All United States Air Force articles – Page 3
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NewsUS Air Force exploring all options for next-generation survivable tanker
The head of Air Mobility Command says the US Air Force is open to all potential solutions for a next-generation survivable tanker, including a stealthy blended-wing body, a converted business jet and a “signature managed” conventional tanker.
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NewsBoeing F-47 to fly in 2028, with production underway on first aircraft
Boeing’s developmental F-47 sixth-generation fighter will make its first flight in 2028, with assembly work already underway on the initial aircraft following the company’s selection for the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance programme.
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NewsFirst flight ‘imminent’ for Anduril’s YFQ-44A autonomous fighter prototype
Anduril executives say they are wrapping up ground testing on the YFQ-44A, taking extra time to further develop the autonomous flight software that will enable the uncrewed jet to make its first flight without any remote piloting inputs.
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NewsUSAF boosts BACN fleet with ninth Global-series jet
Bombardier’s defence unit has delivered its ninth Global-series aircraft for use in the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) battlefield airborne communications node (BACN) role.
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NewsUSAF’s prototype Wedgetails will undergo airframe modification work in the UK
A pair of prototype Boeing E-7A airborne early warning and control jets on order for the US Air Force (USAF) will undergo modification work in the UK.
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NewsCongress moves to protect US E-7A production from Pentagon cancellation
A clause included in a draft of the annual US defence authorisation bill would prohibit the Pentagon from terminating its E-7A rapid prototyping programme with Boeing or attempting to shut down production of the airborne early warning and control jet.
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NewsCongress moves to restrict USAF KC-46 acquisitions pending engineering fix
House defence bill would cap KC-46A acquisitions at 183 aircraft until Boeing resolves Category 1 engineering deficiencies, while mandating expanded tanker fleet and extended KC-135 service life.
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In depthSecond B-21 Raider bomber delivered to US Air Force
The US Air Force has taken delivery of its second B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Edwards AFB, allowing the test programme to advance beyond initial flight performance to critical mission systems evaluation.
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NewsUSAF B-2 teams with Norwegian F-35As in QUICKSINK anti-shipping test
A Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bomber has successfully engaged a maritime target in the Norwegian Sea during a long-range mission from the USA, demonstrating advanced sensor-to-shooter capabilities with Norwegian F-35As.
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In depthChinese military engines ‘catching up’ to Western rivals
Indigenous Chinese turbofan engines are narrowing the performance gap with Western powerplants but still lag behind in reliability and capability, according to a senior GE Aerospace executive.
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NewsUS air commandos practise Caribbean airfield seizure amid regional tensions
American special operations forces have conducted a complex exercise to capture and secure an airport in the US Virgin Islands, demonstrating rapid airfield seizure capabilities.
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NewsUS sending F-35 fighters to Puerto Rico amid Venezuela tensions
The USA is bolstering its military presence in the Caribbean by deploying 10 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico, just hours after Venezuelan F-16s conducted a provocative low pass over a US Navy vessel.
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In depthUSAF equips F-15E with APKWS rockets for drone defence
The US Air Force integrated BAE Systems’ APKWS II guided rockets onto F-15E fighters in just nine days, dramatically accelerating deployment to counter the growing threat of enemy drone swarms.
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NewsUS special operations C-130Js will get AESA radars, as Lockheed Martin eyes fresh sales
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J is to receive a major capability update for the US Air Force Special Operations Command, while the airframer eyes numerous additional domestic and international opportunities to further extend production of the type.
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NewsSierra Nevada begins flight testing E-4C ‘Doomsday’ aircraft
Sierra Nevada Corporation has commenced flight testing the US Air Force’s new E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft, with the inaugural sortie taking place on 7 August.
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NewsPacific Air Forces commander says USA ‘not deterred’ by China’s largest ever military hardware display
The US military remains undeterred by China’s upcoming display of military might, which may include the reveal of next-generation fighters or uncrewed aircraft during Beijing’s largest ever military parade.
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NewsUSAF pilots to train at Italian flight school in historic first
US Air Force (USAF) pilots will for the first time be trained by a foreign school following a landmark agreement between the service and its Italian counterpart.
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NewsGeneral Atomics YFQ-42A logs first flight in Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort
The first of two uncrewed fighter prototypes being evaluated by the US Air Force has notched its maiden sortie, with the competing design set to log a similar milestone in the coming days.
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NewsContaminated hydraulic fluid caused Alaska F-35A crash
A US Air Force investigation has determined that water-contaminated hydraulic fluid froze in extreme cold conditions, causing an F-35A to become uncontrollable before crashing in Alaska.
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NewsUS Air Force seeking ideas for its next-generation tanker
The US Air Force has issued a fresh request for information to industry partners regarding its Next Generation Air-refueling System, specifically addressing airframe concepts for the future tanker fleet.