November 20, 2009

Bombardier Maritime Patrol Aircraft for UAE Passes Critical Milestone

By David Donald

The Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the UAE passed its critical design review phase, keeping the program on schedule. The first of two aircraft being converted by Provincial Aerospace Ltd (PAL) of Canada are to be qualified in the first half of 2011, with service entry slated for later in that year.

PAL and Thales signed the contract for the conversion of two U more

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Boeing Markets Yet Another AH-6 Helicopter Derivative

By Chris Pocock

The debut of the Boeing AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter at the Dubai Airshow this month was just the latest iteration in this aircraft’s long and complicated history. The design first flew in the 1960s as the Hughes Model 300. It was adopted by the U.S. Army as the OH-6A and further developed for civilian customers as the Models 500 and 530. McDonnell Douglas then bought Hughes Hel more

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‘Complex’ UAE Plan To Buy Rafale Jets Proceeds

By Chris Pocock

Although the supply of French Rafale combat jets to the UAE was not finalized at the Dubai Airshow, there were plenty of indications that negotiations are going well. In an unusual departure from custom, the former head of the UAE Air Force gave a detailed interview on the progress of the deal to The National, the main newspaper in Abu Dhabi. General Khalid al Buainnain said, “The brothe more

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UAE Selects Basic Trainer and “Interim” AEW&C Aircraft

By Chris Pocock

Breaking with a tradition that has seen major military procurements signed and announced only in Abu Dhabi, the UAE government sealed deals for new training and AEW&C aircraft during the Dubai Airshow this month. Pilatus secured the new basic trainer, an order for 25 PC-21s worth $521 m more

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Indonesia Chooses Russian and Chinese Trainers

By David Donald