U.S. Air Force (Page 5)

Posted on Apr 4, 2024

The USAF wants $1.5B in spare parts it doesn't have in its budget.

Air

Hundreds Of Air Force Aircraft Risk Grounding Without Extra $1.5B Spare Parts Infusion Hundreds Of Air Force Aircraft Risk Grounding Without Extra $1.5B Spare Parts Infusion

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 flies to U.S. Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California, where it will undergo normal Program Depot-level Maintenance (PDM) and be painted black, after almost three years of maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 29, 2024. Aircraft 1078 was involved in an accident in 2021 that left it unable to move to Plant 42, and after passing low flight and high flight tests, was able to fly to Palmdale where Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 4 will oversee Lockheed Martin’s PDM of aircraft 1078. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer

Air

TU-2S Dragon Lady Resurrected For The Twilight Of The Spy Plane’s Service TU-2S Dragon Lady Resurrected For The Twilight Of The Spy Plane’s Service

Posted on Mar 25, 2024

Supersonic testbed XB-1 on its first flight, March 22, 2024

Air

Boom’s XB-1 Supersonic Test Jet Takes To The Skies Boom’s XB-1 Supersonic Test Jet Takes To The Skies

Posted on Mar 23, 2024

Air

F-22 Spotted With New Stealth Wing Tanks, Infrared Sensor Pods F-22 Spotted With New Stealth Wing Tanks, Infrared Sensor Pods

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 22, 2024

The F-35 Joint Program Office says the internal gun on the A variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is now effective after years of accuracy and other problems.

Air

F-35A’s Beleaguered 25mm Cannon Is Finally “Effective” F-35A’s Beleaguered 25mm Cannon Is Finally “Effective”

Posted on Mar 22, 2024

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 3, 2023. The A-10 is assigned to the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, which is one of four single-ship demonstration teams within Air Combat Command, who travel across the United States, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

Air

A-10 Demo Team Announces Its Final Year As The Warthog’s End Draws Near A-10 Demo Team Announces Its Final Year As The Warthog’s End Draws Near

Posted on Mar 21, 2024

Satellite image of the air base at Mihail Kogălniceanu, pictured on December 18, 2023

Romanian Airfield’s Transformation Into A Giant NATO Base Is Underway Romanian Airfield’s Transformation Into A Giant NATO Base Is Underway

Posted on Mar 20, 2024

The Air Force has conducted an unprecedented test launch of a live AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile in the Western Pacific, sending signals to China and elsewhere in the region amid uncertainty about this particular program's future.

Air

Unprecedented U.S. Hypersonic Weapons Test From Guam Has Occurred Unprecedented U.S. Hypersonic Weapons Test From Guam Has Occurred

Posted on Mar 19, 2024

The US Air Force no longer plans to flight test a laser directed energy weapon on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

Air

AC-130 Gunship’s Laser Weapon Cancelled, 105mm Howitzer May Be Removed AC-130 Gunship’s Laser Weapon Cancelled, 105mm Howitzer May Be Removed

Posted on Mar 19, 2024

The US Air Force has confirmed a spate of drone incursions occurred at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in December 2023.

Air

Mysterious Drones Swarmed Langley AFB For Weeks Mysterious Drones Swarmed Langley AFB For Weeks

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Mar 15, 2024

The Air Force wants to cut its purchases of MH-139A helicopters in half, calling into question what will happen to many units equipped with the UH-1Ns they were supposed to replace.

Air

Air Force Wants To Slash MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Purchases In Half Air Force Wants To Slash MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Purchases In Half

Posted on Mar 14, 2024

Air

F-35 Cleared For Full-Rate Production 17 Years After Its First Flight F-35 Cleared For Full-Rate Production 17 Years After Its First Flight

Posted on Mar 13, 2024

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Posted on Mar 11, 2024

F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB

Air

F-35A Is Officially Certified For Nuclear Strike F-35A Is Officially Certified For Nuclear Strike

Posted on Mar 9, 2024

The grounding of all US military V-22 Ospreys following a crash in November 2023 has been lifted.

Air

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

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

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

Posted on Mar 7, 2024

F-16 Block 70 about to head on its delivery flight to Bahrain.

Air

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

Posted on Mar 7, 2024

There are growing signs that an unprecedented AGM-183A hypersonic missile test staged from Guam is imminent.

Air

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

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.

Air

B-52 Armed With Hypersonic Missile Makes Appearance In Guam 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.

Air

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

Air

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

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.

Air

The F-111 Was Faster Than You Think The F-111 Was Faster Than You Think

Posted on Feb 29, 2024

Damage sustained by inclement weather at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base tornado damage

Air

Tornado Ravages Air Force Museum Restoration Hangar At Wright Patterson AFB 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.

Air

B-52 Stratofortress Damaged After Engine Fire B-52 Stratofortress Damaged After Engine Fire

Posted on Feb 27, 2024

Air

Just How Fast Is The F-15EX Really? Just How Fast Is The F-15EX Really?

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.

Air

Everything New We Just Learned About The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program Everything New We Just Learned About The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program

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.

Nuclear

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

Posted on Feb 20, 2024

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

Air

Future Of Mayhem Hypersonic Strike-Recon Aircraft Program Murky 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.

Air

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

Posted on Feb 16, 2024

LITENING LA Targeting pod Northrop Grumman

We Talk New Features On The LITENING Large Aperture Targeting Pod We Talk New Features On The LITENING Large Aperture Targeting Pod

By Tyler Rogoway, Jamie Hunter

Posted on Feb 16, 2024

Air

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

Air

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

Posted on Feb 14, 2024

Air

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

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman

Posted on Feb 14, 2024

Air

USAF Set To Down-Select Collaborative Combat Aircraft Competitors USAF Set To Down-Select Collaborative Combat Aircraft Competitors

Posted on Feb 13, 2024

Air

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

Air

Ukraine Using Thousands Of Networked Microphones To Track Russian Drones Ukraine Using Thousands Of Networked Microphones To Track Russian Drones

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.

Air

C-17 Launching Mock Ballistic Missile Seen Like Never Before C-17 Launching Mock Ballistic Missile Seen Like Never Before

Posted on Feb 9, 2024

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Air

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

Posted on Feb 7, 2024

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

Air

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

Posted on Feb 4, 2024

Starship pictured during static-fire testing

Space

Military May Get Its Own SpaceX Starship Rockets For Dangerous Missions Military May Get Its Own SpaceX Starship Rockets For Dangerous Missions

Posted on Feb 2, 2024

World war two aircraft: B-17G Fortresses of the 381st Bomb Group in flight, Summer 1944.

Air

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

Posted on Jan 31, 2024

Air

Massive New Air Combat Exercise Underway Along The California Coast 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 Masters Of The Air’s Aerial Sequences Are Terrifying, Game Changing

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jan 25, 2024

Air

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

Posted on Jan 24, 2024

Air

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

Air

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

Posted on Jan 23, 2024

Air

B-21 Raider Now In Production Just Two Months After 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.

Air

B-21 Raider Flight Testing Now Underway B-21 Raider Flight Testing Now Underway

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 17, 2024

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jan 9, 2024

Beale AFB executes an elephant walk as the U-2's service approaches its end.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jan 5, 2024

Air

B-1B Bomber Crashes In South Dakota B-1B Bomber Crashes In South Dakota

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.

Air

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