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Volume 11 Number 1

World News
F-35B arrives at Patuxent River • Huge RAF cutbacks likely • Airbus A400M close to first flight • MV-22 Ospreys deploy to Afghanistan

PLUS! A special report on the RAF deployment of Merlin helicopters to Afghanistan

FIRST REPORT: Dubai Air Show

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

Talon turns 50
The USAF T-38 Talon trainer marked its 50th anniversary in 2009. Jamie Hunter joined the 435th FTS at Randolph AFB to see the aging Talon in action and look at the new program that will ultimately see it replaced in service

 Greek SAM-busters
Illustrated with some of the finest ground photography ever used in this magazine, Ioannis Lekkas details the work of the Hellenic AF’s SEAD F-16 Squadrons

 Falcon Air Meet 2009
An exclusive photo feature from world-renowned camera ace Katsuhiko Tokunaga covering the Falcon Air Meet in Jordan

WORLD EXCLUSIVE
46 Tornado GR4 in Afghanistan
Jamie Hunter captured the first ever air-to-air images of the RAF Tornado GR4s with new external stores fits for their new Afghanistan mission. Combat Aircraft reports from No 31 Squadron as they prepared to deploy to Kandahar

Idaho’s Hot ‘Hogs’
As the Idaho ANG trained hard with new capabilities and upgraded aircraft, James Haseltine was on hand to capture the action. Robert F. Dorr details the work of this unit and forthcoming plans

 Predator School
Lt Col Lawrence Spinetta, commander of the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech AFB, Nevada, provides a compelling insight into USAF unmanned operations

US NAVY – FIGHTERS OF THE FIFTIES
F4D Skyray
Concluding our fascinating series on classic US naval jet fighters, Combat Aircraft showcases the F4D Skyray. LCDR Rick Burgess (Ret) details the service of the ‘Ford’, one of the classic designs from the US Navy at the height of the Cold War

AMX takes on Afghan mission
Luigino Caliaro details the latest Italian AF (AM) deployment to Afghanistan with its upgraded AMX ACOL and looks at the history of 51° Stormo as it marks its 70th anniversary

Crewroom
Our new interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

EXERCISE REPORT
Salitre II
Tieme Festner and Iwan Bögels travel to Chile to report on this latest international exercise

Baltic Defenders
As the Luftwaffe’s Eurofighters return from an action-packed deployment to the Baltic, Tieme Festner and Iwan Bögels report on JG 74’s scrambles and intercepts

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Volume 11 Number 2

 World News
A400M first flight • RQ-170 Sentinel revealed • RAF Harrier Force reduced • Nimrod MR2 axed • Growler achieves full-rate production • First Iraqi T-6s delivered

PLUS! A special report on the A400M first flight

 Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

 Labors of Hercules
It is the workhorse of Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and the mighty ‘Herk’ remains irreplaceable. Robert F. Dorr looks at the USAF’s floundering upgrade program and examines the aircraft’s success

 The new Close Air Support
David Axe gets amongst the action in Afghanistan and examines a softer approach to close air support

 USS Nimitz on ‘Enduring Freedom’
Combat Aircraft embarks on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the carrier supports Operation ‘Enduring Freedom’ over Afghanistan. Giovanni Colla reports

 Dragon Lady
At any given moment, day or night, USAF U-2 reconnaissance aircraft are maintaining watch from on high. The Lockheed U-2 remains a vital asset for the US and one that they can’t afford to say goodbye to just yet as Michael Balter discovers
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 The last ‘Fulcrums’ of Hungary
While the Hungarian Defence Forces’ Gripens continue to work up, its MiG-29s are still providing air defense of their homeland. Zord Gábor László looks at the Hungarian ‘Fulcrums’ as they enter their last year of operations

 Harrier Force
Jamie Hunter interviews Wg Cdr Harvey Smyth, Officer Commanding No IV(AC) Squadron, who details how Joint Force Harrier is regenerating its full range of capabilities

 Mexican Tigers
They may be old, but Mexico’s F-5 Tiger IIs remain small and agile. José Antonio Quevedo details the current status of this nimble fighter that still provides the backbone of the Mexican AF’s fighter-interceptor force

 Today’s Top Guns
The movie Top Gun made US Naval aviators famous around the world. Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics looks as the current work of Top Gun and the wider US Naval adversary community

 B-17 to Berlin
The US Eighth Air Force launched the heaviest air raid against Berlin ever on February 3, 1945, as US Army Air Force B-17s delivered 3,000 tons of explosive and incendiaries against the heart of the Reich. Robert F. Dorr describes the missions and reveals the personal stories behind this massive operation

 Crewroom
Our new interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

 Libyan ‘Floggers’ — still going strong
Following on from our coverage of the LAVEX 2009 exhibition René van Woezik and Cees-Jan van der Ende take a closer look at Libyan MiG-23 operations, including the latest upgrades to the ‘Flogger’ fleet

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Volume 11 Number 3

World News
Haiti humanitarian effort • F-35B begins STOVL trials • RC-135s for the RAF • ASSTA2 Tornado trials • First Canadian CC-130J • Air war in Yemen • PAK-FA trials gather pace

PLUS! A special report on F-35 cost concerns by Robert Hewson

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

Montana’s Vigilantes
The Montana Air National Guard at Great Falls International Airport has swapped its F-16s for F-15Cs. Ted Carlson visits the unit and looks at the new mission, as well as getting amongst the action for some incredible photographs

Defense policy as determined by the tabloids?
Jon Lake argues that recent UK defense policy decisions are geared towards ‘lowest common denominator’ public opinion, rather than meeting the actual requirements of the country

Desert Prowler?
After Combat Aircraft Monthly revealed incredible new images of the RQ-170 Sentinel last month, Jamie Hunter assesses the current status of the USAF’s stealthy unmanned air systems

Bloodhounds
As one of the US Navy’s most versatile test squadrons, VX-30 at Point Mugu is again re-inventing itself to take on new aircraft to meet a diverse role. Jamie Hunter reports on the unit’s latest activities

Red Devils
Having completed a successful detachment to Afghanistan, the Italian AF Tornado IDS fleet is also undergoing a comprehensive upgrade effort, as Luigino Caliaro describes

Serbian Air Power
Igor Salinger reveals the latest status of the Serbian AF and interviews its commander-in-chief

Sabres, Spads and Thuds
In the latest of our historic combat stories, Robert F. Dorr talks to Charles C. Vasiliadis about his fascinating USAF front-line career

Defending the Capital
The US Coast Guard operates a little-known but highly-important intercept mission around Washington with its H-65 Dolphin helicopters, as Tom Kaminski discovers

Crewroom
Our new interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

Chile’s fighter force
Cees-Jan van der Ende and Marcel Bos take to the skies over the Atacama desert and brief us on the Chilean AF’s increasingly potent front-line fighter capability.

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Volume 11 Number 4

World News
PAK FA flies • FY2011 US defense budget announced • UK Harrier squadron cutbacks • Third F-35B airborne • Kawasaki XC-2 maiden flight

PLUS! Special reports on aerospace trade shows in Singapore and Morocco

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr 26 Sukhoi T-50 — Russia’s Raptor
Russia is making some grand claims for its newly-flown next‑generation fighter, the Sukhoi T-50, but do they stack up? Jon Lake investigates the PAK FA’s prospects

 So Others May Live
Although Portugal’s introduction of the Merlin as a rescue helicopter has not been without difficulty, it is now well established in service, as Luigino Caliaro describes

Vipers over Vermont
Ted Carlson reports from Burlington International Airport, home to the famous ‘Green Mountain Boys’ of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, and its ‘Viper’-equipped 134th Fighter Squadron

Tomcat in a Furball
In this month’s ‘Glory Days’ feature, Dave ‘Bio’ Baranek takes us back to NAS Miramar, California — Fightertown USA — and the Topgun school, 1982-style

A Black Hawk with bite
Ofer Zidon looks at the armed UH-60 Yanshuf, currently under test in Israel

Schooling the Slovenian Air Force The Slovenian AF’s pilot training regime is examined by
Frank Toenders and Joost Michiels

‘We Train Hookers’
Neil Pearson visits NAS Meridian and embarks aboard the USS Harry S. Truman to find out how Training Air Wing One prepares student naval aviators to become tailhookers

Scramble! Why does Britain need QRA?
With defense cuts beginning to bite, the question of whether the UK needs to spend so much on its Quick Reaction Alert capability has been in the news. Jon Lake provides Combat Aircraft Monthly’s contribution to the debate

Crewroom
Our new interactive feature, including a look at the lady behind some of the US Navy’s brightest special schemes, and new product reviews

French Aggressors
Henri-Pierre Grolleau flies with Escadron d’Entraînement 2/2 ‘Côte d’Or’, the French AF’s aggressor squadron

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Your exclusive Combat Aircraft Monthly guide to current US fighter aircraft programs — we detail the background and current status of the F-15, F-16, F/A-18E/F and F-35

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Volume 11 Number 5

World News
KC-X: Boeing bids as Northrop Grumman opts out • Boeing lands QF-16 deal • Nimrod MRA4 accepted • F-35 costs soar • A400m deadlock broken

PLUS! A special report on exercise Red Flag

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

The Spirit World
Angus Batey enjoys unprecedented access at Whiteman AFB as he discovers secrets of the B-2 Spirit community. He talks exclusively to RAF exchange pilots and the 509th BW commander

WB-57 — NASA’s Eyes on High
A detailed study of the NASA WB-57s discovers that the fleet may be increased and also reports on their recent work in Afghanistan. T. E. Bell gives the latest details on these charismatic high-altitude research aircraft

Exercise ‘Clockwork’
Patrick Allen packs his thermals for a snowy spell in Norway with the UK Joint Helicopters Command during winter exercise operations

Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron
An intensive program of upgrades and operational goals have made for a busy time for the UK’s Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Unit at Boscombe Down, as Patrick Allen discovers

Project Liberty in Action
Neil Dunridge gains exclusive access to the USAF’s MC-12W Project Liberty aircraft deployed to Kandahar airfield, in the first of our reports in this issue on Afghanistan Air Operations

Afghan Goldstars
An incredible first-hand account of the RAF’s Tornado GR4 operations in Afghanistan by Officer Commanding No 31 Squadron ‘Goldstars’, Wg Cdr Ian Gale

India’s Bisons
They may be old but the MiG-21 Bison still represents a valuable capability for the Indian AF, as Dr Séan Wilson reports from Ambala

Tales of the Vigilante
The largest aircraft to be operational with US Navy carrier air groups, the RA-5C Vigilante saw extensive service in Vietnam. Warren Thompson looks at the career of this impressive beast in this month’s Glory Days feature

Crewroom
Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

Portuguese Falcons
Luigino Caliaro flies with the F-16s of Esquadra 201 ‘Falcões’ at Monte Real and details the Portuguese AF’s conversion to the MLU ‘Viper’

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Volume 11 Number 6

World News
Boeing offers Super Hornet multi-year deal to US Navy • RAF intercepts ‘Blackjacks’ • Second A400M flies • Volcanic ash cripples European aviation • RAAF Super Hornets delivered

PLUS! A special report on the retirement of the RAF Nimrod MR2

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

New Look for the Russian AF
Stefan Büttner describes the changes in Russian AF force structure in this exclusive briefing, with stunning new photography

The Sharks of Bushehr
Phantoms with sharkmouths always deserve attention. Tom Cooper, Babak T. and Liam F. Devlin reveal the operations of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) F-4Es based at Bushehr and exclusive images show the Phantom’s new teeth

Lancer Force
The B-1B Lancer has played a valuable and changing part in combat operations in recent years. Robert F. Dorr reveals the operational experiences of the USAF ‘Bone’ crews

The Dragon’s Wings
In the first of a two-part feature, Chinese air power expert Andreas Rupprecht exclusively reveals the fighters of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force

USS Nassau Air Combat Element
Gert Kromhout reports from the USS Nassau and details the role of the US Marine Corps’ 24th Expeditionary Unit.

Counter-Invaders in Vietnam
The Invader was one of the first US combat aircraft dispatched to South-east Asia. Warren E. Thompson reveals the work of these counterinsurgency experts in the heat of battle

Denmark’s Fighter Equation
Denmark is in a similar situation to many other European air arms. Nico van Remmerden and Michael van der Mee look at the current Royal Danish AF F-16 operations. Jamie Hunter and Robert Hewson examine future fighter options for the nation

Crewroom
Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

Japan’s Sea Monsters
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s mighty ShinMaywa US-1A and US-2 amphibians are amongst the most impressive of the indigenous types operated by this fascinating air arm. David Halford and Richard Cooper visit Iwakuni to report exclusively on these long-serving rescue flying boats

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Volume 11 Number 7

World News
US Navy agrees Super Hornet multi-year deal • Jordan signs for AH-6i • RAF Meteor missile trials • Presidential helicopter latest • C-295 launches torpedo

PLUS! A special report on the SOFEX exhibition and Finland’s Hawk upgrades

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

Drug-busting Night Wolves
Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics reports on the US Navy’s only dedicated counter-narcotics squadron, VAW-77 ‘Night Wolves’

Russia’s Victory DayCombat Aircraft takes a front-row seat for the Russian military parade on May 9. Stefan Büttner and Alexander Golz provide coverage of the truly superlative Russian military spectacle

Baltimore Hawgs at war
In early 2010 the 104th Fighter Squadron became the first Air National Guard unit to deploy to Kandahar Airfield, the new home of the A-10 in Operation ‘Enduring Freedom’. Neil Dunridge provides an exclusive insight into the unit’s operations over Afghanistan

Cleared Hot!
Following on from our A-10 combat operations coverage, David Axe reportd from the front line on the work of the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)

Red Arrows
Having suffered a setback in the form of a collision earlier this year, Jamie Hunter reports from RAF Akrotiri as the RAF Aerobatic Team gets back to full strength and prepares for the 2010 airshow season

Goodbye Gator
After a long and distinguished career, the USAF is bidding farewell to the T-43A as Jamie Hunter reports, with exclusive images by Maj Steve Snow

Skoshi Tiger
One of the lesser-known participants in the US air war in South-east Asia was the F-5A Freedom Fighter, deployed on an experimental basis under the ‘Skoshi Tiger’ project in the mid-1960s. The nimble F-5 packed an impressive punch for its size, and far exceeded expectations as Warren E. Thompson discovers

Kiwi Seasprites
Luigino Caliaro reports from No 6 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand AF, a unit responsible for the aviation component of the Royal New Zealand Navy, providing ship’s flights from its small fleet of multi-role SH-2G Seasprite helicopters.

Eyes in the sky
With the focus of air warfare increasingly on the support of ground troops, the targeting pod is evolving as Peter Donaldson explains

Crewroom
Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

The Dragon’s Wings
In the second part of our exclusive feature, Andreas Rupprecht details the fighter-bombers of the People’s Liberation Army

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Volume 11 Number 8

World News
First Lockheed Martin F-35C flies • RAF braces for more cutbacks • Australian Super Hornet action • Boeing joins AgustaWestland for Presidential Helicopter competition • Indian Flanker upgrades

PLUS! A special report on the ILA Airshow in Berlin and farewell to Finland’s Mi-8 ‘Hips’

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

Bagram Superbase
Bagram Airfield is the major center for US air operations in Afghanistan. Earlier this year Neil Dunridge visited the 455th AEW — one of two USAF Air Expeditionary Wings in Afghanistan — to talk to crews from the units deployed there

 ‘STAREX’ 2010
Decimomannu air base was host to ‘Starex’ 2010, the main Italian AF training exercise for 2010, as Giovanni Colla reports from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia

 ‘LOAD DIFFUSER’
Combat Aircraft heads to Hungary as the Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Fighter Wing deploys its F-16s abroad one last time. Zord Gábor László reports from Kecskemét
Bad Company
The Hellenic Army recently accepted AH-64DHA Longbow Apaches into its inventory. Ioannis Lekkas enjoys unprecedented access to capture spectacular photographs of the Greek Apaches in action
Israeli Air and Space Force 2010
Ofer Zidon lifts the lid on one of the world’s most advanced yet secretive air arms, with a comprehensive review of Israel’s military airpower

NATO’s Flying Saucers
The NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force operates the E-3A AWACS in a diversity of roles. To meet its commitments, it has introduced a number of upgrades, as Frank Crébas discovers

Trainer with Teeth
As it makes its high-profile public debut at Farnborough airshow, Robert F. Dorr details the latest developments for the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II

 ‘Deuce’ in Vietnam
The F-102 Delta Dagger’s participation in the Vietnam War is sometimes forgotten, but the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron deployed its ‘Deuces’ to South-east Asia in the early 1960s. The unit became the first USAF fighter squadron to send aircraft to participate in the fledgling Vietnam War, as Warren E. Thompson explains

Crewroom
Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

Long live the Huey
Ted Carlson flies with the USAF’s TH-1H Huey IIs and gains an insight into the training operations of these upgraded workhorses

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USAF 2010
Your exclusive Combat Aircraft Monthly guide to the USAF today
Order of Battle • Comprehensive force rundown • Procurement plans

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Volume 11 Number 9

World News

F-15SE Silent Eagle demonstrator flies • AgustaWestland reveals AW101 ASaC plans • France declares Rafale operational in nuclear role • New stealthy Super Hornet revealed • UK unveils Taranis UCAV

PLUS! Special reports on the Farnborough International Air Show, the Royal International Air Tattoo and the international debut of Hawker Beechcraft’s AT-6B

Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr
Boeing targets world market
Jamie Hunter reports from St Louis and MCAS New River as Boeing details the current status of its military programs and its approach to current markets

Brothers in Arms
It has long been recognized that the key to stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan is to help the Afghan people to help themselves. Neil Dunridge reveals the development of the fledgling Afghan National Army Air Force
Valuable Vipers
The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) specializes in validating improvements for the oldest F-16s in the US inventory. Robert F. Dorr details the work of this fascinating unit, with stunning exclusive photographs by James Haseltine
Syria’s Secret Air Arm
The Syrian AF is without doubt one of the most secretive air arms in the world. This world exclusive report from Marco Dijkshoorn reveals the status of this clandestine force
Battlefield Paramedics
Current conflicts are seeing a shift from the established combat search and rescue mission to that of Personnel Recovery, bringing a range of new challenges. David Axe joins the Pave Hawk helicopters of the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron in Afghanistan
The Bridge to Combat
The USAF’s Air Mobility Command is sustaining an incredible airlift effort to keep supplies and forces streaming in and out of Afghanistan, as David Axe reports
Russia’s Aerial Shield

Despite appearances, the impressive MiG-31 is more than just a throwback to the Cold War. Anatoliy Shevchenko describes the MiG-31 of today as an interceptor without direct equal
A DAY IN THE LIFE
A Navy ‘Shooter’

Frank Toenders and Joost van der Burgt visit the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and experience one of the most dangerous, hectic and exciting aviation jobs in the world: that of the ‘Shooter’
 ‘Maple Flag’ 2010

Cold Lake in northern Alberta is the home of ‘Maple Flag’. Neil Pearson gets amongst the action as almost 1,800 personnel from 10 nations descend on Canada’s largest fighter base
Crewroom

Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

 Chariots of Fire

The Antonov An-2 has made an unexpected, but welcome, comeback for the Polish AF. Maciej Stanecki explains the reasons behind the venerable biplane’s return

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Volume 11 Number 10

World News

Super Hornet ‘International Roadmap’ • UK evaluates conventional carrier operations • Italy curtails Eurofighter procurement • P-8 Poseidon moves into production • India orders more Hawks

 PLUS! Special reports on the amazing Kecskemét airshow, the Serbian AF demonstration at Lađevci and Argentina’s Fábrica Argentina de Aviones ‘Brigadier San Martín’ (FAdeA)

Front Line

Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

 The ‘Super Flanker’ — Sukhoi Su-35
Jon Lake details the latest Su-35 now on order for the Russian AF, and examines the development of the ‘Super Flanker’ family to date

Flying ‘Paper Tigers’
Following briefings by the top military and intelligence officials during a visit to the former Soviet republic of Georgia, Reuben F. Johnson reports from Tbilisi
Combat Archer
Tyndall AFB is home to the ‘Combat Archer’ exercises, a program of realistic exercises that give pilots the opportunity to fire live missiles at real targets. Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics straps in with the Montana ANG to witness the action

Return of the Jedi
Following operations in Afghanistan, the UK’s Joint Force Harrier (JFH) is now regenerating its full spectrum of capabilities. Dr Séan Wilson joined No 1(F) Squadron on board the Royal Navy’s HMS Ark Royal during the ‘Auriga 2010’ deployment
UK Joint Helicopter Command

Former Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff for the UK’s tri-service Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), Air Commodore Simon Falla talks exclusively to Patrick Allen about the consolidation of UK helicopter types and ongoing rotary-wing operations in Afghanistan
The ‘Yoxford Boys’

Jake Melampy meets the 162nd Fighter Squadron as it completes its completed its final missions in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and reports on how the ‘Yoxford Boys’ are preparing to transition to a completely new role
 Sabres of the Amazon

In December 2009, the Brazilian AF became the latest operator of the Mi-35 ‘Hind’ assault helicopter. Santiago Rivas and Juan Carlos Cicalesi detail these new guardians of the Amazon and report how the helicopters will be tasked with controlling illegal operations
Saberhawks fly the Romeo

Based at NAS North Island, HSM-77 ‘Saberhawks’ recently upgraded to the new MH-60R. Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics gets airborne with the squadron to witness them in sub-hunting action
Crewroom

Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions
Scorching ‘Red Flag’

Paul Filmer braves the searing Nevada desert temperatures to witness the action of the latest ‘Red Flag’ exercise at Nellis AFB

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Volume 11 Number 11

World News

Latest RAF Typhoon Squadron • BAE Systems offers Hawk for T-38 replacement • Indiana ANG bids farewell to the F-16 • Canada announces F-35 plans • Russia’s last ‘Mails’

 PLUS! Special reports on the German F-4Fs in Decimomannu and Israeli Aircraft Industries’ 767 tanker transport program

Front Line

Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

 Colombia’s Air Cavalry
Colombia has developed an impressive army aviation capability at an impressive speed. Rogier Westerhuis enjoys unprecedented access to the Colombian Army Aviation Brigade

New life in the Galaxy
Air Mobility Command is eyeing significant long-term savings for its vital Galaxy airlifter fleet through the introduction of the latest C-5M variant. David Axe examines the deep surgery that is giving this mighty airlifter a new lease of life
All change at Holloman
It was stunning news when it reached Holloman AFB last July. As part of a huge reshuffle the US Air Force is taking away the two F-22 Raptor squadrons of the resident 49th Wing and moving in two F-16 training units. Robert F. Dorr examines the impact of the latest developments at Holloman, with exclusive images by James Haseltine

Flying with the ‘Damos’
The French Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft operate from its Lann-Bihoué home base and from the deck of the carrier Charles de Gaulle. In June 2010, the unit celebrated the tenth anniversary of its transition to the Northrop Grumman aircraft as Henri-Pierre Grolleau reports
Growler School

Brad Elward reveals the latest addition to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC); the EA-18G Growler Weapons School. As with the other weapons schools, the unit will ‘train the trainers’, ensuring that the aircraft and its weapons are being deployed effectively and efficiently by the fleet squadrons
Heroes of the Battle

As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Combat Aircraft’s Deputy Editor Ben Dunnell tells the story of No 19 Squadron, RAF, a Spitfire unit stationed at Duxford and Fowlmere. Today, it flies the Hawk T1 and new T2 from RAF Valley, and remains deeply proud of its famous heritage

Lucky Devils

HT-28 ‘Hellions’ is attached to Training Air Wing FIVE, one of the most significant units in US naval aviation. Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics visits NAS Whiting Field, Florida, home to this advanced helicopter training squadron, and one of the busiest airfields in the US

Fighters Without Borders

Under a unique concept, Nordic countries have developed a program in which fighters from NATO and non-aligned nations perform cross-border DACT (dissimilar air combat training) on a regular basis. Jan Jørgensen samples the action from these exercises over Northern Europe’s Arctic frontier
Crewroom

Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions
Final Ramifications

For most squadrons, a return home from a successful wartime deployment is a chance to relax, recuperate and regenerate capabilities. However, for the USAF’s 34th Fighter Squadron ‘Rude Rams’, the end of a demanding four-month deployment to Afghanistan gave them little chance to unwind — during the next six weeks the squadron would be inactivated, as Gary Wetzel discovered

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Volume 11 Number 12

World News

Super Hornet multi-year deal • UK changes to F-35C • First Moroccan F-16 flies • 200th C-130J rolled-out • AT-6 on test in Arizona

PLUS! Special reports on the end of F-15 Eagle training at Tyndall AFB and the Icaro III exercise in Argentina

Front Line

Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr

Blacksnakes — Go for Guns!

The Indiana ANG’s 122nd Fighter Wing has said farewell to its Block 30 F-16Cs and is making the transition to the A-10C. Combat Aircraft Editor Jamie Hunter visits Fort Wayne for an exclusive air-to-air photo session to mark the occasion

Red Stars over the Crimea

The Russian Navy has resumed fast jet carrier training at the Land-Based Aviation Test and Training Complex at Novofedorovka airfield near Saki in the western Crimea. Stefan Büttner and Dr Michal Stolar report, with incredible photos from Alexander Golz and Andrei Zinchuk

NATO Tigers 2010
For the first time since joining the NATO Tiger Association in 1992, the Royal Netherlands AF’s 313 Squadron at Volkel played host to the 2010 NATO Tiger Meet. Frank Crébas provides an exclusive airborne photo report

African showcase

Keith Gaskell reports from African Aerospace & Defence 2010, staged at South African AF Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town in September

Iran’s Hercules Upgrades

Recent reports concerning Iran’s modernization of its fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules transports have raised more than a few eyebrows in the West. Babak Taghvaee and Tom Cooper explain the background to the project

The Eyes of the Dragon

Following Combat Aircraft’s in-depth study of the Chinese fighter and fighter-bomber force, Andreas Rupprecht looks at the fast-changing but still secretive world of People’s Liberation Army airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft

SAM-Hunting Panthers

Before a strike package enters hostile territory, a treacherous primary mission is to clear a path through enemy air defenses. Giovanni Colla visits 50° Stormo at Piacenza, home of the 155° Gruppo ETS ‘Black Panthers’ and their Tornado ECRs

Kandahar — Air Power for Helmand

In the first of a two-part series, Neil Dunridge goes inside Kandahar air base in Helmand Province for a behind-the-scenes look at this vital aerial hub for the ongoing war in Afghanistan

Crewroom

Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions

UK Defense Cuts Hit Hard

On October 19, UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced unparalleled cuts to the UK’s armed forces. Many feared that the Royal Air Force would bear a disproportionate share of the burden. That fear became reality as the Nimrod MRA4 was cancelled along with the early withdrawal of the Harrier. Jon Lake evaluates these harsh austerity measures

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