U.S. Air Force (Page 4)

Posted on Sep 19, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has released new video footage of its first pre-production B-21 Raider stealth bomber undergoing flight testing.

Air

New Look At B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flight Testing Released New Look At B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flight Testing Released

Posted on Sep 18, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is pushing ahead with experimentation that could lead to the transformation of KC-135 tankers into optionally crewed aircraft, as well as the development of other autonomous aerial refueling capabilities. U.S. military interest in autonomous airlifters, an area where China has been notably surging forward in the past few years, is also growing.

Air

Work Toward KC-135 Tankers That Fly Themselves, Uncrewed Cargo Aircraft Pressing Ahead Work Toward KC-135 Tankers That Fly Themselves, Uncrewed Cargo Aircraft Pressing Ahead

Posted on Sep 18, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has no plans to acquire stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) capable of operating with very high degrees of autonomy independently of crewed aircraft, at least in the near term publicly, despite surging Chinese developments in this domain.

Air

No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead

Posted on Sep 17, 2024

The U.S. Air Force's still evolving requirements for a next-generation aerial refueling 'system of systems' will directly impact the service's reassessment of plans for a new sixth-generation stealth 'fighter.' The Next-Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) effort will also inform work on a second tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.

Air

Future Stealth Tanker Plans Tied To NGAD 6th Generation Fighter’s Fate Future Stealth Tanker Plans Tied To NGAD 6th Generation Fighter’s Fate

Posted on Sep 16, 2024

MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.

Air

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation's Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System Demonstration Vehicle (ARES-DV), a vertical takeoff and landing capable tilt-rotor drone designed to carry interchangeable payload modules, has left the ground for the first time.

Air

Tilt-Ducted Fan ARES Drone Designed To Carry Modular Payloads Has Finally Lifted Off Tilt-Ducted Fan ARES Drone Designed To Carry Modular Payloads Has Finally Lifted Off

Posted on Sep 10, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is re-examining the very core of its requirements for a new sixth-generation stealth combat jet as part of its ongoing review of that element of the larger Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.

Air

Air Force “Starting At The Beginning” With NGAD 6th Gen Fighter Requirements Review Air Force “Starting At The Beginning” With NGAD 6th Gen Fighter Requirements Review

Posted on Sep 4, 2024

The U.S. Air Force recently awarded contracts to two companies for work on SHARK 'buddy store' podded aerial refueling systems able to work with aircraft that use the boom method to get gas in flight.

Air

Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

Air

The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die

Updated on Aug 31, 2024

Before the Ukrainian Air Force received its first batch of F-16 Viper fighters, the U.S. Air Force helped optimize electronic warfare (EW) systems on those jets against Russian threats.

Air

Electronic Warfare Systems On Ukraine’s F-16s Getting Specially Tuned To Russian Threats By USAF Electronic Warfare Systems On Ukraine’s F-16s Getting Specially Tuned To Russian Threats By USAF

Posted on Aug 27, 2024

412th Test Wing photographers Christian Turner, Todd Schannuth, and Richard Gonzales on the ramp with their F-16D chase jet.

Air

The Flight Test Photographers Of Edwards Air Force Base The Flight Test Photographers Of Edwards Air Force Base

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

KC-46 and F-15E had an incident resulting in the loss of the tanker's boom

Air

Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke The Tanker’s Boom Off Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke The Tanker’s Boom Off

Posted on Aug 23, 2024

A notional light fighter concept has been presented by the U.S. Air Force’s senior uniformed officer, providing a thought-provoking insight on one direction that the service’s future combat fleet could take. The concept emerges as Air Force officials are increasingly questioning the requirements for the crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet being developed as part of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.

Air

Air Force Floats Light Stealth Fighter Concept As Its Heavy Fighter Program May Be In Jeopardy Air Force Floats Light Stealth Fighter Concept As Its Heavy Fighter Program May Be In Jeopardy

Posted on Aug 20, 2024

A drone scare around the U.S. Air Force's Plant 42 in California, a major hub for advanced aerospace development work, including highly classified military programs, has led to revelations about a real wave of mysterious drone incursions in recent months.

Air

Palmdale UFO Scare Leads To Revelations About Mystery Drone Incursions Over Secretive Plant 42 Palmdale UFO Scare Leads To Revelations About Mystery Drone Incursions Over Secretive Plant 42

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 20, 2024

Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise.

Air

Air Force Units Will Flood The Western Pacific In Huge New Airpower Exercise Next Summer Air Force Units Will Flood The Western Pacific In Huge New Airpower Exercise Next Summer

Posted on Aug 19, 2024

A Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan converted into a cargo drone was among the participants in a recently concluded U.S. Air Force-led large force air combat exercise focused on preparing for a potential future conflict with China.

Air

Cessna Caravan Turned Into Cargo Drone Tested At China-Focused Airpower Exercise Cessna Caravan Turned Into Cargo Drone Tested At China-Focused Airpower Exercise

Posted on Aug 16, 2024

Air National Guard F-16 Viper fighters pretending to be enemy cruise missiles together with tiny JSX-2 microjets mimicking cruise missiles and drones replicated complex threat scenarios during a recent large-scale exercise.

Air

F-16s Team With JSX-2 Microjets To Replicate Complex Cruise Missile And Drone Attacks F-16s Team With JSX-2 Microjets To Replicate Complex Cruise Missile And Drone Attacks

Posted on Aug 14, 2024

Model 407 optionally manned drone Northrop grumman

Air

Northrop’s Stealthy Loyal Wingman Drone Breaks Cover And It Has A Cockpit Northrop’s Stealthy Loyal Wingman Drone Breaks Cover And It Has A Cockpit

Updated on Aug 9, 2024

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 92nd Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the western United States during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, Aug. 5, 2024. Through employment of the KC-135 aircraft, the 91st ARS extends U.S. global power and global reach by planning and executing aerial refueling missions for U.S. and allied combat and support aircraft. During Bamboo Eagle, Air Mobility Command assets will support warfighters implementing all-domain combat-power generation from disaggregated basing locations throughout the western part of the U.S., along with distributed command and control, agile logistics, and tactical air-to-air refueling. Bamboo Eagle provides participating units opportunities to reoptimizing for Great Power competition and to focus on mission readiness by to deliver cross-functional and lethal combat capabilities with the speed and agility required to meet pacing challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook)

Air

Massive China-Focused Air Combat Exercise Underway Off California Coast Massive China-Focused Air Combat Exercise Underway Off California Coast

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

Defense technology contractor Anduril has announced plans to build a novel “hyperscale” production facility that will be able to churn out significant numbers of different military products, including uncrewed combat aircraft and autonomous underwater vehicles. The project closely aligns with the Pentagon’s aim of securing the ability to manufacture at scale, to meet future demands, especially for uncrewed systems that would be critical in potential peer-state conflicts.

Air

“Hyperscale” Weapons Factory Vision Outlined By Anduril “Hyperscale” Weapons Factory Vision Outlined By Anduril

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

A brief video clip of a U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye linking up with an Air Force HC-130J tanker somewhere over in the Middle East calls attention to how this aircraft has become even more of a force multiplier with the added ability to refuel in flight.

Air

E-2D Refueling From HC-130 Over Middle East Highlights The Hawkeye’s Potential E-2D Refueling From HC-130 Over Middle East Highlights The Hawkeye’s Potential

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron conducts flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon in the skies over California, Feb. 15.

Air

B-1B Tests New Pylon That Could Drastically Increase Its Weapons Carriage Capabilities B-1B Tests New Pylon That Could Drastically Increase Its Weapons Carriage Capabilities

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

The US Air Force says an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship has operated from a highway for the first time as part of the service's larger push to reduce its dependence on traditional runways. This is also comes amid questions about the future of the gunships in future high-end fights.

Air

AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Has Operated From A Highway For The First Time AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Has Operated From A Highway For The First Time

Posted on Aug 5, 2024

Air

More U.S. Combat Aircraft Heading To Middle East Ahead Of Expected Iranian Attack On Israel (Updated) More U.S. Combat Aircraft Heading To Middle East Ahead Of Expected Iranian Attack On Israel (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 2, 2024

The entire fleet of U.S. V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft has been temporarily grounded after a mishap involving an AFSOC CV-22 last month at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Air

CV-22 Osprey Crash In Japan Was Caused By Gearbox Failure CV-22 Osprey Crash In Japan Was Caused By Gearbox Failure

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 1, 2024

The US Air Force's top officer in Europe has highlighted how kamikaze drones present threats, as well as opportunities, especially for smaller friendly countries that might not be able to afford higher-end capabilities.

Air

Long-Range Kamikaze Drones Offer ‘Cheap’ Strike Opportunities For U.S., Allies: USAF General Long-Range Kamikaze Drones Offer ‘Cheap’ Strike Opportunities For U.S., Allies: USAF General

Posted on Jul 31, 2024

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has shed some more light on the status of the new sixth-generation stealth combat jet under development as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. “We’re taking a pause,” Kendall said this morning, before reiterating that while fighter at the heart of the wider NGAD initiative will have a human pilot to start with, an optionally crewed version might be developed too.

Air

Air Force Secretary ‘Absolutely Confident’ 6th Gen Crewed Fighter Will Move Forward (Updated) Air Force Secretary ‘Absolutely Confident’ 6th Gen Crewed Fighter Will Move Forward (Updated)

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

Ukrainians F-16s will immediately be able to get more out of stocks Western munitions that have already been deliverd, as well as other benefits.

Air

F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

The US Air Force says a program to explore low cost 'air vehicle' concepts that could be turned into cruise missiles or used for other purposes is as much about shaking up industrial base and supply chain status quos.

Air

Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program

By Major Joshua “Soup” Campbell

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is planning to retire its remaining RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance drones by the end of the 2027 Fiscal Year. The service says it has become clear that the RQ-4s would be overly vulnerable in any future conflict against a peer or near-peer adversary, but it’s not clear what aircraft (or other assets) might fill the resulting capability gap. This only adds to the growing evidence that a top-secret, high-flying, stealth spy drone, commonly referred to as the RQ-180, or variants or derivatives thereof, is getting close to entering service, if it isn’t already being employed operationally on some level.

Air

Air Force Chief Hints At Existence Of Clandestine Spy Aircraft Air Force Chief Hints At Existence Of Clandestine Spy Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

F-15EX and J16, both two seaters, but one uses the second crewman in a different capacity than the traditional weapon system officer role.

Air

USAF Should Look At China’s Future Multi-Crew Fighter Model For F-15EX USAF Should Look At China’s Future Multi-Crew Fighter Model For F-15EX

Posted on Jul 25, 2024

The ballooning cost of the US Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is one of the drivers behind uncertainly over the future of its sixth-generation combat jet effort, which could evolve into a fully uncrewed platform.

Air

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Uncertainty Tied To Sentinel ICBM Woes Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Uncertainty Tied To Sentinel ICBM Woes

Posted on Jul 24, 2024

Recently retired Lancer Rage takes to the skies above Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona

Air

B-1B Named Rage Brought Out Of Mothballs To Fly Once Again (Updated) B-1B Named Rage Brought Out Of Mothballs To Fly Once Again (Updated)

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jul 20, 2024

Air

B-2 Stealth Bomber’s Latest Upgrade Is Here B-2 Stealth Bomber’s Latest Upgrade Is Here

Updated on Jul 17, 2024

New questions have emerged about the future of the F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter program, the budget for which a draft Senate defense bill would slash.

Air

Navy’s F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter Program Would Be Gutted Under Senate Defense Bill Navy’s F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter Program Would Be Gutted Under Senate Defense Bill

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

Two legendary U.S. nuclear bombers, their first flights separated by almost half a century, took to the skies over Missouri at the weekend. The formation flights by the U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the B-29 Doc — one of only two examples of the World War II-era bomber that are flying anywhere in the world — were, the service believes, the first time that these two legendary aircraft had flown together in this way.

Air

B-2 Spirit Joined By B-29 Superfortress For Unprecedented Nuclear Bomber Heritage Flight B-2 Spirit Joined By B-29 Superfortress For Unprecedented Nuclear Bomber Heritage Flight

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

The US Air Force has revealed that development of a new relatively low-cost stand-off precision-guided munition is for Ukraine.

Air

Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Northrop Grumman has offer a new and interesting look at its secretive XRQ-73 drone.

Air

Our Best Look Yet At The XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone Our Best Look Yet At The XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

There is no official replacement for the F-22 Raptor, says the head of Air Combat Command. That could be another blow to the withering Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Air

Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

The Senate Armed Services Committee has directed the Pentagon to look into the possibility of transferring retired A-10 Warthog ground attack jets to Jordan.

Air

Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force

Updated on Jul 10, 2024

Air Force special operations aviators are now training on AT-802U aircraft ahead of the arrival of their first OA-1K Sky warden light attack planes while questions grow about the program's future.

Air

AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.

Air

Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

The Pentagon has made a new announcement about the first forward-deployments of Air Force F-35As and F-15EXs to Japan, as well as changes to the Marine Corps' F-35B force in that country.

Air

USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The US Air Force is taking a second look at the crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet it is developing under the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative to see where costs could be cut, even at the cost of losing certain capabilities.

Air

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Anduril and General Atomics have shared new details about progress and challenges, including on production and autonomy issues, as part of the Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Air

Construction Of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Has Begun At General Atomics Construction Of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Has Begun At General Atomics

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Royal Air Force Lakenheath's 494th Fighter Squadron returns to formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2024. The U.S. Air Force is globally postured to protect and defend freedom of coalition allies and regional partners within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the region.

Air

Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

The US Air Force's Air Mobility Command has outlined a critical need to give its fleets new counter-drone defenses they can use wherever they go.

Air

Built-In Counter-Drone Defenses Sought For Air Force Transports, Tankers Built-In Counter-Drone Defenses Sought For Air Force Transports, Tankers

By Eric Tegler, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

A USAF F-15EX Eagle II armed with 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

F-15EX Testers Are Now Preparing The Eagle II For Rapidly Adapting To New Missions F-15EX Testers Are Now Preparing The Eagle II For Rapidly Adapting To New Missions

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A new report from the Government Accountability Office raises questions and concerns about the Air Force's push to retire 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptors.

Air

Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

F-15EX has been put through its paces by testers in Eglin AFB to prepare it for service.

How USAF Testers Are Working To Field The F-15EX Fast How USAF Testers Are Working To Field The F-15EX Fast

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets will be used to launch prototypes of the US Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile.

Air

Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets To Test Launch U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Cruise Missiles Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets To Test Launch U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Air

B-52s With New Rolls Royce Engines Won’t Fly Operational Missions Until 2033 B-52s With New Rolls Royce Engines Won’t Fly Operational Missions Until 2033

Updated on Jun 18, 2024

Air

B-52 Future Stratofortress: The Upgrades That Will Transform The B-52H Into The B-52J B-52 Future Stratofortress: The Upgrades That Will Transform The B-52H Into The B-52J

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

F-15EX arrives at the 142nd Wing in Portland.

Air

Inside The First F-15EX Wing Commander’s Plans To Speed The Newest Eagle Into Service Inside The First F-15EX Wing Commander’s Plans To Speed The Newest Eagle Into Service

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Air

Top Air Force Officer Doubles Down On Aerial Combat Drones With Short Life Spans Top Air Force Officer Doubles Down On Aerial Combat Drones With Short Life Spans

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Congress is moving to block the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any U-2 spy planes in the next fiscal year.

Air

U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

A USAF Boeing F-15EX flies at low level in Nevada.

How 50 Years Of Eagle Experience Has Shaped The Advanced F-15 How 50 Years Of Eagle Experience Has Shaped The Advanced F-15

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

The Defense Innovation Unit and the US Air Force have picked four different companies design, build, and flight test new low-cost cruise missile concepts.

Air

‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force ‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force

Posted on Jun 3, 2024

The US Air Force has awarded its first contract for the purchase of production Joint Strike Missiles which are set to give its F-35A Joint Strike Fighters a new and capable stand-off strike option against targets on land and at sea.

Air

USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays

Posted on Jun 1, 2024

Testing at the Upside-Down Air Force, RADC

News & Features

The Fascinating Story Of The USAF’s “Upside-Down Air Force” The Fascinating Story Of The USAF’s “Upside-Down Air Force”

By Oliver Parken

Posted on May 31, 2024

A U.S. B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing and a Royal Netherlands air force F-35A conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises.

Air

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

Posted on May 31, 2024

Officials at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina are looking into the possibility of erecting physical barriers to protect F-15E Strike Eagles there from drones.

Land

Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB