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Third RAAF F-35 Makes First Flight

05 Desember 2017 A35-003 takes off from Fort Worth. (photo : AustralianAviationCarl Richards) The Royal Australian Air Force’s third F-35A Lightning II, A35-003, has completed its first flight. Photographer Carl Richards captured these images of A35-003 taking off on its first flight, from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, on December 1. The aircraft is due to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in early 2018 to be used for pilot and maintainer training, before being permanently relocated to Australia in 2020. A35-003, known to its manufacturer Lockheed Martin as AU-3, had its RAAF markings, including its 3 Squadron tail flashes, applied in early November, the final phase of the aircraft’s production process. 3 Squadron is due to become the first RAAF F-35 operational unit. ( AustralianAviation )

PH Nears in Sealing Deal for Acquisition of 6 Super Tucanos

20 Oktober 2017


EMB-314 Super Tucano (photo : Combat Aircraft)

The Philippine government through the Department of National Defense (DND) is nearing to seal a deal with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer for the purchase of six EMB 314 Super Tucanos for Philippine Air Force (PAF), IHS Jane’s Defence Industry said in a report.

IHS Jane’s cited DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong saying the contract is expected to be finalized before this year ends.

These aircraft to be procured will act as Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft for PAF and will replace/complement PAF’s Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes.

According to MaxDefense, the plan under the second horizon of AFP modernization is to acquire 18 more Super Tucano to “ultimately replace the OV-10A/C/M Broncos and SF-260TP with the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing.”

The DND confirmed in June that Embraer was declared as the lowest calculated bidder.

“Embraer was determined as the lowest calculated bidder for the Close Air Support Project, but they still have to undergo and pass the post-qualification inspection to be awarded the contract,” DND told Update Philippines.

(Update)

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