Vapor purge testing provides critical information on how long it takes an aircraft operating in areas at risk of chemical attacks to purge hazardous chemical vapor and replace it with toxicologically safe, breathable air. The [...] The post U.S. Air Force Tests Vapor Purge Times For The B-52 In The Event Of A Chemical Attack appeared first on The Aviationist.

Under Peace Caesar program, the Italian Air Force operated a fleet of F-16A Block 15 ADF (Air Defense Fighter) jets upgraded with the “Falcon Up” and “Falcon 2020” modifications. Here’s their story. On Jan. 20, [...] The post Italian Vipers: The Story Of The F-16 Fighting Falcon In Italian Air Force Service appeared first on The Aviationist.

A total of 26 MH-139 helicopters are now on order, although it’s not known if the service will complete the 74-helicopter fleet or stop at 36 helicopters as mentioned in the FY25 budget documents. The [...] The post Amid Uncertainty, U.S. Air Force Orders Additional MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters appeared first on The Aviationist.

Aviation spotter and photographer Michał Rokita reached a yet undisclosed spotting point near Tonopah Test Range from where he shot the local-based F-117s and also a mysterious aircraft. Last year we published an article with [...] The post Spotter Climbs Hill To Shoot F-117s And Get Unprecedented View Of Secretive Tonopah Airport appeared first on...

We get a closer look a the Northrop Grumman Manta Ray UUV prototype during in-water testing off the coast of Southern California. As we have already reported here, on April 8, 2024, Northrop Grumman Corporation [...] The post DARPA Releases First Images Of Manta Ray Underwater Drone During In-Water Testing appeared first on The Aviationist.

Ukraine is preparing a set of measures to protect the F-16 fighters when they arrive at Ukrainian airfields, including underground bunkers and dispersal. During a national TV broadcast, Ilia Yevlash, Ukrainian Air Force spokeperson, outlined [...] The post Ukraine Considering Underground Bunkers To Protect F-16s When They Are Delivered appeared first...