Royal Air Force (RAF)
Spitfire versatility: three pilots’ diverse combat experiences
Through the experiences of a trio of pilots, Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork highlighted the versatility of an amazing fighter in the February 2013 issue of FlyPast
The next Exercise Point Blank…dates for the diary
Key.Aero can reveal the next dates for Exercise Point Blank, which in the past has often involved European air forces deploying to RAF Lakenheath.
F-35B delays may leave RAF with just one deployable combat air squadron
Delays in confirming future orders of the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL)-capable Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter could leave the RAF only able to field a single squadron for combat air operations, British MPs have been warned
Royal F-35s – the UK’s stealthy defenders of the realm
An overview of the F-35B-equipped UK Lightning Force from a Key Publishing special magazine on the stealth fighter
Unique formation concludes Me 262 UK tour
The Messerschmitt Foundation’s stunning Me 262 replica concluded its now celebrated UK visit with a unique flypast on July 18…
RAF Airlift Debate: Can the A400M Atlas effectively replace the C-130J Hercules?
The early retirement of the Royal Air Force’s C-130J Hercules generated furious debate, with many raising concerns that the A400M Atlas was ‘not up to the job’ of replacing it. Jon Lake looks at the issues
UK welcomes delivery of additional F-35B Lightning IIs
The UK has taken delivery of an additional two Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs, growing the number of examples of the fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter delivered to date to 32 aircraft
The Hercules in RAF service: the final 25 years
Following this month’s retirement of the RAF’s Hercules fleet, Mick Britton concludes his two-part retelling of the type’s illustrious 56-year career
The Hercules in RAF service: the first 25 years
The Royal Air Force has now ended its 56-year association with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Mick Britton details the first quarter century of the type’s illustrious RAF career in the first of two parts
Building 27: Keeping history alive
Among the RAF’s most prized possessions, Building 27 at Northolt isthe subject of a mammoth restoration. FlyPast’s Jamie Ewan caught up with Phil Dawe MBE, the ambitious project’s driving force