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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
SR-71 Blackbird operations: The untold story
In the July 2011 issue of Aviation News SR-71 pilot, Squadron Commander and ultimately Wing Commander, Col Richard Graham (ret’d) described Blackbird operations from the cockpit and also the command and control of this unique aircraft. In this fascinating feature he describes previously untold elements from his time on the SR-71.
Planning the SR-71’s supersonic missions: Behind the scenes
In the March 2013 issue of FlyPast, Ben Dunnell spoke to Lt Col Tom Charters to find out how it was decided where to send the SR-71 on its supersonic missions
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
Military
Luftwaffe moves to axe troublesome A340-313X fleet after latest issues
The German Air Force has said that it will bring forward the retirement of the two Airbus A340-313Xs used by the Special Air Mission Wing of the Federal Ministry of Defence (FBS BMVg) for VIP transport duties
Japanese F-15J marks 100 years of the Italian Air Force
As part of preparations being made for welcoming a detachment of Italian F-35A Lightning IIs to Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force painted one of its F-15J Eagles in special markings to commemorate the centenary of the Italian Air Force
USAF's 55th Wing establishes permanent RC-135 detachment in Alaska
The USAF’s 55th Wing has announced the activation of the 55th Operations Group Detachment 1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska
Commercial
Firefighting Jumbos
The versatile and much-loved Boeing 747 has now proved itself as a vital weapon against large-scale blazes. Frédéric Marsaly details how the type has been modified to undertake the aerial firefighting role.
NTSB releases report into fatal E175 engine ground incident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report into an incident involving Envoy Air flight ENY3408 at Montgomery Regional Airport, Alabama on December 31, 2022.
How ITA Airways intends to avoid the mistakes of Alitalia
The Italian government wiped the slate clean of Alitalia’s 75 years of financial folly in 2021. Matteo Legnani considers ITA’s first year and those still to come as the airline welcomes its first Airbus A220s
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?
Flight Simulation
DCS: MiG-17F in development
Eagle Dynamics has announced the latest aircraft in development for DCS World is based on the MiG-17F.
BN-2B Islander upgraded to X-Plane 12
Nimbus Simulation has upgraded its BN-2B Islander to be compatible with X-Plane 12.
Aerosoft releases Norden-Norddeich for MSFS
Norden-Norddeich is located in the northernmost part of northern Germany and is an important access point to the East Frisian Islands.
