Tag: military aviation
200 articles
F-22 Testbed 'Catfish' Spotted with New Infrared Sensor Pod
Meet the "Catfish," a one-of-a-kind Boeing 757 testbed that's been secretly pushing the boundaries of F-22 technology since the 1990s. Recently spotted with a sleek new infrared sensor pod, this modified marvel is still playing a vital role in advancing stealth capabilities.
Leonardo Accelerates AW249 Combat Helicopter Production for Italian Army
Leonardo is revving up production of its cutting-edge AW249 combat helicopter, with plans to deliver 17 units to the Italian Army by 2028. The company is in advanced talks with the Italian Ministry of Defense to expand the program, which could see a total of 48 helicopters built to meet the Army's needs.
China Rapidly Expands Special Mission Aircraft Fleet
China is rapidly bolstering its special mission aircraft fleet, with recent reveals including the GX-19, Y-9PT (GaoXin-18), and Y-9GR, showcasing a surge in airborne ISR and electronic-warfare capabilities. This steady stream of new aircraft unveilings highlights China's accelerating advancements in military aviation.
US Air Force Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Line
The US Air Force may revive the production line of its prized C-17 aircraft, with a House committee requesting a feasibility briefing by 2027. This move comes as the current fleet faces mounting demands from combat, humanitarian, and mobility operations.
Airbus Unveils Ravenstorm Combat Drone in Expanded Portfolio
Meet the Ravenstorm, a cutting-edge combat drone that's part of Airbus' bold new lineup of uncrewed systems designed to supercharge air power. With its expanded portfolio, Airbus is empowering nations to defend their skies like never before.
US Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran After Apache Downed
Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the US launches retaliatory strikes against Iran after a sophisticated Apache helicopter was shot down by an Iranian drone while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, the crew was safely rescued in a daring operation involving a drone boat.
China's PLAAF Deploys J-35A Fighter with Elite Unit
The 1st Aviation Brigade, under the Northern Theater Command Air Force, boasts a storied history dating back to June 19, 1950, when it was formed as the 4th Mixed Brigade and became the PLAAF's first unit to see combat in the Korean War. This legacy of nearly 70 years of operational experience has forged a unit identity rooted in sustained action and modernization.
US Air Force KC-135 Tanker Spotted with Advanced Satellite Antenna
A KC-135 tanker has been spotted at RAF Mildenhall with a cutting-edge satellite antenna, signaling the US Air Force's commitment to modernizing its tanker fleet. The exciting development was captured on camera by aviation photographer Alessandro Ledda, and has sparked interest among defense enthusiasts.
USAF Winds Down A-10 Training Program Amid Divestment Plans
The US Air Force has wrapped up its final A-10 Warthog training course at Nellis Air Force Base, marking another milestone in the program's gradual wind-down. This development comes even as three A-10 squadrons have been given a reprieve, extending their service to 2030.
F-47 Design Unveiled Through Unit Patch
A clever unit patch has spilled the beans on the highly anticipated F-47 design, with a stylized firebird motif that eerily matches leaked imagery of the aircraft. The surprising reveal was noted by keen-eyed observers, including aviation analyst Tyler Rogoway.
China Expands AWAC Fleet with Advanced KJ-700 Radar Platform
China's latest KJ-700 Radar platform is a game-changer, boasting not two, but four side-looking airborne radars that supercharge its airborne warning and control capabilities. This upgraded variant has been spotted with two AESA panels behind each wing and two additional panels ahead, marking a significant leap forward.
USAF Scrambles to Buy Scarce MQ-9 Reapers After Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is on a mission to replenish its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, and it's turning to General Atomics for help, with plans to buy several unused MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft. The scramble comes as General Atomics reveals an alarmingly small inventory of just a handful of new MQ-9As available worldwide.
Stealth Fighter Concept Resurfaces in Area 51 Mystery Aircraft Leak
A decades-old stealth fighter concept has resurfaced in discussions after a viral sighting near Area 51, sparking fresh interest in a mysterious aircraft that was once deemed too unstable for serious consideration. The unusual plane's distinctive double arrowhead design was caught on thermal footage near Groom Lake, leaving many to wonder about its true purpose.
Navy's MH-53E Sea Dragon Fades into Sunset
Meet Steve Jones, a former MH-53E Sea Dragon pilot who learned the helicopter's limits the hard way - and lived to tell the tale of this powerful machine, built for brute strength and endurance with three GE engines and massive fuel sponsons. The MH-53E was a beast that could fly, hover, and tow with the best of them, but as Jones puts it, "it's really a young person's game."
Thermal Image Reveals Possible Prototype of US Air Force's F-47 Fighter
A thermal image captured over Area 51 appears to reveal a mysterious aircraft, possibly the prototype of the US Air Force's highly anticipated F-47 fighter. The stunning footage has sparked excitement among enthusiasts, with one eyewitness describing their thrill at seeing the unprecedented sight.
China Unveils Twin-Engine Variant of Historic XP-55 Ascender Fighter
China has just revealed a game-changing twin-engine version of the historic XP-55 Ascender fighter, a bold twist on the original's radical design. By doubling up on engines, this new concept takes the XP-55's innovative spirit to the next level.
Marine Corps Grounds Harrier After 40 Years of Service
As the Marine Corps bids farewell to its trusty Harrier jets after 40 years of service, the highly skilled aircrew and maintenance teams are already soaring to new heights with their expertise on the cutting-edge F-35B. The Harrier's final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point was a nostalgic sendoff, marked by a thrilling flyover of five legendary jets.
US Marine Corps Retires AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet
The US Marine Corps bid farewell to its iconic AV-8B Harrier II squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 223, in a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, marking the end of an era for the legendary jump jet. The Harrier's unique vertical takeoff and landing capabilities made it a staple of Marine aviation for decades.
Ukrainian Mirages Expand Role with Air-To-Ground Strikes
Newly released footage shows Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5Fs taking on a more versatile role, using low-level passes and toss-bombing techniques to deliver air-to-ground strikes. This tactical shift marks a significant expansion of their capabilities, moving beyond pure air-defense work.
US Special Ops Scraps Plans for U-28 Surveillance Plane Replacement
The US Special Operations Command has scrapped plans to replace its U-28 surveillance planes, with a full divestment of the fleet expected by 2029. Instead, the command will rely on alternative assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
China's J-35, J-15DT Fighters Adapt to Liaoning Carrier's Ski-Jump Operations
China is pushing the boundaries of its aircraft carrier capabilities with its Liaoning carrier, as seen in recent training exercises featuring the J-35 and J-15DT fighters taking off using the ship's ski-jump ramp. This marks a significant milestone in the development of China's naval aviation, with the J-35 and J-15DT successfully adapting to the carrier's ski-jump operations.
Pakistan's NASTP Eyes Erieye Radar Upgrade
Pakistan's National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) is gearing up to breathe new life into its Erieye radar fleet with a planned upgrade, as the aircraft approach 20 years of service. A recent promo video still hints at a structural overhaul, sparking excitement about the mid-life update.
Turkey Unveils Advanced Electronic Warfare Jet in New Imagery
Turkey has just revealed its game-changing electronic warfare jet, the HAVA SOJ, in stunning new footage - a cutting-edge airborne standoff jammer that can disrupt enemy air defenses and communications from a safe distance. Built on Bombardier Global 6000 airframes, this high-tech aircraft is a powerful asset for Turkey's military.
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts Test Flights from US Navy Base
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat has taken to the skies in a major milestone, conducting test flights from a US Navy base in California, showcasing its ability to operate seamlessly from allied facilities. This significant achievement highlights the aircraft's maturity and paves the way for potential export opportunities to international customers.