World
Aviation in 1993
27 January
Boeing and Airbus Industrie launch a development
programme for a 'Super Jumbo', capable of carrying up to
800 passengers.
10 February
Taiwan unveils its new fighter, the IDF, designed for the
Republic of China Air Force with assistance from General
Dynamics. The IDF first flew in 1989 and is now ready to
go into full production.
12 March
General Dynamics' Military Aircraft Division is acquired
by Lockheed in a $1.525 billion deal, which includes the
highly successful F16 fighter.
31 March
The two Australian Government-controlled airlines, Qantas
and Australian Airlines, are merged. They will continue
under the Qantas name.
8 June
The first SAAB Gripen is handed over to the Swedish Air
Force. This supersonic, multi-role combat aircraft can
take-off from short runways and has a rapid rate of
climb.
26 July
The 1,000th Boeing 747 comes off the production line 26
years after the first 747 was built.
27 September
James 'Jimmy' Doolittle, famous American record-breaking
pilot and United States Air Force General, dies aged 96.
16 November
Italy decides to lease 24 Panavia Tornado F3s from the
Royal Air Force (RAF). They will be replaced by
Eurofighters after 10 years.
17 December
The first B2 Stealth bomber is delivered to the United
States Air Force (USAF). |