Summary and Key Points: On March 27, 1999, Lt. Col. Dale Zelko’s F-117 Nighthawk, “Something Wicked,” was shot down over Serbia by Col. Zoltán Dani’s S-125M Neva missile system during Operation Allied Force. This incident brought to light the difficulties and weaknesses associated with stealth technology. -Amazingly, Zelko and Dani eventually got together and grew close, … Read more
Summary and Key Points: The A-29 Super Tucano is considered a possible replacement for the A-10 Warthog due to its low cost and weapon versatility. But the A-29, intended as a trainer and for counterinsurgency operations, lacked the distinguishing features of the A-10, its large Gatling gun and tough exterior. -A-10 highly regarded in close air … Read more
When reading about “most popular aircraft”, one might think of workhorse airliners like the Boeing 757 or iconic fighter jets like the F-16 or MIG-15. In reality, most aircraft produced worldwide do not fit into one of these groups. They aren’t even jets; They are not fighter planes or even jet airliners. The single-propeller piston-engine … Read more
In the Boeing lineup, the Boeing 720 was a bit different. Initially, it was the only deviation from Boeing’s naming scheme for the 7X7, which began with the 707 and continues today. It was more than just a 707 derivative. A little more than 150 were built in less than ten years, before production of … Read more
The civilian version of the Quad Willys Overland, produced by the Jeep brand for the US military during World War II, was known as the CJ. In 1945, the CJ-2A was put into production; Ten years later, the CJ-3A and CJ-3B did just that. Production on the line continued without a fourth vehicle, however, in … Read more
The Swiss aerospace company has launched SiriusJet, the first premium VTOL aircraft powered by hydrogen. The aircraft is advertised as economical because a full fuel tank refill, which covers the maximum travel distance, costs only $500 in total. It is claimed that Sirius Aviation’s aircraft operate in near silence and produce 90% less noise than … Read more
Founded in December 1939, Pilatus airplanes has been manufacturing airplanes ever since. A Swiss firm was formed under a new contract to build Supermarine Spitfires for the Swiss Army. The aircraft was first built and maintained for the Swiss Army. The business eventually shifted to producing aircraft for more niche markets. short takeoff and landing … Read more
Summary and Key Points: Despite ending production in 2011 after only 195 units, the F-22 Raptor—the first operational fifth-generation fighter in history—remains one of the world’s best air superiority fighters. However, its production was discontinued due to post-Cold War budget constraints. -The F-22 will eventually be phased out as the US Air Force focuses on … Read more
Summary and Key Points: The USS John C. Stennis’s overhaul and refueling, initially set for completion by August 2025, will now extend to October 2026 due to COVID-related delays and industrial challenges. -With this expansion, the carrier repair is the second largest work since 2001. By reconstructing the USS George Washington as a model, the U.S.S. … Read more
In the mid-1930s, the Douglas Aircraft Company introduced the DC-3, revolutionizing air travel and capturing the public’s imagination. Transcontinental and Western Airlines (TWA) inquired about the new aircraft, and Donald Douglas was approached by American Airlines CEO C.R. Smith got a call. Boeing refused to sell the twin-engine Boeing Model 247 to other airlines until … Read more
