Thu, Dec 10, 2009
Single-Seat Fighter Transformed Into Two-Place Aircraft
A D-model F-18 Hornet modified by Patria successfully performed
its first 51-minute flight on December 3rd, 2009 in Jamsa, Finland.
This (now) two-place aircraft is repaired and modified from a
single-seat C-model F-18 Hornet badly damaged in a mid-air
collision. The Patria-made repairs have taken some 100,000
man-hours. The airplane was rolled out in September.
Patria says the project is an example of how well Patria's
international cooperation and partnerships work in the F-18 world.
"The project has deepened Finnish expertise in the structures and
systems of the F-18 aircraft. I am convinced that, with our
technical know-how we create opportunities for future success
stories," states Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Patria's
Aviation Business Unit.
On 8 November 2001, two F-18 Hornet fighters from the Satakunta
Air Command collided while on a night flight exercise to the
south-east of Lappajarvi. One aircraft crashed and its pilot
ejected, while the other badly damaged aircraft limped back to the
Pirkkala base on one engine. Both pilots were unharmed. During the
repair project, the front fuselage of a twin-seater, bought
second-hand from Canada, was attached to the Finnish aircraft.
"The project was an excellent example of how well international
cooperation and partnership works in the F-18 world. I would like
to take this opportunity to thank the Finnish Air Force, the US
Navy and The Boeing Company in addition to the Canadian party for
their support," Holkeri said.
"Restoring the damaged aircraft became significantly cheaper for
us than purchasing a new one. Furthermore, we now have the
twin-seater aircraft we needed and therefore benefit of the project
in many ways," says Major General Jarmo Lindberg, Commander of the
Finnish Air Force.
More News
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]