February 19, 2021

USAF tests version 2 of Raytheon’s High Energy Laser Weapon System

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by alert5

An enhanced version of Raytheon’s High Energy Laser Weapon System dubbed HELWS2 or H2 has been tested by the U.S. Air Force’s 704th Test Group.

Photo: Raytheon
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The first of 17 B-1B bombers to retire

Posted on February 19, 2021 by alert5

B-1B #85-066 became the first of 17 of its type to head for retirement on Feb. 17. Out of those 17 aircraft, only four will remain in a reclaimable condition.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jonah Fronk
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Misawa Air Base F-35A training

Posted on February 19, 2021 by alert5

Philippines hopes to sign contract for 2 C-130Js this year

Posted on February 19, 2021 by alert5

Philippine’s Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he hopes to sign the contract to buy 2 C-130J cargo aircraft by end of this year.

A KC-130J Super Hercules flies over Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 2, 2021. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) trained in an unfamiliar environment in order to increase proficiency in critical mission skills such as aerial refueling, complex maneuvers, and logistical support. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

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USAF mulls 4.5/5 gen minus clean sheet design to replace F-16

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by alert5

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. has disclosed that the service is embarking on a study that could open up the possibility of buying a new clean sheet design fighter that will replace the F-16 for the lower-end fight.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Nov. 30, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multirole fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Carnes)

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