F-35B Successfully Completes Wet Runway and Crosswind Testing.

The F-35B Lightning II has successfully completed a critical phase in its test flying programme at Edwards AFB. 

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 30, 2014 – In an important program milestone enabling U.S. Marines Corps Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification, the Lockheed Martin F-35B recently completed required wet runway and crosswind testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“This testing is absolutely critical to 2B flight software fleet release and the Marine Corps’ IOC,” said J.D. McFarlan, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for F-35 Test & Verification. “Collectively, the results support clearing the 20 knot crosswind envelope for Conventional Take Off & Landings (CTOL), Short Take Offs (STO) and Short Landings (SL), with ideal handling quality ratings and meaningful improvement over legacy 4th generation fighter aircraft.”

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/07/30/aviation-news-f-35b-successfully-completes-wet-runway-and-crosswind-testing/

Airshow Review – RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2014.

Despite numerous cancellations, RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2014 presented a solid flying display that showcased the Royal Navy’s role in the British Armed Forces alongside a raft of supporting acts from the UK and Europe. Elliott Marsh was there for GAR.

With participation from nine nations and 11 air arms, RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2014 (VLAD 2014) certainly lived up to its name, demonstrating the home team’s Royal Navy assets as well as a smattering of foreign military and civilian participants. Undoubtedly, the event was successful – a large crowd turned out on a hot and largely sunny summer’s day to enjoy around six hours of flying – but equally, it was hit by a number of cancellations and the flying display itself was a very standard affair for what is ostensibly a modern military airshow.

For more details, follow the link.

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/07/31/airshow-review-rnas-yeovilton-air-day-2014/

The Shuttleworth Collection’s de Havilland DH.88 Comet (G-ACSS) returns to flight.

On Friday, 1 August 2014, The Shuttleworth Collection’s de Havilland DH.88 Comet (G-ACSS) test flew at its Old Warden base for the first time in almost 12 years, marking the return to flight of this much-missed classic racer. Elliott Marsh writes for GAR.

Designed, built and flown by de Havilland in just nine months in 1934 exclusively to participate in the Sir MacPherson Robertson England to Australia air race, the Comet was a racing thoroughbred, powered to a maximum speed of 237mph by its two 6-cylinder de Havilland Gipsy engines. The Comet presents a striking profile: a slender 29ft wooden and spruce plywood fuselage conceals the aircraft’s main fuel tanks in the nose, and its smooth lines and graceful 44ft wingspan give it timeless art deco good looks.

For more on this story follow the link.

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/08/01/aviation-news-the-shuttleworth-collections-de-havilland-dh-88-comet-g-acss-returns-to-flight/

RNHF Sea Fury T.20 Crash Landing - Culdrose Air Day 2014

Currently operated by the Royal Navy Historic Flight based at Yeovilton, the only UK fly worthy Sea Fury suffers a serious failure mid way through it's display at the Culdrose 2014 Air Day & crash lands. Happily, Chris Gotke is able to walk away unscathed after expertly bringing the craft back down with dire problems to hydraulics, undercarriage systems etc.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/BREAKING-NEWS-Plane-crashes-near-end-RNAS/story-22046371-detail/story.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-28594569
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2712450/Moment-historic-Royal-Navy-fighter-plane-crash-landed-thousands-airshow-spectators-suffering-mechanical-problems.html

Final product photos, HA2314, 30 Sqn. RAAF Beaufighter Mk.IC.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA2314, Bristol Beaufighter Mk.IC A19-5, "F" of No. 30 Sqn., RAAF Port Moresby, March 1943.

Beaufighter Mk.IC msn T4924 was built by the Fairey Aviation Co. in Stockton, UK and delivered to the RAAF on April 20, 1942. It was assigned A19-5 and arrived at 30 Squadron on June 15, 1942 with the code F. 30 Squadron was established as a long-range fighter squadron attacking Japanese shipping and coastal bases. 

In March 1943, 30 Squadron took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea where heavy losses were inflicted on the Japanese. After incurring various types of damage and repairs over two years the aircraft came to a tragic end on December 13, 1944.