Airscoop.

Navy UCAS Rolls Out

Northrop Grumman unveiled the first X-47B Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (background photo) on 18 December 2008. This is the first of two aircraft the contractor will produce for the Navy to demonstrate unmanned combat aircraft operations from a carrier. The first flight is scheduled for fall 2009, with carrier demonstration and sea trials planned for 2011.

P-8A Homebasing Decided

On 2 January the Navy announced it will locate five P-8A Poseidon squadrons and a fleet replacement squadron at NAS Jacksonville, Fla; four squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash; and three squadrons at MCB Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The squadrons will conduct periodic detachments to NAS North Island. Calif. Fleet introduction is expected to begin by 2012.

Navy Taps Mayport for CVN

On 14 January the Navy signed a record of decision to homebase a nuclear powered aircraft carrier at NS Mayport, Fla. To support the carrier, the Navy will dredge the area, improve the station's wharf, and construct nuclear propulsion plant maintenance facilities.

For the Record

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye completed its first operational assessment on 28 October 2008, with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School conducting 10 flights over a four-week period.

The Boeing Co. received a $136.1 million contract for two additional C-40A Clippers, to be delivered in FY 2011. The Navy currently has three C-40As at NASJRB Fort Worth, Tex.; three at NAS North Island, Calif.; and three at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.

Northrop Grumman Corp. received a $374 million contract for construction preparation of CVN 79, the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford class.

Mishaps

On 29 December 2008 an AV-8B Harrier II of VMAT-203 crashed near MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., killing the pilot.

An F/A-18D Hornet of VMFAT-101 crashed on final approach to MCAS Miramar, Calif., on 8 December 2008. The pilot ejected safely, but there were civilian casualties.

On 17 November 2008 an EA-18G Growler of VX-9 suffered Class A damage from a fire in the left engine while flying near Nellis AFB, Nev.