https://balloonstodrones.com/2026/03/08/researchnote-the-raf-staff-college-overseas-at-haifa/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cna-1235.jpgCNA 1235ROYAL AIR FORCE: ITALY, THE BALKANS AND SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, 1942-1945. (CNA 1235) Flying Officer C L Collings, Officer in charge of the Desert Air Force's Anti-Malaria Control Unit, lectures to pilots and ground crew of No. 152 Squadron RAF on defence tactics against the disease, in front of one of the Squadron's Supermarine Spitfire Mark VCs at Lentini East, Sicily. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052092612026-03-08T12:07:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2026/02/05/interview-sergeant-joseph-frantz-the-first-aerial-combat-victory/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/amiens._biplan_voisin._sauzay_et_roussillon_-_fonds_berthele_-_49fi163_cropped.jpgAmiens._Biplan_Voisin._Sauzay_et_Roussillon_-_Fonds_Berthelé_-_49Fi163_(cropped)A Voisin III showing the observer's weapon mounted above the pilot. This is the type of aeroplane flown by Frantz in 1914. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/amiens._biplan_voisin._moteur_et_helice._sauzay_et_roussillon_-_fonds_berthele_-_49fi165_cropped.jpgAmiens._Biplan_Voisin._Moteur_et_hélice._Sauzay_et_Roussillon_-_Fonds_Berthelé_-_49Fi165_(cropped)The Voisin III's water cooled Salmson radial engine. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/voisin_l.a.s._musee_de_lair_et_de_lespace_le_bourget_france._edited_12538194464.jpgVoisin_L.A.S.,_Musée_de_l'Air_et_de_l'Espace,_Le_Bourget,_France._(Edited)_(12538194464)2026-02-05T12:53:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2026/01/13/call-for-submissions-wither-air-power-studies/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1000024305.jpg10000243052026-01-15T12:19:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/12/15/wings-over-lebanon-local-ingenuity-and-american-assistance-in-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8.jpg8Lebanese Air Force aircraft in the hangar at Hamat Air Base, foreground, left to right: SA.330 Super Puma, UH-1H Huey II, SA.342L Gazelle; background, left to right: AC-208 Eliminator, A-29B Super Tucano, Bell 212. (Source: Author)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6.jpg6An Aérospatiale/IAR SA.330 Super Puma modified as a heli-bomber completes a rocket pass on the Hannoush Range. (Source: Author)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2.jpg2A Bell UH-1H Huey II from the 11th Squadron participates in an exercise on the Hannoush Range. (Source: Author)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/5-1.jpgLebanese student conducts first ‘in-seat’ A-29 flightA Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano student pilot and a U.S. instructor pilot from the 81st Fighter Squadron, conduct the first “in-seat” training sortie, March 22, 2017, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The program began in March 2017 and is designed to ensure the Lebanon air force receives the support and training needed to safely and effectively employ the A-29 Aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Wolf)2025-12-16T00:43:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/12/08/bookreview-balloon-ace-the-life-of-an-early-airpower-visionary/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/the_royal_flying_corps_on_the_western_front_1914-1918_q12060.jpgThe_Royal_Flying_Corps_on_the_Western_Front,_1914-1918_Q12060https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/the_german_spring_offensive_march-july_1918_q10330.jpgThe_German_Spring_Offensive,_March-july_1918_Q10330A Royal Air Force pilot affixing to his Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a biplane a notice reading: 'Huns: 39 in 14 Days.' Saint-Omer Aerodrome, 21 June 1918. This was the same type of aircraft flown by No. 40 Squadron during 1918. (Source: IWM)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/81fghwvq4ul._uf8941000_ql80_.jpg81fgHWvQ4UL._UF894,1000_QL80_2025-12-08T13:25:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/02/04/call-for-submissions-from-balloons-to-drones-2/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/c-119b_flying_boxcar_drops_supplies_near_chungju_1951.jpgC-119B_Flying_Boxcar_drops_supplies_near_Chungju_1951A US Air Force Fairchild C-119B Flying Boxcar air dropping supllies near Chungju, Korea, in 1951. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/raf_tornado_gr4_mod_45155233.jpgRAF Tornado GR4A IX(B) Tornado GR4 training for deployment to Afghanistan. Pictured here on 12 October 2012 is a Tornado GR4 aircraft as it undertakes a training sortie over the North West of England. The Tornado from IX(B) Squardon is preparing for deployed operations over Afghanistan in the near future. The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The GR4 typically carries up to a maximum of 5 Paveway IV smart weapons or 2 Stormshadow cruise missiles but can be configured with various weapons, targeting pods and reconnaissance pods simultaneously including the Dual Mode Seeker (DMS) Brimstone, ALARM Mk2 missile, Litening III and the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod TORnado (RAPTOR). The Tornado GR4 is a world leader in the specialised field of all-weather, day and night tactical reconnaissance. The RAPTOR pod is one of the most advanced reconnaissance sensors in the world and greatly increases the effectiveness of the aircraft in the reconnaissance role. Its introduction into service gave the GR4 the ability to transmit real-time, Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) to commanders or to view this in cockpit during a mission. The stand-off range of the sensors also allows the aircraft to remain outside heavily defended areas, thus minimising the aircraft’s exposure to enemy air-defence systems. Additional capability in the Non-Traditional Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NTISR) role is provided by the Litening III RD and the use of the ROVER data link for providing tactical operators with real time Full Motion Video (FMV) in the battle space. The Tornado GR4 is now equipped with the Storm Shadow missile and 2 variants of the Brimstone missile, including the most advanced DMS variant.2025-12-03T20:50:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/06/17/researchnote-the-royal-australian-air-force-and-the-historiography-of-the-air-wars-over-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aircraft_revetments_at_phan_rang_air_base_with_no._2_squadrons_canberras.jpgAircraft_revetments_at_Phan_Rang_Air_Base_with_No._2_Squadrons_CanberrasAerial view of the aircraft revetments at Phan Rang airbase in July 1967. No. 2 Squadron RAAF Canberra bombers are parked in the bays located in the immediate foreground. (Source: Australian War Memorial)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/australian_soldiers_unloading_rations_from_a_9_squadron_helicopter_in_1967.jpgAustralian_soldiers_unloading_rations_from_a_9_Squadron_helicopter_in_1967Rations and supplies are unloaded from a UH-1B Iroquois helicopter of No. 9 Squadron RAAF, by troops of 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, near the village of Long Dien during Operation Ulmarra, August 1967. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/a_contingent_of_the_royal_australian_air_force_arrives_at_tan_son_nhut_airport_saigon_to_work_with_the_south_vietnames_-_nara_-_541974.tif.jpgA_contingent_of_the_Royal_Australian_Air_Force_arrives_at_Tan_Son_Nhut_Airport,_Saigon,_to_work_with_the_South_Vietnames_-_NARA_-_541974.tif2025-12-03T13:25:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/12/01/bookreview-flight-culture-and-the-human-experience/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4145781.jpg4145781https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9781648433078.jpg97816484330782025-12-01T13:06:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/11/25/commentary-filling-the-fighter-gap-turkiyeturns-to-the-eurofighter-after-the-f-35-fallout/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vcop_20250516-0046-ex-formidable-shield-875.jpg.ice67-d5mskn6enjybma.jnxctiptni.jpgVCOP_20250516-0046-Ex FORMIDABLE SHIELD-875.jpg.iCe67-D5MSkn6eNjYBMA.jNXcTiptNihttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ddc-official-20221006-0318-0617.jpg.icef7-t5mbdxfzvjybma.qsf0hzgtma.jpgDDC-OFFICIAL-20221006-0318-0617.jpg.iCeF7-T5MbdXfZVjYBMA.qsf0HZGtmAImage of the Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, seen here at Royal Air Force Coningsby today (06/10/2022). The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hosted a visit for the Turkish Defence Minister to view RAF Typhoon jets based at RAF Coningsby, 6 October 2022. (Source: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022)2025-11-25T12:12:31+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/11/18/bookreview-marshalls-great-captain-lieutenant-general-frank-m-andrews-and-air-power-in-the-world-wars/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/boeing_xb-17_model_299.jpgBoeing XB-17Boeing XB-17 (Model 299). (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/81o0av2vhml.jpg81o0Av2vhMLhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/frank-m-andrews.jpgFrank-M-AndrewsGeneral Frank M. Andrews, a founding father of the independent Air Force, was born February, 1884, in Nashville, Tenn.2025-11-19T12:37:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/air-power-reading-list/2025-11-06T13:36:48+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/2025/11/06/bookreview-educating-air-forces-global-perspectives-on-airpower-learning/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/510gfse6ckl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg510GfsE6CKL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_2025-11-06T10:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/10/23/bookreview-rain-of-ruin-tokyo-hiroshima-and-the-surrender-of-japan/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/910zwk3ohsl.jpg910ZWk3OhSLhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/enola_gay_plane-1.jpgLandscapeLandscape2025-10-24T12:28:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/09/30/commentary-protecting-airfields-from-drones-and-infiltration/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/operation_spiders_web_tu-22_type_bomber_at_belaya_air_base.pngOperation_Spider's_Web,_Tu-22_type_bomber_at_Belaya_air_baseDuring Operation Spider's Web an FPV drone targets a Tu-22 bomber at Belaya air base, 4 June 2025. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cl-1806.jpgCL 1806Fire crews attempt to extinguish the last fires among burnt-out North American Mitchells of No. 139 Wing RAF at B58/Melsbroek, Belgium, after the major daylight attack on the airfield by Luftwaffe fighter-bombers, (Operation BODENPLATTE). (Source: IWM (CL 1806))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fvmf.000217.jpgKlargöring av två flygplan 37 Viggen under Törebodabågar, 19Motiv: Klargöring av två flygplan 37 Viggen under Törebodabågar. Ur Flygvapenmuseums bildarkiv.2025-09-30T12:46:58+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/09/20/researchnote-the-royal-australian-air-force-goes-to-war-over-korea/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/4117301.jpg4117301The North American P-51D Mustang aircraft A68-809, flown by Wing Commander Lou Spence DFC, when commanding No. 77 Squadron, RAAF, in Korea. Spence flew this aeroplane on 2 July when leading the second mission of the day. (Source: Australian War Memorial)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/3782351.jpg3782351Group portrait of No. 77 Fighter Squadron, RAAF, 26 September 1948. Identified, left to right, back row: Warrant Officer (WO) Jim Flemming; WO W. Michelson; Flying Officer (FO) W. Horsman; WO M. Garroway; WO W. Rivers; Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) C.R. Noble; WO Fairweather; Flt Lt J. Grey; FO K. McLeod; WO B. Nichols; Flt Lt T. Murphy. Front row: FO W.O.K. Hewett; Flt Lt R. Hill; Flt Lt W. Ives; Flt Lt C. Butcher; Flt Lt S. Bradford; Squadron Leader F. Lawrenson; Flt J.I. Adams; Flt Lt G. Strout; Flt Lt K. Godfrey. (Source: Australian War Memorial)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7249475.jpg72494752025-09-20T10:04:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/09/16/reviewarticle-bomber-command-at-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/large_000000-10.jpglarge_000000 (10)ROYAL AIR FORCE 1939-1945: BOMBER COMMAND (CH 8965) Lancaster III ED646/PM-V of No 103 Squadron at Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, early March 1943. As part of the publicity for 'Wings For Victory Week' (6-13 March) the station photographer was required to supply photographs of the men and machines of the squadron for inclusion in local newspapers. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205218709https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/file.jpgfilehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/the_greatest_force-cover-front_page_crop-1049x1600-1.jpgThe_Greatest_Force-cover-front_page_crop-1049x1600-12025-12-06T17:45:56+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/editors/2025-08-14T02:07:37+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/2025/07/17/researchnote-the-forgotten-few-the-royal-australian-air-force-and-the-korean-air-war-a-historiographical-note/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f-86f_2_sqn_saaf_in_japan_1953.jpgF-86F_2_Sqn_SAAF_in_Japan_1953A South African Air Force North American F-86F Sabre from No. 2 Squadron at Tsuiki air base, Japan, in 1953. No. 2 Squadron SAAF was attached to the US Air Force 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing during the Korean War. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4142823.jpg41428232025-07-17T23:31:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/06/24/the-colonel-the-sculptor-and-the-supreme-court-justice-assessing-the-failure-of-american-aircraft-production-in-the-first-world-war-part-two/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/secretary_of_war_newton_d._baker_on_6_december_1918_111-sc-26463_-_nara_-_55212437_cropped.jpgSecretary_of_War_Newton_D._Baker_on_6_December_1918,_111-SC-26463_-_NARA_-_55212437_(cropped)Secretary of War Newton D. Baker on 6 December 1918. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/charles_e_hughes_campaigning_in_winona_mn_1916.jpgCharles_E_Hughes_campaigning_in_Winona_MN_1916Charles Evans Hughes campaigning in Winona, Minnesota on the Milwaukee Road's Olympian, 10 August 1916. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gutzon_borglum_1919.jpgGutzon_Borglum_1919John Gutzon Borglum, c. 1919. (Source: Wikimedia)2025-07-07T04:22:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/12/06/researchnote-orders-of-precedence-matters/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7747730.jpg77477302025-06-15T09:05:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/05/27/bookreview-bomber-boys-wwii-flight-jacket-art/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nose-art.jpgNose arthttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/screenshot-2025-05-27-151641.jpgScreenshot 2025-05-27 151641An A-2 jacket of 1st Lieutenant 'Eugene' Greenwell, who served at Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire with the US 357th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group. Later, he joined the newly formed 2nd Scouting Force (still based at Steeple Morden), a formation of fighter aircraft that were specially tasked with going forward in advance of the heavy bomber formations to visually check the all-important weather conditions en-route to the target area, diminishing the risk of bombers having to abort their missions due to heavy cloud. Although expressly forbidden to engage enemy forces because of their reconnaissance role, 2nd SF did account for several enemy aircraft. By their final mission of 25 April 1945, 2nd SF was credited with thirteen kills in the air, two ground, two probable and eight damaged. Among that total, Greenwell is confirmed as having destroyed the 355th Group's first Me 262 jet fighter on the ground at Neuberg airfield on 23 February 1945. (Source: IWM (UNI 13858))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bomberboys.jpgBomber+Boys2025-05-27T05:28:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/05/06/commentary-strategic-air-power-in-yemen-a-cross-domain-solution-or-just-mowing-the-grass/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/centcom_12_january_2024-1.jpgCENTCOM_12_January_2024-12025-05-06T03:13:55+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/04/27/bookreview-spitfires-the-american-women-who-flew-in-the-face-of-danger-during-world-war-ii/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ata-.jpgATAhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/large_ch_008945.jpglarge_CH_008945Allied women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary service. Their job done, four female ATA pilots (three Americans and one Polish) leaving an airfield near Maidenhead, 19 March 1943. They are from left to right: Roberta Sandoz of Washington; Kay Van Doozer from Los Angeles; Jadwiga Piłsudska from Warsaw; and Mary Hooper from Los Angeles. (Source: IWM (CH 8945))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/spitfiresaikman.jpgspitfiresaikman2025-04-27T11:57:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/04/03/the-korean-war-and-the-ooda-loop-what-happened-to-the-kill-ratio/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mig-15_being_hit_over_korea_c1953.jpgMiG-15_being_hit_over_Korea_c1953Gun camera photo of a Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15 being attacked by US Air Force North American F-86 Sabre over Korea in 1952-53, piloted by Captain Manuel 'Pete' Fernandez, 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/f-86fs_51fiw_over_korea_1953.jpgF-86Fs_51FIW_over_Korea_1953Three US Air Force North American F-86F Sabre fighters of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing over Korea, c. 1953. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/f-86es_over_korea_nov1952_1.jpgF-86Es_over_Korea_Nov1952_12025-05-13T04:47:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/03/18/the-colonel-the-sculptor-and-the-supreme-court-justice-assessing-the-failure-of-american-aircraft-production-in-the-first-world-war-part-one/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/service-pnp-ppmsca-54700-54720v.jpgservice-pnp-ppmsca-54700-54720vColonel Edward Deeds, c. 1917. (Source: US Library of Congress)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/166th_aero_squadron_-_men_and_planes_-_nov_1918.jpg166th_Aero_Squadron_-_Men_and_Planes_-_Nov_19182025-03-19T06:12:41+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/02/10/bookreview-a-reluctant-icon-letters-to-neil-armstrong/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/53913296.jpg539132962025-02-10T10:25:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2025/02/04/podcast-look-ahead-at-2025s-aerospace-books/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000009075.jpg10000090752025-02-04T01:05:19+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/12/17/ooda-loop-or-coffee-break-erich-hartmann-and-the-forgotten-german-decision-cycle/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fre_015069.jpgFRE_015069A signed copy of a photo of Erich Hartmann during the Second World War. (Source: Imperial War Museum)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/canadair_sabre_berlin_luftwaffen_museum.jpegCanadair_Sabre_Berlin_Luftwaffen_Museum2025-01-17T05:30:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/11/19/researchnote-top-10-air-power-history-books-of-this-generation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/halifaxes_over_brest_dec_1941_iwm_c_4109.jpgHalifaxes_over_Brest_Dec_1941_IWM_C_41092024-11-21T02:27:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/12/02/call-for-submissions-air-power-and-1944-revisited/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rows_of_fuel_drums_in_front_of_b-29_superfortress_42-6281_in_china-4104922517-e1701524924734.jpgRows_of_fuel_drums_in_front_of_B-29_Superfortress_42-6281_in_China2024-11-08T01:39:56+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/11/03/podcast-50th-episode-celebration-an-interview-with-dr-mike-hankins-and-dr-brian-laslie/2024-11-03T06:30:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/10/15/air-vice-marshal-professor-r-a-tony-mason-a-reflection/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/414k44mp5el._ac_uf8941000_ql80_.jpg414K44MP5EL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/978-1-349-17964-0.jpg978-1-349-17964-0https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ramslade_house_bracknell.jpgRamslade_House,_Bracknell2024-10-17T05:32:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/02/16/commentary-design-and-defence-acquisition-the-missing-piece-of-the-jigsaw/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/45160020.jpgThe first of the UK’s F-35B Lightning II jets to be flown to the UK in 2016. (Source: Defence Imagery, MoD) Accompanied by two United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft from their training base at Beaufort, South Carolina. The F-35B Lightning II will place the UK at the forefront of fighter technology, giving the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy a true multi-role all weather, day and night capability, able to operate from well-established land bases, deployed locations or the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be known in UK service as the Lightning II. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor but the UK is the only Level 1 partner with the US. A number of British companies, including BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce will have significant industrial work-share in construction and development of the aircraft. The Lightning II will provide UK Defence with a 5th Generation (low observable, supersonic, enhanced data fusion), multi-role, all weather, day and night aircraft that will have the ability to operate from land bases as well as the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, the first of which is due to accept Lightning II onto her deck in 2018. This basing flexibility will give UK Defence a truly joint expeditionary Combat Air capability well into the 2030’s. The RAF is the lead service for the operation of Lightning II and, like the Harrier before, the Joint Lightning II Force will be manned by both RAF and RN personnel.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/45143731.jpgThe British Aerospace Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role.A British Aerospace Harrier GR7 as used by the RAF. (Source: Defence Imagery, MoD)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/harriers_lined_up_at_raf_cottesmore_following_retirement_from_service_mod_45152160.jpgHarriers Lined Up at RAF Cottesmore Following Retirement from Service2024-10-13T21:56:55+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/10/08/1944revisited-locating-japanese-radars-the-first-dedicated-radar-countermeasures-units-in-the-us-navy/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/consolidated_pb4y-1_liberator_takes_off_from_eniwetok_airfield_on_16_april_1944_80-g-k-1690.jpgConsolidated_PB4Y-1_Liberator_takes_off_from_Eniwetok_Airfield_on_16_April_1944_(80-G-K-1690)A US Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber taking off from Eniwetok Airfield (Stickell Field), 16 April 1944. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radar-map.jpgRadar mapJapanese radar coverage of the Philippines (Source: Author's Collection)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/consolidated_pb4y-1_liberator_takes_off_from_eniwetok_airfield_on_13_april_1944_80-g-251484.jpgConsolidated_PB4Y-1_Liberator_takes_off_from_Eniwetok_Airfield_on_13_April_1944_(80-G-251484)2024-10-08T06:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/10/01/podcast-a-dizzy-idea-the-airplanes-that-didnt-make-it-an-interview-with-dr-kenneth-p-werrell/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/north_american_xb-70_landing_ed97-44244-3.jpgNorth_American_XB-70_landing_ED97-44244-3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9781648431296.jpg97816484312962024-10-01T12:31:24+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/09/26/commentary-irans-drone-sales-threaten-sahel-and-red-sea-stability/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/52-d9bed987d9bed8a7d8af_d8a7db8cd8b1d8a7d986-_d8a7d8a8d8a7d8a8db8cd984.jpg52-پهپاد_ایران-_ابابیلAn Iranian HESA Ababil-3 drone. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2023_irgc_aerospace_force_achievements_exhibition_in_qom_42.jpg2023_IRGC_Aerospace_Force_achievements_Exhibition_in_Qom_(42)2024-09-30T09:27:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/09/08/expression-of-interest-editor-from-balloons-to-drones/2024-09-08T04:40:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/09/01/podcast-keep-em-flying-an-interview-with-dr-stan-fisher/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41dwiwmwq-l.jpgVersion 1.0.0Version 1.0.0https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/nh-97468.jpegNH 974682024-09-08T17:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/04/03/podcast-there-is-a-holy-trinity-of-us-air-force-history-an-interview-with-dr-brian-laslie/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/51ht2svpfil._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg51HT2sVpfiL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/342-fh_001048-edit.jpeg342-FH_001048 edit2024-09-01T07:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/03/04/podcast-i-want-to-serve-in-the-same-way-they-did-an-interview-with-dr-sarah-myers/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/208-n-20843_34-3684m.jpg208-N-20843_34-3684Mhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/9781469675039.jpg97814696750392024-09-01T07:57:22+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/02/03/podcast-a-bridge-to-21st-century-spaceships-an-interview-with-astronaut-tom-jones/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/71eu0fthzl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg71eU0F+tHzL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/8898508orig-1780082265-e1706914250723.jpgSTS-27 LIFTOFFSTS-27 LIFTOFF2024-09-01T07:56:35+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/04/26/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-nine/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/masters_of_the_air_photo_010904.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_010904Callum Turner and Austin Butler in Masters of the Air (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/masters_of_the_air_photo_010902.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_010902Nate Mann in Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/masters_of_the_air_photo_010905.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0109052024-04-28T15:23:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/04/18/editorial-what-content-would-you-like-to-see-on-the-from-balloons-to-drones-podcast/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1000008803-01.jpeg1000008803-012024-04-18T12:34:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/04/01/filreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-eight/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/masters_of_the_air_photo_010812.jpgMasters_of_the_Air_Photo_010812Adam Long, Matt Gavan, Callum Turner and Austin Butler in Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/masters_of_the_air_photo_010809.jpgMasters_of_the_Air_Photo_0108092024-04-01T12:34:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/03/18/bookreview-lockheed-blackbird-beyond-the-secret-missions-the-missing-chapters/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/df-st-89-06277.jpegDF-ST-89-06277An air-to-air overhead view of an SR-71A strategic reconnaissance aircraft, c. 1988. (Source: US National Archives and Records Administration (NAID 6438039))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/df-st-89-06278.jpegDF-ST-89-06278A right front view of an SR-71B Blackbird strategic reconnaissance training aircraft, silhouetted on the runway at sundown. The SR-71 is unofficially known as the "Blackbird".https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/91m-3myfv9l._sl1500_.jpg91m-3MYFv9L._SL1500_2024-03-18T03:31:31+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/03/17/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-seven/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/masters_of_the_air_photo_010707.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_010707Kai Alexander and Bailey Brook in Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/masters_of_the_air_photo_010704.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0107042024-03-16T01:26:03+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/03/16/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-six/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/masters_of_the_air_photo_010606.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_010606Austin Butler in Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/masters_of_the_air_photo_010607.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0106072024-03-16T00:24:50+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/02/28/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-five/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air__photo_010503.jpgMasters_of_the_Air__Photo_010503Nate Mann in Masters of the Air, episode five. (Source: AppleTV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air_photo_010508.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0105082024-02-27T23:24:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/06/07/it-is-time-to-demystify-the-effects-of-strategic-western-air-power-part-2/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/first_f-35_headed_for_usaf_service.jpgfirst_f-35_headed_for_usaf_servicehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/aviano_f-15.jpg990328-F-4728F-009https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/combined_air_and_space_operations_center_151007-f-ms415-015.jpgCombined Air and Space Operations Center2024-02-26T00:15:51+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/02/05/filmreview-episodes-1-and-2-of-masters-of-the-air-2/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air__photo_010203.jpgMasters_of_the_Air__Photo_010203Raff Law and Samuel Jordan in the second episode of Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air_photo_010101.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0101012024-02-21T01:19:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/02/21/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-four/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air_photo_010408.jpgMasters_of_the_Air_Photo_010408Callum Turner and Joanna Kulig in Masters of the Air. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air__photo_010404.jpgMasters_of_the_Air__Photo_0104042024-02-21T01:17:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/02/07/filmreview-masters-of-the-air-episode-three/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air_photo_010305.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_010305Elliot Warren as Lieutenant James Douglass, a bombardier with the US 100th Bomb Group who flies with Harry Crosby. (Source: Apple TV+)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/masters_of_the_air_photo_010301.jpgMasters_Of_The_Air_Photo_0103012024-02-21T01:16:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/01/28/filmreview-episodes-1-and-2-of-masters-of-the-air/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/342-fh_001236.jpg342-FH_001236Bombs being dropped on enemy installations at Wessling, German by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses of the US 100th Bomb Group, 12 August 1943. (Source: US National Archives and Records Administration)2024-01-28T03:45:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2024/01/10/podcast-the-americans-were-clearly-defeated-in-1943-an-interview-with-dr-luke-truxal/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/050615-f-1234p-008-3998429033-e1704845174542.jpgBoeing B-17FBoeing B-17F formation over Schweinfurt, Germany, on Aug. 17, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/41kkuqjt9ll._sl500_.jpg41KKUqJT9LL._SL500_2024-01-10T00:07:41+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/12/03/podcast-women-arent-in-combat-but-theyre-being-killed-an-interview-with-eileen-bjorkman/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/211025-f-io684-8830.jpgOsan's First Ever All-Female formation flightTen female fighter pilots assigned to the 36th and 25th Fighter Squadrons, fly a historic all-female flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 25, 2021. The benchmark flight the first time 10 female Airmen have planned, led and flown in a formation together while being assigned to Team Osan. Eight of the pilots were A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and two were F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/the-fly-girls-revolt-9781637585948_hr.jpgthe-fly-girls-revolt-9781637585948_hr2023-12-02T23:45:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/11/12/eleftherios-venizelos-and-the-evolution-of-greek-military-and-naval-aviation-1909-1918/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/velos-_24_january_1913.jpgVelos-_24_January_1913The Greek Destroyer Velos collects the Henry Farman aircraft of First Lieutenant Michael Moutoussis and Lieutenant Aristeidis Moraitinis after the first air-naval operation, c. 1913. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/venizelos_wwi_1918.jpgVenizelos_WWI_1918Venizelos reviews a section of the Greek army on the Macedonian front during the First World War in 1918. He is accompanied by Admiral Pavlos Koundouriotis (left) and French General Maurice Sarrail (right). (Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dimitrios_kamberos.jpgDimitrios_KamberosFirst Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamperos, the first military aviator in Greek history, c. 1912. (Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/greek_aviators_in_constaninople_1918.jpgGreek_aviators_in_Constaninople_19182023-11-30T00:38:19+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/05/13/researchnote-brasseys-air-power-aircraft-weapons-systems-and-technology-series/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230513_115224-01.jpg20230513_115224-01https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/raf_jaguar_tactical_meet.jpgRAF_Jaguar_Tactical_Meet2023-11-25T03:39:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/10/05/podcast-they-werent-told-they-were-being-recruited-for-space-an-interview-with-dr-cathleen-lewis/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/buran_on_an-225_le_bourget_1989_1.jpgDF-ST-90-07206Visitors at the 38th Paris International Air and Space Shown at Le Bourget Airfield line up to tour a Soviet An-225 Mechta aircraft with the Space Shuttle Buran on its back.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/11162022163216_500x500.jpg11162022163216_500x5002023-10-05T00:45:50+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/04/research-note-an-isomorphic-culture-the-raf-and-the-raaf/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/longmore.jpgLongmoreAir Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Middle East Command, standing in the gardens of Air Headquarters, Middle East Command, in Cairo. (Source: © IWM (CM 515))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20170208raaf8485160_0063.jpgExercise Red Flag 17-1From left - a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules lands at Nellis Air Force Base during Exercise Red Flag 17-1. Visible in the background are a pair of United States Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer bombers; a Royal Air Force (RAF) Sentinel R.1 surveillance aircraft; and a RAF C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a contingent of approximately 200 personnel to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for Exercise Red Flag 17-1, taking place from 23 January to 10 February 2017. Conducted by the United States Air Force, the exercise also involves participants from the United Kingdom, and provides a highly-complex environment for Coalition partners from all three nations to fly missions into the 31,000-square-kilometre Nevada Test and Training Range. Exposure to this environment, and to the technologies utilised in a modern battlespace, enables the RAAF to develop its people and techniques as it introduces more advanced air power capabilities under Plan Jericho.2023-09-23T01:09:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/09/06/podcast-the-airplane-just-blew-up-into-several-pieces-an-interview-with-lee-ellis/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/f-4c_497th_tfs_at_ubon_c1967.jpgF-4C_497th_TFS_at_Ubon_c1967https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/61gdd3vmsel._ac_uf8941000_ql80_.jpg61gdD3VMsEL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_2023-09-06T00:29:19+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/08/23/research-note-project-suntan-the-huge-hydrogen-aircraft-that-might-have-blown-up-southern-california/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cl-400-14-1.jpgCL-400-14 1Drawing of the CL-400-14 (Source: Drawing of the CL-400-13. (Source: Drawing of the CL-400-12. (Source: An illustration showing the relative size comparison of the C-400-14 with a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and a Lockheed Constellation (Source: The Huntington Library, California, Ben Rich Papers, Box 3, Folder 1, Projects – Engineering – CL-400)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cl-400-13.jpgCL-400-13Drawing of the CL-400-13. (Source: Drawing of the CL-400-12. (Source: An illustration showing the relative size comparison of the C-400-14 with a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and a Lockheed Constellation (Source: The Huntington Library, California, Ben Rich Papers, Box 3, Folder 1, Projects – Engineering – CL-400)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cl-400-12.jpgCL-400-12Drawing of the CL-400-12. (Source: An illustration showing the relative size comparison of the C-400-14 with a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and a Lockheed Constellation (Source: The Huntington Library, California, Ben Rich Papers, Box 3, Folder 1, Projects – Engineering – CL-400)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cl-400-14.jpgCL-400-14An illustration showing the relative size comparison of the C-400-14 with a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and a Lockheed Constellation (Source: The Huntington Library, California, Ben Rich Papers, Box 3, Folder 1, Projects – Engineering – CL-400)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230328_124124.jpg20230328_1241242023-08-25T02:17:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/08/03/podcast-check-six-historian-questions-and-answers-an-interview-with-dr-mike-hankins-and-dr-brian-laslie/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/f-84f_thunderbirds.jpgThunderbirds Republic F-84F "Thunderstreak"Air Force Thunderbirds F-84F Thunderstreak, modified to include smoke tanks and red, white and blue drag chutes. (U.S. Air Force photo)2023-08-03T00:20:08+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/06/12/attacking-refugees-for-military-effect-during-the-first-iasi-kishinev-offensive/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/media-24106.jpegmedia-24106https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bucharest_bombed_april_4_1944_2.jpgBucharest_bombed_April_4,_1944_2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bundesarchiv_bild_183-j24359_rumc3a4nien_kolonne_von_panzer_v_panther.2.jpgBundesarchiv_Bild_183-J24359,_Rumänien,_Kolonne_von_Panzer_V_(Panther).2Vehicles and Panther tanks of the German Grossdeutschland division in Romania, c. April 1944. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-22T12:41:41+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/07/12/researchresources-air-and-space-power-bibliography/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hercules_aircraft_at_kandahar_mod_45150414.jpgHercules Aircraft at KandaharRoyal Air Force Hercules transport aircraft wait to airlift soldiers from 3 Scots, The Black Watch at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The troops were on their way to Camp Bastion in Helmand province to carry out a 12 day operation.2023-08-15T14:07:07+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/21/attrition-in-fifth-generation-air-forces-during-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/p02948-072.jpgP02948.072https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/jk0901a.jpgJK0901Ahttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/f-4e_tel_noft_160413_01.jpgF-4E_Tel_Noft_160413_01https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/yom_kipur_war.jpgYom_Kipur_warAn Israeli pilot, Shimshon Rozen, climbing into a McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II during the Yom Kippur War, c. 1973. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-06T10:28:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/06/contested-skies-australias-uncertain-air-superiority-future/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20170221raaf8207218_002.jpg20170221raaf8207218_002Two F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters conduct the first ever trans-Pacific flight from the US to RAAF Base Amberley, Australia to be displayed for the first time at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon, Victoria.(Source: Department of Defence, Australian Government)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/15j00474usaf_23.jpgKC-30 Tanker Test fuel transfer to F-35AAn RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport conducted refuelling trials with a US Air Force F-35A Joint Strike Fighter at Edwards Air Force Base in California. (Source: Department of Defence, Australian Government)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fp140936-0149_pr.jpgFP140936-0149_PRAn Australian F-35A Lightning II aircraft on its maiden flight. Imagery provided courtesy of Lockheed Martin *** Local Caption *** On the 29th of September 2014 an Australian F-35A Lightning II aircraft took off from Fort Worth, Texas, USA. It was the maiden flight for the Australian F-35A, which was flown by Alan Norman of Lockheed Martin, lasting approximately two hours.2023-07-06T10:25:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/12/18/for-you-the-war-is-not-over-active-disruption-in-the-barbed-wire-battleground/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/header.jpgheaderDonald Ian Fraser. Photos. Courtesy Ian Fraser May 2016. Group photo SLIII Sagan taken 25 April 1943 anzac day north compoundhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/7.jpg7https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/6.jpg6https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5.jpg5Wartime log book courtesy of Cyril Borsht 28 January 2016. Escape. Cy B 1.3.45. Cy is tunnelling right under the wire, with a guard walking above.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.jpg4Wartime log book courtesy of Cyril Borsht 28 January 2016. Cutting from a Reich paper of a 'typical' [underlined] 'terrorflieger' or 'luftgangster'. murder inc.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3.jpg3‘Escape’, Cyril Borsht’s wartime log book, courtesy of the late Cyril Borsht. (Source: Private Collection)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2.jpg2'I wanted wings', Ronald Baines' wartime log book, courtesy of the Baines family (Source: Private Collection)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1.jpg1‘Vacation at Stalag’, Cyril Borsht’s wartime log book, courtesy of the late Cyril Borsht (Source: Private Collection)2023-07-06T06:27:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/12/12/a-forgotten-revolution-raf-army-co-operation-command-and-artillery-co-operation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/tr-242.jpgTR 242Air Marshal Sir Arthur Barratt in battledress and flying gear beside a Hawker Hurricane. He often flew this aircraft when visiting airfields of RAF Army Co-operation Command, which he commanded at the time of this picture. (Source: © IWM (TR 242))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/h-27983.jpgH 27983ROYAL AIR FORCE ARMY CO-OPERATION COMMAND, 1940-1943. (H 27983) A Taylorcraft Auster Mark III of No. 655 (AOP) Squadron RAF dropping a message bag to a Royal Artillery wireless truck on the airfield at Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire, during Exercise SPARTAN. The aircraft's starboard wing is distempered black, and the port wing and cowling distempered white, to indicate that it belongs to the 'Eastland' air force during the manoeuvres. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205207895https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cna-3341.jpgCNA 3341ROYAL AIR FORCE: ITALY, THE BALKANS AND SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, 1942-1945. (CNA 3341) Auster Mark IV, MT306 'MC', of an Air Observation Post squadron undergoes servicing at its base after being damaged by anti-aircraft fire while flying over the 8th Army Front in northern Italy. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052125202023-07-06T06:23:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/12/06/commentary-uavs-an-affordable-defence-for-europe/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/45157730.jpgRussian SU-27 Flanker with RAF TyphoonA Russian SU-27 Flanker aircraft banks away with a RAF Typhoon in the background. RAF Typhoons were scrambled on Tuesday 17 June 2014 to intercept multiple Russian aircraft as part of NATO’s ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace. The Typhoon aircraft, from 3 (Fighter) Squadron, were launched after four separate groups of aircraft were detected by NATO air defences in international airspace near to the Baltic States. Once airborne, the British jets identified the aircraft as a Russian Tupolev Tu22 ‘Backfire’ bomber, four Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters, one Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft and an Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraft who appeared to be carrying out a variety of routine training. The Russian aircraft were monitored by the RAF Typhoons and escorted on their way. The Typhoon pilots involved in the operation were Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Mark Long of 29 (Reserve) Squadron (the Typhoon operational training unit) and a French Air Force exchange pilot Commandant Marc-antoine Gerrard who is currently attached to 1(Fighter) Squadron.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/45158989.jpgROYAL AIR FORCE TYPHOONS INTERCEPT 10 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT IN ONE MISSIONAn air-to-air image taken over Baltic airspace by the crew of an RAF Typhoon, intercepting Russian Mikoyan MiG-31 aircraft. (Source: Defence Imagery MoD) As part of NATO’s ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace, RAF Typhoons intercepted 10 Russian aircraft during a single Baltic Air Patrol, QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) mission.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/45156829.jpgReaper Remotely Piloted Air SystemAn RAF Reaper at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, c. 2014 (Source: Defence Imagery MoD)2023-07-06T06:01:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/10/18/the-kh-101-and-syria-maturing-the-long-range-precision-strike-capabilities-of-russias-aerospace-forces/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/tupolev_tu-160_rf-94109.jpgTupolev_Tu-160_RF-94109https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/su-30sm_escortant_un_tu-160_qui_lance_un_missile_de_croisic3a8re.pngSU-30SM_escortant_un_Tu-160_qui_lance_un_missile_de_croisièreA Tupolev Tu-160 launching an Kh-101 against a target in Syria, c. 20 November 2015 (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/lineup_of_tu-95_at_engels_air_base.jpgLineup_of_Tu-95_at_Engels_Air_BaseA line up of Tupolev Tu-95MS' at Engels Air Base c. 2005 (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-06T05:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/10/13/unseating-the-lancer-north-korean-challenges-in-intercepting-a-b-1b/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/landscape-1504206649-36755613416-05fc74a29d-k.jpglandscape-1504206649-36755613416-05fc74a29d-khttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/kpaf-mig-29.jpgKPAF Mig-29A KPAF MiG-29 unit being visited by Kim Jong-Un. (Source: Unknown)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sa-2_guideline_towed_by_a_zil-131_truck.jpegDN-SN-83-06768An East German SA-2 'Guideline' similar to that currently operated by the KPAF. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/s-200-battery.jpgS-200 Batteryhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/a_b-1_lancer_performs_a_fly-by_during_a_firepower_demonstration.jpgBomber powerINDIAN SPRINGS AIR FORCE AUXILIARY FIELD, Nev. - A B-1 Lancer performs a fly-by during a firepower demonstration here recently. The bomber is from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca)2023-07-06T05:40:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/09/06/blinded-by-the-rising-sun-american-intelligence-assessments-of-japanese-air-power-1920-41-part-3-1937-41/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/captured_aichi_b7a2_on_ground.jpegCaptured_Aichi_B7A2_on_groundhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ki-61_at_fukuoka_in_1945.jpegKi-61_at_Fukuoka_in_1945A Kawasaki Ki-61 'Tony' of the 149th Shimbu Unit at Ashiya airfield in Fukuoka, Japan, c. 1945 (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/zero.jpgZeroA captured Mitsubishi ARM 'Zero' in flight, c. 1944 (Source: National Naval Aviation Museum)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mitsubishi_a6m2_nasa_gpn-2000-001245.jpgMitsubishi_A6M2_NASA_GPN-2000-0012452024-03-23T18:15:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/08/29/blinded-by-the-rising-sun-american-intelligence-assessments-of-japanese-air-power-1920-41-part-2-1930-1937/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/nakajima_ki-27_at_hamamatsu.jpgNakajima_Ki-27_at_HamamatsuA Nakajima Ki-27 'Nate' fighter aircraft. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/nakajima_ki-27_at_nomonhan.jpgNakajima_Ki-27_at_Nomonhanhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/g3m_type_96_attack_bomber_nell_g3m-24s.jpgG3M_Type_96_Attack_Bomber_Nell_G3M-24sAn Imperial Japanese Navy's G3M from Kisarazu Air Group over Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanking, 1938. This bomber entered service in 1936. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-06T03:50:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/08/24/blinded-by-the-rising-sun-american-intelligence-assessments-of-japanese-air-power-1920-41-part-1-the-1920s/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/90siki-kansen.jpg90siki-kansenhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/frenchmilitarymissiontojapan.jpgFrenchMilitaryMissionToJapanhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sempillmission.jpgSempillMissionCaptain Sempill showing a Gloster Sparrowhawk to Admiral Tōgō Heihachiro, 1921. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-06T03:46:55+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/06/10/has-air-power-reached-its-zenith/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/f22_formation.jpgSecure in the Pacifichttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/htv-2_image_2.jpghtv-2_image_2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/boeing_x-45a_ucav.jpgboeing_x-45a_ucavThe X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle technology demonstrator on its sixth flight on Dec. 19, 2002. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-07-06T02:48:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/05/07/the-aero-club-which-never-was-gentlemanly-aeronauts-versus-the-new-breed/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_0000002.jpglarge_0000002The Wright brothers aircraft at Farnborough being inspected by a small group of soldiers, c. 1910. (Source:  © IWM (RAE-O 615))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_0000001.jpglarge_0000001British Army Aircraft I during the first sustained flight. Cody began building the British Army Aircraft I in 1907 with the design similar to the kites and glider that he had successfully flown. Cody made the first sustained flight (lasting 27 seconds and for a distance of around 1390 feet) on the 16th October 1908. (Source: © IWM (RAE-O 995))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_000000.jpglarge_0000002023-07-06T02:35:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/05/03/arrows-from-the-ground-or-how-an-incident-on-17-march-2017-may-change-the-relationship-between-ground-and-air-forces/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/patriot_missile_launch_b.jpgpatriot_missile_launch_bhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/arrow_anti-ballistic_missile_launch.jpg040729-N-8229-001Arrow 2 launched on 29 July 2004, at the Naval Air Station Point Mugu Missile Test Center (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/the_first_of_two_terminal_high_altitude_area_defense_28thaad29_interceptors_is_launched_during_a_successful_intercept_test_-_us_army.jpgMissile Defense Agency FTO-01 Flight Test2023-07-06T02:33:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/07/01/podcast-my-airplane-is-plunging-to-the-ground-an-interview-with-colonel-kim-campbell/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/71hhzu-n0tl._ac_uf8941000_ql80_.jpg71HHzu-N0TL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/post-flight_inspection_on_an_a-10c_thunderbolt_ii_during_exercise_guardian_blitz_at_macdill_air_force_base_fla._feb._2_2023.jpgGuardian BlitzAirman 1st Class Delaney E. Smith and Staff Sgt. Andrew Squadrito, Indiana Air National Guard aircraft maintenance crew chiefs, perform a post-flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II during exercise Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023. During the final exercise with the A-10C before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 122nd FW trained on maneuvers and logistics in a deployed environment with the main force positioned at MacDill AFB and a contingency force at Moody AFB, Ga. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)2023-06-30T23:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/06/01/podcast-this-cannot-go-on-the-race-riot-on-the-uss-kitty-hawk-an-interview-with-marv-truhe/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/9781641607841.jpg9781641607841https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/f-4b_of_vf-114_landing_on_uss_kitty_hawk_cva-63_in_march_1969.jpgF-4B_of_VF-114_landing_on_USS_Kitty_Hawk_(CVA-63)_in_March_19692023-06-30T23:16:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/09/26/the-role-of-history-in-educating-air-power-strategists/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mow-c-1081.jpg(MOW) C 1081CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE COLLEGE, CRANWELL ((MOW) C 1081) Architect's perspective drawing of the proposed RAF College at Cranwell. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205132787https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/warden1.jpgWardenhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/warden.jpgWarden2023-06-22T03:36:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/06/10/flipping-the-script-how-getting-remotely-piloted-aircrew-out-of-combat-improves-operational-flying/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/an_mq-9_reaper_sits_on_the_361_expeditionary_attack_squadron_flightline_at_an_undisclosed_location_aug._6_2022.jpgAn_MQ-9_Reaper_sits_on_the_361_Expeditionary_Attack_Squadron_flightline_at_an_undisclosed_location,_Aug._6,_2022An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron flightline at an undisclosed location, 6 August 2022. The 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron operates the aircraft in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mq-9_reaper_uav_cropped.jpgMQ-9_Reaper_UAV_(cropped)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/flipping-the-script-2.pngFlipping the Script 2Depiction of RPA squadron responsibilities (Source: Author)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/flipping-the-script-1-1.pngFlipping the Script 1Depiction of deploy-to-dwell ratios (Source: Author)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/flipping-the-script-1.pngFlipping the Script 1Depiction of deploy-to-dwell ratios (Source: Author)2023-06-10T00:25:07+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/06/03/expressions-of-interest-social-media-editor-from-balloons-to-drones/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/100_years_of_the_raf_mod_45163617.jpg100 years of the RAFPictured for the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 1960 is a unique line-up of RAF fighters from the Battle of Britain to the present day (in 1960). From bottom to top: Hawker Hurricane IIc (LF363), Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX (PM631), Gloster Meteor F.8 (WL164), Hawker Hunter FGA.9 (XE610/J), Gloster Javelin FAW.9R (XH894/R) and English Electric Lightning F.1 (XM137/F) *Some of these images have had some dodging and burning done and have been retouched to remove detritus and dust and scratch marks only*2023-06-03T03:00:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/05/03/bookreview-air-powers-lost-cause-the-american-air-wars-of-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/b-52gs_at_andersen_afb_during_linebacker_ii_1972.jpgB-52Gs_at_Andersen_AFB_during_Linebacker_II_1972A US Air Force Boeing B-52G Stratofortress from the 72nd Strategic Wing (Provisional) waits beside the runway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as another B-52 takes off for a bombing mission over North Vietnam during Operation Linebacker II on 15 December 1972. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/f-100d_firing_rockets_vietnam_1967.jpgF-100D_firing_rockets_Vietnam_1967https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/61l-jutopl._ac_uf8941000_ql80_.jpg61L-j+UtOpL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_2023-05-02T22:59:12+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/05/01/podcast-your-grandfather-was-a-spy-the-usaf-security-service-an-interview-with-philip-shackelford/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/view_of_rb-29_of_the_31st_reconnaissance_squadron_somewhere_over_korea._-_nara_-_542251.tif.jpgView_of_RB-29_of_the_31st_Reconnaissance_Squadron,_somewhere_over_Korea._-_NARA_-_542251.tifhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/9781682478820_lowrescover_shackelford.jpg9781682478820_low+res+cover_Shackelford2023-05-01T09:58:05+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/04/29/bookreview-apollo-remastered-the-ultimate-photographic-record/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nasa-apollo8-dec24-earthrise.jpgNASA-Apollo8-Dec24-Earthrisehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gumdrop_meets_spider_-_gpn-2000-001100.jpgGumdrop_Meets_Spider_-_GPN-2000-001100Apollo 9 Command/Service Modules (CSM), nicknamed Gumdrop' and Lunar Module (LM), nicknamed 'Spider', are shown docked together as Command Module pilot David R. Scott stands in the open hatch. Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, Lunar Module pilot, took this photograph of Scott during his EVA as he stood on the porch outside the Lunar Module. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/810pj1pyuxl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg810pJ1PyuxL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_2023-04-29T00:58:51+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/04/27/bookreview-photographing-americas-first-astronauts-project-mercury-through-the-lens-of-bill-taub/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/project_mercury-mercury_seven-astronauts.jpgProject_Mercury-Mercury_Seven-AstronautsThe 'Mercury Seven' astronauts pose with an Atlas model in 1959. Front row, left to right: Gus Grissom, Scott Carpenter, Deke Slayton and Gordon Cooper. Back row: Alan Shepard, Wally Schirra and John Glenn. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9781612498560.jpg97816124985602023-04-27T13:41:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/04/01/podcast-origins-of-the-f-14-tomcat-and-f-15-eagle-an-interview-with-dr-tal-tovey/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/f-14a_vf-211_sectiontop.jpgF-14A_VF-211_SectionTophttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9781612519104.jpg97816125191042023-04-01T07:33:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/03/18/hulls-hydrofoils-and-float-tests-in-the-naca-tanks-1915-to-1945/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tow_tank_5e1.jpgTow_Tank_^1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/curtiss_naf_h-16_at_naca_langley_in_1929.jpegCurtiss_(NAF)_H-16_at_NACA_Langley_in_1929A Curtiss H-16 at the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory at Hampton, Virginia, c. 1929. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/consolidated_pb2y-3r_coronado_loads_cargo_at_the_pan_american_airways_dock_treasure_island_california_usa_in_january_1943_80-g-k-1149.jpgConsolidated_PB2Y-3R_Coronado_loads_cargo_at_the_Pan_American_Airways_dock,_Treasure_Island,_California_(USA),_in_January_1943_(80-G-K-1149)A US Navy Consolidated PB2Y-3R Coronado transport aircraft loads cargo at the Pan American Airways dock, Treasure Island, California in January 1943. (Source: Wikimedia)2023-03-18T02:38:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/03/09/researchnote-it-is-time-for-another-biography-of-ira-eaker/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/342-fh_000928.jpg342-FH_000928https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/media-456676.jpgmedia-456676Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris shakes hands with Lieutenant General Ira Eaker at a handover ceremony of a US Army Air Force airfield into RAF control, c. November 1943. (Source: IWM)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/md31091934332.jpgmd310919343322023-03-09T12:35:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/03/02/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-february-2023/2023-03-02T00:32:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/submissions/2023-03-01T13:15:59+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/research-notes/2023-03-01T13:11:51+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/commentaries/2023-03-01T12:58:32+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/air-war-books/2023-03-01T12:56:01+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/articles-3/2023-03-01T12:48:32+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/podcasts/2023-03-01T11:48:39+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/historic-book-reviews/2023-03-01T09:29:53+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/book-reviews/2023-03-01T09:28:53+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/themed-articles/2023-03-01T09:14:45+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/articles-2/2023-03-01T07:37:37+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/2023/02/02/podcast-the-vietnam-war-50-years-later-an-interview-with-dr-michael-e-weaver/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/41baubrryql._ac_sy580_.jpg41bAUBRryqL._AC_SY580_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/uss_ticonderoga_cva-14_aft_flight_deck_off_vietnam_1969.jpgUSS_Ticonderoga_(CVA-14)_aft_flight_deck_off_Vietnam_19692023-02-03T23:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/09/28/bookreview-a-long-voyage-to-the-moon-the-life-of-naval-aviator-and-apollo-17-astronaut-ron-evans/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1280px-apollo_17_crew.jpg1280px-Apollo_17_crewThe prime crew for the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission: Commander, Eugene A. Cernan (seated), Command Module pilot Ronald E. Evans (standing on right), and Lunar Module pilot, Harrison H. Schmitt, 10 October 1972. The Apollo 17 Saturn V Moon rocket is in the background. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/eugene_cernan_at_the_lm_apollo_17.jpgEugene_Cernan_at_the_LM,_Apollo_17https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/57527249._uy400_ss400_.jpg57527249._UY400_SS400_2023-02-02T11:40:38+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/01/18/love-at-first-sight-us-army-aviation-before-the-first-world-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/110303-d-ln615-005.jpg110303-D-LN615-005Signal Corps No. 1 in front of its hanger at Fort Sam Houston in 1910. (Source: United States Air Force)2023-01-18T00:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2023/01/03/podcast-best-aviation-and-air-power-books-of-2022-an-interview-with-dr-ross-mahoney/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/destroyed_argentine_pucara_aircraft_pebble_island_1982.jpgDestroyed_Argentine_Pucara_aircraft_Pebble_Island_19822023-01-03T05:48:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/12/14/bookreview-rearming-the-raf-for-the-second-world-war-poor-strategy-and-miscalculation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/vildebest.jpgVildebestA Vickers Vildebeest I on display at King George V's Jubilee Review at Mildenhall, July 1935. (Source: IWM)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/9781399006248_1.jpg9781399006248_1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/prototype_spitfire_k5054.jpgPrototype_Spitfire_K50542022-12-14T12:20:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/12/04/podcast-the-origins-of-air-power-in-the-us-an-interview-with-dr-laurence-burke-ii/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wright_military_flyer_arrives_at_fort_myer_va_da-sd-05-00659.jpgDA-SD-05-00659The Wright Brothers Flyer arrives at Fort Myer, Virginia (VA) aboard a wagon, attracting the attention of children and adults.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/9781682477298.jpg97816824772982022-12-03T23:25:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/11/09/bookreview-black-snow-curtis-lemay-the-firebombing-of-tokyo-and-the-road-to-the-atomic-bomb/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/39th_bombardment_group_b-29_bombing_to_hiratsuka_19450716.jpg39th_Bombardment_Group_B-29_bombing_to_Hiratsuka_19450716A cockpit view of two 39th Bomb Group B-29s out of North Field (Andersen) on a mission to Hiratsuka, Japan, 16 July 1945. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/boeing_b-29a-45-bn_superfortress_44-61784_6_bg_24_bs_-_incendiary_journey.jpgBoeing_B-29A-45-BN_Superfortress_44-61784_6_BG_24_BS_-_Incendiary_Journeyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/9781324002994.jpg97813240029942022-11-09T04:17:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/11/02/podcast-what-nuclear-war-looks-like-an-interview-with-professor-sean-m-maloney/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/boeing_b-47b_rocket-assisted_take_off_on_april_15_1954_061024-f-1234s-011_edit.jpgBoeing_B-47B_rocket-assisted_take_off_on_April_15,_1954_061024-F-1234S-011_edithttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/41ydwnmgqks._ac_sy580_.jpg41yDwnMGQkS._AC_SY580_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/boeing_b-47b_rocket-assisted_take_off_on_april_15_1954_061024-f-1234s-011.jpgBoeing_B-47B_rocket-assisted_take_off_on_April_15,_1954_061024-F-1234S-0112022-11-02T00:09:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/10/19/looking-back-at-iraqi-air-defences-during-operation-desert-storm/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/damaged_a-10a.jpgDESERT STORMA close-up view of a damaged section of an A-10A Thunderbolt II of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing. The aircraft sustained damaged when an SA-16 missile exploded near it during Operation DESERT STORM, 15 February 1991. (Sorce: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sa-6gainful.jpgSA-6Gainfulhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kari.pngKARI(Source: Barry Watts and Thomas Keaney ‘Effects and Effectiveness’ in Gulf War Air Power Survey – Volume II: Operations and Effects and Effectiveness (Washington DC: Department of the Air Force, 1993), p. 132.)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ir-sam.pngIR SAM(Source: Williamson Murray, ‘Operations’ in Gulf War Air Power Survey – Volume II: Operations and Effects and Effectiveness (Washington DC: Department of the Air Force, 1993), p. 82.)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sam-coverage.pngSam Coverage(Source: Barry Watts and Thomas Keaney ‘Effects and Effectiveness in Gulf War Air Power Survey – Volume II: Operations and Effects and Effectiveness (Washington DC: Department of the Air Force, 1993), p. 134.)2026-01-11T18:42:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/10/02/podcast-the-unconventional-journey-of-general-larry-spencer-an-interview-with-general-retd-larry-o-spencer/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/150730-f-io684-008.jpg150730-F-IO684-008Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry O. Spencer reflects on his 44-year Air Force career at his childhood home in Washington, D.C., July 30, 2015. Spencer, who enlisted in the service in 1971 and commissioned as an officer in 1980, will retire Aug. 7. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dark-horse.jpgdark-horse2022-10-02T16:40:54+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/09/24/from-balloons-to-drones-an-update/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dassault_etendard_ivp_france_-_navy_an2063232.jpgDassault_Etendard_IVP,_France_-_Navy_AN20632322022-09-24T01:44:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/09/14/bookreview-korean-air-war-sabres-migs-and-meteors-1950-53/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/lossy-page1-3000px-u.s._marines_of_the_first_marine_division_reconnaissance_company_make_the_first_helicopter_invasion_on_hill_812_to..._-_nara_-_520805.tif.jpglossy-page1-3000px-U.S._Marines_of_the_First_Marine_Division_Reconnaissance_Company_make_the_first_helicopter_invasion_on_Hill_812,_to..._-_NARA_-_520805.tifUS Marines of the First Marine Division Reconnaissance Company make the first helicopter invasion on Hill 812, to relieve the Republic of Korea 8th Division, during the renewed fighting in Korea, 20 September 1951. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/f-86es_over_korea_nov1952.jpgF-86Es_over_Korea_Nov1952https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/41vxzr5jknl.jpg41VxZr5jKnL2022-09-15T00:01:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/08/22/bookreview-an-officer-not-a-gentleman-the-inspirational-journey-of-a-pioneering-female-fighter-pilot/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/41zqh7v8ul._ac_sy1000_.jpg41Z+qh7v8uL._AC_SY1000_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/mandy-hickson_edited-1-1.webpmandy-hickson_edited-1-1Mandy Hickson stood in front of a Panavia Tornado.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tornadogr4-zd748-2sqn.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2024-02-08T16:53:08+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/09/03/podcast-the-true-origins-of-the-cold-war-an-interview-with-dr-john-curatola/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/convair_b-36b_peacemaker_of_the_7th_bombardment_wing_in_flight_in_1949_176246696.jpgConvair_B-36B_Peacemaker_of_the_7th_Bombardment_Wing_in_flight,_in_1949_(176246696)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/9781682476208.jpg97816824762082022-09-28T13:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/08/03/podcast-air-combat-in-the-gulf-war-an-interview-with-rick-tollini/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/33d_tactical_fighter_wing_-_f-15s_desert_storm.jpgDESERT STORMAn air-to-air view of two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and a Royal Saudi Air Force F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft during a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/call-sign-kluso.jpgcall-sign-kluso2022-08-03T00:59:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/07/31/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-2/2022-07-31T13:17:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/07/06/podcast-women-naval-aviators-an-interview-with-beverly-weintraub/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/wings-of-gold.jpgwings-of-goldhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/30mariner1-superjumbo.jpg30MARINER1-superJumbo2022-07-06T00:29:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/07/01/historicbookreview-clashes-air-combat-over-north-vietnam-1965-1972/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/51ybhdwpj9l._sx338_bo1204203200_.jpg51YBhdWpj9L._SX338_BO1,204,203,200_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b-52gs_at_andersen_afb_during_linebacker_ii_1972.jpgB-52Gs_at_Andersen_AFB_during_Linebacker_II_1972https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a-7a_corsair_ii_of_va-27_about_to_launch_from_uss_constellation_cva-64_in_the_gulf_of_tonkin_on_27_august_1968_nnam.1996.253.7075.035.jpgA-7A_Corsair_II_of_VA-27_about_to_launch_from_USS_Constellation_(CVA-64)_in_the_Gulf_of_Tonkin_on_27_August_1968_(NNAM.1996.253.7075.035)A US Navy Vought A-7A Corsair II from VA-27 prepares to be catapulted off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) in the Gulf of Tonkin on 27 August 1968. It is armed with Mark 82 227 kg Snakeye bombs and AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles. VA-27 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Constellation for a deployment to Vietnam from 29 May 1968 to 31 January 1969. (Source: Wikimedia)2022-07-01T05:15:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/06/22/podcast-never-panic-early-an-interview-with-fred-haise/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/apollo_13_astronaut_fred_haise_and_apollo_13_mission_patch_00-101-25.jpegFred Haise, Jr.Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise, Jr., smiles as he views the Apollo 13 mission patch in a display donated to NASA by the American Needlepoint Guild. The exhibit debuted when StenniSphere, the visitor center for John C. Stennis Space Center, opened on May 26, 2000. More than 7,000 visitors viewed the 123 hand-stitched patches during the opening, and more than 200,000 visitors have viewed the exhibit in StenniSphere's first year.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/59386028.jpg593860282022-06-22T01:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/05/26/commentary-air-superiority-as-a-political-activity/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/f-35c_lightning_ii_aircraft_are_tested_aboard_uss_abraham_lincoln._36272619443.jpgAn F-35C Lightning II assigned to the VFA-101 launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), 4 September 2017. https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/f-15_and_f-22.jpgBird of a feather ...An F-15 Eagle banks left while an F/A-22 Raptor flies in formation en route to a training area off the coastline of Virginia, 5 April 2005. (Source: Wikimedia) https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/f-15ex_eagle_ii.jpg370th Flight Test Squadron conducts air refueling operations with F-15EX Eagle II’sAn F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies in formation during an aerial refueling operation above the skies of Northern California, May 14. The Eagle II participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)2022-05-26T12:02:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/05/22/bookreview-british-imperial-air-power-the-royal-air-forces-and-the-defense-of-australia-and-new-zealand-between-the-world-wars/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/4148794.jpg4148794Two unidentified Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircrew wearing flying clothing and standing in front of an Airco (de Havilland) DH9 two seat light bomber. This is one of 29 DH9 models that were given to the fledgling RAAF by the British government as an Imperial Gift to Australia in 1920. (Source: Asutalian War Memorial)2022-05-22T13:13:15+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/05/04/podcast-the-apollo-program-in-global-politics-an-interview-with-dr-teasel-muir-harmony/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/apollo_csm_lunar_orbit.jpgApollo_CSM_lunar_orbithttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/51jih6r3f8l.jpg51JIH6R3f8L2022-05-03T23:20:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/04/21/bookreview-the-leadership-direction-and-legitimacy-of-the-raf-bomber-offensive-from-inception-to-1945/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/a-18825.jpgA 18825The Quebec Conference, 23 August 1943. Left to right round table: Lord Louis Mountbatten, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound, General Sir Alan Brooke, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, Air Marshal L.S. Breadner, Field Marshal Sir John Dill, Lieutenant General Sir Hastings Ismay, Brigadier H. Redman, Commodore R. Coleridge, RN, Brigadier General J.R. Deane, General H.H. Arnold, General G.C. Marshal, Admiral W.D. Leahy, Admiral E.J. King, and Captain Forrest B. Royal (Source: © IWM A 18825)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ch-5490.jpgCH 5490ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER COMMAND, 1942-1945. (CH 5490) Air Marshal A T Harris, Commander in Chief, Bomber Command points to a location on a map of Germany hanging in his office at Bomber Command Headquarters, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On the left stands Air Vice-Marshal R Graham (left) the Air Officer Administration at BCHQ, and on the right Air Vice-Marshal R R M S Saundby, Harris's Senior Air Staff Officer. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205212932https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/9781472532824.jpg97814725328242022-04-25T12:12:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/04/20/podcast-through-the-stratosphere-in-the-u-2-and-in-life-an-interview-with-colonel-retd-merryl-tengesdal/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpgezgif.com-gif-makerhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/59237285.jpg592372852022-04-20T01:38:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/10/10/bookreview-routledge-handbook-of-air-power/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20180803raaf8000000_020.jpgExercise Pitch Black 18A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet from No. 1 Squadron (top) in formation with a SU-30MKI Flanker aircraft from the Indian Air Force during Exercise Pitch Black 18. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest and most complex exercise. Pitch Black 2018 was conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal from 27 July until 18 August. The exercise featured up to 4000 personnel and up to 140 aircraft from 15 participating nations. Exercise Pitch Black aims to further develop offensive counter air, air-land integration, and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as well as foster international co-operation with partner forces.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/45164432.jpgRoyal International Air Tattoo 2018Pictured is an RAF F-35B Lightning (II) from 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham. The new stealth jet is performing a hover manoeuvre during RIAT 2018. The Royal International Ait Tattoo 2018 is held at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire 13-15th July. It is an annual event and attracts crowds of over 150,000 who come to see aerial displays and get up to close aircraft from around the world. The Lightning fifth-generation combat aircraft will operate alongside the Typhoon. Lightning is a multi-role machine capable of conducting missions including air-to surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and air-to-air simultaneously. This year marks a special milestone for the Royal Air Force as they celebrate their centenary and is the main theme of the event.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/hanbook-of-air-power.jpgHanbook of Air Power2022-03-31T22:54:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/03/31/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-march-2022/2022-03-31T12:42:25+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/03/30/commentary-transferring-polish-mig-29s-to-ukraine-why-is-it-easier-said-than-done/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/181009-z-vm449-513.jpgCLEAR SKY 2018A Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base on 9 October 2018 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/u.s._f-16c_fighting_falcon_and_polish_mikoyan-gurevich_mig-29a_over_krzesiny_air_base_poland_-_20050615-1.jpgU.S._F-16C_Fighting_Falcon_and_Polish_Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-29A_over_Krzesiny_air_base,_Poland_-_20050615 (1)2022-03-29T22:09:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/03/07/navalair22-bookreview-topgun-the-legacy-the-complete-history-of-topgun-and-its-impact-on-tactical-aviation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/baranek-pro-9-19-3.jpgBaranek-PRO-9-19 3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/baranek-pro-9-19-2.jpgBaranek-PRO-9-19 2Just two months after the Ault Report was published, TOPGUN was up and running in an old trailer at NAS Miramar. The first class graduated later that year, c. 1969. (Source: US Naval Institute)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/topgun.jpgtopgun2022-03-07T06:23:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/03/02/podcast-the-lynching-of-american-airmen-in-nazi-germany-an-interview-with-dr-kevin-hall/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/phemsworthr1508.2.jpgPHemsworthR1508.2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9780253050151.jpg97802530501512022-03-02T12:03:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/28/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-february-2022%ef%bf%bc/2022-02-28T12:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/16/bookreview-lavi-the-united-states-israel-and-the-controversial-fighter-jet/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/iai-lavi-b-2-hatzerim-2.jpgIAI-Lavi-B-2-hatzerim-2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lavi.jpglavi2022-02-15T22:08:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/14/bookreview-cia-station-d-area-51-the-complete-illustrated-history-of-the-cias-station-d-at-area-51/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lockheedm21-d21.jpgLockheedM21-D21https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4477th_test_and_evaluation_squadron_mig-21_in_flight.jpg4477th_Test_and_Evaluation_Squadron_MiG-21_in_flightA MiG-21F-13 flown by United States Navy and Air Force Systems Command during HAVE DOUGHNUT in 1968. (Source: Wikimedia).https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/a12radartesting.jpgA12radartestingA scale model of an A-12 prepared for radar cross section measurements at 'Area 51,' c. 1959. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cia-station-d-area-51.jpgcia-station-d-area-512022-02-14T11:44:05+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/13/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-january-2022/2022-02-13T11:08:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/02/10/integrating-the-italian-air-force-after-the-armistice/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/macchi200_m2.jpgmacchi200_m2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/large_0000001.jpglarge_0000001The first Prime Minister of Italy after the fall of Mussolini, Field Marshal Pietro Badoglio with the Head of the Military Mission in Brindisi, Lieutenant General Sir Noel Mason-MacFarlane. Photograph taken at the Italian Naval Headquarters at the Castle, Brindisi. (Source: © IWM (NA 7029))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/large_000000.jpglarge_000000Air Vice-Marshal Robert Foster, Air Officer Commanding the Desert Air Force, sitting in his office trailer at DAF Advanced Headquarters at Cesena, Italy. (Source: © IWM (CNA 3338))https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/captured_macchi_mc-205_at_catania_1943.jpgcaptured_macchi_mc-205_at_catania_1943An Italian Macchi C.205 Veltro aircraft found on Catania airfield, Sicily by personnel of No. 450 Squadron RAAF and subsequently serviced by the squadron's fitters. (Source: Wikimedia)2022-02-03T23:24:16+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/02/podcast-the-f-15-and-f-16-fighter-pilot-culture-and-technology-an-interview-with-dr-michael-hankins/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/41jlb582ohl.jpg41jlB582OhL2022-02-02T06:42:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/02/01/bookreview-drone-war-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/qh-50_dd-692_1967.jpgQH-50_DD-692_1967A QH-50 DASH anti-submarine drone on board the destroyer USS Allen M. Sumner during a deployment to Vietnam. The photo was taken between April and June 1967. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dc-130_hercules_taking_off_with_firebee_drones_for_recon_mission_over_vietnam.jpgDC-130_Hercules_taking_off_with_Firebee_drones_for_recon_mission_over_VietnamA US Air Force Lockheed DC-130A Hercules taking off on a mission in Southeast Asia, carrying two Ryan AQM-34 Firebee drones, c. 1969. Firebees flew reconnaissance missions using a pre-programmed guidance system or by remote control from the DC-130 crew. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/556th_rs_aqm-34_drone.jpgD.C2.AQM 34L.PRT.bx0253.003https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9781526770264.jpg97815267702642022-02-01T01:36:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/28/historicbookreview-the-air-war-1930-1945/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/zero_akagi_dec1941.jpgZero_Akagi_Dec1941An Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 'Zero' fighter takes off from the aircraft carrier 'Akagi,' on its way to attack Pearl Harbor during the morning of 7 December 1941. The aircraft was flown by PO2c Sakae Mori, 1st koku kantai, 1st koku sentai, and flew with the second wave. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/lancaster_b_mki_44_sqn_raf_in_flight_1942.jpgLancaster_B_MkI_44_Sqn_RAF_in_flight_1942Three Avro Lancaster BMkIs of No. 44 Squadron, Royal Air Force based at Waddington in Lincolnshire, flying above the clouds, 29 September 1942. Left to right: W4125, ‘KM-W,’ being flown by Sergeant Colin Watt, Royal Australian Air Force; W4162, ‘KM-Y,’ flown by Pilot Officer T.G. Hackney (later killed while serving with No. 83 Squadron); and W4187, ‘KM-S,’ flown by Pilot Officer J.D.V.S. Stephens DFM, who was killed with his crew two nights later during a raid on Wismar. (Source: © IWM TR 197)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/090625-f-1234k-159.jpg090625-F-1234K-159https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/41tfioxzpwl._sy291_bo1204203200_ql40_ml2_.jpg41tfIOXZPWL._SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_ML2_2022-01-31T02:46:25+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/20/desertstorm30-electric-avenue-electronic-warfare-and-the-battle-against-iraqs-air-defences-during-operation-desert-storm/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ea-6b-desert-storm.jpgEA-6B DESERT STORMEA-6B Prowlers of VAQ-130 refuelled by a KC-135 Stratotanker en-route to an attack during Operation DESERT STORM. (Source: NARA)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/gulf_war_rc-135.jpgDESERT SHIELDAn RC-135V/W Rivet Joint from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 1700th Air Refueling Squadron Provisional during Operation DESERT SHIELD. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/agm-45_and_agm-78b_on_f-105g.jpgRepublic F-105GRepublic F-105G 'Wild Weasel' in flight on 5 May 1970. External stores include QRC-380 blisters, AGM-45 Shrike and AGM-78B Standard Anti-Radiation Missile. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/iraq-air-defence.pngIraq Air defenceFigure 1 - Iraqi Air Defence Sectors, Sector Operations Centres, and Intercept Operations Centres2022-01-28T18:01:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/24/bookreview-picturing-the-space-shuttle-the-early-years/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ec81-15103_orig.jpgThe Space Shuttle Columbia glides down over Rogers Dry Lake as it heads for a landing at Edwards Air Force Base at the conclusion of its first orbital missionFIRST SHUTTLE LANDING -- The Space Shuttle Columbia glides down over Rogers Dry Lake as it heads for a landing at Edwards Air Force Base at the conclusion of its first orbital mission on April 14, 1981.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ec81-15104_orig.jpgThe Space Shuttle Columbia touches down on lakebed runway 23 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to conclude the first orbital shuttle missionThe Space Shuttle Columbia touches down on lakebed runway 23 at Edwards Air Force Base to conclude the first orbital shuttle mission, 14 April 1981. (Source: NASA)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/s78-26481-orig.jpgs78-26481-origThis is a montage of the individual portraits of the 35-member 1978 class of astronaut candidates. The Astronaut Class of 1978, otherwise known as the ‘Thirty-Five New Guys,’ was NASA’s first new group of astronauts since 1969. This class was notable for many reasons, including having the first African-American and first Asian-American astronauts and the first women. From left to right are Guion S. Bluford, Daniel C. Brandenstein, James F. Buchli, Michael L. Coats, Richard O. Covey, John O. Creighton, John M. Fabian, Anna L. Fisher, Dale A. Gardner, Robert L. Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, S. David Griggs, Terry J. Hart, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, Steven A. Hawley, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Shannon W. Lucid, Jon A. McBride, Ronald E. McNair, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven R. Nagel, George D. Nelson, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Rhea Seddon, Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Loren J. Shriver, Robert L. Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman E. Thagard, James D. Van Hoften, David M. Walker and Donald E. Williams. (Source: NASA)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/picturing-the-space-shuttle.jpgpicturing-the-space-shuttle2022-01-24T11:58:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/12/call-for-submissions-naval-and-maritime-air-power-revisited/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/japanese_aircraft_carrier_hiryu_maneuvers_to_avoid_bombs_on_4_june_1942_usaf-3725.jpgJapanese_aircraft_carrier_Hiryu_maneuvers_to_avoid_bombs_on_4_June_1942_(USAF-3725)2022-01-14T09:01:12+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/06/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-december-2021/2022-01-06T12:11:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2022/01/04/podcast-british-imperial-air-power-an-interview-with-dr-alex-spencer/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/alb8553835i_1.jpgALB8553835iImage from the Foster personal album. "Vickers Vilderbeests [sic]". Line up of two Vildebeests at RNZAF Station Wigram. Vildebeest NZ108 in the foreground. Flashes on the fuselage and wheel spats are blue.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pr3803-1.jpgPR3803Side view of Baffin S1573 at RNZAF Station Hobsonville. Circa 1938https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/519j3rr4rvl._ac_sy1000_.jpg519j3Rr4RvL._AC_SY1000_2022-01-04T04:03:24+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/05/08/royal-air-force-shoulder-patches-as-a-propaganda-tool-during-the-second-world-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hu-128191.jpgHU 128191THE DIEPPE RAID, 19 AUGUST 1942 (HU 128191) Airmen from all parts of the world who took part in the Dieppe Raid in front of the Hurricane Urundi of No. 43 Squadron at RAF Tangmere, 20 August 1942. From left to right - Pilot Officer Andrzej Malarowski of No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron, pilots from Australia, Gold Coast, Canada, USA and New Zealand. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205398877https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/media-18024.jpegmedia-18024Squadron Leader William Taylor of No. 71 Squadron  RAF (Source: IWM)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/shoulder-patch.jpgShoulder Patch2021-12-20T22:41:35+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/12/13/desertstorm30-on-the-brink-of-combat-the-women-aviators-of-desert-shield-and-desert-storm/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/members_of_the_u.s._air_force_debark_from_a_c-141b_starlifter_aircraft_upon_their_arrival_in_support_of_operation_desert_shield_-_dpla_-_e9c41864378233f2321f11eb0124b2bf.jpegDESERT SHIELDMembers of the U.S. Air Force debark from a C-141B Starlifter aircraft upon their arrival in support of Operation Desert Shield.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ds-map.pngDS MapMap depicting Army unit locations at Dhahran and Rafha; FOB Cobra is north of Rafha. (Source: 'Conduct of the Persian Gulf War: Final Report to Congress')https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wells-2.jpgWells 2Major Stephanie Wells in the cockpit of a C-5 at the beginning of Operation DESERT STORM. (Source: Stephanie Wells)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wells.jpgWellsMajor Stephanie Wells and her C-5 crew delivering tanks to Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia on 19 January 1991 (Source: Stephanie Wells)2023-02-23T20:45:07+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/10/02/podcast-interview-with-dr-peter-westwick/2021-12-06T12:35:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/09/01/podcast-interview-with-dr-timothy-p-schultz/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/us_air_force_u-2_2139646280.jpgUS_Air_Force_U-2_(2139646280)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/51kuk04khvl._sx331_bo1204203200_.jpg51KUK04khVL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_2021-12-06T12:33:39+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/10/01/podcast-interview-with-dr-melvin-deaile/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/strategic_air_command_b-47_stratojets_-_020903-o-9999r-001.jpgB-47 StratojetStrategic Air Command B-47 Stratojet bombers. The world's first swept-wing bomber. The B-47 normally carried a crew of three--pilot, copilot (who operated the tail turret by remote control), and an observer who also served as navigator, bombardier and radar operator.2021-12-06T12:32:51+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/11/02/podcast-valerie-insinna/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/a_us_n1.jpg130710-N-LE576-002130710-N-LE576-002 A U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as the ship conducts flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia on July 10, 2013. The successful landing marks the first time a tail-less, unmanned autonomous aircraft landed on a modern aircraft carrier. DoD photo by Capt. Jane E. Campbell, U.S. Navy. (Released)2021-12-06T12:32:08+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/12/01/podcast-interview-with-dr-roger-launius/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/s69-16681orig.jpgPrelaunch - Apollo 11 (P / C)S69-16681 (10 Jan. 1969) --- These three astronauts have been selected by NASA as the prime crew of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Left to right, are astronauts Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot; Neil A. Armstrong, commander; and Michael Collins, command module pilot. They were photographed in front of a lunar module (LM) mock-up beside Building 1 following a press conference in the MSC Auditorium.2021-12-06T12:31:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/01/02/podcast-interview-with-dr-stephen-bourque/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cl-1208.jpgCL 1208ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER COMMAND, 1942-1945. (CL 1208) Interior of one of the E-boat pens at le Havre, showing the collapsed ferro-concrete roof, caused by 12,000-lb deep-penetration 'Tallboy' bombs dropped by No. 617 Squadron RAF in a daylight raid on 14 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205211664https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9781612518732.jpg97816125187322021-12-06T12:31:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/03/14/podcast-interview-with-dr-tyler-morton/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/070712-f-1234p-014.jpg070712-F-1234P-014A U-2C painted in a gray camouflage pattern called the “Sabre” scheme in 1975. The camouflage replaced the usual black finish to ease British concerns about “spy planes” operating from the UK. In Europe, this U-2 tested equipment to locate and suppress enemy surface-to-air missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo)2021-12-06T12:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/11/01/podcast-an-interview-with-katherine-sharp-landdeck/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/34909795._sy475_.jpg34909795._SY475_2021-12-06T12:29:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/12/02/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-sterling-michael-pavelec/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/q-13542.jpgQ 13542THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN, APRIL 1915-JANUARY 1916 (Q 13542) Wing Commander Charles Rumney Samson of No. 3 Squadron RNAS about to start on one of excursions over the Turkish lines. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205248724https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/9781612510231.jpg97816125102312021-12-06T12:27:58+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/01/podcast-an-interview-with-eileen-a-bjorkman/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/f-8j_crusader_of_vf-191_is_recovered_aboard_uss_oriskany_cva-34_in_november_1970.jpgF-8J_Crusader_of_VF-191_is_recovered_aboard_USS_Oriskany_(CVA-34)_in_November_1970https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/41tt2insm7l._ac_sy400_.jpg41tt2insm7L._AC_SY400_2021-12-06T12:27:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/02/03/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-robert-m-farley/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/monino_moscow_oblast_russia_-_panoramio_8.jpgSONY DSCSONY DSChttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/41m9pkwp7l._ac_sy400_.jpg41+m9pkWP7L._AC_SY400_2021-12-06T12:27:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/03/05/podcast-an-interview-with-rebecca-siegel/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/jerrie_cobb_lady_pilot_testing_gimbal_rig_in_awt_-_gpn-2000-000379.jpgJerrie_Cobb,_Lady_Pilot,_testing_Gimbal_Rig_in_AWT_-_GPN-2000-000379https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/51ekehayjl._ac_sy400_.jpg51EkEhAY+JL._AC_SY400_2021-12-06T12:26:40+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/05/03/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-gregory-daddis/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/a186281.jpgDEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A186281DEFENSE DEPT PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A186281https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/tumblr_m4r4cepjsk1qfx8cdo1_1280.jpgtumblr_m4r4cePJSk1qfx8cdo1_1280https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/51n7wwwvqfl._ac_sy400_.jpg51n7wWwvqfL._AC_SY400_2021-12-06T12:26:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/06/03/podcast-the-bomber-mafia/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bell-atlanta_b-29-25-ba_superfortress_42-63526_497th_bg_871_bs.jpgBoeing B-29Boeing B-29s drop bombs over Rangoon, Burma. Nearest aircraft is B-29-25-BA (S/N 42-63529) of the 468th Bomb Group. (U.S. Air Force photo)2021-12-06T12:25:35+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/07/02/podcast-an-interview-with-jeff-shesol/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mercury_seven_astronauts_with_aircraft.jpgMercury_Seven_astronauts_with_aircrafthttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mercury-rising.jpgmercury-rising2021-12-06T12:24:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/08/02/podcast-an-interview-with-daniel-jackson/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hells_angels_flying_tigers_1942.jpgHells_Angels,_Flying_Tigers_1942https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fallen-tigers.jpgfallen-tigers2021-12-06T12:24:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/09/05/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-brian-laslie/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/342-b-vn-009-1-kke-31782.jpg342-B-VN-009-1-KKE-31782https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/55870471.jpg558704712021-12-06T12:23:56+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/10/05/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-frank-blazich/2021-12-06T12:23:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/12/06/podcast-the-drone-age-an-interview-with-dr-michael-boyle/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/200923-z-sm430-002a.jpg163d Attack Wing Navigates a DOMOPS Perfect StormAn MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft flown by 163d Attack Wing pilot Lt. Col. Paul Brockmeier, with sensor operator Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez, views the smoky San Gabriel Mountains of southern California in transit to a fire mission in northern California, late August, 2020. “The beauty of the sunsets doesn’t begin to mitigate the tragedy of the fires,” said Brockmeier. “But it’s always a beautiful evening when you’re flying to the aid of your fellow Californians.” (Photo courtesy Chalk 2 for the 163d Attack Wing)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/51pmgo4y82l._ac_sy1000_.jpg51PMGO4y82L._AC_SY1000_2021-12-06T12:19:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/11/03/podcast-an-interview-with-dr-aaron-stein/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/141113-n-tp834-207_24190152405.jpgCARAT141113-N-TP834-207 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 12, 2014) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Red Lions of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 15 flies as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conducts flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr./Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/9780755634811.jpg97807556348112021-12-06T12:19:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/12/02/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-november-2021/2021-12-02T00:21:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/11/17/who-ruined-the-f-16-the-fighter-mafias-battle-against-the-united-states-air-force/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/picture3.jpgPicture3The YF-16 displayed alongside the ground attack armament it can carry, Edwards AFB, California, 12 February 1975 (Source: US Air Force)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/picture2.jpgPicture2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/picture1.jpgPicture1This cartoon from a 1977 General Dynamics briefing depicts the 'myth' that the F-16 production model had inferior performance to the original YF-16 prototype (Source: Lockheed Martin photo via Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum).https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/yf-16_and_yf-17_in_flight.jpgYF-16_and_YF-17_in_flightAn air-to-air right side view of a YF-16 aircraft and a YF-17 aircraft, side-by-side, armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. (Source: Wikimedia)2022-12-27T20:43:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/11/04/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-october-2021/2021-11-04T05:39:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/10/06/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-september-2021/2021-10-06T00:57:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/09/22/airwarbooks-dr-michael-hankins/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/120806-f-up786-317_7775526726.jpgRed Flag-Alaska 12-3A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off during Red Flag-Alaska 12-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 6, 2012. Red Flag-Alaska is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Araos/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1799111.jpg1799111https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/soldiers-and-ghosts.jpgsoldiers-and-ghosts2021-09-22T01:14:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/09/16/bookreview-wonders-all-around-the-incredible-true-story-of-astronaut-bruce-mccandless-ii-and-the-first-untethered-flight-in-space/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sts-41-b_eva.jpgDN-SC-85-01731An astronaut floats free above his space shuttle as he performs experiments during a space mission. Earth is visible in the upper right corner.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bruce_mccandless_ii_during_eva_in_1984.jpgBruce_McCandless_II_during_EVA_in_1984Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, mission specialist, participates in a extra-vehicular activity (EVA), a few meters away from the cabin of Space Shuttle Challenger. He is using a nitrogen-propelled hand-controlled Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). He is performing this EVA without being tethered to the shuttle. The picture shows a cloud view of the Earth in the background. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bruce_mccandless_ii_portrait.jpgBruce_McCandless_II_portraitBruce McCandless II, c. 1971. (Source: Wikimedia)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/wonders-all-around.jpgwonders-all-around2021-09-16T11:50:19+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/09/08/bookreview-an-honorable-place-in-american-air-power-civil-air-patrol-coastal-operations-1942-1943/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cap_coastal_patrol_base_17_aircraft.jpgCAP_Coastal_Patrol_Base_17_aircrafthttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/44-pa-0578.jpg44-pa-578The front cover of Blazich's book is based on this 1943 recruitment poster for the Civil Air Patrol that was designed by Clayton Kenney. (Source: NARA)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/201208-f-qr584-001.webp201208-F-QR584-0012021-09-08T03:46:52+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/09/01/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-august-2021/2021-09-01T00:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/08/25/clearing-the-skies-for-the-red-army-part-2-the-destruction-of-luftflotte-iv/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/080116-f-1234s-023.jpgOperation FranticRussian officers chat with Colonel Barton, Commanding Officer of the 483rd Bomb Group, and Colonel Rice of the 2nd Bomb Group at Mirgorod. The girl in the center is an interpreter. (Source: National Museum of the USAF)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fre_008681.jpgFRE_008681A P-51 Mustang nicknamed 'Tempus Fugit' of the 31st Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force in 1944. (Source: IWM (FRE 8681))2021-09-18T10:23:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/08/18/clearing-the-skies-for-the-red-army-part-one-learning-from-failure/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/080116-f-1234s-013.jpgOperation FranticRussian pilots and ground crew stand in front of a YAK-4 bomber at Poltava, Russia, during the first shuttle raid -- Italy to Russia and return -- in June 1944. GI is TSgt. Bernard J. McGuire, Tonawanda, N.Y., of the 348th Bomb Squadron, 99th Bomb Group. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/080116-f-1234s-010.jpgOperation FranticBadly damaged B-17 bomber and Russian soldiers in Poltava, Russia, on June 22, 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fre_000860.jpgFRE_000860Personnel of the 96th Bomb Group and the 452nd Bomb Group receive briefing against the wall of a bombed-out railway building in Poltava, Russia during Operation Frantic in summer 1944.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/amerikai_es_orosz_katonak_1944-ben_a_frantic_hadmuvelet_idejen._a_hatterben_egy_b-17_flying_fortress_bombazogep_es_egy_c-47_dakota_szallitogep_lathato._fortepan_15946.jpgAmerikai_és_orosz_katonák_1944-ben_a_FRANTIC_hadművelet_idején._A_háttérben_egy_B-17_Flying_Fortress_bombázógép_és_egy_C-47_Dakota_szállítógép_látható._Fortepan_159462021-09-01T02:54:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/08/10/airwarbooks-ashleigh-brown/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/the-bridge-to-airpower.jpegThe-Bridge-to-Airpowerhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/9780393357240.jpg9780393357240https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/9781743312698.jpg97817433126982021-08-10T11:46:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/07/02/air-war-books-dr-ross-mahoney/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/tornado.jpgTornadoTHE ROYAL AIR FORCE DURING THE GULF WAR, 1991 (GLF 707) A Tornado GR.1 in flight banks away from the camera and displays its underwing stores which are, top to bottom, BOZ 107 chaff/flare dispenser, 500 gal fuel tanks, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile and Marconi Sky Shadow ECM pod. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2050222502022-04-20T13:09:25+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/08/06/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-july-2021/2021-08-05T22:36:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/07/15/bookreview-airpower-in-the-war-against-isis/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/savx7602-1.jpgSAVX7602-1A Sukhoi Su-24 of the Russian Air Force taking off from Khmeimim air base in Syria during Russia's intervention in the Syrian Civil War. (Source: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/160303-f-zu607-355_25611137395.jpgOperation Inherent ResolveTwo United States Navy F-18 Hornet aircraft fly over Iraq, March 3, 2016. The United States stands with a coalition of more than 60 international partners to assist and support the Iraqi Security Forces to degrade and defeat ISIL. Coalition forces fly daily missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/two_f-22_raptors_fly_in_formation_33333777724.jpgRefueling the Fight Against ISISTwo F-22 Raptors fly in formation behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission over Iraq, April 11, 2017. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua A. Hoskins)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/41dgu7jfiil.jpg41DGU7jfIIL2021-07-20T16:32:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/07/04/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-june-2021/2021-07-04T06:17:34+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/06/23/bookreview-across-the-airless-wilds-the-lunar-rover-and-the-triumph-of-the-final-moon-landings/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/apollo15lunarrover.jpgApollo15LunarRoverhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/9780062986535.jpg97800629865352021-06-23T00:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/06/16/from-balloons-to-drones-5-years-on/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210326raaf8185068_0520.jpg20210326raaf8185068_0520Pilatus PC-21A aircraft from No 4 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown fly in formation on return from Sydney in support of an Air Force 2021 commemorative service held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. *** Local Caption *** On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will commemorate its centenary (AF2021). At events throughout the year the RAAF will honour the sacrifice and service of its members over the last 100 years. On Friday 26 March 2021, the Air Force Association (New South Wales Branch) will host a ceremony to commemorate AF2021, as well as the 101st anniversary of the association’s establishment. RAAF support to this event will include a flypast by Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from No. 4 Squadron; members for the catafalque party and other ceremonial duties; and an address by guest of honour Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, AM, CSC.2021-06-16T22:38:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/06/09/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-may-2021/2021-06-09T00:57:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/05/12/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-april-2021/2021-05-11T23:29:29+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/02/10/bookreview-to-fly-among-the-stars-the-hidden-story-of-the-fight-for-women-astronauts/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/seven_members_of_the_first_lady_astronaut_trainees_in_1995_-_gpn-2002-000196.jpgSeven_Members_of_the_First_Lady_Astronaut_Trainees_in_1995_-_GPN-2002-000196https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/index.jpgindex2021-05-03T11:11:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/04/21/bookreview-the-royal-flying-corps-the-western-front-and-the-control-of-the-air-1914-1918/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the_royal_flying_corps_on_the_western_front_1914-1918_q11874.jpgThe_Royal_Flying_Corps_on_the_Western_Front,_1914-1918_Q11874https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/q-67829.jpg'Rules of the air - meeting another machine'. An air technical diagram of a Sopwith Dolphin and two Sopwith Camel biplanes meeting in the air and turn to the right. (Source: © IWM Q 67829)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/q-4192.jpgQ 4192Prime Minister Herbert Asquith watches a squadron of aeroplanes returning to RFC Headquarters at Frevillers. With him is Major-General Hugh Trenchard, commander of the Royal Flying Corps. (Source: © IWM Q 4192)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/q-60608.jpgQ 60608THE ROYAL AIR FORCE ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 (Q 60608) Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 and S.E.5a biplanes of No. 29 Squadron RAF lined up ready to start a flight over enemy lines, 1918. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052187632021-04-23T15:04:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/04/01/desertstorm30-podcast-an-interview-with-lieutenant-general-david-deptula-usaf-ret/2021-04-01T13:26:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/03/31/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-march-2021/2021-03-31T11:32:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/03/02/air-power-and-the-battle-of-the-bismarck-sea/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/128159.jpg128159A Japanese destroyer steaming astern while under attack by USAAF bombers during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. (Source: Australian War Memorial)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/014479.jpg014479https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/550px-battle_of_the_bismark_sea.jpg550px-battle_of_the_bismark_seahttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/nwa0471.jpgnwa0471Group Captain Garing RAAF (standing, right) hands over information to his successor Group Captain McLachlan, seated at the office desk, c. 1943. (Source: Australian War Memorial)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/127965.jpg127965A Japanese transport on fire during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. (Source: Australian War Memorial)2021-03-30T10:53:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/03/27/expressions-of-interest-editor-from-balloons-to-drones/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/team-structure.pngTeam StructureThe From Balloons to Drones editorial team2021-03-27T12:07:39+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/links/2021-03-24T23:18:41+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/08/from-bats-to-mavs-the-concept-is-clear-small-is-the-future-of-aerial-warfare/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/102691538-unknown-1910x1000.jpg102691538-Unknown.1910x1000https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/microairvehicle.jpgMicroAirVehicle2021-03-24T11:23:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/28/air-operations-at-the-level-of-boots-on-the-ground/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/349240-n-bfd00-662.jpgU.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and Afghan National Security Forces conduct a joint checkpointU.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Andrew Margis with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7 prepares a Honeywell T-Hawk for flight at a joint vehicle checkpoint with members of the Afghan National Army and Afghan Civil Order Police in Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 21, 2013. The searches were conducted to limit the movement of enemy forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Trent A. Randolph/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45162644.jpgARMY WARFIGHTING EXPERIMENT 2017 Ð TESTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TECHNOLOGYPictured is a Royal Marine controlling a Black Hornet 2 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The pocket sized and hand launched UAV, or RPAS uses micro thermal cameras, visible spectrum cameras and proprietary software for flight control, stabilization, and communications. Weighing 18 grams, the Black Hornet helicopter can fly for up to 25 minutes at line-of-sight distances of up to one mile at speeds of 18 km/h. It uses GPS navigation or visual navigation via video and can fly pre-planned routes via its autopilot.Ê The Black Hornet was developed in 2007 and been used by NATO forces in Afghanistan from 2011, with the United Kingdom the first to acquire the type and use it operationally. It has also been evaluated by the US military and Australian army. Its small size and electric motors make it a stealthy reconnaissance tool for militaries and law enforcement agencies. The complete UAV system comprises two helicopters, a base station, controller, display unit and pouch weighting a total of 1.3 kg.Ê Over 200 personnel from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and 45 Commando, have been putting new and innovative kit and capabilities through their paces on Salisbury Plain Training Area in Wiltshire, as they took part in the third phase of the Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) 17. AWE 17 has been at the forefront of the drive for world-class innovation at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) in which businesses and organisations, both large and small, were invited to submit solutions to a range of ÔproblemsÕ set by the AWE team and were able to compete on a level playing field. From the 275 initial submissions, 72 products, from a self-sterilizing water bottle and a 56 foot ÔEasiBridgeÕ were selected for the project.2021-03-24T11:22:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/03/11/desertstorm30-the-ghosts-of-vietnam-building-air-superiority-for-operation-desert-storm/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/df-st-91-08243.jpegDESERT SHIELDF-15C Eagle aircraft of the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron takeoff on deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/f-16-lineup.pngf-16 lineuphttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/342-b-k-28152.png342-B-K-28152https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/df-st-91-03614.jpegGALLANT EAGLE '86An F-15C Eagle aircraft of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing is silhouetted against the early morning sun during Exercise Gallant Eagle '86.2021-03-12T02:27:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/02/28/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books-february-2021/2021-02-28T12:05:08+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/02/18/desertstorm30-lessons-taught-lessons-forgotten/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/200925-f-gz700-0208m.jpgA U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels F-18sTwo U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growlers and two Marine F/A-18C Hornets fly in formation over U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Sept. 25, 2020. The F/A-18 Hornet is designed to perform fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support and aerial reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Parsons)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/df-st-98-00816.jpegDELIBERATE FORCEA US Air Force F-15 Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, England, taxis for take off for NATO airstrikes against the Bosnian Serbs.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/dn-sc-92-04290.jpegDESERT STORMAn aerial view of four hardened aircraft shelters at Kuwait International Airport that were attacked by coalition air forces seeking to destroy Iraq aircraft during Operation Desert Storm.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/da-st-92-07701.jpegDA-ST-92-077012021-02-18T00:11:27+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/02/13/desertstorm30-desert-storm-a-view-from-the-front/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/910201-f-ab111-001.jpgDESERT STORMA U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft refuels a Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as the two planes fly over Kuwait in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/f-16_fighting_falcon_2152048924.jpgDESERT STORMA ground crew member signals to the pilot of a 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft as it prepares to takeoff on the first daylight strike against Iraqi targets during Operation Desert Storm.2021-02-13T12:30:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/02/07/desertstorm30-leading-with-airpower/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/020905-o-9999r-028.jpgDESERT SHIELD Ground crews service the F-117A aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) on the flight line. The 37th TFW is preparing to deploy to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.2021-02-09T07:25:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/30/researchresources-recent-articles-and-books/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0463.jpgIMG_04632021-01-30T00:40:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/10/28/call-for-submissions-desert-storm-revisited/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/jaguargr1_54sqn_f-15e_4tfw_1991.jpegDESERT SHIELDA Royal Air Force Jaguar aircraft is serviced on the flight line as a U.S. Air Force F-15E Eagle aircraft taxis in the background during Operation Desert Shield.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/f-4gs_35th_tfw_over_saudi_desert_1991.jpegDESERT SHIELDA pair of 35th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4G Phantom II aircraft pass over the Saudi desert while on a training flight during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft are carrying external fuel tanks on their outboard wing pylons and AGM-88 HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles on their inboard wing pylons.2021-01-28T03:19:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/27/desertstorm30-the-first-gulf-war-future-lessons/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dn-st-92-07385_5375259479.jpgDESERT SHIELDF-15E Eagle fighter aircraft from the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., are parked on a desert air field during Operation Desert Shield.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/usaf_f-16a_f-15c_f-15e_desert_storm_edit.jpgAIRPOWER IN OPERATION DESERT STORMF-16A, F-15C and F-15E flying during Desert Storm. (U.S. Air Force photo)2021-01-27T12:58:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/21/desertstorm30-planning-and-executing-the-air-campaign/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ef-111a_ravens_saudi_arabia.jpgDESERT SHIELDEF-111A Raven aircraft prepare to takeoff on a mission during Operation Desert Shield.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pastedgraphic-1.jpgPastedGraphic-1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/picture2.pngPicture2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iraq1.jpgIraq12021-01-21T00:57:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/17/desertstorm30-bookreview-she-went-to-war-the-rhonda-cornum-story/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/561844-l-cmi95-972.jpg561844-L-CMI95-972https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2020-12-10-at-1.34.21-pm.pngScreen-Shot-2020-12-10-at-1.34.21-PM2021-01-21T00:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/11/bookreview-selling-schweinfurt-targeting-assessment-and-marketing-in-the-air-campaign-against-german-industry/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/180422-f-fn604-012.jpgA1/B-17FHells Angels/pho1A1/B-17FHells Angels/pho1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/060518-f-1234s-011.jpgBoeing B-17GEmergency wheels-up landing of Boeing B-17G-45-BO (S/N 42-97272) (BN-T) "Duchess Daughter" of the 303rd Bomb Group, 359th Bomb Squadron. Note: The original "Duchess" (S/N 41-24561), also coded BN-T, was the aircraft in which Lt. Jack W. Mathis earned his Medal of Honor. Lt Mathis was lead bombardier for a mission on March 18, 1943, when the "Duchess" was hit by flak. Lt. Mathis, although seriously wounded, completed the bomb run. He died soon after. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/b-17f_formation_over_schweinfurt_germany_august_17_1943.jpgBoeing B-17FBoeing B-17F formation over Schweinfurt, Germany, on Aug. 17, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/9781682475362.jpg97816824753622021-01-11T01:35:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2021/01/05/bookreview-armageddon-and-okra-australias-air-operations-in-the-middle-east-a-century-apart/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20170530raaf8540618_0041.jpgOperation OKRACentenary tail art on a Royal Australian Air Force No 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft stands out on the flightline at the main air operating base in the Middle East Region. *** Local Caption *** The Air Task Group (ATG) of Operation OKRA, is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government within a US-led international coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Daesh operations in the Middle East Region (MER). The ATG comprises six F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport air-to-air refuelling aircraft. Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical Command and Control Unit. The ATG is directly supported by elements of Operation ACCORDION including the Theatre Communications Group, Air Mobility Task Group, and the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit, whose mission is to provide airbase and aviation operational support to sustain air operations in the MER. There are up to 300 personnel deployed at any one time to the Air Task Group, with an additional 100 personnel deployed in direct support of Operation OKRA.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20171119raaf8144078_024.jpgOperation OKRATwo KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft sit together at the main air operating base in the Middle East Region on Operation OKRA. *** Local Caption *** Two KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft were together at the main air operating base in the Middle East region recently to conduct a routine aircraft ‘tail swap’. The aircraft, flown in by crews from its home unit, No. 33 Squadron, will begin its service as part of the Air Task Group deployed on Operation OKRA. The Air Task Group (ATG) in the Middle East Region is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government with a US-led Global Coalition assembled to degrade and defeat Daesh operations in Iraq and Syria. The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft. Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical Command and Control Unit. Aircraft tail swaps occur routinely across all platforms. They ensure aircraft deployed and at home location remain on scheduled maintenance cycles and comply with mandated airworthiness requirements.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20161112raaf8165233_492.jpgOperation OKRAA pair of F/A-18A Hornets from Air Task Group 630 Strike Element flying in the Middle East Region during an Operation Okra mission. *** Local Caption *** Number 75 Squadron F/A-18A aircraft refuelling from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, in support of Iraq Security Forces in the battle for Mosul, during the Squadron’s deployment in 2016. The Air Task Group (ATG) of Operation OKRA, is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government within a US-led international coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Daesh operations in the Middle East Region (MER). The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18A Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport air-to-air refuelling aircraft. Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical Command and Control Unit. The ATG is directly supported by elements of Operation ACCORDION including the Theatre Communications Group, Air Mobility Task Group, and the Combat Support Unit, whose mission is to provide airbase and aviation operational support to sustain air operations in the MER. There are up to 350 personnel deployed, at any one time, as part of, or in direct support of the ATG.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5976840.jpg5976840https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/armageddon-and-okra.jpgarmageddon-and-okra2021-01-05T01:18:22+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/08/15/airwarvietnam-making-a-mig-killer-technology-and-signals-intelligence-for-air-to-air-combat-in-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ritche.jpgRitchehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ec-121k_rivet_top_in_south_east_asia_c1968.jpgD.A1.(E)C-121D.PRT.bx0070.007EC-121K Rivet Tophttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/teaball-2.jpgTeaball 2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/teaball-1.jpgTeaball 1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hankins-radar-map.jpgHankins Radar Map2024-03-15T18:31:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/09/29/from-defense-of-the-baltic-to-the-airspace-above-kosovo-the-transformation-of-the-royal-danish-air-force-1989-1999/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/oaf011.pngOAF011One of the six RDAF F-16s deployed as part of Operation ALLIED FORCE in 1999.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lantirn.pnglantirnhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sneleop.pngsneleophttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/df-st-87-08372_royal_danish_air_force_f-35_draken_during_exercise_oksboel_86.jpegOKSBOEL '86A Royal Danish Air Force F-35 Drakken aircraft taxis into takeoff position during Exercise OKSBOEL '86.2020-09-29T22:45:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/09/24/bookreview-taking-flight-the-nadine-ramsey-story/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wasps_on_flight_line_at_laredo_aaf.jpgWASPs on flight lineWASPs on flight line at Laredo AAF, Texas, 22 January 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo) https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wasp_congressional_gold_medal.jpgWASP awarded Congressional Gold Medal for servicePresident Barack Obama signs S.614 in the Oval Office July 1 at the White House. The bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASP program was established during World War II, and from 1942 to 1943, more than 1,000 women joined, flying 60 million miles of noncombat military missions. Of the women who received their wings as Women Airforce Service Pilots, approximately 300 are living today. (Official White House photo/Pete Souza)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/81kzx8-vvzl.jpg81kzX8-VVzL2020-09-23T23:55:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/07/19/bookreview-stealth-the-secret-contest-to-invent-invisible-aircraft/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/61btzkq42zl._sl1500_.jpg61btZKq42zL._SL1500_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/darpa_usairforce_haveblue.pngDARPA_USAirForce_HaveBluehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1920px-b-2_first_flight_071201-f-9999j-034.jpg1920px-B-2_first_flight_071201-F-9999J-034https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1920px-f-117_nighthawk_front.jpg1920px-F-117_Nighthawk_Front2020-07-19T11:36:58+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/06/17/cold-war-nuclear-powered-aircraft-a-step-too-far/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/tu119side.jpgTu119sidehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nb-36h_with_b-50_1955_-_df-sc-83-09332.jpegNB-36H_with_B-50,_1955_-_DF-SC-83-09332https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nb-36h_producing_contrails_in_flight.jpgConvair NB-36HConvair NB-36H in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)2020-06-16T02:51:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/06/12/bookreview-john-houbolt-the-unsung-hero-of-the-apollo-moon-landings/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/apollo_11_lunar_module.jpgApollo_11_lunar_modulehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/3-john_c._houbolt_-_gpn-2000-001274b.jpg3-john_c._houbolt_-_gpn-2000-001274bhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/81lfieb7vbl.jpg81lFIEb7VBL2020-06-12T10:24:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/09/11/airwarvietnam-weaponised-helicopters-and-counterinsurgency-an-exploration-of-the-different-approaches-advocated-in-vietnam-by-the-us-army-and-the-us-marine-corps/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ah-1g_cobra_vietnam.jpgAH-1G_Cobra_Vietnamhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bell_uh-1e_huey_takes_off_from_uss_topeka_clg-8_off_vietnam_in_1966.jpgBell_UH-1E_Huey_takes_off_from_USS_Topeka_(CLG-8)_off_Vietnam,_in_1966https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hus-1_hmm-362_vietnam_1962.jpgHUS-1_HMM-362_Vietnam_1962https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bruce_crandalls_uh-1d.jpgBruce_Crandall's_UH-1Dhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ov-1_mohawk_of_73rd_aviation_company_in_vietnam_c1966.jpgOV-1_Mohawk_of_73rd_Aviation_Company_in_Vietnam_c1966https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/korean_war_ha-sn-98-07085.jpegKorean_War_HA-SN-98-07085https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/uh-1e_helicopters_at_fire_support_base_cunningham_1969_11950756174.jpgUH-1E_Helicopters_at_Fire_Support_Base_Cunningham,_1969_(11950756174)2020-05-31T12:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/04/25/bookreview-through-adversity-britain-and-the-commonwealths-war-in-the-air-1939-1945-volume-1/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/helion1000901.jpghelion1000901https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/iwm-k-1117.jpgIWM K 1117ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN THE FAR EAST, 1939-1945 (K 1117) A Consolidated Catalina Mark I of No. 205 Squadron RAF taxies past another aircraft of the Squadron moored in the Strait of Johore off Seletar, Singapore. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205207917https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/e011316185.jpge0113161852020-04-25T10:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/04/19/bookreview-no-fly-zones-and-international-security-politics-and-strategy/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/f-15c_during_operation_deny_flight.jpegF-15C_during_Operation_Deny_Flighthttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/deny_flight_ef-111.jpgDENY FLIGHTA US Air Force EF-111 Raven deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, from the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, NM, flies over the Alps of Northern Italy while on a mission. The EF-111 Raven is designed to provide electronic countermeasures support for tactical air forces and will detect, sort, identify and nullify different enemyÕs radar in support of the NATO enforcement of the no fly zone over Bosnia. (Exact date unknown)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/51yfbrzlphl._sx313_bo1204203200_.jpg51yFbrZlPhL._SX313_BO1,204,203,200_2020-04-19T23:27:24+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/04/04/bookreview-lectures-of-the-air-corps-tactical-school-and-american-strategic-bombing-in-world-war-ii/2020-04-19T11:05:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/02/23/a-unified-framework-of-air-power-studies/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/f-80cs_8th_fbs_over_korea_c1950.jpgF-80Cs_8th_FBS_over_Korea_c1950https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/f-80s-36fbs-korea-1950.jpgF-80s-36fbs-korea-1950https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sr-71_taxi_on_ramp_with_engines_powered_up.jpgSR-71_taxi_on_ramp_with_engines_powered_uphttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/billy_mitchell_at_his_court-martial.jpgBilly_Mitchell_at_his_court-martialA scene taken from Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's court-martial, 1925. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/tomcat_escorts_bear.jpgTomcat_escorts_Bear2020-02-24T11:53:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/01/29/bookreview-from-kites-to-cold-war-the-evolution-of-manned-airborne-reconnaissance/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/u-2_spy_plane_with_fictitious_nasa_markings_-_gpn-2000-000112.jpgU-2_Spy_Plane_With_Fictitious_NASA_Markings_-_GPN-2000-000112https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/811-jebgabl.jpg811-jEbGabL2020-01-28T12:16:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/01/15/putting-the-enemy-back-in-cas-an-argument-for-flexible-tactics-in-close-proximity/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/190921-f-ml224-9288a.jpgA-10 Aerial RefuelingA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conduct a combat air patrol mission over an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Sept. 21, 2019. The A-10 provides coalition forces with close air support and precision-strike capacity for targeting enemy revenue sources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/130605-f-dw547-008.jpgAR.2002.115F-100's and OV-10. AFOG Collection.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/190617-f-hj760-1171e.jpgRED FLAG-Alaska 19-2A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, maneuvers through the air during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 19-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 17, 2019. RF-A takes place in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which is one of the largest aerial training ranges in the world with more than 67,000 square miles of airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Larue Guerrisky)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/doctrine-models-jpg.jpgDoctrine Models (JPG)2020-01-14T12:34:39+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/01/08/bookreview-harnessing-the-airplane-american-and-british-cavalry-responses-to-a-new-technology-1903-1939/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/12th_aero_squadron_us_cavalry.jpg12th_Aero_Squadron_US_Cavalryhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9780806161846.jpg97808061618462020-01-07T11:37:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2020/01/01/2019-in-review/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/f4f-3_new_pitot_tube_of_later_model.jpgF4F-3_new_pitot_tube_of_later_modelOne-quarter front right side view of U. S. Navy Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat in flight over a shoreline, probably somewhere over Long Island, New York.2019-12-31T11:33:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/11/05/bookreview-dear-neil-armstrong-letters-to-the-first-man-from-all-mankind/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pilot_neil_armstrong_and_x-15_-1_-_gpn-2000-000121.jpgPilot_Neil_Armstrong_and_X-15_-1_-_GPN-2000-000121https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/apollo_11_ticker_tape_parade_1.jpgApollo_11_ticker_tape_parade_1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/neil-armstrong.jpgNeil Armstrong2019-11-05T12:20:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/10/26/airwarvietnam-bookreview-sherman-lead-flying-the-f-4d-phantom-ii-in-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/110323-f-dw547-009.jpg110323-F-DW547-009https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/4998h.jpgFormer US MiG pilot retells 4477th TES experienceRetired Air Force Col. Gaillard Peck Junior, former 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron commander, poses for a photo in front of a static aircraft display Sept. 6, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Peck is a former MiG-21 pilot assigned to Nellis AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/81yxczqn82l.jpg81yxcZQN82L2019-10-26T02:40:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/08/21/commentary-biplanes-against-battleships-the-fairey-swordfish-biplane-and-lessons-for-todays-air-power/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/tr-1138.jpgTR 1138A FAIREY SWORDFISH IN FLIGHT (TR 1138) Close-up of a Fairey Swordfish Mark II, HS 545 'B', in flight as seen through the struts of another aircraft, probably while serving with No 824 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, 1943-1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205188676https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fl-2425.jpgFL 2425HMS ILLUSTRIOUS (FL 2425) Underway. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205120219https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mh-23.jpgMH 23ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT OF THE INTER-WAR PERIOD (MH 23) A Fairey Swordfish Mk.I from the Torpedo Training Unit at Gosport drops a practice torpedo during training. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205210928https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/6032069.jpg60320692019-08-20T04:10:35+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/01/04/commentary-the-raf-and-the-f-117/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/e78e2037_5056_a318_a89209e9ab776da0.jpge78e2037_5056_a318_a89209e9ab776da0https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/f-117_nighthawk_front.jpg020806-F-7823A-004https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/american_flag_f-117_nighthawks.jpgStealthy stars and stripes2019-08-14T00:12:52+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/11/09/book-review-airpower-applied-u-s-nato-and-israeli-combat-experience/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/us_navy_041003-f-3188g-247_a_pair_of_u-s-_marine_corps_av-8b_harriers_fly_over_iraq_at_sunset_during_a_mission_in_support_of_operation_iraq_freedom_oif.jpg041003-F-3188G-247041003-F-3188G-247 Iraq (Oct. 3, 2004) Ð A pair of U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers fly over Iraq at sunset during a mission in support of Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF). The AV-8B is uniquely suited for all weather, day and night, air to ground support missions, while supporting combat forces on the ground. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Erik Gudmundson (RELEASED)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/defense-gov_news_photo_990406-f-4406b-500.jpgAllied Force990406-F-4406B-500 A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker on April 6, 1999, during an air strike mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Operation Allied Force is the air operation against targets in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Ken Bergmann, U.S. Air Force. (Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/israeli_f-16s_at_red_flag.jpgRealistic training with Red FlagA two-ship of Israeli air force F-16s from Ramon Air Base, Israel, head out to the Nevada Test and Training Range, July 17 during Red Flag 09-4. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/airpower-applied.jpgairpower applied2019-08-11T10:47:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/12/09/commentary-buddhas-next-incarnation-what-does-the-future-hold-for-the-c-17a-globemaster/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1280px-thumbnail.jpg1280px-thumbnailhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/120413-f-dw547-002.jpg120413-f-dw547-002https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/140415-f-io108-002.jpg140415-f-io108-002https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161018raaf8485160_0083.jpgC-17A AME Static Aircraft Communication Systemshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/201600803raaf8165233_078-1.jpgExercise Pitch Black 2016https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1280px-c-17_arrives_with_geos-o_on_board_in_cape_canaveral.jpg1280px-c-17_arrives_with_geos-o_on_board_in_cape_canaveral2019-08-09T00:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/12/02/book-review-air-and-sea-power-in-world-war-i/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/large_0000002.jpglarge_0000002https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/large_0000001.jpglarge_0000001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/large_000000.jpglarge_000000https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/air-and-sea-power.jpgair-and-sea-power2019-08-06T05:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/11/15/book-review-eyes-all-over-the-sky-aerial-reconnaissance-in-the-first-world-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/large_0000003.jpglarge_0000003https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/large_0000002.jpglarge_0000002https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/large_0000001.jpglarge_0000001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/51jjn6edowl.jpg51jjn6edowl2020-02-22T03:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/07/31/call-for-submissions-bombing-to-win-revisited/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3515-from-balloons-to-drones-logo_pos.png3515 FROM BALLOONS TO DRONES LOGO_POS2019-07-31T13:15:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/11/08/research-note-air-power-and-the-challenge-of-professional-military-education/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/eisenhower_visits_air_university.jpgeisenhower_visits_air_universityhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/large_000000.jpglarge_0000002019-07-31T10:51:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/10/07/a-case-of-mistaken-identity-colonel-edgar-stanley-gorrell-part-1-early-life/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/800px-curtiss_jn-3_at_casa_grandes_1916.jpg800px-curtiss_jn-3_at_casa_grandes_1916https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/600px-1st_aero_squadron_-_pilots_in_mexico.jpg600px-1st_aero_squadron_-_pilots_in_mexico2019-07-31T10:45:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/09/22/research-note-the-forgotten-command-air-defense-command-and-the-defense-of-north-america/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/norad-map-1960s.jpgnorad-map-1960shttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/71st-fighter-interceptor-squadron-scramble-before-1971.jpg71st-fighter-interceptor-squadron-scramble-before-1971https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/convair_f-106a_delta_dart_1_geneie.jpgconvair_f-106a_delta_dart_1_geneie2019-07-31T10:41:50+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/09/20/remembering-the-f-4-phantom-part-2-orchestrated-confusion/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/u.s._air_force_mcdonnell_f-4c_phantom_ii_fighters_refuel.jpgU.S._Air_Force_McDonnell_F-4C_Phantom_II_fighters_refuelA flight of U.S. Air Force F-4C Phantom fighter bombers refuel from a KC-135 tanker aircraft prior to making a strike against communist targets in North Vietnam. The Phantoms are fully loaded with 750 pound general purpose bombs and rockets. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1280px-f-4e-81st-tfs.jpg1280px-f-4e-81st-tfshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tumblr_nlb9otjq2v1r94kvzo1_1280.jpgtumblr_nlb9otjq2v1r94kvzo1_1280https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/f4h-1_leadership.jpgf4h-1_leadershiphttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1280px-mcdonnell_f3h-g_mockup_in_1954.jpg1280px-mcdonnell_f3h-g_mockup_in_19542019-07-31T07:18:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/07/30/commentary-the-f-35-is-here/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2740289.jpgOperations continue at Red Flag 16-3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2731130.jpgFirst-ever: Marine F-35B takes part in Red Flag 16-32019-07-31T07:10:05+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/07/06/hammer-and-anvil-catching-the-axis-in-a-catch-22/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large4.jpglarge4https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large3.jpglarge3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large2.jpglarge2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large1.jpglarge1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large.jpglarge2019-07-31T07:09:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/06/27/book-review-how-the-war-was-won/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/large4.jpglarge4https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hamburg-wreckage-large.jpgHamburg Wreckage Largehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/large3.jpglarge3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/how-the-war-was-won-by-phillips-payson-obrien.jpghow-the-war-was-won-by-phillips-payson-obrien2019-07-31T03:08:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/06/21/research-note-air-power-in-the-next-generation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/0001.jpg0001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/tornado_gr1_at_fairford_88.jpgtornado_gr1_at_fairford_882019-07-31T03:08:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/06/17/book-review-the-mediterranean-air-war-airpower-and-allied-victory-in-world-war-ii/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/large2.jpglarge2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/9780700620753.jpg9780700620753https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/large1.jpglarge12019-07-31T03:07:27+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/09/08/remembering-the-f-4-phantom-part-1-a-product-of-its-time/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/century_series_fighters_naca_1957.jpgCentury_series_fighters_NACA_1957https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/phinal_phlight_11.jpgFinal flight farewells PhantomA QF-4 Phantom flies over Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., during the Phinal Phlight event on Dec. 21, 2016. This event marks the end of the aircraft’s 53 years of service to the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/qf-4-aerial-target-001.jpgqf-4-aerial-target-001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/xf3h_demon_on_uss_coral_sea_28cva-4329_in_1953.jpgxf3h_demon_on_uss_coral_sea_28cva-4329_in_1953https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/century-series-edwards-2.jpgcentury-series-edwards-2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/qf-4-aerial-target-002.jpgqf-4-aerial-target-0022019-07-31T02:56:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/06/15/from-balloons-to-drones-air-power-throughout-the-ages/2019-07-28T12:14:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/09/05/research-note-operation-huskys-air-battle-by-the-numbers/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/large3.jpglarge3https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/large2.jpglarge2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/large1.jpglarge1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/large.jpglarge2019-07-28T12:11:30+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/07/24/the-strategic-triangle-the-air-corps-tactical-school-and-its-vision-of-future-warfare/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/boeing_y1b-17a_near_mt_rainier_060515-f-1234s-001.jpgBoeing Y1B-17ABoeing Y1B-17A in flight near Mt. Rainier on Feb. 28, 1938. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/diagram-3-venable.pngDiagram 3 Venablehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/diagram-2-venable-1.pngDiagram 2 Venablehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/diagram-2-venable.pngDiagram 2 Venablehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/diagram-1-venable-2.pngDiagram 1 Venable2019-07-23T00:57:40+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/07/18/airwarvietnam-from-combat-to-cultural-icon-unraveling-the-legacy-of-the-helicopter-in-the-vietnam-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uh-1d_helicopters_in_vietnam_1966-1.jpgUH-1D_helicopters_in_Vietnam_1966https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6203335.jpg6203335https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/australian_soldiers_with_a_us_army_ch-47_chinook_helicopter_in_1967.jpgAustralian_soldiers_with_a_US_Army_CH-47_Chinook_helicopter_in_1967https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uh-1d_helicopters_in_vietnam_1966.jpgUH-1D_helicopters_in_Vietnam_1966https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ch-54_tarhe_1960.jpgCH-54_Tarhe_1960https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/66_01.jpg66_01https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/66_08.jpg66_082022-10-18T15:12:03+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/07/10/commentary-the-iran-iraq-tanker-war-and-the-non-delta-winged-mirage-f1/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mirage_f1_biplace.jpgMirage_F1_biplacehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/super_c389tendard_with_exocet_launching_from_foch_r99_1983.jpgSuper_Étendard_with_Exocet_launching_from_Foch_(R99)_1983https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/earnestwillnicholas.jpgDN-SN-88-10150Mess Management Specialist 2nd Class Williams Hendrickson scans for mines from the bow of the guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47) during an Earnest Will convoy mission in which tankers are led through the waters of the Gulf by U.S. naval ships.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mirage_f1bq_of_iriaf.jpgMirage_F1BQ_of_IRIAFhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uss_stark.jpgDN-SC-87-06412A port quarter view of the guided missile frigate USS STARK (FFG-31) listing to port after being struck by an Iraqi-launched Exocet missile.2019-07-09T19:24:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/06/26/bookreview-chasing-the-moon-the-people-the-politics-and-the-promise-that-launched-america-into-the-space-age/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/as17-134-20476orig.jpgas17-134-20476orighttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/as11-40-5944-e1561339948883.jpgas11-40-5944https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/41ygxxvwrxl._ac_sy400_.jpg41ygxxvWRXL._AC_SY400_2019-06-24T04:10:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/06/20/royal-air-force-wings-brevets-in-second-world-war-propaganda/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/tr-1127.jpgTR 1127WING COMMANDER GUY GIBSON, VC, DSO AND BAR, DFC AND BAR, COMMANDER OF 617 SQUADRON (DAMBUSTERS) AT SCAMPTON, LINCOLNSHIRE, 22 JULY 1943 (TR 1127) Wing Commander Guy Gibson with members of his crew. Left to right: Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar; Pilot Officer P M Spafford, bomb aimer; Flight Lieutenant R E G Hutchinson, wireless operator; Pilot Officer G A Deering and Flying Officer H T Taerum, gunners. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205123900https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-way-ahead.jpgThe Way Aheadhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pst-4095.jpgPST 4095Keep Mum - She's Not so Dumb! - Careless Talk Costs Lives (Art.IWM PST 4095) whole: the image occupies the whole, with the title and text integrated and placed in the lower quarter, in black and in red. image: a three-quarter length depiction of an attractive woman, reclining on a chair and looking directly out of the poster. She is surrounded by three entranced officers, representing the Army, Navy and RAF. text: Keep mum she's not so dumb! CARELESS TALK COSTS LIVES Print... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/9736https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ins-7331.jpgINS 7331badge, trade, British, Royal Air Force, Air Gunner half brevet (INS 7331) Cushion embroidered half brevet for RAF Air Gunners, being two bronze laurel branches encircling the capital letter “AG”, with a single wing, extending to the right as viewed, in cream, on a shaped black fabric background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30076545https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ins-7330.jpgINS 7330badge, trade, British, pilot's wings, Royal Air Force (INS 7330) Pilot's wings brevet, being a flat embroidered pair of outstretched wings supporting a central laurel wreath encircling the RAF monogram with above a King's crown, the wings, monogram and crown in cream, and the wreath in brown, all on a black fabric backing. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/300765442020-05-16T08:31:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/06/05/bookreview-early-naval-air-power-british-and-german-approaches/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dunning_landing-on_furious_in_pup.jpgDunning_Landing-on_Furious_In_Puphttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hansa-brandenburg_w.19_prototype_side.jpgHansa-Brandenburg_W.19_prototype_sidehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/felixstowe_f.2a_-_rnas_1914-1918_q27501.jpgFelixstowe_F.2A_-_RNAS_1914-1918_Q27501https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/51qemuaphql._sx331_bo1204203200_.jpg51QeMuaPhqL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_2019-06-04T03:51:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/05/22/commentary-airwarvietnam-president-nixons-secret-plan-to-end-the-war-in-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/110330-f-dw547-027.jpg110330-F-DW547-027https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/090605-f-1234p-091.jpgDavis 30#103https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/110324-f-dw547-006.jpgLINEBACKERA B-52D Stratofortress aircraft, from Strategic Air Command, line up for takeoff as they prepare for strikes over Hanoi and Haiphong, North Vietnam, during Operation LINEBACKER.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ac-119k_52-5889_usaf_taxiing_da_nang_ab_south_vietnam_1972fix.jpgAC-119K_(52-5889)_USAF_Taxiing_Da_Nang_AB,_South_Vietnam_1972fix2023-05-28T02:45:22+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/05/01/airwarvietnam-contested-skies-a-brief-guide-to-the-historiography-of-the-air-war-in-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/vnaf_a-1e_skyraiders_at_bien_hoa_c1965.jpgVNAF_A-1E_Skyraiders_at_Bien_Hoa_c1965A1/A-1E/pho 56 94632 USAF - A Vietnamese Air Force student pilot and a USAF instruction sit side by side in a VNAF A-1E Skyraider taxing to the runway at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam. Loaded with six rocket pods, each containing seven rockets, the Skyraiders will fly air strike missions against communist Viet Cong troop concentrations. Credit Photo to the National Museum of the USAFhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/b-52d_approaching_u-tapao_1972.jpgB-52D_approaching_U-Tapao_19722019-05-01T14:48:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/04/24/a-low-cost-way-to-defeat-adversaries-israel-and-air-power-in-the-second-lebanon-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/israeli_f-16c_takes_off_from_ovda_airport_in_november_2013.jpgBlue FlagAn Israeli Air Force F-16 departs on a combat mission during the Blue Flag exercise on Uvda Air Force Base, Israel Nov. 27, 2013. Aircraft from the 492nd Fighter Squadron deployed to participate in the exercise, which promoted improved operational capability, combat effectiveness, understanding and cooperation between the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Italy. The unit engaged multiple heavy air defense assets, ground base targets and simulated opposition forces to meet combined operations requirements. (Official U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lee Osberry/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/f-15i_raam.jpgFueling all fightersOVER NEVADA -- An Israeli F-15 maneuvers after an air refueling by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Nevada Test and Training Ranges during Red Flag 04-3 here Aug 25. More than 100 aircraft and 2,500 participants are involved in this exercise. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin Gruenwald)2019-04-28T18:58:04+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/04/17/bookreview-footprints-in-the-dust-the-epic-voyages-of-apollo-1969-1975/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/51uhx1lphwl._sx346_bo1204203200_.jpg51UhX1LpHWL._SX346_BO1,204,203,200_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/s72-44423orig.jpgS72-44423~orighttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/6903667orig.jpgAPOLLO 12 PACIFIC RECOVERY AREA SHOWING ASTRONAUTS IN LIFE RAFT.APOLLO 12 PACIFIC RECOVERY AREA SHOWING ASTRONAUTS IN LIFE RAFT.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/soviet_lk_spacecraft_drawing_with_labels_and_some_colors.pngSoviet_lk_spacecraft_drawing_with_labels_and_some_colorshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lk-3_lunar_lander_engineering_test_unit.jpgLK-3_lunar_lander_engineering_test_unit2019-04-17T01:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/04/09/bookreview-picturing-apollo-11-rare-views-and-undiscovered-moments/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/182627main_image_feature_872_ys_full.jpg182627main_image_feature_872_ys_fullhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ksc-69p-670.jpgksc-69p-670https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ksc-69p-168orig.jpgksc-69p-168origKENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The S-1C booster for the Apollo 11 Saturn V was erected atop its mobile launcher in the Spaceport's VAB today.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/41iznfircgl._sx372_bo1204203200_.jpg41iZNFIRCgL._SX372_BO1,204,203,200_2019-04-08T23:50:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/03/27/bookreview-be-bold/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/raf-t-3476.jpgRAF-T 3476THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 (RAF-T 3476) Aircraft past and present of the Central Fighter Establishment (CFE) at RAF West Raynham, Norfolk, in October 1962, as the unit moved to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. The aircraft pictured here represent the various aircraft used by the constituant organisations which merged to form the CFE. The aircraft are (left to right): Supermarine Spitfire (P5853) of the Central Fighter Establishment, Englis... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205214512https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/raf-t-8374.jpgRAF-T 8374THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 (RAF-T 8374) Air Marshal Sir Frederick Rosier KCB CBE DSO ADC posing in front of a Supermarine Spitfire with, from left to right: Air Vice Marshal J E Johnson CBE DSO** DFC*, Group Captain P W Townsend CVO DSO DFC*, Wing Commander R R S Tuck DSO DFC** DFC (US), Air Commodore A C Deere OBE DSO DFC* DFC (US), Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader CBE DSO* DFC*. Sir Frederick was the Air Officer Commander in Chief (AOC... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205215233https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5125bvndqhl._sx343_bo1204203200_.jpg5125bvndQHL._SX343_BO1,204,203,200_2019-03-27T01:52:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/03/21/editorial-new-book-series-aviation-and-air-power/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/41sm64rgspl._sx331_bo1204203200_.jpg41sm64RGspL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/d2dbsy8u8aazwhl.jpg-large.jpgD2Dbsy8U8AAzWhl.jpg large2019-03-20T22:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/03/13/bookreview-in-the-shadow-of-the-moon-a-challenging-journey-to-tranquility-1965-1969/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/163810main_image_feature_709_ys_full.jpg163810main_image_feature_709_ys_fullhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/as11-40-5961hr.jpgas11-40-5961hrhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/51bxew8lrl._sx331_bo1204203200_.jpg51bxE+w8lrL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_2019-03-12T12:24:28+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/03/07/researchnote-the-raf-staff-college-and-learning-from-the-french/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ld-764.jpgLD 764Air Marshal Sir Philip Joubert de la Ferté, KCB, CMG, DSO (Art.IWM ART LD 764) image: a half-length portrait of Air Marshal Sir Philip Joubert de la Ferté in uniform. He is sitting facing the artists with his hands clasped in his lap. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/11754https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1920px-central_building_of_ecole_militaire_at_dusk_paris_7e_20140607_1.jpg1920px-Central_building_of_Ecole_Militaire_at_dusk,_Paris_7e_20140607_12023-03-15T04:26:03+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/02/13/bookreview-safely-to-earth-the-men-and-women-who-brought-the-astronauts-home/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/s69-53716.jpgs69-53716https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/599041main_ec77-8852_full.jpg599041main_EC77-8852_fullhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51dtulqi4xl._sx320_bo1204203200_.jpg51dTUlQI4xL._SX320_BO1,204,203,200_2019-03-08T15:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/02/06/commentary-the-threat-of-commercially-available-drones/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dji_phantom_4pro_04-2017_img3_in_flight.jpgDJI_Phantom_4Pro_04-2017_img3_in_flight2019-02-05T05:16:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/02/05/call-for-submissions-air-war-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a-26c_loaned_to_france_in_indochina.jpgA-26C_loaned_to_France_in_Indochina2019-02-05T04:01:23+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/01/23/bookreview-stages-to-saturn-a-technological-history-of-the-apollo-saturn-launch-vehicles/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/apollo6interstage.jpgapollo6interstagehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ap11-ksc-69pc-241hr.jpgap11-ksc-69pc-241hrhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/saturn_sa9_launch.jpgsaturn_sa9_launchsa-9 (saturn 1 block II) liftoff on february 16, 1962. first saturn with operational payload "pegasus" meteroid detection satellite REF: 5-19630 pad 37b (MIX FILE)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/51rugp8v59l._sx327_bo1204203200_.jpg51rugp8v59l._sx327_bo1,204,203,200_2019-01-22T05:46:51+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/01/09/bookreview-the-bombing-war-europe-1939-1945/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/d-76.jpgd 76BLACKOUT ACCESSORIES FOR SALE, SELFRIDGE'S, LONDON, ENGLAND, C 1940 (D 76) A luminous gas mask case on sale at Selfridge's department store in London. These gas mask covers were on sale for 2/11. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205197498https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/c-4973.jpgc 4973ROYAL AIR FORCE: OPERATIONS BY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE UNITS, 1939-1945. (C 4973) Vertical photographic-reconnaissance aerial taken over Dresden, Germany, following the two devastating attacks on the city by aircraft of Bomber Command on the night of 13/14 February 1945. A large number of fires still burn fiercely in the vicinity of the central goods depot and marshalling yards south of the River Elbe. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205023401https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cl-2372.jpgcl 2372ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER COMMAND, 1942-1945. (CL 2372) A locomotive and its tender, upended by an explosion during heavy raids by Bomber Command, is inspected by an RAF officer in the railway yards at Munster, Germany. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205211715https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hu-94991.jpghu 94991ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER COMMAND, 1945. (HU 94991) The personnel of No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF assembled in front of, and on, an Avro Lancaster at Mepal, Cambridgeshire. The Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Wing Commander C H Baigent, is sitting in the middle of the front row. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205128269https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/overy.jpgovery2019-01-18T04:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/01/16/space-a-reading-list/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/97816103983051.jpg97816103983051https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/61yt-kkiaxl.jpg61yt-kkiaxlhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/31ln1jkisbl._sx355_bo1204203200_.jpg31ln1jkisbl._sx355_bo1,204,203,200_2019-01-15T05:31:04+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/12/15/christmas-airpower-reading-list/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Phantom_FG1_892_Sqn_on_HMS_Ark_Royal_R09_1972-e1544835666869.jpgPhantom_FG1_892_Sqn_on_HMS_Ark_Royal_(R09)_1972https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Brooke-Popham.jpgBrooke-Pophamhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Phantom.jpgPhantomhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/aerial.jpgaerialhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Bloody.jpgBloodyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Always.jpgAlwayshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gooderson.jpgGoodersonhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/One-in-a-thousand.jpgOne in a thousandhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/fearless_cvr4.jpgfearless_cvr4https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/41IVdzZMc4L._SX331_BO1204203200_.jpg41IVdzZMc4L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_2019-01-10T00:23:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2019/01/02/happy-new-year-and-a-look-ahead/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/090821-F-1234S-100.jpg090821-F-1234S-100https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Harnessing.jpgHarnessinghttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Winning-Armagedden.jpgWinning Armageddenhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Biplanes-at-War.jpgBiplanes at War2019-01-01T11:47:01+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/11/14/2018-an-australian-space-2-0-odyssey/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20161017adf8588365_014.jpg20161017adf8588365_014The Buccaneer miniature satellite "cubesat" at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra satellite research laboratory, at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra on 17 October, 2016. *** Local Caption *** Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne, announced on 17 October, 2016 that Defence commenced a research program using miniature satellites in support of Defence radar capabilities and to conduct scientific experiments. Space mission “Buccaneer” is a partnership between Defence Science and Technology Group and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) that will conduct calibration activities for the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) as well as undertake outer atmosphere characterisation experiments. Defence will also participate in multi-national space mission “Biarri” to support GPS and space situational awareness experiments. The 2016 Defence White Paper highlights the importance of space-based systems for information gathering, communications, navigation and surveillance for all ADF and coalition operations. The research program is being conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Group and will take place from 2016 to 2018, The launches will be facilitated by Australia’s partners.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20170315unk0000000_0081.jpg20170315unk0000000_008(1)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20170315unk0000000_007.jpg20170315unk0000000_007Lunch-box sized satellites (Cubesats) for the Buccaneer and Biarri space missions. *** Local Caption *** Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Christopher Pyne MP officially launched the next generation technologies fund on March 16, 2017 at the University of Adelaide. The $730 million fund is a ten year program managed by Defence Science and Technology Group encouraging research and development by Australian Industry and Academia into innovation and cutting edge technologies for the Australian Defence Force.2018-11-13T18:04:26+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/11/07/bookreview-why-air-forces-fail-the-anatomy-of-defeat/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/101217-f-1234s-103.jpg101217-F-1234S-103https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pl-8096.jpgPL 8096SIXTH NAZI BOMBER SHOT DOWN IN ONE DAY CRASHES IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND (PL 8096) A Dornier 'flying pencil', sixth Nazi bomber to be destroyed during a series of daylight hit and run raids on Britain, crashed in a field in Southern England after being shot down by fighters of the Royal Air Force. Two members of the German crew were killed and two others were taken prisoner. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205222013https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/why-air-forces-fail.jpgWhy Air Forces Fail2018-11-06T03:01:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/10/31/bookreview-reaper-force-inside-britains-drone-wars/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/45151418.jpgReaper UAV Takes to the Skies of Southern AfghanistanA RAF Reaper UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is pictured airborne over Afghanistan during Operation Herrick. It is armed with a full complement of two GBU-12 226kg (500lb) laser-guided bombs and four Lockheed Martin AGM-114P Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance remotely piloted aircraft system. The MQ-9's primary mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/45156829.jpgReaper Remotely Piloted Air SystemA Royal Air Force Reaper RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (904 EAW) is responsible for the support and operation of RAF assets at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. As well as delivering hundreds of RAF air mobility movements every year with Hercules C-130J and BAE 146 aircraft, the EAW mounts attack and intelligence missions through its detachments of RAF Tornado GR4 fast jets. The EAW also provides support for a detachment providing launch and recovery of RAF and Reaper remotely piloted air systems. The Reaper Detachment operates the RAF’s highly capable remotely piloted air systems to supplement other air intelligence platforms with detailed imagery of ground conditions. Reaper’s primary role is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and this forms the vast majority of its missions. However, when necessary the aircraft can also deploy precision-guided weapons to support Afghan-led ground forces in contact with the enemy. All Reaper missions are controlled by experienced RAF pilots, whose immediate face-to-face support from intelligence personnel and other operational specialists makes them among the most situationally aware pilots in the world. The Detachment is also supported by aerospace battle managers and other operational specialists based with 83 Expeditionary Air Group.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/reaper-force.jpgReaper Force2018-10-30T05:08:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/10/19/commentary-trading-in-the-old-lawnmower-for-an-f-16/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/dptf1wmucaahhmm.jpgDptf1WMUcAAHhmmIsraeli F-16 (Source: )https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/dpsyciywsaaj7aj.jpgDpsyCiyWsAAJ7ajSites in the Gaza Strip targeted by the IAF on October 17, 2018. (Source: @IAFsite)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/dpr6wvdwkaaxgxr-1.jpgDpr6WVDWkAAxgxR (1)The home of Miri Tamano in Beersheba, damaged by rocket fire from Gaza.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/iaf-f-35i-and-f-16i-sufa-cropped-nf-wikimedia.jpgIAF F-16I Sufa2018-10-27T16:06:46+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/10/03/researchnote-redefining-the-modern-military-an-airmans-perspective/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/redefining.jpgRedefining2018-10-02T23:18:41+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/09/19/bookreview-eagles-over-husky-the-allied-air-forces-in-the-sicilian-campaign-14-may-to-17-august-1943/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cm-5290.jpgCM 5290ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN MALTA, GIBRALTAR AND THE MEDITERRANEAN, 1939-1945. (CM 5290) A line of Martin Baltimore Mark IVs of No. 223 Squadron RAF Detachment at Luqa, Malta, being refuelled and loaded with bombs for a raid on enemy positions around Catania, Sicily. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205209080https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cna-1352.jpgCNA 1352ROYAL AIR FORCE: ITALY, THE BALKANS AND SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, 1942-1945. (CNA 1352) Wrecked and damaged Italian fighters outside bomb-shattered hangars at Catania, Sicily, under the scrutiny of an airman, shortly after the occupation of the airfield by the RAF. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205209275https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cna-1098.jpgCNA 1098THE CAMPAIGN IN SICILY 1943 (CNA 1098) The Drive for Messina 10 July - 17 August 1943: The first Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfire lands at an airfield, converted from a wheat field, watched by Sicilian farmers who are working on the harvested wheat. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205196146https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/eagles.jpgEagles2018-09-18T09:43:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/09/12/bookreview-cultural-politics-of-targeted-killing-on-drones-counter-insurgency-and-violence/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/45156829.jpgReaper Remotely Piloted Air SystemA Royal Air Force Reaper RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (904 EAW) is responsible for the support and operation of RAF assets at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. As well as delivering hundreds of RAF air mobility movements every year with Hercules C-130J and BAE 146 aircraft, the EAW mounts attack and intelligence missions through its detachments of RAF Tornado GR4 fast jets. The EAW also provides support for a detachment providing launch and recovery of RAF and Reaper remotely piloted air systems. The Reaper Detachment operates the RAF’s highly capable remotely piloted air systems to supplement other air intelligence platforms with detailed imagery of ground conditions. Reaper’s primary role is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and this forms the vast majority of its missions. However, when necessary the aircraft can also deploy precision-guided weapons to support Afghan-led ground forces in contact with the enemy. All Reaper missions are controlled by experienced RAF pilots, whose immediate face-to-face support from intelligence personnel and other operational specialists makes them among the most situationally aware pilots in the world. The Detachment is also supported by aerospace battle managers and other operational specialists based with 83 Expeditionary Air Group.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cultural-politics-of-targeted-killing-cover.jpgCultural-Politics-of-Targeted-Killing-coverhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/45156825.jpgReaper Remotely Piloted Air SystemA Royal Air Force Reaper RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (904 EAW) is responsible for the support and operation of RAF assets at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. As well as delivering hundreds of RAF air mobility movements every year with Hercules C-130J and BAE 146 aircraft, the EAW mounts attack and intelligence missions through its detachments of RAF Tornado GR4 fast jets. The EAW also provides support for a detachment providing launch and recovery of RAF and Reaper remotely piloted air systems. The Reaper Detachment operates the RAF’s highly capable remotely piloted air systems to supplement other air intelligence platforms with detailed imagery of ground conditions. Reaper’s primary role is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and this forms the vast majority of its missions. However, when necessary the aircraft can also deploy precision-guided weapons to support Afghan-led ground forces in contact with the enemy. All Reaper missions are controlled by experienced RAF pilots, whose immediate face-to-face support from intelligence personnel and other operational specialists makes them among the most situationally aware pilots in the world. The Detachment is also supported by aerospace battle managers and other operational specialists based with 83 Expeditionary Air Group.2018-09-11T05:11:00+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/09/07/call-for-contributors-from-balloons-to-drones/2018-09-07T04:10:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/09/05/bringing-it-all-back-home-how-one-sortie-by-the-no-1474-flight-raf-in-december-1942-helped-save-the-lives-of-countless-aircrew/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/c-5635.jpgC 5635RADAR AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE 1939-1945 (C 5635) Aircraft Navigation and Guidance: A Royal Air Force Avro Lancaster bomber over Essen dropping WINDOW to interfere with ground gunners during a 1000 bomber raid on the city. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205196717https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ch-3477.jpgCH 3477AIRCRAFT OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE 1939-1945: VICKERS WELLINGTON. (CH 3477) Wellington Mark IC, R1448 ?HA-L? ?Akyem-Abuakwa?, of No. 218 Squadron RAF, on the ground at Marham, Norfolk. R1448 was presented to the RAF by the Gold Coast Fund. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205126907https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/c-5477.jpgC 5477ROYAL AIR FORCE: OPERATIONS BY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE UNITS, 1939-1945. (C 5477) Low-level aerial reconnaissance photograph of the 'Freya' radar installations at Auderville, taken using an F.24 side-facing oblique aerial camera. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2050223652018-09-04T21:26:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/22/a-discourse-on-john-boyd-a-brief-summary-of-the-us-air-forces-most-controversial-pilot-and-thinker/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/f-16_june_2008.jpgF-16_June_2008https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/yf-16_and_yf-17_in_flight.jpgYF-16_and_YF-17_in_flightFile written by Adobe Photoshop¨ 5.2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/emt.jpgEMThttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/johnboyd_pilot.jpgJohnBoyd_Pilot2018-08-30T22:35:41+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/29/bookreview-sovereignty-and-command-in-canada-us-continental-air-defence-1940-1957/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/slemon.jpgSlemonhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/e010858630-v8.jpge010858630-v8https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/canuck.jpgCanuckPC-261 Le seul chasseur à réaction conçu et construit au Canada à faire partie du service opérationnel. Entre 1950 et 1958, 692 Canuck sont construits. À un moment donné, les CF-100 sont exploités par 13 escadrons tout temps de première ligne. Ces chasseurs demeurent en service jusqu’en 1981. Ce CF-100 est escorté par un Delta Dagger F-102 américain The only Canadian designed and built jet fighter to enter operational service. From 1950-1958, 692 Canucks were built. At one time, CF-100s were flown by 13 front-line, all-weather squadrons. They remained in service until 1981. This CF-100 is escorted by an american Delta Dagger F-102. Image size = 8.58" x 6.82" 300 DPI 2576 x 2048 pixels TIFF file available in Master Disk0025https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/soverignty.jpgSoverignty2018-08-28T07:48:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/20/editorial-air-power-reading-list/2018-08-20T04:29:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/15/airwarbooks-dr-randall-wakelam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ch-1733.jpgCH 1733ROYAL AIR FORCE FIGHTER COMMAND, 1939-1945. (CH 1733) A group of pilots of No 1 Squadron RCAF, gather round one of their Hawker Hurricane Mark Is at Prestwick, Scotland. The Squadron Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader E A McNab, stands fifth from the right, wearing a forage cap. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2051268712018-08-20T04:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/08/space-force-the-militarisation-of-united-states-space-policy-from-eisenhower-to-trump/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/us_navy_030319-n-4142g-020_ordnance_handlers_assemble_joint_direct_attack_munition_jdam_bombs_in_the_forward_mess_decks.jpg030319-N-4142G-020030319-N-4142G-020 The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 19, 2003) -- Ordnance handlers assemble Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs in the forward mess decks before putting them on elevators headed for aircraft on the flight deck aboard USS Constellation (CV 64). JDAM's are guidance kits that convert existing unguided bombs into precision-guided "smart" munitions. The tail section contains an inertial navigational system (INS) and a global positioning system (GPS). JDAM improves the accuracy of unguided bombs in any weather condition. It is launched from any fighter or fighter-attack aircraft in the Navy's inventory. The Constellation is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Second Class Felix Garza Jr. (RELEASED)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/excalibur_firing.pngExcalibur_firinghttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/0900168.jpg0900168ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1960, PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER VISITED HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA TO DEDICATE A NEW NASA FIELD CENTER IN HONOR OF GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL, EISONHOWER'S WARTIME COLLEAGUE AND THE FOUNDER OF THE FAMOUS MARSHALL PLAN FOR EUROPEAN RECOVERY AFTER WORLD WAR II.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sts074-s-017orig.jpgsts074-s-017orig2018-08-07T06:42:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/08/01/bookreview-strategy-context-and-adaptation-from-archidamus-to-airpower/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a_concise_history_of_the_u-s-_air_force_page_14-1.jpgA_Concise_History_of_the_U.S._Air_Force_Page_14-1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/saass.pngSAASShttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/strategybook.jpgStrategyBookhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/strategy.jpgStrategy2018-08-03T03:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/07/25/smashing-the-axis-how-the-allied-air-forces-supported-the-purpose-behind-operation-husky/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/24-littorio-2.jpg24. Littorio 2https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20-naples-1.jpg20 Naples 1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/3-italy-roads-and-airfields-rails-final.jpg3 - Italy roads and airfields (rails) FINALhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cna-4071.jpgCNA 4071ROYAL AIR FORCE: ITALY, THE BALKANS AND SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, 1942-1945. (CNA 4071) Armourers fuzing a 4,000-lb HC bomb ('Cookie') at Kairouan West, Tunisia, before loading it into a Vickers Wellington Mark X of No. 205 Group RAF, during preparations for a night bombing raid on Salerno, Italy, prior to the Allied landings at there, (Operation AVALANCHE). Another airman carries winches aft of the bomb-bay in order to manoeuvre the bomb underneath the aircraft. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052095002018-07-24T08:16:58+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/07/18/the-downfall-of-the-red-baron-lessons-learned-from-the-first-world-war-ace-of-aces/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/6220692.jpg6220692https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/3988465.jpg3988465https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4108464.jpg4108464https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4115507.jpg41155072022-05-30T12:49:50+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/07/04/the-rise-of-armed-unmanned-aircraft-part-two/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/161208-f-yx485-100.jpg161208-F-YX485-100https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mq-1_predator_armed_with_agm-114_hellfire_missiles.jpgMQ-1_Predator,_armed_with_AGM-114_Hellfire_missiles2018-07-05T05:21:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/07/11/air-power-and-the-battle-of-hamel/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4093525.jpg4093525https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4090362.jpg4090362https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4083779.jpg4083779https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/6051828.jpg60518282018-07-21T22:49:27+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/06/13/the-rise-of-armed-unmanned-aircraft-part-one/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/interstate_tdr-1_on_display_at_naval_aviation_museum.jpgInterstate_TDR-1_on_display_at_Naval_Aviation_Museumhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/qh-50c_dd-692_1969.jpgQH-50C_DD-692_19692018-07-02T06:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/07/01/commentary-going-back-to-the-future-with-insurgent-air-power/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/flickr_-_israel_defense_forces_-_iron_dome_intercepts_rockets_from_the_gaza_strip.jpgFlickr_-_Israel_Defense_Forces_-_Iron_Dome_Intercepts_Rockets_from_the_Gaza_Striphttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iron_dome_battery_deployed_near_ashkelon.jpgIron_Dome_Battery_Deployed_Near_Ashkelonhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1280px-iron_dome_near_sderot.jpg1280px-Iron_Dome_near_Sderot2018-07-02T04:06:29+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/06/27/bookreview-flying-against-fate-superstition-and-allied-aircrews-in-world-war-ii/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cf-394.jpgCF 394ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN THE FAR EAST, 1941-1945 (CF 394) Squadron Leader T Sweeney of Cork, Eire the Roman Catholic chaplain of an RAF Wing operating in Central Burma, conducting Mass in a wooden pagoda which has been made into a chapel. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205207737https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/fre_002761.jpgFRE_002761https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9780700624690.jpg97807006246902018-06-27T02:23:59+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/06/20/editorial-from-balloons-to-drones-two-years-on/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/a-25454.jpgA 25454FLEET AIR ARM STRIKES IN NORTHERN WATERS. AUGUST 1944, ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER HMS FORMIDABLE. ON 22, 23, 24, AND 29 AUGUST AIRCRAFT OF THE FLEET AIR ARM SUPPORTED BY UNITS OF THE HOME FLEET CARRIED OUT A SERIES OF RAIDS ON TARGETS IN NORWAY AND PARTICULARLY ON THE GERMAN BATTLESHIP TIRPITZ IN ITS HIDE-OUT IN THE ALTEN FJORD. (A 25454) Crews of Barracudas and Corsairs leaving the operations room after handing in reports of the strike. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205157168https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/raf-t-3476.jpgRAF-T 3476THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 (RAF-T 3476) Aircraft past and present of the Central Fighter Establishment (CFE) at RAF West Raynham, Norfolk, in October 1962, as the unit moved to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. The aircraft pictured here represent the various aircraft used by the constituant organisations which merged to form the CFE. The aircraft are (left to right): Supermarine Spitfire (P5853) of the Central Fighter Establishment, Englis... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205214512https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/raf-t-3519.jpgRAF-T 3519THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 (RAF-T 3519) A pilot and his dog called 'House' (holding his master's helmet in his mouth) walks away from a line of Gloster Javelin FAW.9s of No 33 Squadron at RAF Middleton St George, c November 1962. This is one of a set of photographs which may have been taken to mark the disbanding of No 33 Squadron. The aircraft, and some of the pilots, were passed to No 5 Squadron based at RAF Geilenkirchen, Germany. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052145192018-06-19T03:18:45+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/06/06/bookreview-drones-and-the-future-of-air-warfare-the-evolution-of-remotely-piloted-aircraft/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/170210-n-wv703-100q.jpg170210-N-WV703-100Qhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/867913-y-qdl11-884.jpg090422-F-0136B-016CREECH AFB, Nev. -- Airman 1st Class Caleb Force, a MQ-1B Predator sensor operator, assists 1st Lt. Jorden Smith, a MQ-1B Predator Pilot, in locating simulated targets during a training mission conducted inside the simulators at Creech April 22. Both are assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron.(U.S. Air Force photo by/Senior Airman Nadine Y. Barclay)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mq-4c_triton_flight_testing.jpgIMCMEX 2013PALMDALE, Calif. (May 22, 2013) The Triton unmanned aircraft system completes its first flight May 22, 2013 from the Northrop Grumman manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. The 80-minute flight successfully demonstrated control systems that allow Triton to operate autonomously. Triton is designed to fly surveillance missions up to 24-hours at altitudes of more than 10 miles, allowing coverage out to 2,000 nautical miles. The system's advanced suite of sensors can detect and automatically classify different types of ships. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman photo by Alex Evers/Released) 130522-O-ZZ999-115 Join the conversation http://www.facebook.com/USNavy http://www.twitter.com/USNavy http://navylive.dodlive.mil http://pinterest.com https://plus.google.com2018-06-06T10:23:55+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/05/25/the-challenges-of-fifth-generation-transformation/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/45157751.jpg45157751https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/160912-f-ec705-074.jpgF-35 sortieAn F-35 Lightning II performs a maneuver Sept. 12, 2016 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. This sortie marks the 10,000th hour for the F-35 at Luke. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devante Williams)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180126raaf8165233_022.jpg20180126raaf8165233_022An E-7A Wedgetail from Number 2 Squadron sits on the tarmac at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during Exercise Red Flag 18-1. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a contingent of approximately 340 personnel to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for Exercise Red Flag 18-1, taking place from 29 January to 16 February 2018. Established in 1975 as an internal exercise by the United States Air Force, Exercise Red Flag centres on the world’s most complex reconstruction of a modern battlespace and is recognised as one of the world’s premier air combat exercises. The exercise involves participants from the United States Navy as well as the United Kingdom. For 2018, an AP-3C Orion, E-7A Wedgetail and a Control and Reporting Centre have been deployed on the complex, multi-nation exercise. Four EA-18G Growler aircraft from Number 6 Squadron have also been deployed for the first time on an international exercise, since being transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force in January 2017. Training alongside allied nations is critical to the success of Air Force units on real world operations; helping develop further familiarity with foreign terminology, methods and platforms.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20170303raaf8485160_0033-e1527069295326.jpg20170303raaf8485160_00332018-06-01T06:27:42+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/05/30/inventing-the-enemy-colonel-toon-and-the-memory-of-fighter-combat-in-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/nvaf-ace-pilot-nguyen-van-coc-meeting-with-ho-chi-minh.jpgNVAF ace pilot Nguyen Van Coc meeting with Ho Chi Minhhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/nvaf-mig-19-pilots-of-the-925th-fighter-squadron-discussing-tactics-in-1971.jpgNVAF MiG-19 pilots of the 925th fighter squadron discussing tactics in 1971https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mig-17-in-a-nvaf-paint-scheme-at-the-national-museum-of-the-us-air-force.jpgMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17FDAYTON, Ohio -- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cunningham-and-driscolls-f-4-phantom-callsign-showtime-100.jpgCunningham and Driscoll's F-4 Phantom - callsign Showtime 100https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cunningham-and-driscoll.jpgCunningham and Driscollhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cunningham-and-driscoll-meet-with-secretary-of-the-navy-john-warner-and-cno-admiral-elmo-zumwalt.jpgCunningham and Driscoll meet with Secretary of the Navy John Warner and CNO Admiral Elmo Zumwalt2019-08-10T20:51:27+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/15/unpacking-the-black-box-air-force-culture-and-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2005-s0347_04.jpg2005-S0347_04F-111 strike jets swing their wings over Melbourne. Jets from No. 6 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, arrived over Melbourne on the eve of the Australian International Airshow at Avalon. About 23 Australian Defence Force aircraft flew over Melbourne, annoucing their arrival for the huge event. The Australian International Airshow is ranked among the top six such events worlwide and attracts government, industry and defence delegations from more than 20 nations. Aircraft taking part from the ADF include Naval and Army helicopters as well as the fast jets of the RAAF. The RAAF's new Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft will make its first appearance.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ch-10979.jpgCH 10979LORD TRENCHARD VISITS R.C.A.F (CH 10979) Marshal of the RAF, Lord Trenchard visited Royal Canadian Air Force Fighter squadrons at their airfeilds in this country. 1943. Picture shows R.A.F Lord Trenchard with a group of officers in front of their mess. They are left to right - Group captain D.M Smith B.C, Squadron Leader R.A Dick Ellis DFC, Wing Commander E.H Moncrieff AFC, Lord Trenchard, Air Vice Marshall W.F Dickson CB, OBE DSO AFC, S... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205234468https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cf-248.jpgCF 248ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN THE FAR EAST, 1941-1945. (CF 248) Pilots of No. 67 Squadron RAF sitting in a jeep in front of 'Mary Ann', the Commanding Officer's Supermarine Spitfire Mark VIII, JG567, at Akyab, Burma, on the day after a section led by the CO shot down five Nakajima Ki 43s from a force of Japanese aircraft which attacked the port following its reoccupation. At the wheel is the Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader R W R 'Bob' Day, who shot down tw... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052123852023-05-04T02:28:04+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/05/16/bookreview-limiting-risk-in-americas-wars-airpower-asymmetrics-and-a-new-strategic-paradigm/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/180112-a-zz999-001.jpg180112-A-ZZ999-001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/170415-f-qp712-0286c.jpg170415-F-QP712-0286Chttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/151206-f-cx842-147.jpgReaper extends range in Afghanistanhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/51rbmypl-cl-_sx329_bo1204203200_.jpg51RBmypL-cL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_2018-05-18T03:39:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/05/11/norad-at-60/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/f-106s_5th_fis_over_mt_rushmore_1981.jpegDF-ST-82-08601An air-to-air right side view of four F-106 Delta Dart aircraft in a diamond formation. The aircraft are from the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/f-15_71st_fighter_squadron_in_flight.jpgF-15,_71st_Fighter_Squadron,_in_flightCapt. Matt Buckner, an F-15 Eagle pilot assigned to the 71st Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., flies a combat air patrol mission Oct. 7 over Washington D.C. in support of Operation Nobel Eagle. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/canyon-1.jpgcanyon-1https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/nts.jpgNTShttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/north-portal_large.jpgNorth-Portal_largehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/norad.pngnoradhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/norad-map-1960s.jpgNORAD Map 1960shttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/air_defense_command.gifair_defense_commandhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/071122-f-zy202-005.jpg071122-F-ZY202-0052018-05-10T10:15:32+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/05/02/bookreview-space-warfare-in-the-21st-century-arming-the-heavens/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/161208-d-zz999-998.jpg161208-D-ZZ999-998https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/9781138693883.jpg97811386938832018-04-29T11:43:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/28/editorial-call-for-contributors-historicbookreviews/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ddc-45163715.jpgDDC-451637152018-04-28T04:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/25/small-air-forces-and-highintensitywar-multinational-cooperation-as-an-opportunity-to-build-and-strengthen-their-capabilities/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab_ajs-37_viggen_37098_52_se-dxn_9256079273.jpgSaab_AJS-37_Viggen_37098_52_(SE-DXN)_(9256079273)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1025448_a_swedish_jas-39_gripen_returns_to_the_play_areas_of_the_arctic_challenge_exercise_sept-_24_2013.jpgRed versus BlueA Swedish JAS-39 Gripen returns to the play areas of the Arctic Challenge exercise Sept. 24, 2013, over Norway, after taking on fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker. The JAS-39, in coordination with aircraft from other nations, formed a Blue assault force, which had to bypass or neutralize an opposing Red force attempting to stop them from an overall objective outlined in the day's scenario. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/105_polish_air_force_mig-29a_fulcrum_ila_berlin_2016_10.jpg105 Polish Air Force MiG-29A Fulcrum ILA Berlin 2016Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29A Fulcrum (reg. 105, cn 2960535105) at ILA Berlin Air Show 2016.2018-04-25T10:16:16+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/18/historicbookreview-sierra-hotel-flying-fighters-in-the-decade-after-vietnam/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/090810-f-1234o-013.jpg090810-F-1234O-013https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/usaf_agressor_flight.jpgAggressors provide challenging, realistic threat replicationA flight of Aggressor F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation 5 June over the Nevada Test and Training Ranges. The jets are assigned to the 64th and 65th Aggressor squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area), which is a vital factor in maneuverability and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/924850-b-poh43-339.jpg924850-B-POH43-339https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/061006-f-1234s-074.jpgNorthrop F-5EFormation of seven F-5E aggressors of the 57th FWW on Jan. 4, 1985. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nellis.jpgNellishttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sierra-hotel.jpgSierra Hotel2018-04-17T06:34:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/11/hybrid-warfare-the-electromagnetic-spectrum-and-signposts-for-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/090605-f-1234p-090.jpgDavis 2917th & 561st TFS w/ 34 TRS F4Es, "Hunter-Killer" Team, Backer, Summer 1972, #146 52498- Where: Vietnam, When: Oct. 1972, What: Side view of an F-4E (in the foreground) and three F-105's awair their turn. The F-4E's and the F-105's are assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Photographer: Ken Hackman, USAF. US Air Force Photo.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20180123raaf8165233_032.jpg20180123raaf8165233_032Technicians from Number 6 Squadron perform an after flight inspection on an EA-18G Growler at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during Exercise Red Flag 18-1. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a contingent of approximately 340 personnel to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for Exercise Red Flag 18-1, taking place from 29 January to 16 February 2018. Established in 1980 by the United States Air Force, Exercise Red Flag centres on the world’s most complex reconstruction of a modern battlespace and is recognised as one of the world’s premier air combat exercises. The exercise involves participants from the United States Navy as well as the United Kingdom. For 2018, an AP-3C Orion, E-7A Wedgetail and a Control and Reporting Centre have been deployed on the complex, multi-nation exercise. Four EA-18G Growler aircraft from Number 6 Squadron have also been deployed for the first time on an international exercise, since being transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force in January 2017. Training alongside allied nations is critical to the success of Air Force units on real world operations; helping develop further familiarity with foreign terminology, methods and platforms.2018-04-11T06:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/04/06/tactical-reconnaissance-redux-the-requirement-for-airborne-tactical-reconnaissance-in-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/us_navy_030113-n-2385r-008_shared_reconnaissance_pod_sharp_installed_on_the_bottom_of_an_f-a-18f.jpg030113-N-2385R-008030113-N-2385R-008 At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 13, 2003 -- A Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP), installed on the bottom of an F/A-18F ÒSuper HornetÓ assigned to the ÒBlack AcesÓ of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41), is positioned on the shipÕs flight deck waiting to be launched during the next cycle of flight operations. The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance. It is capable of simultaneous airborne and ground screening capabilities, and is designed to replace the Navy's Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), currently flown on the F-14 "Tomcat." Nimitz is currently undergoing Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMTUEX) off the coast of San Diego, Calif. COMPTUEX is an exercise designed to train the ship, airwing, and other vessels in the battle group to function as one fighting force. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 3rd Class Yesenia Rosas. (RELEASED)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/45150905.jpgTornado GR4 with Raptor Reconnaissance PodA Tornado GR4 aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force, takes off from RAF Marham in Norfolk. A Raptor Airborne Reconnaissance Pod can be seen fitted beneath the fuselage. The images received by the pod can be transmitted via a real-time data-link system to image analysts at a ground station, or can be displayed in the cockpit during flight. The imagery can also be recorded for post-flight analysis. The RAPTOR system can create images of hundreds of separate targets in one sortie; it is capable of autonomous operation against preplanned targets, or it can be re-tasked manually for targets of opportunity or to select a different route to the target. The stand-off range of the sensors allows the aircraft to remain outside heavily-defended areas, to minimise the aircraft’s exposure to enemy air-defence systems.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hu-92977.jpgHU 92977ROYAL AIR FORCE: OPERATIONS BY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE UNITS, 1939-1945. (HU 92977) Vertical photographic-reconnaissance aerial, taken from 24,000 feet, showing the St Jean district of Caen, France, destroyed by two heavy raids on the city by aircraft of No. 5 Group, Bomber Command, on the nights of 6/7 and 12/13 June 1944. The Bassin Saint-Pierre is at bottom left and the River Orne flows from upper right to middle left. The church of St Jean, damaged but still standing, is visi... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2050231822018-04-05T10:58:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/30/highintensitywar-and-alliances/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/mcdonnell_douglas_a-4f_skyhawk_ayit_f_468970264.jpgMcDonnell_Douglas_A-4F_Skyhawk_Ayit_F_(468970264)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/fkd-127.jpgFKD 127THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT, APRIL - JUNE 1982 (FKD 127) Flight deck operations on board HMS HERMES. A Sea Harrier takes off from the ski-jump while various missiles, helicopters and vehicles crowd the flight deck of the carrier. The arms front to back include: 1000lb GP bombs with type 114 'Slick' tails, 1000lb GP Bombs with Type 117 parachute 'retarded' tails, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and Sea Skua air-to-surface missiles. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205190437https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/fkd-2100.jpgFKD 2100THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT, APRIL - JUNE 1982 (FKD 2100) A formation of Royal Navy FRS 1 Sea Harriers from three of the Fleet Air Arm Squadrons which served in the Falklands War. Viewed from front to back are aircraft of No 800 Naval Air Squadron, No 801 Naval Air Squadron and No 899 Naval Air Squadron. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2050188562018-03-24T07:54:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/25/society-and-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/op-telic-03-010-37-091.jpgOP-TELIC 03-010-37-091OPERATION TELIC: BRITISH FORCES IN IRAQ, 2003 (OP-TELIC 03-010-37-091) The advance into Basra City. Stretcher bearers of the Red Crescent evacuate a civilian casualty. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205216561https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45159769.jpgPUMA SQUADRON MARKS 100 YEARSPictured is an RAF Puma deploying flares whilst on Operation TORAL in Afghanistan. Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, 33 Squadron Puma detachment are employed on Operation TORAL. The detachment is responsible for moving personnel between areas around Kabul and to military bases further afield. The Puma detachment are usually based out of Royal Air Force Benson, Oxfordshire. 33 Squadron have been in Afghanistan since late September 2015 remained there till early 2016.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/a-14063.jpgA 14063ALLIES GRAND STRATEGY CONFERENCE IN N AFRICA: PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT MEETS MR CHURCHILL. ONE OF THE MOST MOMENTOUS CONFERENCES OF THIS WAR BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 1943 NEAR CASABLANCA, WHEN PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT AND MR CHURCHILL MET TO SURVEY THE ENTIRE FIELD OF WAR, THEATRE BY THEATRE. THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEFS OF STAFF OF THE TWO COUNTRIES. ALL RESOURCES WERE MARSHALLED FOR THE ACTIVE AND CONCERTED EXECUTION OF THE ALLIES' PLANS FOR THE OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN OF 1943. MR ROOSEVELT LATER DESCRIBED THE MEETING AS THE 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' MEETING, BY WHICH HE MEANT THAT THE UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER BY THE AXIS WAS THE ONLY ASSURANCE OF FUTURE WORLD PEACE. GENERAL DE GAULLE AND GENERAL GIRAUD ALSO MET AT CASABLANCA AND DISCUSSED THE UNIFICATION OF THE WAR EFFORT OF THE FRENCH EMPIRE. (A 14063) Correspondents with the Premier and Mr Roosevelt, at the end of the Conference, war correspondents were invited to the President's Villa where statements were made. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2051472972018-03-24T05:59:52+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/23/education-for-21st-century-aviators/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20141208adf8588365_003.jpg20141208adf8588365_003Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, speaking at the 2014 Australian Command and Staff Course - Joint (ACSC(J)) Graduation ceremony held at Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University(ANU), Canberra. *** Local Caption *** 168 future Defence leaders graduated from the Australian Command and Staff Course - Joint (ACSC(J)) on Monday 8 December 2014. ACSC(J) is an 11 month intensive course which is one of the most important transitions in an officer's career. It prepares Major-equivalent personnel to be Commanding Officers or key staff to senior leaders. The course is delivered in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU).https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1024px-canadian_forces_college_memorial_02.jpg1024px-Canadian_Forces_College_memorial_02https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wakelam.pngWakelam2018-03-23T22:48:06+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/21/observations-on-the-character-of-future-highintensitywar/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/destroyed_neighborhood_in_raqqa.pngDestroyed_neighborhood_in_Raqqahttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lukeafb_ms_010.jpgLuke AFB Aerial ShootA Royal Australian Air Force F-35A flies in formation with a US Air Force F-35 and F-16 during trial flights from Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix Arizona. *** Local Caption *** Royal Australian Air Force personnel at Luke Air Force Base outside Phoenix, Arizona, USA, from 25 to 27 January 2016, test flying and training on the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The JSF program has nine partner countries – Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps) who will all train together to develop common tactics, techniques and procedures for the operation of the F-35A.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20161128raaf8185068_0567.jpg20161128raaf8185068_0567The Royal Australian Air Force’s first P-8A Poseidon fly’s down the St Vincent Gulf coastline near Adelaide in South Australia. *** Local Caption *** In an Australian first, a Neptune, Catalina, AP-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircraft have flown over Adelaide together to mark the start of a new era for the Royal Australian Air Force. Representing four generations of aircraft flown by Number 11 Squadron, the aircraft have flown over Adelaide to celebrate the arrival of the first Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon to RAAF Base Edinburgh. During the Air Force’s transition to the P-8A Poseidon, the AP-3C Orion will continue to operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh, providing maritime surveillance operations across the globe. By 2022, twelve aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, with an additional three to be acquired as part of the Government's 2016 Defence White Paper commitment.2018-03-20T11:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/18/the-air-defence-of-the-uk-defence-on-a-shoestring-in-an-age-of-uncertainty/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ct-68.jpgCT 68THE ROYAL AIR FORCE 1945 - 1975 (CT 68) The crew of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom FRG2 aircraft of No 111 Squadron, Royal Air Force with their aircraft and weapons load at RAF Coningsby in 1975. The aircraft is fitted with tanks and Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. Lying in front are four Sparrow radar guided missiles and a Gatling Pod. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205018944https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/tr-27162.jpgTR 27162BRITISH ARMED FORCES IN GERMANY 1945 - 1975 (TR 27162) A Royal Air Force Bristol Bloodhound Mark II surface to air guided missile. The missile was used as Britain's main air defence weapon from 1958 - 1991. It initally protected Britain's V bomber force but was later deployed in Germany and at RAF Seletar, Singapore. The Bloodhound Mk II was introduced in 1964. It used continuous wave radar guidance and had a capability against aircraft flying at... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205189887https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/raf-t-2151.jpgRAF-T 2151THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 (RAF-T 2151) A Gloster Javelin FAW.9R (XH890) of No 23 Squadron banking away from the camera clearly showing the identification markers and the missile complement of De Havilland Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is flying from No. 23 Squadron's base at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205214221https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45158137.jpgRAF QRA Typhoon Intercepting Russian Bear AircraftA Russian Bear aircraft is escorted by a Royal Air Force Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon during an intercept in September 2014. Royal Air Force aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth launched the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) for the first time since the Moray base took on the role of defending the UK’s Northern airspace. Typhoon jets were scrambled to identify aircraft in international airspace. The aircraft, identified as Russian military ‘Bears’, did not enter UK airspace.2018-03-17T00:31:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/01/17/book-review-architect-of-air-power-general-laurence-s-kuter-and-the-birth-of-the-us-air-force/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8thoperationsgroup-f-16-1.jpgROKAF Lt. Gen. Flies with WolfpackRepublic of Korea Air Force Lt. Gen. Cho Won Kun, Air Force Operations Center commander, flies with the 35th Fighter Squadion out of Kunsan Air Base Sept 10. (Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. John Cronin)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/continental_defense_warning_systems.pngContinental_Defense_Warning_Systemshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/c2a9-iwm-cna-408.jpg© IWM (CNA 408)ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA, 1939-1943. (CNA 408) Senior Allied Air Commanders gathered at the Headquarters of the North African Tactical Air Force, Ain Beida, Algeria. Left to right: Air Marshal Sir Arthur 'Mary' Coningham, Air Office Commanding, NATAF, Major General C A Spaatz, Commanding General, North-west African Air Forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Mediterranean Air Command, and Brigadier Gener... Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205209194https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/architect-of-air-power-cover.jpgArchitect of Air Power Cover2018-03-16T00:22:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/16/fearing-a-space-pearl-harbor-space-warfare-highintensitywars-and-air-power/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/170318-f-re693-806d.jpgWGS9 LAUNCHThe U.S. Air Force successfully launched the ninth Boeing-built Wideband Global SATCOM satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida at 8:18 p.m. EDT. WGS satellites play an integral part in the strategic and tactical coordination of military operations. With this launch, WGS-9 will significantly enhance the current WGS constellation by providing increased communication capacity and coverage. (Courtesy photo/ United Launch Alliance)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/sm-3_launch_to_destroy_the_nro-l_21_satellite.jpgU.S. Navy intercepts malfunctioning intellegence satellite080220-N-XXXXX-032 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb 20, 2008) At a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. President George W. Bush decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. U.S. Navy photo (Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180119-f-zz999-102d.jpg180119-F-ZZ999-102D2018-03-15T03:37:51+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/10/09/commentary-a-rose-by-any-other-name/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1024px-f35a_prototyp_aa1_7.jpg1024px-f35a_prototyp_aa1_72018-03-15T01:49:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/10/26/book-review-a-thunder-bird-in-bomber-command/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/large_0000001.jpglarge_0000001https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/large_000000.jpglarge_000000https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/lionel-book.jpeglionel-book2020-01-15T19:51:43+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/04/18/research-note-a-different-kind-of-shooting-a-photo-recon-pilots-life-in-1944/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/4-the-wreckage-of-adams-p-38-near-morannes.jpg4-The wreckage of Adams' P-38 near Moranneshttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/3-adams-welcomed-in-mussidan.jpg3-Adams welcomed in Mussidanhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2-adams-after-landing-in-mussidan-france.jpg2-Adams after landing in Mussidan, Francehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/fre_005390.jpgFRE_0053902019-01-03T20:31:34+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/05/22/book-review-flying-to-victory-raymond-collishaw-and-the-western-desert-campaign-1940-1941/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_0000005.jpglarge_0000005https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_0000004.jpglarge_0000004https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/colishaw.jpgcolishawhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/large_0000003.jpglarge_0000003https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/51hiab19kxl-_sx329_bo1204203200_.jpg51hiab19kxl-_sx329_bo1204203200_2018-03-15T01:45:38+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/06/03/air-war-books-dr-brian-laslie/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/f-15a_first_prototype_1.jpgf-15a_first_prototype_12018-03-15T01:45:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/07/14/research-note-j-m-spaight-after-the-second-world-war/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/large5.jpglarge52022-05-03T23:25:21+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/07/12/book-review-air-power-in-un-operations-wings-for-peace/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/660955.jpgdrone in Bunia.jpegdrone in Bunia.jpeghttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/72365.jpgFirst Phase Digitalhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/543376.jpgUN MI 8 in Juba supports UNMISS mission in South Sudan.UN MI 8 in Juba supports UNMISS mission in South Sudan.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/air-power-in-un-operations_cover_dorn_300x448_65k.gifair-power-in-un-operations_cover_dorn_300x448_65k2018-03-15T01:40:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/07/18/air-war-books-dr-michael-molkentin/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/eaus-1178.jpgE(AUS) 1178EMPIRE FORCES IN THE AIR (E(AUS) 1178) An RE8 of No 69 (later No 3) Squadron, Australian Flying Corps preparing to set out on a night bombing operation from Savy near Arras, 22 October 1917. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2052131282019-06-08T10:51:48+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/08/25/review-article-air-power-in-technicolour/2021-10-24T08:23:03+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/09/11/research-note-the-royal-cyber-force/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/55771864.jpg55771864https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_1187.jpgComputer Binary Depiction of the MoD BadgeBritain will build a dedicated capability to counter-attack in cyberspace and, if necessary, to strike in cyberspace. As part of MOD’s full-spectrum military capability, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, has announced that the department is set to recruit hundreds of computer experts as cyber reservists to help defend the UK’s national security, working at the cutting-edge of the nation’s cyber defences.2018-03-15T01:39:10+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/09/13/research-note-wither-air-power-studies/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/45162818.jpgExercise Mobility GuardianPictured is an RAF Atlas (A400-M) at night during Operation Mobility Guardian. RAF Aeromedical Evacuation Teams, working alongside Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and United States Air Force Teams, utilising an RAF A400 Aircraft and UK working practices during Exercise Mobility Guardian. An RAF Atlas aircraft, and RAF movements personnel, have been transporting US Military vehicles on Exercise Mobility Guardian. Operating from Joint Base Lewis McChord, and Moses Lake Airfield, they have transported Humvee ambulance variants (pictured) and Stryker Command Vehicles. A Royal Air Force Atlas, Aeromedical Evacuation and Force Protection personnel training with Allies and Partners from over 30 countries on Exercise Mobility Guardian, the largest exercise of its type in the world. Hosted by the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, over 50 aircraft and 3000 personnel from over 30 nations gathered at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Seattle for an exercise designed to test and improve how international partners and allies conduct humanitarian relief operations. Security for the airfield was provided by a team of Force Protection specialists led by No 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment supported by RAF Police, reservists from the RAuxAF Regiment and personnel from Australia and Belgium. This was the first time an RAF A400M Atlas has taken part in a major exercise giving personnel the opportunity to experience the aircraft’s capabilities in a realistic operational environment and to train for complex, modern air operations alongside NATO partners, key allies and international partners.2020-02-23T11:57:37+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/11/20/research-note-raf-centre-for-air-power-studies-interviews/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ch-6373.jpgCH 6373ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER COMMAND, 1939-1941. (CH 6373) Flying Officer Leonard Cheshire, while serving his second tour of operations with No. 35 Squadron RAF, stands with his air and ground crews in front of a Handley Page Halifax at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/2051269382018-03-15T01:37:18+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/01/08/book-review-tiger-check-automating-the-us-air-force-fighter-pilot-in-air-to-air-combat-1950-1980/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/f-22_raptor_p-51_mustang_and_f-15e_strike_eagle.jpgN/A(from left to right) A F-22 Raptor, P-51 Mustang and F-15E Strike Eagle, perform the historic heritage flight during Aviation Nation at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 8, 2008. The Nellis AFB and Aviation Nation air show, is the showcase of the Air Forces airpower capabilities in the 21st century in Air, Space and Cyberspace. It is the largest aviation event in Las Vegas. The show was held Nov. 8-9. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr., Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/f-15c.jpgNATO Operation Allied Force990404-F-0024F-018 An F-15C Eagle breaks away from a KC-135R Stratotanker after in-flight refueling during NATO Operation Allied Force on April 4, 1999. Operation Allied Force is the air operation against targets in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Eagle is armed with AIM-7 Sparrow missiles on the fuselage, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the inboard wing pylon and AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles on the outboard wing pylon. F-15C Eagles are flying Combat Air Patrol missions to maintain air superiority and protect aircraft in Allied Force. The Eagle is from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Brad Fallin, U.S. Air Force. (Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/110330-f-dw547-004.jpgAR.2010.007Saigon (7AF)-Phantom fighters- These are the Air Force's F-4C Phantom jet fighters, the same kind that downed seven communist MIG-21s over the Red River Valley in North Vietnam Jan. 2. The two-man fighters have claimed 23 of the 27 downed by Air Force pilots thus far in the Vietnam war.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/050811-f-1234p-014.jpg050811-F-1234P-014https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/51nxvkrlhkl-_sx329_bo1204203200_.jpg51nxvKRLhkL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_2018-07-04T21:24:47+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/01/26/book-review-the-origins-of-american-strategic-bombing-theory/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/boeing_y1b-17_in_flight.jpgBoeing Y1B-17Boeing Y1B-17 in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/martin_b-10b_during_exercises-national-museum-of-usaf.jpgMartin_B-10B_during_exercises (National Museum of USAF)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/air-corps-tactical-school.jpgAir Corps Tactical Schoolhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/gorrell-edgar-s-harris-ewing.jpgGorrell-Edgar-S (Harris & Ewing)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/origins-of-american-strategic-bombing-theory.jpgOrigins of American Strategic Bombing Theory2018-03-15T01:33:34+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/01/book-review-bailout-over-normandy-a-flyboys-adventures-with-the-french-resistance-and-other-escapades-in-occupied-france/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/media-14325.jpegmedia-14325https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fre_000327.jpgFRE_000327https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fre_000333.jpgFRE_000333https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/fahrenweld.jpgFahrenweldhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/51nxvkrlhkl-_sx329_bo1204203200_.jpg51nxvKRLhkL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_2018-03-15T01:32:57+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/14/what-does-time-and-space-mean-for-the-airman/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45156241.jpgRAF Typhoon Aircraft During Exercise Capable EagleA Royal Air Force Typhoon of 1(F) Squadron during Exercise Capable Eagle. The exercise was the latest in a series designed to further improve the interoperability and effectiveness of Anglo-French military co-operation. As well as Typhoons of 1(F) Sqn the exercise included Mirage 2000N aircraft of the Escadron de Chasse 2/4 "La Fayette".https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45155237.jpgRemotely Piloted Air System RAF Pilot BadgesRAF Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) 'Wings', which differ only slightly from the current RAF pilot badge by having blue laurel leaves to identify the specialisation. Remotley Piloted Air System (RPAS) are growing in importance and the RAF formed 39 Sqn at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada in 2007 to operate RAF MQ-9 PREDATOR B “REAPER” aircraft alongside the USAF squadrons. The UK has purchased a number of Reaper aircraft in support of UK ground forces in Afghanistan under the Reaper Urgent Operational Requirement (REAPER UOR). Reaper provides real-time video imagery to ground commanders, and has the capability to attack ground targets if required. The RAF and UK MoD has also taken the first step towards the next generation of Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS). Project TARANIS, a joint MoD/BAESYSTEMS (plus other key UK industrial partners) venture, was unveiled in 2010 and a demonstrator is due to fly in 2011 in Woomera, Australia and it will be used to evaluate how RPAS/UCAS will contribute to the RAF’s future mix of aircraft.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/45154678.jpgReaper RPAS Aircraft Lands at Kandahar, AfghanistanA Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) comes into land at Kandahar Airbase in Helmand, Afghanistan. Breaking new ground for the RAF, the MQ-9 Reaper has become an invaluable asset in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. It is able to spend great lengths of time silently observing the enemy before using a range of precision munitions to defend coalition troops and civilians from danger. This image was a runner-up in the RAF 2011 Photographic Competititon.2018-03-13T22:23:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/11/the-champion-team-to-fight-and-win-highintensitywar-the-case-for-australian-expeditionary-air-wings/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20170713raaf8485160_0077.jpg20170713raaf8485160_0077Air Force C-17 Globemaster with engine maintenance stands in place and all engines open on sunset at No. 36 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley. *** Local Caption *** Newly constructed engine maintenance stands are used specifically for the C-17's major inspection service known as the Home Station Check or 'HSC'. The stands were built to increase efficiencies, create easier access and increase safety.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20171125raaf8165654_058.jpgOperation OKRAAn RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fly in formation as they transit to the airspace as part of Operation OKRA. *** Local Caption *** The Air Task Group (ATG) is deployed on Operation OKRA and is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government with a US-led Global Coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Daesh operations in the Middle East Region (MER). The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft. Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical command and control unit. The ATG is directly supported by elements of Operation ACCORDION including the Theatre Communications Group, Air Mobility Task Group, and the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit. There are up to 300 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed, at any one time, as part of, or in direct support of the ATG.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20171115raaf8485160_686.jpgOperation OKRAAn RAAF E-7A Wedgetail is silhouetted by the setting sun at the main logistics base in the Middle East. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft is deployed with the Air Task Group (ATG) as part of Operation OKRA. The aircraft and crew provide tactical command and control of the airspace above Iraq and Syria. The ATG is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government within a US-led Global Coalition assembled to degrade and defeat Daesh. The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical Command and Control Unit.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/expeditionary-air-wing1.pngExpeditionary Air Winghttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/expeditionary-air-wing-e1520666454248.pngExpeditionary Air Winghttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/expeditionary-air-wing.jpgExpeditionary Air Wing2018-03-10T07:45:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/07/security-forces-in-highintensitywar-a-look-back-at-airfield-defence-for-a-future-consideration-of-the-royal-australian-air-force/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/201506010raaf8159758_0125.jpgACES NORTH 2015Leading Aircraftman Joel Sitkiewicz from Number 1 Security Force (1SECFOR) and Military Working Dog (MWD) “Lucky”, patrol the F/A-18F Super Hornet flight line during Exercise Aces North 2015. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Aces North 2015 is the culmination of Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI) course held at RAAF Base Tindal and Darwin over the period 28 May – 25 June 2015. Exercise Aces North is supported by personnel and assets from Number 1 Squadron and Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit. FCI course is run from 12 January to 26 June 2015 at Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU). The aim of FCI course is to graduate expert leaders and instructors capable of tactics development, validation and instruction and is run every two years.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/p02875-148.jpgP02875.1482022-12-23T07:02:56+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/03/04/2026-operation-iranian-freedom/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/151003-n-uy653-021.jpg151003-N-UY653-021https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/170308-n-zb097-0084c.jpg170308-N-ZB097-0084https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/map.jpgMap2018-03-03T23:37:17+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/28/highintensitywar-and-the-realistic-training-paradigm-red-flag-and-aerial-warfare/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sukhoi2.jpgSukhoi2Aircraft maintainers with the Indian air force conduct post-flight maintenance on an SU-30 Fighter following a Red Flag mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Aug. 13 2008. The Indian air force is at Nellis for Red Flag 08-4, a two-week exercise that pits forces in a realistic aerial "battlefield" to hone the fighting skills of American and allied airmen. Republic of Korea, Indian, Navy and Air Force teams are joining the Indian air force in Red Flag 08-4.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Whitney)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/160719-f-un699-986.jpgRed Flag 16-3 hits full throttleAn F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 64th Aggressors Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., banks off toward the Nevada Test and Training Range to participate in a training sortie during Red Flag 16-3, July 19, 2016. During Red Flag, the 64th AGRS will test other unitsÕ capabilities in air-to-air combat while acting as the enemy in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jake Carter)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20180123raaf8165233_073.jpg20180123raaf8165233_073EA-18G Growlers from Number 6 Squadron arrive at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, for Exercise Red Flag 18-1. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a contingent of approximately 340 personnel to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for Exercise Red Flag 18-1, taking place from 29 January to 16 February 2018. Established in 1980 by the United States Air Force, Exercise Red Flag centres on the world’s most complex reconstruction of a modern battlespace and is recognised as one of the world’s premier air combat exercises. The exercise involves participants from the United States Navy as well as the United Kingdom. For 2018, an AP-3C Orion, E-7A Wedgetail and a Control and Reporting Centre have been deployed on the complex, multi-nation exercise. Four EA-18G Growler aircraft from Number 6 Squadron have also been deployed for the first time on an international exercise, since being transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force in January 2017. Training alongside allied nations is critical to the success of Air Force units on real world operations; helping develop further familiarity with foreign terminology, methods and platforms.https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180207-f-jv039-246.jpgRed Flag 18-1: Week threeAn F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the 123rd Fighter Squadron at the Oregon Air National Guard approaches an in-flight refueling boom during Red Flag 18-1 over the Nevada Test and Training Range Feb. 7, 2018. Units from across the country along with members from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force participated as Blue Forces in this year’s first Red Flag exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20101203raaf8202385_0095.jpgF-111 end of era final flight and landingA8-126 performs the last dump and burn in history on the final day of flying the F-111. F-111s FAREWELLED AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE Air Force’s iconic F-111s were farewelled today at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland following nearly four decades of service to Australia. Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare said that the retirement of the F-111 fleet marks a significant milestone in the history of Australian military aviation. The long range strike bombers have supported Australia’s national security by providing a potent strategic deterrent. Since their introduction in 1973, the F-111s have undergone numerous airframe, engine, weapons and avionics upgrades. The aircraft could fly at two and a half times the speed of sound at high altitude, or at supersonic speeds at low levels, using its terrain-following capabilities to avoid detection. Mr Clare said that we remember those who lost their lives in F-111 accidents and who died or have suffered serious health effects from working on the deseal reseal programs. Lessons learnt from deseal reseal have forever changed military occupational health and safety,” at a memorial service at Amberley. The F-111s have been able to remain in operational service for so long through crucial innovations and support from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Defence Materiel Organisation and Industry partners. Australia has been the sole operator of F-111s for more than 10 years, and recently the aircraft have become increasingly expensive to operate and maintain. The F-111G models were withdrawn from service in 2007 and today the F-111Cs and RF-111Cs retired. Air Force is acquiring 24 next generation F/A-18F Super Hornets to ensure Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained until the full introduction into service of the Joint Strike Fighter. The next tranche of Super Hornets will transit from the United States to Amberley next week, allowing declaration of an operational capability2018-02-26T04:34:44+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/25/highintensitywar-and-the-enduring-legacy-of-operation-bolo/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/110330-f-dw547-019.jpgAR.2010.0072018-02-23T23:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/02/18/highintensitywar-a-series-introduction/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/45160782.jpgRAF Leeming Photo Task 2016Pictured is a XI Squadron FGR4 Typhoon during Exercise GRIFFIN STRIKE 2106. The Typhoon FGR4 provides the RAF with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict.2018-02-18T21:56:24+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/01/22/from-balloons-to-drones-editorial-changes-and-future-developments/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mirage_2000c_in-flight_2_cropped.jpgMirage_2000C_in-flight_2_(cropped)A French Air Force Mirage 2000C drops away from a United States Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker (not shown) after refueling during a Combat Patrol mission while participating in NATO Operation Allied Force. The KC-135R is based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England but is being flown by a crew deployed from the 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Tankers from RAF Mildenhall make-up a large portion of the tanker forces supporting NATO aircraft during NATO Operation Allied Force.2018-01-23T11:03:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/06/26/changing-the-usafs-aerial-kill-criteria/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/airstrikes_in_syria_140923-f-ul677-158.jpgAirstrikes in SyriaA U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Bruch/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/airstrikes_in_syria_140923-f-ul677-651.jpgAirstrikes in SyriaA pair of U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq early in the morning of Sept. 23, 2014, after conducting airstrikes in Syria. These aircraft were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to strike ISIL targets in Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Bruch/Released)https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/uas-table.jpgUAS Tablehttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/13941115000415_photoi.jpg13941115000415_photoi2018-01-13T04:42:33+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/05/31/it-is-time-to-demystify-the-effects-of-strategic-western-air-power-part-1/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/raf_tornado_gr4_aircarft_during_operation_ellamy_mod_45155728.jpgRAF Tornado GR4 Aircarft During Operation Ellamyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/b-52h_static_display_arms_06.jpgDisplay of mighthttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/011031-n-3405l-007_weapons_ready_for_launch.jpgEnduring Freedom2018-01-13T04:37:56+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/11/25/supporting-the-secret-war-t-28s-over-laos-1964-1973-part-3-other-roles-and-conclusion/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/t-28d_air_america_in_southeast_asia.jpgt-28d_air_america_in_southeast_asia2023-06-27T22:11:49+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/11/20/supporting-the-secret-war-t-28s-over-laos-1964-1973-part-2-attack-role/2023-01-05T13:48:31+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/11/11/supporting-the-secret-war-t-28s-over-laos-1964-1973-part-1-training/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/110329-f-xn622-002.jpg110329-f-xn622-002https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/091029-f-1234o-002.jpg091029-f-1234o-0022022-09-01T23:32:01+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/10/18/a-case-of-mistaken-identity-colonel-edgar-stanley-gorrell-part-3-postscript/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/b-17_on_bomb_run.jpgb-17_on_bomb_runhttps://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/raid_by_the_8th_air_force.jpgraid_by_the_8th_air_force2018-01-13T04:16:36+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/10/11/a-case-of-mistaken-identity-colonel-edgar-stanley-gorrell-part-2-the-emerging-role-of-civil-aviation-in-air-transport/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/an_usaf_c-54_skymaster.jpgC-54https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/liberator_express_consolidated_c-87_41-11706_281552059443329.jpgliberator_express_consolidated_c-87_41-11706_281552059443329https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1280px-c-87s_delivered_fort_worth_28colour29_1942.jpg1280px-c-87s_delivered_fort_worth_28colour29_19422018-01-13T04:15:59+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2018/01/02/call-for-contributions-high-intensity-warfare-in-the-21st-century/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/45150408.jpgHarrier At Kandahar Prior to Leaving AfghanistanA Harrier aircraft waits in a hangar at Kandahar, Afghanistan prior to departure. 1(F) Squadron marked the end of Harrier air operations in Afghanistan in June 2009, five years after RAF and Royal Navy pilots first engaged the Taliban in Operation HERRICK. 97 year old 1 Sqn, the oldest fighter squadron in the RAF, returned home on 1 July 2009, to be replaced by 12 SqnÕs Tornado GR4s, based at RAF Lossiemouth. Harriers have been supporting British and NATO coalition personnel since 2004 by providing vital air cover, ground close air support and strikes against insurgents in the field.2018-01-02T22:34:09+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/12/27/2017-a-year-in-review/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20101203raaf8202385_0095.jpgF-111 end of era final flight and landingA8-126 performs the last dump and burn in history on the final day of flying the F-111. F-111s FAREWELLED AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE Air Force’s iconic F-111s were farewelled today at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland following nearly four decades of service to Australia. Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare said that the retirement of the F-111 fleet marks a significant milestone in the history of Australian military aviation. The long range strike bombers have supported Australia’s national security by providing a potent strategic deterrent. Since their introduction in 1973, the F-111s have undergone numerous airframe, engine, weapons and avionics upgrades. The aircraft could fly at two and a half times the speed of sound at high altitude, or at supersonic speeds at low levels, using its terrain-following capabilities to avoid detection. Mr Clare said that we remember those who lost their lives in F-111 accidents and who died or have suffered serious health effects from working on the deseal reseal programs. Lessons learnt from deseal reseal have forever changed military occupational health and safety,” at a memorial service at Amberley. The F-111s have been able to remain in operational service for so long through crucial innovations and support from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Defence Materiel Organisation and Industry partners. Australia has been the sole operator of F-111s for more than 10 years, and recently the aircraft have become increasingly expensive to operate and maintain. The F-111G models were withdrawn from service in 2007 and today the F-111Cs and RF-111Cs retired. Air Force is acquiring 24 next generation F/A-18F Super Hornets to ensure Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained until the full introduction into service of the Joint Strike Fighter. The next tranche of Super Hornets will transit from the United States to Amberley next week, allowing declaration of an operational capability2017-12-27T03:51:11+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/events/2017-09-10T20:22:59+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/articles/2017-09-10T17:33:31+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.com/2017/07/05/from-balloons-to-drones-one-year-on/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/45133286.jpgLightnings of No 56 Squadron during Armament Practice Camp at Akrotiri.Lightnings of No 56 Squadron during Armament Practice Camp at Akrotiri, In the foreground, a technician is preparing a Firestreak missile for loading.2017-07-05T20:25:20+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/04/27/call-for-submissions-from-balloons-to-drones/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/45160397.jpgChinooks celebrate the 100th anniversaries of 18(B) and 27 Squadron from RAF Odiham and 28 Squadron from RAF Benson.Pictured are a special formation of Chinooks from 18,27 & 28 Sqn, part of their 100th anniversary celebrations. On Wednesday 14 September a very special formation left RAF Odiham bound for the south coast of England but tactical camouflage was not on the agenda! In the past 18 months three Chinook aircraft have been painted to celebrate the 100th anniversaries of 18(B) and 27 Squadron from RAF Odiham and 28 Squadron from RAF Benson. With the first of the helicopters expected to be returned to standard operational markings in the near future this opportunity was integrated in to a formation training sortie which tested the crews’ ability to plan and execute some very unique tasks. With it being so complex the mission was, unusually, briefed the day prior to launch and each crew walked through the various maneouvres in the hangar, in what is colloquially known as a ‘rock drill.’ At the hour they walked for their aircraft each member had a firm grasp of the planned movements which enabled them to focus on maintaining strict safety margins. The day itself was only the end of a long road though, with preparation having begun over 6 months ago. Operational restraints cancelled the first planned date in June and the only other window where all three aircraft were available concurrently was identified as being this week. RAF Odiham’s dedicated and professional engineering teams were therefore faced with generating three very specific airframes to complete this sortie whilst concurrently deploying multiple others to support exercises in Sweden and onboard HMS Ocean and providing manpower to flying detachments in the United States and elsewhere. They succeeded and the results of their efforts are clearly seen.The Serco team who painted the Chinooks at Odiham, each in the space of two intense weeks, were invited to see the three lined up on the dispersal together for what may be the first and only time – a moment they had waited a long time to see. As for the2017-06-11T16:39:59+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2017/01/03/from-balloons-to-drones-tops-posts-of-2016/2017-01-13T16:35:13+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/2016/12/01/from-balloons-to-drones-contributors-wanted-we-want-you/https://balloonstodrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1280px-b-1b_over_the_pacific_ocean.jpg1280px-b-1b_over_the_pacific_ocean2016-12-01T12:40:35+00:00monthlyhttps://balloonstodrones.com/contact/2016-06-13T12:59:24+00:00weekly0.6https://balloonstodrones.comdaily1.02026-03-08T12:07:20+00:00