Tag: us air force
42 articles
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.
US Air Force Designates New Bunker Buster Bomb GBU-76/B
The US Air Force has officially designated its new bunker-busting bomb as the GBU-76/B, and is now seeking industry partners to support its research, development, production, and delivery. The Next Generation Penetrator is set to revolutionize the Air Force's arsenal, and the Air Force is inviting vendors to demonstrate their capabilities in helping to bring it to life.
US Air Force Restructures Space Acquisition Portfolios
The US Air Force is still fine-tuning its space acquisition portfolios, with key decisions on program alignments yet to be made. Department of the Air Force acting space acquisition czar Thomas Ainsworth confirms that the restructuring process is ongoing, with several roles and portfolio acquisition executives still in flux.
US Air Force Wrestles with Manned-Unmanned Teaming Balance
The US Air Force faces a critical challenge: finding the perfect balance between leveraging the advantages of drones and utilizing human expertise where machines fall short. As militaries worldwide grapple with this dilemma, one thing is clear - the future of military operations depends on striking the right harmony between manned and unmanned teaming.
US Air Force Weighs Supercruising Bomber as B-52 Replacement Option
The US Air Force is exploring a game-changing supercruising bomber as a potential replacement for the B-52, with a $15 billion engine replacement program set to reach initial operational capability by 2033. This move comes as the service weighs its options for the future of its heavy bomber fleet.
US Air Force Shifts Focus to Affordable Drone Replacement for MQ-9 Reaper
The US Air Force is set to revolutionize its drone capabilities with a new, affordable replacement for the MQ-9 Reaper, leveraging cutting-edge technology to produce a more flexible and cost-effective uncrewed aircraft system. This game-changing move could enable the Air Force to utilize drones in a more dynamic and sustainable way.
US Air Force Revives ARRW Hypersonic Missile with Anti-Ship Upgrade
The US Air Force is reviving its ARRW Hypersonic Missile program with a game-changing upgrade, adding an anti-ship capability that enables the missile to track and take down moving targets, including ships at sea. The service is seeking over $296 million in funding to turn this ambitious concept into a tested reality.
US Air Force Extends C-5 Galaxy Lifespan to 2050 Amid Readiness Concerns
The US Air Force's C-5 Galaxy fleet is facing a readiness crisis, with its mission-capable rate plummeting to just 37 percent, as revealed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach during a House Appropriations Committee hearing. This sharp decline has raised concerns about the fleet's reliability and ability to perform its critical missions.
US Air Force F-15E Pays Tribute to F-111's Libya Raid Heritage
A specially painted F-15E Strike Eagle, paying tribute to the F-111's legendary Libya raid heritage, took to the skies for its first flight in a bold new camouflage scheme, hauling eight inert 500-pound laser-guided bombs. The striking jet, accompanied by a wingman, roared through the iconic Mach Loop before dropping its payload at the Holbeach Air Weapons Range.
US Air Force Revives B-1B Bomber from Boneyard for Extended Service Life
In a remarkable feat of engineering, the US Air Force has breathed new life into a B-1B bomber, reviving it from the Arizona boneyard after a nearly two-year overhaul that saw over 500 components replaced. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex led the massive depot effort, involving over 200 airmen and civilians working tirelessly to return the jet to full operational status.
US Military Develops Compact AIM-9X Sidewinder for Stealth Aircraft
The US military is advancing its stealth aircraft capabilities with the compact AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, designed for internal carriage on advanced aircraft with enhanced performance. The Navy has allocated $83.3 million in its Fiscal Year 2027 budget request to develop this cutting-edge technology.
US Air Force Prepares B-52 for F130 Engine Upgrade This Year
The US Air Force is gearing up to supercharge its B-52 fleet with a cutting-edge engine upgrade, the F130, this year. The milestone Critical Design Review has been achieved, paving the way for the first bomber delivery and modification work to begin.
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.
US Air Force to Divest E-11A Communications Jets by 2028
The US Air Force is set to retire its E-11A communications jets by 2028, ending the service life of a fleet that has played a vital role in relaying communications between aerial platforms and ground forces, particularly in challenging terrain. The E-11A's robust communications gateway has enabled seamless data exchange across multiple waveforms, supporting operations in the Persian Gulf, Central and South America, and beyond.
Air Force Shifts Focus to Upgrade Refueling Systems Over New Tanker
The Air Force is reprioritizing its spending, shifting focus from developing a new tanker to upgrading existing refueling systems with advanced technology. This strategic move allocates $13 million to enhance mission systems, ensuring a more efficient and effective air refueling capability.
Air Force Extends A-10 Service Life to 2030 Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Air Force has made a decisive move to extend the service life of its A-10 aircraft, known as the Warthog, to 2030 - even as they're being actively deployed in the ongoing conflict in Iran. This unexpected reprieve marks yet another reversal of the aircraft's previously slated retirement.
US Air Force Accelerates Test Flights of Qatar-Donated 747-8i
The US Air Force is fast-tracking test flights of a Qatar-donated Boeing 747-8i, aiming to transform it into America's interim presidential transport, Air Force One, in a remarkably short timeframe. The aircraft is expected to be delivered as early as this summer, after a series of accelerated test flights have been successfully completed.
US Air Force Enhances HC-130J Countermeasures with Satellite-Fed Threat Updates
Imagine an electronic warfare pod that can adapt to new threats in mid-flight, receiving real-time updates via satellite to stay one step ahead - that's the game-changing potential of the Angry Kitten pod on the HC-130J platform. This cutting-edge tech could revolutionize the way we respond to evolving threats, making it a hugely valuable asset in modern warfare.