Tag: air force
84 articles
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.
Air Force MQ-9 Drone Tests Cheap Air-to-Air Missiles Against Aerial Targets
The Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper drone just proved its mettle in a live demo, successfully taking down aerial targets with the help of laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles. This milestone test at the Nevada Test and Training Range brings new firepower to the fight against one-way attack drones.
DARPA's XRQ-73 Drone Takes Flight with Hybrid-Electric Propulsion
The XRQ-73 drone has successfully taken flight, marking a major milestone in DARPA's hybrid-electric propulsion program, with more test flights planned to further mature the innovative technology. This achievement is a significant step forward, overcoming complex technical challenges and paving the way for future advancements.
Air Force Seeks AI Integration in Air Ops Command System
The Air Force is taking a major leap forward by exploring the integration of AI into its Air Operations Command system, with the goal of equipping planners and operators with cutting-edge tools to stay ahead in the game. By engaging with industry leaders, the government aims to spark innovation and maximize competition for this critical upgrade.
Air Force Clears Boeing to Upgrade B-52s with New Engines
The Air Force has given Boeing the green light to upgrade the B-52 bomber with new engines, a major milestone that will keep the iconic aircraft flying strong for generations to come. This critical design review paves the way for Boeing to swap out the B-52's decades-old engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, transforming the bomber into the cutting-edge B-52J.
Bangladesh's Air Force Struggles to Bridge Capability Gap
The Bangladesh Air Force's recent Independence Day parade failed to impress, with its aerial display and outdated combat aircraft inventory sparking criticism that the force is out of step with modern warfare demands. Unless the capability gap is bridged, the Air Force risks becoming a mere paper tiger.
Air Force Moves to Retire E-11 Battlefield Communication Fleet
The Air Force is planning to retire its fleet of E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) aircraft, with a target retirement date of fiscal 2028, and is turning to the Hybrid SATCOM Terminal program as a temporary solution to bridge the capability gap. The move will pave the way for a more advanced communication system, according to top Air Force officials.
Air Force Seeks Supplemental Funding to Replace Iran War Losses
The Air Force is seeking extra funds to repair or replace aircraft lost in recent conflicts, including dozens damaged or destroyed since Operation Epic Fury began in late February. This supplemental funding will help boost the number of fighter jets, bombers, and tankers in its fleet.
US Air Force Unveils B-1B Bomber Carrying ARRW Hypersonic Missile
The US Air Force has revealed a game-changing moment with a B-1B bomber proudly carrying an ARRW hypersonic missile on an external hardpoint, marking a significant milestone in military tech advancements. Check out the impressive footage on Edwards Air Force Base's Instagram page!
Air Force Accelerates Low-Cost Cruise Missile Buys
The Air Force is gearing up to supercharge its munitions inventory with a massive buy of nearly 27,000 low-cost cruise missiles, dubbed the Family of Affordable Mass Missile, with a whopping $12 billion allocated to stockpile the game-changing weapon. This aggressive plan aims to rapidly replenish stockpiles and expand production.
Air Force Repurposes HH-60W Helicopters for Doomsday Evacuations
The Air Force is gearing up for a critical role with 26 HH-60W helicopters, replacing aging UH-1Ns to execute high-stakes evacuation and transport missions in the National Capital Region. This strategic move will ensure the continuity of government and operations in the event of an emergency.
Community Forum Opens on Uncovered Security Topics
Get ready to go behind the scenes of a high-stakes simulation that put Airmen and first responders to the test! A recent exercise at a U.S. Central Command base challenged teams to respond quickly and effectively during a simulated attack.