Aircraft

The F-15I Ra’am: The Backbone of the Israeli Air Force

Even as newer planes are coming online, such as the F-35I and even the F-15EX, Israel continues relying upon the Ra’am above all the other options it has.

The Su-27’s Legacy for the Russian Air Force

The Su-27’s legacy for Russian military aviation cannot be understated.

Why Russia’s Su-33 Naval Jet Never Took Off

Conceived at the height of the Cold War, the Su-33 was meant to challenge the U.S. Navy’s dominance. Instead, it became a niche asset in a shrinking Russian fleet.

Maryland Scraps Its A-10 Warthogs

With the continued divestment from the A-10, other aircraft will be called upon to fill the close air support role.

Why the U.S. Navy Needs the P-8 Poseidon Now More than Ever

The P-8 contract was awarded at a time when Boeing’s reputation was still sterling—when Boeing was regarded as a paragon of American industry, in sharp contrast to the company’s current...

There Was Nothing Wrong with Boeing’s “MCAS” Software—Except the Plane It Was On

The Air Force is operating the MCAS-equipped KC-46 without incident or concern; there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the software. But porting it to the civilian 737 MAX led to...

The Airbus A400M Atlas Proves Europe Can Work Together

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a symbol of European high-tech and military collaboration. It is a highly capable platform, blending tactical flexibility with strategic reach. 

Why the Air Force Chose Boeing for the F-47

Fortunately for Boeing, the Air Force did not heavily consider “past performance” in the selection—prioritizing "best overall value" in the contract.

In 1970, the U.S. Air Force Grounded Its Fastest Bomber

Despite its impressive performance characteristics, the B-58 Hustler was notoriously difficult to fly.

The Boeing F-47’s Canards, Explained

When operating at the higher speeds, being maneuverable and agile is likely a greater advantage than being stealthy—making canards a vital, if imperfect, feature.

Italy’s Vaunted “Phoenix” Helicopter Promises Much and Delivers Little

Italy has its heart in the right place, but it is likely buying a pre-failed helicopter system.

McDonnell XP-67 “Moonbat”: The Plane That Didn’t Quite Work

While the Moonbat never quite made it out of the prototype stage, the aircraft marked a promising beginning for the now-storied aerospace manufacturer.