Featured in USAFBYBrett TingleyJan 31, 2022ShareThe F-15EX Has Fired Its First MissileThe F-15EX Eagle II has moved one step closer to operational service by firing an AIM-120D air-to-air missile during a test flight. BYBrett TingleyJan 31, 2022ShareBYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayJan 28, 2022ShareSpace Shuttle Carrying 747 Was Secretly Modified To Defend Itself From Heat-Seeking Missiles (Updated)NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was secretly equipped with infrared countermeasures for its high-profile 1983 European tour. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayJan 28, 2022ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJan 27, 2022SharePlan To Fix Troubled KC-46 Tanker Risks Making Same Mistakes New Report SaysThere are fears that Air Force’s new push to resolve critical problems with its KC-46As could actually cause new delays. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 27, 2022ShareBYBrett TingleyJan 26, 2022ShareThe Air Force Wants Laser Communication Pods To Securely Link Fighter Aircraft With SatellitesBeyond-line-of-sight laser communications are virtually immune to jamming and interception and can quickly transfer huge amounts of data. BYBrett TingleyJan 26, 2022ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJan 20, 2022ShareAC-130 Gunships Are Finally Getting A New 105mm HowitzerThe AC-130’s biggest gun is getting a makeover to make it more capable and reliable than its 1960s-era predecessor. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 20, 2022ShareBYBrett TingleyJan 5, 2022ShareAir Force’s Small Telescope Tech Will Help Detect Enemy Satellites Sneaking Up On Friendly OnesThe previously classified Starfire Optical Range aids astronomers while enabling the Space Force to better detect and track small objects in space. BYBrett TingleyJan 5, 2022ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJan 3, 2022ShareBiden Briefly Stuck On Air Force One After Snow Storm Landing At Andrews AFB (Updated)It was snowing so hard that the airstair truck got stuck, delaying Biden and his entourage from deplaning promptly after arriving. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 3, 2022ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 31, 2021ShareWatch This C-130 Run For Its Life At Low Level From A Mock Enemy Missile CrewRealistic threats on the ground are an important if often underappreciated aspect of the Air Force’s Red Flag air combat exercises. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 31, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 24, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s Christmas Present-Delivering Rocket Isn’t Real But Its Rocket Cargo Program IsA lighthearted holiday video about delivering presents via rocket reflects very real U.S. military ambitions. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 24, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 22, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s 60-Year-Old B-52 Bombers Are Getting Their First USB PortsThe relatively cheap cockpit upgrade would eliminate the need for B-52 crews to carry loads of potentially risky lithium-ion batteries on missions. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 22, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 21, 2021ShareIncredible Images Of A Stripped-Down F-22 Raptor Being Rebuilt After A Belly LandingThe F-22 is set to return to service in early 2022, nearly four years after a botched takeoff. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 21, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 20, 2021ShareHypersonic Strike Aircraft Capability Is Part Of The Air Force’s Shadowy Project MayhemThe Air Force wants this hypersonic platform to be able to carry out strike and intelligence-gathering missions with one of three different payloads. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 20, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 14, 2021ShareThis Is Our First Look At Kratos’ Shadowy New Drone Design For The U.S. Air ForceWe are finally getting a few more details from Kratos on the secretive Off-Board Sensing Station program. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 14, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickDec 10, 2021ShareDozens Of Afghan Helicopters Have Now Arrived At The U.S. Air Force’s BoneyardMore Russian-built Mi-17 Hips and a number of smaller American-made MD 530F Little Birds have been airlifted to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 10, 2021ShareBYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayNov 20, 2021ShareTrio Of Afghan Mi-17 Helicopters Quietly Arrive At The U.S. Air Force’s BoneyardThere is immense pressure to keep ex-Afghan Air Force aircraft out of the hands of the Taliban. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayNov 20, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickNov 9, 2021ShareWatch This Hypersonic Test Aircraft Wow A Crowd With Its AfterburnerHermeus, a hypersonic aviation startup, hopes to begin actually flight testing this design, with help from the US Air Force, as early as next year. BYJoseph TrevithickNov 9, 2021ShareBYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 28, 2021ShareThis Is A Great Comparison Between General Atomics’ Avenger Drone ConfigurationsExamples of General Atomics Avenger and Avenger ER unmanned aircraft were spotted landing after taking part in a major exercise. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 28, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 27, 2021ShareHere’s Why This New Mysterious Air Force Drone Contract Is A Big Deal (Updated)The Off-Board Sensing Station combat drone, which will use a normal runway, focuses on affordability with an eye toward large-scale production. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 27, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 23, 2021ShareThe Air Force Has A Plan To Make Jet Fuel Out Of Thin AirA new carbon transformation process could be game-changing for the Air Force, which spends billions annually to buy fuel and ship it around the world. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 23, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 21, 2021ShareThis Alaskan Air Base Will Host An Experimental Mini Nuclear ReactorThe military hopes its new mini nuclear reactor will lead to new battlefield energy capabilities and help power its sprawling installations. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 21, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareFeel The Speed In These Incredible Photos From The Air Force’s Rocket Sled TrackThe Air Force is now looking at modernizing the High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to support new hypersonic developments. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareRobot Dogs Now Have Assault Rifles Mounted On Their Backs (Updated)Robot dogs have been met with equal parts fascination and fear by the public, but their utility for military applications is becoming undeniable. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareBYThomas NewdickOct 14, 2021ShareEx-Air Force Tech Boss Eviscerates Pentagon For Already Losing The AI Race Against China (Updated)Nicolas Chaillan rings the alarm on just how dire things really are when it comes to competing militarily with China on the cyber front. BYThomas NewdickOct 14, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 12, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s New 5,000-Pound Bunker Buster Bomb Breaks CoverThe GBU-72/B offers an improved all-weather bunker-busting capability in between the Air Force’s 2,000-pound and 30,000-pound class types. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 12, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 11, 2021ShareThis Is Our First Look At The Marines’ Loitering Munition-Armed Light Armored VehicleThe ‘suicide drones’ will allow Marine light armored units to surveil the battlefield and strike targets with pinpoint precision from up above. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 11, 2021ShareBYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 8, 2021ShareAir Force Stumped By Sudden Pitch Down Events Reported On Upgraded KC-135 TankersReports that autopilots were causing sudden nosedives led to flight restrictions on all upgraded Block 45 KC-135s. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 8, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickOct 5, 2021ShareWatch An F-35 Drop A B61 Nuclear Bomb In This First-Ever Declassified VideoThe supersonic drop test puts the F-35A a step closer to being able to employ the new nukes, which are literally worth more than their weight in gold. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 5, 2021ShareBYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareA Plastic Cap In A KC-46’s Fuel Valve Generates More Turbulence For The Troubled TankerThe revelation is the latest in a line of trash-related problems for Boeing aircraft — and not even the first debris issue for the KC-46. BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareBYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareDARPA Reveals Successful Hypersonic Cruise Missile Flight Test Has OccurredThe announcement of the successful flight test follows months of delays for the highly classified program. BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareRolls Royce Will Provide Long-Awaited New Jet Engines For The B-52 Bomber FleetAfter decades of trying, the B-52 will finally get new engines, with Rolls Royce being tapped for the contract that could be worth up to $2.6B. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareThe Last Of 17 B-1B Bombers Slated For Early Retirement Has Arrived At The BoneyardLast year, Congress approved the Air Force’s plan to divest a number of B-1Bs as it consolidates that fleet ahead of the arrival of the stealthy B-21. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareStealthy F-117 Nighthawks Have Been Masquerading As Cruise MissilesThe “retired” F-117s are ideal surrogates for cruise missiles, which have small target signatures and threaten the U.S. and its interests abroad. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareE-7 Wedgetail Radar Jets Eyed As A Bridge To A Space-Based System By The Air ForceThe Air Force needs a replacement for its aging E-3 Sentries, and off-the-shelf E-7 Wedgetails could fill the gap until a satellite capability emerges. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 21, 2021ShareBoeing Unveils New Two-Stage Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile ConceptThe new missile offering from Boeing uses two stages instead of one to increase range and lethality. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 21, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 16, 2021ShareF-22 Export Briefing Shows What It Would Have Taken To Sell The Raptor AbroadFor years, the idea of exporting the F-22 has been a topic of intense debate. Here’s what the Air Force thought it would take to get it done. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 16, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickSep 2, 2021ShareThe Air Force Is Developing Smart Bombs With ‘Torpedo-Like’ Ship Killing CapabilityA recent test explored the use of modified Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs against static and moving targets at sea. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 2, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareEmergency Troop Surge Now Needed For Afghan Withdrawal (Updated)U.S. troops will safeguard diplomats and others evacuating the country, but the Biden administration insists the fall of Kabul is not inevitable. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareSkunk Works’ Factory Of The Future Will Use Roaming Robots To Rapidly Assemble Top Secret AircraftSkunk Works’ knack for innovation enters the “digital” age with a factory able to spit out advanced aircraft faster and cheaper than ever before. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickAug 9, 2021ShareWatch This 2021 Ford Bronco Play Chase Car For A U-2 Dragon Lady Spy PlaneThe Air Force typically uses high-performance chase vehicles, not SUVs, to help U-2 pilots get back on the ground safely. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 9, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickAug 6, 2021ShareCurious Mission Flown Over The Baltic Sea By U.S. Air Force Nuke Sniffing PlaneThe Air Force only has one Constant Phoenix jet, which is used to collect air samples that could show evidence of nuclear testing or accidents. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 6, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickAug 3, 2021ShareRetired Marine C-9B Jet Transport Is Getting Second Life As An Air Force Sensor TestbedThe Marine Corps had been the last operator of these militarized McDonnell Douglas DC-9 airliners, retiring its last examples four years ago. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 3, 2021ShareBYJamie HunterAug 3, 2021ShareThe Truth About The Air Force’s Biggest Changes To Pilot Training Since The Dawn Of The Jet AgeGeneral Wills faces a pilot shortage while saddled with a training system that’s stayed largely the same for 60 years. Here’s how it could change. BYJamie HunterAug 3, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 31, 2021ShareHighly Modified Air Force Test Pilot School F-16 Is Now An X-PlaneThe heavily modified F-16 gets a new advanced mission after decades of supporting aerospace research and test pilot production. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 31, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareSecond Attempt To Test The Air Force’s First Hypersonic Weapon FailsThe missile’s rocket booster failed to ignite after separating from the B-52 carrying it, but the Air Force says it still gained valuable test data. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareBYThomas NewdickJul 29, 2021ShareA-10 Warthogs Are About To Operate From A U.S. Highway For The First TimeWe have seen USAF highway exercises in Europe and the Pacific, and now they are coming closer to home. BYThomas NewdickJul 29, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareLawmakers Are Skeptical About The Services’ Focus On Next Generation Fighters Over Existing DesignsLegislators have concerns about potentially serious tactical airpower gaps amid a shift in resources to new advanced fighter development projects. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareBYBrett Tingley and Tyler RogowayJul 28, 2021ShareNavy’s New Jamming Pods For EA-18G Growler Eyed For Air Force FightersIf the House Armed Services Committee gets its way the Air Force could finally get a manned fast-jet electric attack capability back after decades. BYBrett Tingley and Tyler RogowayJul 28, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 26, 2021ShareAir Force Tweet Showing F-35As Protected By Lightning Rods Asks “Which Lightning Strikes Harder?”An Air Force Tweet playing on the F-35’s nickname, Lightning II, comes days after lightning caused millions of dollars of damage to two Marine F-35Bs. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 26, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJul 23, 2021ShareAnother Attempt To Retire A-10 Warthogs Isn’t Going Well For The Air ForceThe Senate Armed Services Committee has blocked requests by the Air Force to retire dozens of its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. BYBrett TingleyJul 23, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJul 19, 2021ShareMQ-9 Reaper Tests Prove It Can Operate From Unprepared Locations On The FlyThe Air Force recently tested a new landing and take-off capability that could allow the MQ-9 to self deploy to a much wider range of locales. BYBrett TingleyJul 19, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 16, 2021ShareA Fifth Of The Air Force’s Combat-Coded F-22 Stealth Fighters Are Headed For GuamDozens of F-22s will take part in a large exercise to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to project combat airpower into the Pacific. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 16, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJul 7, 2021ShareWarhead For Air Force’s First Hypersonic Missile Tested For The First TimeThe test of the warhead comes as the service is reportedly preparing to try again to conduct its inaugural launch of a prototype AGM-183A missile. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 7, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 30, 2021ShareSkyborg AI Computer “Brain” Successfully Flew A General Atomics Avenger DroneThe Air Force’s Skyborg continues to be integrated into more aircraft, signaling that a variety of aircraft could someday be flown by the AI system. BYBrett TingleyJun 30, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 29, 2021ShareNew Systems For Navigation In GPS Denied Combat Environments Tested In Air Force’s Agile PodThe Air Force is preparing to fight without GPS via new navigational technologies that could be essential to winning tomorrow’s wars. BYBrett TingleyJun 29, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 28, 2021ShareThe CIA’s Bird-Shaped Aquiline Drones Could Still Be Caged Up At Area 51It’s unknown what became of the CIA’s Project Aquiline assets once they were boxed up and stored at the infamously secretive desert testing facility. BYBrett TingleyJun 28, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJun 28, 2021ShareU.S. Is Betting Big On Naval Mine Warfare With These New Sub-Launched and Air-Dropped TypesIn the next few years, the Navy hopes to develop four new mines to help deny enemy navies freedom of movement during major conflicts. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 28, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 24, 2021ShareSpace Force Wants Its Operations To Extend To The Expanse Between Traditional Orbits And The MoonAn Air Force Research Laboratory document makes it clear that Space Force will have to contend much farther out in space than it currently is. BYBrett TingleyJun 24, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 22, 2021ShareAir Force Flightlines Are Under Threat From Drones And It Wants Your Ideas On How To Protect ThemThe AFWERX initiative is reaching out to industry for ideas on how to protect its flightlines from drone incursions and more. BYBrett TingleyJun 22, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJun 18, 2021ShareChinese Pilots Are Also Dueling With AI Opponents In Simulated Dogfights And Losing: ReportThe reported testing of AI against Chinese fighter pilots mirrors US military efforts and underscores China’s major investments in this technology. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 18, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 17, 2021ShareAir Force Says Hypersonic Missile Tests Could Kill Four Snails And 90 ClamsA USAF report cites a range of environmental impacts that could be caused by missile testing including the highly anticipated ARRW live-fire test. BYBrett TingleyJun 17, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJun 16, 2021ShareAir Force Plans To Buy A New Tanker As Problems Persist With The One It’s Already BuyingThe Air Force wants additional tankers as a ‘bridge’ between the KC-46A and an advanced future design currently referred to as the KC-Z. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 16, 2021ShareBYBrett TingleyJun 15, 2021ShareThe U.S. Military Doesn’t Even Track How Many Weapons It Loses, And It Has Lost ThousandsA scathing report details how over 2,000 weapons have gone missing from military arsenals in the last decade alone and the data is far from complete. BYBrett TingleyJun 15, 2021ShareBYThomas NewdickJun 10, 2021ShareAir Force Corrects Top Official’s Statement On B-21 Bomber Progress (Updated)The first two examples of the advanced stealth bomber design are set to undergo ground testing before their planned first flight next year. BYThomas NewdickJun 10, 2021ShareBYJoseph TrevithickJun 7, 2021ShareMC-130J Commando II Simulated Launching A Pallet Of Cruise Missiles During A Mock Strike MissionAdvanced network capabilities were key to the most recent test of an MC-130J special operations transport plane transformed into a missile truck. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 7, 2021Share12345…10
BYBrett TingleyJan 31, 2022ShareThe F-15EX Has Fired Its First MissileThe F-15EX Eagle II has moved one step closer to operational service by firing an AIM-120D air-to-air missile during a test flight. BYBrett TingleyJan 31, 2022Share
BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayJan 28, 2022ShareSpace Shuttle Carrying 747 Was Secretly Modified To Defend Itself From Heat-Seeking Missiles (Updated)NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was secretly equipped with infrared countermeasures for its high-profile 1983 European tour. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayJan 28, 2022Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJan 27, 2022SharePlan To Fix Troubled KC-46 Tanker Risks Making Same Mistakes New Report SaysThere are fears that Air Force’s new push to resolve critical problems with its KC-46As could actually cause new delays. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 27, 2022Share
BYBrett TingleyJan 26, 2022ShareThe Air Force Wants Laser Communication Pods To Securely Link Fighter Aircraft With SatellitesBeyond-line-of-sight laser communications are virtually immune to jamming and interception and can quickly transfer huge amounts of data. BYBrett TingleyJan 26, 2022Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJan 20, 2022ShareAC-130 Gunships Are Finally Getting A New 105mm HowitzerThe AC-130’s biggest gun is getting a makeover to make it more capable and reliable than its 1960s-era predecessor. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 20, 2022Share
BYBrett TingleyJan 5, 2022ShareAir Force’s Small Telescope Tech Will Help Detect Enemy Satellites Sneaking Up On Friendly OnesThe previously classified Starfire Optical Range aids astronomers while enabling the Space Force to better detect and track small objects in space. BYBrett TingleyJan 5, 2022Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJan 3, 2022ShareBiden Briefly Stuck On Air Force One After Snow Storm Landing At Andrews AFB (Updated)It was snowing so hard that the airstair truck got stuck, delaying Biden and his entourage from deplaning promptly after arriving. BYJoseph TrevithickJan 3, 2022Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 31, 2021ShareWatch This C-130 Run For Its Life At Low Level From A Mock Enemy Missile CrewRealistic threats on the ground are an important if often underappreciated aspect of the Air Force’s Red Flag air combat exercises. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 31, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 24, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s Christmas Present-Delivering Rocket Isn’t Real But Its Rocket Cargo Program IsA lighthearted holiday video about delivering presents via rocket reflects very real U.S. military ambitions. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 24, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 22, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s 60-Year-Old B-52 Bombers Are Getting Their First USB PortsThe relatively cheap cockpit upgrade would eliminate the need for B-52 crews to carry loads of potentially risky lithium-ion batteries on missions. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 22, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 21, 2021ShareIncredible Images Of A Stripped-Down F-22 Raptor Being Rebuilt After A Belly LandingThe F-22 is set to return to service in early 2022, nearly four years after a botched takeoff. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 21, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 20, 2021ShareHypersonic Strike Aircraft Capability Is Part Of The Air Force’s Shadowy Project MayhemThe Air Force wants this hypersonic platform to be able to carry out strike and intelligence-gathering missions with one of three different payloads. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 20, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 14, 2021ShareThis Is Our First Look At Kratos’ Shadowy New Drone Design For The U.S. Air ForceWe are finally getting a few more details from Kratos on the secretive Off-Board Sensing Station program. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 14, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickDec 10, 2021ShareDozens Of Afghan Helicopters Have Now Arrived At The U.S. Air Force’s BoneyardMore Russian-built Mi-17 Hips and a number of smaller American-made MD 530F Little Birds have been airlifted to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. BYJoseph TrevithickDec 10, 2021Share
BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayNov 20, 2021ShareTrio Of Afghan Mi-17 Helicopters Quietly Arrive At The U.S. Air Force’s BoneyardThere is immense pressure to keep ex-Afghan Air Force aircraft out of the hands of the Taliban. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayNov 20, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickNov 9, 2021ShareWatch This Hypersonic Test Aircraft Wow A Crowd With Its AfterburnerHermeus, a hypersonic aviation startup, hopes to begin actually flight testing this design, with help from the US Air Force, as early as next year. BYJoseph TrevithickNov 9, 2021Share
BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 28, 2021ShareThis Is A Great Comparison Between General Atomics’ Avenger Drone ConfigurationsExamples of General Atomics Avenger and Avenger ER unmanned aircraft were spotted landing after taking part in a major exercise. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 28, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 27, 2021ShareHere’s Why This New Mysterious Air Force Drone Contract Is A Big Deal (Updated)The Off-Board Sensing Station combat drone, which will use a normal runway, focuses on affordability with an eye toward large-scale production. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 27, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 23, 2021ShareThe Air Force Has A Plan To Make Jet Fuel Out Of Thin AirA new carbon transformation process could be game-changing for the Air Force, which spends billions annually to buy fuel and ship it around the world. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 23, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 21, 2021ShareThis Alaskan Air Base Will Host An Experimental Mini Nuclear ReactorThe military hopes its new mini nuclear reactor will lead to new battlefield energy capabilities and help power its sprawling installations. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 21, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareFeel The Speed In These Incredible Photos From The Air Force’s Rocket Sled TrackThe Air Force is now looking at modernizing the High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to support new hypersonic developments. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021ShareRobot Dogs Now Have Assault Rifles Mounted On Their Backs (Updated)Robot dogs have been met with equal parts fascination and fear by the public, but their utility for military applications is becoming undeniable. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 15, 2021Share
BYThomas NewdickOct 14, 2021ShareEx-Air Force Tech Boss Eviscerates Pentagon For Already Losing The AI Race Against China (Updated)Nicolas Chaillan rings the alarm on just how dire things really are when it comes to competing militarily with China on the cyber front. BYThomas NewdickOct 14, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 12, 2021ShareThe Air Force’s New 5,000-Pound Bunker Buster Bomb Breaks CoverThe GBU-72/B offers an improved all-weather bunker-busting capability in between the Air Force’s 2,000-pound and 30,000-pound class types. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 12, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 11, 2021ShareThis Is Our First Look At The Marines’ Loitering Munition-Armed Light Armored VehicleThe ‘suicide drones’ will allow Marine light armored units to surveil the battlefield and strike targets with pinpoint precision from up above. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 11, 2021Share
BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 8, 2021ShareAir Force Stumped By Sudden Pitch Down Events Reported On Upgraded KC-135 TankersReports that autopilots were causing sudden nosedives led to flight restrictions on all upgraded Block 45 KC-135s. BYJoseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayOct 8, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickOct 5, 2021ShareWatch An F-35 Drop A B61 Nuclear Bomb In This First-Ever Declassified VideoThe supersonic drop test puts the F-35A a step closer to being able to employ the new nukes, which are literally worth more than their weight in gold. BYJoseph TrevithickOct 5, 2021Share
BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareA Plastic Cap In A KC-46’s Fuel Valve Generates More Turbulence For The Troubled TankerThe revelation is the latest in a line of trash-related problems for Boeing aircraft — and not even the first debris issue for the KC-46. BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021Share
BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021ShareDARPA Reveals Successful Hypersonic Cruise Missile Flight Test Has OccurredThe announcement of the successful flight test follows months of delays for the highly classified program. BYBrian O'Rourke and Joseph TrevithickSep 27, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareRolls Royce Will Provide Long-Awaited New Jet Engines For The B-52 Bomber FleetAfter decades of trying, the B-52 will finally get new engines, with Rolls Royce being tapped for the contract that could be worth up to $2.6B. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021ShareThe Last Of 17 B-1B Bombers Slated For Early Retirement Has Arrived At The BoneyardLast year, Congress approved the Air Force’s plan to divest a number of B-1Bs as it consolidates that fleet ahead of the arrival of the stealthy B-21. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 24, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareStealthy F-117 Nighthawks Have Been Masquerading As Cruise MissilesThe “retired” F-117s are ideal surrogates for cruise missiles, which have small target signatures and threaten the U.S. and its interests abroad. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021ShareE-7 Wedgetail Radar Jets Eyed As A Bridge To A Space-Based System By The Air ForceThe Air Force needs a replacement for its aging E-3 Sentries, and off-the-shelf E-7 Wedgetails could fill the gap until a satellite capability emerges. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 23, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 21, 2021ShareBoeing Unveils New Two-Stage Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile ConceptThe new missile offering from Boeing uses two stages instead of one to increase range and lethality. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 21, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 16, 2021ShareF-22 Export Briefing Shows What It Would Have Taken To Sell The Raptor AbroadFor years, the idea of exporting the F-22 has been a topic of intense debate. Here’s what the Air Force thought it would take to get it done. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 16, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickSep 2, 2021ShareThe Air Force Is Developing Smart Bombs With ‘Torpedo-Like’ Ship Killing CapabilityA recent test explored the use of modified Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs against static and moving targets at sea. BYJoseph TrevithickSep 2, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareEmergency Troop Surge Now Needed For Afghan Withdrawal (Updated)U.S. troops will safeguard diplomats and others evacuating the country, but the Biden administration insists the fall of Kabul is not inevitable. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021ShareSkunk Works’ Factory Of The Future Will Use Roaming Robots To Rapidly Assemble Top Secret AircraftSkunk Works’ knack for innovation enters the “digital” age with a factory able to spit out advanced aircraft faster and cheaper than ever before. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 13, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickAug 9, 2021ShareWatch This 2021 Ford Bronco Play Chase Car For A U-2 Dragon Lady Spy PlaneThe Air Force typically uses high-performance chase vehicles, not SUVs, to help U-2 pilots get back on the ground safely. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 9, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickAug 6, 2021ShareCurious Mission Flown Over The Baltic Sea By U.S. Air Force Nuke Sniffing PlaneThe Air Force only has one Constant Phoenix jet, which is used to collect air samples that could show evidence of nuclear testing or accidents. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 6, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickAug 3, 2021ShareRetired Marine C-9B Jet Transport Is Getting Second Life As An Air Force Sensor TestbedThe Marine Corps had been the last operator of these militarized McDonnell Douglas DC-9 airliners, retiring its last examples four years ago. BYJoseph TrevithickAug 3, 2021Share
BYJamie HunterAug 3, 2021ShareThe Truth About The Air Force’s Biggest Changes To Pilot Training Since The Dawn Of The Jet AgeGeneral Wills faces a pilot shortage while saddled with a training system that’s stayed largely the same for 60 years. Here’s how it could change. BYJamie HunterAug 3, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 31, 2021ShareHighly Modified Air Force Test Pilot School F-16 Is Now An X-PlaneThe heavily modified F-16 gets a new advanced mission after decades of supporting aerospace research and test pilot production. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 31, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareSecond Attempt To Test The Air Force’s First Hypersonic Weapon FailsThe missile’s rocket booster failed to ignite after separating from the B-52 carrying it, but the Air Force says it still gained valuable test data. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021Share
BYThomas NewdickJul 29, 2021ShareA-10 Warthogs Are About To Operate From A U.S. Highway For The First TimeWe have seen USAF highway exercises in Europe and the Pacific, and now they are coming closer to home. BYThomas NewdickJul 29, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021ShareLawmakers Are Skeptical About The Services’ Focus On Next Generation Fighters Over Existing DesignsLegislators have concerns about potentially serious tactical airpower gaps amid a shift in resources to new advanced fighter development projects. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 29, 2021Share
BYBrett Tingley and Tyler RogowayJul 28, 2021ShareNavy’s New Jamming Pods For EA-18G Growler Eyed For Air Force FightersIf the House Armed Services Committee gets its way the Air Force could finally get a manned fast-jet electric attack capability back after decades. BYBrett Tingley and Tyler RogowayJul 28, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 26, 2021ShareAir Force Tweet Showing F-35As Protected By Lightning Rods Asks “Which Lightning Strikes Harder?”An Air Force Tweet playing on the F-35’s nickname, Lightning II, comes days after lightning caused millions of dollars of damage to two Marine F-35Bs. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 26, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJul 23, 2021ShareAnother Attempt To Retire A-10 Warthogs Isn’t Going Well For The Air ForceThe Senate Armed Services Committee has blocked requests by the Air Force to retire dozens of its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. BYBrett TingleyJul 23, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJul 19, 2021ShareMQ-9 Reaper Tests Prove It Can Operate From Unprepared Locations On The FlyThe Air Force recently tested a new landing and take-off capability that could allow the MQ-9 to self deploy to a much wider range of locales. BYBrett TingleyJul 19, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 16, 2021ShareA Fifth Of The Air Force’s Combat-Coded F-22 Stealth Fighters Are Headed For GuamDozens of F-22s will take part in a large exercise to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to project combat airpower into the Pacific. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 16, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJul 7, 2021ShareWarhead For Air Force’s First Hypersonic Missile Tested For The First TimeThe test of the warhead comes as the service is reportedly preparing to try again to conduct its inaugural launch of a prototype AGM-183A missile. BYJoseph TrevithickJul 7, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 30, 2021ShareSkyborg AI Computer “Brain” Successfully Flew A General Atomics Avenger DroneThe Air Force’s Skyborg continues to be integrated into more aircraft, signaling that a variety of aircraft could someday be flown by the AI system. BYBrett TingleyJun 30, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 29, 2021ShareNew Systems For Navigation In GPS Denied Combat Environments Tested In Air Force’s Agile PodThe Air Force is preparing to fight without GPS via new navigational technologies that could be essential to winning tomorrow’s wars. BYBrett TingleyJun 29, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 28, 2021ShareThe CIA’s Bird-Shaped Aquiline Drones Could Still Be Caged Up At Area 51It’s unknown what became of the CIA’s Project Aquiline assets once they were boxed up and stored at the infamously secretive desert testing facility. BYBrett TingleyJun 28, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJun 28, 2021ShareU.S. Is Betting Big On Naval Mine Warfare With These New Sub-Launched and Air-Dropped TypesIn the next few years, the Navy hopes to develop four new mines to help deny enemy navies freedom of movement during major conflicts. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 28, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 24, 2021ShareSpace Force Wants Its Operations To Extend To The Expanse Between Traditional Orbits And The MoonAn Air Force Research Laboratory document makes it clear that Space Force will have to contend much farther out in space than it currently is. BYBrett TingleyJun 24, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 22, 2021ShareAir Force Flightlines Are Under Threat From Drones And It Wants Your Ideas On How To Protect ThemThe AFWERX initiative is reaching out to industry for ideas on how to protect its flightlines from drone incursions and more. BYBrett TingleyJun 22, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJun 18, 2021ShareChinese Pilots Are Also Dueling With AI Opponents In Simulated Dogfights And Losing: ReportThe reported testing of AI against Chinese fighter pilots mirrors US military efforts and underscores China’s major investments in this technology. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 18, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 17, 2021ShareAir Force Says Hypersonic Missile Tests Could Kill Four Snails And 90 ClamsA USAF report cites a range of environmental impacts that could be caused by missile testing including the highly anticipated ARRW live-fire test. BYBrett TingleyJun 17, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJun 16, 2021ShareAir Force Plans To Buy A New Tanker As Problems Persist With The One It’s Already BuyingThe Air Force wants additional tankers as a ‘bridge’ between the KC-46A and an advanced future design currently referred to as the KC-Z. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 16, 2021Share
BYBrett TingleyJun 15, 2021ShareThe U.S. Military Doesn’t Even Track How Many Weapons It Loses, And It Has Lost ThousandsA scathing report details how over 2,000 weapons have gone missing from military arsenals in the last decade alone and the data is far from complete. BYBrett TingleyJun 15, 2021Share
BYThomas NewdickJun 10, 2021ShareAir Force Corrects Top Official’s Statement On B-21 Bomber Progress (Updated)The first two examples of the advanced stealth bomber design are set to undergo ground testing before their planned first flight next year. BYThomas NewdickJun 10, 2021Share
BYJoseph TrevithickJun 7, 2021ShareMC-130J Commando II Simulated Launching A Pallet Of Cruise Missiles During A Mock Strike MissionAdvanced network capabilities were key to the most recent test of an MC-130J special operations transport plane transformed into a missile truck. BYJoseph TrevithickJun 7, 2021Share