Air Force Archives - Page 65 of 2538

Vietnam’s fighter choice hinges on more than just hardware, analyst says

Posted on February 6, 2024 by alert5

As Vietnam gears up to select its next-generation fighter jet, Ian Storey, a Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, suggests the decision carries more than just military implications. In a recent Fulcrum.sg analysis, Dr. Storey highlights the strategic balancing act Vietnam faces as it weighs options from both Russia and the US.

Hoangprs5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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3rd AS tests new combat offload method for the C-17

Posted on February 6, 2024February 5, 2024 by alert5

The 3rd Airlift Squadron (AS) of the 436th Airlift Wing has successfully concluded trials of a novel C-17 Globemaster III combat offload procedure dubbed “Method C,” marking a potential leap forward in cargo delivery efficiency and safety. This innovative technique eliminates the need for traditional forklifts or other ground vehicles, utilizing a system of rollers and conveyor belts to safely transfer palletized cargo from the aircraft directly to the ground.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Soucy, 3rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, adjusts the winch on a C-17 Globemaster III during combat offload Method C testing at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Jan. 23, 2024. The new combat offload Method C would allow C-17s to deliver cargo without the assistance of any material handling equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amanda Jett)

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Hawaii Air National Guard wraps up Sentry Aloha 24-01 Exercise

Posted on February 5, 2024 by alert5

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s Sentry Aloha 24-01 exercise, a large-scale, joint training event, successfully concluded on Jan. 31 after two intensive weeks. Designed to enhance war fighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, the exercise saw participation from over 700 personnel and 40 aircraft across the Department of Defense (DoD) and Australia.

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler from VX-9 China Lake, U.S. Navy F-35 Lightning II from VX-9 Det Edwards, and the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail from the No. 2 Squadron fly in formation during Sentry Aloha 24-01 Jan. 30, 2024, Pacific Ocean, Hawaii. Sentry Aloha is an ongoing series of exercises hosted by the HIANG’s 154th Wing enabling tailored, cost effective and realistic combat training for Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and other Department of Defense services to provide U.S. warfighters with the skill sets necessary to perform homeland defense and overseas combat missions. (U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo)

Dover AFB tests drone program for autonomous C-5 M inspections

Posted on February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 by alert5

Team Dover is exploring innovative solutions to streamline and enhance aircraft maintenance with the recent trial of a drone program for autonomous inspections of C-5 M Super Galaxy aircraft.

Sophie Legore, Near Earth Autonomy test engineer, evaluates drone footage as it scans a C-5M Super Galaxy at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, January 23, 2024. Team Dover in cooperation with Boeing and Near Earth Autonomy tested a drone program for an autonomous C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft inspection project. Traditional inspections that require personnel to use a safety harness, maintenance stands, or vehicles can take hours to accomplish, but the drone can complete the same inspection in approximately 10 minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. State Department approves $3.99 Billion MQ-9B sale to India

Posted on February 2, 2024 by alert5

In a move solidifying the U.S.-India strategic partnership and bolstering its maritime surveillance capabilities, India has secured a potential $3.99 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian armed drones and a comprehensive support package. The State Department officially approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) on Feb. 1st, paving the way for negotiations with prime contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

210421-N-FC670-086 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 21, 2021) An MQ-9 Sea Guardian unmanned maritime surveillance aircraft system flies over the Pacific Ocean during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21, April 21. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe)

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