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 )
08 November 2017 Mi-17V5 of the Royal Thai Army (photo : RTA) BANGKOK (Thailand)/TASS/. Russia signed a contract with Thailand in September on the delivery of two Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters, Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Mikhail Petukhov told TASS on Tuesday. The defense official is heading the Russian delegation at the Defense & Security 2017 arms show in Bangkok. "A contract was signed in September 2017 on the delivery of two Mi-17V-5 helicopters in the interests of the Royal Thai Army. Further on, the talk can be about a batch of rotorcraft," Petukhov said. Russia and Thailand also signed an inter-governmental agreement in September on military and technical cooperation, he added. Mi-8MTV-5/Mi-17V-5 helicopters are designed to transport passengers and cargoes and can be used to conduct rescue operations and carry armament. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport has offered Kamov Ka-52 and Mi-35M rotorcraft for a te...