Alert 5

Blue Angels Conduct inaugural MAAS test at Camp Grayling for Cherry Festival Airshow

Posted on July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels successfully tested a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) for the first time at Camp Grayling Army Airfield on Jun. 26th. This test and certification served as a crucial element in their participation in the subsequent National Cherry Festival Air Show held in Traverse City on Jun. 29-30th.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels conducted their inaugural test and certification of the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) at Camp Grayling Army Airfield, Michigan, on June 26, 2024, in preparation for their performance at the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, which took place on June 29-30, 2024. The MAAS was specifically brought to Camp Grayling to support the Blue Angels for this event.
The MAAS is critical for the safe landing of high-performance aircraft like the Blue Angels’ F/A-18 Hornets. These systems, which include hook cables and barriers, are essential for stopping aircraft within a short distance, ensuring safety in emergency situations. Regular maintenance and testing, such as the exercises conducted at Camp Grayling, are vital to keep the system operational. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Jennifer Caverson)

RAAF and International Partners light up Mindil Beach with Pitch Black Flying Display

Posted on July 19, 2024 by alert5

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) successfully hosted the annual Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display at Mindil Beach yesterday, Jul. 18th. The free, non-ticketed event drew crowds eager to witness a spectacular showcase of international military aircraft.

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Greece weighs F-16 transfer to Ukraine amidst modernization efforts

Posted on July 18, 2024 by alert5

Greece is considering the potential transfer of 32 older F-16 Block 30 fighter jets to Ukraine as the war-torn nation seeks to bolster its air defense capabilities. This decision comes as Greece embarks on a significant modernization of its own air force, upgrading existing F-16s and acquiring new Rafale and potentially F-35 fighter jets.

Tim Felce [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Army and NATO Allies demonstrate A400M’s HIRAIN capability

Posted on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Army, in conjunction with NATO allies, has successfully conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) operation utilizing an Airbus A400M transport aircraft for the first time. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant advancement in the rapid deployment of HIMARS using cargo aircraft.

Dean Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Australian P-8A Poseidon flexes anti-submarine muscle at RIMPAC

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by alert5

A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 11 Squadron conducted a simulated attack on a US Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine, USS Topeka (SSN 754), utilizing four Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedoes during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.