Military Aviation News – 64th Aggressor Squadron
The 64th Aggressor Squadron (AGRS) at Nellis AFB, Nevada, recently repainted one of their F-16C Fighting Falcons in a new colour scheme – well, new to the F-16. It had previously been seen on the aggressor F-15 Eagles, of the 65th AGRS, until their retirement in 2015.
Military Aviation – Farewell to the ‘Junglie’: Sea King HC4 retirement retrospective
The legendary Sea King HC4 retired from Royal Navy service earlier this year. Andy Aitchison looks back at the service history of the venerable ‘Junglie’.
Military exercise – Anatolian Eagle 2016
Now in its sixteenth year, the latest iteration of Turkey’s Anatolian Eagle exercise recently wrapped up at Konya Air Base in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Chris Wood and Kevin Jackson report.
Modern Military Aviation – 771 Naval Air Squadron disbands
771 Naval Air Squadron disbanded on 22 March 2016, formally marking the end of Royal Navy Search and Rescue operations in the UK. Joan le Poole and Sander Meijering visited RNAS Culdrose to speak to and fly with the squadron during its final weeks as an active unit.
Aviation feature – The End of an Era | Bill Ramsey on Avro Vulcan XH558’s retirement
Bill Ramsey reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of Avro Vulcan XH558’s final flights prior to its retirement in October 2015.
Fueling the Fight – The 100th Air Refueling Wing At Trident Juncture
For the fighter pilots participating in the largest NATO exercise since 2002 – Trident Juncture 2015 – aerial refueling tracks with the codenames “STAR 26”, “Texaco”, “Horse” and “IBIZA” amongst others were key to the success of their mission – because NKAWTG! Providing ‘flying gas stations’ that enable the short-legged fighters to extend combat radius and loiter time is a service as vital as ever and heavily in demand. When requesting tanker support in Europe, be it for exercises or real-world operations, quite often the first unit to answer the call is the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ based at RAF Mildenhall in the UK. Kevin Jackson writes.
Operation Atlantic Resolve – A-10s & F-22s deployed to Estonia
US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-22 Raptors were recently deployed to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and the European Reassurance Initiative. Jeroen van Veenendaal writes.
Military Aviation News – RAF Long-Range Training Missions to Colorado
The Royal Air Force has been conducting a series of long-range training missions over the last couple of months, and many have been stopping over in Denver, Colorado. Paul Filmer writes.
Military Aviation – Army Air Corps Lynx AH7 Retirement, AAC Middle Wallop
On Friday 31 July, current and former Lynx aircrew gathered at AAC Middle Wallop to mark the retirement of the last Westland Lynx AH7s from service. Andy Aitchison writes for GAR.
Civil Aviation News – Wragg Fire response
The spate of wildfires in California has been keeping the aerial firefighting teams busy this summer. Rob Edgcumbe tracked down some of the helicopters being used to tackle the fires as they were at work.
Military Aviation News – Exercise Indradhanush begins
Friday, 17 July 2015 saw the Indian Air Force arrive at RAF Coningsby, Lincs, for Exercise Indradhanush. Gordon Jones was there for GAR.
Civilian Aviation – Britten-Norman Islander G-AVCN Restoration
The East Wight aircraft restoration workshop set up by the Britten-Norman Aircraft Preservation Society (BNAPS) has been a hive of activity as the restoration team made steady progress towards the goal of having the historic B-N Islander G-AVCN ready for “roll out” in time for the “Islander 50” celebration event in June 2015. Bob Wealthy guest reports for GAR.
Aviation News – EA-6B Prowler delivered for Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Colorado
On Tuesday 19 May 2015, an EA-6B Prowler from the US Navy was delivered to the Denver area for further delivery on to the Wings Over the Rockies Museum. Paul Filmer was there to see it.
Military Aviation News – Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet at Manchester Airport
On 11 May 2015 NAF 975, the second of a batch of four Alpha Jets bound for the Nigerian Air Force, arrived at Manchester direct from Reykjavik on part of a long ferry flight from the United States of America. John Higgins writes.
Military Aviation – USS Theodore Roosevelt visits the UK
A potent symbol of American military power slipped into UK waters on 22 March 2015, when the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, CVN 71, anchored in Stokes Bay, off Gosport in Hampshire. Chris Wood writes for GAR.
Aviation News – 846 NAS returns home to RNAS Yeovilton
On Thursday 26 March 2015 a formation of six Merlins flew from RAF Benson to RNAS Yeovilton, with flypasts along the way over the Salisbury Plain Training Area and the AgustaWestland plant in Yeovil. This event formally marked the return home to Yeovilton of 846 NAS from a three year stint based at RAF Benson.
Aviation News – Royal Air Force BAe 125 retirement
This week saw another type of aircraft bow out of service with Britain’s Royal Air Force. Chris Wood looks back on the service of the BAe 125 as the RAF’s last few examples retire from No 32 (The Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt.
Airshow News – RAF Cosford Air Show 2015 launches in style
As the only active Station to open its doors to the general public this year, RAF Cosford’s Air Show will fly the flag for the Royal Air Force in 2015. Gareth Stringer was at the event’s press launch to learn more.
Aviation News – Centenary tail art for XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby
Today, XI Squadron based at Royal Air Force Coningsby, proudly unveiled a new paint scheme to commemorate their 100th anniversary.
Aviation News – End of an era as final 32 Sqn BAE125 returns from ops
A Royal Air Force BAe125 aircraft has returned from operations for the final time, marking the end of an era for 32 (The Royal) Squadron which has operated the aircraft type for more than 40 years.
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