Military Aviation

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO The A400M has performed successfully air-to-air refuelling tests with a fighter jet. The tanker test campaign was developed in five flights in which the A400M dispensed over 18 tonnes of fuel to a Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet. With a basic fuel capacity of 50 tonnes which can be increased by the use of extra cargo hold tanks.
 

On 6th., June 1944, 11,000 aircraft were involved in the support of the Allied landings in Normandy. On the occasion of the 70th., anniversary of the day that marked history we focus on just some of these aircraft and the role they played.
 

This Rafale is taking off from air base 118 (south west France) with two missions : the support of French troops in Mali, and photographing military objectives. The action seems real, except that all this, is in fact, a reconnaissance training exercise organized by the French Air Force...
 

Here are a few images taken at the French air force Air Base 118 showing Mirage F1 and Rafale pilots in preparation of “war time” and “peace time” reconnaissance missions.
 

More than one billion euros is what the the new standard contract called "F3R" for the development of the Rafale weighs. A contract presented to Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation CEO on 10th., January by the Minister of Defence, Jean- Yves Le Drian, during a visit to the Bordeaux- Merignac Dassault factory plant which carries out the final assembly of the Rafale...
 

After Switzerland in 2011, finally, the Rafale will not be exported to Brazil either ! The Swedish Saab Gripen NG was preferred instead. Dassault Aviation will therefore miss out on a contract for 36 combat aircraft, worth $ 4.5 billion.
 

October 2013 in Djibouti in East Africa, a French Navy Falcon 50M is preparing to take off for a surveillance mission over the Gulf of Aden as part of a mission to fight piracy. Since the early 2000’s, this type of aircraft has conducted maritime surveillance missions, unarmed missions...
 

Airbus Military has just completed a second round of tests of its prototype C295 firefighter. The aircraft manufacturer will examine in detail the data to decide on the final configuration. In the trials the aircraft carried one 3,500 litre tank. Watch the first video. Exclusive !
 

To reinforce its competitiveness, E.A.D.S., which is to become "Airbus Group" on 1st., January 2014, will eliminate 5,800 jobs mainly in Germany and France, where the most employees are to be found, and to a lesser extent in the United Kingdom and Spain. In the firing line of the group : the 'Defence and Space' division due to the decrease in that market.
 

Whilst Turkey should receive its first A400M in the coming days, "Grizzly 1", the first test A400M has just been retired. Its last flight, which lasted an hour, took place on 4th November over Toulouse in the south west of France. On board...
 

Having occurred in the middle of summer, the delivery of the first A400M to the French army passed almost unnoticed. On 30th. September, Airbus military organized a grand ceremony at Seville in Spain.
 

With its military certification newly received, the first example of the A400M has just been delivered to the French Air Force. The event took place on August 1 in Seville, Spain, discreetly !
 

While the first deliveries of the A400M to France and Turkey will begin shortly, we take a look at the crew training. Pilots, and the people in charge of cargo, the load masters, train at Airbus Military in Seville, Spain.
 

The Certification and Qualification Committee has just recommended the military certification of the A400M and the French army is poised to receive its first unit. But what are the different stages leading up to delivery of the military transport plane and what organizations are in charge of them ? Here’s what we found out...
 

Whilst the French Air Force will receive its first A400M in a few days’ time, we spotlight two aircraft that the "Atlas" will eventually replace: the C160 Transall and C130 Hercules…
 

After a fierce battle between Boeing and EADS, the Pentagon aircraft tanker mega-contract was finally won in February 2011 by the american aircraft manufacturer. Consequently today, 26 June, Boeing has begun assembly of the first KC-46, a military derivative of the B767.
 

Made by Airbus Military, the A330 MRTT monopolizes 90% of the new generation tanker world market. The plane currently has four nation-clients but two other customers may soon be added to the list. Here’s why...
 

With its imminent military certification, the A400M is all set to enter service. Delivery of the first “Atlas” to the french army is only a matter of weeks away... Follow us on a guided tour around Airbus Military in Seville, southern Spain.
 

The A400M comes in from the cold !