This day in: 1969, 1970, 1979, 1980, 1981 & 1982

23 Jul 2010

23 July 1969 Aermacchi and BAC signed a memorandum of agreement to initiate detailed study for the development of a basic and an advanced jet trainer. 23 July 1970 Boeing was awarded an initial contract by the USAF to develop an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, based on the airframe of the 707 airliner. 23 July 1979 The UK Secretary of Trade for Industry stated that the government planned to sell about half of the shares of British Aerospace to public investors. 23 July 1980 The Aerospatiale AS.366G Dauphin helicopter made its first flight. It would later enter service with the US Coast Guard as the HH-65A Dolphin. 23 July 1981 A new altitude record for helicopters in the FAI sub-class E-1-d was set by an Agusta A109A, piloted by Charles Praether at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 6096 m (20 000 ft) record was later ratified by the FAI. 23 July 1982 Under a massive defence programme covering 5 years, Japan intended to modernise its armed forces. This included the purchase of over 500 new aircraft.

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