Japan`s defence ministry has taken delivery of Kawasaki Heavy Industries` prototype XP-1 maritime patrol aircraft for a long-term programme of test and evaluation activities. Flown for the first time in 2007, the demonstrator has completed an initial 11-month phase of testing by its prime contractor, which expects to build 70 production P-1s to replace Japan`s KHI/Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions.  

Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator Sikorsky’s futuristic X2 high-speed helicopter technology demonstrator made its first flight today in Horseheads, N.Y., in the hands of chief test pilot Kevin L. Bredenbeck. The single-engined fly-by-wire aircraft features coaxial rotors and a pusher propeller that Sikorsky believes will revolutionize the helicopter world with cruise speeds of up to 250 kts, some 100 kts faster than current production helicopters.  

Angola Angosat Satellite The Angolan government has formalized a project to produce, launch and operate an Angolan satellite dubbed "Angosat". The project also includes the creation of human resources and relevant infrastructures. The Angolan government has approved the contracts for the building, placing in orbit and operation of the "Angosat" satellite signed between Angola`s Ministry of Postal and Telecommunication and the Russian consortium "Rosoboronexport".  

Business-jet Lineage 1000: Masterpiece of Comfort Embraer (Brazil) and Royal Jet, representing the Al Habtoor Group conglomerate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have signed a contract to purchase one Lineage 1000 executive jet, which will be operated for private use. The Lineage 1000 offers an innovative cabin design with best-in-class materials and a wide variety of interior options.  

Airbus Military Transport Plane A400M At an elaborate unveiling ceremony in Spain, Airbus held a public viewing of the A400M, its multi-purpose military transport plane that it hopes will replace the aging workhorses of many militaries across the world. At the same time, however, the company announced the airplane still faces six-to-12 month delays in deliveries caused by problems encountered in engine production.