Air Intel The latest developments and world military aviation news from Tom Kaminski - INCLUDING special reports on the development of the new F-15K Eagle for the Republic of Korea AF and the controversy surrounding the plans to retire the USAF's C-9 Nightingales, bothy by Robert F. Dorr.. Tomcat Twilight A photo-feature detailing the gradual process of retirement of the US Navy's F-14 Tomcat fleet, and the transition of units to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Nellis Sharpshooters Tyson V. Rininger reports from Nellis AFB on Joint Red Flag 2005, one of the year's biggest multi-role and multi-national exercises – PLUS photography by Chad Thomas of the recent USAF Airpower Demonstration. UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AIRPOWER UPDATE 2005 SPECIAL FEATURE Huge changes are currently occurring within the ranks of the USAF. An aging fleet, impending base closures and reductions in manpower, and the continued need to support combat and contingency operations worldwide, are some of the daunting tasks faced by its leaders as the service counties with its latest transformation. The air arm, which had previously maintained a threat-based, forward-deployed force, has become a capabilities-based organisation that is primarily based in the continental United States (CONUS). Forward-deployed commands in Europe and the Pacific are currently undergoing another reorganisation that will allow the service to be better positioned to respond to changing threats and world wide events. With all this in mind, our annual USAF Airpower Update comes in more handy than ever! Tom Kaminski details the air force's structure, units, bases and equipment PLUS some stunning photography. Kamov Warriors The Kamov Ka-50 and Ka-52 attack helicopter family has been through many guises, developments and, most confusingly, names during its lengthy gestation period. However, the end result remains a very capable machine indeed. Andrey Fomin takes a detailed look at the history of Werewolf, Black Shark, Alligator and their beastly brethren from FoxbatFiles.com The Perfect Storm The air combat capabilities of four European air arms – the Royal Air Force, German AF, Italian AF and Spanish AF – are currently undergoing major transformations thanks to the long-awaited arrival in operational service of the Eurofighter Typhoon. But how is the process going? Jamie Hunter/Aviacom provides a run-down of the current state of the Typhoon program, including interviews with RAF pilots. Last of the Skyhawks They may have been rather old by the time they were finally phased out of service, but the US Marine Corps' A-4M Skyhawks were capable little `pocket rockets' right to the end of their days, as Warren E. Thompson recalls It's Showtime! The best calendar of airshows across North America in 2005, compiled by Peter R. March Combat Sims The latest combat aircraft flight simulations are tested by Derek Davis Rollouts Denis J. Calvert and Ben Dunnell with our monthly reviews of all that's new in the world of military aviation-related books and products Although it was rather outdated, F4U Corsair remained a potent fighter during the Korean War. Warren E. Thompson tells the story of how US Marine Corps F4Us took on MiG-15s, with some fine color photography from the conflict. Combat Sims NEW FEATURE! The latest combat aircraft flight simulations are tested by Derek Davis. Rollouts Denis J. Calvert and Ben Dunnell with our monthly reviews of all that’s new in the world of military aircraft products. It’s Showtime! The best calendar of airshows across North America in 2005, compiled by Peter R. March |