Latest from Key.Aero
Explore the latest news and features by our world-class aviation journalists. Stay up to date on the latest military aviation developments, commercial airline news, historic restoration projects, flight simulation releases and much more.
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Historic
How Lancasters unknowingly led the way on D-Day
As the bombs rained down from Lancaster ‘J-Jig’ just before midnight on June 5, 1944, Patrick Otter recounted in the June 2014 issue of FlyPast how the crew had no idea they were unleashing the opening salvo of D-Day.
The ‘other’ Lancaster Dams raids you might not have heard of
In a 2022 special publication on the Lancaster, Andy Thomas explains that as well as the famous 617 Squadron raid, other German dams were in Bomber Command’s sights
How the Lancaster became the first British aircraft to fly around the world
A Lancaster called ‘Aries’ was the first British aircraft to fly around the world and later became a pioneer of polar flying. In a 2022 special publication on the Lancaster, Graham Pitchfork described its remarkable achievements
Another award for Waterbird team
Vintage Aircraft Club accolade adds to Lakes Flying Company’s list of gongs
Military
First nine Croatian Mi-8 Hip helicopters head to Ukraine
With no official announcement or ceremony, nine ex-Croatian Air Force Mi-8 Hip tactical transport helicopters departed Zagreb Franjo Tudjman Airport at approximately 0600hrs (local time) on May 5, with various social media channels noting that the rotorcraft were heading to an unknown destination ahead of their final delivery to Ukraine
The Dambusters Today
Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, 617 Squadron will remain as the UK’s frontline F-35B Lightning unit until 809 Naval Air Squadron stands up later this year. Officer Commanding 617 Sqn, Wing Commander Stew Campbell has a unique perspective on the 80th anniversary year, having been involved in the 70th anniversary commemorations in 2013.
Is the US starting to catch China and Russia in the hypersonic missile race?
Three years after the Pentagon confirmed that China had deployed its first operational hypersonic land-attack missile to its frontline forces, the US military is finally beginning to catch up with its rivals in the race to develop munitions capable of traveling five times the speed of sound, as David Axe reports
Commercial
Delta Air Lines firms more Airbus A220s
On day two of the Farnborough Airshow, Delta Air Lines firmed up more orders for the highly popular Airbus A220.
ANA cements MAX order, selects 777-8F
There was cause for double celebration at Boeing on day 1 of the Farnborough Airshow after Japanese-based ANA HOLDINGS confirmed its order for the 737 MAX, as well as selecting the 777-8F.
Boeing wins huge MAX buy from long-time Airbus buyer
The carrier has ordered 100 737 MAX jets with options for a further 30
De Havilland Canada outlines Dash 8-400 freighter trio
Announcement includes Package freighter, quick change and dedicated freighter options
EASA STC approval for IAI’s 737-800SF
Narrowbody passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions in Europe are set for a boost after Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) revealed its Boeing 737-800SF has received a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) supplemental type certificate (STC).
Flight Simulation
Baltimore-Washington for Microsoft Flight Simulator
The latest US destination from LatinVFR is Baltimore-Washington International Airport (KBWI) for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition released
Microsoft has released the 40th Anniversary Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator, adding realistic helicopters, gliders, a true-to-life Airbus A310-300 and seven iconic historic aircraft.
Navigraph Charts 8 released
Navigraph Charts 8 adds several new features, including worldwide VFR charts, drag-and-drop route construction, seamless zoom down to gate level and 3D globe projection.
