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The VC10’s key design features…and the reasons it failed
Vickers built the VC10 to BOAC’s very specific requirements for certain routes and while it met those goals, these strengths were its weaknesses in being too niche to have wider appeal to airlines like the Boeing 707 achieved. The February 10, 1961 edition of ‘The Aeroplane and Astronautics’ assessed the design features of this new jetliner
E-3 Sentry versus E-7 Wedgetail
The US Air Force has recently announced the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail as a replacement for the venerable Boeing E-3 Sentry. Combat Aircraft Journal compares the two aircraft
Captivating colour photos of VC10 route-proving flights
More than half a century ago, BOAC was offering a select group of invited guests from the industry, politics and the news media on Vickers VC10 route-proving flights ahead of its entry into service. Bruce Hales-Dutton speaks to a few of those involved in making the marathon operation happen in a report that is illustrated with stunning colour photos
Airbus lands first Central Asian A350F order
A purchase agreement was inked yesterday (June 28) for the Airbus A350F by an operator based in Azerbaijan – a first such order for the type from the Central Asia and CIS region
Southend Vulcan to go ‘under cover’
Avro Vulcan B.2 XL426, maintained in ground running condition at London Southend Airport by the Vulcan Restoration Trust (VRT), is to be returned to the airport’s Hangar 6 later this summer.
Why flying a Hawker Hurricane is a "spine-tingling" experience
As a Hawker Hurricane superfan, Darren Harbar never thought he’d achieve his ultimate ambition of flying in the famous fighter, let alone in formation with another. That lifetime ambition has now been achieved thanks to a new proposition from Hurricane Heritage
Gulf War VC10s in Operations Granby and Desert Storm
Stephen Skinner details British VC10 involvement, as both a tanker and transport platform, in Operations Granby and Desert Storm
In-Flight Interview: Commander of Belgium's new A400M Squadron
Less than two years after receiving its first Airbus A400M, CT-01 in October 2020, 20 Squadron of the 15 Wing, Belgian Air Force, received its penultimate aircraft, CT-07 on May 11 2022. Maj Steven Vandervorst explains from CT-07's flightdeck what the unit has been up to since taking delivery of the A400M from Airbus.
ILA Berlin 2022: Germany turns to US in quest to modernise military aviation
Germany’s biennial showcase aerospace event, the Innovation and Leadership in Aerospace (ILA) Berlin Airshow, took place at Schönefeld Airfield from June 22-26. The event regards itself as the European air and trade show during the Farnborough year, but ILA Berlin 2022 – played out against the backdrop of the Ukraine War – was predominately about Germany
US Army awards $2.28bn multi-year Black Hawk contract to Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft has been awarded a multi-year contract by the US Army - worth $2,278,598,185 - for the acquisition of up to 255 H-60M Black Hawks
Chipmunk for Microsoft Flight Simulator Ready for Take-Off
Aeroplane Heaven has announced the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available.
Canada’s Fairey Firefly returns to the air
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Fairey Firefly AS.6 WH632 made its first flight in around eight years on June 24.
Romania approves purchase of second-hand F-16s from Norway
The Romanian government has approved the draft law to purchase 32 second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM (MLU) Fighting Falcons from Norway, with plans to operate the multi-role fighters – which were recently retired from Royal Norwegian Air Force service – for at least ten years
Heathrow told to reduce passenger charges by CAA
The war of words between the UK’s air regulator and the operator of Heathrow has intensified today as it told the airport it would recommend a cut to its passenger charges.
Operation Pedestal: the incredible mission to resupply Malta
With 2022 marking the 80th anniversary of Operation Pedestal, Joseph Galea Debono details the incredible operation to resupply the Mediterranean island of Malta
"A pilot's aeroplane": BEA captain on flying the VC10
Captain R E Gillman, a senior BEA captain and senior flight training captain on its Vanguard fleet provides his assessment of flying the Vickers VC10 during its airworthiness handling trials in an article originally published in 1964
Qantas returns to continental Europe
Boeing 787-9s from the Australian flag carrier have touched down in mainland Europe
The inside story of BOAC’s VC10 proving flights
The March 26, 1964, issue of ‘The Aeroplane and Commercial Aviation News’ provided an insight into the proving flights undertaken by the VC10
Anatolian Phoenix: Turkey's helicopter multinational exercise
Combat Aircraft Journal visits Konya Air Base in Turkey to report on the rotary-wing focused multinational exercise Anatolian Phoenix
BREAKING: Lufthansa is bringing back the Airbus A380
In the latest revival of fortunes for the super jumbo, Lufthansa has confirmed it will return the A380 to service.
New Hawaiian destination for X-Plane
Northern Sky Studio has announced Lanai Airport for X-Plane 11 is now available.
The Monday Military Aviation Quiz 99
Welcome to the 99th Monday Military Aviation Quiz! How well do you know your modern military aircraft? Test your aircraft recognition skills here
10 Sqn VC10s – commanding officer insights
The RAF’s air transport fleet of VC10 C.1s became dual-purpose tankers in the 1990s, adding aerial refuelling to the roles of 10 Sqn. Dr Kevin Wright talks with Gp Capt Tony Gunby (ret’d) about his tour as the squadron’s commanding officer
Phuket International Airport Released
Orbx has announced VTSP Phuket International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available.
The complete story of the Vickers VC10
Gerry Sweet takes a nostalgic look at the Vickers VC10, the last long-haul airliner built solely by the British aircraft industry, as the type celebrates the 60th anniversary of its maiden flight.
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