Aviation News
Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the first flight of the F-16XL, a unique prototype fighter jet that never quite reached its full potential. Developed by General Dynamics as a variant of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-16XL boasted a distinctive “cranked-arrow” delta wing design promising increased range and improved ground attack capabilities.
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USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “42nd anniversary of the F-16XL’s first flight”
(H/T to Seapower magazine)
The U.S. Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper drone fleet appears to be gaining a new edge in low-observability technology. During a recent event at the Brookings Institution, General Eric M. Smith, the 39th commandant of the Marine Corps, alluded to a classified pod system called T-SOAR that enhances the drone’s ability to evade enemy radar detection.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) successfully demonstrated a novel launch system for its Valkyrie unmanned aerial system (UAS). This new method, called the Kratos Trolley Launch System (KTLS), offers significant advantages in terms of affordability and operational flexibility.
Continue reading “Kratos unveils new takeoff method for Valkyrie”
The 8th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, recently unveiled a striking new addition to their fleet – an F-16 Viper flagship painted in a sleek matte black color scheme, reminiscent of the legendary F-117 Nighthawk. This unique paint job serves as a powerful tribute to the squadron’s history and the groundbreaking capabilities of the retired stealth aircraft.
Continue reading “8th Fighter Squadron honors stealthy past with F-16 “Black Sheep” flagship”
Ebbing Air National Guard Base (EANG) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, witnessed a significant moment on Jul. 2nd, with the reactivation of the 85th Fighter Group and the 57th Fighter Squadron. These units, previously stationed in Iceland, are poised to embark on a new mission – training fighter pilots from allied nations on the F-35 stealth fighter jet.
Continue reading “85th Fighter Group and the 57th Fighter Squadron reactivated at Ebbing ANG base”