Boeing Delivers 1st Fleet EA-18G Growler

Boeing delivered the first fleet EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft to the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 on Tuesday at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., ahead of schedule and within budget.
Boeing previously delivered five EA-18G aircraft to the Navy’s flight test community.

1st Fleet EA-18G Growler

A derivative of the combat-proven, two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G’s highly flexible design enables warfighters to perform an array of AEA missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based fields. The EA-18G integrates the capabilities of the most advanced AEA system with the advanced weapons, sensors and communications systems found on the Super Hornet.

The Navy selected the EA-18G to replace its current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, that has been in service since 1971. Boeing received the EA-18G System Development and Demonstration phase contract in December 2003 and delivered the first EA-18G Growler to the Navy in September 2006. The aircraft is scheduled to enter Operational Evaluation in September. The Navy program of record calls for 85 EA-18G aircraft.

Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The Hornet Industry Team includes Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon. The System Development and Demonstration program concludes with an Initial Operational Capability in 2009. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
The VAQ 129 Vikings serve as the Fleet Readiness Squadron at NAS Whidbey Island, which is home port for all airborne electronic attack aircraft in the Navy’s arsenal. The Vikings began flying the EA-6B Prowler in 1971, and will receive the first five fleet EA-18Gs.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing

Air One orders A350s and A330s

Air One, the fast-growing Italian airline, has signed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A350-800s, plus 12 options, and 12 A330-200s, plus eight options. The Rome based airline, the second largest in Italy, will use these aircraft to develop a comprehensive long-haul route network, which will complement Air One’s extensive domestic and European operations. With this contract, Air One now has a total of 24 widebody aircraft on order with Airbus (plus 20 options), as well a global agreement for 90 A320 aircraft of which 65 A320s are firm orders and the remaining 25 are to be gradually firmed up.

Air One’s newly ordered A330s will offer a comfortable two-class cabin layout for 253 passengers. The A350-800, the most eco-efficient next generation aircraft, will equally have a two-class cabin for up to 287 passengers.

Carlo Toto, President of Air One, said: “The purchase of 24 Airbus wide-body long range aircraft is a key element in our company’s growth strategy, with a view to achieving major developments in the intercontinental market over the next few years. The A330s will give us the best economics and passenger comfort in the medium term, with the A350 providing us with the most efficient and modern aircraft family at the next stage of our growth plans. In addition, the commonality of those long range aircraft with our growing A320 fleet in operation brings important savings and benefits.”

Source: Airbus

Safety Report – 06/02/2008


Date & Time: 05/31/2008 12:43
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft Type: Boeing 747-4FTF/SCD Registration: B-2476
Operator: Air China Cargo Flight: 1057
Phase: Standing
Damage: Minor
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: While standing, a service equipment vehicle struck the right wingtip

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.