Both Pilots Safe After Ejections at 1500-2000 Feet

ANN is monitoring details released by the Breitling Jet Team's PR folks as reports come in following the loss of a team L-39 and the safe ejection of pilot Bernard Charbonnel, and technician, Raphael Savoye. The Saturday accident resulted in the team's repositioning back to their home base in Dijon, France. According to Breitling, "As the team transitioned from Den Helder (Netherlands) to Kleine Brogel (Belgium) pilot Bernard Charbonnel reported an engine problem with the No. 2 aircraft. Following standard team procedures, he calmly informed the team and left the formation accompanied by a second aircraft. Selecting the safest place for the aircraft to come down, an empty field away from people and livestock, he and his

Upgrades Enhance Performance, Capability, Safety, Company Says

The UK Ministry of Defence Puma aircraft upgrade program reached a significant milestone Wednesday when Eurocopter handed over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft to MOD. This upgrade will significantly enhance the aircraft’s performance, mission capability and safety. The first modified aircraft will fly from Oxford to QinetiQ’s Boscombe Down facility in the UK where it will support trials.

Two Units Tasked With Keeping The Airplanes Flying

As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones. Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January 2014, the two units in charge of F-35A maintenance training are already hard at work.

Delivered To Germany's Armed Forces At The ILA Berlin Air Show

Eurocopter’s delivery of the first production modernized CH-53GA transport helicopter to the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) was celebrated during a ceremony Tuesday at the ILA Berlin Air Show. The Eurocopter Military Support Center Germany currently is performing the comprehensive upgrade of 40 Bundeswehr CH-53G aircraft to the CH-53GA specification for both national and international deployment.

Order Will Fulfill Sweden's ISAF Requirement

Sikorsky Aircraft is planning to deliver the final two of 15 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to the U.S. Army for further transfer to the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) later this month. All 15 aircraft will have been delivered in just 16 months, a record acquisition pace for a squadron-sized fleet of Black Hawk helicopters procured via the U.S. Government's Foreign Military Sales program.