Tag: aviation
64 articles
USAF Tanker Operations at Ben Gurion Airport Face New Limits
Israel's Transportation Minister Miri Regev has set a new limit of 20 U.S. Air Force refueling tankers at Ben Gurion Airport, ensuring that commercial flights won't be disrupted and thousands of travelers' plans remain on track. This move allows remaining tankers to land at nearby Air Force bases instead.
Hackers Exploit Microsoft Entra Passkey Enrollment in Voice Phishing Attacks
Hackers are using voice phishing attacks to trick Microsoft 365 users into enrolling a new Entra passkey, targeting multiple sectors including food and beverage, technology, and healthcare. They're registering domains with the word "passkey" to convincingly pose as legitimate Microsoft representatives.
Trump Opts for Older Jet Amid Heightened Security Concerns
President Trump has surprising reasons for choosing an older jet for his travels, despite having a brand new, state-of-the-art Air Force One at his disposal. He claimed the new jet was sent to Europe to give service members a chance to tour it, but ended up taking an older plane for a nostalgic trip.
White House to Get Granite Helipad Amid VH-92A Deployment
President Donald Trump announced that a new granite helipad will be built on the South Lawn, ending 50 years of grass landings that have taken a toll on the grounds. The $5-6 million project, funded by Sikorsky, aims to protect the lawn from the intense heat and rotor wash of the new VH-92A Patriot helicopters.
Trump Takes First Flight on VC-25B Bridge Aircraft as Air Force One
On July 1, 2026, President Donald Trump took to the skies on the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8i, for its first operational flight as Air Force One, marking a historic milestone. The flight, which carried the callsign "AIR FORCE ONE," soared over Washington, D.C. en route to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening.
Honeywell Aerospace Spins Off, Begins Trading Independently
Honeywell Aerospace has officially taken flight as an independent company, marking a new era of innovation and growth in the aerospace and defense industry. With its separation from Honeywell, the company is now free to focus on its mission to protect and advance the promise of flight, creating a safer and more connected world.
General Atomics Upgrades Ground Stations for MQ-9B Drone Compatibility
General Atomics is upgrading its Block 30 ground control stations to ensure seamless compatibility with its latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones, addressing a key concern for current MQ-9A operators. The company will fund the upgrade research and development and plans to begin flight testing by the end of the year.
L3Harris Delivers Modified Qatari Jet as New Air Force One
In just 10 months, L3Harris transformed a Qatari 747 jumbo jet into a sleek new Air Force One, with a team of 400 employees working around the clock to deliver the impressive plane. The makeover is so stunning that President Donald Trump marveled at the workmanship, saying "you won’t believe it" when you see it.
L3Harris Converts Qatar Gift into Bridge Air Force One Amid Delays
In just 10 months, L3Harris transformed a gifted Boeing 747-8i into a cutting-edge bridge jet, VC-25B, by deploying a 24/7 team to meet an ambitious deadline tied to Qatar's Independence Day celebrations. The rapid conversion showcases L3Harris's impressive scale and expertise as the world's largest non-OEM integrator of aircraft.
Air Force Introduces VC-25B Bridge Jet to Presidential Airlift Group
The Air Force has introduced the VC-25B Bridge Jet to the Presidential Airlift Group, marking a significant milestone in upgrading the nation's presidential transport capabilities. This interim Air Force One platform, a modified 747-8i gifted by Qatar, will enable the validation of mission-capability and refinement of safety protocols for transporting the President.
China Bolsters Tibet Aviation with Z-20T Assault Helicopters
China is strengthening its aviation capabilities in Tibet with the deployment of Z-20T assault helicopters, adding to its existing fleet of over 300 imported Mi-17/Mi-171-series helicopters. The 85th Army Aviation Brigade, based in Lhasa, has been at the forefront of this effort since its emergence in 2018.
US Air Force Unveils VC-25B Bridge Aircraft with Trump-Era Livery
The US Air Force's VC-25B Bridge aircraft is taking shape, sporting a bold red, white, and blue livery that echoes President Trump's preferred design for future Air Force Ones. Check out the first stunning photo of the modified Boeing 747-8i, fresh from a Texas paint job.
Iranian Hackers Deploy AI-Backed MiniFast Backdoor via Phishing and SEO Poisoning
Iranian hackers have escalated their cyber attacks, leveraging AI-powered tools to craft malware and targeting key sectors like aviation, defense, and telecommunications across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Their sophisticated tactics, including phishing and SEO poisoning, have allowed them to spy on organizations with alarming speed and efficiency.
China's Ekranoplan Program Takes Shape with Turboprop-Powered Flying Boat
China's Ekranoplan program just got a fascinating update: new photos reveal a turboprop-powered flying boat design, contradicting earlier reports of a jet-powered behemoth. This changes the game in terms of acoustic signature, fuel consumption, and operating capabilities.
US Special Ops Helicopters Require Overhaul for Stealth Missions
US Special Ops is pushing for a major helicopter overhaul to enable stealthier missions, driven by lessons learned from Operation Absolute Resolve, where a large fleet was needed to achieve the desired effect. The goal is to make future missions quieter and more efficient with fewer aircraft.
Middle East Tensions Force Cancellation of UK's Royal International Air Tattoo
The Royal International Air Tattoo, a highly anticipated event, has been cancelled due to uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Ticket holders can opt for a full refund or roll over their tickets to the 2027 edition.
General Atomics Resumes Drone Flights After Software Fix
General Atomics has safely resumed drone flights after swiftly addressing a software glitch that caused a crash in April, and implementing a fix to prevent future mishaps. The issue, which stemmed from an autopilot miscalculation, was quickly pinpointed and rectified, allowing testing to resume.
US Military Seeks Replacement for Aging C-146 Special Ops Transport Plane
The US Military is on the hunt for a next-generation transport plane to replace its aging C-146 Wolfhound, as the current fleet faces sustainment and range limitations despite being battle-proven. A successor is needed to keep special ops missions flying high.
Pakistan Army Aviation Corps Struggles to Take Off
The Pakistan Army Aviation Corps is struggling to modernize, with its Puma transport fleet aging 40-50 years and a severe lack of new helicopters since the mid-2010s. Despite the Pakistan Army's investments in cutting-edge tech, the Corps' needs keep getting deferred, leaving it stuck in a cycle of decline.
Russia Unveils Two-Seat Su-57 Fighter in First Flight
Russia just took a major leap in military aviation with the successful first flight of its two-seat Su-57 fighter, a game-changing aircraft that combines cutting-edge combat capabilities with advanced training and command functions. Developed independently by Russian manufacturers, this fifth-generation fighter is set to revolutionize the skies.
Pakistan Air Force Revamps Training Pipeline Amid Modernization Push
The Pakistan Air Force is overhauling its training pipeline as part of a modernization drive, driven in part by the high costs of advanced training aircraft - with Light Intermediate Fighter Trainers, or LIFT, aircraft costing as much as an F-16. Currently, the PAF relies on a fleet of legacy trainers, including some, like the Cessna T-37 Tweet, that date back to the 1950s.
US Air Force Completes Modifications on VC-25B Bridge Aircraft
The US Air Force has successfully completed modifications and flight testing on the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a luxurious Boeing 747-8i jet donated by Qatar for presidential use. The aircraft is now set to receive its new paint scheme and is on track for delivery to the Presidential Airlift Group by summer 2026.
Navy's MQ-25 Stingray Drone Completes Key Test Flight
The MQ-25 Stingray Drone just made history with its first test flight, successfully taking off, flying, and landing autonomously - a major milestone in integrating unmanned aerial refueling and giving manned fighters the ability to fly further and faster. This game-changing tech is set to revolutionize naval aviation.
Ukraine's An-28 Turboprop Deploys Interceptor Drones Against Russian Shaheds
Meet Ukraine's unlikely Shahed hunter: a converted Antonov An-28 turboprop that's now launching interceptor drones to take down enemy targets, and racking up an impressive tally of 222 Russian drones shot down. Equipped with underwing hardpoints, infrared cameras, and night-vision goggles, this airborne counter-drone platform is leading the charge against Russian Shaheds.