Air Force Archives - Page 40 of 2533

Airbus raises concerns over the size of South Korea’s aerial refueling tankers

Posted on June 22, 2024June 21, 2024 by alert5

Airbus Defense and Space (AirbusDS) has highlighted a potential capability gap for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) regarding its aerial tanker fleet. The company argues that South Korea’s current number of tankers significantly limits the operational capabilities of its fighter jets.

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Lockheed Martin delivers 2,700th C-130 Hercules

Posted on June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 by alert5

Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone in tactical airlift with the delivery of the 2,700th C-130 Hercules aircraft. This landmark aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker variant, joins the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Notably, this delivery coincides with the C-130’s 70th anniversary of first flight this year, further highlighting the enduring legacy of this versatile military transport aircraft.

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)

GAO questions U.S. Air Force justification for F-22 Block 20 divestment plan

Posted on June 19, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Air Force’s plan to divest 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptor aircraft. The GAO cites a lack of sufficient data and analysis to support the decision.

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor pulls away from a KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel April 21, 2021, near Oahu, Hawaii. The fifth-generation aircraft, operated by Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons, integrated with a Royal Australian Air Force command-and-control aircraft during exercise Pacific Edge 21. The exercise was held to enhance air-combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between the two countries’ aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier)

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ROKAF McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II retirement ceremony

Posted on June 18, 2024 by alert5

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) held a meticulously planned ceremony on Friday, Jun. 7th, at Suwon Air Base to bid farewell to its legendary F-4 Phantom fighter jets after an impressive 55-year service record. Nicknamed “Dokkaebi” (Korean goblin) for their versatility, the Phantoms were revered as guardians of South Korean skies.

Alert5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Reservists prove mettle with Manually Operated Lift Truck in Agile Combat Training

Posted on June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 by alert5

A recent training exercise conducted by the 419th Fighter Wing, a US Air Force Reserve unit, focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept within the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. One key aspect of the exercise involved demonstrating the viability of using a Manually Operated Lift Truck (MOLT) for weapons loading in remote environments.