UK New Wildcat helicopter unveiled
11 Jul 2012
The Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom has today unveiled the first of a new fleet of Wildcat helicopters, and confirmed a £250m in-service support and training contract with AgustaWestland providing a specialist training centre at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, where the Wildcats will be based.
The first two of 62 Wildcat helicopters ordered by the UK MOD were handed over by manufacturer AgustaWestland at the Farnborough International Airshow. The 34 Army Wildcats and 28 Navy Wildcats will replace the Lynx fleet operated by the Army Air Corps and Fleet Air Arm.
The first Wildcats to be handed over are Army helicopters, which will come into service in 2014. The first Royal Navy Wildcats are due to be delivered for training later this year before coming into service in 2015.
The Army Wildcat will primarily be used in a reconnaissance role, providing protection to soldiers on the ground. The Navy Wildcat is a maritime attack version for fleet protection and other maritime roles.
The AW159 Wildcat is a derivative of the Lynx helicopter with more robust redesigned fuselage and comes equipped with more powerful engines, modern sensors, updated avionics and glass cockpit. Both variants are armed with general purpose and heavy machine guns and the Navy's helicopters will also carry Sting Ray torpedoes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. "
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