Alert 5

AFWERX tests electric aircraft at Springfield-Beckley airport

Posted on August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program is conducting a series of flight tests to evaluate the potential military applications of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The program, in partnership with Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI), is focusing on unmanned configurations of the BlackFly eVTOL aircraft to assess their capabilities for various mission sets.

AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm within the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Beavercreek, Ohio-based defense contractor Modern Technology Solutions Inc. evaluate Pivotal’s BlackFly electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Springfield-Beckley Airport, Ohio, July 12, 2024. The effort is part of the AFWERX Agility Prime program, which focuses on assessing the aircraft and its supporting ecosystem through an operational leasing initiative to accelerate innovative and emerging technologies that can be transitioned to the warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matthew Clouse).

USAF F-22s and Allies train together in Australian airspace during Pitch Black

Posted on July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 by alert5

The United States Air Force (USAF) F-22 Raptor made its debut at Exercise Pitch Black, Australia’s largest air warfare exercise. Deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, a contingent of six F-22s integrated seamlessly with a diverse array of allied aircraft, demonstrating the platform’s interoperability and combat capabilities.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off for a local sortie during Exercise Pitch Black at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 17, 2024. This year’s iteration of Pitch Black is the largest in the exercise’s history, and the scale of cooperation will help maintain a region that is secure, open, prosperous, and resilient. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

Netherlands acquires JASSM-ER missiles

Posted on July 31, 2024July 30, 2024 by alert5

The Netherlands has formalized a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) to purchase Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER). This agreement solidifies the Netherlands as the fifth international customer for the advanced long-range strike weapon.

Graphic: Lockheed Martin
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VMFT-402 begins standup at MCAS Beaufort

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has taken a significant step in enhancing its training capabilities with the arrival of the first F-5N Tiger II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina back in May. These aircraft will form the foundation of Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, the service’s second adversary squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-5N Tiger II with Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 30, 2024. VMFT-402 will be the Marine Corps’ second adversary squadron and will officially be redesignated in Sept. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

RAF 14 Squadron drops historic nickname following complaint

Posted on July 30, 2024 by alert5

A longstanding tradition at the Royal Air Force’s 14 Squadron has come to an end following a formal complaint. The squadron, formed in 1915 and nicknamed the ‘Crusaders’ after its involvement in operations over Gaza and Palestine during World War I, has been ordered to remove all references to the name.

Jerry Gunner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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