Share this story Quick Facts AircraftYakovlev Yak-7B (Flugwerk reproduction, ZK-YKB) StatusOnly airworthy Yak-7B in the world First FlightMarch 26, 2026 — Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim, NZ OwnerMike O’Rourke (New Zealand) Restored ByJEM Aviation, Blenheim (Jay McIntyre)...
Share this story Quick Facts AircraftAurora X-65 CRANE ProgrammeDARPA CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors) BuilderAurora Flight Sciences (Boeing subsidiary) Key InnovationActive Flow Control (AFC) — no traditional flaps, ailerons, or rudder...
Share this story Quick Facts EventItaly blocks US military aircraft from using NAS Sigonella for Iran-bound strike missions DateLate March 2026 BaseNaval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily ReasonUS failed to notify Italy in advance; bilateral agreements require prior...
Share this story Quick FactsLong-Range SAMsS-300PMU-2 (Russian, 200 km range) and Bavar-373 (indigenous, 200–300 km range)Medium-Range SAMsKhordad-15 (150 km), Mersad (modernised MIM-23 Hawk), Talash family (60–200 km)Short-Range / Point DefenceTor-M1, Azarakhsh,...
Share this story Quick Facts EventFirst US combat aircraft shot down by enemy fire since April 8, 2003 Aircraft LostF-15E Strike Eagle (494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath) DateApril 3, 2026 Previous ShootdownA-10 Thunderbolt II over Baghdad,...
Share this story Related: F-15E Down Over Iran — Crew Fate Unknown Quick Facts Date April 3, 2026 Operation Epic Fury (ongoing since February 28, 2026) Aircraft Lost One F-15E Strike Eagle (494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath) + one A-10C Thunderbolt II F-15E Crew...
Share this story Quick Facts Fox One Semi-active radar-guided missile launch (e.g. AIM-7 Sparrow) Fox Two Infrared/heat-seeking missile launch (e.g. AIM-9 Sidewinder) Fox Three Active radar-guided missile launch (e.g. AIM-120 AMRAAM) Origin NATO brevity code system...
Share this story Quick Facts What It Is A secondary combustion system that injects raw fuel into a jet engine’s exhaust Thrust Increase 40–70% above maximum dry (non-afterburning) thrust Fuel Penalty Fuel consumption roughly triples during afterburner use Duration...
Share this story Quick Facts Aircraft Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird (tail number 61-7972) Record Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. in 64 minutes 20 seconds Date March 6, 1990 (final operational flight) Distance 2,299 miles (3,701 km) Average Speed 2,145 mph (Mach 3.2+) Crew...
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