MIDWEEK UPDATES 29 OCTOBER 2025
Compiled by Willie Bodenstein
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This week in Midweek Updates
Johannesburg Flight Information Region (Faja) temporary restricted airspace G20 Summit.
SAAF's C-130BZ Hercules 409 expected back in service mid-2026.
Royal International Air Tattoo announces theme for next year's event.
Mosaic is Done. Bristell aircraft is Ready.
TCab Tech's E20 eVTOL successfully completes manned flight Test.
Northrop Grumman advances B-21 Raider across test and production.
Gulfstream fleet surpasses 3 million nautical miles flown on sustainable aviation fuel.
U.S. Army orders nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks.
This Week in History - 8 October 1939 - First RAF victory of World War II when a Lockheed Hudson shoots down a Dornier Do 18 over Jutland.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Johannesburg Flight Information Region (Faja) Temporary Restricted Airspace G20 Summit
Validity Period: 21 - 23 November 2025
Hours of Operation: DLY BTN 0600 - 1900
Lateral Limits: Circle radius 20NM centered at 261430.18S 0275849.91E (NASREC Expo Centre). Exclude FAP68, FAP80, FAOR CTA/CTR/TMA and FALA CTR/TMA.
Temporary Restricted Airspace to include FAD182, FAD183, FAD184, FAGC ATZ, and FAGM ATZ
Vertical Limits: GND - FL350
Frequency: As published in the AIP.
Note: Temporary restricted airspace declared and to be activated when required for safety and security purposes during the G20 Summit 2025 Johannesburg. No flights allowed within this airspace except for Emergency Services or Vehicle Track on official callouts. Emergency or Vehicle Track Operators that foresee that they may require to transit through this temporary restricted airspace are to apply, at least 72 hours prior to operations, for a RSA04 Clearance from the SA Air Force Command Post at saafoverflights@gmail.com or +27 66 139 4661. Flight plans without the required RSA04 Clearance Number will be rejected. Local law enforcement and military aircraft are not required to comply with RSA04 application process.
Resticted Airspace Activation and Deactivation will be made by NOTAM when required on the dates indicated. Pilots are required to check for the latest NOTAM prior to take-off.
No aircraft, paraglider or remotely piloted aircraft system may be operated from any airport, airstrip, or position during the period that temporary restricted airspace is active. Only commercial and scheduled flights inbound to, or outbound from FAOR or FALA will be allowed during the period that the restricted airspace is active.
Only military and local law enforcement aircraft will be allowed to operate within this temporarily restricted airspace.
Commercial and scheduled flights inbound to and outbound from FAOR and FALA will be accommodated as per specific ATC instructions. FAOR and FALA traffic are to strictly comply with ATC routing instructions. All Commercial and scheduled Air Traffic inbound to and outbound from FAOR and FALA to remain outside a 5NM radius of NASREC (261430.18S 0275849.91E) while the Temporary Restricted Airspace is active.
All flights (Rotary and Fixed Wing) operating within a 20NM radius around NASREC while the temporary restricted airspace is active are required to file a flight plan. The RSA04 Clearance Number to be indicated on the flight plan. Military and local law enforcement aircraft are exempt from filing a flight plan.
All traffic operating within a 20NM radius around NASREC is to be equipped with a serviceable transponder and to squawk as allocated by the appropriate ATSU or as required (uncontrolled airspace).
All portions of the VFR Routes inside the 20NM radius surrounding NASREC will be closed during the period that the Temporary Restricted Airspace is active.
FAWK/Pinedene VFR Route will be closed during the period that the Temporary Restricted Airspace is active.
No training flights will be allowed for the period that the temporary restricted airspace is active. This is for any airfield (manned or unmanned) within the temporary restricted airspace.
No local flights will be allowed during the period that the temporary restricted airspace is active.
 
SAAF's C-130BZ Hercules 409 Expected Back in Service Mid-2026
www.defenceweb.co.za
An SA Air Force (SAAF) C-130BZ Hercules has the dubious reputation of being - apart from stored aircraft - the “oldest” resident of Marshall Aerospace where it is undergoing a major service and avionics upgrade.
The aircraft, tail number 409, exited its 28 Squadron base at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof in August 2023 bound for the United Kingdom, specifically Cambridge, for what was at the time estimated to be an 18-month maintenance period. The two-year plus stay, according to a UK-based South African military aviation aficionado, makes it the “oldest” still in service aircraft at Marshall. Fifteen stored ex-RAF (Royal Air Force) C-130s have longer residence periods. Apart from the lone SAAF medium lift aircraft, Marshall is currently home to another eight long-serving Hercules, all undergoing maintenance and repair to a greater or lesser degree.
“Expected date of completion [of work] and delivery is around mid-2026,” SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Director Corporate Communication, Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala, said in response to a DefenceWeb inquiry on Friday 10 October. Once back in South Africa the four-engined workhorse, in addition to other new equipment, will have an ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system making it South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) compliant. The aircraft's outdated secondary flight display (SFD) system is also to be upgraded.
The only other 28 Squadron C-130BZ currently flying is 401 “with some operational restrictions” according to the SANDF Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC). Lifting these is “dependent on the availability of required spare parts and once they are acquired, the issue will be addressed internally by 28 Squadron”. 401 was recently seen doing paradrop training around Langebaan, amongst others.
The maintenance and upgrade spend of R1 billion in ring-fenced funding on SAAF medium lift capacity was approved by National Treasury (NT) in the 2023/24 financial reporting period. The money will go to upgrading the remaining six 60-year-old plus Lockheed Martin-built aircraft still in SAAF service. Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo's service originally had nine serviceable C-130s. Two were written off following what are termed “accidents” with another cannibalised for parts.
At the time of 409's departure for Marshall, DefenceWeb correspondent Dean Wingrin reported the next major service and upgrade for a 28 Squadron aircraft would be 405, scheduled for mid-2024. The stated aim at that time was to have one and possibly two C-130BZs operational with maintenance under way on the others.
Marshall Aerospace in the early 2000s worked on the SAAF Hercules fleet under Project Ebb, among others fitting digital avionics, giving the aircraft so-called “glass cockpits”. Marshall Aerospace added a digital autopilot, flight displays, a navigation systems upgrade, communications and self-defence integration and enhancements to the electrical generation system. Three aircraft were upgraded in the UK and the remaining six in South Africa by Denel. Since the completion of these upgrades, in-country maintenance of the fleet has been performed by Denel.
Fully upgrading and maintaining all six remaining C-130s will cost just over R4 billion but it's not clear how or if this will be funded.
According to African Defence Review Director Darren Olivier, there are six SAAF C-130BZs in the fleet that can be made airworthy: 401, 402, 405, 406, 408, and 409. Once 409 returns from the UK, 405 will then be flown to Marshall for its own upgrade and service. 406 is currently being serviced at Denel, and 401, 405, and 406 will be followed at staggered intervals by 402 and 408, both of which need substantial regeneration work which has already been planned for.
“So over the next three to four years, all six aircraft will rotate through major servicing and upgrade, allowing for a peak of four aircraft airworthy at once in 2028/29 or 2029/30, as long as funding remains available. Each service takes months, even at Marshall (which is currently behind schedule on 409), so there's no way to rush this unless you use multiple providers at a much greater expense. As it is, the SAAF has achieved greater capacity by contracting Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge for both the upgrade kit and to use one of their bays to perform a major service and upgrade on two of the C-130s, given that Denel has only a single C-130 servicing bay available,” Olivier explained.
Royal International Air Tattoo Announces Theme for Next Year's Event
Next summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as the Royal International Air Tattoo confirms next year's show theme is 'Fighter Meet'.
Every July, RAF Fairford transforms into a hive of activity as the Royal International Air Tattoo attracts thousands of visitors to the Cotswolds for the aviation showcase. This year, event organisers announced the show had attracted a record crowd of over 178,000 people, following a year that saw ticket sell at a record pace for the third year in a row.
RIAT26 will have an operational theme of 'Fighter Meet' highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year's event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.
Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”
All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event's parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.
In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 - 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow's sustained popularity. In addition, the show's flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages.
Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via AirTattoo.com.
Mosaic is Done. Bristell aircraft is Ready
Bristell anticipated the arrival of MOSAIC and engineered its portfolio to meet - and exceed - the new performance-based standards. Every model has been designed around advanced aerodynamics, pilot comfort, and the highest levels of safety, well before the regulatory framework was finalized.
We proudly presented our full range of Mosaic Ready aircraft, including:
Bristell B23M-912iS, Bristell B23M-915iS, Bristell B23M-916iS, Bristell B8M Mosaic,Bristell RG Mosaic with retractable landing gear and Bristell TDO Mosaic
With higher useful load, advanced avionics, and efficiency-driven powerplants, Bristell delivers aircraft that are MOSAIC Ready today and future-ready.
The key points of the MOSAIC rules:
No more 1,320 lbs weight limits - Light Sport Aircraft eligibility is now performance-based, primarily on stall speed.
Up to 4 seats allowed in LSA airplanes (sport pilots are still limited to carrying one passenger; higher certificate pilots may use all seats).
Retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers are permitted; sport pilots need proper training/endorsements.
Night flight is permitted for sport pilots with training, endorsement, and a valid medical certificate (third-class or BasicMed).
New propulsion options approved, including electric.
Broader use cases - LSAs may be used for limited commercial operations such as banner towing, and aerial photography
Simplified certification - manufacturers can follow FAA-accepted consensus standards instead of a full type certificate, reducing cost and complexity.
Maintenance privileges expanded - privileges for light-sport repairmen are broadened, further lowering ownership and operational costs.
Tcab Tech's E20 Evtol Successfully Completes Manned Flight Test
Recently, TCab Tech has achieved a significant breakthrough in R&D phase with the successful completion of the first manned flight test of E20 eVTOL.The test was carried out by company's Chief Test Pilot, with Founder & CEO Yon Wui NG onboard.
This flight test not only demonstrates the company's confidence in its eVTOL aircraft but also verifies the reliability of the aircraft systems. The company will continue to advance subsequent flight tests and airworthiness certification, aiming to achieve its certification goals according to plan.
“The test flight was in overall very smooth. Sitting inside the cabin, the noise was much lower than a helicopter. It was a proud and exciting moment to ride in an eVTOL developed and manufactured by our own team. I kept filming with my phone throughout; an unforgettable experience,” said Yon, Founder and CEO of TCab Tech, who was happy with the E20's safety, comfort, quietness, and stability.
The success of this manned flight test signifies that TCab Tech continues to maintain a leading position in the global eVTOL sector. Moving forward, TCab Tech remains committed to rigorous R&D and steady progress, striving to deliver a green, efficient, and accessible Chinese solution for global air mobility.
Northrop Grumman Advances B-21 Raider Across Test and Production
The newest B-21 Raider took off from Northrop Grumman's manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. today, and arrived at Edwards Air Force Base after completing a robust test flight. With the arrival of the second flight test aircraft, Northrop Grumman and the Air Force will delve deeper into testing the advanced capabilities of the B-21 - the aircraft that is revolutionizing long range strike for America.
The next phase of flight test moves beyond flight performance and into the weapons and mission systems that make B-21 an unrivaled stealth bomber. An enhanced software package will demonstrate how Northrop Grumman will deliver seamless upgrades to the B-21 fleet, ensuring its mission capability and weapons evolve to outpace any threat.
The flight test expansion complements a robust ground test campaign that includes multiple B-21 aircraft. Engineers have rigorously tested the B-21 to certify it can fly in the most extreme mission conditions and are demonstrating the B-21's durability by simulating lifetimes of flight conditions. These test results continue to consistently outperform digital modelling predictions, reinforcing confidence in the B-21's performance and progress.
Northrop Grumman is preparing the Air Force to operate and maintain the B-21 through its advanced training and sixth-gen fleet management tools. The company is developing comprehensive training capabilities - to include high-fidelity, full-motion simulators, immersive labs and virtual spaces - as part of the Air Force's Formal Training Unit at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Northrop Grumman is creating training content and devices for future pilots, weapons loaders, maintainers and support personnel to operate the world's most advanced aircraft.
Future Air Force maintainers will use the B-21 Fleet Management Tool Northrop Grumman is developing today for the aircraft's sustainment and maintenance activities. Already equipped with flight test and performance data and informed by decades of sustainment experience across a variety of systems, the Fleet Management Tool will keep the B-21 mission ready for the American warfighter.
Coupled with progress across the program and strong performance in ground and flight test, Northrop Grumman is accelerating delivery of the sixth-gen stealth bomber and advancing the future of American air power.
Gulfstream Fleet Surpasses 3 Million Nautical Miles Flown on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced its fleet of corporate; demonstration and support aircraft has surpassed 3 million nautical miles flown on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.
In addition, the Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream G700, Gulfstream G600 and Gulfstream G400 flew to this week's 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas using SAF blends. Those aircraft and a mock-up of the newly announced Gulfstream G300 will be on display during the exhibition.
“Flying more than 3 million nautical miles on SAF blends is a testament to our commitment to sourcing and demonstrating the benefits of SAF,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We have long been at the forefront of sustainability innovations, and this latest milestone further showcases our leadership and efforts to advance business aviation's overarching sustainability goals.”
Gulfstream continues to maintain a strong supply of SAF at its Savannah headquarters and plans to increase its usage by nearly 50% this year compared to last year.
Gulfstream has long been a sustainability leader in business aviation, achieving numerous accomplishments by partnering with fuel developers and engine manufacturers. The company was the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to fly on 100% neat SAF and was also the first OEM to receive National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Sustainable Flight Department Accreditations in all four available categories: flight, operations, ground support and infrastructure. In 2023, Gulfstream made the world's first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% SAF comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA) in both engines, and in 2024, successfully completed ground emissions testing of 100% neat SAF containing zero sulfur.
U.S. Army Orders Nine Boeing Ch-47f Block II Chinooks
The U.S. Army is advancing its heavy-lift modernization efforts by ordering nine Boeing [NYSE: BA] CH-47F Block II Chinooks via two contract awards. The Lot 4 and 5 awards, valued at $461 million, increase the number of CH-47F Block II aircraft under contract to 18.
“The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Army's family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space and Security. “We value our partnership with the Army and the support from Congress as we deliver this modernized capability to the warfighter.”
The awards follow the Army's recent Rapid Fielding production decision. Boeing is working closely with the Army on a path forward for Lot 6.
To date, Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the Army, which are currently undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities.
The CH-47F Block II features significant upgrades, including an improved drivetrain and airframe that increase the maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, significantly increasing lift capability. Additionally, innovative changes to the fuel system extend the mission radius of nearly all payloads. Combined with enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades, the CH-47F Block II will meet the Army's desired goal of flying for at least another 40 years.
8 October 1939
First RAF victory of World War II when a Lockheed Hudson shoots down a Dornier Do 18 over Jutland
On 8 October 1939, a Lockheed Hudson of No. 224 Squadron RAF shot down a German Dornier Do 18 flying boat near Jutland, Denmark, scoring the first aerial victory of the war for a UK-based Royal Air Force aircraft. The pilot was Flight Lieutenant Womersley.
The Hudson, a converted American Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, was a maritime patrol aircraft.
01A While on patrol over the North Sea, Flt Lt Womersley and his crew in Hudson N7217 encountered the Do 18. The Hudson crew opened fire, forcing the German aircraft to land on the sea. After the Do 18 came down, Womersley signalled a nearby Danish vessel, the Teddy, which then rescued the German crew.
This victory is often cited as the RAF's first kill of the war, but it is more specifically the first for an aircraft operating out of the British Isles. Other British air-to-air victories preceded it:
Royal Navy: On September 26, 1939, a Blackburn Skua from HMS Ark Royal shot down a different Dornier Do 18 over the North Sea.
RAF in France: A claim was made by a Fairey Battle crew operating out of France on September 20, 1939, but this claim for a shot-down Messerschmitt Bf 109 has since been questioned by later research.
South Africa, near Danielskuil, Kgatelopele, Northern Cape: A Sud Aviation SE 3130 Alouette II crashed into a mountain near Danielskuil, Kgatelopele, Northern Cape, and caught fire. The three occupants perished and the helicopter was destroyed by fire.
Aruba, Aruba: AA Flight 874, an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX on Tuesday 21 October 2025 departed Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) at approximately 13:42 AST. 11 minutes into the flight, at approximately 19,000 ft AA874 was passing through tropical storm Melissa where it encountered heavy hail. According to a passenger onboard as informed by the flight crew, the hailstones shattered a cockpit windshield. Passengers noticed heavy winds inside the plane for a brief period of time. AA847 descended and returned to AUA after spending an additional 2.5 hrs in the air to burn off fuel to land.
USA, near Oklahoma City, OK: An Oklahoma ANG USAF Air Tractor OA-1K Skyraider II (an Air Tractor AT-802 modified by L3Harris), operated as partnership by the 492nd Special Operations Wing and 137th Special Operations Wing, 185th Special Operations Squadron, callsign "ZORRO75", experienced an engine failure, clipped some power lines, and made a forced landing in a field near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, having narrowly missed vehicle on an adjacent highway. Both occupants were uninjured and the aircraft received substantial damage.
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