USAF
The F-111’s disastrous operational debut in Vietnam
The revolutionary F-111 had a disastrous operational debut in Vietnam. Warren E Thompson describes the baptism that nearly became a requiem
The daring Vietnam Jolly Green Giant Phantom crewman rescue
After F-4 Phantom crewman Roger Locher was shot down in Vietnam, a Jolly Green Giant made one of the most audacious rescues in USAF history. Thomas McKelvey Cleaver investigates
USAF challenges: Retaining the combat edge
Balancing the need to sustain its fleet while embarking on key bomber and fighter procurement programmes, the US Air Force finds itself pressured as the demand to meet new challenges increases
USAF B-1B bombers conduct JTACs, ACE training over Europe
Currently deployed to the UK for Bomber Task Force-Europe 22-1, two USAF-operated Rockwell B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers integrated with allied JTACs over Lithuania and hot-pit refuelled at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany before returning to RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on October 11
Boeing awarded global C-17 sustainment extension
Boeing has been awarded a follow-on contract by the US Department of Defense to help sustain C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft in a deal that could be worth up to US$23.8bn including potential options and incentives over the next ten years
Lockheed Martin pitches LMXT for Bridge Tanker programme
Lockheed Martin has unveiled its offering for the US Air Force’s KC-Y programme, which will deliver a new tanker and cargo aircraft for the USAF, US Marine Corps, US Navy and other operators around the world
Smart heritage scheme for South Dakota ANG F-16C
A US Air Force/South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG) F-16CM Fighting Falcon from the 114th Fighter Wing’s 175th FS ‘Lobos’ has been painted in a stylish blue and white colour scheme to commemorate the SDANG’s 75th anniversary
USAF B-2A Spirit damaged in emergency landing
A USAF Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bomber assigned to the 509th BW experienced an in-flight malfunction during a routine training mission on September 14 and made an emergency landing at Whiteman AFB
F-15E completes first successful maritime JDAM test
Three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles from the 53rd Wing’s 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron ‘Skulls’ at Eglin AFB, Florida, supported a test as part of the Quicksink Joint Capability Technology Demonstration on August 26
Final MC-130H completes PDM process
The last USAF MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft to receive programmed depot maintenance (PDM) at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins AFB, Georgia, has been completed