The Aussies Are Buying Two Additional C-17s

04/14/2015
04/14/2015: Earlier, we interviewed the current Air Mobility Commander for the RAAF and his predecessor. Both emphasized the significant impact of the C-17 and the KC-30A on the reach and range of the RAAF. http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/transforming-the-royal-australian-air-forces-sustainable-reach-the-key-role-of-the-raafs-air-mobility-group/ http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/the-raaf-and-culture-change-building-sustainable-reach/ Now the Australian government has announced the formal decision to add two more C-17s…

Brazil’s Reaction to the USAF “Decision” on the Super Tucano

03/07/2012
by Kenneth Maxwell The decision of the US Air Force to cancel the $355 million contract, to buy 20 Super Tucano Single engine turboprop planes from the Brazilian company Embraer, has been meet with dismay in Brazil. The story has been headlined in the Brazilian press. The Brazilians have attributed…

An Update on Tankers

01/05/2012
01/05/2012 While the Aussies are getting their tankers, the USAF waits.  According to an Airbus Military Press Release of December 29, 2011. The fourth Airbus Military A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport for the Royal Australian Air Force has been formally handed over to the service, leaving just one aircraft of…

Saudi Arms Deal offers Boeing Military Aviation a Lifeline

01/03/2012
01/03/2012 by Richard Weitz On December 29, the Obama administration announced that the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have finalized the deal to provide advanced F-15SA combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force.  The sale has gained widespread support within the U.S. defense community and will…

A new Civil War Is Brewing Over Aircraft Production

12/21/2009
By George Talbot, Political Editor for the Mobile Press Register The economic battle for jobs and capital investment pits the Pacific Northwest against a rising challenger in the Southeast. The regional fight is fiercest over the U.S. Air Force tanker contract, a potential 179-plane order that could deliver thousands of aircraft assembly jobs either to Mobile, Alabama, or Everett,…

Crafting A NATO Helo Logistics Initiative for Afghanistan

08/12/2009
By Robbin Laird and Murielle Delaporte 08/12/2009 - NATO is developing a common logistics initiative to support helicopters in operation in Afghanistan. It is clear that more helos are need for Afghan operations; but rather than simply inserting new kit, it is realized by senior NATO officials that shaping a…