All United States Air Force articles – Page 3
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NewsGE Aerospace exploring low-cost ‘disposable’ engines
Amid steady demand for existing propulsion systems, the defence unit of GE Aerospace is targeting development efforts on a series of next-generation technologies, including high-powered adaptive engines and small, low-cost solutions for uncrewed fighter jets.
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NewsUSAF plans to retire all T-1A trainers by 2026 and invest money saved in T-7A Red Hawks
The US Air Force (USAF) is attempting to retire its entire fleet of Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawks, including 101 T-1As used by its Air Education and Training Command, by 2026 to save money as part of the command’s undergraduate flight training transformation.
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NewsGeneral Atomics lands funding to continue XQ-67 development
The maker of uncrewed aircraft received an additional $9 million from the US Air Force Research Laboratory to continue development work of the experimental Off-Board Sensing Station jet, believed to be the basis for General Atomics’ bid for an autonomous aircraft capable of supporting crewed fighters.
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In depthWith deliveries underway, US pilots begin transitioning to F-15EX
With Boeing having delivered the first operational example of its latest F-15EX multi-role fighter, US Air Force pilots who previously flew the F-15C are beginning the process of transitioning to the new jet.
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In depthBoeing bets big on next-generation fighter manufacturing facility
The US airframer has begun construction of a $1.8 billion advanced combat aircraft assembly facility in St. Louis, at a time when support for sixth-generation fighter programmes appears to be waning at the Pentagon.
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NewsB-52 modernisations delayed until 2033
Upgrades to the iconic US Air Force heavy bomber, which include new engines and an improved radar, are meant to keep the Vietnam-era jet flying into the 2050s.
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NewsFirst flight of Air Force One replacement delayed to 2026
The issue-plagued Boeing programme to deliver two new presidential jets to the US Air Force is absorbing fresh production delays that will push the type’s first flight into 2026.
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NewsFirst operational Boeing F-15EX arrives with USAF for frontline service
The latest variant of the venerable fourth-generation air superiority fighter will begin operational service in the state of Oregon with the US Air National Guard, which is responsible for homeland defence and air-interdiction missions.
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In depthRide along for an aerial tour of Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day
FlightGlobal accompanied the US Air Force’s 86th Air Wing for a C-130J transport flight on 6 June 2024 as part of the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
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In depthD-Day at 80: a legacy of air power
When Allied troops stormed ashore at Normandy 80 years ago, the success of their campaign to retake Western Europe would cement the role of air power as a critical dimension in modern warfare – a legacy that endures today.
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NewsPilot survives ejection from F-35B crash in New Mexico
A pilot was injured after ejecting from a crash that destroyed an F-35B fighter jet near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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AnalysisSierra Nevada plans to purchase five commercial jets from Korean Air
Although the US defence contractor would not confirm the intent behind the purchase, the acquisition comes just weeks after Sierra Nevada secured a $13 billion Pentagon contract to build a new fleet of nuclear command and control aircraft.
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NewsUSAF releases first official images of B-21 in flight
The US Air Force has released images of the developmental Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider strategic bomber in flight, as it maintains that the programme is on track.
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In depth‘It will improvise’: Shield AI’s dogfighting algorithm developed novel fighter tactics
The founder of Shield AI, the company behind the artificial intelligence that recently powered an autonomous F-16 fighter in US Air Force dogfighting drills, says its algorithm has shown ability to improvise, and has even developed novel air combat tactics no human pilot would likely employ.
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In depthL3Harris poised to deliver first OA-1K Armed Overwatch turboprop
Although the Armed Overwatch programme to develop a new close-air support turboprop has been criticised by government auditors, US Special Operations Command stands by the concept and contractor L3Harris is poised to deliver the first aircraft.
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NewsA-10s escort US ballistic missile submarine during strait transit
Ground-attack A-10 fighters from the US Air Force overflew the USS Nebraska ballistic-missile submarine during a transit through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as the air force continues seeking new missions for the ageing jets.
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NewsUSA no longer pursuing amphibious MC-130 variant
Although they described the concept as technically feasible, procurement officials at the US Special Operations Command say they are no longer pursuing a kit that could modify the Lockheed Martin MC-130J for amphibious take-offs and landings, citing budget constraints and competing priorities.
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NewsTop US Air Force official rides in front seat of autonomous F-16
Secretary of the US Air Force Frank Kendall flew in the lead seat of the service’s X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA), a specially modified Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter being used to test and develop artificial intelligence and autonomy capabilities.
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AnalysisUSAF awards Sierra Nevada contract for replacement ‘Doomsday’ aircraft
Officially known as the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, the new aircraft will replace the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch jet capable of commanding the USA’s nuclear arsenal.
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NewsAnduril and General Atomics advance in USAF autonomous fighter programme
Two manufacturers have been selected by the US Air Force to advance in the competition to develop an autonomous fighter aircraft.