This YouTube video dives into the fascinating story behind the red muffler, a symbol synonymous with South Korean Air Force pilots. While the image might conjure pilots soaring through the skies with a red scarf flowing behind them, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
42nd anniversary of the F-16XL’s first flight
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
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U.S. Marine commandant hints at classified tech: MQ-9s can now “disappear” on radar
(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 unveils new takeoff method for Valkyrie
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.
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8th Fighter Squadron honors stealthy past with F-16 “Black Sheep” flagship
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.
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