It's that time again

So its that time of year that every AvNerd loves. We're in for an interesting few months leading up to the end of the year.

None of these have confirmed dates yet, but here's what's coming up:

September:

The postponed first flight of EMD-2, the first true KC-46 has been slipped into September.

The event everyone has been holding their breath on, the bomber selection should take place around mid-September. Best guess based on events coming up put it around the 18th.

October:

The Mitsubishi MRJ will make its first flight in October. Afterwards a group of test aircraft will fly to various locations in the US to begin their certification process. Locations include Moses Lake, Washington and Eglin AFB, Florida.


End of the year:

After a delay from a planned flight in March, due to an ECU software problem, the Japanese ATD-X, indigenous stealth fighter is scheduled to fly before the end of 2015.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Looks like a busy month ahead for you Zaphod!

Are you looking forward to it?

a reply to: Zaphod58

With any luck, hopefully I will be witness to two of these events.

a reply to: TrueBrit

Oh god yes. I'm planning to head to the bomber unveil or first flight if they're different days. And to the Pacific Northwest at some point to catch the MRJ.

a reply to: Zaphod58

I assume it would be superfluous then, to remind you to take a photograph or two of anything you clap eyes on which might be of interest?

Your enthusiasm is always so infectious!

a reply to: TrueBrit

I'm thinking of doing a puzzle with the bomber pictures and torturing the forum with it. Haha

a reply to: Zaphod58

do an advent calendar of random parts. wheel strut one day. piece of tail second day and so on.

it seems cruel but look at it this way. the members here will pour over each pic so thoroughly that by tge tine the whole pic is revealed the average aviation forum member will be citing manufacturing parts for every single component they'll know the plane so well. the usual folks will probably know more about the aircraft than 99% of the websites out there. the thread coukd be like the go to source on the internet for enthusiasts of the bomber. meanwhile zaph can look on like a proud papa as all of his students recite facts about the plane as if they service her themselves.

can we call you sensei zaph yet?

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: TrueBrit

I'm thinking of doing a puzzle with the bomber pictures and torturing the forum with it. Haha

You're very cruel. Do you know that? All joking aside, I can't wait to see the pics.

a reply to: Zaphod58

so evil.

a reply to: grey580

a reply to: Skid Mark

You guys say the nicest things.

a reply to: grey580

that's exactly how I picture zaph looks!



see told you no facial hair at all.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Going to be a fun few months. I for one will be there with bells on for the show.

Well, they need to get on with it already!

Sounds like a yabba-dabba-doo time. Have fun buddy!

a reply to: SonofaSkunk

We're betting on the 18th for the bomber.

a reply to: Zaphod58

How much do you think we will see at first? Will they show us pics of the dev model?

a reply to: Bfirez

They're talking about releasing more information once the budget passes. They just can't decide what and how much.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Is it weird that we supposedly know so much already? Haven't previous airframes been kept under wraps for years with no anouncements or confirmations. Does this mean it has been flying for years?

a reply to: Bfirez

We really don't though. We know some but not really hard details about what it can do.

It hasn't been flying for years, but more than people think.

Can we expect a leap this time in term of engine or airframe with the LRS-B Platform ? beacuse since the F-22 there is no real leap in stealth or engine technology the F-35 stay us hungry. When I was Young I stay with great yes watching the F-117 on the tv with Gulf War I will enjoy have the same now with the new bomber.