Share this story Quick FactsFirst Claimed Jet-vs-Jet KillNovember 8, 1950 — 1st Lt. Russell J. Brown (F-80C) vs. MiG-15 (disputed by Soviet records)First Confirmed KillNovember 9, 1950 — Lt. Cdr. William T. Amen (F9F Panther) vs. Captain Mikhail Grachev...
Share this story Quick FactsAircraftMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat — high-altitude interceptorMaximum SpeedMach 2.83 (operational limit); Mach 3.2 observedAltitude Record37,650 m (123,524 ft) — still stands as the FAI absolute record for jet aircraftConstruction80%...
Share this story Related: Behind Enemy Lines: The Most Daring Rescue Since Bosnia Quick FactsEventUS forces destroy own aircraft during F-15E crew rescue inside IranDateApril 4–5, 2026Aircraft Destroyed2 × MC-130J Commando II, 4 × MH-6/AH-6 Little Bird...
Share this story Quick Facts Nationality American 🇺🇸 Born / Died January 24, 1922 – October 25, 2016 (age 94) Wars World War II Aircraft Flown Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, Aero Commander Shrike — and virtually every American...
Share this story Quick Facts Aircraft Boeing F-47 (sixth-generation air superiority fighter) Prime Contractor Boeing FY2027 Budget Request ~$3.5 billion ($2.6B discretionary + $900M reconciliation) Congressional Add Additional $500M (raising base to $3.08B) Replaces...
Share this story Quick Facts Weapon Smith & Wesson Model 41, .22 LR calibre Ordered March 1967, by the U.S. Air Force Quantity 30 pistols Modifications Threaded 5-inch barrel, slide lock mechanism, factory-fitted sound suppressor, extra magazines Special Feature...
Quick Facts Team U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron — the Blue Angels Aircraft Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (transitioned from legacy Hornets in 2021) Founded 1946 — celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2026 Shows Cancelled NAS El Centro (March 14) and NAS...
Share this story Quick Facts Units Deploying 124th Fighter Wing (Idaho ANG) and 127th Wing (Michigan ANG) Aircraft Approximately 20 A-10C Thunderbolt II “Warthogs” Operation Epic Fury (ongoing since February 28, 2026) Staging Route Portsmouth, NH → RAF...
Share this story Quick Facts EventCombat Search and Rescue of downed F-15E Strike Eagle crew deep inside Iran DatesApril 3–5, 2026 Aircraft LostF-15E Strike Eagle (48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath), A-10C Thunderbolt II, two MC-130J Commando IIs, at least one MH-6...
Share this story Quick Facts AircraftNorthrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bomber Mission DurationOver 30 hours non-stop (some missions exceeded 33 hours) Distance~11,000 miles round trip OriginWhiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, USA Target AreaSerbia and Kosovo —...
Share this story Quick Facts AircraftLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 2027 Budget Request85 F-35s total — 38 for the Air Force, remainder for Navy, Marines, and allies Engine Contract$6.6 billion for Pratt & Whitney F135 engines (Lots 18 and 19) Contract...
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