Science panel recommends arming MQ-9, RQ-4 with air-to-air weapons

The U.S. Air Force’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) has made several recommendations to ensure that the flying branch’s MQ-9 and RQ-4 can better survive in contested airspace.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Werner Dahm, SAB chair and air force chief scientist from 2008 to 2010, said the panel suggested arming the drones with in-production air-to-air weapons and miniature air-to-ground weapons to make them more lethal.

Source: Science panel recommends arming MQ-9, RQ-4 with air-to-air weapons

U.S. Navy crew moves aboard carrier Gerald R. Ford

Blank owners of aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford moved aboard the ship and ate their first meal in the ship’s galley on Aug. 3.
Left to right, Captain Jim Meier, Susan Ford Bales, and Rolf Bartschi. Photo by Chris Oxley

Source: U.S. Navy crew moves aboard carrier Gerald R. Ford

Last surviving pilot of Dambusters Raid dies in New Zealand

Squadron Leader Les Munro, the last pilot from the Dambusters Raid, has passed away in New Zealand. He was 96 years-old.

By Royal Air Force official photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Last surviving pilot of Dambusters Raid dies in New Zealand

Six RoKAF F-16s on their way to RED FLAG-Alaska 15-3

Source: Six RoKAF F-16s on their way to RED FLAG-Alaska 15-3

RAF No. 12 squadron gets extra one year before disband

The British government will keep No. 12 squadron, flying the Tornado GR4, around for one more year before disbanding the unit in 2017.

By Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) (Tornado – RIAT 2005Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: RAF No. 12 squadron gets extra one year before disband

Upgrade of Israeli CH-53 completed

The Israeli Air Force’s 23 CH-53 helicopters have all been upgraded with new mission systems and avionics. The exercise started in 2006 and will allow the rotorcraft to continue flying till 2025.

By user:Nehemia G (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Upgrade of Israeli CH-53 completed

Cockpit footage from North Korean Su-25

North Korean state television aired a news report on the recent Air Force competition and there were footage taken from inside the cockpit of a Su-25.

Source: Cockpit footage from North Korean Su-25

Thailand to retire its IAI Arava, to proceed with final six F-16 MLU upgrades

Thailand plans to convert two existing squadrons at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. The government has also approve the conversion of last six F-16s at 403 squadron to MLU-standard.

Ian Woodrow [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Thailand to retire its IAI Arava, to proceed with final six F-16 MLU upgrades

British Army Lynx AH7s have been retired

The AgustaWestland Lynx AH7 battlefield reconnaissance helicopter was retired by the British Army Air Corps (AAC) on Jul. 31.

By Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK (Lynx AH7 – RIAT 2014) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The last six AH7s made a final flypast over army headquarters at Andover, Hampshire, then returned to their base at nearby Middle Wallop.

Source: British Army Lynx AH7s have been retired

Netherlands deploying KDC-10 to Poland to assist in training F-16 crews

The Royal Netherlands Air Force has sent one KDC-10 to Poland to assist in training Polish Air Force F-16 air crews in inflight refueling.

By Sebastian Barheier (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Netherlands deploying KDC-10 to Poland to assist in training F-16 crews