U.S. Global Hawk UAS flew from Italy to Norway during largest ever test of NATO’s intelligence capabilities.

Huge Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) flew from Italy to Norway, during NATO trial dubbed Unified Vision 2014.

A U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk, flew from its base at Sigonella, Italy, to Norway, as part of Exercise Unified Vision 2014.

The RPV, flew from the airbase in southeastern Sicily, in the Mediterranean (from where the huge drone conduct daily missions over Africa), to Northern European countries, including Norway, to showcase the capability of the NATOAlliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system to route one of its planned five Global Hawks across the busy European airspace.

Indeed, one of the goals of UV 2014 was to prepare the introduction of the AGS capability and to improve data sharing with other ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) systems provided by various NATO and partner nations.

The Global Hawk flew to Norway, cruising at more than 50,000 feet, well above commercial airliners testing the effectiveness of existing ATC procedures to ensure seamless integration of High Altitude Long Endurance UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) within the existing aviation framework. 

During the drills, the RQ-4 crossed UK airspace for the first time.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/29/global-hawk-uv-2014/

UK’s “brand new” RC-135W Rivet Joint spyplane takes to the skies.

One of the three Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft UK is buying from the U.S. as part of the Airseeker program has been flown in UK airspace by an RAF aircrew for the first time.

The RC-135W is one of the most important assets in the U.S. Air Force inventory: it has been used to perform SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) in almost all U.S. missions across the globe and, as we write, an American Rivet Joint out of RAF Mildenhall, in the UK, is probably flying over the Baltic region (as done almost daily in the last couple of months) to collect and relay Russian signals and communications.

Equipped with all sorts of antennae and sensors, the Rivet Joint is capable to eavesdrop enemy transmissions and detect frequencies used by radio and radars: it can pinpoint emissions within a large coverage area and transmit the snooped data via satellite.

Therefore it is a strategic platform that helps the Pentagon to draw the EOB (Electronic Order of Battle) of the enemy prior and during crisis or wars.

The Royal Air Force is going to be the only Rivet Joint operator outside the U.S. Air Force. It will operate three RC-135W surveillance planes, within a project dubbed “Airseeker.”

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/28/rivert-joint-first-raf-flight/

Ukranian Sukhoi Su 25 Frogfoot rocket attack.

On May 26, Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a military operation to regain control over the international airport in the eastern city of Donetsk.

The operation saw the involvement of Mi-24 gunship helicopters and Mig-29 Fulcrum and Su-25 Frogfoot jets.

It all started early on Monday morning, when forces belonging to the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (pro-Russia separatists) occupied the airport, in what appeared to be a show of force in response to Petro Poroshenko’s victory in the presidential election.

Airstrikes were launched after the self-defense forces failed to comply with the ultimatum put forward by Kiev’s troops to surrender by 1.00 PM local time.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/27/ukrainian-offensive-donetsk/

China’s Su-27 Flankers intercept Japanese aircraft for the first time.

Two Japanese aircraft flying over the East China Sea have been intercepted by People’s Liberation Army Air Force Su-27 Flanker jets for the first time.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force OP-3C and Japan Air Self-Defense Force YS-11EB were intercepted over the East China Sea by two PLAAF Su-27 Flankers.

Nothing really special, other than the first image of an armed Chinese Su-27 from an intercepted Japanese military aircraft. Both close encounters occurred on May 24, at 11.00 and 12.00 AM LT.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/26/chinese-su-27s-interception/

Russian Aircraft Carrier passes Holland but Royal Netherlands Navy had no ships to dispatch.

In spite of a commitment to the NATO alliance, several years of budget cuts undermined the ability of European countries to perform routine duties, as providing escort to Russian vessels as they sail close to the territorial waters.

Among the arms undermined by shrinking defense budgets, there is also the Royal Netherlands Navy.

When on May 8 the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, sailed through the Channel on international waters, the Royal Netherlands Navy was unable to respond because it lacked warships for the task.

As Lieuwe de Vries and Ruben Veenstra reported, Russia’s only aircraft carrier, with a task force of three tankers, an ocean-going tug and the Landing Support Ship Minsk, took an unusual route to return to its homebase.

“The Royal Netherlands Navy already had made public its spotting of the Russians a few days earlier, when the HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën (English: The Seven Provinces) had picked it up on radar. But by the time the Kuznetsov arrived in the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone the Seven Provinces had gone on its way for duties in Somali waters and no other ships were at hand for escort duties” de Vries and Veenstra explain.

Unfortunately, the Dutch have retired their fleet of P-3C Orion aircraft in 2002. In the following years, the Dutch Navy Air Arm, that once operated both Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Lynx helicopter, was disbanded.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/24/royal-netherlands-navy-vs-kuznetsov/

The Kent Spitfire crashes while landing in Biggin Hill Airport.

The Kent Spitfire crashed in Biggin Hill Airport yesterday. Kent999s posted a picture of the incident on Twitter, saying: "The "Kent Spitfire", based at Biggin Hill, reportedly crashed while landing yesterday." No one was injured. Biggin Hill Airport confirmed the crash, but described it as a "minor" incident.

The Kent Spitfire is often flown at air shows and events across the south coast, serving as a memorial to all those who flew, built, maintained and were protected by the Spitfire during the Second World War.

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/11233846.PICTURED__The_Kent_Spitfire_crashes_while_landing_in_Biggin_Hill_Airport/

Flying Legends 2014 trailer.

This is a nostalgic look back at the highlights of previous Flying Legends Airshows should be more than motivation to attend Flying Legends 2014!!!

Pre-production photos, Westland/Aerospatiale Gazelle British Army XZ310.

Aviation 72 Westland / Aerospatiale Gazelle in 1/72 scale and in British Army livery, XZ310.

Final product photos, HA8407, P-47D, Col. David Schilling.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA8407, P-47D Thunderbolt, 56th FG, CO. Col. David Schilling, "Hairless Joe", England, June 1944.

By the end of WWII Col. David Schilling was the third-ranking ace of the 56th FG “Zemke’s Wolf Pack” having flown 132 combat missions with 22.5 air victories and 10.5 ground victories. 

On December 23, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, David Schilling shot down 3 BF-109s and 2 FW-190s when USAAF aircraft encountered over 100 German aircraft. Schilling was promoted to CO of the 56th FG when Zemke was captured. The nose art on 42-26641 was a popular cartoon character of the time “Hairless Joe” from Al Capp’s “Dogpatch”.

Final product photos, HA4309, Sabre Mk.6 No.421 Sqn., RCAF.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA4309, Sabre Mk.6 23679/AX-679, No. 421 Sqn., RCAF 1958.

The RCAF 421 Squadron “Red Indian” was formed in April 1942 and equipped with the Spitfire Mk. Va’s. After WWII the squadron settled at RAF Station Odiham, England and flew Vampires and Meteors. During the 1950’s NATO considered the largest air threat in Central Europe were Soviet made MiG-15, 17, 19 and 21’s. 

In response in late September 1952 the 421 Squadron was equipped with the Canadair Sabre and stationed at Grostenquin, France with the 2 (F) Wing of the RCAF until August 1963. In June 1956 the 421 received the new Sabre Mk. 6.

Final product photos, HA4307, F-86F flown by James Jabara.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA4307, F-86F Sabre 52-4513, flown by Major James Jabara, 334th FS, Kimpo AB, July 1953.

During WWII P-51 pilot James “Jabby” Jabara scored 1.5 victories, it was during the Korean War flying F-86s that he excelled. On December 13,1950 Jabara arrived in South Korea with the 334th FIS / 4th FIW and by April 22, 1951 had 4 MiG-15 victories. 

On July 15, 1953 James Jabara downed his 15th MiG-15 and became a triple ace after two tours of duty and flying 163 combat missions. He was the second highest scoring U.S. Korean War pilot after Captain Joseph McConnell with 16 MiG-15 victories.

Pre-production photos, HA2711, F-2A ADTW, JASDF.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA2711, Japan F-2A 93-8551, ADTW, JASDF.

A USAF KC-135 and French Rafale involved in an mid-air emergency over Mali.

Taken from a 100th ARW (Air Refueling Wing) KC-135 Stratotanker during what seemed to be (at least until then) a routine aerial refueling mission in support of Operation Serval, in Mali, the above image shows a French Air Force Rafale jet breaking to the left to separate from the tanker after the tip of IFR (In Flight Refueling) probe was severely damaged.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/19/french-rafale-aar-kc-135-probe-fail/

Su-24M at low level.

Unlike previous videos, were Fencer’s low passes were filmed from the ground, this shows you how it feels like to fly at ultra-low altitude in a Russian attack plane.

In other countries, this kind of training is mainly performed out of populated areas. In Russia, pilots can buzz car and trucks. Let’s hope no driver gets distracted by the fast moving and noisy combat plane.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/14/su-24-low-cockpit-video/

F-35A, F-35B and F-35C Joint Strike Fighters flying together.

A photo lets you compare the shape and size of the three variants of the F-35 Lightining II multi-role aircraft flying together for the first time.

From right to left, F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off Landing), F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing), F-35C Carrier Variant, and F-35A CTOL.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/16/f-35-variants-fly-together/

Polish Air Force Mig-29 and Royal Air Force Typhoon jets on Baltic Alert.

The RAF and the Polish Air Force have taken over the four-month rotation of Baltic Air Policing since the beginning of the month.

The task, usually undertaken with four fighter planes, aims to provide air defense for those NATO member states that have no fighter jets of their own to secure their airspaces: Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

The RAF has committed to the operation four Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, whereas the Polish Air Force has deployed fourMig-29 Fulcrum fighters. Both contingents operate from Siauliai Air Base, Lithunia, where the two air forces occupy areas located at the opposite ends of the runway.

The aircraft are kept armed and ready to take-off as quickly as possible in what is known Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) service.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/16/polish-air-force-and-raf-detach/

Final product photos, HA0302, F6F-3 Hellcat flown by Alex Vraciu.

Hobby Master 1/32 Premium Collection Air Power Series, HA0302, F6F-3 Hellcat "White 19" of VF-6, flown by Alex Vraciu, USS Intrepid, February 1944.

Alexander Vraciu born in Indiana, started flight training in late 1941 earned wings in August 1942. First assigned to VF-3, he downed his first aircraft in October 1943. June 20, 1944 brought his nineteenth and final kill. Alex also destroyed 21 aircraft on the ground and one merchant ship. 

Known as "Grumman's Best Customer" he survived two carriers being torpedoed, ditched twice and two parachute jumps. He was shot down in December 1944 and returned to the US where he remained as a test pilot. Post war, he commanded VF-51.

Final product photos, HA8211, F4U-1 Corsair "Spirit of 76".

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA8211, F4U-1 Corsair BuNo.02714 "Spirit of 76", VMF-215 Munda, August 1943.

F4U-1 Corsair “Spirit of 76” BuNo. 02714 supposedly belonged to Maj Robert G. Owens Jr. but in fact he only flew this aircraft once in combat. Other pilots included Owens’ wingman Roger Conant who flew it twice in August 1943. 

VMF-214 and VFM-215 squadrons pooled their aircraft so it wasn’t uncommon for pilots of either unit to occasionally fly the same aircraft. Ed Olander of VMF-214 flew 2714 once in October 1943 but none of these pilots gained a victory flying 2714. American forces battled from December 1942 until August 1943 when Munda was finally captured.

Final product photos, HA4206, A-20G Havoc "Green Hornet".

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA4206, A-20G Havoc 43-9407 "Green Hornet", 675 BS, 417 BG New Guinea, 1944.

On March 23, 1943 the 417th Bombardment Group (Light) was constituted and activated on March 28, 1943. This group trained on the Douglas A-20 Havoc in December 1943 and January 1944 before shipping out to the South Pacific and assigned to the 5th AF. In March 1944 the group began supporting ground forces on New Guinea as well as striking at enemy troops, supply depots, airfields and shipping. 

From September 1944 until they relocated in the Philippines in December 1944 they carried out these operations from Saidor New Guinea against other islands in the chain. Douglas A-20G Havoc 43-9407 was named “Green Hornet” and was assigned to the 675th BS / 417th BG in New Guinea during 1944 - 45. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. J.E. Pryor and crash landed in 1945 and was a write off.

Pre-production photos, HL9014, Super Constellation Columbine III.

Hobby Master 1/200 Airliner Series, HL9014, VC-121E Super Constellation, Columbine III, 1950s.