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 )
18 November 2017 BRU-57 smart rack (photo : Harris) Harris was selected by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to provide carriage and release systems (proven, reliable single- and twin-store carriers) for the next-generation Korea Fighter-Experimental (KF-X) programme. The KAI KF-X jet is a programme to develop an advanced multirole fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force. "The KF-X aircraft represents a new strategic customer and fighter development platform for Harris in the Asian market," Ed Zoiss, President, Harris Electronic Systems, explained. "This selection reaffirms Harris’ position as the supplier of choice worldwide for proven, leading edge carriage and release solutions." The BRU-47 single store carrier, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, also reduces the time needed for loading stores using Harris’ patented sway-brace technology – which minimizes rack sway due to aircraft maneuvers and munition release. The BRU-46/A and BRU-47/A offer ...