to Air refueling

Staff Sgt. Sherwin Carino, 349th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, guides a boom into an aerial refueling receptacle of another KC-135 Stratotanker, April 18, 2013, over Arizona. The KC-135 can transfer 5,000 pounds of fuel per minute

International Airlines Group (IAG) is ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group's longhaul fleet.

International Airlines Group (IAG) is ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group's longhaul fleet.
For British Airways, there are 18 A350-1000 firm orders, plus 18 options. These are in addition to 18 Boeing 787 options which IAG announced previously that it plans to convert into firm orders.

The A350 and Boeing 787 firm orders will be used to replace 30 Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2023 while the options can be used to replace aircraft or provide opportunities for growth.
For Iberia, IAG has also reached agreement with Airbus as well as Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for A350s and/or Boeing 787s. Firm orders will only be made when Iberia is in a position to grow profitably, having restructured and reduced its cost base.
The A350 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The order includes a comprehensive maintenance package with total care agreement.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet. Its size and range will be an excellent fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there is an opportunity to operate a new range of destinations profitably. This will not only bring greater flexibility to our network but also more choice for our customers.
"Both aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of more than 20 per cent.
"This order will also secure jobs in Britain and Spain. The A350's wings are made in Britain while its horizontal tail plane, horizontal tail plane boxes and lower wing covers are made in Spain. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are assembled in Britain".
The fleet order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.

Tail section for Qatar Airways’ first A380 rolls out of paint shop

The vertical tail section for the first A380 for Qatar Airways has been painted with the airline’s trademark oryx logo at Airbus facilities in Hamburg. The painting was completed earlier this week and the assembly of the airline’s first A380 is set to begin this month, for delivery in early 2014. 

The distinctive Qatar Airways logo is comprised of a violet oryx with silver streaks and the paint was applied over a period of 10 days.

Qatar Airways will become the eleventh operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in 2014. The airline has firm orders for ten A380s and will operate the aircraft on its most premier routes.

Lufthansa: Near-normal operations to resume on Tuesday

Early shift will be on duty at German airports – Only minimal disruption expected over the next few days following today’s strike action

After today’s flight cancellations due to the widespread warning strike called by the ver.di trade union, Lufthansa expects to return to a near-normal schedule tomorrow, Tuesday 23 April 2013. Since isolated flight irregularities may still occur, Lufthansa advises all passengers, as a precautionary measure, to check the status of their flight in good time before setting off for the airport on the www.lufthansa.com website under the heading “Current flight information”  or “My bookings”. 

Today’s warning strike by the ver.di trade union at German airports served by Lufthansa Group airlines caused severe disruption to flight operations. Virtually all domestic German and intra-European flights had to be cancelled. The twelve long-haul and about 30 medium-haul flights that were published in a special timetable were, however, operated as planned.

In all, about 150,000 passengers were affected by the strike action. Over the weekend, Lufthansa managed to contact 95,000 passengers, who had registered their contact details with Lufthansa, by SMS and inform them about cancellations and rebooking options. Passengers affected by cancellations were able to rebook their flight or cancel their ticket,  free of charge. Many passengers opted instead to travel by train with Deutsche Bahn. 

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Media Relations Lufthansa Group

Eurocopter delivers the first Tiger HAD version to the French DGA

Eurocopter’s first production Tiger helicopter in the HAD attack configuration was delivered to France’s DGA armament procurement agency today for operation by French Army Aviation units, providing a highly capable combat weapon system that is tailored to the world’s evolving battlefield conditions.

This milestone followed DGA qualification of the Tiger HAD version on April 10, and marked the delivery startup for Eurocopter’s latest variant of a rotorcraft product line which has already been combat proven during military operations in Afghanistan, Libya and today in Mali.

“With the Tiger HAD, Eurocopter further expands the operational capabilities of a combat helicopter family which has demonstrated its mission effectiveness and performance in highly challenging military deployments,” said Dominique Maudet, the Eurocopter group’s Executive Officer for France, and Vice President of Global Business and Services.
 

© Eurocopter Thierry Rostang

To date, France has ordered 40 Tiger combat helicopters in HAD configuration for its French Army Aviation units. Another 24 helicopters has been ordered by the Spanish government to equip the Spanish Army (which includes six Tiger HAP support and escort versions retrofitted for fire support and attack missions).

Feature improvements of the Tiger HAD variant include two enhanced MTR390 turboshaft engines that provide 14 percent more power, improved ballistic protection, a new optronic sighting system, the capability to target and launch Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, an evolved electronic warfare suite, and an IFF (identification, friend or foe) interrogation system.

97 multi-role Tiger family currently are in service in four countries: France, Germany, Spain and Australia; which have ordered a total of 206 helicopters.

New CEO and new Chairman of the Supervisory Board appointed at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH

Maurizio De Mitri

Alberto Gutierrez

The shareholder representatives of the Eurofighter consortium have appointed Alberto Jose Gutierrez Moreno as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and Maurizio De Mitri, who is currently Senior Vice President Military Aircraft Sector at Alenia Aermacchi, as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board with effect from 1 June 2013.

Alberto Gutierrez will succeed Enzo Casolini who has led the European consortium since 1 May 2009. According to the rotation principle, Mr. De Mitri will follow Berndt Wünsche who has been Chairman of the Supervisory Board and who remains Senior Member of the Supervisory Board in his function as Head of Combat Air Systems at Cassidian.

Alberto Gutierrez has held the position of Head of Operations at Airbus Military in Madrid since July 2007 where his responsibilities covered the production of the A400M military transport aircraft, A330 tanker, C295, CN235 and P3 antisubmarine aircraft. Born in 1962, Mr. Gutierrez began his professional career in 1985 at the CASA plant in Getafe. After holding several positions as a programmes and production manager, he became Eurofighter Production Director from 2000 to 2004 responsible for the supply chain of the Eurofighter right wing, the final assembly line in Getafe, and the delivery of the combat aircraft to the Spanish Air Force. From 2006 to 2007 he was Head of Military Production of Military Air Systems and in charge of the overall manufacturing work at Manching, Augsburg, Lemwerder and Getafe. From 2007 to 2009 Mr. Gutierrez was Head of Global Supply Chain & Industrial Operations at the Military Transport Aircraft division of Airbus. As a member of several shareholder committees, Alberto Gutierrez also gathered international experiences, for instance, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PZL Poland and as a member of the PTDI Steering Committee for the revitalization of the Indonesian aerospace industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Alberto Gutierrez said: “This new job is a great challenge for me at the peak in my career. My key priorities will focus on competitiveness, campaigns and capabilities in order to make Eurofighter Typhoon even more successful in the world market. Starting from a European partnership, we need to move Eurofighter Typhoon forward into a more global partnership and invite new customer nations to join this leading-edge programme. Eurofighter Typhoon is widely acknowledged as an effective, proven and trusted weapon system. I am confident that we will win more customers in the next few years.”

180th Fighter Wing Command Post Controller, Tech. Sgt. Levi Shadle, has been recognized as the best of the best for the fifth time in four years.

Master Sgt. Beth Holliker

Airman is best-of-the-best five years in a row
180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard

SWANTON, Ohio - 180th Fighter Wing Command Post Controller, Tech. Sgt. Levi Shadle, has been recognized as the best of the best for the fifth time in four years.

Shadle was recently named as the 2012 Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, First Air Force and Air Force Northern Command’s Aerospace Control Alert Command Post Controller of the Year.

True to the 180th FW’s mission statement, to be The Best Fighter Wing in the World, the wing has a long history of top performing Airmen at the Air National Guard and Air Force levels. Again, this year, Shadle brought the wing another step closer to helping the wing accomplish that mission.

Driven to serve after the horrific attacks on our country Sept. 11, 2001, Shadle enlisted in the active duty Air Force in April 2003 as a Command post controller. He spent the first year of his career at Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, followed by technical training at Keesler AFB, Miss. After completing his initial training, Shadle spent two years in the command post section of the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire AFB, N.J., before transferring to the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th FW in 2006.

A Qualified Helicopter Instructor with the Central Flying School (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury has achieved a flying milestone in passing an incredible 6000 hours of flying

Helicopter Instructor Reaches Flying Milestone

22 April 2013

A Qualified Helicopter Instructor with the Central Flying School (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury has achieved a flying milestone in passing an incredible 6000 hours of flying.

Flight Lieutenant Jim Hobkirk is a Qualified Helicopter Instructor with Central Flying School (Helicopters) at the unit. He spends his days training future Qualified Helicopter Instructor pilots on the Squirrel helicopter, completing the essential training over the skies of Shropshire.
Jim completed Secondary Education at Stamford School in 1988 and undertook Initial Officer Training at Cranwell before training as a pilot. His early service saw him operate the Westland Wessex in Northern Ireland on Operation BANNER from 1991. In 1994 he was posted to HQ 1 Gp as a Mobile Air Operations Team Leader during which time he served in the Balkans on Operations GRAPPLE and HAMPDEN. In 1998 he converted to the Boeing Chinook on which he served all over the world including again in the Balkans on Operation PALETINE, and in Sierra Leone on Operation PALLISER. In 2002 he trained as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor at RAF Shawbury where he then served on the Defence Helicopter Flying School on 60(R) Sqn flying the Bell 412 Griffin. Following the award of his A2 QHI category he was posted in 2005 to the Support Helicopter Standards and Evaluating unit as the Chinook Pilot, where he was responsible for operational and instructional standards on the RAF Chinook force in particular, but the wider Support Helicopter force as a whole. During this time he also served in Iraq on Operation TELIC on the AgustaWestland Merlin and in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK on the Chinook. He was posted in 2008 to 32(The Royal) Sqn onto the AgustaWestland 109E operating in the VIP and Communications role.
In 2011 he returned to the instructional field on posting to the Central Flying School (Helicopter) Sqn operating the Eurocopter Squirrel, where he teaches front line helicopter pilots of all three services to instruct. Hobkirk is posted in June 2013 to the Central Flying School Exam Wing where he will assess and standardise the instructional standards of all Tri-Service helicopter instructors and those of selected other national armed forces. He is married to Sue (a SSAFA Coordinator and Caseworker) and has 5 children and 3 grandchildren. His interests include walking, gardening and rugby.
Flt Lt Hobkirk received his special certificate, marking his milestone, from the Officer Commanding CFS (H), Lieutenant Commander Neil ‘Donny’ Gamble.
Editor: Sqn Ldr Hope
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled at Leeds International Airport

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled

22 April 2013

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled at Leeds International Airport

A World War 2 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron that was formed almost 80 years ago, returned to the place it began it’s life for the unveiling of a new memorial to the Squadron’s flying history and to recognise it’s new combat role; 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force was formed at the old the RAF station of Yeadon, known today as Leeds- Bradford International Airport (LBIA),
John Parkin, the Chief Executive of LBIA said: “We made a promise to 609 (West Riding) Squadron some time ago and we wanted to make sure their memorial recorded their history and recognised their present day achievements appropriately.”

The previous 609 (WR) Squadron memorial had moved around the airport several times, but as LBIA recently undertook an extensive and on-going building program, the final positioning of the memorial became more realistic. John added “we wanted a prominent and permanent location for the memorial at the airport that is growing at quite a rate, the position we have chosen in conjunction with the 609 (WR) Squadron Association means just about everyone of our customers visiting the airport will see it”.