http://blog.flightstory.net The Aviation Blog Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:39:16 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en You might have noticed that since last week nothing new has been posted here anymore. It's because I was getting ready the all new Flightstory website! :) I'm happy to announce that as of today the Flightstory Aviation Blog has moved to www.flightstory.net! Many new features are waiting for you! It's important ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1621/flightstory-with-new-website/ The Pentagon recently announced, that Boeing has won the $35 billion USAF tanker contract. The contract means Boeing will initially build 179 of its 767-based KC-46A tankers to replace the Air Force KC-135 tankers. Boeing must design, develop, manufacture and deliver the first 18 combat-ready airplanes by 2017. The first tanker ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1619/boeing-wins-usaf-tanker-deal/ Today the first Airbus A380 for Korean Air (MSN035) has been rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg. The aircraft is the first of 10 A380s ordered by the Asian airline. Korean Air will become the sixth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery in the second quarter ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1617/photo-first-korean-air-a380-leaves-paint-shop/ Boeing today unveiled its brand new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental - and man, she's a beauty! "The new 747-8 Intercontinental features the latest in innovative technologies — applying many of the breakthroughs also found on the 787 Dreamliner," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaugh. "We think our ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1613/photos-747-8-intercontinental-unveiled/ As we all know, the guys at Boeing are a bunch of whiners when it comes to topics regarding its rival Airbus. At least since the tanker-fight and the latest WTO dispute they don't pass up the chance to release statements with nothing but hot air and made-up "facts". But ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1611/airbus-strikes-back-with-wto-ad/ On Feb. 2, 2011 Boeing marked an important milestone in the company's history. Boeing celebrated the rollout of the 1000th 767 airplane. The 1,000th airplane is a 767-300ER (extended range) passenger model for ANA (All Nippon Airways) and was the final 767 to complete assembly on the current production line. Final ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1609/rollout-of-1000th-boeing-767/ British newspaper The Guardian is reporting today, that the Chinese stealth fighter Chengdu J-20 may be built using US technology. Balkan military officials said China may have gleaned knowledge from a US F-117 Nighthawk that was shot down over Serbia in 1999. "At the time, our intelligence reports told of Chinese ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1608/chengdu-j-20-uses-us-technology/ Dangerous laser pointer attacks on airplanes may be more common than you think. The FAA today published a list of laser pointer events on aircraft that have been reported in 2010. The list, that only includes incidents within the US, records the huge number of more than 2800 events only ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1606/dangerous-laser-pointer-events-in-2010/ Currently Airbus is developing an alternative that, in near future, could replaces the use of jet engine thrust during ground taxiing with electrical power. The solution is simple: an electric actuator, powered by the aircraft's APU, drives the landing gear’s wheels. Fuel consumption is expected to be five times less than ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1603/airbus-develops-autonomous-aircraft-taxiing/ On Monday Airbus announced its 10,000th order with a firm contract from Virgin America for 60 A320s, including 30 A320neo aircraft. This is the first firm order for the A320 new engine option; therefore Virgin America becomes the launch customer for the A320neo. This formalizes and expands an initial commitment ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1601/airbus-10000th-order/ Boeing today announced a new date for first delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plane maker expects delivery of the first 787 in the third quarter of this year. The new delivery date reflects the impact of an in-flight electrical fire on ZA002 during testing and subsequently modifications to ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1600/boeing-787-dreamliner-new-first-delivery-date/ News agencies are reporting that Iranian authorities will ban flights of Russian-made Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft from February 20. "All Iranian airline companies which have Tupolev-154 in their fleet are required to end operation of their Tupolevs by February 19," the country's civil aviation chief told media. Four Iranian air carriers - Iran ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1598/iran-to-ban-tupolev-tu-154/ The Chengdu J-20, first Chinese 5th generation stealth fighter, today successfully completed its first flight! According to Chineses sources the jet fighter made a 15-minute flight in southwest China’s City of Chengdu. The Chengdu J-20 is a twin-engine multi-role heavy fighter with stealth capability and maneuverability as compared to American F-22 ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1596/video-chengdu-j-20-first-flight/ An Iran Air Boeing 727-286 (EP-IRP) crashed yesterday evening near Urmia (Orumiyeh) Airport (OMH), Iran, killing at least 77 souls on-board. Flight IR277 was bound from Tehran-Mehrabad Airport (THR) to Urmia. The 36 year old plane crashed during an emergency landing in heavy snow storm after the pilots reported technical ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1595/iran-air-boeing-727-crashed-in-northern-iran-video/ Aviation Week is reporting that Chinese aviation enthusiasts have spotted a mysterious jet fighter at Chengdu Airport, China. It's believed that the plane might be the infamous J-20 - the first Chinese stealth fighter, built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC). Judging from the pictures you can't deny big similarities ... http://blog.flightstory.net/1593/spotted-chinas-chengdu-j-20-stealth-fighter/