U.S. Air Force(Page 4)

Latest in U.S. Air Force

The Air Force says it will bring its Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon program later this year, but the service has refused to rule out future work on this or another similar hypersonic weapon design.

Signs ARRW Hypersonic Missile Follow-On May Be In The Works

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 13, 2024
The proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budgets for the US Air Force and US Navy contain significant developments for their respective sixth-generation combat jet programs.

USAF Seeks NGAD Fighter Boost, Navy F/A-XX Investment Slows In New Budget

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 12, 2024
The Air Force's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes a cut to the total planned size of the F-15EX fleet from 104 to 98 jets.

F-15EX Fleet To Be Cut Down To 98 Jets In New Air Force Budget

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 11, 2024
F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB

F-35A Is Officially Certified For Nuclear Strike

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Mar 9, 2024
The grounding of all US military V-22 Ospreys following a crash in November 2023 has been lifted.

V-22 Osprey Finally Cleared To Fly After Three Month Grounding

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 8, 2024
Declassified documents shine new light on an incident off the coast of Florida in January 2023 where an Air Force pilot says they saw something that looked like an "Apollo spacecraft."

Air Force Pilot’s Bizarre Encounter With Capsule-Like Craft Off Florida Declassified

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 7, 2024
F-16 Block 70 about to head on its delivery flight to Bahrain.

First Block 70 F-16s Are Out For Delivery (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Mar 7, 2024
There are growing signs that an unprecedented AGM-183A hypersonic missile test staged from Guam is imminent.

Unprecedented U.S. Hypersonic Weapon Test In West Pacific Appears Imminent

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 4, 2024
The Air Force has very publicly shown pictures of a live AGM-183A hypersonic missile under the wing of a B-52H bomber on Guam despite previously announcing plans to end program.

B-52 Armed With Hypersonic Missile Makes Appearance In Guam

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick
Posted on Mar 1, 2024
As part of the announcement of the first flight its new XQ-67A drone, the Air Force has shared new information about its Off-Board Sensing Station program and revealed the existence of a companion Off-Board Weapon Station concept.

The XQ-67A Has A Secretive, Higher-Performance, Deadly Cousin

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Mar 1, 2024
General Atomics' XQ-67A drone, built for the Air Force's Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program, has made its first flight.

XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station Drone Has Flown (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 29, 2024
An air-to-air right side view of a 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing F-111F aircraft releasing its load of Mark 82 high-drag bombs over the Bardenas Reales range. The 494th TFS has been deployed to Zaragoza Air Base for training.

The F-111 Was Faster Than You Think

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Feb 29, 2024
Damage sustained by inclement weather at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base tornado damage

Tornado Ravages Air Force Museum Restoration Hangar At Wright Patterson AFB

By Oliver Parken, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Feb 29, 2024
A B-52 bomber made an emergency landing at Minot Air Force Base on January 23, 2024, due to an engine fire. The fire was subsequently put out an the crew of the aircraft was unharmed in the mishap.

B-52 Stratofortress Damaged After Engine Fire

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 27, 2024
F-15EX Afterburner

Just How Fast Is The F-15EX Really?

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Feb 26, 2024
New details about the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone program, as well as recent discussions about its progress and future, all point to its potential to reshape how the service does business and fights.

Everything New We Just Learned About The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 23, 2024
Northrop Grumman says it has successfully conducted a shroud fly-off test as part of the development of the new LGM-35 intercontinental ballistic missile for the U.S. Air Force.

New Sentinel ICBM’s Nose Shroud Separation Test A Flying Success

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 20, 2024
New Air Wing concept USAF

This Is How The Air Force’s New Wing Structure Will Actually Work

By Hope Hodge Seck
Posted on Feb 18, 2024
The Air Force says a funding issue may cause a significant delay in its secretive Mayhem hypersonic strike-recon aircraft program and that the overall "operational pull" behind the effort is uncertain.

Future Of Mayhem Hypersonic Strike-Recon Aircraft Program Murky

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 17, 2024
The US Air Force will test new autonomous capabilities for its KC-135s intended, at least initially, to help reduce operator workload. The service is also still planning to conduct a test of the KC-135 as an aerial launching platform for drones.

Tests Planned For KC-135s That Can Fly Themselves, Act As Drone Motherships

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 16, 2024
LITENING LA Targeting pod Northrop Grumman

We Talk New Features On The LITENING Large Aperture Targeting Pod

By Tyler Rogoway, Jamie Hunter
Posted on Feb 16, 2024
CV-22s taxi for takeoff

Grounded V-22 Osprey “1980s Technology,” Still Critical Capability Says AFSOC Commander

By Hope Hodge Seck
Posted on Feb 15, 2024
The latest on AFRL's mutant from AFA's Warfare Symposium show floor.

We Talk MUTANT, The Bending Missile, With The Air Force Research Lab

By Jamie Hunter, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Feb 14, 2024
The US Air Force says it plans to invite foreign allies and partners to join the next increment of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone program and has offered details about what that cooperation might look like. The service is also looking bring US Special Operations Command into an existing tri-service agreement with the Navy and Marine Corps.

Plans For Allies To Join Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program Laid Out By Air Force

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 14, 2024
F-15EX flying

“I Would Love To Have More F-15EXs,” Air Guard Boss Says

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman
Posted on Feb 14, 2024
Boeing Ghost Bat F-15

USAF Set To Down-Select Collaborative Combat Aircraft Competitors

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 13, 2024
Elephant walk with USAF aircraft

Air Force’s Big Restructuring Includes New Commands, New Deployment Plans

By Howard Altman
Posted on Feb 13, 2024
Ukraine is employing a network of thousands of acoustic sensors to help spot and track incoming Russian drones, according to the Air Force's top office in Europe.

Ukraine Using Thousands Of Networked Microphones To Track Russian Drones

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 13, 2024
The Missile Defense Agency has released rare video footage showing the entire launch sequence of a mock medium-range ballistic missile from a C-17 cargo plane during a recent test.

C-17 Launching Mock Ballistic Missile Seen Like Never Before

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 9, 2024
Low-Cost Infrared Search And Track System For Aircraft Unveiled By Anduril

Low-Cost Infrared Search And Track System For Aircraft Unveiled By Anduril

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 8, 2024
The US Navy and Air Force have both recently laid out requirements for new compact cruise missiles, including an anti-ship type that could be carried internally on certain F-35 variants.

Mini Anti-Ship Cruise Missile That Fits Inside An F-35 Is On The Navy’s Wish List

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Feb 7, 2024
General Atomics has unveiled the XQ-67A drone, which it built as part of the US Air Force's secretive Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program.

General Atomics’ XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station Drone Breaks Cover

By Jamie Hunter, Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Feb 7, 2024
Concept 2 sub-scale model on display at the World Defense Show

This Is BAE Systems’ Reworked, Stealthier Uncrewed Combat Aircraft Concept

By Oliver Parken
Posted on Feb 7, 2024
CMV-22Bs land on a carrier

CMV-22B Osprey “Not Operationally Suitable” According To Test Report

By Howard Altman
Posted on Feb 6, 2024
F-117 flying low level through the California desert.

The Most Stunning F-117 Photos We’ve Seen Since Its ‘Retirement’

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Feb 4, 2024
Starship pictured during static-fire testing

Military May Get Its Own SpaceX Starship Rockets For Dangerous Missions

By Oliver Parken
Posted on Feb 2, 2024
World war two aircraft: B-17G Fortresses of the 381st Bomb Group in flight, Summer 1944.

This Is What It Took To Defend A B-17 Bomber

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jan 31, 2024
F-22

Massive New Air Combat Exercise Underway Along The California Coast

By Jamie Hunter
Posted on Jan 30, 2024
Masters Of The Air aerial sequences are amazing

Masters Of The Air’s Aerial Sequences Are Terrifying, Game Changing

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Jan 27, 2024
Defense contractor Anduril has formally announced that it is one of five companies working on the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) advanced drone program.

Anduril Is Helping The Air Force To Develop Its Loyal Wingman Drone

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jan 25, 2024
F-15 retirement Kingsley Field

The Last USAF F-15C/D Eagle Instructor Pilots Are Now In Training

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jan 24, 2024
F-16 Block 70

Flying The Block 70 F-16 ‘Ultimate’ Viper According To Its Test Pilot

By Jamie Hunter
Posted on Jan 24, 2024
California Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper drones were prepared to sink a rocket booster with Hellfire missiles after a test in December, but it slipped beneath the waves on its own.

MQ-9 Reapers Were Ready To Blow Up A Rocket Booster Off California

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jan 23, 2024
B-21's first flight

B-21 Raider Now In Production Just Two Months After First Flight

By Howard Altman
Posted on Jan 23, 2024
Flight testing of the B-21 Raider at Edwards Air Force Base in California is now underway.

B-21 Raider Flight Testing Now Underway

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jan 17, 2024
B-1 crash at Ellsworth

B-1B Bomber’s Crash Landing Path Seen In Satellite Image

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jan 9, 2024
Metrea Aerospace became the first to use a private-owned tanker to refuel U.S. aircraft tactical jets when one of its KC-135s topped-up a pair of A-10 Warthog ground attack jets last year.

A-10 Warthogs Have Refueled From A Contractor’s KC-135 Tanker

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jan 9, 2024
Beale AFB executes an elephant walk as the U-2's service approaches its end.

U-2 Dragon Lady Spy Planes Execute A Bittersweet Elephant Walk

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Jan 7, 2024
We now have our first look at the B-1B bomber that crashed at Ellsworth Air Force Base on January 4, 2023.

Crashed B-1B Bomber Carcass Visible At South Dakota Base

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jan 5, 2024
B-1B Ellsworth mishap

B-1B Bomber Crashes In South Dakota

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Jan 5, 2024
The Air Force is intersted in modified underwing pylons to help ensure its B-52H bombers can carry as many future hypersonic cruise missiles as possible.

B-52 Needs New Pylons To Carry Max Load Of Hypersonic Missiles

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Dec 28, 2023
Boeing says it has delivered the second pair of F-15EX Eagle II fighters to the U.S. Air Force after a year of delays.

Second Pair Of F-15EX Eagle II Fighters Just Delivered To USAF

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Dec 21, 2023
F-15EX To Be Based At Kadena Air Base In Japan: Report

F-15EX To Be Based At Kadena Air Base In Japan: Report

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Dec 18, 2023
The U.S. can learn lessons from Israel operates its F-35I fleet.

Israel’s F-35I Combat Experience Is Providing Lessons For Future Pacific Fight

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Dec 13, 2023
A picture has emerged offering a rare glimpse of ongoing work to field new B61-12 nuclear bombs in Europe.

First Picture Of B61-12 Nuclear Bomb Trainer On An F-16 In Europe Surfaces

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Dec 13, 2023
X-32 National Museum Of The United States Air Force

X-32’s Makeover: Before And After

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Dec 11, 2023
A new draft of the annual U.S. defense policy bill for the 2024 Fiscal Year, which looks set to pass in Congress and become law, would require the Air Force and the Navy to provide new details about the expected costs and capabilities of their future Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones.

Loyal Wingman Drone Cost, Capability Concerns Emerge In Defense Bill

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Dec 8, 2023
Boeing Exits Air Force’s ‘Doomsday Plane’ Competition (Updated)

Boeing Exits Air Force’s ‘Doomsday Plane’ Competition (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Dec 5, 2023
The F-35 Joint Program Office is oversee a project to create a single operational "Franken-bird" from two seriously damaged F-35A Joint Strike Fighters.

F-35 “Franken-Bird” Being Made From Two Badly Damaged Jets

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Dec 1, 2023
No, This Is Not A Secret UFO Crash Retrieval

No, This Is Not A Secret UFO Crash Retrieval

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Nov 30, 2023
CCAs flying with notional NGAD manned aircraft.

Signs Point To Less Range, Higher Performance For CCA Drones

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 28, 2023
The B61-12 nuclear bomb is now officially in the U.S. stockpile and approved for employment from the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber.

B-2 Spirit Now Operational With New B61-12 Nuclear Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 28, 2023
B-21 raider T-shirt

Celebrate B-21 Raider’s First Flight With This Ghostly T-Shirt

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Nov 27, 2023
The US Air Force's future EC-37B electronic warfare jets are now EA-37Bs, which is meant to highlight their ability to not only find and attack various types of targets, but destroy them.

New ‘Attack’ EA-37B Moniker For USAF Electronic Warfare Jets

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 21, 2023