Tag: air force
71 articles
China's PLAAF Deploys Y-7G Transport in Medevac Role
In a recent low-key exercise, China's Central Theater Command Air Force showcased its military readiness with a standard search-and-rescue drill, featuring a notable twist: the deployment of a Y-7G transport in a medevac role. This marked a rare public appearance for the aircraft in this configuration.
USAF Pursues Air-To-Air Missile With 1,000-Mile Range
The US Air Force is seeking to revolutionize its air-to-air missile capabilities with a new weapon that can strike targets up to 1,000 miles away, aligning with the Department of War's top priorities. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center will host a classified industry event to share requirements and explore options for the cutting-edge Air Force Long Range Weapon program.
White House Proposes Raid on Navy E-2 Account to Fund USAF E-7s
The White House is shaking up its budget plans, proposing a $1.5 billion shift to fund the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail program, a move that would siphon funds from the Navy's E-2D aircraft procurement. This significant reallocation aims to fast-track the development of two E-7 Wedgetail prototype aircraft.
Sen. Warren Probes Raytheon Exec's Ethics on Space Acquisition Nomination
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing a Raytheon executive to promise strict ethics if he's confirmed to the Air Force's top space procurement office, citing concerns about impartiality due to his past ties to the defense contractor. She wants him to commit to a four-year recusal from matters involving his former employer.
Air Force's T-7 Red Hawk Trainer Faces Serious Airworthiness Risks
The Air Force's new T-7 Red Hawk trainer jets may be grounded by a serious airworthiness risk due to missing critical safety data from manufacturer Boeing. This critical gap in information could put pilots' lives at risk and threatens the program's success.
Congress Probes Air Force's Combat Rescue Readiness Amid HH-60W Repurposing
The Senate Armed Services Committee is raising red flags about the Air Force's combat search-and-rescue readiness, warning that recent decisions could leave them critically short-handed in a major crisis. The committee is pressing urgent questions after the Air Force cut its helicopter buys and reassigned key rescue aircraft.
Air Force Awards Contracts for Drone Wingmen to Anduril, General Atomics
The Air Force has taken a major leap forward in drone technology, awarding production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics for its first collaborative combat aircraft, also known as drone wingmen. This move enables the rapid deployment of semi-autonomous systems to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Air Force Taps General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Drone Production
The US Air Force has taken a major leap forward in its drone program, selecting General Atomics and Anduril to produce the first batch of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, a crucial step from prototyping to production. This $2.4 billion initiative is set to revolutionize military operations with cutting-edge drone technology.
USAF Faces Senate Scrutiny Over E-11 BACN Jet Retirement Plan
The US Air Force's plan to retire its fleet of seven E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) jets by 2028 has raised red flags with the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is demanding answers on how the capability gap will be filled. The committee wants a briefing by March 31, 2027, on the Air Force's plan to mitigate the operational risk of losing this critical communication capability.
B-52 Crash Disrupts Radar Modernization Efforts
A devastating crash of a B-52 aircraft during takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California has dealt a significant blow to the Radar Modernization Program, with the incident deemed unsurvivable. The mishap has prompted an immediate suspension of flight operations at the base.
Air Force Undermines A-10 Commitment
The Air Force's commitment to keeping the A-10 flying through 2030 is being undermined by its own budget, which allocates zero dollars for modernization and cuts depot maintenance, putting the fleet's future in jeopardy. This disconnect between promise and funding is slowing down rebuilding efforts, making them costlier and increasingly infeasible.
A-10 Warthogs Arrive in England Bearing Marks of Epic Fury Campaign
Eleven battle-hardened A-10 Warthogs, adorned with bold nose art and battle markings from their epic Fury campaign, have landed at RAF Lakenheath, bringing a burst of excitement to the airbase. The Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, fresh from their deployment in Jordan, made a striking arrival, showcasing their unique squadron markings.
Congress Moves to Restore U-2S Spy Plane Fleet, Defying Air Force Plans
In a surprising move, Congress is pushing to revive the U-2S spy plane fleet, bucking the Air Force's plans to retire the entire 23-aircraft fleet due to concerns over its viability in future conflicts. A new House Appropriations Committee draft bill would limit retirements and fund maintenance to restore four aircraft.
Air Force Taps GE, Rolls-Royce for Drone Engine Designs
The US Air Force has chosen GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce to develop engine designs for its Medium Thrust Class Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, a key step in expanding propulsion options for unmanned systems. This move is set to accelerate innovation in drone technology.
Air Force Resumes T-38 Flights After Safety Inspections
The Air Force has lifted its grounding of the T-38 fleet, allowing flights to resume after a thorough inspection process ensured the aircraft's safety. This move comes nearly two weeks after a T-38 crash in Mississippi prompted a precautionary pause in flights.
Air Force Bolsters European Security Posture
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Air Force Delays Next-Gen Fighter Jet Engine Prototyping to 2031
The Air Force has pushed back the prototyping timeline for its Next-Gen Fighter jet engine to 2031, allowing for more rigorous testing and evaluation of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program. This delay enables the service to thoroughly investigate test findings and ensure the program's success.
A-10 Warthog Deploys Advanced Aerial Refueling Capability in Middle East
In a major upgrade, the A-10 Warthog has successfully deployed an advanced aerial refueling capability in the Middle East, allowing it to seamlessly switch between boom and probe refueling in just hours. This game-changing adapter transforms the aircraft's existing air-refueling receptacle, giving it enhanced flexibility for mission-critical operations.
Space Force Eyes New Launch Site to Ease Congestion
The US Space Force is scouting a new launch site to alleviate congestion and support the growing demand for heavy and super heavy rocket launches. This move comes after a recent study concluded that an additional launch site is likely needed to keep up with launch demands.
Air Force Eyes F-35s, F-15s for Combat Search and Rescue Role
As the A-10 Thunderbolt II retires, the Air Force is eyeing alternative aircraft, including F-35s and F-15s, to take on the critical combat search and rescue role. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach told lawmakers that these platforms will make the mission a core part of their operations.
Air Force Grounds T-38 Fleet Amid Investigation into Mississippi Crash
The US Air Force has grounded its entire T-38 Talon fleet following a dramatic crash at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, where two pilots safely ejected from the stricken aircraft. The sudden move comes as investigators work to determine the cause of the May 12 mishap.
B-1B Lancer Upgrades Armament for Peer Threats
Meet the upgraded B-1B Lancer, now armed and ready to take on the toughest peer threats - and it's all thanks to some major armament upgrades. The bomber's external pylons, previously removed, are being reactivated to give it a serious firepower boost.
Air Force Delays KC-46 Vision System Upgrade to 2028
The Air Force and Boeing are joining forces to boost the readiness of the KC-46 Pegasus program, unveiling a three-pronged plan to tackle delays and cost increases. The move comes as Senator Kevin Cramer presses for answers, highlighting the urgent need for a vision system upgrade and cost containment.
MQ-9 Reaper Tests Fire Laser-Guided Rockets
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has successfully tested the MQ-9 Reaper's firepower, flawlessly launching laser-guided rockets at various targets, including aerial ones, using a specialized launcher. The live-fire trials, conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range, mark a significant milestone in the drone's air-to-ground capabilities.