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Islander Jock
13th Feb 2003, 02:27
From Melbourne Age 13/2/2003

"In a refreshing reversal of the trade imbalance, an Australian aircraft manufacturer has secured a multimillion-dollar deal to supply spy planes to the US Air Force for domestic counter-terrorism duties.

Undr the three-year deal, announced at the Australian International Airshow yesterdsay, Gippsland Aeronautics will supply planes it designed and builds to the US Civil Air Patrol, part of the US Air Force Auxiliary."

The article goes on to say.

"The American deal, for an unspecified number of planes, is likely to double production at the Traralgon factory. At present it produces an Airvan a fortnight.

In another innovation, the Airvan will have airbags in seatbelts - a first for light aircraft. The US-invented airbag inflates on impact increasing the crew's chance of surviving a crash"

High Altitude
13th Feb 2003, 03:48
:ODidn't think airbags were required in low speed impacts :D

Dave Incognito
13th Feb 2003, 07:51
A very possible story appearing soon after the delivery of the new Airvans:

“In related news, the USAF are now adding pain killers to the list of drugs being administering to their pilots. This came in response to numerous pilots suffering from an alarming medical condition now commonly referred to as “Chronic Airvan Ar5e Syndrome”.

;) :p

Double Asymmetric
13th Feb 2003, 10:40
Spyplane? PERRR-LEASSSSSSSSEE.....

Somebody should change hands me thinks.

Islander Jock
13th Feb 2003, 10:52
Somebody should change hands me thinks.

Agreed Double Asymetric - perhaps The Age journo? But then again, when do they report anything accurately or make an informed comment?

On the other hand though, it has to be good news for Gippsland Aeronautics. Well done!

giddy up
15th Feb 2003, 03:58
You can't hide it Dave..........We all know that deep down, you love that plane, and would be lost without it!!!

:p :p