All Department of the Air Force (USAF) articles – Page 2
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NewsDARPA, Lockheed successfully test experimental hypersonic weapon
It was the second test flight of the scramjet vehicle known as the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, which Lockheed is developing in conjunction with the Pentagon’s secretive research branch.
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NewsUSAF orders more Boeing KC-46s, as inspectors identify more failings
The US Air Force placed an order worth $2 billion with Boeing for 15 new KC-46 air tankers, just as the Pentagon’s test office identified new faults with the troubled jet.
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NewsUSAF launches AI-powered airlift planning competition
The Air Force Research Laboratory digital event invites researchers from around the world to improve the planning of airlift operations using artificial intelligence-driven algorithms.
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In depthUSA must pair anti-missile systems with ‘passive’ air base defences: Rand
Hardened shelters, camouflage and widely dispersing aircraft on the ground are the most cost-effective means of increasing the resiliency of air bases against attack from advanced adversaries, according to analysis by research group Rand Corporation.
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NewsJolly Green II rescue helicopter records first battlefield casualty evacuation
The US Air Force’s new Sikorsky HH-60W dedicated combat search and rescue helicopter logged its first operational casualty evacuation in the Horn of Africa in December.
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NewsNewly reported UFOs display ‘unusual flight performance capabilities’: US intelligence
After analysing some 366 newly identified instances of unidentified aerial phenomena, US intelligence officials have determined roughly half to be normal aerospace clutter, while an unspecified number suggested unusual flight performance capabilities.
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NewsUSAF completes largest-ever C-17 launch with rapid deployment of 24 aircraft
Two-dozen of the Boeing transport jets launched from Charleston, South Carolina before dispersing to drop paratroopers, refuel helicopters on the ground and distribute heavy weapons and communication systems at multiple landing sites.
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NewsBoeing’s F-15EX proves full air-to-air capability with 12 underwing missiles
Recent weapons tests demonstrated that the F-15EX – the latest version of Boeing’s venerable air superiority fighter – can carry a full load of 12 air-to-air missiles.
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News‘Wi-fi in the sky’: the USAF expands E-11 fleet
The service is building a second squadron of Bombardier E-11 Global Express jets, officially known as the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node.
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NewsUS claims China conducted ‘unsafe intercept’ of reconnaissance aircraft
The Pentagon’s Indo-Pacific Command claims a Chinese J-11 came dangerously close to a US Air Force Boeing RC-135 in international airspace over the South China Sea.
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NewsLeidos wins $334m contract for multi-role hypersonic platform
The Virginia-based manufacturer will produce a “larger class” air-breathing hypersonic platform capable of performing multiple mission sets.
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NewsUSAF grounds B-2 fleet after emergency landing closes airfield
The US Air Force ordered its small fleet of strategic stealth bombers into a “safety pause” after one of the ultra-expensive aircraft was damaged during an emergency landing.
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NewsUSAF commits nearly $4bn to operations at Greenland airbase above the Arctic Circle
Improvements to the joint USA-Canada Thule air base now allow the strategic far northern outpost to host fighter jets year round.
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NewsPratt & Whitney ‘ramping’ for F-35 engine core upgrade to enter service by 2028
While a formal decision on addressing the stealthy fighter’s power and cooling constraints remains absent, engine-maker Pratt & Whitney says it is ramping a core upgrade programme for the F-35’s powerplant based on a recent preliminary support contract.
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NewsUSAF B-1 bomber unit prepares for B-21 Raider
The US Air Force’s 28th Bomb Wing, which currently operates the Boeing B-1B, will be the first unit to receive the B-21 stealth bomber later this decade.
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NewsFewer A-10s but protections for F-22s, EA-18Gs and F-15s in US defence policy bill
If approved, the behemoth bill to fund the US military through 2023 would allow some reductions to the A-10 fleet, but prohibit retirements of many other types, including fighters, tankers and transports.
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NewsB-21 test pilots discuss preparations for first flight
Loads calibration, structural strength evaluations and testing flight systems using a business jet are just a few of the tasks test pilots from Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are undertaking in preparation for the new stealth bomber’s first flight.
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NewsPratt & Whitney awarded preliminary contract for F-35 engine ‘enhancement’
A decision by the US Air Force on whether to completely replace the Lockheed Martin jet’s single engine or opt for a cheaper core upgrade to the existing powerplant remains unresolved.
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NewsNorthrop Grumman reveals B-21 test aircraft as stealth programme roars toward first flight
Northrop Grumman has unveiled the next-generation stealth bomber under development for the US Air Force.
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NewsUS Air Force to buy 45 additional AESA radars for F-16 upgrades
The deal worth nearly $100 million is part of the USAF’s $6 billion effort to upgrade its fleet of the ageing Lockheed Martin single-engined jets.