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Military Aviation - Global Aviation Resource - The Online Aviation Magazine
MAY032012
Military Aviation >> Exercise Olympic Guardian at RAF Northolt
Yesterday four Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons arrived at RAF Northolt to signify the start of Exercise Olympic Guardian, an eight-day exercise designed to bring together and test the various agencies providing security during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Karl Drage reports for GAR.MAY012012
Exercise Frisian Flag 2012
Exercise Frisian Flag 2012 was held at Leeuwarden Air Base in The Netherlands from April 16th to April 27th. Mike Kruiper guest reports from the biggest NATO exercise in Europe, with almost fifty participating aircraft. All images courtesy of Mike Kruiper.APR302012
Military Aviation >> 3 (Fighter) Squadron 100th Anniversary Commemorative Markings
No 3 (Fighter) Squadron has today released photographs of one of its Typhoon aircraft in a commemorative anniversary paint scheme.MAR092012
blogGAR: Wales, Heathrow and RAF Marham – February Review
From the arctic conditions of the Welsh valleys to the balmy rolling fields of Norfolk, February brought three days out, combining civilian and military action. Glenn reviews his travels in the month of February.MAR072012
GAM Previews: Mildenhall's C-135s - Then and Now
RAF Mildenhall’s association with Boeing’s venerable ‘135 is a long one, spanning some five decades, and here Bob Archer takes a look back at some of the aircraft that have been found at the Suffolk airfield through the years. All images Bob Archer or The Bob Archer Collection.MAR052012
blogGAR: Operation ELLAMY Mission Marks at RAF Marham
When Glenn first mentioned a day out at RAF Marham, Karl wasn't convinced by the weather forecast but ultimately succumbed and ended up having a good day Operation ELLAMY mission mark hunting in Norfolk.FEB162012
Military Aviation >> Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) Flying Course 2012-1
February 10th saw the first Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) Flying Course of 2012 wrap up at Los Llanos Air Base, near Albacete in Spain. Two days earlier the base had opened its gates to a group of aviation photographers, to give them an opportunity to witness the TLP's activities. Chris Wood reports for GAR from a typically sunny, but unusually cold, Spain.FEB152012
Military Aviation >> Twenty Years of Eagles at RAF Lakenheath
On the 21st February 1992 a new era of aircraft operations commenced at RAF Lakenheath with the arrival of the first F-15E Strike Eagle. It’s hard to believe that the F-111Fs of the 48th Fighter Wing left these shores 20 years ago, as David Mackey guest reports for Global Aviation Resource. Images as credited.FEB142012
Airshows >> UK: Exclusive - 2012 RAF Tucano Display Scheme Revealed
Global Aviation Resource is delighted to reveal the 2012 Royal Air Force Tucano Display scheme and was the first media outlet to speak with this year's display pilot, Flt Lt Jon Bond. Gareth Stringer reports with imagery courtesy of the Team itself.FEB132012
blogGAR: Runway 08 Ops at RAF Brize Norton
With Issue 5 of Global Aviation Magazine all but put to bed, a perfect forecast and the knowledge that GAR's own John Higgins was planning a day at RAF Brize Norton, Karl couldn't resist and had to join him.FEB012012
GAM Previews: USS George H.W. Bush
Following on from GAR’s visit to “The Bush” on its Liberty port visit to Portsmouth, UK, we were privileged to accept an invitation to join the carrier at sea. Paul Dopson reports from the United States Navy’s 6th Fleet area of operations, somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea.FEB012012
GAM Previews: WIWOL - When I Was On Lightings
The English Electric Lightning. A true classic from the Cold War, a supersonic interceptor that remained in Royal Air Force service from 1959 until 1988 and is still remembered fondly by all those who saw it. But what was the aircraft like to fly? Gareth Stringer travelled to the RAF Museum at Cosford to meet someone who would be able to tell him exactly that.JAN042012
GAM Previews: The Lockheed S-3 Viking at 40
January 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. Originally conceived as a carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, in later years it assumed several other specialised roles and had a surprisingly long service career; even today the Viking remains in service, albeit in very small numbers. Paul Dunn finds out more.JAN042012
GAM Previews: High-Altitude ARNG Training Site - HAATS
Paul Filmer, a Colorado resident, travels into the mountains near the popular ski resort of Vail to find out about the Army National Guard’s training camp designed to teach rotary wing pilots the secrets of operating at high altitudes and in difficult surroundings. This is HAATS - High-Altitude ARNG Aviation Training Site.JAN042012
GAM Previews: The 100th ARW and Operation Unified Protector
Between March 16 and October 31 2011, the United States Air Force’s 100th Air Refueling Wing from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, UK, provided KC-135 tanker support for Operation Unified Protector - the name given to a NATO operation enforcing UN Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973, which authorised the use of all necessary means to protect those civilians in Libya under the threat of attack from Colonel Gaddafi’s forces. Glenn Beasley was given the chance to join them.DEC222011
Military Aviation >> USA: Red Flag 11-3: It's Not Always About Being On Base
Back in February, Red Flag 11-3 presented an opportunity to catch some of the participating aircraft at low-level. With RAF Tornado GR.4s and USAF A-10s, both well known for getting down among the weeds, and no really exotic visitors, this would provide a good opportunity for off-base shooting. Paul Filmer reports from the wilderness of Nevada.DEC092011
Aviation News: 29(R) Squadron Unveils English Electric Lighting Gate Guard 'XP765'
29 (Reserve) Squadron today rolled out English Electric Lightning F.6 XS897 in full 29 Squadron markings during a private ceremony at the Squadron's RAF Coningsby home station. The aircraft has been modified and painted to represent Lightning F.3 XP765 that served with 29 during the 1960s and '70s.DEC072011
GAM Previews: The 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, Philippine Air Force
There may not be a large number of military or government aircraft based at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila but what is there is pretty interesting. Following on from his article on the airport’s civilian operators for Global Aviation Resource, Paul Filmer reports from the Philippines on the other Ninoy Aquino residents.NOV252011
Military Aviation: IV Squadron Reborn at RAF Valley
Yesterday RAF Valley was the stage for an important moment in RAF history. 19(Reserve) Squadron, the unit formerly responsible for fast jet tactical weapons training, was disbanded and, in its place, IV(Reserve) Squadron reformed to become the Hawk T2 unit and take the UK’s fast jet training forward into the future. To add to this occasion, 208(Reserve) Squadron, the unit responsible for Hawk T1 fast jet flying training, received a new Royal Standard. All images - Corporal Mark Dixon - Royal Air Force.NOV042011
Aviation News: Deputy Prime Minister Visits RAF Waddington to Pay Tribute to UK Armed Forces’ Role in NATO’s Campaign Over Libya
With NATO declaring the end of sanctioned military operations over Libya, the Royal Air Force, Army Air Corps and Royal Navy air assets are now home from what the UK titled Operation ELLAMY. Gareth Stringer was at RAF Waddington as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg dropped by to welcome some of them home. Images – Karl Drage. SEP152011
Military Aviation >> Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose - Then & Now
GAR staffer and former Royal Navy Sea King pilot Chris Wood recently paid a nostalgic visit to his old stomping ground of RNAS Culdrose in west Cornwall, 25 year after he left. Here he describes how things have changed.AUG212011
Airshows >> UK: Flt Lt Jon Egging – Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team
Global Aviation Resource offers a few words following the tragic death of the Red Arrows' Flt Lt Jon Egging.AUG022011
Military Aviation >> Westland Lynx 40th Anniversary
This year sees the Westland Lynx's 40th birthday and Gareth Stringer takes a look at the history of this most versatile of designs, with the additional help of two men who fly it. Images as credited. JUL182011
Military Aviation >> US Navy: A-3 Skywarrior Bu144825 (N878RS) Delivered to NAS Whidbey Island
The US Navy operated the A-3 Skywarrior for 35 years between 1956 and 1991, but the type has actually been flown for a longer period of time in private sector hands. Hughes Aeronautical Operations, which would later become Raytheon Flight Test Operations, operated the 'Whale' from 1963 until very recently, an impressive 48 years. Paul Filmer reports from NAS Whidbey Island, WA, on the delivery of A-3 Bu144825 (N878RS) for preservation.JUL112011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force: Hawk T.2 Gathers Pace at RAF Valley
After more than three decades as the RAF's sole advanced jet trainer, the Hawk T.1 has now been joined on the flightline at RAF Valley by its younger and much more modern incarnation, the Hawk T.2. Gareth Stringer reports with images as credited.JUN282011
Military Aviation >> USA: Colorado Army National Guard (CO ARNG) LUH-72A Lakota Transition
The Colorado Army National Guard's D Company 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation (D/3-140 GSAB) has recently received four LUH-72A Lakotas (EC145) to replace its OH-58 Kiowas. Paul Filmer reports from Colorado as he takes a look at these new helicopters.JUN212011
Military Aviation >> USA: Vertical Transition - Marine Aircraft Group 16
In these days of limited military spending and austerity, new aircraft types don’t exactly enter service on a regular basis, so the appearance of a new type is always interesting. It is almost unheard of, however, for that new type to be of an entirely new form of aircraft, but that is exactly what the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey represents. Paul Dunn visits the United States Marine Corps at MCAS Miramar to see firsthand the incredible MV-22B and learn more about Marine Air Group 16.JUN172011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force: Flying The Sepecat Jaguar - 'In Memory of a Jag Mate' 
It's nearly four years since the Royal Air Force retired the Sepecat Jaguar and with it one of our most capable and deployable ground attack and reconnaissance platforms. Gareth Stringer speaks to two of the men who flew it while Wing Commander John Sullivan pays tribute to the late Group Captain Tom Barrett. Images as credited.JUN142011
Military Aviation >> USA: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) is the aviation combat element of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) and takes command of most of the USMC aviation units on the west coast of the US. Ahead of a series of detailed articles on the component groups of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Paul Dunn provides an introduction to the unit and its place in US Marine Corps tactics and planning.JUN032011
Military Aviation >> US Navy: CVN-77 USS George H. W. Bush
The entry into UK waters of a United States Navy (USN) aircraft carrier always causes something of a stir and the first visit of CVN-77, the USS George H.W. Bush, was no exception as it rested in Stokes Bay, Portsmouth between May 27th and May 31st after its participation in Exercise Saxon Warrior 2011. Glenn Beasley went aboard to find out more.JUN022011
Aviation Events >> RAF Northolt Night Photoshoot IX
The backend of May, with its long, drawn out days might not seem the most obvious time to hold a night photoshoot, but that didn't stop Phil Dawe and the RAF station of Northolt from doing just that. Chris Wood was at Night Photoshoot IX to report for GAR.MAY252011
Military Aviation >> Europe > Exercises: NATO Tiger Meet 2011
It's that time of year again, when garishly painted military jets gather to strut their stuff in the sky whilst their crews adorn their uniforms with anything with black and gold stripes. Yes, it's NATO Tiger Meet time, and Chris Wood (a former 'Tiger' himself, having served with the Royal Navy's Flying Tigers, 814 NAS) reports from Cambrai on the 2011 activities.MAY242011
Airshows >> UK: Army Air Corps Apache Display 2011
This year sees the Army Air Corps AH.1 Apache Longbow's return to the airshow circuit, albeit for, at the time of writing, just four events. Gareth Stringer reports from Wattisham where GAR was given a chance to meet the display team and see the routine - at very close quarters. Images as credited.MAY132011
Airshows >> UK: Flt Lt Jules Fleming - 2011 Royal Air Force Hawk Display
With another airshow season finally underway, GAR travelled to RAF Valley to meet Flt Lt Jules Fleming, a QFI with 208(R) Squadron and the 2011 Royal Air Force Hawk Display Pilot. Gareth Stringer reports with images as credited.MAY102011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force > XIII Squadron Ceases Flying
Friday, May 6th 2011, saw XIII Squadron fly the Tornado GR.4 for the last time. While tinged with sadness, the overall tone of the message coming out of RAF Marham was that this was more of a restructuring process than an out and out cut. Karl Drage was there to report for GAR.APR282011
Airshows >> UK: Royal Air Force's 22 Gp Pilots Get the Green Light to Display 
Yesterday was a successful one all round for the Royal Air Force's 22 Gp airshow pilots as the Tutor, Hawk and Tucano display pilots received their clearance to display in public. Joining them was the King Air solo display which returns for a fourth year on the circuit as Gareth Stringer reports. Images as credited.APR262011
Military Aviation >> USA > Exercises: National Disaster Medical System Exercise
The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a federally coordinated system which establishes a single integrated medial response capability for assisting local and state authorities in dealing with major peacetime disasters. Paul Filmer reports from Colorado on the latest NDMS Exercise.APR122011
Military Aviation >> US Navy > Grumman F-14 Tomcat: Landing...and then stopping
Grumman's F-14 Tomcat was one of the most iconic of jet fighters, made even more famous in the mid 1980s by the movie 'Top Gun'. A small number of British pilots got their hands on it, with Royal Navy pilots going to NAS Miramar in California and Royal Air Force pilots going to NAS Oceana in Virginia. Lt Cdr Clive Baylis RN was one of them, and here he describes his experiences flying Grumman's finest.APR122011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force > Tornado F.3: Airshow Performer
The Tornado ADV thrilled airshow audiences for precisely thirty years and no retirement series would have been complete without a look at this secondary, but high profile, role for the jet. Gareth Stringer takes a look back at the aircraft's air display history and talks to one man lucky enough to have been part of it. Images as credited. APR052011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force > Tornado F.3: A Navigator's Perspective
Twenty years ago David Chadderton was fresh from Navigator training in the Royal Air Force and found himself posted to fly the Tornado F.3. It was the start of a long relationship with the jet and as part of GAR's series to commemorate the aircraft's retirement David sat down with Gareth Stringer to talk through his time on the type. Images as credited.MAR292011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force > Tornado F.3: Tremblers' Farewell - the end of the Tornado F.3
The Tornado F.3 defended the skies of the UK for some 25 years. 111(F) Squadron, the last remaining operator of the type, disbanded on the 22nd March, signalling the end of the Tornado F.3's service with the Royal Air Force. Gareth Stringer looks back at the history while Glenn Beasley reports from RAF Leuchars on the end of an era.MAR222011
Military Aviation >> Royal Navy > Jetstream: End of the line for Royal Navy's 'Flying Classroom'
After almost 38 years the venerable Jetstream has finally left UK military service. Operated by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, it was 750 NAS which was the final user of the type and, on March 14th, the Squadron flew its last sortie as a Jetstream operator. Karl Drage looks back at the aircraft's history, with imagery as credited.MAR222011
Military Aviation >> US Air Force > T-38 Talon: Northrop's White Rocket - Fifty Years of Training Excellence
On the 17th March 1961, the USAF accepted the first examples of a new advanced jet trainer into service. Fifty years on, the type is still giving sterling service with little sign of a replacement on the horizon. Paul Dunn pays tribute to the Northrop T-38 Talon.MAR222011
Military Aviation >> USA > Exercises: Red Flag 11-2, Nellis AFB, NV
The first Red Flag of fiscal year 2011 was RF11-2, which ended up being quite light on aircraft numbers for the traditional two-week exercise. Paul Filmer reports from Nellis AFB on the latest Red Flag.MAR152011
Military Aviation >> JASDF > Hiko Kyodotai: The JASDF's Aggressor Squadron
The eruption of Mount Shinmoedake has forced the JASDF Aggressor squadron to temporarily relocate its uniquely painted Eagles from its home base of Nyutabaru. Paul Dunn reports from Hyakuri Airbase.MAR082011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force: RAF Coningsby Celebrates 70 years of Operational Flying
Last Tuesday, 1st March, RAF Coningsby celebrated 70 years of operational flying. It's a regular haunt for GAR as Gareth Stringer explains, with additional information courtesy of the Station itself. Images as credited.MAR012011
Aviation News >> USAF > Boeing wins USAF KC-X tanker contract - again
On February 24th 2011 the United States Department of Defence (DoD) announced that Boeing had won the advanced aerial refuelling tanker contest, KC-X, for 179 tanker aircraft. Paul Dopson reports on the embattled long running saga to replace the ageing KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.MAR012011
Military Aviation >> History > Gulf War 20th: Tornado F.3
Continuing our series to mark the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War, we are delighted to welcome former RAF fast jet pilot, author and photographer Ian Black. Ian was flying the Tornado F.3 when Iraq invaded Kuwait and here writes exclusively for GAR on what followed for him and his colleagues. Images as credited.FEB262011
Aviation News >> Military > First Production Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Flies
The first production Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II made its first flight yesterday, providing some welcome good news for a troubled project. Paul Dunn was there for GAR.FEB222011
Military Aviation >> History > Gulf War 20th: Buccaneer, a pilot’s eye view.
Investigating the role of the Buccaneer in Gulf War 1, Gareth Stringer talks to Wg Cdr John Sullivan who, on his first front line tour as a Royal Air Force pilot, flew combat sorties from Muharraq Air Base in Bahrain. Images as credited.NOV242009
Military Aviation >> Royal Navy: Maintaining High Standards – Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield and NFSF(FW)
Global Aviation Resource was privileged to visit the Naval Flying Standards Flight (Fixed Wing) at RNAS Yeovilton; a visit which allowed us to look closely at the unit’s work and get a progress update from the boss – Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield. Words – Gareth Stringer / Pictures – as credited.