MILAVIA > Aviation News Last updated: 28 July 2007
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11 Nov 2005

Maiden Flight First South African Gripen

The first dual seat Gripen made its maiden flight on Friday 11 November 2005. The aircraft painted in South African Air Force (SAAF) grey livery was flown by South African test pilot Charl Coetzee and Saab test pilot Magnus Olsson. The flight lasted 1 hour 10 minutes, taking off from Saab's Flight Test Centre in Linköping, Sweden.

The aircraft will now undergo a thorough inspection and systems validation, followed by more flight tests later this month. It will be transferred to South Africa in August 2006 joining the flight development program to integrate South Africa's custom avionics and weapons systems.

South Africa ordered 28 Gripen multi-role fighters in 1999, together with 24 BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainers. The Gripen fighters will be delivered to the SAAF from 2008 onwards.


2024

9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News

Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans

SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.

A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.

Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

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2022

12 January 2022 | ACC

Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.

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2021

20 May 2021 | RAF

Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows

Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years. 

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14 March 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces

RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.

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11 March 2021 | USAF News

Air Force receives first F-15EX

The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.

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25 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight

The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

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17 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year

RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.

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2020

23 March 2020 | RAF

Training update for the Red Arrows

… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.

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21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News

Air Show Cancellations

The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.

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13 March 2020 | ACC

U.S. Air Force update for air show support

"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "

Read Full Article @ ACC