Photographic images that marked 2007 through the lens of world-renowned press photographers are presented in the world’s biggest international press photography exhibition, World Press Photo 2008, hosted at Athens International Airport from 6 May until 2 June, 2008. The exhibition shows all the winners of the 51st edition of the biggest competition in press photography: World Press Photo. The exhibition, which will visit over 100 locations all around the world, displays 156 photographs honoured as the best photographic reports of 2007 by the international jury of World Press Photo. The award-winning press photos were distinguished among 80,536 photographs of 5,019 press photographers from 125 countries, in 10 different categories: Spot News, General News, People in the News, Sports Action, Sports Features, Contemporary Issues, Daily Life, Portraits, Arts and Entertainment and Nature.

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Operating under a United Nations mandate the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana or AMI) are working with a coalition force of seven countries to resolve a crisis between the neighbouring countries of Carbonium and Esmeralda. It’s the annual Spring Flag (SF08) exercise and this is the scenario for which the AMI started planning, almost as soon as the dust had settled in Sardinia following last years Spring Flag (SF07) held in May 2007. Organised by the Air Force Operational Command (COFA) in Poggio Renatico (Ferrara), the aim of the AMI’s main training exercise is to test and prove its capabilities to plan and deploy a large ‘expeditionary’ force for peace support. On April 1, 2008 the Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) was activated at Poggio Renatico, in place of COFA to control the exercise. A Deployable Combined Air Operations Centre (DCAOC) was also assembled in Bari. During the first week of the three week exercise a ‘Coalition Force’ arrived at a Deployable Operating Base (DOB) at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia (named Carbonium for the exercise). With almost 2,000 people and their equipment to be put into place this is no easy matter. With all the aircraft in position at their various operating bases by the end of the first week, air crew are given a briefing to make sure everyone is aware of the capabilities of the aircraft and systems.

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The Allied Command Operations (ACO) Tactical Leadership Program (TLP) has been designed to improve the tactical capabilities of the member nations. TLP members originally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1978 with an aim to develop tactics, techniques and procedures to enhance multi-national air operations. Colonel J Steyaert Commandant TLP (Belgian Air Force) the new Commandant TLP from January 2, 2008 at Kinloss said; “TLP is a unique organisation in the world. We try to prepare aircrew for coalition warfare. Pilots have to deal with tactical problems, taking into account the capabilities of all the other nations”. Lt Col Paul T. Matier, Chief of the Flying Branch (TLP) explained that planning is paramount. A scheduling meeting is held every August with MOU and non-MOU nations, to decide who takes part in the following year’s six courses. “We try to balance each class with a mix of aircraft with air-to-ground, air-to-air, Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) and reconnaissance capabilities with the ‘Red Air’ fighters”.

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In a streamlined interface and workflow, Fluid Mask 3 instantly shows key edges in the image and provides comprehensive easy to use tools that work with difficult-to-see edges and tricky areas. Fluid Mask 3 is the professionals’ choice. Fluid Mask 2 established itself as the market leader in still image cutting-out – Fluid Mask 3 takes masking to the next level. Quick to pick up and intuitive to use, Fluid Mask 3 gets professional results fast.

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Based at RAF Mildenhall, in the UK, the 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) with its 250 personnel, as part of the 352nd Special Operations Group (SOG) was officially deactivated on October 9, 2007. The 21st SOS, known as the ‘Dust Devils’, flew the Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter until the last flight from their home base on September 13. All five Pave Lows in the fleet took the air for the final flight, which included aerial refuelling with their 67th SOS stable mates flying a MC-130P Combat Shadow. Up until deactivation, the 21st SOS were the USAF Special Operations European Command’s only vertical lift unit, their tasks are to be taken over by the US Army. Held on continuous stand-by they can be tasked at a moments notice with a broad range of operations, from Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) to humanitarian relief. For most of the year they will find themselves on Special Operations duties away from Mildenhall.

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101 Squadron celebrated its 90th birthday on July 12, 2007. To commemorate the event a special 90th anniversary paint scheme, sponsored by BAe Systems, was applied to the tail of its aerial refueling tanker VC-10 C.1K serial ‘XV105’. Formed at South Farnborough in 1917, 101 Squadron immediately saw action flying FE.2’s to bomb at night on the western front over Ypres and the Somme. During World War II they were part of Bomber Command flying the Blenheim, Wellington and finally the Lancaster. Carry on their bombing role at 101 Squadron became the RAF’s first jet bomber squadron at Binbrook when it received the Canberra in 1951, replacing the Lincoln. Action was seen at Malaya and Suez before operating the Vulcan at Finningley and later Waddington. Perpetuating involvement in bombing in every major war, the Vulcan’s of 101 Squadron flew the famous ‘Black Buck’ missions on the Falkland Islands in 1982. In 1984 the Squadron were given the Air to Air Refuelling (AAR) role with the VC-10, eventually flying missions over Kosovo in both Gulf Wars.

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Paris, France – October 1, 2007 – DxO Labs today announced DxO Optics Pro v5, the latest version of its award-winning flagship software application for automatic image quality enhancement for Digital SLR camera users. Due to be released later in the fall, DxO Optics Pro v5 sets a new standard for image quality with its new RAW conversion engine. All purchasers of DxO Optics Pro v4.5 on or after August 1st, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5. DxO Optics Pro v5 RAW conversion engine delivers exceptional quality especially for lowlight images. Fully rewritten, version 5 also adds dust/blemish removal, improved user interface, increased speed and expanded camera support.

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Geilenkirchen in Germany is the Main Operating Base (MOB) for the NATO E-3A Component and in June 2007 celebrated 25 years of supporting NATO operations. The first aircraft arrived at MOB Geilenkirchen on February 24, 1982, but it was not until June 28, that NATO took operational control of the base. Today a fleet of 17 Boeing E-3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft and three Boeing 707TCA (Training and Cargo Aircraft) comprise the NATO E-3A Component. dditional forward operating locations have since been setup. The first Forward Operating Base (FOB) to be activated was in October 1983 at Konya in Turkey, the second followed a month later at Oerland in Norway. By January 1986 Trapani in Italy was in operation with Aktion in Greece following in March 1986. Combined with the seven RAF E-3D’s based at RAF Waddington, both components report to NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control (NAEW&C) force headquarters, located at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) at Mons in Belgium.

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On Wednesday 17 October, teams from Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Holland, France and Italy took part in the international search and rescue meeting as SAR helicopters had to show their ability during different exercises on the beach of Koksijde, Belgium.

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Plug-In Suite 3 combines 4 essential Photoshop plug-ins that save you time and money so you can get back to shooting. Plug-In Suite 3 is CS2 and CS3 compatible, Universal Binary support, offering fast native support for Photoshop CS3 and Intel-based Macintosh computers. Plug-In Suite 3 installs all four tools with one serial number and includes new startup tutorials for each, making installation and getting up to speed a breeze. Combine that with new integrated “Show Me How” video tutorials and automatic update checking and you have everything you need to be productive in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements so you can do what you really want to do: get back to shooting.

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Hallbergmoos - The newest feature of the Eurofighter Typhoon website has been launched – Eurofighter HOTSHOTS. This is a brand new section allowing you the public to join the exciting world of aerospace through sharing your aircraft photography with like-minded enthusiasts across the worldwide web. Whatever the aerospace image, perhaps of a fast jet taking off with full afterburner, a picture of you next to your favourite aircraft at a major airshow, or maybe even a fresh and exciting image of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, Eurofighter Typhoon, why not showcase your photography skills to the world!

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The centerpiece of the festivities was a large historical exhibition, retracing with photographs, multimedia projections, works of art and numerous exhibits the past 60 years of the air base and some important historical events of earlier dates that still affect the present-day air base. The exhibition filled the entire TLP-hall, as well as the apron next to it, totaling more than 4,000 square meters. Each of the different squadrons and groups of the 2nd Tactical Wing was represented there, as were some of the major players in Belgian aeronautical industry and cities with close ties with the air base. The exhibition was set up in close cooperation with the Brussels Air Museum, the White Bison Museum relating the history of Bierset Air Base and of course the Florennes’ Spitfire Memorial Museum.

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On Thursday 27 September, all people who have worked on Fouga’s, flown Fouga’s or are big fans of them met together in the 1st Wing of Beauvechain (Belgium) for a ceremony commemorating the 47 years of dedicated service of the CM 170 Fouga Magister in Belgium. On that commemorative day the opportunity was given to all Fouga-minded people to see it one last time. From 14 till 18.00 hours pilots, technicians, and other Fouga fanatics were able to meet with old friends, have a drink and visit a small historic exposition.

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Italy has a fine seaplane heritage dating back to the earliest flights of water based aircraft. You only have to visit the fabulous Italian Air Force museum (Museo Storico) at the former seaplane base at Vigna di Valle on Lake Bracciano to see a fine collection of indigenous aquatic flying machines. The ‘Aero Club Como’ is based at Como on the southern lake shore of Lago di Como in Northern Italy and is the home of a variety of water based aircraft. The fantastic setting offers some stunning photography. I was able to take a couple of brief breaks from a family holiday to take these images. The whole area is very accessible offering some wonderful opportunities for photography. During my short times there I certainly did not explore every avenue, which could have included hiring a seaplane or boat. Instead I walked around the immediate area, to get shots of the frequent flying activity. The backdrops are fabulous, Lake Como is surrounded by steep sided mountains, with historic villages and towns scattered along its shoreline.

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Finally, the complete photographer’s filter suite, that includes noise reduction, photographic filters, optimal image sharpening, all in one package! Includes full versions of all Nik filter products. Nik Software is privileged to work closely with some of the best photographers in the world whose disciplines span the gamut from portrait and wedding, to commercial, fine art, and editorial photography. We’ve united with a select group of professional photographers to form “Team Nik” and deliver practical education for the photographic arts community. We hope you enjoy their work as much as we do. Be sure to check Skycontrol’s October contest, you could win this fantastic and powerful software package.

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Jet Airways chose Brussels Airport (voted Best Airport in Europe in 2006 by the Airport Council) as its European hub for developing its international network to Europe and America. This decision will have a tremendous impact on the activities in and around the airport: the processing of operations, a great influx of transfer passengers, interconnectivity as well as the creation of additional job opportunities. Brussels Airport, Jet Airways and code share partner Brussels Airlines have entered into a close cooperation to offer a transfer product that will make Brussels Airport the main European hub, thus interconnecting the large regions of the world, Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia and Africa.

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Duxford, July 7, 2007 - Philip Stevens reports: From black threatening clouds came fleeting showers during this years weekend of historic flying warbirds. Once again large crowds flocked to Duxford the former World War II airfield. Enthusiasts, photographers and families who just want a cracking day out come each year. Second World War flying legends such as the Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang adorn the airfield in numbers. Britain is the home of many such priceless warbirds and most of them attend this show every year. The Imperial War Museum (IWM) and American Air Museum (AAM), plus several warbird restorations companies are all to be found at Duxford, notably The Fighter Collection (TFC), the Old Flying Machine Company (OFMC), the Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) and Historic Flying Limited (HFL). It is truly Britain’s premier warbird home. Both the non-flying museum aircraft and the priceless flyable ones are available for close inspection throughout the day. The Real Aeroplane Company (RAC) based at Breighton in Yorkshire is another group which can be guaranteed to show-off some of its warbird collection each year at ‘Flying Legends’.

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Photodex Corporation today announced the release of the next generation of its award-winning slide show software for professional photographers. The all-new ProShow Producer 3.0 expands upon the already impressive list of creative features and production control options. Now photographers can create professional-grade slide show masterpieces that not only look polished, but exhibit advanced, high-end artistic effects previously achievable only through using 3rd party professional photo and video editing software.

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Philip Stevens reports: Held annually for the last twelve years, ELITE (Electronic Warfare Live Training Exercise) is the biggest exercise in the German Air Force’s (GAF) calendar. This year 17 nations were involved, including Romania for the first time. Four other nations were there as observers. This large electronic warfare exercise is unique within NATO. Most of the activity is in southern Germany centred around the Heuberg Training Range, which is south of Stuttgart and the largest in Germany. Attending personnel spoke highly of the value of the exercise, their experiences and of the knowledge they gained over the two weeks. German Air Force Commander Lt Gen Aarne Kreuzinger-Janik said; “ELITE offers a spectacular opportunity to conduct exchanges of ideas and experience, not only militarily, but culturally as well”. ELITE is designed to improve combat success and survivability during electronic warfare. Multiple jamming and deception techniques combined with the tactical procedures to counter them are analysed to improve efficiency. Capt Gregor ‘Beppo’ Brehm, ELITE 2007 project officer, said; “ELITE’s main aim is to provide electronic combat training for the air crews and the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) guys that are sitting inside the Surface-to-air Missile Sites (SAMS) on the ground”. Capt Brehm is a former Tornado pilot who once served at RAF Cottesmore, UK.

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Under Italian leadership, over 50 fighter aircraft from four NATO members deployed to Decimomannu air base, under a United Nations mandate to provide ‘Peace Support Operations’ over a simulated conflict between two countries. This is the scenario for the Italian Air Force’s main annual exercise; ‘Spring Flag’ the objective being to train personnel to prepare for complex or Composite Air Operations (COMAO) and Tactical Air Support Maritime Operations (TASMO).

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RAF Waddington played host to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most potent air superiority fighter, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI ‘Flanker-H’ for Exercise Indra Dhanush. The aim of the exercise, which ran from July 2-12, was to further develop a good defence relationship. The IAF is the fourth largest air force, with over 600 combat aircraft. The RAF is constantly involved in exercises, mostly with its NATO allies. This exercise however was remarkable for a number of reasons; this year the Indian Air Force is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and it was the first time they have deployed to the United Kingdom and also the first time their Su-30MKI’s have deployed overseas. The six Su-30 MKI’s of 30 Squadron IAF (The Rhinos) from Pune airbase were supported by Ilyushin IL-78 MKI ‘Midas’ tankers of 78 Mid-Air Refuelling Squadron (MARS) from Agra airbase also IL-76 ‘Candid’ transports.

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Saturday 21 July, 4.15 eyes were riveted upward. It was indeed time to admire the aerial parade of military aircraft coming from different Belgian military airbases. No less than 45 aircraft paraded in the air. The aerial parade included beautiful helicopters: one Sea-King helicopter and two Alouette helicopters, in “V” formation coming from Koksijde airbase, six Agusta helicopters in “V” formation, coming from the Wing heli of Bierset airbase and three Alouette helicopters in “V” formation, also coming from Bierset.

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Last Tuesday, great armadas of combat aircraft crowded the skies of Kleine Brogel (Belgium). The Operational Integration Exercise 07 (OIE 07) and the celebration of 20 Years F-16 OCU were indeed coinciding with the 8th International Spotters’ Day, held on Tuesday 17 July 2007 at the Kleine Brogel Airbase.

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This year te annual airshow at Koksijde has also been the sixth edition of the Defence Days: besides the airshow, which always manages to attract most interesting participants, the Koksijde airbase has also shown this year the many facets of the Belgian Defence. Skycontrol attended the show but also the preparations for it and is pleased to offer you a photographic overview of some personal highlights of this highly successful KOKSIJDE AIRSHOW 2007.

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The 47th Paris Air Show was a great success, as the industry’s key players, including manufacturers, subcontractors and SMEs, were present, and over 200,000 trade visitors were expected. Of course, as international aviation news magazine, Skycontrol could not miss such an outstanding event and was present during the trade visitors days. An opportunity to offer to our readers amazing pictures of the Show.

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