AeroWeb | F-22 Raptor

This summer could be a make or break moment for USAF nextgen fighter:

This summer could be a make or break moment for US Air Force’s next fighter program The Next Generation Air Dominance program is set to have a finalized acquisition strategy within the next few months.

The F-22 imperative:

The F-22 imperative The loss of an F-22 Raptor during a training flight on May 15 serves as a wake-up call regarding the size of the Raptor inventory.

Breaking Down USAF’s 70-Percent Overall Mission Capable Rate:

Breaking Down USAF's 70-Percent Overall Mission Capable Rate - Air Force Magazine The Air Force’s fleet in fiscal 2019 maintained an overall mission capable rate of 70.27 percent, a slight increase from the previous year.

After two crashes within days, Eglin AFB announces safety pause:

After two crashes within days, Eglin announces safety pause “The events over the past few days remind us that the defense of our country can be a dangerous business,” Brig. Gen. Scott Cain said.

F-22 from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB crashes just north of the base:

Eglin F-22 Crashes, Pilot Ejects - Air Force Magazine An F-22 from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., crashed early on May 15 just north of the base.

Inside Elmendorf’s Massive ‘Moose Walk’... The May 5 “Moose Walk” included 26 F-22s:

Inside Elmendorf’s Massive 'Moose Walk' - Air Force Magazine The May 5 “Moose Walk” included 26 F-22s, two C-12s, two C-130s, two E-3 Sentrys, and three C-17s, in addition to HH-60s and a C-17 already in the air.

Air Force Seeking Faster, Longer-Range Air-to-Air Missiles:

Air Force Seeking Faster, Longer-Range Air-to-Air Missiles - Air Force Magazine USAF is looking for “novel” approaches to a new class of faster and longer-ranged air-to-air missiles, according to a May 5 RFI.

Air Force officially abandons directive to get F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets up to 80% mission-capable rate:

Brown Vows New Measures to Boost USAF Readiness - Air Force Magazine The Air Force inspector general is conducting a sweeping review of the service’s readiness assessments and reporting, according to Gen. C.Q. Brown.

Think The F-22 Is Old News? These Upgrades Will Make You Think Again:

Think The F-22 Is Old News? These Upgrades Will Make You Think Again F-22 lethality is also getting vastly improved through integration of new two-way LINK 16 data link connectivity between aircraft, something which will help expedite real-time airborne “collaborative targeting.”

USAF, Canadian Fighters, AWACS + KC-135 Intercept Russian Bombers North of Alaska:

USAF, Canadian Fighters Intercept Russian Aircraft North of Alaska - Air Force Magazine U.S. Air Force F-22s and Canadian CF-18s intercepted two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft north of Alaska on March 9.

Tyndall Making Slow, Steady Progress:

Tyndall Making Slow, Steady Progress - Air Force Magazine Things are starting to look up at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., as it ramps up its reconstruction effort and manages daily mission requirements.

No, Elon Musk: The Era Of The Manned Fighter Jet Won’t Be Over Anytime Soon:

No, Elon Musk: The Era Of The Manned Fighter Jet Won’t Be Over Anytime Soon It was bold but wrong for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to proclaim the end of manned fighter aircraft in front of U.S. Air Force officers. Here's why manned fighters will hold the competitive edge over drones and remote-piloted aircraft for decades into the future.