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  • Aviation ordnance Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, work on maintenance with the AH-1Z Viper during Winter Strike 21 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., Jan 25, 2021. Winter Strike 21 is a cold-weather readiness event held as part of the Northern Strike exercise series that offers the Michigan National Guard’s unparalleled facilities as a venue for U.S. and coalition forces to receive advanced All-Domain joint fires training in all weather conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)
     2021
    Crew chiefs and maintainers assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard prepare F-35A Lightning IIs for morning launch during a training exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 21, 2021. More than 150 airmen from the Vermont Air National Guard are participating in this two week training event to validate and verify weapon systems of the F-35. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis)

    Nellis Air Force Base
    A combined reserve and active duty test team from Nellis Air Force Base conducted an AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile drop from an F-15E, Jan. 7.
    (Photos by Staff Sgt. Paige Yenke)

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    An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, awaits a scheduled take off during Weapons Systems Evaluation Program East 21.04 held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 22, 2021. The installation’s prime location on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and its extensive airspace enabled the WSEP exercise to include aircraft flight and live munitions training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Dastas)

    An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 21, 2021. Aircrew and other Airmen and Aircrew from non-maintenance career fields recently had the opportunity to practice Agile Combat Employment concepts while helping generate sorties for the 493rd FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)
     2021
    SAN DIEGO – Jan. 26, 2021 – The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a $3.6 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract for continued Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) operations, sustainment and support.

    “We are honored to work with the Air Force to continue to bring the critical gateway communications capabilities of the BACN program to U.S. warfighters operating around the world,” said Ben Davies, vice president and general manager, networked information solutions division, Northrop Grumman. “This ID/IQ award demonstrates the commitment to the continued success of the BACN program.”

    This contract provides for research, development, test, and evaluation, integration and operations and sustainment for existing and future payloads contained in or connected to the BACN system. It also includes associated ground stations or controls, ancillary equipment, support equipment and system integration laboratories.

    Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and overseas locations through Jan. 24, 2026, and $23.7 million was obligated with the initial task order at the time of award.

    Northrop Grumman’s BACN system is a high-altitude, airborne communications gateway that translates and distributes imagery, voice and tactical data from disparate elements—enhancing situational awareness communications and coordination for joint warfighters operating across space, air, land and sea.

    Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
    Contract
    On January 22 and 23rd, the Air Force and Space, Rafale aircraft, equipped with the Talios pod, made strikes against Daech positions at Levant.
    In support of coalition forces, patrols intervened and led to opportune strikes. These actions have resulted in the neutralization of several Daech fighters.These were Rafale's first operational strikes equipped with Talios pod. This new multifunction optronic pod detects and identifies ground and flight targets, but also provides a very high accuracy for weapons targeting.
    (Photo courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)
     Made Strikes Against Daech Positions At Levant
     

  • ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AFNS) --

    Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing participated in operation Noble Defender, a search and rescue/personnel recovery (SAR/PR) exercise Jan. 19-22.

    Noble Defender is a North American Aerospace Defense Command Arctic air-defense operation conducted in south-central Alaska.

    “The Noble Defender series seeks to support a variety of campaign objectives for NORAD Command,” said Col. Joseph Alkire III, 611th Air Operations Center deputy commander. “While the Noble Defender series can exercise a wide range of activities, objectives center around the demonstration and ability to conduct agile combat employment principles across North America.”

    Alkire said the latest iteration is tailor-made for demanding Alaska winter conditions.

    “The most recent Noble Defender event in January 2021 emphasized homeland-defense missions and initiatives in the Arctic, specifically exercising personnel recovery, greater search and rescue operations as well as the ability to conduct combat search and rescue in an adverse Arctic operating environment,” he said.

    Included in the 176th Wing’s participating units were combat rescue officers pararescue Airmen, or PJs, and survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists from the 212th Rescue Squadron, HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew from the 210th Rescue Squadron and HC-130J Combat King II aircrew from the 211th Rescue Squadron.

    The Airmen from the three squadrons compose the wing’s “rescue triad,” CROs, PJs, and SERE – known collectively as Guardian Angels – are experts in SAR/PR operations and are trained to infiltrate behind enemy lines to extract isolated U.S. and allied personnel. The HH-60G aircrew is trained to use the helicopter’s sensor suite to find isolated personnel, and they are capable of infiltrating Guardian Angels by landing or using the aircraft’s rescue hoist. The HC-130J personnel are trained to use the propeller-driven aircraft’s sensor suite to find isolated personnel at higher altitude and greater speed than the HH-60 and can infiltrate Guardian Angels by low or high-altitude parachute drops. Normally, the HH-60 is the primary means of extraction since the all-weather helicopter can land just about anywhere, and the crew can employ the rescue hoist when they can’t land. In order to extend the range of the HH-60G, the HC-130 deploys booms from pods underneath either wing to refuel the HH-60G in flight.

    Providing command-and-control for the rescue triad is the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, which is also staffed by Alaska Air National Guardsmen who are detailed full time to the regular Air Force’s 11th Air Force. The AKRCC at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is outfitted with an advanced communications suite, and the SAR controllers regularly coordinate with the Alaska State Troopers, Civil Air Patrol, national and state park services, and local-community authorities.

    Alkire highlighted the importance of SAR/PR to the total force.

    “The Air Force places special emphasis in the recovery of its Airmen and specifically organizes trains and equips for the spectrum of personnel recovery operations,” he said. “Although Airmen may place natural emphasis on the recovery of fellow Airmen, Air Force philosophy is based on the assumption that rescue forces are prepared to recover its isolated personnel any time and any place. Rescue is a key element in sustaining the morale, cohesion and fighting capability of friendly forces,” Alkire continued. “It preserves critical combat resources and influences the course of national and international politics by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit the intelligence and propaganda value of captured personnel.”

    Alkire said the exercise was just one wavelength in a wide spectrum of SAR/PR missions the 176th Wing and AKRCC execute.

    “While rescue can offer challenges far and wide, the ability to operate and succeed given the tyranny of distance and the harsh Arctic operating environment forever complicate any rescue which is why it is so very important to exercise and reinforce rescue skill sets and capability within the Alaska Region in its support to homeland defense,” he said. “These Air National Guard units, with concurrent rescue responsibility to the state of Alaska, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command homeland defense, and to other tasked combatant commands like U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command keep the units on a robust operations tempo not often seen in most units.”

    Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Daniel Kozak, 211th RQS HC-130 pilot and aircraft commander, summarized the wing’s mission profile during the exercise.

    “The point of this flight today is to practice our search-and-rescue capabilities,” he said. “Every time a mission drops from the RCC, we are deployed to search for the survivor. Our triad, the HH-60’s, HC-130J’s, and 212th Rescue Squadron, work together to locate and extract civilians and military personnel during peace and wartime missions respectively.”

    Kozak said the SERE specialist simulating the downed pilot used a satellite beacon to provide the HC-130 with his location, and he communicated with the crew using a UHF/VHF radio.

    “To accomplish this mission, we practice scenarios locating simulated survivors using the HC-130’s electro-optical infrared camera and radios,” Kozak said. “Forward-looking infrared and radios are used on the HH-60. A care package is sometimes airdropped via the HC-130 and can include radios so the pilots and survivors can communicate with us.”

    Once the crew located the simulated pilot, the HC-130J loadmaster airdropped a package tailored for the Arctic with survival gear the isolated person could use to stay safe and healthy until the HH-60 arrived to pick him up.

    Additionally, Guardian Angels are especially suited for operations in the Arctic with special cold-weather equipment added to their continual training in mountainous terrain under challenging weather conditions. The rescue triad, in partnership with the AKRCC, keep their skills sharp by providing statewide civil SAR support, rescuing isolated hikers and injured hunters throughout the course of the year.

    “The incredible skill array of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, the HC-130J Combat King II fixed wing aircraft, and the Guardian Angel pararescue-jumpers offer an incredible technical rescue capability across the spectrum of peace and wartime operations not seen anywhere else in the world,” Alkire said. “The ability of these units to operate and survive in the Arctic is unparalleled and critical to the safety and security of not only Air Force personnel operating in the Arctic, but to joint and coalition personnel. The combined capability offered by all rescue forces in the Arctic to include Coast Guard and other civilian agencies offer a rescue umbrella to rapidly respond to a significant geographic region in the fiercest of operating environment across the region.”
    (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Farnsworth)
    130J Combat King II
    A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, flew with Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15SAs during a bomber task force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 27, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. Military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds of altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with a global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)
    15SAs
    São José dos Campos, Brazil, January 27, 2021 – Air Peace, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline, took delivery of their first E195-E2 aircraft today. The aircraft is now due to fly from Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos to join the Air Peace fleet in Nigeria.

    Air Peace is the launch customer in Africa for the E2, the newest, most efficient, and most comfortable aircraft in the segment. The airline is also the global launch customer for Embraer’s innovative premium staggered seating design.

    The jet delivered today is the first of 13 firm E195-E2 orders, with 17 remaining purchase rights, as announced in March 2019, and updated with three further firm orders from purchase rights announced at the Dubai Air Show in November 2019. The total value of the deal, with all purchase rights exercised is US$2.2bn. The aircraft are configured in a comfortable dual class arrangement with 124 seats.

    The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, said: "The E195-E2 is the perfect aircraft to expand our domestic and regional operations. We are aware of the aircraft's impressive economic performance as well as its unique configuration, the major reasons we placed an order for this aircraft. It is also a historic feat as Air Peace will be the first to operate this aircraft model in the whole of Africa. The E195-E2 aircraft will further help us actualise our ambition of connecting not just the whole of Nigeria, but the entire African continent, while feeding long-haul flights from our Lagos hub. The acquisition will enable us to deliver on our ‘no-city-left-behind’ initiative, which is underpinned by our goal to reduce the air transportation burden of Africans".

    Cesar Pereira, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation said, “Handing over beautiful new jets to our customers is a favourite activity for everyone at Embraer. Doing so in the current circumstances is a boost for us all as we adapt to the changing environment. This is a fabulous start to the year for everybody at Air Peace and Embraer.”

    Air Peace already operates eight ERJ-145s, and will use the E195-E2s to enhance domestic and regional connectivity. The E2 is able to achieve this both affordably for passengers and profitably for the airline, along with delivering a superior travel experience. This enhanced network will also help feed and sustain long haul operations at the Lagos Hub, such as the UAE route launched in 2019 and South Africa launched in December 2020.

    There are currently 206 Embraer aircraft operating in Africa with 56 airlines in 29 countries.
    E2
     

  • U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, prepares to give fuel to a B-52 Stratofortress during a bomber task force mission over an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 27, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. The KC-10 Extender delivers a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and coalition aircraft that provide airpower throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride)
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    A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during a bomber task force mission Jan. 27, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with a global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride)
     2021
    A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 27, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with a global-strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joey Swafford)

    A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 27, 2021. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, demonstrating U.S. Air Force Centrals' posture to defend and deter against potential aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Carnes)

    A B-2 Spirit Bomber, assigned the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, takes-off for a Red Flag 21-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2021. Red Flag exercises are conducted on the massive bombing and gunnery ranges of the Nevada Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

    A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, takes-off during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2021. Red Flag allows U.S. and coalition forces to train together in high-end, realistic scenarios, increasing interoperability of the joint force. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
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    An F-16 fighter jet, assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, takes-off for a Red Flag 21-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2021. The 169th Fighter Wing is home of the Swamp Foxes of the South Carolina Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
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    F-22 Raptor fighter jets, assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, take-off for a Red Flag 21-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2021. The F-22 Raptor is capable of both air-to-air missions and air-to ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photos by William R. Lewis)


    U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 27, 2021. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with global reach precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)

    U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Baer, crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, taps the wing of an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior to a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 27, 2021. The 122nd Fighter Wing is participating in Red Flag 21-1, which provides pilots the experience of training against adversary tactics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Thomas Cox)
     2021
    ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Jan. 28, 2021) Members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Indian navy (IN) and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), along with Patrol Squadron (VP) 5's "Mad Foxes" and VP 8's "Fighting Tigers" pose for a photo at the conclusion of exercise Sea Dragon. Sea Dragon is an annual multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare exercise that improves the interoperability elements required to effectively and cohesively respond to the defense of a regional contingency in the Indo-Pacific, while continuing to build and strengthen relationships held between nations . As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
    ( Photo by: Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Hooker )
    Sea Dragon
    Amberley (Australia), 28 January 2021 – Airbus has recently signed a contract to provide a digital services focus for the maintenance of the Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) on the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) fleet.

    Based on the Airbus suite of digital services SmartForce, this service is intended to support the operator in reducing maintenance costs and improving fleet availability by optimizing the fault diagnosis and troubleshooting tasks for the ARBS of the tanker aircraft, based on data analytics applications.

    The Central Data System plays a key role, allowing operators to draw on the flight data recorded by the Mission Recording System and provides information outputs about issues registered during the flight and recommended maintenance actions to fix them.

    Within the KC-30A Enterprise, the Central Data System is a joint development built upon a successful long-standing collaboration among Airbus, the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) and the Australian KC-30A Through Life Support (TLS) provider Northrop Grumman Australia, in sharing data and defining the architecture of the system.

    Future proposed development of the capability will allow customers which apply this technology to their fleet to be able to extend the ARBS analytics to entire aircraft level diagnostics.

    Stephan Miegel, Head of Military Aircraft Services at Airbus Defence and Space, said:“Since the launch of SmartForce in 2018, Airbus is fully committed to support the digital initiatives of our customers. Working collaboratively with them, we have signed five agreements for the co-development of new services and technologies. We are proud to see that military operators are increasingly joining us on our digital journey.”

    Jake Adams, Northrop Grumman Australia KC-30A Program Manager, said: “The introduction of the Central Data System has provided significant benefits in terms of increased availability of the ARBS. The recent agreement between Airbus and Northrop Grumman Australia ensures that the RAAF continues to benefit from this capability as well as providing the opportunity for ongoing collaboration and sharing of data and analytics to enhance the ARBS capability.”

    Group Captain Scott Parry, Officer Commanding Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office, commented: “The Central Data System delivers a significant capability benefit for the KC-30A aircraft and demonstrates the strong commitment within the KC-30A enterprise to innovation and improvement.”

    SmartForce is a suite of services enabling military operators to exploit aircraft data to improve troubleshooting, optimize maintenance effort, predict maintenance actions and plan smartly for material demand and improving the fleet availability. SmartForce capitalizes on the new power of big data analytics coupled to secured connectivity to maximize mission readiness.
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    WICHITA, Kan. (Jan. 28, 2021) – Textron Aviation announced today it was awarded a contract by Air Archipels of Tahiti (French Polynesia) for one Beechcraft King Air 260 and one cargo door equipped King Air 260C aircraft. The aircraft are planned to be delivered to Air Archipels in the second half of 2021. Air Archipels currently operates a fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air B200s in French Polynesia. The first cargo door King Air 260 was ordered by Air Archipels and it will be the first to enter service.

    "We’re honored that Air Archipels has chosen to continue to stay with the King Airs in support of its critical emergency service operational needs in French Polynesia,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation. “The King Air is the world leader in turboprop special missions because of the aircraft’s unmatched capabilities and reliability. Continuing to be the supplier of choice for emergency services in French Polynesia is a testament to the King Air’s performance when each minute matters.”

    Air Archipels carries out 3,000 hours of flight per year, most of which are for medical emergency evacuations. Their new King Air 260C will be configured for the air ambulance mission incorporating a LifePort medical interior.
    Air Archipels King Air B200 Air Medical Service
     

  • Marines with Marine Light Attack Squadron 167 (HMLA-167) operate an AH-1Z Viper at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, January 27, 2021. Marines with HMLA-167 trained with soldiers from the Michigan Air National Guard to conduct expeditionary operations in a cold weather environment. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the air combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

    ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 27, 2021) An E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during flight operations in the north Arabian Sea. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Calabrese)
    18G Growler From The Cougars Of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ 139 Launches Off The Flight Deck Of The Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz
    KEY WEST, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2021) - An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 “Gladiators” taxis past native narrowleaf yellowtops at Naval Air Station Key West's Boca Chica Field. The Gladiators are a fleet replacement squadron of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aviators in training. NAS Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Rosamaria Gonzales/Released)

    The painted nose of an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, is displayed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 27, 2021. Known as the “Blacksnakes," the unique nickname and emblem seen on their aircraft are homage to the wing's night-time fighting capability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Basic Jakob Ivanick)
     2021
    An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, prepares to taxi during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 28, 2021. The 122nd Fighter Wing is participating in Red Flag Nellis 21-1, which utilizes the Nevada Test and Training Range, the U.S. Air Force’s premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Zachary Rufus)

    A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrives to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force deployment, Jan. 26, 2020. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Denise C. Guiao-Corpuz)

    Jan 28, 2021.
    The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), is exercising an option in their contract with Saab regarding aerial firefighting capability in Sweden. Saab will provide two additional aircraft with associated crew.

    The order from March 2020 concerns the capability to fight fires with two bucketing aircraft yearly, from 1 April to 30 September, through 2023. MSB is now exercising the option in the contract for two more aircraft, beginning with the 2021 fire season. This is a resource that will be available both for Sweden and for the EU.

    During the past year, Saab has established capabilities in the form of firefighting aircraft of the type Air Tractor AT-802 F and pilot and technician skills, as well as specific permits for operation. During the summer, MSB decided to deploy Saab aircraft and pilots to fight a total of five different forest fires.

    "We are proud to be a part of the Swedish national defence system and we are looking forward to expanding our firefighting capabilities with two more aircraft and several pilots. Prompt national responses to forest fires are important," says Ellen Molin, head of Saab's business area Support and Services.

    The AT-802 F aircraft type is a water-bombing aircraft that can release 35,000-50,000 litres of water per hour in the event of, for example, a forest fire. The firefighting aircraft will be based in Nyköping, where Saab already has aviation operations for, among other things, aerial target services and support for Swedish Coast Guard aircraft. From Nyköping, the aircraft can reach Copenhagen or eastern Finland within 2 hours and Luleå within 3 hours. If necessary, resources can be based at another location with advanced technical and maintenance resources. Rapid response to forest fires is crucial.
    SAAB Air Tractor
    Saint-Cloud, January 29th, 2021 – Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, today signed a contract for the sale of 12 Rafale aircraft with Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces.

    These aircraft will replace the 12 Rafales of the French Air and Space Force (FASF) sold to the Hellenic Air Force.

    The contract was signed during a visit by the French Minister of the Armed Forces to the Argonay plant in Haute-Savoie which has produced the flight control systems for all Dassault aircraft since 1963.

    Dassault Aviation and its industrial partners would like to thank the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the French defense procurement agency DGA and the Armed Forces for their renewed confidence.

    “This contract for 12 new aircraft will enable our Air and Space Force to continue the Rafale build-up while awaiting the fifth tranche, which is scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030. The contract is a great satisfaction for Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran and the 500 French companies involved in the program, in the particularly difficult conditions facing our aeronautics sector in the context of the Covid crisis“, said Eric Trappier.
    Rafale 12 Order
    News Article / January 29, 2021
    A CP-140 Aurora aircraft and crew from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron and support personnel from 19 Wing Comox took part in Exercise Sea Dragon, held at Andersen Air Base, Guam, from January 12 to 28, 2021. Hosted by the United States Navy’s Seventh Fleet, Exercise Sea Dragon 21 is a premier multinational anti-submarine exercise in the Pacific region. This year marks the first participation of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in the exercise.

    The RCAF’s participation enabled substantial training opportunities for the long range patrol community working with allies and partners in the Pacific, including Australia, India, Japan and the United States.
    1
    This training is critical to ensuring the RCAF’s Aurora crews remain ready and able to conduct patrol missions at home and operate effectively with other nations, including those in the Indo-Pacific theatre.

    The detachment’s exercise was very successful, culminating in their receiving the award given to the top performing crew on exercise with the most efficient tactics.

    “Training alongside our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region is critical to maintaining an effective and interoperable RCAF Long Range Patrol capability to meet our Defence Policy mandate,” said Major General Eric Kenny, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division. “I am very proud of our deployed members who demonstrated the professionalism, agility and mission-ready focus to take top prize during the exercise. I would like to thank the United States Navy for hosting this valuable and well-executed training opportunity.”
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    While COVID-19 precluded many exercises in 2020, the RCAF is safely and successfully engaging in training events at home and around the world through implementation of a number of safety measures, including pre and post-exercise quarantines, separate accommodations, minimal physical contact with other exercise participants and locals, and strict adherence to personal protective equipment use, and public health measures like two-metre physical distancing throughout the exercise, both on and off duty.

    The CP-140 Aurora is a long-range patrol aircraft used for multiple types of missions over land and water.

    The Aurora supports a wide variety of roles, including operations management, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, strike coordination, and search and rescue. It can also assist other government agencies to combat, illegal fishing, pollution, drug trafficking, and more.
    (Photos courtesy of Petty Officer 1st Class Glenn Slaughter, United States Navy.)
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  • U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, sit next to F-22 Raptors assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardason, Alaska, during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2021. Red Flag is the U.S. Air Force’s premier air-to-air combat training exercise, which provides aircrews the experiences of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young)

    A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undergoes a hot refueling operation performed by Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 17, 2021. The F-16 received fuel with the engine still running in order to rapidly redeploy back into U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Martin)
     Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
    An F-35A Lightning II lands at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 29, 2021. The 354th Fighter Wing received two more F-35As and is slated to receive the last of its fleet by the end of 2021.
    (Photos by Senior Airman Danielle Sukhlall)


    PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 30, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) flies over the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)
    Deployed Amphibious Assault Ship USS America
    An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 performs a touch and go on Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck Jan. 30, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kallysta Castillo)

    RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh held cave systems in Iraq using Paveway IV precision guided bombs.
    The strikes occurred following a coalition surveillance aircraft located a number of Daesh fighters in two caves ten miles north of Bayji on Sunday 24 January. Two RAF Typhoon aircraft were tasked to strike the caves.
    The Typhoons launched four Paveway IV guided bombs and successfully struck their targets, eliminating the terrorist threat.
    (Photo courtesy of MOD)
    Typhoon Strike
     

  • YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 2, 2021) – A Japanese CH-47J Chinook helicopter, assigned to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s North Fuji 104 Shooting Squadron, conducts a simulated medical evacuation joint operation exercise onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler R. Fraser/Released)
     Conducts A Simulated Medical Evacuation Joint Operation Exercise
    A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing undergoes pre-flight checks at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 28, 2021. As part of a routine night flying exercise, the jet was staged on the flight line in preparation for take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tiffany Price)

    An Airman prepares the aircrew members to take off in an F-15E Strike Eagle at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Jan. 25, 2021. The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kylie Barrow)

    RAF LOSSIEMOUTH, Scotland (Feb. 1, 2021) Sailors, assigned to the "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, complete routine maintenance on a P-8A Poseidon aircraft. VP-9 is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rashaan Jeffery)

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 2, 2021 — The new Boeing [NYSE: BA] F-15EX fighter jet completed its first flight today, paving the way for the early delivery of the first two jets to the U.S. Air Force later this quarter. The jet took off and landed from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, completing a 90-minute test flight before returning to the airport.

    Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Matt Giese checked out the multirole jet’s avionics, advanced systems and software. A test team monitoring the data collected during the flight in real time confirmed that the aircraft performed as planned.

    “Today’s successful flight proves the jet’s safety and readiness to join our nation’s fighter fleet,” said Prat Kumar, Boeing vice president and F-15 program manager. “Our workforce is excited to build a modern fighter aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. Our customer can feel confident in its decision to invest in this platform that is capable of incorporating the latest advanced battle management systems, sensors and weapons due to the jet’s digital airframe design and open mission systems architecture.”

    The fighter’s digital backbone means it can serve as a testbed for future technology insertion, a key capability for the Air Force. Modern variants of the F-15 also include fly-by-wire flight controls, an all-new digital cockpit, modern AESA radar and the ADCP-II, the world's fastest mission computer. The F-15EX, the most advanced version to date, features the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System electronic warfare system to improve mission effectiveness and survivability for operators.
    15EX First Flight
    Feb 02 2021
    Another aircraft safely home... Fulmar, our fifth Poseidon sub-hunter, touched down safe and sound at Lossie this morning.
    It's the first time that an RAF Poseidon has been delivered straight from the Boeing factory, near Seattle, without making a stop en-route.
    P8A Fulmar
    Lossiemouths MPA fleet is now over half way to full strength, with just four more aircraft yet to be delivered.
    The UK Government has invested £470m in RAF Lossiemouth and the expansion of Maritime Patrol operations forms part of the Station's large-scale upgrade.
    The name of ZP805 reflects Lossie’s Naval past as RAF Lossiemouth was HMS Fulmar between 1946 &1972.
    (photos courtesy of the MOD)
    1
     

  • An F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet, assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021.The F-16 was designed as an air superiority day fighter; it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Zachary Rufus)

    An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. A combination of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness and weapons provides F-22 pilots with a first-look, first-shot, first-kill advantage over adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Zachary Rufus)

    SAN DIEGO – 03 February 2021 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) announces its plan to take a company-owned SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft to the United Kingdom later this year to undertake a series of operational capability demonstrations for NATO allies, including the Netherlands. The UK’s Protector program is a derivative of SkyGuardian with a range of UK modifications and the Royal Air Force (RAF) is supporting this visit.

    The GA-ASI aircraft will be configured with maritime capability, including a multi-mode maritime surface-search radar with Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging mode, an Automatic Identification System receiver, and a High-Definition, Full-Motion Video sensor equipped with optical and infrared cameras. This will build on previous GA-ASI demonstrations showcasing the unmanned advantage, which include the transatlantic flight of SkyGuardian in 2018, maritime demonstrations in Greece in 2019 and last year’s validation flights in Japan.

    “GA-ASI will work closely with multiple European allies to demonstrate the capabilities of MQ-9B, including in the maritime environment, and how MQ-9B can complement and team within a networked environment with other national assets,” said Tommy Dunehew, vice president of International Strategic Development for GA-ASI.

    The series of civilian and military capability events is expected to kick off in July at the Royal Air Force’s Waddington Air Base and will culminate with the MQ-9B’s participation in the UK-led Joint Warrior exercise that will showcase how maritime capabilities can be integrated with other air, surface and land platforms. SkyGuardian flights will further develop GA-ASI’s revolutionary Detect and Avoid capability, which will enable Protector to fly in unsegregated UK airspace. It will also assist RAF Waddington, the future home of the RAF Protector fleet, to best prepare to integrate the new aircraft into its daily operations.

    MQ-9B represents the next generation of RPA system having demonstrated airborne endurance of more than 40 hours, automatic takeoffs and landings under SATCOM-only control and the Detect and Avoid system. Its development is the result of a company-funded effort to deliver an RPA that can meet the stringent airworthiness certification requirements of various military and civil authorities.

    MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. The UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its Protector program, and in 2020 signed the production contract for deliveries to the Royal Air Force. SkyGuardian was selected by the Australian Defence Force under Project Air 7003, and the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian.
    Coast
     

  • F-15E Strike Eagles line the apron after returning from evening training sorties at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Feb. 1, 2021. Night flying operations are a vital component to the development of aircrew and support personnel, allowing them to build and further improve the skills needed to remain a ready and capable force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

    Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or Koku-Jieitai, F-15J Eagles prepare to land at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during exercise Cope North 21, Jan. 28, 2021. Cope North is an annual exercise that serves as a keystone event to promote stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)
    1

    A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is prepared for a Mark-82 bomb load, in support of a Bomber Task Force deployment, Feb. 1, 2020, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility and flexibility of the U.S. Armed Forces to address today’s complex, dynamic and volatile global security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

    A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, during an in-flight refueling mission over Southwest Asia Feb. 1, 2021. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride)


    A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber takes off during Red Flag 21-1, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. The B-2’s stealth characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defense and threaten its most valued, heavily defended targets while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement. During Red Flag 21-1, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber training missions with multiple aircraft in order to further enhance their operability in future sorties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

    A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, sit on the flightline during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. The event is a multinational combat training exercise in a combined air, ground, space and electronic threat environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

    Four F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to 34th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, and two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, prepare to take-off during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. Red Flag allows U.S., coalition and joint forces to train together in high-end, realistic scenarios increasing interoperability between the services. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
    18G Growler Aircraft
    An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, Indiana Air National Guard, Fort Wayne, Indiana, prepares to take-off for a Red Flag 21-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. The A-10 is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close-air-support of ground forces and provides common perspectives against shared threats while participating in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

    A T45C Goshawk, attached to Training Air wing 1, approaches USS Gerald R. Ford’s Flight Deck, Feb. 3, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anton Wendler)

    A T-45C Goshawk, attached to Training Air Wing 1, launches off USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) flight deck Feb. 3, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah Mead)

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron (AGRS) begins its refueling run over the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) during a Red Flag 21-1 exercise Feb. 1, 2021. The NTTR, is comprised of more than 12,000 square miles of air space and 2.9 million acres of land where pilots execute missions during Red Flag. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young)
    16 Fighting Falcon Fighter Jet Assigned To The 64th Aggressor Squadron
    04.02.2021
    During combat training exercises, the crews of Su-30SM fighters and Su-24M short-range bombers work out air-to-air refuelling from an Il-78 tanker aircraft of the Russian Air Force, who arrived in the Kaliningrad region from the Central region of Russia.

    Over 10 aircraft of the naval aviation of the fleet were involved in the training. Refueling in the air will be performed both during the day and at night, singly and as part of a pair.

    Air refueling is a necessary element in the training of pilots of naval aviation, which allows them to fulfill their mission at a great distance from their bases.

    These flight training elements are carried out on a regular basis at least twice a year.
    (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)
    78 Tanker Aircraft Of The Russian Air Force
    Berlin/Düsseldorf/Berg, January 27, 2021 – Sikorsky and the members of the German CH-53K industry team have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation through a new teaming agreement. Christian Albrecht, International Business Development Manager at Sikorsky: "We have been working intensively and in close coordination to develop a concept on how to best operate and maintain the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. The German industry is the perfect partner for this and guarantees the greatest possible degree of independence from foreign companies. We are all the more pleased that we have recently been able to win another exclusive team member," said Albrecht.

    The US helicopter manufacturer is offering the production and delivery of the Sikorsky CH-53K (King Stallion) as the Bundeswehr’s new heavy-lift helicopter. To this end, Sikorsky had formed a team of leading German technology companies at an early stage, including Rheinmetall, MTU Aero Engines, Autoflug and Hydro Systems - and now also Reiser Simulation and Training. The Bavarian medium-sized company is strengthening the German CH-53K industrial team as a subcontractor to Rheinmetall.

    Mike Schmidt, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH: "Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH is a proven specialist in the German aviation industry. Rheinmetall and Reiser will combine their technological experience in the field of training and simulation and together provide a high-quality offering that meets all the standards of the Bundeswehr."

    In the case of the CH-53K, the basic version already fulfils all relevant mission requirements of the Bundeswehr. One of the major reasons for this is the CH-53K’s air-to-air refueling capability which is available as standard, and which greatly expands the aircrafts operational range.

    CH-53K: Substantial workshare in Germany

    The substantial participation of numerous German companies also underlines the importance of the project for Germany as an industry location. Should the Bundeswehr procure the transport helicopter, a large part of the value creation of the CH-53K would take place in Germany. For German industry, this would mean new long-term jobs in the high-tech sector and an important transfer of know-how.

    Reiser will contribute its expertise in the field of training and simulation to the project – especially in simulation offers and technical solutions for training maintenance personnel. The company is a proven partner for Bundeswehr training systems and complements Rheinmetall's expertise in the field of simulation in the STH project.

    Given the advanced progress of the project, Dr Roman Sperl, Managing Director of Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH, said now was exactly the right time to join the promising and powerful industry team: "We are very excited to be part of the CH-53K team now. We are experienced in working with Rheinmetall and together we will contribute to ensuring maximum operational readiness of the CH-53K." Sperl was convinced by the performance of the Sikorsky helicopter: "This helicopter sets a whole new technological standard. In our view, the Bundeswehr is well advised to choose the most innovative product and the best German industrial team."

    The CH-53K ("King Stallion") is the most modern, intelligent and powerful heavy-lift helicopter on the market. The CH-53K is ramping up production with more than 30 aircraft in various stages of build and is on track for deployment in 2023/24. The CH-53K has achieved many milestones demonstrating its unique capabilities, including extensive fly-by-wire tests, initial sea trials and air-to-air refueling, as well as further exercises under operational conditions. Military aircrews and technicians are now training in preparation for initial operational testing this spring.

    ABOUT THE GERMAN CH-53K TEAM

    Sikorsky formed a German industrial team early on and ensured that the expertise of local partners was incorporated directly into its bid. A large part of the added value of the project will be generated in Germany. The German CH-53K team is led by Rheinmetall. Other team members include Autoflug, Collins Aerospace, Hensoldt, HYDRO Systems, MTU Aero Engines, Rohde & Schwarz, Vincorion, ZFL and Reiser. The German-US CH-53K team is the prerequisite for a successful STH program and ensures high availability of the helicopter as well as reliable support and maintenance - throughout the entire service life of the helicopter.
    ETSH
     

  • 02.03.2021.
    The 332d Air Expeditionary Wing Red Tail fighters, the F-15E Strike Eagles stay ready to spit fire at a moments notice, in an undisclosed location, somewhere in Southwest Asia.
    (Photos by Tech. Sgt. Paul Duquette)


    A U.S. Air Force Joint Stars sits on the flightline for a static display on Feb. 5, 2020, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.The E-8C is a modified Boeing 707-300 series commercial airframe extensively remanufactured and modified with the radar, communications, operations and control subsystems required to perform its operational mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Davis Donaldson)
     Miss
    A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard lands at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam Feb. 1, 2021. The KC-135 plays a key role in providing aerial refueling support to aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

    A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nev. during exercise Red Flag 21-1, Feb. 1, 2021. Red Flag exercises test the capabilities of pilots and teams while increasing efficiency and strengthening their teamwork. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young)
     2021
    An E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) assigned to the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, seen through the window of a KC-135 assigned to 91st Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill AFB, Florida, lands at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. Red Flag exercise teams are comprised of multiple aircraft from different squadrons that perform specialized battle tasks to effectively simulate real-word fighting scenarios. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young)
    135
    A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber sits on a flightline during Red Flag 21-1, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2021. During Red Flag 21-1, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber training missions with multiple aircraft in order to further enhance their experience for future sorties. Aircrews rotated their mission duties throughout the large-force exercise, expanding their ability to plan and execute operations best fit for various contingency scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

    ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 4, 2021) An E/A-18G Growler, attached to the "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, launches from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Ike is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Fischer)
     Eisenhower
     

  • Two B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base. S.D., fly in formation above the Gulf of Mexico, Feb. 7, 2021. A B-1 performed alongside a B-2 Spirit and a B-52 Stratofortress for the Super Bowl LV flyover on Feb. 7, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan C. Grossklag)

    A B-2 Spirit assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, Feb 7, 2021. A B-2 Spirit performed alongside a B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress for the Super Bowl LV flyover on Feb. 7, 2021.
    (Photo by Airman 1st Class David McLoney)
     2021
    Pilots assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. look at the horizon from a KC-135 Stratotanker prior to refueling a B-2 Spirit, Feb 7, 2021. A B-2 Spirit performed alongside a B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress for the Super Bowl LV flyover on Feb. 7, 2021.
    (Photo by Airman 1st Class David McLoney)

    A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, lands at Andersen AFB, Guam, as part of Cope North 21 Feb. 6, 2021. This year marks the F-35As first time participating in the Pacific Air Force’s largest multinational exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo)
     2021
    U.S. Air Force F-16 maintenance personnel, assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, begin to tow jets from the hangar, to the flightline, in preparation for early morning training sorties, Feb. 7, 2021. The fighter jets were brought into the hangar the night in an effort to keep the aircraft parking ramp open and accessible for snow removal crews to clear the tarmac of snow and ice, ensuring the 180FW is always mission capable and mission ready. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

    PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 31, 2021) – An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, flies in front of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 31, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward deployed fleet, with its approximate 50-70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors in the area of operations at any given time, 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific area of operations to foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict alongside 35 other maritime nations and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dylan Lavin)
     Flies In Front Of The Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt
    F-15 Eagles assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, take off during Cope North 21 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2021. Approximately 2,200 personnel and 97 aircraft were brought together for Cope North 21 with the mission to improve combat readiness, increase interoperability between U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or Koku-Jieitai. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo)
    2
    1
     2021
    Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, 125th Special Tactics Squadron, Portland, Oregon, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and the 129th Rescue Wing, Mountain View, California, conduct a forward area refueling point exercise between an HC-130J and two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, from the Idaho Air National Guard, in Pendleton, Oregon, February 4, 2021. A FARP is used to refuel aircraft in austere locations. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Joshua C. Allmaras)
    1
     2021
    STRAIT OF MALACCA (Feb. 5, 2021) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, rests on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a strait transit. Nimitz is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elliot Schaudt)
     Rests On The Flight Deck Of The Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz
    08.02.2021
    The first change of flight personnel and MiG-31BM fighters of a separate mixed air regiment took place at the Rogachevo airfield of the Northern Fleet on the Yuzhny island of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which a month ago took up experimental combat duty to protect the state border of the Russian Federation in the Arctic airspace.
    2
    Experimental combat duty of fighter-interceptors of the Northern Fleet on Novaya Zemlya is the first time in the modern history of Russia. In the course of it, the combat capabilities of using fighter aircraft in the high latitudes of the Arctic are assessed.
    1
    Low air temperatures, strong side winds, fog and low clouds, heavy snowfalls and other vagaries of nature can happen very quickly, even contrary to the forecasts of meteorologists. Therefore, flights here in the Arctic are always carried out according to the actual weather.
    4
    During the month of the air watch on Novaya Zemlya, in dangerous proximity to the Russian air border in the Arctic, no violators were noted.
    31BM Fighters Of A Separate Mixed Air Regiment Took Place At The Rogachevo Airfield Of The Northern Fleet
    Experienced combat duty of fighter-interceptors at Arctic airfields significantly expands the area of their application in high latitudes and significantly increases the controlled airspace area over the water area of the Northern Sea Route - Russia's national transport artery in the Arctic.
    (Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)
    3
    HARWELL, Oxford, Feb. 8, 2021 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has contracted ABL Space Systems, of El Segundo, California, a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for the small satellite industry, to supply a rocket and associated launch services for the company’s first UK vertical satellite launch.

    The project known as UK Pathfinder Launch is planned to be the first ever vertical small satellite launch from UK soil, from Scotland in 2022. It will also be the first UK commercial launch for U.S.-based ABL Space Systems’ new RS1 rocket.

    Nik Smith, Regional Director, Lockheed Martin Space, said: “We are absolutely committed to the success of this programme and the world class capability that ABL Space Systems brings will allow us to build on our long-standing partnership with the UK and strengthen the growth of the UK space sector, aligned to the UK Government’s prosperity and industrial strategy.”

    ABL Space Systems’ flexible, integrated GSO launch system, and RS1 rocket, allows for a rapid and cost-effective deployment with outstanding launch performance.

    “ABL Space Systems is proud to partner with Lockheed Martin on the UK Pathfinder Launch Program," said Harry O'Hanley, co-Founder and CEO of ABL Space Systems. "Our team was founded to deliver new launch capabilities, on-demand. We're thrilled at the opportunity bring our system to Shetland’s launch site and execute this ground-breaking mission with our partners.”

    Lockheed Martin’s UK Pathfinder Launch supports the UK Space Agency’s commercial spaceflight programme – Launch UK. In October, the UK Space Agency confirmed Lockheed Martin’s plans to move its programme to the Shetland Space Centre and in January, planning proposals were submitted for the space launch facility in Unst.

    Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “We want the UK to be the first in Europe to launch small satellites into orbit, attracting innovative businesses from all over the world, accelerating the development of new technologies and creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the whole of the UK. Lockheed Martin’s selection of ABL Space Systems for their UK Pathfinder launch brings us one step closer to realising this ambition – putting the UK firmly on the map as Europe’s leading small satellite launch destination.

    “In this challenging time, it’s more important than ever that we support technologies that will help create jobs and economic growth, enabling people and businesses across the country to benefit from the commercial opportunities offered by the UK’s growing space sector and the many firms throughout its supply chain.”

    The addition of ABL Space Systems as a partner completes Lockheed Martin’s UK Pathfinder Launch programme team. On launch day, ABL Space Systems’ RS1 rocket will lift off from Shetland Space Centre, in Unst, Shetland, the UK's most northerly island. Once in orbit, the rocket will release a small launch orbital manoeuvring vehicle, an agile platform built by MOOG, in Reading, UK, which can carry and deploy up to six 6U CubeSats, optimising orbital placement and timing for each small satellite’s respective missions.

    To demonstrate the full value of this new UK space transportation capability, two of the CubeSats deployed will be Lockheed Martin’s own technology demonstration spacecraft.

    In 2019, ABL Space Systems announced that it had received a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures to advance the launch provider’s development and test programme.
    UK Pathfinder
    Fort Worth, TX (8 February 2021) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement for six Bell 505 aircraft to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The newly acquired Bell 505s will be configured to support Public Safety missions in country and be used by the Force’s Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train international rotorcraft pilots.

    “Bell and JDF share a rich history of more than 55 years, and we are committed to delivering the most advanced and economically viable aircraft on the market,” said Nicholas Peffer, Managing Director, Latin America. “The Bell 505 is a proven asset for Public Safety operations around the world. We look forward to growing our long-standing relationship with JDF and sustaining their forces with the highest quality aircraft for many more years to come.”

    In 1963, JDF began its operations with two Bell 47G aircraft and has expanded their fleet and relationship with Bell throughout the years. This new aircraft delivery will grow JDF’s current fleet to 10 Bell helicopters, which serve in search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, natural disaster relief, national security and military training operations.

    “Expanding our Bell fleet to incorporate the Bell 505 adds more versatility to our capability portfolio and supports our mission to protect and serve the citizens of Jamaica,” said Lt. Col. Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the Air Wing, JDF. “Our team of pilots and maintenance technicians are extremely happy with the training, support and customer service from Bell.”

    With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF’s Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students’ learning experience.
    Bell 505
     

Moderator(s): Boelcke, Buhli, cheruskerarmin, Cpt_Farrel, Duggy, Graf, Gumpy, Hayate, HBPencil, HEERDT, Jarink, Jaypack44, Juri_JS, kristorf, mapal, MarcoPegase44, monguse, PatCartier, PIPS, RAF_Loke, Rudi_Jaeger, Tailhook, Tomi_099, US_Grant