Air Force Archives - Page 76 of 2533

North Korea said to have started program to convert outdated fighters into suicide drones

Posted on August 25, 2023 by alert5

Choe Su-ryong, a former agent of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), has revealed that North Korea has embarked on a significant military modernization effort, repurposing outdated fighter jets into suicide drones armed with precision-guided munitions. These unmanned suicide drones are intended to strike major industrial and infrastructure facilities in South Korea, according to Choe’s statements to The Korea Times.

元諜報員, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#FighterFriday

Posted on August 25, 2023 by alert5

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, part of the 18th Aggressor Squadron stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, soar in formation alongside a KC-46A Pegasus from the 133rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. This synchronized flight occurred during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-3 over the expansive expanse of the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex on August 18, 2023. At the heart of this joint exercise, the 18th Aggressor Squadron plays a vital role by sharing insights into adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures, enhancing the preparedness of all participating units.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten
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Innovating flight instrumentation for B-52 : Human Factors integration takes center stage

Posted on August 24, 2023 by alert5

A dedicated team of experts from the Global Power Bombers Combined Test Force has embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance the B-52 Stratofortress’ flight instrumentation due to the B-52 Stratofortress Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP). As part of this endeavor, the team is delving into the realm of human factors integration, aiming to equip air crews with advanced tools to navigate and control this legendary bomber more effectively.

U.S. Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem
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USAF MQ-9 runway excursion at JMSDF Kanoya

Posted on August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 by alert5

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 unmanned air vehicle had overran the runway at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kanoya Air Base on Aug. 22, the NHK has reported.

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Netherlands expands MQ-9A fleet to 8 aircraft

Posted on August 22, 2023 by alert5

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its surveillance and security capabilities, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has announced its decision to double its fleet of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from four to eight. The MQ-9A Reapers, designed and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), are poised to play a pivotal role in the RNLAF’s operations.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle comes in for a landing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Nov. 20. Reapers are remotely piloted and can linger over battlefields, providing persistent strike capabilities to ground force commanders. This Reaper is deployed to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron from Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

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