New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
RUAG approved by EASA as Do228NG manufacturer
RUAG Aerospace Services in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, reports that at the end of January 2010 it received official approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as production organisation of the Dornier 228NG (New Generation).
With this approval all requirements are met to produce and deliver the first customer aircraft later this year. The new Do 228NG differs from its predecessor by having an up-to-date glass cockpit and a quieter and more efficient 5-blade propeller. In addition, it retains flight characteristics such as short-take-off capability, high payload and long range, as well as its capability to take off from and land on unpaved runways with limited ground support services.
During the Singapore Air Show, a deal was signed with charter operator Norwegian Lufttransport AS for one Do 228NG which will be used for passenger and cargo transport on unpaved airfields in Norway.
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