Playboy Tomcats
The end of Grumman’s ‘Big Cat’ is in sight, as VX-9’s test duties with the F-14 conclude and the famed ‘Vandy 1’ is withdrawn. Richard Collens reports from NBVC Point Mugu and NAS Key West.

The Heat Is On
The US Navy simultaneously deployed seven aircraft carriers across the globe in June/July to demonstrate its awesome ‘surge’ capability. Richard Cooper traps aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during ‘Summer Pulse 04’

Falluja Strikes
The USS George Washington (CVN-73) hits Iraqi troublespots. Barren Hall witnessed the action.

Hawg Wild
Kevin Jackson gets down and dirty with the A-10A ‘Warthog’ community during ‘Hawgsmoke 04’

Making Waves
One of the industry’s major deals has been done, with Boeing winning the coveted Multimission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) order. Lindsay Peacock details the current picture.

SPECIAL FEATURE! Canadian Air Force Airpower Update 2004
Canada’s air force may be relatively small, but it’s certainly not lacking in capability. Its multi-role attributes are in demand not just in its vast homeland but also for world-wide operations. Current upgrades and procurement programs will ensure that the air force can build upon its current level of commitment on the international stage, as Tom Kaminski describes.

Down to the Bone
The Rockwell International B-1B Lancer is now a decidedly more potent machine thanks to a number of mission upgrades as well as a spate of controversial cutbacks aimed at greater operational efficiency. Jon Lake reports on the status of the fleet, with exclusive air-to-air photography by John Dibbs/The Plane Picture Co.

Guard of Honor
John Dibbs/The Plane Picture Co. photographs the F-16Cs of the South Dakota ANG over Mount Rushmore, with text by Jon Miller.

Czech Changes
Robin Polderman provides an update on the Czech Air Force. PLUS! MiG-21 Cutaway

Stars of Saratov
There are many intriguing collections of aircraft across the former USSR. One of the best is the Saratov War Memorial as David Willis fount out.

The Seahawk Story
Sikorsky’s naval workhorse – past, present and future by Tom Kaminski

Spanish Freedom Fighters
Lucien Blok, Leonard van den Broek and Paul Mali of Four Aces AP visit the Spanish AF SF-5 Freedom Fighters soldiering on at Talavera la Real.

Behind the Israeli Shroud
Bob Archer and Colin Johnson attend the annual Israeli Independence Day celebration at Tel Nof AB.

Opera Stingers
In 1981, Israel attack the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Al-Tuwaitha. Much of the story remained untold – until now. A Combat Aircraft exclusive by Hagit and Tsahi Ben-Ami

Thunderjets over Korea
Warren E. Thompson recounts the 49th Fighter Bomber Group’s pioneering F-84 operation in the Korean War.

Rollout: All that’s new in the world of military aviation products, with book reviews by Denis J. Calvert