Russian-built helicopters participating in US military exercise

The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, Calif., issued a noise advisory on Tuesday for Morongo Basin while Marines and Joint Forces participate in a series of events known as Service Level Training Exercises (SLTE).

The training period began on Aug. 1 and will end on Sept. 17.

“Noise from training may be amplified when the cloud cover is low,” the Marine Corps said in a statement.

SLTE events provide service-level assessments of units and their associated combat support, combat service support, and aviation assets while conducting live fire training focused on the mission essential tasks of offensive, defensive, and stability operations.

Following the noise advisory announcement on Tuesday, the Marine Corps released a Sources Sought contract document on Thursday seeking a contractor to provide “foreign adversary aircraft support” during future SLTE events. The Marine Corps is specifically looking for foreign attack helicopters.

“The rotary-wing foreign attack helicopter required in support of this requirement shall act as a realistic dissimilar aircraft with unique capabilities supporting specific aircraft training,” the Marine Corps said in the document. “The aircraft shall be either a Mi-24 HIND or Mi-17 HIP and capable of using tracking pods compatible with the Tactical Air Combat Systems range at MCAGCC.”

“The scope of this effort is to provide familiarization of flight characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of the foreign adversary rotary-wing and propeller-driven aircraft to MCAGCC instructors,” the military said. “This will be accomplished by having accessibility to two foreign adversary contractor-provided aircraft that shall participate in the flight phases of the SLTE as part of a realistic opposing force during specified flight evolutions as required by MCAGCC.”

The Mi-24 Hind and Mi-17 HP are currently being used in Russia’s war in against Ukraine.

Ukraine's Mi-24 Hind gunship helicopters now appear to be capable of firing U.S.-made unguided 70mm Hydra rockets, according to an article on The War Zone. The U.S. has sent thousands of military supplies and munitions to Ukraine in support.

In addition, former Afghan Air Force Mi-17 helicopters are now flying for Ukraine.

For the Marine Corps SLTE events, the helicopter shall be a “dissimilar rotary-wing aggressor against rotary-wing, fixed-wing, Forward Operating Bases, Forward Arming & Refueling Points, and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Defense units.” The contractor helicopters shall provide up to 30 flight hours under day Visual Flight Rule conditions at each SLTE event.

The period of performance for the aggressor helicopters under the contract shall be for 12 months from the date of award with four one-year option periods if exercised.

All-Airbus operator Wizz Air orders more A321neo planes

Europe’s fastest-growing ultra-low-cost airline, Wizz Air, has signed a firm contract for an additional 75 A321neo Family aircraft, taking its total order for the largest member of the Airbus single-aisle to 434, and for Wizz’s A320 Family overall to 565 aircraft.

European-based plane manufacturer Airbus announced the order on Wednesday in a press release.

The CEO of Wizz Air, József Váradi, said the order further reinforces its position as the largest A321neo Family operator in Europe and the Middle East.

“More than half our fleet has already been converted to cutting-edge neo technology,” Váradi said in the Airbus announcement. “The A321neo’s unparalleled economic efficiency and remarkably low carbon footprint underpin our commitment to provide affordable and sustainable travel options for our customers. We have enjoyed a longstanding strategic partnership with Airbus and are steadfast in our commitment to this exceptional technology with one of the largest outstanding order books in the world of more than 350 neo aircraft.”

Wizz Air is an all-Airbus operator with a fleet of over 180 A320 Family aircraft currently in operation.

“The investment in the A321neo is a solid foundation in Wizz Air’s continued expansion strategy,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

Largest member of A320neo Family

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50 percent noise reduction, and more than 20 percent fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

To date, nearly 5,200 A321neos have been ordered by customers across the globe.

Airbus A321neo aircraft assembled in China

In June, Wizz Air announced it will be the first European airline to receive an Airbus A321neo aircraft assembled in China.

The new aircraft is being assembled on Airbus’ final assembly line in Tianjin and will be delivered to Wizz Air four years after it received its first A321neo in 2019.

The new Airbus A321neo will be financed through a sale-and-leaseback with AVIC, one of Wizz Air’s financing partners.

First look at NFL-themed slot machine by Aristocrat Gaming

Aristocrat Gaming and the National Football League (NFL) released the first visuals of the new NFL-themed slot machines on Thursday.

This introductory new game will bring the largest sports brand in the U.S. to casino floors across the country at the start of the 2023 NFL season.

The original license agreement was announced in the Fall of 2021, providing both companies with an enhanced opportunity to drive engagement from their respective customer bases through an entirely new slot gaming experience.

Aristocrat believes the new slot game will provide an innovative entertainment experience for millions of NFL fans who enjoy the fun of casino gaming.

"We are changing the game with this first-of-its-kind slot machine, offering fans the ability to customize the experience by selecting their favorite team in any casino they choose to play,” Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez said in a company press release.

This much-awaited reveal of NFL Super Bowl Jackpots on the new King Max cabinet is the first of several games that will be unveiled over time as part of this industry-leading, multi-year agreement.

Casino players of Super Bowl Jackpots have the chance to win a $1 million progressive jackpot, where permitted, and experience additional rich gameplay features, including six licensed fan-favorite stadium anthems during key moments in the game.

The additional slot machines in the initial product roster that will debut later this year and into 2024 include Overtime Cash, Super Bowl Link, NFL Kickoff, Winning Drive, and Rings of Victory – each inspired by a unique element of NFL gameplay and featuring customizable team options.

Pick your team now

NFL fans can help kickoff the new slot game by ranking their favorite team on the Aristocrat Gaming website.

Fans enter their favorite team, favorite Aristocrat game, players, and a home, away or throwback jersey style.

The Dallas Cowboys have the most selections currently, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.

NOAA meets with industry to forecast replacement of WP-3D aircraft

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is shopping around to find a replacement for their aging WP-3D aircraft, also known as Hurricane Hunters.

According to a Special Notice document released Friday, the agency is offering an opportunity for interested parties to participate in a site visit at the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) in Lakeland, Fla. During the visit, contractors will view one of the two current Lockheed Martin WP-3D Hurricane Hunter aircraft. NOAA has plans to replace these two aircraft approaching their end of life and operations in 2030.

“While not an exact replacement of the WP-3D, the replacement aircraft will consist of many common systems, features, maintenance techniques, and support infrastructure, scientific and research objectives, weather radar capabilities, as well as many hardpoints modification needs,” NOAA said the Special Notice.

Since NOAA was established in 1970, the agency has operated aircraft to aid in the collection of earth observation data to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; collect data necessary for weather and water forecasts; and help conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

The industry site visits to view one of the aircraft are planned for Aug. 15 and 16.

“Aircraft availability is dependent on operational taskings during the indicated site visit dates,” NOAA said. “The WP-3D aircraft are currently scheduled to be at AOC during these dates indicated herein; however, they remain on standby for emergency taskings from the National Hurricane Center.”

NOAA made clear the site visit is intended for information purposes only, “questions regarding the aircraft will not be answered on-site and shall be submitted in writing.”

Cabo Verde Airlines aims to win back market share with 737 MAX jet

The Boeing Company and Cabo Verde Airlines recently celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX jet with a special event at its home base with officials and employees.

The delivery of the 737 MAX is part of the airline’s new “take-off” rebranding effort. The 737-8 will reconnect the Cape Verdean diaspora and boost tourism for the island nation from Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.

Cabo Verde Airlines CEO and President Sara Pires said the delivery is a significant moment for the airline.

“With the addition of the Boeing 737-8, we continue to expand our fleet to pre-pandemic levels,” Pires said in a Boeing press release. “The delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 737-8 allows us to meet the growing travel demand to our archipelago country at the crossroads of four continents.”

Cabo Verde Airlines connects four continents with non-stop flights from its hubs in Praia and Sal.

The 737 MAX airplane family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

Introduced by Boeing and Cabo Verde Airlines as the first 737 MAX aircraft for the airline, the plane has an interesting past according to an article on Airspace Africa.

Sixth Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft delivered to Saab for Swedish Air Force

Bombardier Defense recently celebrated the sixth delivery of a Global 6000 aircraft to Swedish defense supplier Saab. The aircraft will be transformed by Saab into an Airborne Early Warning and Control platform known as GlobalEye. Once Saab completes the transformation, the aircraft will join the Swedish Air Force.

Bringing together the best of Canadian and Swedish innovation, Saab’s GlobalEye program integrates its renowned radar, command, control, and communication systems into a multi-domain airborne surveillance solution using Bombardier’s Global 6000 aircraft. The highly efficient and agile Global family of aircraft is valued for its ultimate combination of speed, range, and endurance – making it the platform of choice for government defense needs worldwide.

“Our jets are internationally recognized as modern, go-to platforms by some of the world’s largest defense contractors, such as Saab,” said Jean-Christopher Gallagher, executive vice-president, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “The Global aircraft family represents the right-sized solution for multi-mission, surveillance, and VIP transport. Time and time again, it has met customers’ expectations for their most demanding mission needs. The Bombardier team is proud to associate its aircraft with strong partners to create next-generation defense solutions around the world.”

Bombardier Defense announced earlier this year a partnership with General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada to deliver the next-generation Multi-Mission and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft. The foundation for the aircraft will be a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. The proposed platform will meet the requirements published by the Government of Canada for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft program.

Second Gulfstream G800 jet performs a first test flight

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced Monday the company has successfully performed the first test flight of their second G800 aircraft.

The second Gulfstream G800 took off on Saturday, at 9:27 a.m., and flew for 3 hours and 26 minutes reaching a top speed of Mach 0.935.

The second G800 flew out of Gulfstream’s Savannah headquarters on a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel and marks a new phase in the G800’s path to certification and customer deliveries.

Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, said the flight test team continues to make advanced strides forward with the new jet.

“The G800 will bring the industry’s longest range to customers around the world, and we are seeing strong demand for this capability alongside the cabin comfort and quality Gulfstream is known for,” Burns said in a company press release.

The second G800 flight test aircraft is dedicated to environmental control systems, avionics and flight controls and builds on the more than 1,600 test points already accomplished by the first G800 flight test article.

“Thanks to the design philosophy behind our next-generation fleet, the G800 is also benefiting from the excellent progress we continue to make in the Gulfstream G700 flight test program,” Burns said.

The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles/14,816 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.90 and features class-leading fuel efficiency with its combination of the Gulfstream-designed advanced high-speed wing and winglet and all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas or three living areas with a crew compartment.