Whether you know the Russian Tupolev Tu-160 as the Blackjack, or the White Swan is up to you. Brief History The Tupolev Tu-160 White Swan or the NATO name ‘Blackjack’is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It is the largestRead More →

Just three of the many greatest jet fighter aircraft produced. Ian Black says of the top picture. “I’m probably being a bit critical but one of the few images I’ve taken of a BAE English Lightning I’m not keen on – just doesn’t seem to look right – perhaps it’sRead More →

Boeing has made significant progress over the past several months in support of safely returning the 737 MAX. Boeing continues to work with the FAA and other global regulators on the process laid out for certifying the 737 MAX software and related training updates. The company has also made significantRead More →

An ejection seat or ejector seat is a system designed to rescue the pilot or other crew of an aircraft in an emergency. In most designs, the seat is propelled out of the aircraft by an explosive charge or rocket motor, carrying the pilot with it. Once clear of theRead More →

On Wednesday 7th October 2020, a Su-24 MR fell into a ditch during transportation in the Russian Far East. The overall damage to the aircraft is unknown. However, sources on the scene said the fuselage damage was minimal due to the low speed while under tow. The wings, vertical finsRead More →

How’s this for a low pass? Hastings NZ5803 of No. 40 Squadron flying past the crowd with two propellers feathered during an open day air show at Whenuapai in February 1957. Handley Page Hastings Amid the latter years of WWII, the British Air Ministry formulated and released a specification for aRead More →

The SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019 is an Italian STOL liaison monoplane built by SIAI-Marchetti for the Italian Army and based on the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. To meet an Italian Army requirement for a short take-off liaison aircraft, SIAI-Marchetti modified the design of the Cessna 305A/O-1 Bird Dog with a new turbopropRead More →