Latest from Key.Aero
Explore the latest news and features by our world-class aviation journalists. Stay up to date on the latest military aviation developments, commercial airline news, historic restoration projects, flight simulation releases and much more.
Trending Topics
In-depth profile of the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
The ‘Beast’, to give one of the Helldiver’s unflattering nicknames, had a troubled gestation, as Matthew Willis reports
Critical elements of the Etihad Aviation Group
In the second part of his special report from Abu Dhabi, Gordon Smith meets teams from across the Etihad Aviation Group to discover more about the company’s broader endeavours
The USMC's AV-8B Harrier II Fleet Replacement Detachment at NAF El Centro
Despite the diminishing use of Harriers, the USMC still needs new pilots. For this, a Fleet Replacement Detachment at NAF El Centro in California provides specific conditions for weapons training, as Combat Aircraft Journal discovers
The USAF HH-60W Jolly Green II at Moody AFB
Combat Aircraft Journal visits Moody AFB, Georgia, to catch up with the latest USAF platform that could be needed one day to go behind enemy lines – the HH-60W Whiskey
Norway receives final P-8A Poseidon
Norway has taken delivery of its fifth and final Boeing P-8A Poseidon. The aircraft, 9586 (c/n 66114/9026. FMS BuNo 169586, ex N688DS) Munin was handed over to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) and flown to Evenes Air Station, Norway, on May 27
Libya orders Hurkus C
A CONTRACT for the purchase of an unspecified number of Turkish TAI Hurkus C close air support and training aircraft has been signed by the Libyan Air Force (LAF), with the backing of the Libyan Government.
CROYDON: how London’s ‘first’ hub airport captured the 1930s air travel boom
Competition was hotting-up between British and intercontinental airlines as a new decade of flight aboard now-legendary types beckoned for the well-heeled. In the third of our six-part series – with fascinating images of the era – Croydon’s response to growing domestic and international demand comes into focus
The F/A-18 Super Hornet: the star of Top Gun Maverick
Like the Hornet before it, the Super Hornet’s arrival into US Navy service was via a somewhat unusual route. Today it delivers world-class capability from the carrier deck
What is TOPGUN like today?
More than 50 years after its formation, TOPGUN adheres to the same basic tenet of delivering excellence to the Fleet
Stunning photos of the RAeS Garden Party 1956
A delightful day’s flying, courtesy the Royal Aeronautical Society — and one that could almost be repeated in the present
Insights from a real TOPGUN instructor
Retired US Navy CDR Jim ‘Jambo’ Ray shares some of his experiences as a TOPGUN instructor with Dr Kevin Wright
QUIZ: Think you know your ICAO codes? (PART TWO!)
We had a phenomenal response to our ICAO code quiz earlier in the year, so here’s a second helping which promises to sort the airport aficionados from the airfield amateurs – good luck!
What happened to the 'Thistle Squadron'?
The so-called ‘Thistle Squadron’ was the first in the Belgium Air Force earmarked to receive the new Hawker Hurricane. Col Michel ‘Mike’ Terlinden and Daniel Brackx recount the story
TOPGUN - The early years
Marcelo Ribeiro marked the 50th anniversary of the US Navy’s iconic dissimilar air combat training squadron – TOPGUN – in 2019 by exploring its formative years
What is the real TOPGUN like?
The long-awaited sequel to the movie Top Gun will be a Hollywood depiction of what happens at the US Navy Fighter Weapons School. Jamie Hunter and Richard Collens tell the story of the real TOPGUN — a school of combat excellence in the high desert
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet vs Super Hornet: what's the difference?
Tom Kaminski assesses the US Navy’s Hornets and Super Hornets and compares their capabilities.
Second Iwakuni-based F-35B squadron declares Full Operational Capability
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 has reached Full Operational Capability and is ready to support its full complement of intended missions
Norse Gatwick flights – launch info revealed
The latest transatlantic challenger airline has confirmed when it will start flying from London.
US approves sale of 23 CH-47Fs to Egypt
A possible Foreign Military Sale of 23 Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift tactical transport helicopters and related equipment to the Government of Egypt has been approved by the US State Department for an estimated cost of $2.6bn
Lufthansa’s early Boeing 727 operations
Lufthansa was the first airline in Europe to fly the Boeing 727 and ‘The Aeroplane and Commercial Aviation News’ December 31, 1964 issue looked at the type’s first seven months of operations with the German carrier
Investigators find cause of Navy Wings Sea Fury crash
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has concluded its inquiry into a crash of a Hawker Sea Fury T Mk 20.
Romanian MiG-21 fleet gains one-year lease of life as operations resume
After suspending all flight activities with its ageing MiG-21 LanceR B/C fleet on April 15 for safety reasons, the Romanian Air Force has resumed operations with the Cold War-era fighter for a one-year period, after which the type will be withdrawn from service
Miramar – TOPGUN’s Ancestral Home
TOPGUN was established as the Navy Fighter Weapons School, out of VF-121 at Naval Air Station Miramar. Today, the facility is a key US Marine Corps station
New consultation on Gatwick expansion plans
Bosses at London/Gatwick have confirmed there will be a further consulting period linked to the airport’s expansion proposals.
TOPGUN through the ages
The US Navy’s TOPGUN fighter weapons school is marking 50 years of training. Combat Aircraft charts its history and success and finds a center of excellence that is adapting for the future.
Latest Issues from our leading aviation publications
Premium Key Aero subscribers get access to read all our magazines online as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
What are you Passionate About?
Historic Aviation
Go back in time to explore the greatest moments of aviation in history with pilot recollections, aerial achievements, aircraft restoration news and much more.
Military Aviation
Explore the world of international air forces with exclusive interviews, aerospace technology advances, in-depth analyses of conflicts and much more.
Commercial & Civil Aviation
Go behind the scenes of the world’s leading airlines and airports with industry news, civil technology developments, key executives’ interviews and much more.
Flight Simulation
Get immersed in the exciting world of flight simulation with expert reviews, software release news, tutorials and much more.
