All United States Air Force articles – Page 3
-
NewsUSAF now targets early 2030s for fielding stealthy aerial tanker
Speaking during budget hearings in Washington, the top civilian administrator for the US Air Force says he wants to begin production of the still-conceptual Next Generation Air-refuelling System in the early 2030s.
-
NewsRaytheon reveals AI-powered target identification sensor
Dubbed “intelligent sensing” technology, Raytheon says its new Raiven system will pair artificial intelligence with electro-optical and infrared imaging to rapidly identify objects from the air in real time.
-
NewsFirst E-3s retired as USAF prepares for E-7 purchase
The US Air Force plans to retire 13 of the Boeing E-3 airborne warning and control system jets, which Congress allowed in exchange for procurement of the more advanced Boeing E-7.
-
NewsUSAF begins long-sought A-10 retirements
The service has for years sought to phase out the iconic ground attack jet in favour of more modern platforms, but only received congressional approval to do so this year.
-
NewsLockheed moves to double production of Pacific-focused long-range missiles
Lockheed Martin recently began production at a second facility that will churn out the advanced, precision munitions as the US government prepares to expand stockpiles of those weapons.
-
NewsBoeing to upgrade KC-46 fleet with anti-jamming, better encryption
The US Air Force will pay Boeing $184 million for a package to upgrade communication systems on the KC-46A refuelling jet, including for better encryption and anti-jamming capability.
-
NewsUSAF to drop Lockheed hypersonic weapon programme after failed test
The Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon had a mixed record, with numerous technical challenges early in development and a recent failed test.
-
NewsUSAF adds 54 AESA radars to F-16 modernisation order
The $128 million contract adds to a similar order last November aimed at modernising the US Air Force’s fleet of multirole Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.
-
NewsNorthrop will supply MESA sensors to planned USAF E-7 fleet
Northrop Grumman will provide its Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array long-range sensor for the fleet of Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control jets the US Air Force plans to purchase.
-
NewsGE ships first engines for F-15EX fighter
GE Aviation has delivered its first F110-129 engines for integration with Boeing’s F-15EX fighter.
-
In depthCan Boeing score 60-year production run with rejuvenated F-15?
With its contract to deliver a first batch of EX-version fighters to the US Air Force, Boeing can now target further international F-15 sales, and a delivery run potentially spanning 60 years.
-
In depthExport deals to keep F-16 fighting fit
In common with Boeing’s F-15, US industry’s other similar-aged fighter – the Lockheed Martin F-16 – also has enjoyed a recent orders revival, just as it had appeared to be potentially nearing a production end. Lockheed’s firm order backlog for the single-engined type stood at a combined 38 aircraft for ...
-
NewsATAC Mirage F1s picked for Holloman, Luke AFB adversary training
Textron company Airborne Tactical Advantage (ATAC) plans to begin delivering adversary training services at two US Air Force bases within the next 60-90 days using ex-French air force Dassault Mirage F1s.
-
OpinionHow Boeing’s F-15EX contract win was dogfighting masterstroke
Boeing’s defence unit is celebrating a modern-day dogfighting masterstroke, after securing its first US Air Force (USAF) orders for the venerable F-15 in more than two decades.
-
OpinionCan fighter designers keep delivering the right stuff?
In the realm of aerial combat, the ability to see further and strike faster than an adversary is in most cases the difference between death or glory. For combat aircraft manufacturers, the coming decade holds great potential, with the USA and several European nations embarking on the development of ...
-
NewsUS Air Force tests dropping cruise missiles from ramp of cargo aircraft
The US Air Force is moving forward with an experiment to drop cruise missiles from the back ramp of cargo aircraft.
-
OpinionMilitary powers must keep control over machine AI
Not so long ago there was a good chuckle to be had in thinking about how the PC on your desk could outperform the room full of big metal cases with flashing lights and whirly tape reels that was the supercomputer of days gone by.
-
NewsT-38 wing deal gives IAI fresh lift
The US Air Force has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries a potentially $240 million contract to produce further replacement wing sets for its Northrop T-38C jet trainer fleet.
-
NewsDUBAI: KC-46A makes debut amid big USA presence
The US Air Force and Navy have made a significant show of force at Dubai this year, with 13 aircraft in the static park spread over 11 different types.
-
News
USAF sets up advanced fighter technology office
The US Air Force (USAF) has created a new office to help with the development of advanced fighter technologies.