Modern Warbirds

08/05/2023

An F-22 Raptor from the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs during the 2023 Dyess Big Country AirFest at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. https://www.jetsprops.com/fighters/f-22-versus-f-35-the-key-differences.html

16/04/2023

This will fly for ever!

We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some...

15/04/2023

According to Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown, the new aircraft will have limited air-to-ground capabilities. One would assume that this means that the new plane known as the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) will be similar in function to the multirole F-35. https://www.jetsprops.com/fighters/the-f-22-raptors-replacement-will-have-air-to-ground-capabilities.html

12/04/2023

Still awesome!

The old girl is still amazing!
https://www.jetsprops.com/surveillance/lockheed-sr-71-blackbird-the-cold-wars-ultimate-spy-plane.html

19/03/2023

A U.S. B-52H Stratofortress prepares to join with Qatar Emiri Air Force Mirage 2000s and U.S. F-35A Lightning IIs to fly in formation over Southwest Asia. This flight was conducted to continue building military-to-military relationships with the QEAF. The B-52H is part of the Bomber Task Force deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keifer Bowes)

18/03/2023

The B-52 & Tu-95 are amongst the most recognized planes from the Cold War period. Their primary function was to transport nuclear weapons & act as the cornerstone of their individual nation’s strategic bombing units. Although both planes had comparable roles, there are notable contrasting features.

Battle of the Giants: B-52 vs Tu-95 March 15, 2023 Craig Bowman B-52 Stratofortress The B-52 & Tu-95 are amongst the most recognized planes from the Cold War period. Their primary function was to transport nuclear weapons & act as the cornerstone of their individual nation’s strategic bombing unit...

18/03/2023

A flash of Lightning - An F-35A Lightning II assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie. The 161st ARW operates out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducting regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. James A. Richardson Jr.)

10/03/2023

“What is the best fighter aircraft of all time?” It seems like a straightforward question, and the answer should be simple in theory. The F-22 Raptor outperforms every other fighter aircraft, including the newer U.S. fighter jet, the F-35. Some would justifiably call it the best fighter of all times, but it can also be argued that the most important criteria when judging a fighter aircraft are.

Why the F-15 Eagle is the Best Fighter Aircraft of All Time January 10, 2023January 27, 2023 Craig Bowman USAF F-15E Strike Eagle, Iraq 2004 Performance “What is the best fighter aircraft of all time?” It seems like a straightforward question, and the answer should be simple in theory. The F-22 ...

10/03/2023

When industry requires practicality over aesthetics, you end up with the Super Guppy. Just imagine the face of the test pilot when they were shown the aircraft… While you’re at it, imagine the engineers giving it retractable landing gear to make it more aerodynamic. We can do this all day; this aircraft is simply too funny. However, is it ugly? Yes! Is it the only aircraft fit for the job? Also yes!

Meet the Super Guppy: So Big It Can Carry Spacecraft January 30, 2023February 1, 2023 Craig Bowman The NASA Super Guppy arrives to Beale Air Force Base, California, (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tristan D. Viglianco) A Good Fit for the job When industry requires practicality over aesthet...

10/03/2023

Just some three or four decades ago airliners used to fly with as many as four or even five crew members in the cockpit. Those were two pilots (a captain and a first officer), a navigator, a flight engineer, and a radio operator. With the progress of technology and arrival of sophisticated computers and GPS the flightdeck experienced serious depopulation.

Flying a Boeing Tanker Without a Co-Pilot – Meet the KC-46 December 7, 2022January 27, 2023 Craig Bowman Just some three or four decades ago airliners used to fly with as many as four or even five crew members in the cockpit. Those were two pilots (a captain and a first officer), a navigator, a fl...

09/03/2023

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a formidable machine that has proven its worth in various military operations and humanitarian missions. The iconic helicopter has seen extensive use in various military conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. It has also been used in numerous disaster relief operations, such as providing aid after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Black Hawk truly embodies the qualities of a “bad***” helicopter.

The UH-60 Black Hawk: A Symbol of Power February 10, 2023February 12, 2023 Craig Bowman The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a formidable machine that has proven its worth in various military operations and humanitarian missions. The iconic helicopter has seen extensive use in various military conflic...

09/03/2023

The ‘flying wing’ shaped Stealth Bomber is a unique aircraft designed to make it as invisible as possible. Its unique shape means there are very few leading edges for radar to reflect from, reducing its signature dramatically. This is further enhanced by the composite materials from which the aircraft is constructed and the coatings on its surface.

How the legendary B-2’s stealth actually works December 10, 2022January 27, 2023 Craig Bowman Flying wing The ‘flying wing’ shaped Stealth Bomber is a unique aircraft designed to make it as invisible as possible. Its unique shape means there are very few leading edges for radar to reflect from...

09/03/2023

Get ready to be blown away (pun intended) by the sheer awesomeness of the MH-47G Chinook helicopter. It’s the ultimate weapon in the United States Army’s special operations arsenal. This highly adaptable bird is capable of a variety of situations. Resupply operations for special forces, long-distance infiltration, and exfiltration to name a few. It has a ton of high-tech equipment, including cutting-edge avionics and task-specific gear. This has made it to be quickly re-configured to meet various mission requirements. Overall, the US military’s MH-47G helicopter is a truly formidable machine and a valuable asset.

The MH-47G Chinook: A Versatile and Critical Military Asset February 27, 2023 Craig Bowman A versatile helicopter Get ready to be blown away (pun intended) by the sheer awesomeness of the MH-47G Chinook helicopter. It’s the ultimate weapon in the United States Army’s special operations arsenal. ...

08/03/2023

In mid-December 2022, the US Air Force grounded its entire fleet of B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers. This sweeping inspection was prompted by an incident involving one of the bombers earlier that month. As of 2022, twenty B-2s are in service with the United States Air Force. (One was destroyed in a 2008 crash). The Air Force plans to operate them until 2032, when the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is to replace them.

B-2 Spirit Fleet Grounded Following Emergency Landing January 12, 2023January 27, 2023 Craig Bowman In mid-December 2022, the US Air Force grounded its entire fleet of B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers. This sweeping inspection was prompted by an incident involving one of the bombers earlier that...

08/03/2023

The B-1 Lancer or the “Bone” (from “B-One”) as it is known is one of three strategic bombers serving in the U.S. Air Force fleet. It currently sits alongside with the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. It symbolizes American strength, ingenuity, and determination. Developed by Rockwell International (now part of Boeing) for the United States Air Force, this supersonic strategic bomber embodies the spirit of American innovation and military excellence.

The B-1 “Bone”: An Engineering Masterpiece February 10, 2023February 12, 2023 Craig Bowman The Bone The B-1 Lancer or the “Bone” (from “B-One”) as it is known is one of three strategic bombers serving in the U.S. Air Force fleet. It currently sits alongside with the B-2 Spirit and the B-...

08/03/2023

The B-52 Stratofortress, which first flew in 1952 entered service with the United States Air Force in 1955. It’s one of the oldest aircraft still in operational service today. In perspective, it is older than the Beatles, the first personal computer, and everyone who maintains and flies it.

Nuclear Close Calls: B-52’s Brush with Disaster March 2, 2023March 5, 2023 Craig Bowman The ageless B-52 The B-52 Stratofortress, which first flew in 1952 entered service with the United States Air Force in 1955. It’s one of the oldest aircraft still in operational service today. In perspective,...

07/03/2023

Cheers from ground troops usually follow the A-10s signature “BRRRT” sound. It’s reasonable to assume that the U.S. maintains this old aircraft in service to boost the morale of American soldiers. Whatever the case, the gun is totally awesome. Whoever built an aircraft around it was a genius and remains a firm favourite within the aircraft community.

What Makes the A-10 Go BRRRT! January 31, 2023February 1, 2023 Craig Bowman An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The A-10 is used for close air support throughout Afghanistan.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Gary J. Rihn/Released) BRRRT! Cheers from gro...

07/03/2023

Even with hours of training it’s hard enough flying and keeping control of a multi-million dollar aircraft and landing with two wings, let alone one. But what would it be like to land an aircraft with only one wing? Impossible I hear you say. But back in May 1983 an Israeli pilot did just that. This Israeli Air Force pilot managed to bring his McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle back to base with the aircraft’s right wing gone almost completely due to a mid-air collision. A miracle, and pilot skill no doubt. But what actually happened?

This Pilot Flew an F-15 Eagle With Just One Wing February 1, 2023February 5, 2023 Craig Bowman F-15D Eagle Even with hours of training it’s hard enough flying and keeping control of a multi-million dollar aircraft and landing with two wings, let alone one. But what would it be like to land an airc...

07/03/2023

Lockheed U-2, also known as ‘Dragon Lady’, has been in service for almost seventy years now. It helped collect photo and electronic reconnaissance throughout the Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan. Flying that beast, capable of rising to incredible 73,000 ft, is a unique experience, very different from piloting other jets. U-2 is a very challenging aircraft. It also requires a much more extensive ground support. But what’s it like to fly it?

What It Feels Like to Fly a U-2 Spy Plane December 10, 2022January 27, 2023 Craig Bowman Photo: Christopher Michel Lockheed U-2, also known as ‘Dragon Lady’, has been in service for almost seventy years now. It helped collect photo and electronic reconnaissance throughout the Cold War, Iraq and ...

03/03/2023

A golden-painted F-16A Fighting Falcon of the Iowa Air National Guard was on display at Colonel Bud Day Field, Sioux City in June. And it’s not the first F-16 to wear the golden livery. In fact, it was painted to replicate another jet to commemorate 185th Fighter Wing’s 50th anniversary back in 1996.

We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some...

01/03/2023

Soaring Eagle - A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 5, 2023. The 389th EFS’s mission is to deliver dominant combat airpower and fortify the U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta)