Testing
USAF releases new B-21 stealth bomber images as engine tests begin
The USAF announced on September 12 that the first B-21 Raider stealth bomber prototype had commenced engine runs at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California, as part of its ground test programme
Made-in-India ASTRA missile fired from Tejas for the first time
The Indian Ministry of Defence has announced that one of its limited series production Tejas Mk 1 light combat aircraft successfully launched an ASTRA all-weather BVRAAM for the first time during a test off the coast of Goa in southwest India on August 23
Archer Aviation to supply Midnight eVTOLs to the USAF
California-based start-up Archer Aviation Inc has entered into contracts worth up to $142m with the US Department of Defense that includes the supply of up to six Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the USAF
Success for Royal Navy in Wildcat’s first air-to-air firing of Martlet missile
In a recent series of trials, an AW159 Wildcat HMA2 multi-mission maritime helicopter from the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s 815 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, carried out the first successful test firing of a Martlet lightweight multi-role missile against an aerial target
USMC's first CH-53K test aircraft completes final flight
US Naval Air Systems Command announced on June 9 that the first Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion test aircraft had been retired from use after the heavy-lift transport helicopter completed its final flight earlier in the month
US Navy completes second sea trial with CH-53K King Stallion
The US Navy revealed on April 5 that the USMC’s new heavy-lift transport helicopter, the CH-53K King Stallion, had successfully completed another sea trial while operating aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, USS Arlington (LPD-24), in the Atlantic Ocean in February
ROCAF begins operational testing of F-16V JHMCS
For the first time, Taiwan’s F-16V Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System has been employed by the 17th Tactical Fighter Group – a part of the Republic of China Air Force’s 5th Tactical Composite Wing – as operational test and evaluation (OT&E) efforts begin at Hualien Air Base
Indian Tejas and MiG-29K fighters land on INS Vikrant for the first time
The Indian Navy has recently marked a major milestone in the extensive aviation trials currently being conducted by the service’s first indigenously designed, developed and manufactured aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (R11), after Indian Naval Test Pilots landed two different fighter types on the vessel for the first time
Rolls-Royce offers first glimpse of F130 engine in B-52 nacelle as testing begins
Having been selected to provide new turbofans for the USAF’s Boeing B-52H Stratofortress fleet, Rolls-Royce has announced that it has launched F130 engine testing at the firm’s outdoor test facility at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, marking the first time the new powerplant has been tested in the strategic bomber’s unique dual-pod engine nacelle configuration
USAF's Big Safari Program receives TC-135W, prepares to divest last NC-135W
On February 14, a USAF-operated Boeing TC-135W departed Offutt AFB, Nebraska, for Greenville-Majors Airport, Texas, where it will be reassigned to the air arm’s Big Safari Program and redesignated as an NC-135 platform