Indian Air Force to induct women fighter pilots

Despite being one of the world’s largest air force, the Indian Air Force (IAF) does not have a single woman fighter pilot among its ranks. This is set to change as Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced on Oct. 8 that the fighter pilot stream will open its door to women.

Source: Indian Air Force to induct women fighter pilots

Sri Lankan Air Force Chief to visit Pakistan, JF-17 purchase on the cards

Diplomatic sources say Sri Lankan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala will discuss the purchase of JF-17 fighters with his Pakistani counterparts when he visit Islamabad next month.

By Shimin Gu [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

The news report further added that talks are in advanced stages with both sides negotiating on the number of aircraft and financing arrangements.

Source: Sri Lankan Air Force Chief to visit Pakistan, JF-17 purchase on the cards

Some Russian cruise missiles fire at Syria might have landed in Takab, Iran

Two U.S. officials told CNN that at least four of cruise missiles that were fired by the Russia Navy towards Syria have landed in Iran.

A news report from Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency said an unidentified flying object had landed near the city of Takab and windows of several houses were broken by the explosion.

Source: Some Russian cruise missiles fire at Syria might have landed in Takab, Iran

Lawmaker wants L-3 to pay for damage done to RC-135V

Representative Jackie Speier from the U.S. House Armed Services oversight and investigations subcommittee had written to Secretary of Air Force Deborah James, asking her to L-3 pay for damage caused by a fire to a RC-135V in April.

Photo: Air Combat Command

Investigators determined that L-3 failed to tighten a nut in the plane’s oxygen system during depot maintenance. The nut came loose and cause a fire in the aircraft as it was about to take-off. The fire lead to a hole in the center of the plane.

Source: Lawmaker wants L-3 to pay for damage done to RC-135V

Egypt is keen on getting the A400M

A news report from Spain said Egypt has indicated its desire to buy the Airbus A400M airlifter.

By Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) (A400M – RIAT 2010Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia

The report quoted Airbus Defence and Space executive Pilar Albiac-Murillo as the source of the news.
Egypt wants Airbus to deliver the aircraft as soon as possible. However, Airbus is unable to do so as other customers are eagerly awaiting for their turn as well.

Source: Egypt is keen on getting the A400M

B-52 gets mapped for laser operations with Litening pod

A B-52H was towed into a hangar at Edwards Air Force Base recently whereby testers from the 419th Flight Test Squadron created a “MASK curve” of the bomber so that the Litening pod’s laser won’t hit the air frame when it is looking at the aircraft’s structure.

U.S. Air Force photo by Edward Cannon

Source: B-52 gets mapped for laser operations with Litening pod

JPATS’s 16-year production run to end in nine months

After churning out more than 900 T-6 Texan IIs for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, Beechcraft will deliver the last aircraft under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) in nine months.

By RAF-YYC from Calgary, Canada (USN T-6 Texan IIUploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: JPATS’s 16-year production run to end in nine months

RAAF fighters have not entered Syria since Russia started its bombing campaign

During an update on Australia’s military operations in the Middle East, Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston said since Russia started its bombing campaign in Syria, RAAF fighters have not flown over the country.

Photo: Australia, Department of Defence

Johnston stressed that it was not due to any restrictions or Russia’s involvement.
“Tactically our focus has been elsewhere. If there was a mission tonight to do so, we would do so,” he told reporters in Canberra.

Source: RAAF fighters have not entered Syria since Russia started its bombing campaign

USAF testers cleared for KC-46A

Capt. Julio Alvarez (left) and Lt. Col. James Quashnock are two of the U.S. Air Force test pilots that are cleared to participate in flight testing of the KC-46A.

Photo: U.S. Air Force

Source: USAF testers cleared for KC-46A

USAF satellites started taking photos of other satellites in geosynchronous orbit

Commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command, Gen. John Hyten, revealed that the two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites in orbit have started taking photos of other satellites operating in geosynchronous orbit.

Source: U.S. Air Force

The satellites, built by Orbital Sciences Corp., became operational on Sept. 29.

Source: USAF satellites started taking photos of other satellites in geosynchronous orbit