THE BOEING company tested, with success, a newly-developed electro-optical infra-red targeting pod fitted to a USAF B-1 bomber.
The Sniper XR pod enhances the aircraft's defence against ground threats and impedes the enemy's advance.
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - Thursday, 14 December 2006
Authorities of the United States and Europe have collectively approved the Airbus A380 megajumbo airliner. The certificate of airworthiness, issued Tuesday, effectively permits the first aircraft to enter regular passenger service with Singapore Airlines in 10 months time.
Mr Patrick Goudou of European Aviation Safety Agency and Mr John Hickey of the United States' Federal Aviation Administration inked the historic document in Toulouse, France.
At the ceremony in a hangar with a behemoth A380 behind him, Airbus Chief Executive Louis Gallois expressed satisfaction over the event. It represented, he said, "a key milestone for the A380 programme. It was also, he added, a recognition of "the quality of the work performed by all ... who have worked hard ..." to build the A380.
A380's certification testified, the newly-appointed CEO noted, to the aircraft "...meeting or exceeding the expectations in terms of performance, range and environmental friendliness and cabin comfort."
Mr Gallois assured officials present that "both customers and their passengers will love it."
Five aircraft flew more than 800 test-flights in the certification programme since April 2005.
After repeated production glitches, Singapore Airlines now expects its first A380 delivery in October 2007, a delay of almost two years from its original date.
Copyright 2007 AIRMENews. All rights reserved.
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 27 November 2006
BOEING'S Integrated Defense Systems today won a contract to supply four B737 Airborne Early Warning and Control jets to South Korea's air force. The contract, worth US$1.59 billion, followed Australia's order for six similar Boeing jets and Turkey's for four.
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, a prime sub-contractor, will fit its MESA radar, capable of tracking airborne and maritime targets, to the Korean aircraft.
Boeing expects to deliver the first jet in 2011, and the rest in 2012.
SOURCE / PHOTO: Boeing Media
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by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 9 November 2006
ROYAL Australian Air Force's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III flew on its test flight on 7 November from California's Long Beach Airport. The giant transport, with C-17's test pilot Joel Brown in charge, lifted off at 11.03 hours Pacific Time.
The flight lasted more than five hours. The crew checked and tested all vital airframe, engine and electronic systems.
Boeing planned to deliver the first of four Australian C-17s on 28 November. Aircraft number two will join the fleet in 2007, and number three and four in 2008.
According to RAAF's Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn, the Globemaster III "will meet vital airlift needs of the Australian Defence Force over the next 30 years."
The Australian C-17s will form 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland.
SOURCE/PHOTO: Boeing Media
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Hewage Talalla, a prominent and successful Sinhalese entrepreneur in
Hewage Talalla became a founding member of the original Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur; and became a leading figure in Malayan society.
He learnt flying too. In 1932, he flew an epic 28-day journey from Alor Star, Perlis to
Henry and Cyril, inherited their father's love of the sky and aeroplanes.
*To be continued . . . [Part 2]
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