FRED22: 86 World Records For Lockheed C-5M SuperGalaxy

The C-5M Super Galaxy. It is the result of a program to give “FRED” a two-phase modernization effort, broken down into the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP). What’s the result? Greatly improved reliability, maintainability and much higher mission-capable rate. The C-5M has a modern flight-deck with flat-panel displays, […]

F-35s To Alaska?

It looks like we’ll be seeing some AK-coded F-35As flying around the Last Frontier in the near future, as Eielson AFB is likely to become home to two squadrons comprising 48 Lightning II aircraft. The Air Force already announced Eielson as being a preferred Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) base for the 5th generation jet, and is holding […]

Dirt Qualified: Maximum Effort Landings in the C-130

There are two types of people: those who love clean, shiny machines, and those who love grimy machines. Some like a sparkling new Ferrari, some a mud covered Jeep. When it comes to airplanes, most folks favor the clean. Less parasite drag, right? I fall in the grimy category, especially when it comes to airplanes. The dirtier […]

Preventing G-LOC: The AGSM

After a somewhat tedious look at the scientific background to high gravitational (G) forces and how they affect the human body in flight, we need to understand how military aviators flying high-performance aircraft maintain consciousness and continue to press their attack in such a physically demanding and stressful environment. The G-LOC Before we get into that, I need to address the dreaded G-induced Loss Of Consciousness. […]

Burner Friday: Block 30 F-16C+

One of the most delightful parts of attending a Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada is the opportunity to see aircraft from a variety of different units. Period 15-1, held from 26 January to 13 February 2015, was certainly no exception. This particular flag was very heavy with escort and strike aircraft; four […]

Welcome To Warrior Wednesday!

Welcome to Warrior Wednesday, FighterSweep Fans! We continue to show our deep appreciation for the men and women in this community who don their flightsuits and G-suits daily, strap on 55 (Roll ‘Em!) to 69 thousand pounds of fire-breathing hardware, and roar off into the sky to rain hate and judgment on our nation’s enemies. […]

Egypt: Taking Revenge On ISIS

In response to the continued barbarism and bloodlust of ISIS, Egypt got in on the action after 21 of its citizens–all Coptic Christians–were beheaded on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in neighboring Libya. In the early-morning hours of 16 February, the Egyptian Air Force targeted Islamic State assembly areas, weapons storage facilities, and training […]

Milestone 500 Sorties for F-35 at Nellis AFB!!!

The Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II fleet at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, passed a significant milestone on 5 February 2015 when Major Jordan Carvell took to the sky for a test mission. A pilot with the 706th Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, “Quatro” flew the 500th Operational Test (OT) sortie since […]

F-22 Chief Test Pilot Reaches 1,000 Flight Hours

I met Steve Rainey at Elmendorf Air Force Base in August of 2007. He was there as part of a contingent celebrating the arrival of the first six F-22A Raptors to the installation, signifying the transition of the 90th Fighter Squadron “Dicemen” from the venerable Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle to the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation […]

From The Cockpit: Lockheed Martin F-16C Viper

On this Monday, we bring to you some awesome footage captured by members of the 35th Fighter Squadron, the “Pantons.” They operate the Lockheed-Martin Block 40 F-16C and are based at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. The video was captured during a recent trip to Alaska to participate in Red Flag Alaska 15-1. I could […]

USAFWS Receives Its First F-35

Recently the Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II checked another container on her interesting and lengthy journey toward initial operational capability. The United States Air Force Weapons School (USAFWS), based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, just received its first F-35. The new addition will join the Block 42/52 F-16Cs of the 16th Weapons Squadron, the ‘Tomahawks.” Now, before […]

In The News: Greek F-16 Down in Spain (Update)

Spain’s Defense Ministry has reported a Lockheed-Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon of the Hellenic Air Force has crashed at Los Llanos Air Base near the city of Albacete, located in southeastern Spain. The Viper was reportedly taking off for a training mission during a NATO exercise when it crashed. Initial reports indicate the two Greek pilots were […]