The U.S. Air Force is exploring options for a new long-range/endurance drone for its Task Force 99, based in Qatar at El Udeid Air Base. Established in October 2022, Task Force 99 performs intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as experimenting with new technologies. According to a post on the Defense Scoop online news service, […]
Sikorsky’s long-awaited modified presidential VH-92A made its debut as “Marine One” yesterday (Aug. 19), as it transported President Biden from O’Hare International Airport to the parking lot adjacent to the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, site of the Democratic National Convention. The development program that led to the helicopter’s entry into service has been […]
Two French Air and Space Force Rafale crewmembers are still missing after a midair collision between a pair of Rafale fighters. The single pilot of the second aircraft ejected and was not seriously injured, according to a statement by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. “One of the pilots was found safe and sound,” he said. […]
A fatal Marine Osprey crash in Australia last year has been blamed on human factors rather than the trouble-plagued aircraft. According to Military.com, a military investigation found “pilot error and complacency” to be the cause of the accident, which killed three Marines, including both pilots and a corporal who died trying to save them. Cpl. […]
Ukraine is now recruiting retired F-16 pilots to bolster its ranks, according to a senior U.S. lawmaker. Sen. Lindsay Graham said this week that ex-Viper pilots can likely get a combat job if they want one. “If you’re a retired F-16 pilot and you’re looking to fight for freedom, they will hire you here,” Graham […]
Robotics company Merlin says it has flown the first three flights in its autonomous control program on the KC-135. The flights were conducted at the Pittsburgh Air National Guard Base under a waiver from the Air Force. Merlin has contracts to develop autonomous flight systems for several Air Force platforms and the 1960s-era tankers are […]
Ukraine is trying to manage expectations as the first F-16s enter service with its air force over the next couple of weeks. For one thing, only six Ukrainian air force pilots have been fully trained to fly the Vipers, and Ukraine is expected to take a conservative approach to their deployment. According to the Washington […]
Reuters reported today that Russia has claimed that a pair of U.S. B-52H long-range bombers were turned away from the Russian border by MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets. The action occurred over the Barents Sea, which borders Russia to the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula. According to the Reuters report, the Russian Ministry of Defense […]
The ever-resourceful Ukrainians have found another use for the homegrown Aeroprakt A-22 (sold as the Foxbat LSA in the U.S.) and it’s really annoying the Russians. After a few months of success with Air Force pilots and rear gunners with shotguns taking out Russian drones in a Yak-52, the military is now training pilots and […]
Air Force pilots have begun training with two Air Tractor AT-802U turboprop taildraggers, in anticipation of first deliveries of OA-1K Sky Warden light attack aircraft later this year. The OA-1K is based on the AT-802 and is a joint project between Air Tractor and defense contractor L3Harris. Some observers have questioned the Air Force’s commitment […]
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