Aerospace

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Nose Gear Collapse Incident At Kadena Air Base

The U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth aircraft was damaged today at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan

The U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth aircraft was damaged today at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, as a result of a nose-gear collapse. The short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) plane was being towed when the incident occurred; having just returned to the base for a precautionary landing. The aircraft is based at the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan.

Turkish Airlines 737 evacuated after landing gear fire(Opens in a new browser tab)

Video of today's incident with the F-35 fighter jet of the 121st squadron of the #USMC at the Kadena Air Force Base on the #Japanese island of #Okinawa
When towing the aircraft, the front landing gear dropped.pic.twitter.com/xIkJZYxXns
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Military News (@IndoPac_Info) December 1, 2022
Advertisement

After the F-35B had touched down and was being towed back to the flight line at around 1:40 PM local time, the Incident happened. A video shows the aeroplane being towed while unusually banging up and down. After that, the nose gear oleo then gives way and the aircraft ends up sitting on its nose on the taxiway. No injuries were reported to any of those involved and the jet was soon surrounded by firefighting and other emergency vehicles.

Shocking : Boeing 747 Dreamlifter Loses Wheel Departing Taranto, Italy(Opens in a new browser tab)

The “Green Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) were flying a jet, and Maj. Rob Martins, a spokesperson for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, indicated in a release that the pilot had to return to base due to a suspected electrical issue.

“The pilot did as instructed and picked the safest alternative, safely landing the aircraft in accordance with standard procedures… Our aviators take tremendous steps to protect the safety of the aircrew and the surrounding areas, and operating our aircraft safely and successfully is a high concern.” The F-35B was on a routine training mission using local ranges at the time of the incident.

Source:

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.