Bloodhounds

VX-30 'Bloodhounds' is a US Navy squadron that just keeps re-inventing itself to meet new missions as dictated by the Fleet. Its versatility and ability to meet new roles, often with ageing aircraft and equipment, is testament to the personnel that keep the 'Bloodhounds' in business.

report and photos: Jamie Hunter/Aviacom

Talon turns 50

As the T-38 marks its 50th year, Combat Aircraft details this popular trainer and its current role, and looks ahead to the future and its potential replacement.

report and photos: Jamie Hunter/Aviacom

RAFALE, AS GOOD AS ITS PRESS?

For many observers, the star of the Dubai air show was Dassault’s Rafale, coverage of which dominated the various air show daily newspapers.

Exclusive online report from Jon Lake and Marcus Messalla

Greek Corsairs

Araxos in Greece is the last place on the planet where you can still see venerable A-7 Corsair IIs in action. The Hellenic AF is the last operator of the charismatic ‘SLUF’, and they are still providing a key capability.

report and photos: Jamie Hunter/Aviacom

OMANI AIR POWER

Peter R. Foster provided Combat Aircraft with an excellent overview of the Royal Air Force of Oman in its 50th year. The full version of this article appears in Combat Aircraft issue 10.3.

Paris Air Show 2009 - Jamie Hunter reports from Paris.

The first day of the 100th anniversary Paris Air Show on 15 June was a washout - the heavy clouds that hung over Le Bourget seemed indicative of the gloom that has hit the aviation industry. However, industry officials were keen to talk of the robust nature of the defence sector, with the buzzword of the week being 'affordable'.

Flying with the RAF Red Arrows

Combat Aircraft editor and renowned photographer Jamie Hunter has recently returned from Cyprus and a period flying with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, taking publicity photographs for the team. Jamie has also just published a new book on the team, which will be on sale from the end of June 2009.

Combat Aircraft editor flies with Royal Norwegian Air Force

Combat Aircraft Editor Jamie Hunter recently flew with Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s from 331 Skv at Bodo. The photographs and report from this visit are featured in the latest issue of Combat Aircraft, volume 10.3 on sale now in the UK and Europe and from 16 June across the USA.

JAMMIN' WITH THE GROWLER

Online extract from editor Jamie Hunter's exclusive report, featured in issue 10.2. World-exclusive photos taken by Jamie Hunter.

(this online report includes additional images not featured in the printed article)...

Eglin Testers

Combat Aircraft's consultant Editor Jamie Hunter reports on the test units at Eglin AFB in Florida.

Located near some of the most beautiful beaches and most popular tourist resorts in the United States, Eglin AFB is a huge facility on the sunkissed Gulf Coast of Florida's Panhandle...

Fleet Air Arm Centenary

As a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm this year, Combat Aircraft takes a nostalgic look back at the last days of the popular Sea Harrier FA2. These images were taken by Combat Aircraft Consultant Editor Jamie Hunter as the Sea Harrier was retired from service. ..(Read More)

Vampires of China Lake

Combat Aircraft's consultant editor Jamie Hunter reports from China Lake, California, on US Navy test and evaluation squadron VX-9 'Vampires'.

As the sun sinks behind California's Sierra Nevada, the rolling Mojave desert turns golden and the snow capped mountains become pink and then purple as the cloak of darkness encroaches from the east...(Read More)

Eurofighter in Germany

Consultant Editor Jamie Hunter visits Eurofighter and the Luftwaffe for the first of our new features exclusive to Combat Aircraft online.

With all 148 Tranche 1 deliveries complete, Eurofighter is ramping up deliveries of Tranche 2 aircraft as customer air forces build their fleets. Around 19 Tranche 2 aircraft should be delivered to the partner nations by the end of 2008, with 63 aircraft currently in final assembly at four sites...(Read More)

'Leading the Field'

Royal Air Force's No 12 Squadron prepares for Afghanistan mission. Jamie Hunter reports from RAF Fairford on exercise 'Crown Condor'.

'Ready for anything' is the motto of RAF Lossiemouth's 140th Expeditionary Air Wing. Exercise 'Crown Condor' held at RAF Fairford in October...(Read More)

RAF Hawks of 19(R) Squadron

Following on from the feature on No 19(R) Squadron, Royal Air Force, in our sister publication Aircraft Illustrated October 2008. issue.

Here is a full selection of the images of the 'Spitfire' BAE Systems Hawk T1 from the squadron as well as the accompanying display Hawk from No 208(R) Squadron...(Read More)