2015-10-29 By Robbin Laird Shaping 21st century U.S. and allied air combat capabilities is a function of the intersection of a number cross-cutting dynamics: The reshaping function of fifth generation warfare, Selective and appropriate modernization of the most capable of non-fifth generation aircraft, The introduction of longer range kinetic and…
2015-11-03 As the A400M has entered into the Air Forces of several nations, certification testing has continued, The most recent of which certifies the operation of the large aircraft on grass runways. According to Airbus and Defence and Space: Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed certification testing of the…
2015-10-31 October 23rd 2015 was a historic day for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) following the first combat refueling by a RAAF KC-30 Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft using its new-technology computerized refueling boom. The flying boom system allows for faster transfer of fuel than the hose-and-drogue system and will…
2015-10-31 Until now, Marine Corps pilots flying the F-35B have been second tour pilots. That is, they are pilots with flying backgrounds and with combat experience. Now the Warlords at Beaufort Air Station have their first tour pilot coming to fly the F-35B. We will now see what Lt. General "Dog"…
2015-10-30 The KC-30A has become a key element of the Australian expeditionary force. And the plane is a key enabler of Plan Jericho where the Royal Australian Air Force is focused upon shaping innovative 21st century concepts of operations. One of those changes is battlespace awareness and moving the tanker to the…
2015-10-18 By Robbin Laird The Plan Jericho approach for the Royal Australian Air Force is about shaping a more integrated force built on 21st century situational awareness and decision-making systems. It is a work in progress for the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Defence Force. It is clearly not just…
2015-10-21 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Eurofighter in Munich, Paul Smith explained the thrust of modernization of Eurofighter and the approach highlighted by Italian test pilot, Major Raffaele Beltrame. In this interview, Lars Joergensen explains the underlying approach to modernization. The Second Line of Defense team first met…
10/26/2015: An Osprey lands on HNLMS JOHAN DE WITT during exercise Trident Juncture 2015. Credit: Natochannel.:10/22/13 This was prepared for during training earlier this year. The speed and range of the Osprey is a key combat enabler. It also provides significant reach and range to connect US and allied warships into…