Toulouse, 16 November 2007

Following the regrettable accident that occurred at the Airbus Saint-Martin site (close to Toulouse) yesterday 15th November at 5 pm local time, Airbus reports that of the five injured people, three remain in hospital. Two were released between yesterday night and this morning. Of the three persons remaining in hospital, one is an employee of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), a service provider for Etihad Airways, and two are Airbus employees. Airbus and ADAT are providing all necessary support to the persons involved and their families.

The accident involved an A340-600 (MSN 856), which was carrying out engine-run-ups and was due to be delivered to Etihad in the coming days.

An investigation has started yesterday night and Airbus is providing full support to the official investigation authorities in France.

Ground tests including engine-run-ups are a normal procedure on all Airbus aircraft.

Airbus expresses its sympathy and support to the families and friends of the persons concerned.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Kim Allain)

Aircrew members and rigging specialists load airdrop bundles off a K-loader onto a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft on the flightline at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The members of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron transported the supplies to troops in the field

11/21/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN)

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator targeted an enemy mortar team with a hellfire missile in Asadabad. The mission was assessed as successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted a strike using guided bomb unit-12s, GBU-38s, and a GBU-31 against an enemy structure, a bunker, and a tunnel in Garmsir. These locations were used by the enemy to store weapons caches. The JTAC confirmed the destruction of the intended targets and assessed the mission as successful.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an enemy vehicle was struck with a hellfire missile from an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in Baghdad. The mission was deemed as a success by the JTAC.

In Baghdad, materials were destroyed by F-16s using GBU-38s and GBU-12s to deny enemy access. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

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

Approximately 159 airlift sorties were flown; 666 tons of cargos were delivered, and 4,101 passengers were transported. This included approximately 30,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 19, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 192 receiving aircraft.

USAF

This B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is ready to gas up via a tanker over the Western Pacific.

B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron simulated attacking naval vessels in their home port while over Hawaii Nov. 15 on a Koa Lightning exercise mission.

These sorties, which are well over 20 hours in duration, tout the Air Force’s unique capability to send long range bombers over any target, anywhere in the world, at any time.

"Our aircraft routinely practice engaging a variety of targets," said Col. Damian McCarthy, the 36th Operations Group commander. "Most imagine our stealth bomber taking out strategic, land based objectives but our Airmen can put ordnance over anything, including enemy naval assets when required."

Deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., the B-2 , with its stealth airframe, heavy payload and in-flight refueling capability, is only limited by the human fatigue factor of its aircrew. Global reach missions, such as Koa Lightning, are exactly what America’s most advanced bomber was designed for.

"This Koa exercised our ability to dynamically target naval assets in a port facility," said Lt. Col. Todd Copeland, the 393rd EBS director of operations. "The combination of precision, payload and stealth make the B-2 an excellent platform to strike an enemies’ navy before it can put out to sea, or cripple their ability to re-supply and reconstitute their ships."

The aviators flying the simulated naval attacks landed late in the afternoon Nov. 16. The B-2s are the latest airframes deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the continued bomber presence mission in the Western Pacific region.

The stealth bombers replaced 18 F-16s Fighting Falcons and six B-52 Stratofortresses, which were deployed from May to October. The rotation is part of the Pacific Air Forces strategy to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific area of operations.

MOD Announcement 21 Nov 07

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the loss of an RAF Puma helicopter near Baghdad in Iraq last night, Tuesday 20 November 2007. Two service personnel were killed; their next of kin have been informed.

Two other personnel were seriously injured, but are now recovering in hospital. It is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash; an RAF Board of Inquiry has already been convened and is en route to Iraq to conduct its investigations.

Our thoughts are with the families at this very difficult time.

Toulouse, 21 November 2007

US Airways is expanding its A330 fleet with the purchase of five more A330-200 passenger aircraft. This firm order is in addition to the 92 Airbus aircraft, including 10 A330-200s ordered by US Airways in October of this year.

"The A330-200 with its superior range relative to our existing fleet will allow US Airways to continue international expansion to new destinations across the globe from the Pacific to the Atlantic" said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways. "We intend to use the A330s to expand our existing gateways as well as provide the potential to eventually add intercontinental service from our west coast hubs."

"We are delighted that US Airways, our largest world-wide operator, continues to choose Airbus aircraft for its fleet. This additional order reaffirms the A330 as a superb performer for US Airways’ expanding international route network," said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer-Customers.

The A330/A340 is a unique family of six true wide-body aircraft models with capacities covering 253 to 380 seats, regional to ultra-long haul passenger markets. With its numerous advantages in range flexibility, fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, as well as a modern, comfortable cabin, the A330-200 benefits both passengers and airline employees.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side. It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides operators with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.

The A330/A340 family benefits from Airbus’ unique cockpit and operational commonality. Each family member shares the same cockpit philosophy which helps shorten training times for flight crews transitioning from one Airbus aircraft to another. The common cockpit design also streamlines maintenance procedures and reduces spare parts holdings. Additionally, high levels of passenger comfort are a hallmark of the passenger models, as is a consistently high level of operational efficiency.

Toulouse, 21 November 2007

Airbus has received validation in November 2007 for the external noise values of the A380 powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). External noise certification is part of the process for the joint EASA and FAA type certification for the GP7200-powered A380, which is scheduled in December 2007.

The approval of the A380’s very low noise values confirms it is by far the quietest long-range aircraft in the skies. The noise levels certified on the GP7200-powered A380 are equivalent to those already approved on the Rolls Royce Trent 900 powered A380. With an impressive 17 EPNdB (Effective Perceived Noise in Decibels) cumulative margin to the ICAO Chapter 4 noise standard, voluntarily used by Airbus instead of the mandatory Chapter 3 standard, the A380 is easily compliant with today’s most stringent noise standards and is well prepared for the future.

"The GP7200-powered A380 has been performing extremely well throughout the development and certification programme. This excellent result is one of the final milestones before certification in December," said Mario Heinen, Airbus Executive Vice President, A380 Programme. "The aircraft is consistently meeting and often exceeding its design targets", he added.

Generating at least 50 per cent less noise than its nearest competitor at take-off and on landing, both A380 models meet the most stringent noise rules at any international airport, namely London’s Heathrow airport - QC2 for departures and QC0.5 for arrivals. This is of major benefit both to A380 operators who have more flexibility to operate night-time flights, and to airports, since passenger capacity will be increased while limiting the impact of noise on the surrounding communities.

The certification programme for the GP7200-powered A380, including noise testing, has been carried out with A380 flight test aircraft MSN009. In May this year, MSN009 confirmed its low noise emissions during a series of certification tests that were performed at the Spanish Air Force base at Morón de la Frontera in southern Spain and jointly witnessed by European and US noise authority specialists.

Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. The A380 has unmatched fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometers.

The A380 has the quietest cabin in the sky, offers more comfort in every class and more space for all. The aircraft’s efficiency and advanced technologies result in outstanding economics, superior performance and high operational flexibility. The A380 also provides vital extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights. Compared to the former largest commercial aircraft, the A380 seats over 40 percent more passengers in a typical three-class, 525-seat configuration - with seat-mile costs 20 percent lower and range capability over 1,000 nautical miles longer.

21 November 2007: Africa's airlines are recognising the potential of regional jets and are beginning to grow their fleets of these aircraft.

Speaking at the 16th Annual Air Finance for Africa conference in Nairobi on November 21, Nigel Benson, Director Sales and Leasing for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft stated:

"Nearly half of the total African airline fleet are regional aircraft but only 10 percent, or 64 aircraft, are regional jets. However, this figure has increased from only three percent of the fleet total twelve months ago.

"Used regional jets such as the BAe 146 , have considerably lower acquisition costs than newer generation aircraft. These lower capital costs outweigh any operating cost advantages of new aircraft, particularly in uncertain markets, or on routes where there is a lot of competition. This also applies to developing routes, often found in Africa, where additional frequencies are required to stimulate traffic and consequently economic growth. The superior cabin space and flexibility of the BAe 146 , as well as its large underfloor baggage holds, could also be a telling factor in the African market."

Mr Benson told the conference that BAE Systems’ studies showed that in the African market the low capital costs of used regional jets are a compelling argument for their economic competitiveness, even in the face of continued high fuel prices. Further, the higher capital cost assets need to be worked hard. This is not always possible given the aviation infrastructure in Africa, , such as with turn-around times at airports.

The conclusion that Africa is realising the potential of the regional jet is borne out by the growth in the BAe 146/Avro RJ penetration of this market over the past year. In addition to Air Botswana as an existing customer of the type, Regional Aircraft placed three BAe 146 -200s into SA Airlink during this year.

In addition, new operators have announced their plans to acquire and operate fleets of BAe 146s during 2008. Kenyan carrier Fly540, which is 49% owned by pan-African investment firm Lonrho, is taking three BAe 146s to help its expansion plan into other hubs outside Kenya across sub-Saharan Africa.

Belgium’s Brussels Airlines and Congolese carrier Hewa Bora Airways are creating a new Congolese joint venture carrier, AirDC, to be based at Kinshasa. This new carrier will operate a fleet of BAe 146 and Boeing 737s to feed traffic from 10 domestic and African regional destinations into Brussels Airlines long-haul routes into the Belgian capital.

Mr Benson added: "We are also aware that another entity has purchased six ex-Mesaba Airlines RJ85s for operation in Africa.

"In addition to having some aircraft for sale, BAE Systems can also offer dry leasing as a well-established method of acquisition for regional aircraft, providing flexibility and further reducing capital requirements. Regional Aircraft’s Chapter 3-compliant lease portfolio is well placed to meet the equipment demands of Africa’s regional operators."

(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brian Ybarbo)

F-15 Eagles are being returned to flight after being grounded following the crash of an F-15C Nov. 2. Each F-15 aircraft will be inspected and cleared before returning to operational status.

11/21/2007 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN)

Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander, Air Combat Command, sent a message Nov. 21 to F-15 pilots, weapons systems officers and maintenance professionals outlining the actions the Air Force has taken following the Nov. 2 F-15C Eagle mishap that resulted in the loss of the aircraft.

The message reads:

(Quote) Airmen

On 2 November, the Air Force experienced an F-15C mishap resulting in the loss of the aircraft. The circumstances of the mishap indicated catastrophic structural failure. On 3 November, the Air Force grounded its F-15 fleet. This decision was not made lightly. It was the right thing to do based upon the nature of this mishap.

Grounding a fleet of nearly 700 front-line aircraft has significant operational impact. Total force, joint and coalition partners were able to mitigate that impact.

The cause of the mishap remains under investigation. Air Force maintenance and operations professionals and industry experts are working with the accident investigation board to examine all aspects of the mishap. At the same time, structural engineers have conducted in-depth technical reviews of data from multiple sources. We continue to proceed in an inclusive and transparent fashion to derive, as best as humanly possible, the cause of the mishap.

We evaluated the grounded fleet. First, we focused on the F-15Es. They are the newest F-15s and have been exposed to less stress. They are structurally different than the A-D models. Problems identified during years of A-D model usage were designed "out" of the E-model. Given these differences, and after consultation with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and the AIB, we returned the F-15E fleet to flying status following successful inspections.

Next, we concentrated on the remainder of the grounded fleet. The AIB is now focused on the area just aft of the cockpit and slightly forward of the inlets. Warner Robins ALC mandated a thorough inspection and repair of all structural components in this area. I have directed each F-15 aircraft be inspected and cleared before returning to operational status. Today, ACC issued (a flight crew information file) and Warner Robins ALC issued an Operational Supplemental Tech Order to further direct and guide your pre-flight and post-flight actions.

The F-15 is a formidable war fighting aircraft and workhorse for our Air Force. I applaud each and every Eagle pilot, WSO and maintainer for the meticulous and disciplined way you approached this challenge. Mission accomplishment entails risk. Together, we must remain vigilant and focused on operational risk management to mitigate this risk. Airmen speak up when they see something wrong. I rely on you to ensure all operations and maintenance parameters are in order before flight. The F-15 community can take great pride in the fact that you have met this challenge. We must deliver air power on time, on target given our overriding duty to defend our Country. (End Quote)

There are nearly 700 F-15s in the Air Force inventory. As of today, 219 of the 224 E-models and 294 of the 442 A-D models in the inventory have been inspected and cleared for flight.

In releasing the F-15 fleet to fly, General Corley said the Air Force was accepting a degree of risk.

"We accept this risk because of our overriding duty to provide unrivaled combat air power for the defense of our Country," the general said.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt Rick Sforza)

Maj. Brian Chamness climbs into an F-16 Fighting Falcon to fly a combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Chamness is with the 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted enemy combatants in Asadabad with guided bomb unit-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. The mission was reported as a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

French Mirage 2000s destroyed enemy mortar positions in Asadabad with GBU-12s. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

During an engagement in Uruzgan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted multiple enemy combatants and positions with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The strikes were reported a success by the JTAC.

Shows of force were performed in Bagram and Now Zad by a B-1B to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the shows of force were successful.

Southeast of Jalalabad, F-15Es conducted shows of force using flares to deter enemy activities. The mission was assessed as a success by the JTAC.

During the same mission, an enemy mortar position located in Tarin Kowt was hit with a GBU-38 from an F-15E. In addition, a bunker was also struck with a GBU-31. The strike successfully destroyed both targets. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A show of force was performed by an F-15E to deter enemy activities in Kajaki Dam. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

A GBU-31 from an F-15E destroyed an enemy cave located in Uruzgan. The JTAC deemed the mission as a success.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper engaged enemy combatants in Tarin Kowt with a GBU-12 and a hellfire missile . The mission was reported as a success.

Shows of force with flares were performed by Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to deter enemy actions in Jalalabad. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy targets with GBU-12s and GBU-38s in Samarra. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

An F-16 struck an enemy vehicle with a GBU-12 located south of Baghdad. The vehicle was being used to transport enemy combatants and weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

Navy F-18 Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in An Numaniyah. The mission was reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support 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 support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Some 152 airlift sorties were flown, 585 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,539 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 21, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 217 receiving aircraft.

(Photo courtesy of John Dibbs)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Texas Air National Guard’s 111th Fighter Squadron flies with a special paint job in honor of the squadron?s 90th anniversary. All the colors and markings have specific meanings, reflecting the unit’s nine-decade history.

AUSTIN, Texas (AFPN) -- An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Texas Air National Guard's 111th Fighter Squadron is flying with a special paint job in honor of the squadron's 90th anniversary. All the colors and markings have specific meanings, reflecting the unit's nine-decade history.

The rudder is painted like a JN-4 Jenny, which the squadron flew in the 1920s. The schemes for the wings and flaps recall the paint schemes of the pre-World War II era.

The blue fuselage represents the Korean War, in which the squadron earned credit for two air victories. The gray underside represents the jet age.

The "N5 A" was the insignia the squadron’s P-51 Mustangs sported during World War II, in which the squadron claimed 44 air victories. Also representing World War II is the star on the fuselage, while the star on the wing represents the pre-World War II era.

"Ace in the Hole" and the star on the tail replicate the markings of the squadron’s F-84s during the Korean War. The ventral fin, partially obscured, reads "Est. 1917."

Today the 111th FS is part of the 147th Fighter Wing, based at Ellington Field in Houston.