Aviation News (February 2020)

UK ROUTE GUIDE EXCLUSIVE

















THE P AST , PRESENT AND FUTURE OF FLIGHT
R
RARE BEASTS ARE BEASTS










COBRA BALL RC-135sOBRA BALL RC-135s
C




SECRETIVE
MISSILE
HUNTERS


























GERMAN

EXCLUSIVE EUROFIGHTERS
ENTHUSIASTS'
Growing the Force
UK ROUTE


GUIDE


WHERE TO GO,
WHAT TO SEE





TOP 10 TRIPS www.aviation-news.co.uk FEBRUARY 2020 £4.90
FOR 2020

Aviation Adventures



Contents p26





FEATURES p10 REGULARS



14 Germany’s Eurofi ghter Plans 04 Headlines
Germany is considering buying more Eurofi ghters to
serve a number of roles. Jon Lake analyses the latest 06 Civil News
developments.
10 Military News
22 Top Ten Aviation Trips 2020
Aviation News picks ten of the most intriguing aviation 18 Preservation News
tours on o er this year.
24 Flight Bag
26 Tales of the Trislander p22
Barry Lloyd examines the Britten-Norman Trislander that 70 Register Review
was developed from the successful Islander.
74 Airport Movements
32 Enthusiasts’ UK Route Guide
Editor Dino Carrara, Ashley French and Martin Davidson 78 Air Base Movements
list the most interesting passenger airline routes to the
UK from an enthusiast’s perspective.
36 Volotea: Revolutionising the Low- SUBSCRIBE
Cost Airline Model AND SAVE
Lee Cross profi les the low-cost carrier Volotea.
p36
42 The Cobra’s Stare: USAF RC-135 A subscription to Aviation News
Missile Tracking Missions o ers great savings on cover price.
Dr Kevin Wright examines the airborne element to See pages 48 and 49 for details.
gather intelligence on missiles that uses the Boeing RC-
135s codenamed Cobra Ball.
50 South African Airways: Wings of the For the latest news and updates from the
Editorial team, why not fi nd us on your
Rainbow Nation favourite social media platform?
Jozef Mols outlines the history of South African Airways p50 search Aviation search
and asks if a new restructuring plan will solve its News Magazine @AvNewsMag
problems.
58 Breguet Alizé: Multirole Maritime
Turboprop Cover (main image): One of the three
Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft in
Henri-Pierre Grolleau describes the Alizé maritime aircraft.
service with the USAF. Ashley Wallace.
64 NF Meteors: The RAF’s First Jet Inset (lower left): Liverpool John Lennon
Night-Fighters Airport is in our Enthusiasts’ UK Route
Guide as it receives Widerøe Dash
Doug Gordon remembers the career of the early night- 8-Q400s which fl y in from Bergen.
fi ghter Meteors, the NF.11 and NF.13. p58
AirTeamImages.com/HAMFive. Inset (lower
79 Rhodesian Eagles: 266 Sqn’s middle): Iraqi Airways A320s operate
Typhoon Years services to Manchester and Gatwick
The mostly Rhodesian-manned 266 Squadron fl ew the airports. Ashley French. Inset (lower right):
A German Air Force Eurofi ghter from
Hawker Typhoon from 1942-45 and was engaged in
some of the major battles of the war, as Tom Spencer TaktLwG 73 climbing out. AirTeamImages.
recounts. com/Jan Ostrowski

WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 3


03_contentsDC.mf.indd 3 10/01/2020 17:20

HEADLINES E175-E2 Maiden Flight




















The Embraer E175-E2 regional airliner Embraer 175-E2, PR-ZXM, on its maiden fl ight from the runway adjacent to Embraer’s
made its inaugural fl ight from the from São José dos Campos on December 12. Faria Lima complex and fl ew for 2hr
company’s facility in São José dos Campos, Embraer 18min. Embraer’s Capt Mozart Louzada
Brazil, on December 12. Embraer will use and system tests. The third prototype will commanded the aircraft along with fi rst
three aircraft for the E175-E2 certifi cation be used to validate maintenance tasks and o cer Wander Almodovar Golfetto and
campaign. The fi rst and second prototypes be outfi tted with interior furnishings. The fl ight engineers Gilberto Meira Cardoso
will conduct aerodynamic, performance E175-E2 departed at 11:07am local time and Mario Ito.

Iran Fires Missiles at US Bases in Iraq



Following the assassination of Iranian Washington to temporarily station a rapid B-52Hs crossed the Atlantic on January
Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) response unit, which would be ready 7, routing around the south of Spain
and Quds Force leader, Gen Qassem to evacuate US diplomatic personnel and over the Mediterranean. In the
Soleimani, at Baghdad International and citizens from Iraq, should the need previous week, the US had engaged in
Airport, Iraq, in a drone strike on January arise. The following day, local television a large-scale force mobilisation to the
3, Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile reported that a C-130 and fi ve or six region. More than 40 USAF Boeing C-17A
strike on the night of January 7/8, CH-47 Chinooks had arrived at Andreas Globemaster IIIs and several Lockheed
targeted against the US air base at Al Asad Papandreou AFB, the air base adjacent to Martin C-5M Super Galaxy heavy-lift
AB south of Baghdad and at another base Paphos International Airport. strategic transports delivered troops,
in Erbil in northern Iraq. The Times reported on January 7 along with additional equipment to the
As many as 16 missiles were fi red, 11 that the RAF would send up to fi ve extra region, such as Patriot surface-to-air
of which reached their targets. They are Chinook helicopters to join four examples missile batteries, ground vehicles and
believed to be Qiam-1 and Fateh-110-series that were already based in Irbil. The helicopters. Additional tankers, transports
short-range ballistic missiles. No casualties newspaper said the aircraft could be used and special operations aircraft have also
were reported, but satellite images released to remove some of the 1,400 UK military deployed to the region, along with 12
by the private company Planet Labs and civilian personnel currently in the United States Marine Corps F/A-18C/D
showed impacts at several locations on country supporting the fi ght against the Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack
the sprawling Al Asad base, including direct Islamic State group. Squadron 251 (VMFA-251) ‘Thunderbolts’,
hits on hangar facilities near fl ight lines on Prior to the missile attack, several which will operate from Jaber Air Base,
which were parked H-60 Blackhawk and air units had deployed. The USAF Kuwait. These departed Marine Corps Air
V-22 Osprey aircraft. One helicopter was confi rmed it was sending six Boeing Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina,
damaged, a US defence o cial confi rmed B-52H Stratofortress heavy bombers on January 1 as part of the US’ Immediate
to Military Times. to the island of Diego Garcia in the Response Force and were noted passing
On January 8, the Republic of Cyprus Indian Ocean, located 2,613nm (3,008 through Lajes Field in the Azores the
government accepted a request from miles/4,841km) from Iran. The fi rst two following day.


Grey Wolf for Global Strike Command


The Leonardo MH-139A
helicopter was o cially named
Grey Wolf during a ceremony at
Duke Field, Florida, on December
19. A detachment established
at the base will support testing
and evaluation of the new
helicopter for Air Force Global
Strike Command (AFGSC). Grey
Wolf will replace the UH-1N for
security and support of the ICBM
fi elds in the northern US. USAF/
Samuel King Jr


4 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


04-05_headlinesDC.mfDC.indd 4 13/01/2020 15:14

First Flight for Electric Beaver



Canadian airline Harbour Air Seaplanes of Air’s leadership role in redefining safety and
Vancouver, British Columbia, conducted innovation in the aviation and seaplane
the maiden flight of the world’s first all- industry. Canada has long held an iconic
electric commercial aircraft on December role in the history of aviation, and to be part
10. Dubbed the ePlane, the aircraft is a de of this incredible world-first milestone is
Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, C-FJOS, something we can all be really proud of.”
modified with a 750hp (560kW) magni500 The airline announced a partnership with The all-electric Beaver ePlane takes off
propulsion system. electric motor company magniX at the Paris from the Fraser River, British Columbia, on
The flight took place on the Fraser Air Show in June. The two companies will December 10, Harbour Air
River at Harbour Air Seaplanes terminal now begin the certification and approval America’s largest seaplane airline, with a
in Richmond, and was piloted by the process for the propulsion system and the fleet of 15 Beavers and 22 DHC-3 Otters.
company’s CEO and founder, Greg retrofitting of aircraft. Once the certification With scheduled flights averaging around
McDougall, who said: “Today, we made is complete, the rest of the fleet will be fitted 30 minutes, the carrier’s route network is
history. I am incredibly proud of Harbour with the magni500. Harbour Air is North particularly suited to electric propulsion.

Ukrainian 737 Shot Down by Iranian SAM


A few hours after the Iranian missile “We have intelligence from multiple Initially, Iran had claimed that it was
strike on US bases in Iraq on January 8, sources, including our allies and our own impossible that a missile struck the 737.
a Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing intelligence. The evidence indicates that However, on January 11, a statement from
737-800, UR-PSR, operating as Flight the plane was shot down by an Iranian the military was broadcast on state-run TV
PS752 to Kiev, crashed shortly after surface-to-air missile. This may well have and took responsibility for the accident,
take-off from Tehran Imam Khomeini been unintentional.” stating: “The military was at its highest
International Airport, Iran. The disaster The UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic level of readiness” and that “In such a
killed all 176 people on board, 63 of which Raab, speaking on a visit to Canada, said condition, because of human error and in
were Canadian citizens. On January 9, that British nationals should not travel an unintentional way, the flight was hit.”
several western governments alleged the to Iran “given the body of information It is believed the missile was a Russian-
crash was likely caused by a missile strike. that UIA Flight 752 was shot down by an made 9K331 Tor-M1 missile, fired from a
At a press briefing in Ottawa, Canadian Iranian surface-to-air missile, and the base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: heightened tensions.” Corps (IRGC) near the flightpath of the 737.


Boeing Suspends MAX Production, Recommends Sim Training

Boeing confirmed on December 16 that it it knows “the process of approving was not necessary, marketing the new
would temporarily suspend production of the 737 MAX’s return to service, and variant to airlines on the basis that it could
the 737 MAX from January 1 and prioritise of determining appropriate training be flown by 737NG pilots with minimal
the delivery of stored aircraft. Anticipating a requirements, must be extraordinarily additional training. Currently there are
much faster return to service, the Seattle- thorough and robust, to ensure that our only 34 737 MAX simulators worldwide.
based manufacturer had continued to build regulators, customers and the flying In November, Canadian company CAE
new airliners at a rate of 42 per month. public have confidence in the 737 MAX started building MAX simulators without
Almost 400 examples are now stored at updates.” On January 7, the company orders, anticipating that Boeing would
several sites. recommended that pilots undergo recommend their use or that the FAA
Acknowledging the challenges that simulator training before converting to the would mandate it before the type could
still lie ahead, the company stated that MAX, something that it had previously said return to flight.

A350 for Sunrise Walsh to Step

Down from IAG


Willie Walsh, chief executive of
International Airlines Group (IAG), the
parent company of British Airways,
Iberia, Aer Lingus, LEVEL and Vueling,
announced on January 9 that he will
step down on March 26 and retire
on June 30. Luis Gallego, currently
Iberia chief executive, will succeed
Walsh as IAG CEO. Dublin-born
Walsh oversaw the merger of BA and
Iberia in 2011 and has led the airline
group since then. Luis Gallego’s
Qantas has selected the Airbus A350-1000 over the Boeing 777X as the preferred aircraft if the successor at Iberia will be announced
airline’s Project Sunrise proceeds. A decision on new ultra long-haul routes is expected in March. in due course.
Airbus

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 5


04-05_headlinesDC.mf.indd 5 13/01/2020 14:21

CIVIL NEWS First Air Canada A220






















On December 20, Air Canada took delivery of its fi rst Airbus A220-300, C-GROV, from the Mirabel A220 programme facilities near Montreal.
The initial aircraft from an order of 45 was to enter service in January, making Air Canada the fi rst airline to operate the A220-300 in North
America. The A220 will be confi gured with a dual-class cabin seating 137 passengers – 12 in business class and 125 in economy class. Airbus


Delay to Heathrow’s Third Runway


Heathrow Airport announced in December that the plan to build passengers. The CAA’s report concluded that a “modest delay” to the
the controversial third runway would be delayed by at least a year third runway’s completion would be preferable to the higher early
after the Civil Aviation Authority refused permission for the airport construction costs that would be incurred attempting to meet the
to quadruple its spending on the project before it receives planning original 2026 opening.
consent. The airport claimed that it needed to spend £2.4bn (up On January 7, the airport announced that it would submit its fi nal
from £650m) on early construction and £500m on planning costs. planning application for the construction of the third runway late
The refusal would delay completion of the third runway until some this year, following an eight-week public consultation to be held
time between “early 2028 and late 2029”. The regulator argued that between April and June. Heathrow said it would announce dates and
while it was important that a new runway is built as soon as possible, locations for consultation events in the coming weeks. Responses
such an increase in costs in the short term would likely be borne by from the consultation will feed into the fi nal planning application.

Rolls-Royce Unveils Electric Plane



the record books with a target speed of
300mph+ (483km/h+) in late spring 2020.
The project involves a host of partners,
including electric motor and controller
manufacturer YASA and the aviation start-up
Electrofl ight. Half of the project’s funding
is provided by the Aerospace Technology
Institute (ATI) in partnership with the
Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK.
ACCEL will have the most power-dense
battery pack ever assembled for an aircraft,
providing enough energy to fuel 250 homes
or fl y 200 miles (321km) – the equivalent
of London to Paris – on a single charge.
The ACCEL demonstrator will fl y at more than 300mph (483km/h) on electric power. Rolls-Royce
Its 6,000 cells are packaged to minimise
Rolls-Royce introduced its prototype Electrifi cation of Flight – work will now weight and maximise thermal protection. An
electric aircraft at Gloucestershire Airport begin on integrating the ground-breaking advanced cooling system ensures optimum
on December 19. Under the initiative electrical propulsion system to enable the performance by directly cooling cells during
called ACCEL – short for Accelerating the zero-emissions aircraft to make a run for the high-power record runs.
Super Hercules Certified


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later this year. Letters of Intent for examples of which were produced
has awarded type certifi cation to the ten examples each have also been between 1964-1992. Improvements to
Lockheed Martin LM-100J, a civilianised signed for by ASL Aviation Group and the original o ering include modern
variant of the US manufacturer’s C-130J Brazilian defence and logistics agency avionics and Rolls-Royce AE 2100
Super Hercules. Lockheed Martin will Bravo Industries. The LM-100J is the turboprops as well as being 14%
deliver two examples to Pallas Aviation, modernised version of the Lockheed more fuel e cient and having a 20%
which is the type’s launch customer, Martin L-100 freighter, more than 100 improvement in payload/range capability.

6 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


06-09_civil_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 6 13/01/2020 12:58

Air France Hokkaido Air System’s First ATR

Accelerates

Fleet Renewal


By placing an order for ten additional
Airbus A350-900s, Air France says it is
pursuing a strategy of “rationalisation
and simplification”. The firm’s A350s are
earmarked to replace its A380s currently
in operation – most, if not all of which
are due to be retired by the end of 2022.
The arrival will also allow the company
to accelerate the departure of its ageing
A340s during the first quarter of 2021. The first ATR 42-600 for Japanese regional airline Hokkaido Air System performed its maiden
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France- flight on December 18 at Toulouse. The aircraft – to be registered JA11HC (c/n 1417) – is
KLM Group, commented: “Rationalising fitted with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engines and is configured with 48 seats. It was
and modernising the fleet is central originally ordered at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. Clément Alloing/V1Images
to our effort to regain our leading
position in Europe. It will strengthen our
performance from both an economic A321neo for Air Macau
and operational standpoint and will help
us deliver on our ambitious sustainability Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has placed director, Asia president, commented: “We
agenda.” an Airbus A321neo on a long-term lease are pleased to be the first to introduce the
Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief with Air Macau. The aircraft, B-MBQ (c/n A321neo to the airline. The ALC team has
executive, added: “[This is] an 9263), was manufactured at the company’s a long history of working with Air Macau
impressive transformation for Air Hamburg facility and is the first for the and we are thrilled to continue to build our
France-KLM and we feel honoured that Asian carrier. The narrowbody – which strong relationship by providing the most
our A350 aircraft have been selected as is equipped with two Pratt &Whitney modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.” Air Macau
part of this endeavour.” The extra ten PW1133G engines – is the first of two due currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 23
airframes bring Air France’s A350 order to be delivered to the Far Eastern carrier. Jie aircraft. The neo variant isn’t completely
to 38, three of which have already been Chen, Air Lease Corporation Hong Kong’s new to the operator – in 2019 it took
delivered to the carrier. executive vice president and managing delivery of four A320neos.


Return of the Condor Boeing 767-300 D-ABUF is the first Condor
aircraft to receive the company’s famous logo
in many years. Condor
With the exception of Condor’s two
retro-liveried aircraft – Airbus A320-200
D-AICH (c/n 971), and Boeing 767-300ER
D-ABUM (c/n 25170) – it is the first time
that the iconic design has taken to the air
for some years. Condor chose D-ABUF (c/n
26985), a Boeing 767-300ER to be the first
in its fleet of 50 jets to receive the makeover.
Ralf Teckentrup, the airline’s chief executive
officer commented: “After 16 years, the
Condor logo will return to the tails of our
Condor, the German leisure airline, has September last year and the acquisition of aircraft, which makes every person working
revised its livery to feature its pre-Thomas its ‘Sunny Heart’ logo by Sunclass Airlines – for Condor very proud. Our logo is a strong
Cook corporate identity. The move follows the new operating name for Thomas Cook brand that has signified Germany’s most
the collapse of Thomas Cook Group in Airlines Scandinavia – less than a month later. popular airline for 64 years.”

No Air France-KLM Stake in Virgin Atlantic



Air France-KLM has dropped plans to nearly one third of the British airline Air France-KLM said it would
acquire a 31% stake in Virgin Atlantic, for £220m as part of a three-way continue to pursue its investment plan
deciding that a deal was “no longer arrangement with Delta. Virgin Group’s to “regain leadership” in the long-haul
necessary”. The two firms stated that share of ownership would have fallen market following pressure from carriers
the decision will not impact a wider from 51% to 20%, while Delta would including Norwegian and WestJet. A
transatlantic partnership – that also have retained 49%. The American carrier statement from the group said it would,
includes Delta Air Lines – which is has owned its stake in Virgin Atlantic “continue final preparations towards the
currently under development. In 2017, since 2012 when it was acquired from launch of the expanded transatlantic
the Franco-Dutch group agreed to buy Singapore Airlines for £224m. joint venture.”



WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 7


06-09_civil_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.mf.indd 7 13/01/2020 15:00

German Airways
CIVIL NEWS Two regional airlines operated by the
Emerges



Zeitfracht Group have come together
under a single new brand – German
Airways. While the move brings the carriers
closer, they will retain their respective Air
Operator Certifi cates.
Cologne/Bonn-based WDL has recently
started to switch from British Aerospace
146s to Embraer E190s, with just one
passenger-confi gured BAe 146, D-AMGL
(c/n E2055), remaining. However, it is likely WDL Aviation E-190LR, D-AJHW, has been repainted in the new colours of German Airways.
to continue using the Hatfi eld-built airliner AirTeamImages.com/Markus Mainka
on freight routes. The ACMI lease specialist
currently operates three former Copa Dortmund’s LGW – acquired by Zeitfracht of Bombardier Q400s. The carrier was
Airlines Colombia E190s and a further two Group in April – is also understood to previously part of Eurowings, having been
are due to be taken on lease from Azorra be eyeing a move to the Brazilian-built one of several purchases made by Lufthansa
Aviation shortly. 100-seaters, replacing its 17-strong fl eet following the collapse of airberlin.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi EASA Approval for P&W A319neo


Budapest-based Wizz Air will launch a low-
cost airline in Abu Dhabi after provisionally The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G equipped A319neo – each with P&W PW1100G and
agreeing a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi A319neo has received EASA approval in CFM LEAP-1A engine options. Airbus holds
Development Holding Company (ADDH). November This follows that for a CFM LEAP- 83 orders for the 160-seat A319neo and
The new carrier is expected to take fl ight in 1A powered example on December 14, 2018 has so far handed over two ACJ319neos.
the second half of 2020. and the ACJ319neo corporate jet on July Deliveries to airlines are expected to start
Tentatively named Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, 9, 2019. This completes the programme this year. The fi rst A319 to be powered by
the airline will focus on establishing routes of type certifi cations across the A320neo PW1100Gs, D-AVWA (c/n 6464), made its
to markets in which the European operator Family, comprising A320neo, A321neo and maiden fl ight as such on April 25, 2019.
has existing, high-growth services. These
include central, eastern and western
Europe, as well as the Indian subcontinent, JetSMART Buys Norwegian’s
Middle East and Africa in the future. With a
fl eet composed of Airbus A321neo aircraft,
the new airline’s o ering will align directly Argentinean Subsidiar
with that of Wizz Air.
József Váradi, chief executive o cer Norwegian has sold its Argentinian replaced by JetSMART’s Airbus A320s. The
of Wizz Air Holdings, said: “Wizz Air subsidiary to Chilean low-cost carrier three jets will then re-enter service with
Abu Dhabi will be an incremental path JetSMART Airlines for an undisclosed sum. Norwegian. The carrier said the di culties
of growth for Wizz Air, built on our While the carrier will assume Norwegian’s in generating a profi t in the region were
successful ultra-low-cost business model, operation with immediate e ect, the pair exacerbated by the depreciation in the
bringing a ordable travel to ever more expect the integration process to take Argentinian peso. Geir Karlsen, acting
customers. We believe the new airline several months. Under the deal, JetSMART CEO and CFO of Norwegian said most of
has the potential to be a signifi cant player will phase out the branding across the its costs are denominated in dollars while
in the region.” The establishment of the domestic Argentinian network. revenue is obtained in pesos only: “the
carrier is subject to defi nitive agreements In the next six months, the three sharp depreciation of the peso against
between the two companies, as well as Boeing 737s currently operated by the the dollar has created a signifi cant gap
regulatory approval. carrier will be returned to Europe and between costs and revenue.”

Air Caraïbes A350 New LSA From BRM

Czech light aircraft manufacturer, BRM
Aero has announced a new all-metal two-
seat light sport aircraft (LSA), the B.8. It is
aimed at pilots who prefer the high-wing
layout rather than the low wing of BRM’s
very successful Bristell two-seater. It has a
strutless cantilever wing and a fi xed tricycle
undercarriage with a steerable nosewheel. It
also has control yokes rather than sticks and
Air Caraïbes has taken delivery of its fi rst A350-1000, the largest member of Airbus’ new
generation A350XWB Family, making it the fi rst French operator of the type. The airline plans two doors with a separate rear door for the
to operate the A350-1000s alongside its three A350-900s and six A330s on routes from Paris luggage compartment. The basic model will
to the French Caribbean. In total, parent company Groupe Dubreuil has three A350-1000s on be powered by a 100hp Rotax 912ULS but
order, confi gured in a three-class layout with 429 seats (24 in ‘Madras’ business, 45 in ‘Caraïbes’ buyers will also be able to opt for the Rotax
premium economy and 360 in ‘Soleil’ economy. Airbus IS, 914 and 915iS engines. Rod Simpson

8 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


06-09_civil_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 8 13/01/2020 12:58

E175s for Congo Airways



Congo Airways, based at Kinshasa, has
signed a firm order for two Embraer
175s (see table below). The agreement
also includes purchase rights for a
further two airframes.
Desire Bantu, the airline’s CEO, said:
“These new jets will replace our current
turboprop offering and allow us to serve
routes both within the Democratic
Republic of Congo and regionally to
West, Central and Southern Africa, from A computer-generated image of
our hub in Kinshasa.” a Congo Airways E175. Embraer
Bantu went on to say that the E175
offers flexibility and is the right size for additional order may be required, for which 76 passengers in total, with 12 in business
the airline’s market, adding that an order the E2 is a particularly compelling option.” class. Deliveries will begin in the fourth
for the E2 could be on the horizon: The aircraft it has ordered will be quarter of 2020. The airline currently flies
“[The market] is growing so rapidly, so an configured in a dual-class layout seating four two Airbus A320s and two Q400s.

Delta Sells Turkmenistan IN BRIEF

Bizjet Branch Airlines’ UK Return AER LINGUS has published its largest ever

Nearly a year after it was banned from the capacity increase between Ireland and North
Delta Air Lines is selling its private-jet EU on safety grounds, Turkmenistan Airlines America ahead of the 2020 summer season.
charter business to Wheels Up Partners. has resumed operations to the UK with The Irish carrier is making almost two million
The airline will retain an equity stake the relaunch of its route to Birmingham. seats available during the peak holiday
in Wheels Up but will step back from EASA had raised concerns over the safety period – the most it has ever offered. David
Shepherd, Aer Lingus’ CCO commented: “Not
the Delta Private Jets operation, which of the carrier’s operations and prohibited only does our increased capacity strengthen
it has run for 20 years, but which has operations from February 2019 but, by Ireland’s connectivity with the United States,
only been “marginally profitable” and October last year, the company confirmed but it creates a greater, more efficient
hasn’t grown as the carrier had hoped, it had complied with technical requirements connection via Dublin for our neighbours in
according to Delta chief executive related to air operations of Third Country the UK and Europe.”
officer Ed Bastian. Following the Operators (TCO) within the EU. The Dutch low-cost carrier TRANSAVIA is to offer
sale, New York-based Wheels Up will TCO regulations apply to non-European links to nine European destinations from a
have a fleet of more than 190 private aircraft operators conducting commercial new Brussels base. The KLM subsidiary plans
aircraft and over 8,000 members and air transport flights in the region. The to connect the Belgian capital with Alicante
customers. Wheels Up founder and CEO connection links the airline’s hub in and Ibiza in Spain, Verona in Italy, Corfu,
Kenny Dichter will continue to run the Ashgabat to Birmingham once a week using Heraklion and Thessaloniki in Greece, Tel
combined company. a Boeing 737-800 (see the Enthusiasts’ UK Aviv in Israel, Agadir in Morocco and Faro
in Portugal. Erik-Jan Gelink, commercial
Route Guide starting on p32). director of Transavia, said: “Our research
indicates that there is a gap in the market
CIVIL ORDERS from Brussels for low-cost leisure travel
which Transavia can fill.”
Purchaser Aircraft Number Order Placed Notes During April and May, EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES
SKY A321XLR 10 December 9 is to operate a series of proving flights
Congo Airways E175 2 December 10 plus two purchase rights between Tel Aviv and Melbourne as part of
plans to launch an ultra long-haul service to
Air France A350-900 10 December 11
the Australian city. The flights – presently
Air France A220-300 60 December 18
scheduled for April 2, April 23 and May 14 –
Spirit Airlines A320neo Family 100 January 6 October MoU confirmed are to be operated by one of the Israeli flag
BOC Aviation A320neo 20 January 7 up to 12 for lease to Avianca carrier’s 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Air Kiribati Embraer Air Kiribati’s first E190-E2, PR-EHT (to become
VH-IKJ), made a refuelling stop at Palma de
Mallorca on January 1, 2020 during its delivery
flight to the South Pacific. Javier Rodriguez
significantly expand its footprint and
directly connect parts of its far-flung
republic. The Air Kiribati E190-E2,
delivered on December 30, will be able
to fly nonstop from the country’s capital
Tarawa to Kiritimati (Christmas) Island,
one of the most challenging routes in
the Pacific. Until now, the domestic
The flag carrier of the central Pacific delivery of the first of two Embraer flight from Tarawa to Kiritimati required
island nation of Kiribati has taken 190-E2 jets, giving it the ability to an international stopover in Fiji.

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 9


06-09_civil_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 9 13/01/2020 15:32

MILITARY NEWS Mystery Mod for Rivet Joint

























A US Air Force Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint has been noted with a large new fairing on its upper rear fuselage. The aircraft, serial 64-14844,
was photographed at March Air Reserve Base, California, on December 5. The new, as yet unidentifi ed modifi cation is likely to be related to
communications as it is located in place of the previous wideband secure satellite communications antenna. Dan Stijovich
Typhoon Flies in Kuwaiti Configuration



The fi rst fl ight of what Leonardo calls “the most advanced variant with MBDA’s Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles and other
of the Eurofi ghter ever fl own” took place at the Leonardo Aircraft air-to-surface weapons. The Kuwaiti standard also provides for
Division’s Flight Test Centre at Turin-Caselle Airport on December integration of the Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting
23. The aircraft is the fi rst Instrumented Series Production Aircraft Pod (ATP), the DRS-Cubic ACMI P5 combat training pod and an
(ISPA 6) equipped with the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) confi guration. enhanced VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid.
The Typhoon, CSX55169, is expected to be the fi nal two-seat TF- While other aircraft in di erent Eurofi ghter partner companies
2000A for the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) from a total of are testing specifi c parts of the P3Eb confi guration, including
14 ordered. development of the Captor-E radar in the UK and Germany, this
The aircraft is the fi rst to combine the Captor-E active is the fi rst fl ight of the entire package that will be delivered to
electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with Phase Enhancement Kuwait. The fi rst KAF aircraft are expected to be delivered later
P3Eb software, as ordered by Kuwait. The jet includes compatibility this year.


C295s to Replace First H145M SAR for Germany

Irish Air Corps’

CN235s


The Irish Air Corps has ordered two Airbus
C295 aircraft in a maritime surveillance
confi guration to replace its current pair
of CN235s. The new aircraft will be
equipped with the Airbus Fully Integrated
Tactical System (FITS) and mission sensors
as well as Collins Aerospace Pro Line
Fusion avionics. On December 16, Burkina On December 10 the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) took delivery of the fi rst of the type
Faso also announced the intention to that will replace the Bell UH-1D in the search and rescue (SAR) role, the Airbus H145M SAR.
acquire a single C295 transport. The aircraft will be stationed at Niederstetten, Holzdorf and Nörvenich. The last example is
scheduled to be delivered in early 2021. Airbus Helicopters is also responsible for logistics
support, repair and maintenance of the rotorcraft. Dietmar Fenners
CC-295 Handed Over


The fi rst Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) fully painted in the RCAF’s bright yellow
(FWSAR) CC-295 has been handed over operations in Spain. The aircraft is scheduled SAR colour scheme.
to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). to be ferried to Canadian Forces Base Canada is procuring 16 CC-295s to take
The transfer of the aircraft, 295501 (c/n Comox, British Colombia, by mid-2020. over SAR duties currently being undertaken
183), took place during a ceremony in the The aircraft had made its maiden fl ight by six RCAF CC-115 Bu alos and 12 CC-
factory at Seville-San Pablo Airport, Spain, from Seville on July 4. At that time, it was 130H aircraft. Initial operational capability
on December 18. Following this delivery, the still only painted in primer and used test is scheduled for 2020 with full capability
RCAF will initiate more testing, training and registration EC-005. Since then it has been following in 2022. Dave Allport

10 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


10-13_military_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 10 13/01/2020 15:28

Final ‘Classic’ Flankers for Armenia

Hornet Flight


for 2 OCU

Marking the end of ‘classic’ Hornet
operations by the Royal Australian Air
Force’s No 2 Operational Conversion Unit
(OCU), the unit conducted its final F/A-
18A/B flight at RAAF Base Williamtown, New
South Wales, on December 11. In future, the
unit will conduct fast-jet aircrew training One of the Armenian Air Force’s four
on the F-35A. The last RAAF F/A-18A/Bs are new Su-30SM Flankers. Andrey Neyman
planned to be withdrawn from service in
December 2021. The Armenian Air Force (Hayastani Last February 13, the Armenian defence
The farewell flight involved ten F/A-18A/ Rrazmaodayin Uzher) has received the four minister, David Tonoyan, stated that four
Bs departing Williamtown and then forming Su-30SM Flankers it had on order. Two of Su-30SMs were on order and that a further
up in a ‘Number 2’ formation before flying the jets – ‘30 Red’ and ‘31 Red’ – were seen commitment was expected soon, reportedly
north over Tomaree to the Sugarloaf Point undergoing pre-delivery flight testing at the for another eight aircraft, although no
coastal areas, and south to Redhead Beach. Irkut Corporation’s factory airfield in Irkutsk follow-on order has yet materialised. The
The aircraft conducted a low-level coastal in Siberia in December and all four were Flankers are said to be assigned to a newly
run north, before breaking into pairs to land. delivered to Armenia the same month. established fighter unit based at Erebuni.

Last Spanish Air Force Typhoon RAAF Retires



The final Typhoon scheduled for delivery the end of its operational life, a second PC-9/A
to the Spanish Air Force began flight Eurofighter order is expected, at least to
tests at the Airbus plant in Getafe, near cover the withdrawal of older second-
Madrid, on November 27. Serial C.16- hand Hornets still in service with 462 The Pilatus PC-9/A bowed out of Royal
78/14-36 will be operated by Ala 14 from Escuadrón at Gando in the Canary Australian Air Force (RAAF) service
Albacete, bringing the unit’s inventory to Islands. Until the Spanish government during a ceremony at RAAF Base Pearce,
full strength – the penultimate aircraft makes a decision, the Airbus plant at Western Australia, on December 12. After
for the Ejército del Aire, serial C.16- Getafe will continue to retrofit the 17 more than 30 years of operations, a final
77/14-35, arrived at Albacete on delivery Tranche 1 Typhoons in service with training course utilising the type – 257
from Getafe on December 3. the EdA. This work involves integrating Advanced Pilots Course – had graduated
Spain’s initial order for 87 Eurofighters new equipment from Tranche 2 and 3, at Pearce on December 6.
was reduced to 73 (15 two-seaters including a computer symbol generator, The first two Swiss-built PC-9/As
and 58 single-seaters) in 2013, due to digital video and voice recorder, laser arrived in Australia in 1987 and pilot
budgetary constraints, but now that designator pods and maintenance data training began two years later; the
the EF-18 Hornet fleet is approaching panel. Roberto Yáñez remaining 67 aircraft were built under
licence by Hawker de Havilland in Sydney.
In the training role, PC-9/As were flown
primarily by the Central Flying School at
Swiss Hermes 900 Unveiled RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, and by No 2
Flying Training School (FTS) at Pearce.
According to Deputy Air Commander
Australia, Air Cdre Guy Wilson, the Pilatus
turboprop successfully supported 103
pilot training courses and graduated
more than 1,400 pilots from the RAAF
and Royal Australian Navy.
The PC-9/A retirement follows receipt
of the RAAF’s 49th and final PC-21
training aircraft.
A number of PC-9/As are being
maintained in airworthy condition until
the new training programme is validated.
So far, 16 of the surviving airworthy
airframes have been transferred to Avalon
in Victoria where they will be auctioned
off in March. Others have already been
assigned as museum, gate guard and
static training aircraft, including eight
already at RAAF Base Wagga, New South
The first example of six Elbit Systems Hermes 900 medium-altitude, long-endurance
reconnaissance UAVs ordered for the Swiss Air Force under the ADS 15 programme was unveiled Wales, where they will replace MB-326s
at Emmen air base on December 9. The aircraft, serial D-11, arrived on November 26, and as ground instructional airframes.
delivery of the final Hermes 900 is due in 2021. Armasuisse

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 11


10-13_military_newsDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 11 13/01/2020 15:28

Juno Commemorates
MILITARY NEWS Round-the-World Flight On December 13, 2019 the Commandant of
the DHFS and Station Commander of RAF
Shawbury Gp Cpt Chris Mullen, unveiled
the newly named Aries Juno helicopter. The
markings comprise the name Aries on the
forward doors with a star from the o cial crest
of the School of Air Navigation Training. On the
rear fuselage is a badge showing a silhouette of
a Lancaster over a globe. Dylan Eklund
The UK Defence Helicopter Flying School
(DHFS) Juno HT1, ZM528, has received
special markings to commemorate the
75th anniversary of the fi rst British military
aircraft to fl y around the world. On
October 21, 1944, Lancaster Mk I PD328
Aries of the Central Navigation School,
commanded by Wg Cdr David McKinley
DFC AFC with a crew of ten, set out on a
36,000-mile (57,936km) circumnavigation,
returning to Shawbury, Shropshire on
December 14. Remarkably the record-
breaking Lancaster fl ew around the world
unarmed despite the ongoing war.

C295 Tests New Refuelling System



The Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish Air with EdA C295M T.21-13/35-51 from 353 were undertaken to test the stability of the
Force) in association with Airbus Defence Escuadrón of Ala 35 at Getafe air base. refuelling basket and three initial dry hook-
and Space are testing a new in-fl ight The modular system, including a hose- ups (ie, without fuel transfer) have been
refuelling kit for the C295 transport. and-drogue unit fi tted to the rear loading completed. After two-and-a-half hours of
The EdA confi rmed in a December 18 ramp, enables a standard transport C295 initial fl ight tests, the EdA said that results
announcement that the trials were under to be easily transformed into a tanker, had been very satisfactory, and Airbus
way. The removable kit has been fi tted giving the ability to pass up to around engineers had been able to draw various
to new production C295W c/n S-171 13,230lb (6,000kg) of fuel to other aircraft conclusions for improving and developing
(still fl ying painted in primer) and tested or helicopters. A variety of manoeuvres the new refuelling kit. Dave Allport

New Scheme

for Fighting


Falcons


Sporting a new darker single-colour scheme,
USAF F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 30 86-0262
‘SA’ from the 149th Fighter Wing/182nd Fighter
Squadron ‘Lonestar Gunfi ghters’, Texas Air
National Guard (ANG), was photographed on
the Iowa ANG ramp in Sioux City on December
17. The paint facility there had recently
completed work on the fi ghter and it was ready
to return to its home unit. According to the air
force, the new look will replace the older two-
tone grey as the standard paint scheme for all
USAF F-16s. USAF/SMSgt Vincent De Groot
Last Lightning for Hill AFB



The fi nal F-35A for the 388th Fighter Wing (FW) at Hill AFB, Utah, six back-up jets. The 419th FW’s 466th FS also supports routine
was handed over on December 17. The delivery brings the total F-35 operations alongside the active-duty squadrons.
number of aircraft at the base to 78. Over the last three years, the wings have deployed to the
The fi rst operational F-35As arrived at Hill in September 2015. European and Pacifi c theatres and participated in several
Since then, the active-duty 388th and Reserve 419th FWs have large-scale USAF and international exercises. At the time of
fl own more than 17,500 sorties and more than 33,000 fl ying hours. the delivery, airmen from the wings were engaged in a second
The wing’s three squadrons, the 4th, 34th and 421st Fighter F-35A combat deployment of 2019, supporting operations in
Squadrons (FS), now each have 24 primary assigned aircraft with the Middle East.



12 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


10-13_military_newsDC.mfDC.mf.indd 12 13/01/2020 14:40

Vietnam Scheme T-38 The latest heritage T-38C Talon (serial
66-4353), assigned to the 469th Flying
Training Squadron (FTS) based at
Sheppard AFB, Texas, wears a scheme
inspired by the Southeast Asia colours
used on USAF tactical aircraft in the
1960s and ’70s. As part of the 388th
Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), predecessor
unit the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron
(TFS), flew F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam.
Caulun Belcher

IOC for ROKAF F-35A


The Republic of Korea Air Force AFB, Arizona. By the end of 2019, 13 Group’s Detachment 2 at Luke or are
(ROKAF) declared initial operating aircraft had been handed over to South under test at Fort Worth.
capability (IOC) for the F-35A on Korea, the first two examples arriving at Seoul plans to have 40 Lightning IIs
December 17. The Lightning IIs are now Cheongju Air Base last March 29; two by the end of 2021. In October 2019,
ready for limited combat deployment. more were delivered to the base directly the government announced it would
ROKAF chief of staff General Won In- from the factory at Fort Worth, Texas, begin the second phase of its plan to
choul presided over the event, which last July 15. The 151st Fighter Squadron acquire additional jets. Under the F-X
took place at the 17th Fighter Wing’s is the initial operator of the ROKAF’s III programme, the ROKAF is scheduled
base at Cheongju. F-35A fleet, with eight aircraft assigned to receive another 20 F-35s at a cost of
By December 2018, six F-35As were as of December. The other five jets $3.3bn. These aircraft are expected to be
undertaking crew training at Luke are attached to the 944th Operations delivered from 2021 to 2025.



Final Indian Floggers Retired


The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retired its final Mikoyan-Gurevich historic Kargil conflict when it delivered rockets and bombs with
MiG-27ML UPG Flogger variable-geometry ground-attack accuracy on enemy positions. The fleet also took an active part in
aircraft, following a ceremony at Jodhpur Air Force Station, Operation Parakram [the India-Pakistan standoff in 2001-02].”
Rajasthan, on December 27. The MiG-27 was the last variable-geometry aircraft to operate
During the proceedings, No 29 Squadron ‘Scorpions’ – the with the IAF, with India’s MiG-23 force having been retired in
final IAF unit to operate the MiG-27 – performed a seven- 2007 (MiG-23MF interceptor) and 2009 (MiG-23BN ground-
ship formation flypast over the base, marking the type’s final attack aircraft) respectively. From 2004, 38 of the original aircraft
sortie in Indian service. The unit was part of South Western Air were modernised by HAL to MiG-27ML UPG (upgrade) standard.
Command’s 32 Wing. This improved combat effectiveness and included a service life
In a statement released before the type’s retirement, India’s extension. The final non-upgraded MiG-27ML jets were withdrawn
defence ministry said: “The MiG-27 fleet earned its glory in the at Hasimara AFS in December 2017.

Alouette III Ends ROKN Service IN BRIEF




The Romanian government has passed a draft
law outlining procurement of another five
F-16 FIGHTING FALCONS from Portuguese
stocks. The jets will have the same M.5.2R
software configuration as Romania’s existing
12 F-16s. Eventually, all 17 fighters will be
upgraded to a new standard called M.6.X.
Russian Helicopters and the Russian
defence ministry have launched JOINT
STATE TESTS OF THE MI-26T2V heavy-lift
military helicopter. In 2018, Rostvertol
produced a prototype of the modernised
Halo, equipped with NPK90-2V integrated
avionics, and, following preliminary tests at
the manufacturing facility, trials will continue
The remaining three Aérospatiale SA319B Following its last flight, Alouette III serial 79- throughout the year.
Alouette IIIs in service with the Republic 0312 lands at Mokpo on November 7. ROKN
of Korea Navy (ROKN) were formally and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and The ARGENTINE AIR FORCE’S FOKKER
retired during a ceremony at Mokpo anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions F28-1000C TC-52 (c/n 1074) took to the air
again on December 23, after being restored
Air Base (K-15) on December 3. During since 1977. Operationally replaced by the to airworthiness by the Fábrica Argentina de
43 years of service, which ended on Lynx Mk99/99A, the Alouettes had been Aviones (FAdeA) and personnel from Grupo
November 7, the Alouette IIIs flew 73,545 relegated to the training role with the Técnico 1. The Fellowship had last flown on
hours. The navy operated a total of 12 609 Education & Training Unit’s 1st Flight August 31, 2018.
SA319Bs in the shipborne reconnaissance Training Squadron at Mokpo.

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 13


10-13_military_newsDC.mfDC.mf.indd 13 13/01/2020 14:40

Germany’s considering buying

Germany is


more Eurofighters

for a number of
Eurofighter Plans analyses the latest
roles. Jon Lake



developments.


ermany is throwing its weight Main photo: A stylised impression of what the weapons integrated under the UK’s
behind the ongoing and Airbus is calling a Eurofighter ECR capability. Centurion programme, including Storm
continuing development of the This recently announced development Shadow and Brimstone, could also be
GEurofighter Typhoon. It looks is initially aimed at replacing Germany’s acquired, as well as the Boeing GBU-54
set to procure large numbers of the type, Tornado ECRs in the SEAD role. Airbus Defence Laser JDAM. Having played ‘catch up’ with
having ruled out the Lockheed Martin F-35 and Space the UK’s Typhoon force, Airbus Defence
Lightning II as a potential replacement Developments Intime for NATO) involved and Space has revealed that the Luftwaffe
for the ageing fleet of Panavia Tornado the integration of the 1,000lb Raytheon is now preparing to forge ahead with an
strike/attack, reconnaissance and defence GBU-48 (Enhanced Paveway II) as an ambitious programme of upgrades and
suppression aircraft. initial air-to-ground weapon, together new procurement.
Once seen in Germany as being with the Rafael Litening III laser designator Germany originally procured 143
primarily a replacement for the McDonnell pod. TaktLwG 31 formally took delivery Typhoons – 33 in Tranche 1, 79 in Tranche
Douglas F-4F Phantom in the air defence of the GBU-48 in December 2017, and 2 and 31 in Tranche 3 –and is now looking
role, in recent years the Luftwaffe other Luftwaffe Eurofighter wings are now to upgrade its 110 Tranche 2/3 aircraft
has embraced the idea of giving the converting to the air-to-ground role. from Q2 2022. An ambitious retrofit
Eurofighter a wider spectrum of roles. Germany plans to add the Trojan programme will pave the way for new
Jagdbombergeschwader 31 (now Improved Penetrator (TIP) to the GBU- capabilities, including those mapped out
Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader/ 48, giving increased penetration but with for the Eurofighter Long Term Evolution
TaktLwG 31) converted to the Eurofighter reduced explosive power to minimise (LTE) as well as new technologies
in 2010, and Project ODIN (Operational collateral damage. In future, some of developed for the Future Combat Air

14 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


14-16_german_typhoonsDC.mfDC.indd 14 10/01/2020 17:25

System (FCAS) programme involving Germany is looking at buying more Interdiction Strike (IDS) and 35 Electronic
Germany, France and Spain. Eurofighters to replace its remaining Tornado Combat and Reconnaissance (ECR)
At the heart of this upgrade will be fleet and some of the Tranche 1 aircraft. Key- aircraft remain in service with TaktLwG
the retrofit of a new Captor-E AESA Dino Carrara 33 at Büchel, in Rhineland-Palatinate and
(active electronically scanned array) If selected, it would share an identical with TaktLwG 51 ‘Immelmann’ at Jagel, in
radar, known as MK1. This is similar to configuration with the German Quadriga Schleswig-Holstein. The former flies the
the Radar One Plus (MK0) being fitted to standard, allowing the two neighbours IDS variant in the attack and strike roles
the Typhoons now being built for Kuwait to pursue a joint procurement which, (the latter using US-owned B61 nuclear
and Qatar, but with a new multi-channel Airbus says, will ensure significant weapons), while TaktLwG 51 operates a
receiver. Airbus insists that the E-SCAN economic benefits for Switzerland. Airbus mix of IDS and ECR versions in the tactical
MK1 programme will provide Germany has proposed up to 40 Eurofighters as reconnaissance, suppression of enemy air
and Spain with full national radar replacements for the McDonnell Douglas defences and naval air warfare roles.
sovereignty in systems and equipment. F/A-18 Hornet and Northrop F- 5 Tiger II. The different functions of the two
Nineteen Spanish Tranche 3 aircraft will A decision on a new fighter by the Federal remaining Tornado units is reflected
be upgraded to the same standards from Council is due at the end of 2020 or early by the fact that their replacement has
Q3 2022. Airbus expects a contract award the following year. Eurofighter is offering full been divided into two parts. The overall
in early 2020. autonomy in mission data and technology requirement is for a total of 85 aircraft,
The Luftwaffe aims to replace its access for Switzerland, with a number of but this is split between two batches,
surviving 32 Tranche 1 Eurofighters, projects intended to satisfy the country’s consisting of 45 aircraft with strategic
rather than upgrade them. Under Project industrial participation requirements. (meaning nuclear or ‘strike’) capabilities
Quadriga the Tranche 1 aircraft will and 40 as escort jammers.
be replaced by 31-38 new production TORNADO The F-35 was ruled out of contention at
examples (seven two-seater and 26 single- REPLACEMENT an early stage (as was Boeing’s F-15), but
seaters, with options for five extra of the In addition to its Tranche 2/3 upgrade many commentators felt that the way the
latter for a test/development unit). The and the new-build Quadriga Tranche 1 requirement was framed favoured the F/A-
Quadriga aircraft standard will include the replacement, the German MoD is seeking 18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
MK1 E-scan radar, and a contract award is to replace its ageing Tornado fleet by Their reasoning was that integration of the
expected in early 2020. Production will be 2030. About 85 of Germany’s 210 Tornado B61 would be easier and quicker on the
at a rate of eight to ten aircraft per year. Germany procured 143 Eurofighters in three Super Hornet than on the Eurofighter, while
Airbus is offering the Typhoon to batches and is looking to upgrade its Tranche the in-service Growler had demonstrated a
meet the New Swiss Fighter requirement. 2 and 3 aircraft. Key-Dino Carrara formidable escort jamming capability.































WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 15


14-16_german_typhoonsDC.mfDC.indd 15 10/01/2020 17:26

A German Eurofi ghter in air-to-air
Others disagree, pointing out that while confi guration. Key-Dino Carrara for carrying auxiliary fuel tanks) and with
America would of course prefer one of fuel tanks on the centreline and stations
its companies to be selected to provide with emerging threats and an ever- 7 and 8 (inboard underwing positions)
aircraft, it would still help integrate US more-complex contested environment, which are not currently ‘wet’ stations. The
nuclear weapons on the Eurofi ghter if reprogrammable EW systems and aircraft also carried MBDA’s new Selective
the alternative was Germany dropping advanced SEAD systems and weapons Precision E ects At Range-Electronic
its nuclear role altogether. Airbus and might o er a more e ective solution than Warfare (SPEAR-EW) weapon, while one
Eurofi ghter have dismissed claims that dedicated low observable (LO) or stealth illustration showed a wingman carrying a
integration of the B61 will be problematic, aircraft. This is especially true if the ECR generic anti-radiation missile.
pointing out that feasibility work is already is able to exploit a more rapid and agile SPEAR-EW will have an advanced,
under way. Typhoon’s nuclear capability mission data analysis cycle with genuine miniaturised Digital Radio Frequency
was reportedly demonstrated to Belgian air national control of the system. Memory (DRFM) jammer from Leonardo,
force chief Major General Frederik Vansina Aircraft like this ECR variant o er and will operate as part of a swarm of
in a simulator during 2017 as part of the collaborative electronic warfare capabilities networked weapons and expendable
ill-fated Belgian campaign (on October that promise to increase the survivability of stand-in jammers that will saturate and
25, 2018 it was announced the F-35 had coalition forces during future combined air neutralise the most sophisticated air
been selected by that country). The US operations in hostile airspace. defences. It promises to greatly increase
has been working since 2015 to ensure The ECR concept is a two-seater, with a the survivability of friendly aircraft,
that the improved B61-12 variant will be dedicated mission cockpit for the back- suppressing enemy air defences, and acting
compatible with existing NATO nuclear seater, including a new multi-function as a signifi cant force multiplier.
strike platforms, including Tornado. panoramic touch-screen display. It will be The ECR variant will use an AESA radar,
able to passively identify the location of but it may have the so-called Radar 2
ELECTRONIC ATTACK emitters and actively jam threats both in (MK2) being developed to meet British
In November 2019, Airbus revealed that a high-threat zone and at stand-o range requirements, and which will feature an
an Eurofi ghter ECR variant was under while potentially supporting attack aircraft integrated EW/EA capability. Germany is
development to meet the Luftwa e using a reconfi gurable integrated EW suite supporting the Radar 2 development stream.
requirement. The emphasis on electronic and a variety of modular confi gurations. An initial Eurofi ghter ECR capability
attack (EA) and the suppression/ Artist’s impressions showed an aircraft is due to be available by 2026 and will
destruction of enemy air defence (SEAD/ with large jamming pods on stations 5 subsequently be fully integrated into the
DEAD) may refl ect a growing belief that and 6 (the underwing pylons usually used wider FCAS project.

A Eurofi ghter from TaktLwG 73 blasts o for a training sortie. Germany is looking to expand
the air-to-ground capabilities of its Eurofi ghter fl eet. AirTeamImages.com/Jan Ostrowski



























16 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


14-16_german_typhoonsDC.mfDC.indd 16 10/01/2020 17:26

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AIR ARMS INFORMATION AVAILABLE






















Whether your background is in

military analysis, the defence

industry, maintenance, repair

and overhaul or research, this
is what you need.




• Research and analysis
• Threat assessment Constantly

• Competitive comparison updated and

• Developing new monitored with

market opportunities every 3 months
more than
1,000 changes



Comprehensive and THE ESSENTIAL ONLINE AIR ARMS DATABASE
accurate data


Profi les for over 380 air

arms in 199 countries


Multi-service operations


Secure online access



Downloadable
ExcelTM reports



EMAIL: [email protected] CALL: +44 (0)1780 755131


www.AirForcesIntel.com









671 AFI promo fp.indd 91 15/10/2019 16:27





PRESERVATION Flug Werk Fw 190 Airborne






























Following an extensive rebuild and The R-2800-powered FW 190A-8/N, N190AF, over Ohio in November. Via Dave O’Maley-Tri-State
installation of a new engine, the Tri-State Warbird Museum
Warbird Museum’s Flug Werk-manufactured also working on the attraction’s award- have also been designed in-house using the
Fw 190A-8/N, N190AF, undertook its debut winning Curtiss P-40M 43-5813. The hydraulic brakes from a Bell P-63 Kingcobra
fl ight in the hands of John Maloney from Flug Werk machine is powered by a Pratt along with a remodelled undercarriage.
Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio, & Whitney R-2800 in place of the usual The project was supplied with an
on November 12. Shvetsov ASh-8. original Arado Fw 190F-8 data plate, and
Having taken delivery of the airframe Everything forward of the fi rewall has its new paint scheme represents a late-
in December 2007, a team led by Mike been built from scratch to accommodate war F-8 ground attack machine. www.
Durkee began restoration in 2008 while the larger-diameter engine. The wheels tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org

More Visits to Vulcan XH558


Supporters of Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558 trips are initially expected to take place while numbers will be limited at fi rst, it
will be able to visit the aircraft at South on a monthly basis. Each visit will include is hoped that over time we’ll be able to
Yorkshire’s Doncaster She eld Airport around 90 minutes with the delta-wing meet demands to see this famous aircraft.
on a select number of dates throughout jet, comprising an underwing tour, a The only cost attached to the visit will
2020, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) short talk on the work being carried be the modest fee of £15 to cover the
has announced. out and access to the cockpit. A VTST expenses of obtaining access airside on
Having worked closely with the airport spokesperson commented: “We will an international airport given the security
authorities to make this possible, public soon release a selection of dates and constraints.” www.vulcantothesky.org

A Hurricane Adapted for Two Sarinah Flies Again



North American B-25N Mitchell Sarinah
(PH-XXV), belonging to the Royal
Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight,
fl ew from Gilze-Rijen Air Base for the
fi rst time in three years on October 31.
The aircraft had previously been
grounded following the discovery of
corrosion. This led to the volunteer
group’s technical department
undertaking a complete inspection
of the airframe. The resulting work
included the replacement of a ‘t-joint’
in the port wing, an item that had to be
manufactured from new.
Following further assessment, the
Hawker Restorations at Elmsett, Su olk rolled out Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb BE505 (G-HHII)
on December 5, having transformed it into a two-seater. Formerly part of Peter Teichman’s aircraft was cleared for fl ight – the
Hangar 11 Collection, it now sports a redesigned split canopy and dual controls. Test fl ying will work is believed to have substantially
commence after o cial paperwork has been completed and it is likely that passenger fl ights extended the 75-year-old airframe’s
will be available in 2020 through a yet to be disclosed operator. www.hawkerrestorations.co.uk. operational life. Perry Roos
Darren Harbar

18 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


18-20_preservation_newsDC.mfDCDC.indd 18 13/01/2020 11:18

Return of the ATR Becomes Escape Room

Silver Spitfire


‘Silver Spitfire’ G-IRTY/MJ271 returned
to Goodwood Aerodrome, Sussex on
December 5, having completed a round-
the-world flight that began there exactly
four months previously. In that time,
the Spitfire flew 74 sectors, visiting 24
countries en route. Matt Jones flew the
final leg from Amsterdam and was joined
by two Red Arrows Hawks for the arrival at
the Sussex airfield. During the 27,000-mile
(43,452km) adventure, Jones shared flying A former Blue Islands ATR 42-300, G-ISLG, has found a new use on the Greenwich Peninsula,
duties with Steve Brooks. The two men set London as the ‘Flight 338’ escape room. The ATR at The Riddle Within, which opened in
up the Boultbee Flight Academy in 2011. November, plays the part of a Con Air-style prison transport aircraft. Phil Whalley

Kestrel to Return to Dunsfold



The Wings Museum, currently located at Balcombe, West Sussex taking place in stages. An early Pegasus engine has been
has rescued Hawker Siddeley Kestrel XS694 for display at its acquired and will be installed in due course.
birthplace at Dunsfold. The attraction acquired the jet from a The aircraft’s eventual return to Dunsfold is apt, as it made its
private collector in Florida in July 2018 – the news was kept first flight from the Surrey airfield on December 10, 1964. It was
‘under wraps’ while Wings applied for planning permission for shipped to the US on January 11, 1966 as 64-18268 and assigned
a new building at the Surrey airfield. While this was originally to Eglin AFB in Florida. In July of that year it was delivered to
refused Wings recently won a planning appeal against objectors NASA’s research centre at Langley Field, Virginia, and remained in
to its new museum and is now pleased to confirm that XS694 will use until its accident. It was eventually retrieved from a paintball
be returning ‘home’ in the near future. field, where its condition had worsened considerably.
The development aircraft, a predecessor of the Harrier, “I am very excited to finally be making a positive start on this
suffered a crash landing in 1967 while being operated by NASA. unique airframe,” said project leader Aaron Simmons. “Knowing it
Due to extensive damage it was decided to ground the machine will eventually be on display at Dunsfold makes the project all the
and use it as a source of spares. The Wings team is aiming to more satisfying.”
return the jet to static display condition, with refurbishment www.facebook.com/wingskestrel

Unexpected Guest at Reagan Library



The F-117A being installed at the Reagan Library
on 18 November. Lockheed Martin/Kyra Betteridge
service in 1983 and being publically revealed
in 1988 (though approval for production was
granted during the Carter administration).
First flying in May 1984, Nighthawk ‘803’
completed 78 combat sorties, more than
any other example of the type.
Speaking at the dedication, Gen David
L Goldfein, USAF Chief of Staff and the
last pilot trained on the F-117, said: “It’s an
honour to be here with you to share this
moment as we establish this remarkable
aircraft, the first operational stealth fighter, in
The second Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Guest joins Grumman F-14A Tomcat, its rightful place in history here at President
to go on permanent public display was 162592, and VC-137C, 72-7000, on display Reagan’s library... What a fitting tribute to
unveiled at the Ronald Reagan Presidential at the facility. On loan from the National audacity, pure guts, and vision that should
Library in Simi Valley, California, on Museum of the USAF, the ‘stealth fighter’ inspire everyone who sees this display for
December 7. F-117A, 82-0803, Unexpected was symbolic of the Reagan era, entering years to come.” www.reaganfoundation.org
Swedish Lake Reveals Ju 86 Wreck 


A Swedish Air Force Junkers Ju 86K-4 has recently been located Initially operating in the heavy bomber role, surviving B 3s eventually
in a lake in northern Sweden some 9 miles (15km) from the border served as transports until 1958. The sole surviving complete Ju 86K
with Finland. The aircraft crashed in poor weather on February 3, is on display at the Flygvapenmuseum at Malmslätt.
1943 – all six of the crew were killed. The newly discovered example (0860363) was taken on charge
A total of 40 German-built Ju 86Ks were delivered to the by the Flygvapnet on March 17, 1938 as ‘144’, and flew with Wing F
Swedish Flygvapnet (air force) with which the type was designated 1 from Västerås-Hässlö. It’s hoped the wreck will be recovered for
the B 3. An additional 16 were manufactured in Sweden by SAAB. display at an aviation museum in Sweden. Jan Forsgren

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 19


18-20_preservation_newsDC.mf.indd 19 09/01/2020 15:28

PRESERVATION Combat Veteran Comet Comes Indoors

Spitfire to Fly

Again in UK


Sywell, Northamptonshire-based
Air Leasing took delivery of
Supermarine Spitfi re Mk.IX PL344
on November 15, and will operate
it on behalf of its new owner. The
1943-built fi ghter served with three
units during World War Two and
towards the end of the confl ict was
the mount of Sqn Ldr Bill Klersy The de Havilland Aircraft Museum’s Comet, F-BGNX, has
DSO DFC* who used it to score 7½ moved indoors for the fi rst time since the 1980s. Garry Lakin
‘kills’. It was written o following a
landing accident in December 1946, After 34 years on display outside the been stripped of all fi xtures and fi ttings in
but was eventually restored to fl y de Havilland Aircraft Museum, Comet preparation for water pressure tank testing
in 1991. Sold to Tom Blair in 2001 it 1A, F-BGNX, has been transferred to at Farnborough in 1954 following the
was shipped to the US where it fl ew a new building at the London Colney, catastrophic loss of two of the jet airliners.
as N644TB and was given the codes Hertfordshire attraction. In more recent times it has been the subject
‘TL-B’, its owner’s initials. ‘November-X-Ray’ was recently lifted of an extensive restoration programme.
The Spitfi re returned to the UK in by crane from its previous position and “Our volunteers have managed to
January 2007 and was extensively towed to the £2m, National Heritage source almost the entire fl ight deck
overhauled by Duxford’s Aircraft Lottery-backed Sir Geo rey de Havilland equipment and seating for the passenger
Restoration Company. It fl ew as Hangar. “The Comet has been on cabin,” said Nevin. “What they can’t get they
G-IXCC on the UK circuit for a while display outside ever since it arrived at are fabricating on site.”
before returning to the States. The Air the museum in 1985 and it is absolutely More aircraft and exhibits will be
Leasing team fl ew to the US in 2019 essential that we get it under cover,” said added to the new hangar over the winter.
to crate the Spitfi re for its new owner. marketing director Mike Nevin. The museum re-opens to the public on
www.airleasing.co.uk The Comet is one of three sold by February 16, 2020.
de Havilland to Air France in 1952. It had www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk
Jumbo-Sized Roof for Qantas Collection


Rapid progress is being made at Australia’s Qantas Founders Museum piece of the steel frame has been lifted into place and the temporary
to build a roof over its air park. The installation will protect the supports removed. The roof, which now stands on its own permanent
Queensland attraction’s larger exhibits from the weather. The last footings, is 85ft (26m) high and 354ft (108m) wide. www.qfom.com.au

Photoshoot Diary 2020





Use our aviation photoshoot calendar to keep up to date with forthcoming photographic events. If you’d like
to see your shoot listed here, just send the details to editor Dino Carrara at [email protected]


JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

23: RAF Cosford Hangar 22: Afternoon and Evening Jet 07: Gatwick Aviation Museum
Nightshoot Photoshoot Nightshoot II
RAF Cosford, Shropshire Bruntingthorpe Airfi eld, Leicestershire Charlwood, Surrey
www.threshold.aero www.timelineevents.org www.threshold.aero
£25 £60 £30
31-2 FEB: Ukraine Museum 29: Afternoon and Evening 19: Night Photoshoot XXVII
Nightshoot Shoot with AAC Apache, Phantom RAF Northolt, Middlesex
Ukraine Air Force Museum, Kiev XT914 and Hunter XG194 www.northoltnightshoots.com
www.centreofaviationphotography.com Wattisham Airfi eld, Su olk £25 + £2-10 aircrew accommodation
£TBA www.timelineevents.org surcharge (the latter amount TBC)
£65
21: Afternoon, Sunset and
Evening Photoshoot with
Readers are strongly urged to seek confi rmation that photoshoots are defi nitely taking
place before travelling – photography events can move location, date or be cancelled, Vulcan XL426
and this listing should only be used as an outline. For more information, check out Southend Airport, Essex
individual websites, all of which are listed here where possible. www.timelineevents.org
£65


20 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


18-20_preservation_newsDC.mf.indd 20 09/01/2020 15:29

Brought to you by the award-winning


team behind Airliner World, Concorde -
Supersonic Legend celebrates the 50th

anniversary of one of the most iconic

aircraft to have ever taken flight.

This 100-page special publication turns the

clock back to bring you the very best from

the glory days of supersonic air travel.


Featuring:

DELTA ON THE DRAWING BOARD
Stephen Skinner chronicles the design and
development of Concorde, a triumph in
Anglo-French collaboration.

A PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE

From ground training to flight training to
revenue service, Concorde differed from
every other commercial aeroplane, as its
former chief pilot, Captain Jock Lowe,
recalls.
SPEEDBIRD SUPERSONIC

Concorde was the iconic flagship of British
Airways’ fleet for more than a quarter of a
century. David Ransted looks back at their
shared history.
DIVINE POWER

Stephen Skinner tells the story of the
remarkable Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus
engine, without which Concorde would
FREE POSTER WHEN ORDERING YOUR COPY DIRECT simply not have been possible.


ORDER DIRECT





147/19
PLUS FREE P&P* *Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO
orders. Overseas charges apply.



Free P&P* when you order online at Call UK: 01780 480404
www.keypublishing.com/shop OR Overseas: +44 1780 480404
Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
SUBSCRIBERS C ALL FOR YOUR £1.00 DISCOUNT!

Propliners such as the DC-6
are still an important part of
the Alaskan aviation scene and
will feature on tours scheduled
for June and September 2020.
Richard Cooper/COAP




























To Belarus and Ukraine –
Top Ten p Ten


May
Belarusian company Merlintour is running
a trip full of exotic aircraft, including
the chance to fl y in classic airliners and
helicopters. These comprise the An-2,
An-12, An-26, An-30 and Il-76 and also
the following helicopter types from the
Ministry of Emergency Situations – Mi-2,
Mi-8 and Mi-26. An optional extension to
Aviation Trips in 2020 that will take in the international airports of
Ukraine involves a special triangle charter
Zaporizhia, Kryvyi Rih and Dnipropetrovsk.
There will also be visits to Krivoy Rog
Aviation Museum, Dnepr Airspace
Museum, Motor Sich Aviation Museum,
Aviation tour companies o er a wide range Shirokoe airfi eld and there will be further
of trips all over the world for enthusiasts and opportunities for pleasure fl ights.
Merlintour – May 21-24 (extension to
this year there are some particularly unusual May 26)

destinations to choose from. Aviation News Kazakhstan – May
picks ten of the most intriguing available Ian Allan Aviation Tours and 4Aviation
are running trips to Kazakhstan’s
to aviation enthusiasts in 2020. KADEX defence expo. Previous shows
have featured a variety of Kazakhstan
Air Defence Force aircraft and some
Tunisia – March Jordanian Falcons and Royal Heritage Flight. participation from other air arms and
For some late winter sun and something The show programme announced so far aerospace manufacturers. Counter-
new and di erent, 4Aviation is running a includes performances by both these teams, terrorism demos and tank live fi ring have
tour to a Tunisian show at Djerba-Zarzis front-line Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft also taken place. As well as the show, Ian
International Airport on the island of Djerba. and civilian aerobatic acts. The two-day Allan Aviation Tours’ package includes ramp
The International Aerospace & Defense event includes day and night shows. The tours of Nur-Sultan and Almaty Airports,
Exhibition (IADE) is a new event that is Centre of Aviation Photography will be taking and visits to the Air Astana Engineering
scheduled to have daily fl ying displays. a group to the event and the trip will include and Maintenance Department and Airbus
4Aviation – March 3-9 air-to-air photography over the stunning Helicopters’ local facility. Enthusiasts will
Jordanian scenery with airshow participants. have the chance to see an air force fl ying
Jordan – March There will also be optional excursions to the some ex-Soviet equipment that rarely
Another new event – the Aqaba Airshow – historical sites at Wadi Rum and Petra. appears in the West.
takes place over March 20-21. The airfi eld Centre of Aviation Photography – March Ian Allan Aviation Tours – May 26-June 2
on which it is held is the home of the Royal 18-22 4Aviation – May 27-31

22 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


22-23_aviation_toursDC.mfDC.mfDC.mf.indd 22 13/01/2020 15:24

Northwest USA and Alaska
– June and September
For aviation diversity, the US northwest is
hard to beat, being home to Boeing airliner
factories, several major bases and a lot of
general aviation. Alaska is one of the last
bastions of operational propliners, and also
home many floatplanes and bush planes.
Globemaster Aviation Tours’ June-July trip
covers airfields in three states, taking in the
airshows at Hill AFB, Utah and at Elmendorf-
Richardson AFB, Alaska. Additionally there
are visits to Boeing’s airfields in Seattle,
NAS Whidbey Island, and McChord AFB,
Washington and also Eielson AFB and the Kazakhstan’s KADEX exhibition promises plenty of Russian-made hardware. Paul van der
seaplane base at Lake Hood in Alaska. Linden/4Aviation
The Centre of Aviation Photography is
also taking small groups to Alaska in June South Africa and Namibia Juche Travel Services has been organising
and September with an itinerary emphasis – September aviation tours of the country since 2011,
on propliners. The focus will be on Aeroprints’ September tour includes ramp and memorably in 2016 attended the
photography with numerous flights involving access at several South African airports Wonsan Air Festival, which saw some of
air-to-air photography. including Rand and Lanseria, and visits to the country’s military aircraft displayed
Ian Allan Aviation Tours is running a propliner the Swartkop Air Base, home of the South to foreign civilians for the first time. The
and floatplane-focussed tour to Alaska in African Air Force Museum. The price covers highlight of this year’s civil aviation tour
early June. There are optional flights in a Douglas DC-4 flights to and from the is a chance to fly in some types that are
Super Dak to Kenai; and a glacier landing Waterkloof Air Show. Having run previous very rare. These comprise Air Koryo’s
and take-off which will either be in a Turbo trips to South Africa, this time the group will Ilyushin Il-18, Il-62, Tupolev Tu-134, Tu-154
Porter or a Beaver. and Antonov An-148, plus a
Ian Allan Aviation Tours – COMPANY WEBSITES North Korean-made Honey
June 3-16 Bee microlight. Individual
Centre of Aviation Aeroprints – www.aeroprints.com/ flights are offered separately
Photography – June 8-18 and Centre of Aviation Photography – www.centreofaviationphotography.com at additional cost, as is a
September 14-25 Globemaster Aviation Tours – globemastertours.net/ ‘Round the DPRK’ sightseeing
Globemaster Aviation Tours – Ian Allan Aviation Tours – www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours/ tour. The company describes
June 26-July 12 this as: “a whistle-stop
Juche Travel Services – www.juchetravelservices.com/
day-trip of airports around
Army Moscow – Merlintour – www.bat.flymerlin.by the country.” The planned
August 4Aviation – www.4aviation.nl/ route is Pyongyang–Orang–
The International Military- Samjiyon–Uiju–Pyongyang
Technical Forum, also known as the also visit Namibia, not a place often thought and passengers will be able to disembark at
‘Army’ exhibition at Kubinka airfield near of as a destination for enthusiasts, but home each airport to take a few photographs.
Moscow has grown into a major event. to some interesting regional airlines. Juche Travel Services – October 19-23
Unsurprisingly, there are many helicopters, Aeroprints – 13-24 September 13-24
but also a good selection of fast jets Ukraine Aviasvit –
including the air force aerobatic teams. Asian Adventure – October
One fascinating aspect of this show is a September Ukraine has a rich aerospace heritage
live firepower demonstration on a nearby In September Globemaster Aviation Tours and an active aviation industry. Ian Allan
range. Ian Allan Aviation Tours, Aeroprints is planning an Asian adventure taking in Aviation Tours is offering a ten-day journey
and the Centre of Aviation Photography are Okinawa, South Korea and Taiwan, focusing around western Ukraine taking in aviation
all taking groups to Army-2020, the latter’s on military bases, some of which are rarely companies, museums, collections, airfields
package including a private night shoot at visited by foreigners. and the biennial Aviasvit-XXI, International
the Monino Air Museum. September – Dates TBC Aviation and Space Salon at Kiev, which
Aeroprints – August 21-29 will not have a flying display this year.
Centre of Aviation Photography – August North Korea – October Optional pleasure flights can be had in
24-30 North Korea would top many an types comprising the An-2, An-3T and
Ian Allan Aviation Tours – August enthusiast’s ‘must visit’ list of destinations Cessna 182.
25-September 1 for the sheer variety of exotic aircraft. Ian Allan Aviation Tours – October 9-18
















October’s tour to North Korea offers the opportunity to fly in Air Koryo types, including the Tupolev Tu-134. Juche Travel Services

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 23


22-23_aviation_toursDC.mfDC.mf.indd 23 13/01/2020 14:27

F F F F F The latest products for the
Flight Baglight Baglight Baglight Baglight Baglight Bag
 XXXXXXXXX


Flight Bagn enthusiast
The latest products for the discerning aviatio discerning aviation enthusiast  XXXXXXXXX


ALARMSTART SOUTH AND FINAL The latest products for the MIG ALLEY – THE US AIR FORCE Flight Bag
DEFEAT: THE GERMAN FIGHTER IN KOREA 1950-53
A CENTURY OF AIR WARFARE WITH NINE (IX)
YANK BOMBER BOYS IN NORFOLK –
PILOT’S EXPERIENCE IN THE discerning aviation enthusiast Book: 336-page hardback
SQUADRON RAF – STILL GOING STRONG
A PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD OF THE
MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE 1941- Written by: Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
USAAF IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Book
44 AND NORMANDY, NORWAY Price: £25
Book
Written by: Gordon Thorburn
AND GERMANY 1944-45 Another masterly account of the air war in Korea
Written by: Peter W Bodle FRAeS
Price: £25.00
Book: 317-page hardback from the author of Holding the Line, one of
Price: £25.00
Written by: Patrick G Eriksson YANK BOMBER BOYS IN NORFOLK – our top ten books of 2019. This time it is the story of the USAF’s A CENTURY OF AIR WARFARE WITH NINE (IX)
Given IX Squadron’s century of service – it formed
Price: £20 A PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD OF THE involvement in the Korean War and a major myth is exploded in SQUADRON RAF – STILL GOING STRONG
Compiled from the photographic collections
as a Royal Flying Corps unit in December 1914 –
This very interesting book completes a trilogy on World War USAAF IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR the telling: the claimed 10:1 victory ratio of the F-86 Sabre over Book
author Gordon Thorburn begins his history with a
of individual troops and station photographic
Two German fi ghter pilots, titled after the Luftwa e’s equivalent Book the chiefl y Russian-fl own MiG-15. Largely a product of the USAF’s Written by: Gordon Thorburn
look at the origins of bombing and airborne radio.
sections, this unusual book gives a view of
of ‘Scramble’ in the RAF. There are few wartime Luftwa e Written by: Peter W Bodle FRAeS own propaganda, this fi gure remained unchallenged until the Price: £25.00
The unit was a pioneer in both elds.
US Army Air Force operations in Norfolk. The
members alive today, but the author had the foresight to Price: £25.00 Cold War’s end, when Soviet records were opened and could be
The excellent narrative describes the
primary aviation fare is the Consolidated B-24
record these experiences fi rst-hand before it was too late. The compared with American sources. The author reckons the true Given IX Squadron’s century of service – it formed
squadron’s early and inter-war history in
Liberator, but a scattering of other types,
subjects of this volume comprise the various war zones around Compiled from the photographic collections ratio to be around 1.5:1 and backs it with facts. as a Royal Flying Corps unit in December 1914 –
considerable detail, before the author embarks into an unusual
He analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing
the Mediterranean, notably Malta, Crete and North Africa, the of individual troops and station photographic US and RAF, appears, including a Bristol author Gordon Thorburn begins his history with a
Beau ghter, captioned on page 218 as a
presentation of its World War Two campaign. A run through of aircraft
Normandy Invasion and its aftermath and, fi nally, the last year of sections, this unusual book gives a view of jet fi ghters in great detail. The narrative and 62 black and white look at the origins of bombing and airborne radio.
“British medium bomber”. It is regrettable that some photographs
types and operations might be expected – IX Squadron Lancasters
the air battle over Germany. US Army Air Force operations in Norfolk. The photographs also cover the operations of all the other major The unit was a pioneer in both elds.
may or may not have been responsible for causing Tirpitz to capsize primary aviation fare is the Consolidated B-24 types in the confl ict, including the F-80 Shooting Star, F-84 The excellent narrative describes the
appear to have suffered in quality from being reproduced beyond
Overwhelming Allied superiority in the battles over northern
in an attack own alongside 617 Sqn, for example (opinions on which
their scanned dimensions, rather than from being more than seven
France e ectively destroyed the core of the German fi ghter Liberator, but a scattering of other types, Thunderjet, F-51 Mustang, F-82 Twin Mustang, B-26 Invader squadron’s early and inter-war history in
decades old.
unit dropped the vital Tallboy depend on which squadron personnel
defence. One veteran explains how focused and adequate training US and RAF , appears, including a Bristol and the opposing Yak-9 and Il-10. The B-29 bombing campaign considerable detail, before the author embarks into an unusual
one is talking to) – but instead the story is presented through the eyes
of pilots was impossible after 1943 and this was refl ected in their Beau ghter, captioned on page 218 as a The captions are generally weak, but sufficient to identify presentation of its World War Two campaign. A run through of aircraft features strongly and explains why severe losses forced a switch
locations and the units depicted, although most readers will simply
of different aircrew and groundcrew. The result is as engaging as it is
crippling losses. “British medium bomber” . It is regrettable that some photographs to night operations. types and operations might be expected – IX Squadron Lancasters
informative. appear to have suffered in quality from being reproduced beyond The recollections and views of the veterans are put within the be absorbed in the photographs. There are scenes of domesticity may or may not have been responsible for causing Tirpitz to capsize The ebb and fl ow of the ground war is very well described,
Through the Cold War, IX Squadron operated the Avro Lincoln and their scanned dimensions, rather than from being more than seven context of the theatre they fl ew in. Not all of the witnesses are and regular air eld life, as well as more harrowing images of crashed
in an attack own alongside 617 Sqn, for example (opinions on which showing how American air power proved a vital factor – not
English Electric Canberra, before returning to Avro with the Vulcan. The
and, in some cases, burning bombers. Those fortunate enough to
from the ranks of the ‘aces’ – they range from senior NCOs to decades old. without cost, however, as 816 fi ghter-bombers were shot down by
unit dropped the vital Tallboy depend on which squadron personnel
latter gave way to the Panavia Tornado as the unit once again took on
colonels and their stories include their experiences in captivity The captions are generally weak, but sufficient to identify live in or around Norfolk will enjoy the possibility of spotting a familiar
one is talking to) – but instead the story is presented through the eyes ground fi re, against 147 fi ghters lost in air-to-air combat. It is noted
a pioneering role, introducing the swing-wing strike aircraft into RAF locations and the units depicted, although most readers will simply after the war. A particularly interesting section describes fl ying air eld, pub or other location. This is a book to be dipped into at of different aircrew and groundcrew. The result is as engaging as it is that more bombs were dropped on North Korea between 1950
service. There are hair-raising accounts from crews involved in the be absorbed in the photographs. There are scenes of domesticity the Me 262 jet fi ghter in combat. There is also an account what it and 1953 than were dropped on Germany between 1939 and 1945.
leisure, rather than read cover to cover.
informative.
Published by Fonthill Media; ISBN9781781553565, available from
Tornado’s rst combat operations over Iraq in 1991 and coverage of and regular air eld life, as well as more harrowing images of crashed was like to take part in the devastating Sturmgruppe attacks on US Verdict: a superb book studded with personal reminiscences Through the Cold War, IX Squadron operated the Avro Lincoln and
subsequent action over the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya. and, in some cases, burning bombers. Those fortunate enough to bomber formations and the tactics used. www.fonthillmedia.com English Electric Canberra, before returning to Avro with the Vulcan. The from the pilots of both sides.
All of the many photographs are reproduced in black and white,
A total of 57 photographs and 12 diagrams support the text. live in or around Norfolk will enjoy the possibility of spotting a familiar latter gave way to the Panavia Tornado as the unit once again took on Published by Osprey Publishing: ISBN9781472836083;
which is a pity given the many colour images of IX Squadron’s
Published by Amberley Publishing: ISBN9781445693323; air eld, pub or other location. This is a book to be dipped into at available from www.ospreypublishing.com a pioneering role, introducing the swing-wing strike aircraft into RAF FROM SPITFIRE TO METEOR
operations from more recent times. Readers will notice that the Bristol
available from www.amberley-books.com leisure, rather than read cover to cover. Book service. There are hair-raising accounts from crews involved in the
Scout shown on page 18 is a Bristol Fighter and might puzzle at Litening Written by: Albert Horton Tornado’s rst combat operations over Iraq in 1991 and coverage of AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS MANUAL –
Published by Fonthill Media; ISBN9781781553565, available from
being described as a radar defence pod rather than a targeting pod, but
THE HANDLEY PAGE VICTOR: www.fonthillmedia.com AN INSIGHT INTO THE ROLE AND subsequent action over the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya.
Price: £9.75 plus postage
given the extent of the book’s coverage, these are minor criticisms.
TALES FROM A CREW CHIEF – 40 OPERATION OF HELICOPTER AIR All of the many photographs are reproduced in black and white,
Published by Pen & Sword Aviation; ISBN1783036346, available
Given the quality of reproduction of its black
YEARS OF LIFE WITH THE VICTOR AMBULANCES IN THE UK which is a pity given the many colour images of IX Squadron’s
and white photographs and inconsistent
from www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Book: 128-page hardback FROM SPITFIRE TO METEOR Book: 172-page hardback operations from more recent times. Readers will notice that the Bristol
typography, the self-published origins of this
Written by: Roger R Brooks Book Written by: Claire Robinson Scout shown on page 18 is a Bristol Fighter and might puzzle at Litening
book are immediately apparent, but neither
OSPREY AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES
Price: £19.99 Written by: Albert Horton Price: £22.99 being described as a radar defence pod rather than a targeting pod, but
detracts from the excellence of its content,
– SPITFIRE ACES OF NORTHWEST
In this follow-up to the author’s two-volume Price: £9.75 plus postage A huge amount of information is presented in a given the extent of the book’s coverage, these are minor criticisms.
which essentially comprises the memoirs of
EUROPE 1944-45
The Handley Page Victor: The History and Development of a Given the quality of reproduction of its black highly readable manner, explaining how the focus Published by Pen & Sword Aviation; ISBN1783036346, available
Royal Air Force ghter pilot Albert Horton.
Book
Classic Jet, Brooks o ers a very interesting memoir of a career and white photographs and inconsistent of the air ambulance is now on bringing critical care to the patient from www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Horton graduated onto the Supermarine Spit re in June 1949,
spanning four decades. Most of these he spent maintaining typography, the self-published origins of this and, if necessary, performing life-saving surgery in situ.
Written by: Andrew Thomas
this charismatic aircraft and, even after retirement, he worked book are immediately apparent, but neither after training on the de Havilland Tiger Moth and North American OSPREY AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES
The book begins with an account of the origins of air
Price: £13.99
Harvard. Moving on from the Merlin-engined Mk 16, he accumulated
on the preserved Victors at the Duxford and Elvington detracts from the excellence of its content, ambulances in the UK, the fi rst chapter outlines the 21 London – SPITFIRE ACES OF NORTHWEST
This new title from Osprey is number 122 in its
the majority of his Spit re hours on the PR.Mk 19 and FR.Mk 18,
museums. It is evident from his descriptions of the amount which essentially comprises the memoirs of and regional services. The second features a typical operator, the EUROPE 1944-45
acclaimed Aircraft of the Aces series and the
both of them Griffon engined. Photographic reconnaissance became
of work involved in keeping an aircraft serviceable just how Royal Air Force ghter pilot Albert Horton. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, including its aircrew and Book
fact that it is written by RAF authority Andrew Thomas, with cover
his speciality and Horton was posted to the Middle East with 208
much the fl yers rely on their ground crews. The author covers critical care teams, back-up fundraisers and volunteers, as well
Horton graduated onto the Supermarine Spit re in June 1949,
Squadron.
artwork by Mark Postlethwaite and colour pro les by Chris Thomas,
in detail some of the jobs he had to perform, some routine, after training on the de Havilland Tiger Moth and North American as its close working relationship with the NHS. Its AW169 gets a Written by: Andrew Thomas
all under the careful editorial guidance of Tony Holmes, will add up to Harvard. Moving on from the Merlin-engined Mk 16, he accumulated others less pleasant. comprehensive chapter covering its advanced systems, ‘anatomy’, Price: £13.99
His was a fascinating time, for the RAF was transitioning to jets
and he made the change from piston power to the Gloster Meteor
recommendation enough for many readers. the majority of his Spit re hours on the PR.Mk 19 and FR.Mk 18, Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, his responsibilities centred maintenance and fl ight characteristics. This new title from Osprey is number 122 in its
For those not familiar with Aircraft of the Aces, this would be an both of them Griffon engined. Photographic reconnaissance became on the Victor tanker variants, beginning with the B(K)1 and 1A and FR.Mk 9, gleefully noting that he ew faster in a Spit re than he was
The chapter entitled ‘The Air Ambulance in Action’ describes
acclaimed Aircraft of the Aces series and the
permitted to in the Meteor. Horton gives engaging recollections of
excellent rst volume. Dealing with the Supermarine Spit re in its
moving on to the B(K)2. However, the author also followed the his speciality and Horton was posted to the Middle East with 208 in detail a typical e mergency sortie by the Dorset helicopter from
fact that it is written by RAF authority Andrew Thomas, with cover
last year of service over Northwest Europe, it abounds with artwork,
Victors all over the world in support of RAF deployments. As a Squadron. ying in the relative freedom of the immediate post-war world and the
artwork by Mark Postlethwaite and colour pro les by Chris Thomas, beginning to end. In an interesting approach the author sourced
photographs and rst-hand accounts set into Andrew Thomas’s His was a fascinating time, for the RAF was transitioning to jets crew chief he often fl ew in them and his account of taking a Victor excitement of service life. all under the careful editorial guidance of Tony Holmes, will add up to input from several patients who almost certainly owe their lives
authoritatively researched narrative. The beautifully rendered pro les and he made the change from piston power to the Gloster Meteor to a Battle of Britain airshow at RAF Finningley, South Yorkshire, is to the team. Aided by 231 colour and nine black and white recommendation enough for many readers.
This is a book written by someone who was there, and his
passion for ying and the Spit re in particular, shines through.
– 36 altogether – illustrate Mks VB, VII, IX and XVI, and are complete FR.Mk 9, gleefully noting that he ew faster in a Spit re than he was especially entertaining. photographs, the author has done an excellent job of telling For those not familiar with Aircraft of the Aces, this would be an
with extensive captions. An appendix detailing individual pilot scores, permitted to in the Meteor. Horton gives engaging recollections of This is a rare insight into a highly important, but often how the whole complex operation fi ts together. In addition to excellent rst volume. Dealing with the Supermarine Spit re in its
Although it repeats a couple of photographs and would bene t from
a bibliography and comprehensive index round off another superb ying in the relative freedom of the immediate post-war world and the overlooked, aspect of RAF activities. The text is accompanied by tighter editing in places, this modest book is recommended as an last year of service over Northwest Europe, it abounds with artwork, the aviation enthusiast fraternity, this book will appeal to a much
package from Osprey.
engaging, illuminating and entertaining read.
32 black and white photographs. excitement of service life. wider audience. photographs and rst-hand accounts set into Andrew Thomas’s
Published by Osprey Publishing Ltd; ISBN9781782003380,
authoritatively researched narrative. The beautifully rendered pro les Published by Haynes Publishing: ISBN9781785212062;
Published by Pen & Sword Aviation: ISBN9781526732576; This is a book written by someone who was there, and his Published by Robert Davies; ISBN9781291969085, available from
available from www.ospreypublishing.com
available from www.pen-and-sword.co.uk passion for ying and the Spit re in particular, shines through. www.lulu.com – 36 altogether – illustrate Mks VB, VII, IX and XVI, and are complete available from www.haynes.com
Although it repeats a couple of photographs and would bene t from with extensive captions. An appendix detailing individual pilot scores,
36 Aviation News incorporating Classic Aircraft November 2014
24 tighter editing in places, this modest book is recommended as an AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020
a bibliography and comprehensive index round off another superb
engaging, illuminating and entertaining read. package from Osprey.
Published by Robert Davies; ISBN9781291969085, available from Published by Osprey Publishing Ltd; ISBN9781782003380,
36_FlightBagDC.mf.indd 36 03/10/2014 14:40
available from www.ospreypublishing.com
24_flightbagDC.mf.indd 24 www.lulu.com 09/01/2020 11:43
Aviation News incorporating Classic Aircraft November 2014 36
03/10/2014 14:40 36_FlightBagDC.mf.indd 36

BELARUS & UKRAINE AVIATION TOUR X















Unique opportunity to fly Soviet planes and helicopters in the heart of Europe!


22 – 26 MAY 2020

Planes – IL-76, AN-12, AN-140, AN-74, YAK-40, Let-140, An-26, AN-30, An-2, YAK-52

Helicopters – MI-26, MI-8, MI-2

Visit Minsk, Zaporozhe, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih all in just 5 days
Fly and see amazing aviation sights in safe and easy way.

www.bat.flymerlin.by

























































10/01/2020 11:46:40
025_AN_FEB20_ad.indd 1 10/01/2020 11:46:40
025_AN_FEB20_ad.indd 1

Tales of the Trislander

































































Barry Lloyd examines the Trislander which
was developed from the successful Islander.





The best-known Trislanders were probably
ohn Britten and Desmond Norman required signifi cant modifi cations to the
had both trained with de Havilland the yellow aircraft of Aurigny, which fl ew 16 tail section and overall strengthening of
examples on island-hopping services from
and began developing crop- 1971 until 2015, when it retired the type. Key the rear fuselage.
J spraying equipment in the mid- Collection
1950s using de Havilland Tiger Moths INCREASED CAPACITY
which had been modifi ed at their factory Norman BN-2 Islander was born. Both Britten-Norman’s market research had
on the Isle of Wight, for a contract in men shared a passion for sailing and had shown that a market existed for an aircraft
Sudan. Following this, they turned their chosen the Isle of Wight as their base so with a signifi cant increase in internal
hand to aircraft design, put their combined they could combine both interests. capacity compared to the Islander. The
creative aviation brains together and, Such was the success of the Islander modifi cations included a 7ft 6in (2.29m)
having made a detailed analysis of the that Britten-Norman believed there was fuselage stretch forward of the wing, in
light aviation market, decided there was a a case for extending the fuselage and order to provide the 18 seats called for by
demand for a twin-engined utility aircraft adding an engine. the design criteria.
with a minimum of complex systems. Consideration was given to putting Single-pilot operation allows the
It would also have to be capable of the additional engine on the nose, rather forward right-hand seat to be used by
operating from short, rough airstrips and like the Junkers Ju 52, but the low nose a passenger and a typical confi guration
rugged enough for high-density short confi guration did not allow for that. would be eight rows of double seats, each
commuter fl ights. Thus, the Britten- Naturally, mounting the engine on the tail with their own door, fi ve on the starboard

26 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


26-30_trislanderDC.mfDC.mf.indd 26 13/01/2020 14:49

Tales of the Trislander

















































































side and three on the port. The main Sporting the original short nose, BN-2A Mk 1974. The extended nose was added and
landing gear was also improved, including III-1, G-AZZM, on static display at the Paris used to carry more baggage.
larger-diameter wheels and tyres. Air Show on June 2, 1973. Behind it is Tu-144 The Trislander’s motive power is
CCCP-77102, which crashed at the airshow
However, the fi rst Trislander was the following day. AirTeamImages.com/Keith provided by three Lycoming 0-540-
not a new-build aircraft. In fact, it was Blincow E4C5 engines, developing a maximum
converted from the second Islander of 260hp at 2,700rpm. The basic
prototype and its fi rst fl ight took place Trislander version, the BN-2A Mk III-1 – fi rst powerplant is widely used by other
on September 11, 1970, following which fl ew on March 6, 1971, with certifi cation general aviation manufacturers.
it was immediately fl own to Farnborough being granted on May 14. First delivery to a The third engine, when viewed from
for the biennial air show. customer was to Aurigny, taking place on the side, appears to be slightly o the
This production technique was not June 29 of that year. The fi rst example of horizontal, and is in fact inclined 5°
unique to one aircraft; indeed, Trislanders the type with the longer nose, BN-2A Mk downwards in order to minimise the
were converted from Islanders. The fi rst III-2 was delivered to Loganair on April 22, e ect of power changes.

WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 27


26-30_trislanderDC.mfDC.mf.indd 27 13/01/2020 14:49

On all three powerplants, two Loganair used Trislanders such as G-BAXD, the The rugged build and ability to
propeller blades are fi tted, except tenth example built and the fi rst from Belgian operate into areas where airfi elds are
for the aircraft operated by Aurigny, production, for services to the Hebrides less developed and ground transport is
which put three-bladed propellers and Orkney Islands from 1973. Bob O’Brien di cult was appreciated by operators.
Collection
on the wing-mounted engines of its Several commuter airlines operated
aircraft to reduce noise and increase the fi ctional adventures of a yellow the Trislander on short scheduled
the maximum take-o weight. The Aurigny Trislander, which he called Joey. passenger services. Its low speed
Trislander won Britten-Norman the UK So successful were they, that Aurigny handling characteristics, reasonable
Queen’s Award for Industry for technical had one of its Trislanders painted with endurance and increased payload over
innovation in 1975. a face like the one in the books and the Islander, coupled with a low noise
registered G-JOEY. The concept acquired signature compared to larger aircraft and
THE AURIGNY STORY a strong following over many years economical operating costs made it a very
Aurigny is a state-owned airline based and when it came time to retire the attractive proposition.
on Guernsey in the Channel Islands. The Trislanders, a campaign was established Capable of taking o from a 1,500ft
name derives from the original Norman to have Joey put on display in Guernsey (457m) long strip, the Trislander can easily
word for the nearby island of Alderney. rather than being sold. G-JOEY made its operate from runways with unprepared
Within the islands there are three main last fl ight on June 28, 2015, after 40 years surfaces and has seen service in many
airports: Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. of service and in November of that year it areas with rugged landscapes, in countries
The Trislander was used principally on was announced that it would be preserved as diverse as Australia and Venezuela.
routes connecting the three islands, but on the island. The venue chosen for Examples are still to be found in
also operated fl ights to northern France Joey’s new home was Oatlands Village, a service in Puerto Rico, Anguilla and
and the south coast of England. local tourist attraction. Guyana for example. It is on inter-island
Aurigny operated the world’s largest Between the late 1990s and late routes that the type has proved popular,
fl eet of Trislanders, with 16 having seen 2000s, Aurigny’s Trislanders (except for where the provision of the third engine
service with the airline. Such was the G-JOEY and G-XTOR) were also used for was seen by many operators as an
suitability of the aircraft for these routes advertising, such as Royal Bank of Canada additional safety option when operating
that they were in regular service with the and Islands Insurance. over water. For example, Loganair, based
airline for 45 years. Two other examples are being in Glasgow, operated the Trislander on
In April 2014, Aurigny announced preserved. G-RLON was fl own to Lee- routes from there to Barra, a unique
that it would retire its remaining fi ve on-Solent airfi eld and is due to be put airport in the Outer Hebrides islands,
Trislanders, although the fi nal fl ight did on display at the Solent Sky Museum in situated o the west coast of Scotland,
not take place until May 31, 2017. Southampton. The other aircraft (G-BEVT) where the landing strip is in fact a stretch
Author Peter Seabourne produced a is displayed at the Imperial War Museum of hard-packed sandy beach and the
series of children’s books based around at Duxford, Cambridgeshire. timetable is governed by local tides.

The Trislander was ideal for serving such
destinations as Vieques, o the east coast of
Puerto Rico. Two examples, including N905VL,
are still in operation with Vieques Air Link.
AirTeamImages.com/Hector A Rivera Valentin


















28 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


26-30_trislanderDC.mfDC.mf.indd 28 13/01/2020 14:50

GB Airways based a leased Trislander in Previously with Octavia Air, G-OCTA Yogi Bair The plan was for IAC to initially build 12
Gibraltar for two years between May 1989 was with GB Airways when photographed Trislanders from kits, but in the event 11
and June 1991, on what was the world’s at Gibraltar in 1989. Last used by Aurigny kits were supplied to it in August 1982.
shortest international air service between as G-RLON, it is destined for display in One aircraft, c/n 1161, remained
Southampton. Bob O’Brien Collection
Gibraltar and Tangier, Morocco. with PB-N, before being sold to Taiwan
Bembridge for fi nal preparation and Aviation Corporation in Taipei. But PB-N
QUICK CHANGE certifi cation prior to delivery. was unaware at the time that IAC was in
The design simplicity of the Trislander On August 3, 1977, the Bembridge di culties, and another company, the
was such that it could easily be arm of Britten-Norman Ltd was put into similarly named International Aircraft
converted to carry cargo, the seats being receivership and subsequently bought by Corporation, was formed on November
quick and easy to remove, thus allowing Swiss-based Oerlikon-Bührle, the parent 10, 1983.
for a payload of approximately 3,307lb company of aircraft manufacturer Pilatus. Ownership of the kits was eventually
(1,500kg). Following the takeover, it was renamed transferred to the new company in
Questor Inc, a survey company based once more in 1978, this time becoming March 1984. The scheme fl oundered
in Canada, adapted three examples for Pilatus Britten-Norman (PB-N). Trislander after the partial assembly of the fi rst
aerial survey purposes which saw service production in Belgium came to an end three aircraft began, following which the
worldwide. The aircraft were fi tted with in April 1981, after 73 had been delivered airframe kits were left sitting in a hangar
geophysical survey equipment on both but with several aircraft remaining unsold. and ownership of them was eventually
the nose and the tail. The only military In the early 1990s consideration was returned to PB-N.
examples were two aircraft operated given by PB-N to opening production Another project which was considered
the Botswana Defence Force, but later in China as a possible joint-venture was that of shipping Trislanders in kit
transferred to civilian use. deal with the Shenzhen General Aircraft form for re-assembly in Australia, in 1990,
During succeeding years, the Company, however, the project was not PB-N believed it had found an alternative
company passed through several taken forward. customer in Australian aircraft trader
di erent hands, having been bought Lancelot Henry ‘Lance’ Watson, of New
by the Fairey Group in September AMERICAN FALSE South Wales, who would acquire and
1972, which renamed it Fairey Britten- START assemble the kits.
Norman and amalgamated it with a sister The one area of the world where the The intention was for PB-N to hold
company in Belgium. Trislander had not seen many sales the manufacturing rights for the design,
It was at this point that Trislander was in the USA and following the PB-N but Lance Watson had other ideas. He
production was transferred to the acquisition; a manufacturing licence believed that, as a result of assembling
Fairey-owned plant at Gosselies, next agreement was drawn up with the and selling the initial kits, he would obtain
to Charleroi airport. The aircraft were International Aviation Corporation (IAC) of manufacturing rights for the aircraft. He
completed there and then fl own to Homestead, Florida. also planned a modifi ed version of the

XP Express Parcel S ystems was set up in the Netherlands in 1971. In the 1980s, it operated Trislander G-BDOS on night freight runs
from Luton, delivering Royal Mail packages and newspapers, complementing a Fokker F.27 and later a BAe 146. Key Collection





















WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 29


26-30_trislanderDC.mfDC.mf.indd 29 13/01/2020 14:50

Trislander with three 450hp V8 engines, Air Seychelles began operations in 1978 with representation left little money available
certifi cated to run on unleaded automotive two Islanders and three Trislanders, including for investment by the parent company
fuel, thus resulting in a 30% cut in fuel S7-AAG, seen at Mahé in June 1983. The and once again it went into receivership
airline now fl ies Twin Otters on its domestic
consumption, together with higher climb routes. Bob O’Brien on April 3, 2000.
and cruise speeds. Just a month later, a new suitor
The aircraft would be known as the capacity to 20. Lance Watson’s name was arrived on the scene. Alawi Zawawi
Tri-Commuter, but as with IAC, the again involved in the potential deal and Enterprises, a consortium led by the
plans came to nothing. Once again, the kits had now passed on to another Al Zawawi family from Oman, formed
ownership of the kits was changed, company called Aero Masters. Integrity B-N Group, in order to acquire the
this time to the Phoenix Continental Aircraft claimed that it had been issued assets of Britten-Norman Limited. The
Corporation of Florida. However, Watson with a manufacturing licence by PB-N shareholding of B-N is now held between
claimed he was never paid for the kits, to enable it to develop the Trislander two indivduals: Alawi Zawawi and William
because Phoenix Continental was under derivative, and a European patent was Hynett who is the CEO.
investigation with the US Securities and fi led on April 19, 2000 to cover the new Today the company retains the
Exchange Commission. concept. Nothing further was heard of Britten-Norman name, and the head
This was by no means the end of this however and the fate of all but one o ce is situated at Lee-on-Solent,
the story, though. In August 1999 it of the kits is unknown. opened as a fl ying boat base in
was announced that a company called During this time, one set of parts was World War One and until 1996, the
Integrity Aircraft, based in New Zealand, returned to the UK and sent to Anglo establishment and administrative
was in discussion with PB-N. Its plan was Normandy Aero Engineering, based in centre of the Fleet Air Arm, known
to produce a derivative of the Trislander, Guernsey. The company, a specialist in as HMS Daedalus, BN is now the sole
to be called the Integrity, using a single the maintenance of PB-N Islanders and independent commercial aircraft
tail-mounted Allied-Signal TPE-331 Trislanders, assembled the aircraft for producer within the United Kingdom.
turboprop engine. Other design changes Aurigny. Although BN’s historic home is at
would include a lengthened nose, like Bembridge on the Isle of Wight and
that fi tted to the Defender, the military NEW OWNERS spare parts production continues there
version of the Islander. Additionally, In mid-1998, Oerlikon-Bührle took today, all aircraft are manufactured in the
the design would incorporate new the decision to sell PB-N to Litchfi eld UK at the Lee-on-Solent manufacturing
avionics, the Islander 4000’s wing and Continental Limited, a UK-based holding facility at Daedalus Airfi eld. The total
a further 30in (76cm) fuselage plug to company. There followed a protracted number of Trislanders built was 82, of
counter the centre of gravity change legal battle with Romaero, which had which around 10 are in daily service
and compensate for the loss of the wing been building Islanders under licence in (with some more in storage) and are
engines, thereby increasing passenger Romania. The mounting costs of legal supported from Bembridge.

Renamed Barrier Air in 2015 and now fl ying Cessna C.208 Caravans, Great Barrier Airlines connected Auckland and some smaller
towns and islands o the northern part of New Zealand with four Trislanders, including ZK-LGC. AirTeamImages.com/Colin Hunter























30 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


26-30_trislanderDC.mfDC.mf.indd 30 13/01/2020 14:50

Royal Air Force Annual Review 2020




The Official RAF Annual Review 2020 has been
produced by Key Publishing with exclusive access

to the Royal Air Force, and featuring articles
written with and by RAF personnel. This 132-page
special magazine provides behind the scenes

insight into the aircraft, equipment, people and
operations of one of the world’s premier air forces.


FEATURING

Normandy Dakota
Flight Lieutenant Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise describes piloting the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota for D-Day 75 events
in Normandy on June 5 and 6, including the aircraft’s first
paradrop in five years.


Malian Chinooks
Flight Lieutenant Andy Donovan, a Chinook pilot with 27
Squadron, provides an operational perspective on the vital
contribution aircraft is making to French efforts against
Islamic extremism in Mali.


Lightning at Large
In the past 18 months, Lightning Force has deployed jets
to Cyprus, Italy and onto HMS Queen Elizabeth, plus added
an OCU at its Marham home. Those involved describe a
challenging but exciting period.

and much more!












008/20

AVAILABLE NOW FROM AND ALL LEADING NEWSAGENTS

ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER DIRECT


*Free 2nd class P&P on all
PLUS FREE P&P * UK & BFPO orders. Overseas
charges apply.


Free P&P when you order online Call UK: 01780 480404
*
at www.keypublishing.com/shop Overseas: +44 1780 480404

Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm GMT
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2.00 DISCOUNT! SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2.00 DISCOUNT!




09/01/2020 16:36
022 RAF Review 2020 av now fp.indd 31
022 RAF Review 2020 av now fp.indd 31 09/01/2020 16:36

Iraqi Airways Airbus A320, YI-ARB, just about to
touch down at Manchester Airport. The carrier’s
other destination is Gatwick. Ashley French

















Enthusiasts’ UK Route Guide






Editor Dino Carrara, Ashley French and Martin Davidson list the most
interesting passenger airline routes to the UK from an enthusiast’s perspective.
We had various criteria, including aircraft types rarely seen in the UK or a

carrier that might, for example, only fly into one or just a few British airports.


Airline Aircraft type Days of operation Times Flight numbers Origin/Destination

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ/EGPD)
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri 0845/0910 WF392/393 Bergen
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400/E190-E2 Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun 1815/1840 (excluding Sat 1805/1840) WF398/399 Bergen
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 0755/0830 WF360/361 Stavanger
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400 Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 1210/1245 WF364/365 Stavanger
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400 Daily 1540/1605 (excluding Sat 1350/1415) WF368/369 Stavanger
The Sunday rotation of WF398/9 from Bergen is timetabled to be an E190-E2, though that type may also replace the Dash 8-Q400 on other days.
Birmingham Airport (BHX/EGBB)
Turkmenistan Airlines 737-800 Fri 1100/1250 T5425/426 Ashgabat
Turkmenistan restarted operations to Birmingham on December 13, 2019, its first route back to the UK having been prevented from flying into Europe by the EU. Prior
to this it had operated to Birmingham twice a week using Boeing 757-200s. The airline also previously served Heathrow before the ban. Frankfurt is now the carrier’s
only other European destination.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI/EGPH)
Atlantic Airways A319/A320 Mon/Thu 1350/1440 (Mon) 1645/1735 (Thu) RC414/415 Vàgar
Atlantic Airways’ only UK route operates year-round, twice weekly to Edinburgh. The Monday rotation is flown by an A320 and the Thursday service by the A319. The route
started on March 30, 2015 and is one of a small number of destinations within Europe currently served with scheduled flights by Atlantic Airways from the Faroe Islands.
Glasgow Airport (GLA/EGPF)
Air Transat A310 Sat 0950/1120 TS724/725 Toronto
Air Transat is the last remaining operator to use A310s on passenger flights to the UK, also serving Manchester with the type.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL/EGGP)
Widerøe Dash 8-Q400 Mon/Fri 1150/1215 WF380/381 Bergen
This service started due to the demand from Norwegian-based Liverpool FC football supporters and occasionally is upgraded to an E190-E2 when demand requires.

London City Airport (LCY/EGLC)
Air Antwerp Fokker 50 Mon-Fri 0710/0740 WP100/101 Antwerp
Air Antwerp Fokker 50 Daily (Ex Tue/Sat) 1425/1455 WP120/121 Antwerp
Air Antwerp Fokker 50 Daily (Ex Sat) 1755/1825 WP140/141 Antwerp
Air Antwerp launched flights into London City on September 9, 2019 and uses its sole leased Fokker 50. It is the only carrier to fly a service to the UK with the type.
London City Airport (LCY/EGLC)
Luxair Dash 8-Q400 Mon-Fri 0705/0735 LG4591/2 Luxembourg
1105/1135 LG4593/4
1525/1555 LG4595/6
1810/1840 LG4601/2
1945/2015 LG4597/8

32 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


32-34_routesDC.mfDC.mf.indd 32 13/01/2020 15:09

Air Antwerp Fokker 50, OO-VLS, taxiing at London City Airport. This Air Transat is the only carrier still using the Airbus A310 on passenger
is the only UK location with a passenger service flown by the type. services to the UK. The twin jet airliner can be seen at Glasgow and
Alisdair Anderson Manchester (pictured). Ashley French
Luxair Dash 8-Q400 Sat 0800/0830 LG4591/2 Luxembourg
1140/1210 LG4593/4
Luxair Dash 8-Q400 Sun 1420/1450 LG4595/6 Luxembourg
1510/1540 LG4603/4
1945/2015 LG4597/8
London City is the only UK airport served by Luxair following its withdrawal from Heathrow in October 2008.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Air Arabia Maroc A320 Thu/Sat 1155/1310 (Sat 1830/1920) 3O103/104 Fez
Air Arabia Maroc A320 Fri/Sun 1440/1530 (Sun 1830/1920) 3O101/102 Tangier
Air Arabia Maroc A320
Air Arabia Maroc Wed/Sun 0940/1030 (Sun 1715/1825) 3O105/106 Marrakesh
Air Arabia Maroc started services to Gatwick in October 2012 and has expanded the operation to six weekly flights across three destinations in Morocco. The airline
recently discontinued the Casablanca to Manchester service, meaning Gatwick is currently its only UK destination.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Air Baltic A220-300 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat 0840/0925 BT651/652 Riga
(excluding Mon/Thu 1000/1100)
Air Baltic A220-300 Mon/Tue/Wed/ 1645/1730 BT653/654 Riga
Thu/Fri/Sat (excluding Mon 1635/1700)
Air Baltic A220-300 Tue/Thu/Sat 1700/1745 (Thu 1710/1815) BT649/650 Tallinn
Air Baltic started flying into Gatwick using Boeing 737s, though now uses its A220-300s. In March 2018 its operations at Gatwick were expanded with a three times
weekly Tallinn service, in addition to the 12 weekly Riga links.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Air Transat A321LR Daily 0905/1100 TS122/123 Toronto
Air Transat operated its first transatlantic A321LR flight (Toronto to Gatwick) on October 7, 2019. Regular scheduled services started in November. The airline has 15
of the type on order, which will all be in operation by the end of 2022. Following the gradual delivery of these aircraft, the A310 is being retired and more European
rotations will switch to the A321LR.

London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Belavia E175/E195/737 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1310-1405 (Mon)/0925-1020 B2851/852 Minsk
(Wed/Fri)/1120-1215 (Sun)
Belavia’s only scheduled UK service is to Gatwick, though it does operate seasonal summer charter flights to Manchester. The airline uses a mix of types subject to
passenger numbers – either the E175 or E195, or any of its Boeing 737 series (-300, -500 and -800). It operates a Boeing 737 and E195 in a special ‘World of Tanks’
livery advertising the computer game which may interest some photographers.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Georgian Airways 737-800 Wed/Sat 2035/2155 A9751/752 Tbilisi
Georgian Airways serves Gatwick twice weekly, these being the only direct flights between Georgia and the UK. It started the route on May 20, 2017 and is currently
flown by the airline’s sole Boeing 737-800. The carrier operates E190s, E195s and CRJ100s.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Iraqi Airways A320 Wed/Sat 2125/2250 IA237/238 239/240 Sulaymaniyah and Baghdad
The inbound services all stop in Sofia, Bulgaria for rescreening of passengers to meet to UK regulations. The outbound flights go direct to Iraq.

Iberia flight 3166 from Madrid to Heathrow is regularly operated by an
A340-600, but also occasionally by an A350-900 or A330. Ashley French














WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 33


32-34_routesDC.mfDC.indd 33 13/01/2020 12:33

Moldovan carrier FlyOne started a rotation from Chişinău to London Luxair Dash 8-Q400, LX-LGF, lifting off from London City Airport – the
Southend Airport in July 2019 using an A319. Richard Vandervord carrier’s only UK destination after pulling out of Heathrow. Martyn Cartledge
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Jazeera Airways A320neo Daily Mon/Wed 1245/1355 Tue 1245/1345 J91/2 Kuwait City
Thu 1240/1345 Fri 1145/1400
Sat 1505/1605 Sun 1050/1235
Jazeera Airways started flights to Gatwick from Kuwait City on October 27, 2019. Prior to the launch of the new service, Jazeera Airways’ nearest destinations to the
UK were Tbilisi and Istanbul.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Rossiya Airlines A319 Daily 1445/1610 SU6619/6620 St Petersburg
Rossiya Airlines currently serves Gatwick with a daily flight, which started on March 25, 2018. The London hub is the airline’s only UK destination.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Rwandair A330-200/300 Tue/Thu/Sat 1640/1840 WB700/701 Kigali (via Brussels)
Rwandair began flying to Gatwick three times a week from May 26, 2017 from Kigali via Brussels. The number of flights is usually increased for the summer to meet
demand. It is the airline’s only service to Europe, with its focus mostly being in Africa.
London/Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK)
Ukraine International 737-800 Daily 1125/1220 PS111/112 Kiev
Airlines
Ukraine International 737-800/E190 Daily 2140/2300 (excluding Thu PS113/114 Kiev
Airlines 2050/2200 and Fri 2140/2300)
The flight operates to Kiev’s Boryspil International Airport. Gatwick is the sole UK destination for the airline.
London/Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL)
Finnair A350-900 Daily 0910/1020 AY1331/1332 Helsinki
Finnair started A350-900 services to Heathrow on October 6, 2015 and was the first carrier to fly the type to the airport. The airline has an A350 in a oneworld livery
and another in a special scheme designed by fashion company Marimmeko.

London/Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL)
Iberia A340-600 Up to 4 x weekly 1715/1845 IB3166/3167 Madrid
(days vary)
Iberia operates 16 A340-600s, which are slowly being retired from service following the delivery of A350-900s. The Heathrow service (IB3166) is currently Iberia’s
only short-haul route using the A340-600. The daily flight is undertaken by a mix of A340-600, A350-900 and A330 aircraft with any one of those variants potentially
being used on any given day.
London Luton Airport (LTN/EGGW)
Fly Bosnia A319 Tue/Sat 0845/0945 6W105/106 Sarajevo
FlyBosnia launched in January 2019 and began flying into Luton on September 24 using its sole A319. It is the only airline currently operating between the UK and
Sarajevo.
London Southend Airport (SEN/EGMC)
FlyOne A319 Tue 1700/1750 5F617/618 Chişinău
FlyOne launched its service to London Southend on July 19, 2019 and is the carrier’s only British route.
London Stansted Airport (STN/EGSS)
Albawings 737-400/500 Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun 1930/2015 2B911/912 Tirana
Albawings started flying into Stansted on June 16, 2019 using its fleet of three Boeing 737 aircraft (two 737-400s and one 737-500). The airline focuses mostly on the
German and Italian markets.
London Stansted Airport (STN/EGSS)
Ural Airlines A320 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1050/1150 U6745/746 Moscow Domodedovo
Ural Airlines began operations into London Stansted on December 20, 2019, making this one of the newest routes into the UK and the airline’s first into the country.
The route is due to be operated by the A320neo which have started arriving with the airline.

Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)
Air Transat A310 Tue 0915/1130 TS292/293 Toronto
Air Transat currently uses an A310 on one flight a week to Manchester, with the A330-200 flying the other services.
Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)
Iraqi Airways A320 Thu 2000/2130 IA265/266 Baghdad and Erbil
Iraq Airways uses its fleet of three A320s on the UK routes.

34 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


32-34_routesDC.mfDC.indd 34 13/01/2020 12:33

Your Aviation Destination





Join us online




Become a founder member

of Aviation News’
online community










Start Your
SUBSCRIBER FREE ACCESS
EXCLUSIVE
Today!
















Here’s what you need to do


Your all-access pass to our unique
aviation archive
ACCESS ALL AREAS
All PocketMags
Subscribers can access by Global aviation news, photography
registering here and features at your fi ngertips


https://key.
oakwebshoptest.co.uk Enjoy exclusive videos
and podcasts
Then simply sign up to
the Key.Aero updates Connect through our forum

Need Help? and global events calendar


Our friendly customer service team
are happy to help. Call us today on
+44 (0)1780 480 404 or email Not a subscriber? Want to be part of our exciting
[email protected] new aviation community?

• Check out our latest subscription offer on pages 48-49
P.S. Don’t forget to tell us what you
think [email protected] • Visit www.aviation-news.co.uk/suboffer
• Visit www.Key.Aero and start your journey with us
Image: Sindre Nedreväg/Team 637
today!

Volotea the low-cost model


Spanish budget airline

Volotea has fl ipped





Revolutionis ing on its head, using
older and leased
aircraft, retaining

traditional sales
the Low-Cost methods and fl ying to

places its competitors

have ignored. This
Airline Model profi ts and expansion,
approach has led to



as Lee Cross reports.


n 2002, businessman Carlos Muñoz Following fi nancial di culties, it was ‘The airline of the European regional
saw a gap in the market in southwest announced in June 2008 that Vueling capitals’ uniting small- and medium-sized
Europe to establish a low-cost airline would merge with its closest rival, Clickair, cities that were previously unserved by the
Ito rival the growing presence of in an attempt to establish a more robust bigger LCCs.
Ryanair and easyJet. With help from low-cost airline in the highly competitive “It is important to talk about Vueling
business partner Lázaro Ros, the pair Spanish market. Muñoz and Ros had already before we talk about Volotea,” CEO Carlos
created Vueling, which took to the skies stepped down from their roles as CEO and Muñoz told Aviation News. “Volotea actually
in July 2004. COO respectively in November 2007, but came as a consequence of Vueling, from
Using the tried-and-tested low-cost remained on the board of directors. the shortcomings we discovered with routes
carrier (LCC) model, the airline became In 2011, Muñoz and Ros, along with launched outside of our core markets. These
one of the fastest-growing in Europe, two other former Vueling managers and a routes – [those] that did not touch our
establishing hubs at Barcelona and Madrid, starting capital of €65m, set up a new carrier ‘hubs’ – did not work for Vueling fi nancially,
later expanding to Paris and Seville. called Volotea with the aim of becoming but demand for these fl ights was there.”

36 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


36-40_voloteaDC.mf.indd 36 08/01/2020 12:13

in the world still operating them, along
with Delta, Hawaiian and Qantas Link,
so sourcing them for expansion proved
di cult. “There were simply no more 717s
available on the market,” said Muñoz.
Enter the Airbus A319, introduced to
the fl eet on March 9, 2016. The twinjet’s
150/156-seat confi guration o ered an
increase in passenger capacity of 20% over
the 717. “For many airlines the A319 is too
small, but for us it works well,” said Muñoz.
“It’s a great aircraft with great performance
and economics, and there is a large fl eet
available. Our markets have now matured
enough to support this upsizing in capacity.”
Currently, Volotea’s fl eet stands at 19
A319s and 16 717s. As leases expire, the 717
will be retired, with three leaving in 2020.
Muñoz claimed: “Moving forward, we intend
to become an all A319 operator by quarter
four of 2022.”
Rather than placing big orders for brand-
new jets like some of its rivals, Volotea uses
the secondhand leasing market to source
its aircraft: “Our fl eet is typically ten to 12
years old, which is comparable with most
legacy carriers around the world. These
secondhand jets are as good as new, but
have much lower lease prices, which means
we can keep our costs down, allowing
us to make the routes we serve more
economically viable.”
The other adaptation of the model was
in the way Volotea sells its seats, choosing
to move away from the ‘web-only’ focus of
most LCCs: “In terms of our seat sales, our
distribution system is very unusual when
compared to other low-cost airlines in
Europe – 55-60% are sold on our website,
but we still use travel agents and tour
operators for the rest, plus a small bit of
charter work.”

INITIAL TURBULENCE
With an adapted low-cost model and a
fl eet of just two 717 aircraft, the airline took
to the skies from its fi rst base, Venice, on
April 5, 2012, with routes within Italy to
Brindisi, Cagliari and Palermo. Five more
717s joined the fl eet for summer 2012 and
Above: Carlos Muñoz has co-founded two airlines, Vueling and Volotea, and today is the CEO of new bases were opened in Nantes and
the latter. Volotea Bordeaux, France.
Of course there is always a danger that
Main photo: Volotea serves airports in 13 countries across Europe. Its name was inspired when you mess with a tried and tested
by ‘volotear’ a word coined by poet Pablo Neruda as a simplifi ed form of the Spanish verb formula that it could backfi re, and Volotea
‘revolotear’, meaning to swirl around. AirTeamImages.com/Simone Ciaralli
learnt this only too well. Muñoz described
the challenges during that fi rst year: “We
EVOLUTION OF THE 717 seemed an unusual choice for an LCC, met with a humongous failure initially. We
LOW-COST MODEL it actually became Volotea’s secret weapon. launched 90 routes in year one and, by the
Muñoz and his team at the new airline’s HQ Muñoz explained: “The 717 was perfect for end, we had closed 40 of them. We were
in Asturias, Spain, were now tasked with us initially. With 125 seats, it allows us to innovating at the time, evolving the low-
making their venture successful in these serve our markets e ciently”. cost model – we needed to experiment and
smaller markets. “From what we had learned Extremely popular with passengers with see what worked.”
with Vueling we knew that to make Volotea its 2+3 seating confi guration providing The airline pushed on and, by 2015, they
work we would have to fl ip the low-cost only one middle seat per row, the 717 also had grown to establish seven bases across
model as we all know it on its head,” Muñoz has excellent reliability, with a dispatch Europe: Venice, Nantes, Bordeaux, Palermo,
explained, “although low-cost will always be rate of more than 99%, as well as low Strasbourg, Asturias and Verona, with an
in our blood”. maintenance costs. eighth at Toulouse opening in March 2016.
The fi rst adaptation of the model was However, just 156 of these jets were By its third year, Volotea was generating
their choice of aircraft. While the Boeing built and Volotea is one of only four airlines cash and was in the black. “Not hugely,

WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 37


36-40_voloteaDC.mf.indd 37 08/01/2020 12:13

but profi table,” said Muñoz. Indeed, the
airline has not made a loss since, with the
latest fi gures released by the company for
2018 showing a record operating profi t of
€13.6m, up 29% year-on-year.
“This just shows that there was a need
for Volotea,” Muñoz commented. “People
said there was no room for another low-
cost airline in Europe. But there were a
lot of markets not being served which
Volotea has gone on to establish and
operate successfully.”
VOLOTEA TODAY
The airline launched 41 new routes during
2019, bringing the total number served
to 319. Interestingly, 308 of these have
no competition from other carriers. “We
are a lot about connecting smaller cities
that are not connected,” said Muñoz. “We
Above: International brand consultants Sa ron designed the Volotea identity using colours describe our airline as a ‘pathfi nder’ or
inspired by a Mediterranean tablecloth pattern. The theme is repeated in the interiors of their ‘route creator’”.
aircraft, including the 717s with their 2+3 seating. AirTeamImages.com/Carlos Enamorado
The carrier operates in 13 countries,
Below: Volotea currently has 16 Boeing 717s and previously operated three more. The plan is to with Italy being its biggest market. Italian
become an all-A319 airline by the end of 2022. Volotea and French services combined accounted
for 93% of its capacity in 2019. In terms
of domestic routes served, Volotea is the
second largest carrier in France and third in
Italy. One of the newest and most rapidly
expanding markets is Greece where, since
launching operations back in 2015, Volotea
has achieved a 30% growth rate from the 13
airports it operates from across the country.
On May 10, 2019, the airline celebrated
its fi rst year of operations from its Athens
base, which Muñoz described as “the most
successful in the airline’s history.” Since















































38 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


36-40_voloteaDC.mf.indd 38 08/01/2020 12:13

Despite not being the airline’s fi rst Airbus, ‘Airbus One’, A319 EI-FML, also
carries the Italian slogan ‘Mamma, Arrivo Subito!’ which means ‘Mother,
I’ll be home for dinner!’. It was re-registered EC-MUT in 2018. Volotea















































Above: A Volotea 717 at Santorini. The low-
cost carrier fl ies to the Greek island from Bari,
Bordeaux, Genoa, Marseille, Nantes, Naples,
Palermo, Toulouse, Venice and Verona.
AirTeamImages.com/Carlos Enamorado
Left: Volotea A319, EC-MTF, gets airborne
from Skiathos, one of 13 airports in Greece
to which the airline fl ies. In 2020, it will have
three aircraft based in Athens. AirTeamImages.
com/Markus Mainka
opening, Volotea has carried 360,000
passengers across ten routes from Athens,
and the airline has been recognised as the
fastest-growing carrier at the airport. To
support this expansion, a third aircraft will
be added for 2020.
Volotea will also be taking up demand
left unfi lled by the collapse of Greek airline
Astra Airways in November. Muñoz said:
“They were a small airline, but they were
present in some of our Greek domestic
markets, so we will be able to fi ll the albeit
small void left by their closure.”
As Volotea expands it naturally comes
into contact with some of its larger airline
adversaries. When asked how it intends to
stay ahead of its rivals, Muñoz explained:
“Our competition with other carriers
remains marginal and, for the large part, we
intend to remain non-competitive. If we
do compete it is because we see an angle
where we can challenge on price and

WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 39


36-40_voloteaDC.mf.indd 39 08/01/2020 12:13

product. Where our networks do overlap we
are now reasonably comfortable with the
experience we o er to our customers.”
The airline recently spent €15m
on improving the product o er in an
ambitious plan to protect peak summer
season operations from June to August.
Flight schedules were better coordinated
and four aircraft were placed on standby
to strengthen operational integrity. The
jets located in France, Italy and Greece
allowed a faster response when needed,
increasing on-time performance to 73%
despite the continued congestion a ecting
European airspace.
A new and improved passenger
experience was also implemented at Many of the carrier’s aircraft have switched from the Irish to the Spanish register. A319, EI-FMU,
airports, the airline’s call centre and on joined Volotea in March 2016 and was re-registered EC-MCU in January 2018. Volotea
board, helping Volotea achieve its highest
satisfaction levels of 93.4% during the Volotea has had limited operations to the make them unprofi table, while helping the
summer season. This investment has really UK in the past, though currently it has no environment by reducing carbon emissions
paid o . The airline celebrated its strongest- services and there are no plans to operate and noise pollution. Volotea will provide
ever summer in 2019, carrying more than any routes. Muñoz said: “Although the UK DANTE with market analysis, technical
3m passengers with a 96% load factor and, is one of the largest aviation markets in data and a team of their own engineers to
on a July 25, 2019, fl ight from Nantes to Europe, it is well served by other carriers. So provide technical support.
Figari, it carried its 25-millionth passenger. for now it is not on our radar,” . Looking forward, Muñoz explained how
On November 4, Volotea opened its Looking further ahead, the carrier is he sees the airline developing: “I think that
newest base at Hamburg Finkenwerder, currently awaiting confi rmation from the there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll see
to operate the four-times-daily Airbus French government about the granting the same thing from us, albeit hopefully on
corporate shuttle to Toulouse. The carrier a larger scale. We are adding more routes
was awarded the contract for the next fi ve “There were a lot each year in a market that is so specialised.
years and will have two dedicated A319s Running Volotea comes with its challenges.
with a specifi c seating confi guration to of markets not Operating so many, often highly seasonal,
operate the route. routes with a small fl eet isn’t easy. But
being served which because we are the only airline dedicated to
ELECTRIC DREAMS this market, we are not pressed with having
From little acorns do mighty oaks grow Volotea has gone to follow any particular growth. We do
and, for 2020, Volotea is o ering its most on to establish and what makes sense for our business and will
extensive schedule to date. Over 9m seats continue to do so.”
are now available on 356 routes, covering operate successfully.” Given all the consolidation within
90 destinations across 14 countries. the industry, does Muñoz see Volotea
Continuing its legacy of innovation and becoming part of a larger airline group
route creation, 53 of these routes are of bi-lateral rights between France and anytime soon? “No, I don’t think so. We see
brand-new, including Strasbourg to Algeria, following the collapse of Aigle Azur ourselves remaining independent. We are
Barcelona. Eight new destinations have in September 2019. “It’s a market we are in a totally di erent market to most airlines
been added, Barcelona, Varna, Luxembourg, very interested in – if we are awarded those and therefore have di erent synergies of
Hannover, Deauville, Castellón in Spain, rights we will be growing here [Algeria], so operations. Instead, we will remain the
Thessaloniki and Kalamata. we are hopeful,” Muñoz said. market leader in our fi eld.”
More than 62,000 fl ights will be operated As part of the airline’s ‘proactive Volotea may be a small fi sh in a very big
in 2020 and new bases are to be opened in environmental policy’, Volotea recently pond, but its current strategy means that it
Naples and Lyon, further strengthening the announced a partnership with DANTE does not compete directly with its low-cost
airline’s position in the Italian and French Aeronautical in a project to look at counterparts. Continuing the innovative
markets. “We are excited and confi dent developing a 19-35-seat hybrid-electric vision Muñoz and Ros set out for the airline
about the growth we are experiencing in all passenger aircraft. This would allow the back in 2011, Volotea continues to create
the markets we operate,” the buoyant CEO airline to open even more new routes and excel in its own markets, in which it has
told Aviation News. where traditional larger aircraft would the monopoly – for now, at least.

The airline is one of only four still using the Boeing 717,
including EI-FBJ, shown landing at Olbia, Italy in June
2018. AirTeamImages.com/Daniel Nicholson















40 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


36-40_voloteaDC.mf.indd 40 08/01/2020 12:14

AIRCRAFT • PERSONNEL • SQUADRONS • MISSIONS • PROGRAMS





The 2020 edition

of the US Air Force air

power yearbook is

Key Publishing’s annual

insight into the world’s

largest and most

powerful air arm.



2020 features include:

• USAF F-35A combat debut

• New engines for the

B-52H Stratofortress

• Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk

to transform pilot training

• Idaho’s A-10 ‘Warthogs’,
• Mountain Home nose art




PLUS a full order or battle and rundown
of all USAF aircraft and units.




















AVAILABLE NOW FROM AND ALL LEADING NEWSAGENTS 819/19
ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER DIRECT



*Free 2nd class P&P on all
PLUS FREE P&P * UK & BFPO orders. Overseas
charges apply.


Free P&P* when you order online at Call UK: 01780 480404 Monday to Friday
www.keypublishing.com/shop Overseas: +44 1780 480404 9am-5:30pm


SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2.00 DISCOUNT! SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2.00 DISCOUNT!




04/12/2019 12:54
819 USAF YB20 direct fp.indd 2 04/12/2019 12:54
819 USAF YB20 direct fp.indd 2

The Cobra’s St are






USAF RC-135 Missile






Tracking Missions











Since the early 1960s the US Air Force has carefully tracked
ballistic missile test launches. Dr Kevin Wright examines the

airborne element of this major intelligence collection e ort
that uses the Boeing RC-135s codenamed Cobra Ball.
































42 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 42 10/01/2020 14:31

dominates the island, which is also home be on station within 45 minutes of being
to the Cobra Dane fi xed radar site that alerted. “We orbited to the north of the
looks towards Kamchatka. expected re-entry area, keeping a good
distance from the Kamchatka coast. We
FIRST PLATFORMS were never intercepted by Soviet fi ghters
In October 1960 General Dynamics during my time,” Hawes remembers.
completed modifi cations of KC-135A As signal monitor Hawes controlled
59-1491 through its secretive Big Safari the Ballistic Streak Camera (BSC) and
programme. Operated by Air Force determined which cameras were auto-
Systems Command and codenamed Nancy controlled or assigned to the MT. He
Rae, it was redesignated a JKC-135A. The assisted the tactical co-ordinator in
aircraft arrived at Shemya on December deciding when to start the aircraft’s
31, 1961 with its four fl ight and ten mission southerly run. “We would tell the pilot to
crew. Retired USAF Lt Col Kingdon Hawes, start down the ‘data track’ as we called it,
was a signal monitor on board that aircraft ideally to be in the middle of that run to
and describes it: “Down the starboard side photograph the missile as it re-entered.”
were ten windows behind which specialist It was not a precise calculation. “Our best
cameras sat including 16mm, 35mm and indication came from the nose-mounted
70mm movie cameras and UV and IR antenna, operated by Raven 3, who tracked
equipment to photograph the warheads. the Mode-S beacon on the missile’s test
The pedestal-mounted cameras could warhead.” Raven 4 captured transmissions
Main photo: RC-135S, 61-4128, is pictured be aimed automatically, or by the Manual from the Soviet range equipment as it
in its current Cobra Ball confi guration. Tracker (MT) [person] using a modifi ed tracked re-entry. Onboard USAF Security
Dan Stijovich gunsight from a B-50. The MT sat on Service operators listened for any Soviet air
a raised chair looking out of an upper defence responses.
uring the Cold War the Kura fuselage observation blister.” In addition “When the MT saw the incoming
warhead test range on the huge, to cameras, spectrometers, radiometers missile, usually as it began to break up
largely desolate Kamchatka and photometers attempted to detect [separate], he shouted, ‘Gaslight, Gaslight,
DPeninsula in the Soviet Far East the missiles’ material composition and Gaslight.’ The tactical co-ordinator
was the standard aim point for hundreds of measure electromagnetic radiation. fl icked the master switch turning on all
missile tests. It is an area of approximately Three large dipole antennae were the cameras. The gyro-stabilised BSC
38 sq miles (98.4km ) with the nearest externally mounted on the right-hand was about four feet wide, fi ve feet high
settlement being Klyuchi. Construction side of the aircraft with another on the and weighed several hundred pounds. It
started in 1955 of six monitoring posts to left. These collected missile telemetry pointed out of the number one window,
record missile warhead re-entry. The fi rst with an AN/ALA-6 direction-fi nding closest to the nose. An infrared sensor
use of the range for this was on August 21, antenna on the underside. Soviet pointed out of a central window. The
1957 when an R-7 missile launched from transmissions were monitored from four manual tracker aimed his sight towards
Tyuratam (today’s Baikonur), 3,940 miles ‘Raven’ operator’s positions. the small bright ‘star’ that came through
(6,339km) away in Kazakhstan, broke up The crews were divided into two teams the missile debris. This was the test
prematurely just prior to re-entry. that rotated out of their home base at warhead and when his crosshairs were
To determine Soviet missile capabilities Eielson AFB to Shemya every other week. matched with the infrared auto-tracker he
US intelligence operations concentrated “We worked on good quality intelligence,” heard a tone. He fl icked another switch
on the inhospitable Aleutian Islands, recalls Hawes. “Occasionally launches that slaved everything to the auto tracker
close to the Russian Far East coastline. happened that we knew nothing about, but until impact. The whole thing was over in
One island, Shemya, was ideally located that was unusual. Most weeks we fl ew one about 30 seconds.”
as a base for US reconnaissance aircraft. or two missions; it was rare not to have at Regular name changes were a feature
Still incredibly remote, it is less than six least one. On about 90% of our fl ights we of 59-1491’s career. In 1963 it was
sq miles (15½km ) in size and regularly had missile intercepts.” redesignated an RC-135S, codenamed
a ected by severe, rapidly changeable For the fi rst few years most test Nancy Rae, then Wanda Belle and from
weather. The 10,000ft (3,048m) runway launches were at night. Nancy Rae could March 1967 Rivet Ball.






















Left: Rivet Ball, 59-1491, on the Shemya, Alaska fl ight line wearing its original silver fi nish and
black-painted starboard wing. Via King Hawes
Above: RC-135E, 62-4137, Rivet Amber on take-o clearly showing (before painting) the special
fi breglass panel covering the phased-array radar installed in 1967. USAF

WWW.AVIATION NEWS.CO.UK 43


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 43 10/01/2020 14:31

During a night mission on the crew to go to oxygen. River
October 4, 1968 for the first time Amber disappeared over the sea
a Soviet multiple warhead missile with all 19 crew. No trace of the
was tracked. When the Soviets aircraft or crew has ever been
switched to day launches, new found and the cause of the loss
camera lenses were introduced. officially remains undetermined.
Occasionally the finish on the A replacement, C-135B 61-
Rivet Ball’s upper wing had 2663, was quickly identified.
reflected low-angle sunlight, Its interim fit used some of the
blinding the cameras. When the equipment salvaged from Rivet
aircraft next returned from Big Ball, with a single camera window
Safari modification the starboard and dipole aerials. It began flying
wing and inner engine sides were from Eielson in early 1970.
painted black to reduce the glare. EC-135N 61-2664, then
It was the beginning of a tradition with a bulbous nose and
that continues today, although no equipped as an Apollo Range
longer necessary. Instrumentation Aircraft, was
On return from a successful selected for conversion. Both
mission the camera’s calibration were designated RC-135S and
was rechecked and exposed film their equipment was regularly
and tape recordings removed. upgraded during periodic Big
They were sent under armed Safari depot maintenance
guard to Wright-Patterson AFB, periods. The number of fuselage
Ohio for exploitation. The aircraft windows decreased as fewer
was refuelled, towed back into cameras were carried, while the
the hangar, reloaded with film and forward fuselage aerials remained
prepared to fly. It would be ready with slight positional changes.
to go again within eight hours. Importantly both aircraft were
Just after midnight on January fitted with TF33-P-5 engines,
13, 1969, Rivet Ball pilot Maj which had thrust reversers to
John Anchor made a normal shorten landing runs on Shemya.
touchdown but struggled to brake on To follow incoming ICBMs the manual tracker Both continued operating successfully
the refreezing ice and slush covering sights his cameras with a modified B-50 until tragedy struck again on March 15,
the runway. The aircraft hydroplaned, gunsight aimed out of a spine-mounted 1981, when 61-2664, attempting to land
blister on Rivet Ball, 59-1491. Via Lt Col Kingdon
unable to stop before sliding off the end Hawes (ret’d) on Shemya, struck the approach lights and
of Shemya’s Runway 28, into a 40ft (12m) crashed, killing six of the 24 crew.
ravine. The fuselage broke in half, but electrical power consumption and Replacement arrangements were again
amazingly all the crew escaped. required installation of an external power rapidly put in hand on C-135B 61-2662,
Hayes remembers: “About six hours generator under the left wing. The onboard from the 4950th Test Wing. It was modified
after the crash, Raven Capt Joe Hall, who equipment created excessive heat in the to RC-135S standard and was ready for
survived the crash, walked to the site to crew cabin that was managed by a pod- duty at Eielson from December 11, 1983.
look over the destroyed aircraft. Suddenly mounted heat exchanger fitted under the Another early KC-135A, 55-3121, which
two long-range Soviet Tu-16 Badger jets right wing. Both these pods resembled small had been modified for reconnaissance but
made a low-altitude, high-speed pass over engines. Rivet Amber and Rivet Ball often not redesignated, had its recce equipment
the wreckage. It was very unexpected and operated together. removed to become an RC-135T flight crew
not much was said about it afterwards.” Less than five months after the Rivet trainer from December 1979. On February
Ball crash, disaster struck again. On June 28, 1985 flying approaches at Valdez airfield
LISA ANN TO COBRA 5, 1969, around 45 minutes after Rivet in Alaska, it crashed on a nearby mountain
BALL Amber left Shemya, headed for Eielson, with the loss of all three onboard.
RC-135E Lisa Ann (62-4137) was modified it missed a routine position report. A last Capt Robert Hopkins (ret’d) was an RC-
by contractor LTV and re-delivered transmission recorded the pilot telling 135S pilot in the late 1980s. He describes
to Strategic Air the often treacherous
Command (SAC) in landing conditions at
September 1966. It Shemya: “Flying final
became Rivet Amber approach you could
in 1967 and arrived on be in a dense fog,
Shemya that autumn. normally associated
Modification included with still conditions,
an 18in (45cm) forward whilst simultaneously
fuselage extension and having to deal with
significant strengthening a 30kts crosswind
to accommodate gusting to 70kts.
a powerful phased You had to be a very
array radar. The hands-on. Whilst firmly
metal starboard side positioned on the
forward fuselage Instrument Landing
skin was replaced System glide path,
with a fibreglass the airplane could be
one. The new radar Rivet Ball RC-135S in the hangar at Shemya with temporary Sharks teeth markings. Via Lt weather-vaned at 30°
dramatically increased Col Kingdon Hawes (ret’d) to the runway. The

44 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 44 10/01/2020 14:31

weather operations. The Soviets flew
Aircraft 61-2663, at Shemya. Severe, changeable weather conditions were a feature
of operations at the Aleutian Islands base. Aaron Bowen via Robert S Hopkins III different routines to us; we just had to
operate to their schedules. During the
day from 40 miles away at 35,000ft we
had a really good view of Kamchatka.
You could see the volcanoes and the very
rugged coastline. When re-entry vehicles
arrived it was certainly very beautiful, if
not a little sinister. We could follow their
tracks across the sky down to their impact
points on the Kura range.” In 1993 Cobra
Eye was put into storage and its main
mission equipment removed. In 1995
it was selected for further modification
aircraft commander could be in the left KC-135 tankers, more than three hours and returned to service in June 1999 as a
seat looking out of the right side window flight time away. Hopkins recalls, “One aerial Cobra Ball aircraft.
just to see down the runway. Flaring for refuelling was not unusual, two were not
landing required a boot full of rudder, that uncommon but three were known as SOVIET INTERCEPTIONS
slamming the aircraft down and dumping ‘megadeath’ with airborne times of 15 to 20 Hopkins explains: “Our orbit was too
lift as quickly as possible. Landings were hours.” The RC-135s had to carry sufficient far south for the Su-15s at Anadyr, they
very heavy at times.” fuel to permit return to Shemya, remain would have run out of fuel trying to reach
in the hold for a period and still be able to us. Similarly we were a bit too far north
LATE COLD WAR divert to Eielson if necessary. for the MiG-25s from Petropavlovsk, so
LAUNCHES nobody really came to look at Cobra
When the National Security Agency’s COBRA EYE Ball.” The situation changed, however.
Defence Special Missile and Astronautics Work started in 1984 on a unique aircraft, “We were intercepted for the first time
Centre (DEFSMAC), was aware of an which was a joint US Army and Strategic in years on March 10, 1988. We were in
imminent Soviet missile launch it alerted Defense Initiative Organization project.
Shemya. “The blaring alert klaxon meant The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI – “I looked out the
the Cobra Ball duty crew had 15 minutes which was also referred to as ‘Star Wars’)
to get their aircraft airborne,” remembers needed the aircraft to aid identification of right-hand window
Hopkins. Working in radio silence, it key intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
was pushed back out of the hangar, characteristics, during their mid-phase of and saw a Tu-16
engines started and the crew prepared flight, contributing to the development
for departure. The tactical coordinator of planned anti-missile and beam based Badger in a fingertip
communicated with DEFSMAC via the defensive systems. Following numerous formation with us.”
aircraft’s satellite communication system to technical delays RC-135X, 62-4128,
establish details of the impending launch. named Cobra Eye, a modified EC-135B
The 25-30-minute transit flight saw the airframe, was delivered to the 6th Strategic ’663 and intercepted by a MiG-31 out of
Cobra Ball climb to 34,000ft orbiting Reconnaissance Wing at Eielson AFB in Petropavlovsk. It had better range than the
no closer than 40 miles (64km) to the 1989. Hopkins flew the Cobra Eye, including MiG-25 and a crew of two. This was a big
Kamchatka Peninsula. To ensure accurate for its first operational mission from Shemya event for us. It was really exciting to see and
positioning the aircraft had a LN-20 Stellar- on August 15, 1989. At its heart was a large, we had a few more interceptions after that.
Inertial-Doppler navigation system fitted complex infrared sensor hidden behind a “Our most interesting was on October
and carried two navigators. sliding door on the right-hand side of the 3, 1988 in ’662,” continues Hopkins. “We
Cobra Ball flights still needed to be aircraft. “It was supercooled, intended to knew there was a MiG-31 orbiting to the
heading southwards as the missile re- detect incoming objects. Its infrared sensors south of us in a defensive pattern. We
entered the atmosphere to capture imagery. were capable of discriminating between were a bit disappointed because he didn’t
When launch was confirmed calculations different re-entry vehicles, distinguishing seem interested in coming to intercept us.
were made to place Cobra Ball it in the between decoys, warheads or just missile Flying north, way out to the east we saw
optimum position for the test warhead wreckage,” he says. an aircraft. I thought was an Il-76. Ten to
re-entry. As in the past, launches did not Reflecting on flying missile tracking 15 minutes later I looked out the right-
always occur when expected. Sometimes flights Hopkins said: “Flying these hand window and saw a Tu-16 Badger in
the Cobra Ball had to wait on station for missions was lots of fun, a great personal a fingertip formation with us. He stayed
long periods, refuelling from Eielson-based experience. We flew day, night and bad- in position for about the next hour and a
half. We waved to each other but could
not figure out what he was doing. When
we headed off to the tanker to get gas he
followed, ‘parked’ on our wingtip.”
POST-COLD WAR
OPERATIONS
Following the end of the Cold War
operations changed as Russian missile
tests sharply declined. Forward-based
missions from Shemya ceased and control
of Cobra Ball passed to the 55th Wing at
The starboard wings of Cobra Ball aircraft were painted black to prevent glare blinding the Offutt AFB, Nebraska in 1994, crews drawn
tracking cameras. The complete engine nacelles on RC-135S, 61-2663, were also black. Robert S from its 45th Reconnaissance Squadron
Hopkins III and 97th Intelligence Squadron.

WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 45


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 45 10/01/2020 14:32

OTHER USAF RC-135 VARIANTS

RC-135U Combat Sent
Two of the original three RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft, first converted in
1970, continue to fly and collect detailed electronic intelligence (ELINT)
data related to radar and SAM emitter systems which can be immediately
transmitted or recorded for later exploitation. Their most distinctive
external feature is their chin fairing, making them the heaviest variant in the
RC-135 fleet. Combat Sent crews comprise a minimum of ten electronic
warfare officers (EWOs) or ‘Ravens’, two airborne systems engineers, plus
six or more other specialists and four flight crew.





One of the ten RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft that carry the same
equipment as the seven RC-135Vs. USAF
They are crewed by a team of approximately 12 linguists/analysts and three
Ravens, plus maintenance technicians and four flight crew.
Most recent modifications include a small ‘hump’ in front of the tail. This is
The RC-135U Combat Sent can be easily distinguished from other understood to be connected with the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-
RC-135 variants by its different nose configuration. This example, of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) which permit secure Presidential and National
64-14847/OF, also sports a shark’s mouth. AirTeamImages.com/Ian Tate Voice Conferencing (PNVC) and data transmission over the US satellite
communications system.
RC-135V/W Rivet Joint The entire RC-135 fleet is continually being upgraded as individual aircraft pass
Both the RC-135V and ’W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft generally through Periodic Depot Maintenance, so airframe equipment fits are rarely
carry the same equipment. The difference in designation between the identical. That situation can be further complicated by short-term additions of
two variants comes from their origins. The seven RC-135Vs started life as specialised items to meet urgent requirements for specific operations.
RC-135C Big Team aircraft and one is a converted RC-135U. The RC-135Ws Three aircraft are used to train RC-135 pilots and navigators. One is
are modified C-135Bs and RC-135M Rivet Card airframes. Both the V and designated a TC-135S for Cobra Ball crew training and two are TC-135Ws
W operate as advanced stand-off signals intelligence (SIGINT) platforms for the Rivet Joint fleet. While they don’t carry mission equipment they are
able to collect huge volumes of data, voice and electronic transmissions. fitted with the same navigational systems as the operational aircraft.

The aircraft participated in operations range optical and infrared surveillance a ‘routine mission’ 150 miles (240km) off
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, devices. Also, there is the Multiple the North Korean coast the RC-135S was
although no details of the missions have Tracking Optical System (MTOS) uses shadowed for 22 minutes.
been disclosed. electro-optical and infrared radiometric Justin George in The Week magazine
Cobra Ball airframes have been regularly sensors which assists later materials reported that on March 29, 2019 RC-
modernised, managed by contractor analysis of tracked missiles. 135S 62-4128 departed Diego Garcia,
L3 Communications. Today they have Designated operating locations away with two KC-135R tankers in support.
a more uniform external appearance, from Offutt AFB include: Eielson AFB, RAF It monitored an Indian anti-satellite
with the large cheek bulges, similar to Mildenhall, Souda Bay on Crete, Kadena missile test over the Bay of Bengal. The
the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft with AB, Japan, Al Udeid in the UAE and Diego interceptor missile was launched from
which they now share significantly greater Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Abdul Kalam Island on India’s east coast
commonality. The Cobra Ball aircraft were The USAF remains very tight-lipped about against a Microsat-R, a 1,631lb (740kg)
also re-engined with CFM56 turbofans Cobra Ball activity. On a few occasions military satellite it had launched two
along with the rest of the RC-135 fleet Cobra Ball missions have come to public months earlier. Less clear was if the
more than 15 years ago. attention. On March 2, 2003 two North RC-135S collected data from the anti-
An operational crew is comprised Korean Mikoyan MiG-29s and two MiG-23s satellite missile’s launch phase, or if it
of 11 people: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, intercepted 61-2663, operating from Kadena was observing and tracking target debris
three electronic warfare officers, two AB, over the Sea of Japan. Described as as it re-entered the atmosphere.
airborne system Significant recent
engineers, two increases in Russian
operators and a missile tests from
tactical coordinator. the Barents Sea and
The operators and Plesetsk in northwest
Ravens continue to Russia plus launch
be seated down the exercises in the Baltic
right-hand side of have seen Cobra
the aircraft. These Ball deployments
can be augmented to Europe stepped
by additional crew up. More Chinese
members when and North Korean
required. Today missile tests have
sensors look out similarly resulted in
of both sides of a growing number
the aircraft. They of deployments to
include the Textron- Japan. North Korean
built Medium Wave launches have
Infrared Array (MIRA), A rarely seen line-up of three Cobra Ball aircraft at Offutt AFB in 2001 with an RC-135W Rivet increased enormously
which has long- Joint at the back. USAF/SRA Jeremy Smith since 2013.

46 AVIATION NEWS FEBRUARY 2020


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 46 10/01/2020 14:32

Combined with greatly reduced a “reliable and secure way to
warning times and use of a wider deliver large data sets from
range of launch sites considerably various international locations in
complicates monitoring them. As a short period of time”. An ever-
reported by the UPI press agency, present issue for small fleets of
from April 2019 onwards one RC- specialised aircraft is that when
135S operated from Kadena AB one is sent for maintenance or
on Okinawa, joined by a second updating, it imposes increased
aircraft in June. Cobra Balls 61- pressure on those remaining.
2662 and 62-4128 have been When it returns to service, until
recorded flying missions to the East the other airframes have passed
China Sea and the Sea of Japan. through the same process,
Additional pressure on there are different equipment
Cobra Ball operations has been standards with knock-on training
caused by the requirement to and logistics effects.
have aircraft return to Offutt Three aircraft make up
every 200 flight hours for the current Cobra Ball fleet
programmed maintenance and operated by the 45th RS: 61-
for a replacement aircraft to be 2662, 61-2663 and 62-4128.
in place. The operational tempo for these
A September 2018 unclassified aircraft and their crews is likely
USAF briefing for industry to further increase due to the
detailed the challenges facing recent abandonment of the US-
the Cobra Ball fleet. These Russian Intermediate Nuclear
included the lack of dedicated Forces Treaty, wider missile
simulators for training on their technology proliferation and
highly specialised equipment fit the development of land-based
and the limited aircraft availability anti-satellite weapons. As yet
because of the high operational there is no replacement on the
tempo. Another long-term horizon for the long-serving
requirement outlined was for Cobra Balls.
Above: A view looking towards the rear of an RC-135S. The Cobra Ball mission crew consists of eight people, seated at stations along the starboard
side of the fuselage. Lt Col Kingdon Hawes (ret’d)
Below: In 1994, the Cobra Ball mission became the responsibility of the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska and the aircraft gained ‘OF’ tailcodes.
This angle on 61-2662 illustrates the phased array radar ‘cheeks’ and antennas of the RC-135S. Chris Lofting
















































WWW.AVIATION-NEWS.CO.UK 47


42-47_cobraDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 47 10/01/2020 14:32

UK SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS


Start your new year with SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS:

a subscription to

 Great Savings when you subscribe
E ver since I was a child Save £££s compared to buying



I’ve been fascinated by
each issue in shops
all things aircraft related.
Aviation News was the magazine  Priority Home Delivery

I always bought and I looked Subscriber copies go rst
forward to every issue. Now it

is my privilege and joy to be the  Specials Discounts

editor of this exciting title which
has such a proud heritage. Save money on all of our

With a bright future ahead for one-off special magazines

the magazine, we hope you will
join us on an aviation voyage of

discovery.

Dino Carrara
Editor








I would consider myself a

loyal subscriber for many
years now. Used to buy it
many years ago when it was
newspaper size. A great
magazine and I will stay
loyal for many more years
hopefully! Digital editions also available
Visit
Victor S, via Facebook.







TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER Customer code: AVN020220





ORDER ONLINE www.aviation-news.co.uk/suboffer




* Saving refers to 1 year Direct Debit subscription against newsstand cover price.




019 AVN Subs dps.indd 48 09/01/2020 16:53
09/01/2020 16:53
019 AVN Subs dps.indd 48