Military Aviation

A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter pilot flirted with disaster as he performed an acrobatic landing on the runway at Komsomolsk-on-Amur Airport (Russia). Watch the video that needs no commentary. Read the article to find out more.
 

The C-5 Galaxy developed by the American manufacturer Lockheed in the late 1960s is a giant among military cargo aircraft. When it came into service nearly half a century ago it was the largest aircraft in the world. We take a look back at the history of this monster of the skies, still deployed today.
 

Landing a fighter plane with no front landing gear – that was the extraordinary feat of a US Navy pilot, who gently posed the nose of his McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier on a special tool designed for this type of emergency. Watch the video without comment. Read the article.
 

The new Boeing-Saab T-X has completed its first test flight. If chosen by the US army next year, it will serve as a training aircraft for USAF pilots. Watch the video without comment. Read the article.
 

An A400M has successfully completed the first air-to-air refuelling of another A400M. The trailblazing manoeuvre has just taken place above Seville, in southern Spain. Over fifty contacts were carried out during two test flights using the centreline hose. Watch the video with no comment. Read the article.
 

The new J-20 fighter aircraft has made a public debut in Zhuhai at Airshow China. Footage from the Chinese CCTV news agency filmed on 1st November showcases two J-20s demonstrating their manoeuvrability in the air. See the video without commentary. Read the article.
 

Dassault Aviation has officially announced the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India. The contract was signed in New Delhi today, 23rd September. This is the largest export order so far for the French fighter jet and comes after nine years of negotiation.
 

Boeing and its partner Saab have just rolled out their new training jet: the T-X. It’s intended use is to train all future F-15, F-16 and F-35 US Air Force pilots. This will be a necessary step for all trainees.
 

Japan’s X-2 prototype stealth fighter carried out its maiden flight on 22 April. An advanced technology demonstrator jet, which may be used to incorporate new technologies for future Japanese fighter aircraft. Watch the video and read the article.
 

After a 24-year break, production of a modernised version of the Russian Tupolev Tu-160 is due to begin, with a rejuvenation of the world’s largest supersonic bomber.
 

Developed by Boeing, the B-52 Stratofortress entered service in 1955. Still in service, this American bomber is unconventional in many ways, and easily recognizable.
 

In service for 40 years with the US Air Force, the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt will remain operational until 2022. The ground-attack aircraft, currently involved in Syria against the group islamic State, is indeed a formidable ‘plane designed for the destruction of armoured vehicles.
 

The Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-22M, also known as backfire, in service for over 40 years, has been used in Syria since 17 November. We take a look at this Russian supersonic strategic bomber, featuring impressive air intakes.
 

France has just deployed its aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, in the Mediterranean as strategic support to intensify air strikes against ISIL. This is the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel, and only nuclear-powered carrier in operation today.
 

The Pentagon has just selected Northrop Grumman to develop a new Long Range Strike Bomber. A choice that is probably explained by the link between the American aircraft manufacturer and the US Air Force, the B-2.
 

There are airplanes, that by their shape and performance, demand admiration and respect. The USA’s SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, developed by Lockheed in the 60’s, is one of them.
 

Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus has just completed its maiden flight. The United States Air Force's future tanker, will eventually replace the ageing KC-135 Stratotanker. A small comparison is required to find out what its asset are.
 

The first F-35 assembled in Italy has just undertaken its first flight, giving us the opportunity to look at the latest developments of this programme, the most expensive in US history.
 

Between purchase intent, firm orders and ongoing negotiations, the Dassault Aviation Rafale is under the spotlight but sometimes difficult to see clearly. The following is a brief overview.