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 )
30 November 2017 Elbit Systems battlefield command system (image : Army Recognition) The way wars are fought on the modern battlefield will be revolutionised with a new Battlefield Command System for the Army. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today announced the approval of the Land 200 Tranche 2 Project. Worth up to $1.4 billion, the project will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s digital command, control and communications systems and support hundreds of local jobs. Minister Pyne said Harris Communications Australia will deliver the tactical communications network, including encrypted radios, and Elbit Systems of Australia will enhance the Battle Management System software, which tracks our units, delivered under Land 200 Tranche 1. “Together they form the Battlefield Command System, which allows commanders to plan, monitor, direct and review operations in real time,” said Minister Pyne. Minister Pay...