Recent UK planespotting highlights!
We present a selection of images of visiting aircraft from airports around the UK. For the most part, they’re commercial jets, but almost all of them are unusual types, wearing new or unique liveries or first visits by an airline or airliner to a particular airport
How Airbus upgraded the A380
While remaining one of the most recognisable aircraft currently flying, the A380 has evolved in the ten years since its debut. Mark Broadbent explores how it has changed and considers the logistics of operating Europe’s super jumbo.
What engines power the massive Airbus A380?
Engine Alliance and Rolls-Royce continue to use technology insertions to improve the efficiency and durability of their respective A380-specific engine. Chris Kjelgaard looks at the detail
Behind-the-scenes with the USAF's famed Hurricane Hunters
Most pilots go out of their way to avoid hazardous weather, but the USAF’s elite 'Hurricane Hunters' tackle it head on. Chris Croot talked to members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron about their death-defying mission
Tension created by unprecedented PLA drills around Taiwan
The unprecedented PLA drills around Taiwan have raised tensions across the Straits to levels not seen in nearly 30 years, as Combat Aircraft Journal reports
The little-known tools that help pilots taxi an A380
Captain Roger Hall of Emirates Airline provides an interesting first-hand insight into handling the ‘Superjumbo’ on the ground.
Emirates: the world’s biggest A380 operator
Emirates is the largest operator of the Airbus A380 employing it on its shortest and longest routes. Martyn Cartledge examines the widebody’s role with the Middle Eastern carrier.
The F-15EX and the capabilities it brings to the USAF
As a wartime machine, the newly acquired F-15EX is yet to play its part. Combat Aircraft Journal considers its development as a whole weapon system and the capabilities it looks to bring to the US Air Force
1./JG 53 – The Luftwaffe’s ‘Ace of Spades’
Nine Messerschmitt Bf 109E-equipped Jagdgeschwaders would take part in the Battle of Britain, each of which was made up of nine staffels. Chris Goss relates the story of one of these – 1 Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 53...
Why a second-hand A380 is an extremely hard sell
Now production has ended, the secondary market for the Airbus A380 is struggling to take off. In a special publication released in 2020, Mark Broadbent considered the opportunities and obstacles and asked whether this was a feasible option