Alert 5

McConnell AFB Innovation Lab scores KC-46 Remote Start breakthrough

Posted on November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 by alert5

In a move that could dramatically improve the KC-46A Pegasus’s alert response, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing’s Innovation Lab has developed and tested a remote start system for the troubled tanker. The system, known as the Auxiliary Power Unit Start System, or APRUSS, allows aircrews to start the KC-46 remotely using cellular signals. This innovation could close the readiness gap between the KC-46 and its predecessor, the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Senior Airman Douglas Vargas, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Innovation Lab intern, works on the KC-46A Pegasus Auxiliary Power Unit Start System (APRUSS) at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Nov. 14, 2024. Vargas, with an IT background, focused on the software and coding for the APRUSS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce).

Vietnam receives first batch of T-6C Texan II aircraft from U.S.

Posted on November 21, 2024 by alert5

In a move underscoring burgeoning U.S.-Vietnam defence ties, the first three of 12 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop trainers have arrived at Phan Thiet, south of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first time Vietnam has acquired new military aircraft from the United States since the end of the war in the 1970s.

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Black Knights strike first with F-35C

Posted on November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 by alert5

In a significant development for naval aviation, the F-35C Lightning II, the U.S. Navy’s latest carrier-borne fighter, has conducted its first combat strikes. This milestone marks the F-35C’s operational debut, showcasing its capabilities in a real-world conflict.

LEMOORE, California (June 5, 2019) The first Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 “Black Knights” F-35C aircraft from Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore flown by CAPT Tommy Beau Locke from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 “Rough Raiders” flies in formation over the Sierra’s with the VFMA-314 squadron F/A-18A++, flown by LtCol Cedar Hinton aircraft “passing the lead” as part of the F/A-18 Sundown with the Black Knights. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Darin Russell/Released)

KC-46 demo team takes to the skies

Posted on November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 by alert5

The 56th Air Refueling Squadron has unveiled the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demonstration team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, on Nov. 9. This debut performance marked a major milestone for the KC-46, highlighting its advanced capabilities and the crucial role it plays in modern air operations.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss
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Swedish fighter jets in play as Colombia weighs Saab offer

Posted on November 14, 2024 by alert5

Reuters has reported that Swedish defence firm Saab has offered to sell Gripen fighter jets to Colombia. Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed the offer in an interview, stating that Colombia is evaluating the proposal. This follows an earlier report from Swedish public radio, which cited unnamed sources claiming that Colombia was poised to purchase Gripen jets. The specific number of aircraft offered by Saab remains undisclosed.