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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.
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Historic
The Battle of Britain's top-secret glider flights
In proving the ability of the new air defence radar network to detect a German glider-borne invasion, some of Britain’s leading ‘silent flight’ exponents were called upon to perform a series of tests — multiple record-holder Philip Wills among them
My search for Soviet aircraft in former East Germany
While the East German Air Force was quickly dissolved after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the USSR’s presence in Germany took longer to disappear. Peter R Foster recalls his time logging the Soviet Air Forces in the region
RAF Museum saves Scarf Victoria Cross
Following a successful fundraising campaign, the Royal Air Force Museum has secured the Arthur Scarf Victoria Cross which will now remain in the UK
MiGs receive attention in UK and US
Refurbishment work is under way or planned on two former Eastern Bloc jets
Recce cameras being built for Spitfire project
Optronics business Thales will deliver F24 reconnaissance camera installations for Spitfire restoration project
Military
USAF’s ‘Spads’ set to relinquish F-16C/Ds for F-35As
The USAF’s 457th Fighter Squadron ‘Spads’ – a component of Air Force Reserve Command – is preparing to relinquish its F-16C/D Fighting Falcons for the F-35A Lightning II, after operating the former for more than 30 years
The curious link between Roger Moore and a Norwegian Air Force squadron
In an era where squadron markings on aircraft are often toned down or not worn at all, a notable exception is the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s 333 Squadron. The unit flies the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, which on the tail have a large stick figure with a halo to highlight its nickname of ‘The Saints’
Could the B-1B Lancer become the USAF’s primary hypersonic missile testbed?
The USAF could turn to its supersonic-capable B-1B Lancer strategic bomber fleet to take over as the testbed for air-launched hypersonic weapons to help mitigate availability problems with the Cold War-era B-52H Stratofortress, which is currently in the process of being modernised
Commercial
World’s only ‘aerobatic airline’ The Blades to close
After more than 15 years in operation, the world-famous Blades Aerobatic Display Team is to close.
EU investigates Aeroflot Boeing 777 deal
Could the purchase of ten Boeing 777-300ERs from an undisclosed lessor breach EU sanctions?
Why Airbus A330s are a ’perfect fit’ for Condor
Condor’s initial A330-900 entered service in the carrier’s striking new livery in the last days of 2022. Mark Broadbent details the debut and considers the A330neo’s fortunes
QUIZ: The ultimate IATA code quiz! (Part Two)
We had a fantastic response to last week’s IATA code quiz, so we’re treating you to a second batch of global guesswork. Be warned – there are a few extra tricky questions in here to sort the expert codebreakers from the aviation mess makers. Good luck!
Airbus lands order with Uzbekistan Airways for A320neos
Uzbekistan Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft.
Flight Simulation
Rotate upgrades the MD-80 Pro to X-Plane 12
Aircraft developer, Rotate has released a Beta version of the MD-80 Pro for X-Plane 12.
London City Microsoft Flight Simulator released
Scenery developer, UK2000 has released EGLC London City 2023 for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator May Development Update
In the latest Development Update, the Microsoft Flight Simulator team provided us with an update on upcoming projects for the platform over the coming months.