The Kamov Ka-60 Kasatka multirole utility helicopter made its first flight from Kamov's Lyubertsy works on 24 December, 1998. The helicopter, which has a design payload of 2,500kg, was built to a requirement from the Russian army for a light utility design capable of training, medevac, paradrop and supply roles. The current funding crisis has prevented the army from ordering the twin-turbine machine. A civil version, the Ka-62, is also being developed.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
