U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John E. Lasky

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 379th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at a forward-deployed location is guided in after completing a mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan iduring operations Feb. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-31 and 38s in order to destroy enemy positions on a ridge line in Bari Kowt. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Sangin, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities F-15s performed shows of force in Bermal and Orgune. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, 31 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped GBU-12s in order to destroy an enemy weapons cache in Samarra. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 34 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-six Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 132 airlift sorties were flown, 507 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,624 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada and Iraq flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 31, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 35 sorties and off-loaded approximately 1.9 million pounds of fuel to 154 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez

A B-1B Lancer from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pulls away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, after receiving fuel over Afghanistan.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Nangalam. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared that the mission was successful.

In Bagram, a show of force was performed by a B-1B in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in Sangin. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and Navy F/A-18 Hornets destroyed enemy weapons caches using GBU-12s, a GBU-38, and a Maverick missile in Iskandariyah. In addition Navy F-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 117 airlift sorties were flown; 366 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,546 passengers were transported. This included approximately 26,750 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Feb. 1, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 199 receiving aircraft.

Toulouse, 04 February 2008 Hawaiian Airlines Inc., Hawaii’s largest airline, has signed a firm order for six A350 XWB-800s and six A330-200s. This deal finalises a Memorandum of Understanding announced in November 2007. The airline will begin receiving their new A330s in 2012, and will take delivery of their first A350 in 2017. Both models will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines.

This is Hawaiian’s first order for an Airbus aircraft, and is the first step in the airline’s plan to replace its current widebody fleet. The A330 and A350 will allow the airline to expand its long-range fleet, opening new non-stop routes on more distant markets from Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines’ A350 XWB-800s will seat 322 passengers in a two-class configuration and the A330-200 will transport 305 passengers in two classes.

"A new customer for a new aircraft type is the kind of endorsement we’re seeing more of, thanks to an evolving product line that delivers the aircraft that today’s market and environment demand," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The A330 and the new A350XWB will both help this outstanding airline to grow its horizons and its already outstanding reputation."

The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Each version of the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns. Together, they provide unparalleled scope for forward fleet planning.

With a true widebody fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has excellent operational flexibility, serving a wide range of route structures, and provides operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides airlines with a significant competitive advantage in today’s market.

The nation’s top-ranked airline for service in the 2007 Airline Quality Ratings, Hawaiian Airlines is the state’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the second largest provider of passenger air service between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawaii from more U.S. gateway cities than any other airline (nine), as well as service to Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.

U. S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.

A maintenance Airman checks a C-17 Globemaster III prior to a support mission in Iraq. C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift support.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged an enemy target with a guided bomb unit-38 in Gereshk. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that a anti-aircraft artillery gun in a bunker was destroyed.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Shinkay and Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTACs.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Kandahar. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

A French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed that the show of force achieved the desired result.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Five Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons targeted an enemy structure with GBU-38s in Baqubah. The JTAC reported the structure was destroyed.

In the same area, an F-16 engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-38. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

A house borne improvised explosive device and enemy combatants were engaged by F-16s with GBU-38s in Baghdad. During the same mission, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets engaged enemy combatants with GBU-38s. The JTAC reported the missions successful.

In the same area, F/A-18s targeted IED emplacers with GBU-38s. The mission was reported as successful.

A show of force was performed by an F-16 in Basrah. Another show of force was conducted by an F/A-18 in Umm Qasr. Shows of force are performed to deter enemy activities in a specific area. The missions were reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 136 airlift sorties were flown; 620 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,978 passengers were transported. This included approximately 98,385 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 2, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon

Soldiers enter a C-130H Hercules on Feb. 4, at an air base in the Southwest Asia. The Soldiers are heading to locations throughout the area of responsibility for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on positions in Kandahar where improvised explosive devices were located. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In the areas of Gereshk and Sangin, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

Sixteen close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy a weapons cache near Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In Al Kut, a British Tornado GR-4, and a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 119 airlift sorties were flown; 269 tons of cargo were delivered and 1,667 passengers were transported. This included approximately 68,080 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Feb. 3, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 266 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Cassidy

An X-51 Scramjet-Waverider mock-up hangs inside the Benefield Anechoic Facility during the vehicle’s antenna testing Jan. 29 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The 412th Test Wing Hypersonic Flight Test Team, Electronic Warfare and Boeing began the month-long testing Jan. 28.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE. Calif. (AFPN) -- Tests are under way at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here on the X-51 Scramjet-Waverider's antennas to ensure all of the X-51's antennas and communication systems are working properly.

The X-51 is an autonomous vehicle with a scramjet engine enabling the aircraft to travel at a hypersonic speed -- faster than six times the speed of sound.

The testers are looking at two different types of antennas -- a flight termination system antenna and telemetry antenna -- that streamline all data from the X-51, including performance, air and engine data.

The 412th Test Wing Hypersonic Flight Test Team, Electronic Warfare Directorate and Boeing began month-long testing Jan. 28.

"We have to make sure we have good receiving and transmitting antennas before we actually fly the aircraft," said 1st Lt. Richard Paek, the X-51 lead project engineer. "We also have to make sure we have good coverage of antenna patterns, spectrum of frequencies and bandwidth."

The Boeing test team mounted the antennas on an X-51 mock-up. An antenna in the Benefield Anechoic Facility will send signals to the mock-up, while an engineer determines if the aircraft is receiving the signal.

"We are testing at the Benefield Anechoic Facility because it is unique," said Maj. Raimone Roberts, the 412th TW Hypersonic Flight Test Team projects director. "We are able to isolate everything that is going on around so we can really ensure the antennas are picking up the right signals."

Ground stations at Ridley Mission Control Center here and at Naval Air Station Point Mugu at Ventura County, Calif., "will communicate with the X-51 during its flight (scheduled for August 2009)," Lieutenant Paek said. "Each ground station has requirements such as the strength of the radio frequency and bandwidth."

The aircraft will be loaded onto a B-52 Stratofortress. Boosted by an Army Tactical Cruise Missile, the X-51 will then be dropped from an altitude of 50,000 feet and will soar at hypersonic speed.

"Hypersonics is the way of the future," Major Roberts said. "This is a step in better understanding how hypersonic is going to perform and what benefits it will bring us as a military function."

BAE

The Indian Hawk creates history

Yesterday, a BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) destined for the Indian Air Force, became the first ever Hawk aircraft to make its maiden flight from the Brough site.

The jet, the 22nd aircraft out of 24 being built in the UK for the Indian Air Force (IAF), takes its place in history as the first aircraft designed, manufactured, fully assembled, tested and to make its maiden flight from the Brough site.

The history making flight is just the latest of recent successes on the Indian Hawk programme, which sees BAE Systems delivering a total training package to the IAF. Prior to Christmas the first four Hawks were delivered to their new home at Air Force Station Bidar with the next few aircraft scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.

In addition to the supply of the 24 UK built aircraft, with 42 being built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore, the contract also sees BAE Systems develop, construct, install and commission four computer aided training devices: two cockpit procedures trainers, a flight training device and an avionics part task trainer, these combined with the Computer Aided Learning System provide the required classroom training to support the IAF’s training requirement.

In parallel to delivery of aircraft and training devices, BAE Systems, in partnership with the RAF, has delivered a training programme that will see on its completion in mid-2008, over 75 IAF pilots trained on the current RAF Hawk fleet at RAF Valley. Many of those who have completed the course have returned to India and gone directly onto the IAF’s most sophisticated frontline aircraft - a testament to the skill of the pilots and the training they received during their time at RAF Valley.

But the training being provided isn’t restricted to aircrew. A number of the Hawk AJTs that will be supplied to the IAF have also been used to train around 100 IAF engineering officers and technicians in BAE Systems’ Technical Training Academy at Warton who will support the aircraft when it enters service.

BAE Systems has also completed conversion training of experienced IAF Flying Instructors to become instructor pilots on the Indian Hawk - these instructors will train the Indian Air Force’s next generation of frontline pilots.

Mark Parkinson, Managing Director, Training Solutions, BAE Systems said: "The first flight of an Indian Hawk from our Brough site is another step forward on us delivering a total training solution geared to the specific requirements of the Indian Air Force. The successful delivery of this programme, on schedule, is a prime example of BAE Systems’ capabilities in developing and managing complex major programmes to meet the needs of our global customer base. "

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julianne Showalter

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Lewis, a crew chief with the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, gives a signal to Capt. Travis Keenan, a pilot with the 22nd Fighter Squadron pilot, before de-arming his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 17 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-31 in order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baqubah. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy forces, F-16s performed shows of force in Mosul. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 113 airlift sorties were flown; 344 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,907 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Feb. 3, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 241 receiving aircraft.

Boeing Photo

Cathay Pacific Airways’ new 777-300ER

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 06, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cathay Pacific Airways last week celebrated the delivery of the airline's newest 777-300ER. The airplane is painted in the unique "Asia's world city" livery that will help promote Hong Kong as the aircraft flies around the world.

The airplane, the sixth of 30 777-300ERs for delivery to Cathay Pacific, was unveiled at a pre-flight ceremony at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Everett, Wash. Among the attendees were Cathay Pacific Chairman Chris Pratt and senior airline executives, Hong Kong Legislative Council members, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department executives and Hong Kong Tourism Board members.

The Boeing 777-300ER is the backbone of Cathay Pacific’s long-haul fleet and is enabling the airline to operate more direct, nonstop flights to key destinations in North America.

Cathay Pacific Airways’ new 777-300ER carries on its fuselage a small flying-dragon logo, complemented by the Hong Kong brand line "Asia’s world city". The flying dragon, which symbolizes the spirit of Hong Kong and its people, is seen soaring over green waves, which depict the lands and oceans of the world.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matt Cook

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles continue to bring air power to areas of Afghanistan, hitting multiple enemy targets.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto a position where enemy combatants were located. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons used a GBU-12 and GBU-38s to successfully destroy a house-borne improvised explosive device, an enemy combatant command and control building and an enemy weapons bunker. The strikes took place in the vicinity of Baqubah.

A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped GBU-38s onto a car that had been destroyed and was filled with ordinance. The JTAC reported the mission as successful.

In Basrah, a RAF GR-4 Tornado successfully destroyed enemy mortar rocket rails using cannon rounds. Additionally, the GR-4 Tornado conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area.

In Mosul, F-16s dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38s onto an enemy building that coalition forces had been taking fire from. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 138 airlift sorties were flown; 463 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,416 passengers were transported. This included approximately 56,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Feb. 5, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 221 receiving aircraft.