U.S. Navy has completed live fires of AIM-9X Block II

The U.S. Navy has successfully completed operational testing and evaluation live fires of the AIM-9X Block II missile, Raytheon announced.

By MKFI (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Testing and evaluation consisted of 16 planned shots against a mix of full-scale and sub-scale targets.

Source: U.S. Navy has completed live fires of AIM-9X Block II

This is what it looks like to catapult from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System

Huntington Ingalls Industries attached a GoPro camera to a weighted sled during a media event on board Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to observe the testing of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) on Jun. 16.
Ship’s sponsor Susan Ford Bales was given the honor to fire the catapult.

Source: This is what it looks like to catapult from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System

PAK DA engine bench testing successful

Vladislav Evgenievich Masalov, CEO of United Engine Corporation, said bench test of the engine for PAK DA has so far been satisfactory.

Photo: Rostec

Masalov revealed that the engine’s performance, first tested in late 2014, met its design perimeters.

Source: PAK DA engine bench testing successful

Breitling Jet Team amongst those who sign up for L-39NG upgrade program

Aero Vodochody has found three parties willing to upgrade their L-39 jet trainers with new engines and systems.

By Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK (L39C – RIAT 2014) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Breitling Jet Team, Draken International and Czech state firm LOM Praha will have new Williams International FJ44-4M engines installed on their jets. Not much is known regarding other upgrades.

Source: Breitling Jet Team amongst those who sign up for L-39NG upgrade program

Lockheed Martin confirms preliminary talks with France over C-130J

An executive with Lockheed Martin confirmed that France has made inquiries to buy some C-130Js to augment its transport fleet.

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“We believe the French military is just looking to have a force structure that gives them the tactical airlift that they need together with the strategic airlift that the A400M is providing,” Orlando Carvalho said.

Source: Lockheed Martin confirms preliminary talks with France over C-130J

France on the lookout for new trainer to replace Alpha Jet

France is expected to issue a RFP this year to replace its aging Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet trainer. The L-39, M-345, PC-21 and T-6 are likely to join the contest.

By Aldo Bidini [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: France on the lookout for new trainer to replace Alpha Jet

Drunk Marine triggered foam suppression system at Kadena Air Base

A U.S. Marine, who was drunk, triggered the fire suppression system at a hangar in Kadena Air Base, Japan last month. A spokesperson from the 18th Air Wing confirmed the incident on May 23 but declined to provide details such as the amount of damage done.

By John Murphy (ASI Foam) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Drunk Marine triggered foam suppression system at Kadena Air Base

Saudi Arabia orders 4 C295Ws

Saudi Arabia is the latest country to operate the C295W medium transport by placing an order for four aircraft during the Paris Airshow.

Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

Source: Saudi Arabia orders 4 C295Ws