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The United States Air Force is the aerial and space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2024

This year RIAT celebrates the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighter Falcon with an impressive line-up of 20+ different F-16s. The biggest military air show in the world held at RAF Fairford on 20 – 21 July had some special visitors again. Highlights included first F-16 visits from Jordan, Romania and Morocco. But also two Qatari F-15QA and a Saudi F-15SA.

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McDonnell Douglas F/A-18

The F/A-18 Hornet is a versatile and formidable fighter/attack aircraft that has served as a backbone of the United States Navy and Marine Corps aviation for several decades. Developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing, the Hornet is renowned for its exceptional performance, agility, and multirole capabilities. With its sleek design and powerful engines, the F/A-18 Hornet has proven itself as a reliable workhorse, adept at both air-to-air combat and precision strike missions.

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RIAT 2023 Departure

Traditionally most of the Royal International Air Tattoo participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets from two sides of the runway.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2023

July 15-16, 2023, RAF Fairford hosted the annual Royal International Air Tattoo. With over 250 aircraft participating, it's one of the biggest military air shows in the world. This year we saw a huge Italian contribution as the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force was celebrated. Another highlight was the return of the Me-262 to UK skies, for the first time since World War II. Other highlights included AV-8s from the Spanish and Italian Navy.

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US Bomber and Attack aircraft

Throughout the tumultuous years of World War II and beyond, the United States has been at the forefront of aviation technology, continually developing and deploying advanced bomber and attack aircraft. These warplanes played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of conflicts and establishing American air superiority. Let's embark on a journey through time, exploring the key aircraft that have defined the US bomber and attack aviation lineage.

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Northern Edge 23-1

Northern Edge is a huge joint exercise taking place in Alaska from 4 till 19 may. It’s a combined exercise with all US forces joining and for the first time some allies (UK and Australia) attend as well. What makes this edition exiting is the participation of the “retired” F-117 Nighthawk.

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NMM Nightshoot

The Dutch National Military Museum (NMM) located at former Soesterberg Air Base, organised its first Nightshoot event. Spotters were invited to visit on 2 September 2022 during sun-set and early nightfall to photograph aircraft placed on the tarmac outside the museum. Amongst others the F-4E in 32nd TFS colours and the TF-104 were present, which are not always visible during normal museum hours.

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RIAT 2022 Departure

Traditionally most of the Royal International Air Tattoo participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets from two sides of the runway.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2022

After an absence of two years due to the COVID pandemic, the Royal International Air Tattoo, opened its doors again on 16-17 July 2022 at RAF Fairford for Europe’s biggest air show. Highlights on this sold out event included the E-4B, the Republic of Korea display team Black Eagles, flying the KAI T-50B, a Bahrain C-130J, first RIAT visit of the KC-46, Top Aces A-4N and Swedish Air Force History Flight including a Viggen, Dragen and Lancer. Civil highlights included the Oil Spill Response classic Boeing 727.

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Frisian Flag 2022

After two years of (Covid) absence, Frisian Flag was back at Leeuwarden Air Base. This year’s participants included Canadian CF-188 (F/A-18) from 425 squadron, Aviano based Vipers from the 510th FS, French Mirages and Rafales and Italian F-2000s and Tornado’s. Germany and the UK also participated, although flying from their home bases. A first this edition was the participation of the F-35.

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US Fighter Jets

In this timeline we will look into the operational history of US fighter jets since World War 2. From the P-80 in 1945 till the F-35C in 2019, the US Air Force, Navy and Marines operated 47 major types in the role of air superiority fighter / interceptor or multi role fighter aircraft.

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USS Intrepid

When visiting Manhattan, New York, be sure to stop by the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Located at Pier 86, World War II and Vietnam veteran carrier is home to a collection of over 30 aircraft displayed on the flight deck and inside the hangar. Latest addition to the exhibition is the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

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Pima Air & Space Museum

Pima Air & Space museum is one of the worlds biggest aviation museums, featuring over 350 military and civil aircraft. Existing for forty years and located next to the David-Monthan “Boneyard” it has a constant flow of aircraft ranging from the beginning of flight to the Boeing 787.

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Lockheed F-117

One of the most iconic aircraft ever build, the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk or “Stealth Fighter” which in fact wasn’t a fighter but an attack aircraft. It was so secret it stayed hidden from the general public for 11 years, flying at night out of a dedicated airbase. Aviamagazine looks into the development and operational history of this aircraft, starting with the Have Blue program, the years a Groom Lake, the units, the combat operations until retirement in 2008 and it’s life after retirement. This in-depth factsheet also has a detailed overview of all 64 F-117s build, with their specific history and combat missions.

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RIAT 2019 Departure

Traditionally most of the Royal International Air Tattoo participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets from two sides of the runway.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2019

245 aircraft from 25 countries participated in this years Royal International Air Tattoo, held 19-21 July at RAF Fairford. This is noticeably less than previous years. Also, this year the air show on Sunday was less attractive compared to Saturday, which was disappointing. But still lots of good stuff like the flying demo’s from the Romanian MiG-21 and Spanish Armada EAV-8 Harrier. Highlight of Mondays departures was definitely the B-52.

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Frisian Flag 2019

Every year Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands is home to the combined NATO exercise, Frisian Flag. This year the Bulldogs from Duluth joint. This 179th Fighter Squadron fly’s the dark colored F-16C. Other participants included Dutch, German, French, Swiss and Polish units. In two week’s time, the aircraft flew two sorties a day exercising several scenario’s.

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RIAT 2018 Departure

Traditionally most of the participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets on two sides of the runway.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2018

For the 2018 edition of the world’s biggest military airshow we celebrate 100 years RAF. The Royal International Air Tattoo was held at RAF Fairford on the weekend of 14-15 July, and was blessed with beautiful weather. Over 300 aircraft on display with some special visitors. A big contribution from Canada and the Ukraine was back. Also a first European visit for the JASDF Kawasaki C-2.

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Frisian Flag 2018

Every year Leeuwarden AB in the Northern part of the Netherlands is home to the combined NATO exercise, Frisian Flag. This year two USAF F-15 ANG units joint amongst Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Polish units. In two week’s time, the aircraft flew two sorties a day exercising several scenario’s. Highlight of this year was the participation of two Polish MiG-29s.

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RIAT 2017 Departure

Traditionally most of the participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets on two sides of the runway. With pilots asked to keep it low, the day resulted in some great take off pictures.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford celebrated the USAF 70th anniversary. Stars of the show The Thunderbirds, with a special surprise on Sunday. Aviamagazine was present on Sunday, the last show day, and departure on Monday.

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Paris Air Show 2017

19 June, Aviamagazine attended the Salon International de l’aeronautique at Paris Le Bourget, better known as the Paris Air Show. The 52nd edition of this bi-annual trade show featured a lot of debuting aircraft, like the Embraer ERJ-195-E2, Mitsubishi MRJ-90, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 787-10 to name a few.

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Japan 2006

Japan is well known for its spotter friendly atmosphere. Combine this with unique military aircraft, no where to be seen, and a variety of Japanese airlines, and you have one for the bucket list. Aviamagazine traveled around two of the main islands and visited the hot spots in the land of the rising sun.

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RIAT 2016 Departure

Traditionally most of the participant’s head home on Monday after the show. Like every year this event can be witnessed with special tickets on two sides of the runway. With pilots asked to keep it low, the day resulted in some great take off pictures.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2016

The annual Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford would be extra special this year, with the first visit of six F-35s, including the STOVL B version and the first RAF B model. Aviamagazine was present on the last show day and departure day on Monday.

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Castle Air Museum

Castle Air Museum is located on the grounds of former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Ca. The museum shows more than 50 aircraft, from World War II, the Cold War and present day. The collection includes some exclusive aircraft like the only RB-36 remaining.

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Lockheed A-12 / SR-71

Lockheed’s SR-71 Blackbird first flew in 1964 and was decommissioned in 1999. Not known until the mid nineties is that the SR-71 was developed from the top secret Lockheed A-12. The A-12, project Oxcart, was build for the CIA as high speed and high altitude reconnaissance aircraft as replacement for the U-2.

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Alaska 2015

Thirteen years after our first visit we headed back to the upper most state of the US. In one week we would visit Alaska’s two biggest cities and biggest airports. What changed during the last decade? you wouldn’t be surprised, not very much, thankfully.

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Paris Air Show 2015

Aviamagazine attended the first of two public days at the end of a full week bi-annual Paris Air Show on Saturday June 20th. Although the weather was good, the show was somewhat disappointing.

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Eagle deployment Europe

First ever USAF Air National Guard deployment to Europe as a theater security force. 12 Eagles from both Florida and Oregon ANG are based on Leeuwarden AB in the Netherlands. While their they will also participate in the annual Frisian Flag exercise.

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Frisian Flag 2015

Frisan Flag is a big combined NATO exercise in the Northern part of Europe, operated from Leeuwarden AB, Netherlands. This year a two deployed US ANG squadrons will participate. Other participants are Poland, Germany, Spain, Finland, Norway and the Netherland.

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422nd TES

22nd Test and Evaluation squadron has a unique task. Before any hardware (aircraft) or software is accepted in the US Air Force, it’s operationally tested by the 422nd TES. Known as the “Green Bats” the squadron is part of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group and operate out of Las Vegas, Nellis Air Force Base. Because of their task they fly the latest and greatest, like the F-22 and F-35. In this article we look into the history and current status of the squadron.

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Boeing E-4

The National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), nicknamed "Doomsday plane" is an aerial command station designed to execute war orders when ground facilities are destroyed during a nuclear conflict. The system allows the president (in his role of commander-in-chief) and key members of his battle staff to maintain in command during such a situation.

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Nellis Aviation Nation 2010

The annual air show at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV, was held on 13 and 14 November 2010. Besides a favourite event in Las Vegas the Aviation Nation 2010, as the show is called, is also the official homecoming of the Thunderbirds demo team.

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510th Fighter Squadron

Of course not all F-16 squadrons fly with the ANG. Some squadrons are based abroad, like the 510 and 555FS in Italy. AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the "Buzzards" squadron (510FS) located at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2007

The annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is one of the biggest military air shows in the world held at RAF Fairford, United kingdom. We were present on Saturday July 14. Highlights this year was the Indian delectation including two Su-30s and an Il-78 support tanker. Also it was the last public appearance of the F-117 on a European air show.

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114th Fighter Squadron

Unlike most ANG units, the 114th Oregon ANG moved from F-16 to operate the F-15 Eagle. AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the ANG F-15 Eagle fighter school located at Kingsley Field, OR.

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KLu Opendays 2006

Aircraft enthusiasts from all over Europe visited Leeuwarden AB in the Netherlands, in the weekend of 16-17 June, for the first appearance in over twelve years of the US Navy demo team The Blue Angels. On Friday there was a small incident with a blown tire during take-off of Angel number 5, which delayed the show a bid, Saturday everything wend fine including the weather.

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Boeing VC-25

The VC-25A, best known as Air Force One, is in fact a big presidential taxi. The United States Of America uses two Boeing 747-200's especially modified for this task. Throughout the years many different aircraft were used as AF 1, aircraft like the DC-6 and Boeing 707. We look into the latest airframe, the Boeing 747 (military designated as VC-25A.)

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112th Fighter Squadron

Like most ANG units, the 112th Ohio ANG also operates the F-16. The history of the 112th started just after the WW I, flying numerous aircraft types, including Consolidated PT-1 F-51s, F-84s, F-100s and A-7s. AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the "Stingers" squadron located at Toledo Express Airport, Ohio.

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Afghanistan, Kundus province

After many years of war Afghanistan is now on it´s way to peace. Although there is a long way to go the democratic elections in October are a big step forward. To provide stability in the region, the UN send an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). ISAF forces are based in Afghanistan and their neighbouring countries and primarily work with a "Show of force" strategy.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2004

On 17 & 18 July the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's greatest military airshow, was held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. This year themes included 50 years of the Hercules, 30 years of the Hawk and the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

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March Field Museum

In this second chapter in our "out of service" special we visit the March Field Museum located next to the March ARB in Riverside, CA. The March Field collection now includes 68 aircraft. On display are many aircraft which served on the March Air Base in there active service years.

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107th Fighter Squadron

Most of the US ANG units nowadays operate the F-16, amongst which the Michigan ANG is no exception.AviaMagazine.com looks into the 107th fighter squadron (Red Devils) located at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2003

The annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is one of the biggest military air shows in the world held at RAF Fairford, United kingdom. We were present on Saturday July 19th. Highlight this year was the 100 years of flight showcase, which featured some UK museum pieces on the static.

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KLu Open Dagen 2003

The 2003 Klu Open Days were held at Twente Air Base 20 / 21 June 2003. This was the last airshow at Twente, before the base flying operation were closed in 2005. The static offered some great visitors, four Canadian CF-188s, Turkish NF-5s and Hungarian MiG-29. The Airpower demo, Austrian J-35O were amongst the highlights of the air show.

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Royal International Air Tatoo 2002

The annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is one of the biggest military air shows in the world held at RAF Fairford. We were present on July 20. During the landing of the Italian G222, the forward landing gear collapsed, closing the runway for some time.

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Alaska 2002

Our journey started on the 25th of May, when eight photographers gathered on Schiphol airport, Amsterdam. The first stage of this trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul airport (MN) took about eight hours. After six hours we reached our first goal for this trip, Anchorage Ted Stevens International airport, Alaska. This trip would be a unique experiment, combining lot's of airfields, civil, military and a visit to Denali National park. Hightlight of this trip, a flight in a DHC-2 Beaver Floatplain, destination: a lake in the middle of nowhere.

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KLu Open Dagen 2001

In 2001, Leeuwarden AB, was the host for the annual Klu Open Days. 6 and 7 July the Royal Netherlands Air Force showed its air power. Highlights this year were two A-4s from the Singapore Air Force, on training in Southern France. As the Netherlands were looking for a F-16 replacement, Italy brought a Eurofighter EF-2000 prototype and France a Dassault factory Rafale. But also some more classic fighters like the Romanian Lancer B (MiG-21) and Germany with the, former East German, MiG-29.

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Royal International Air Tattoo 2001

For the second year in a row, the Royal International Air Tattoo, took place at RAF Cottesmore. The 30th anniversary of the world’s biggest military airshow couldn’t use its normal RAF Fairford location as the runway was getting a complete overhaul. Aviamagazine visited the show on Sunday 29 July 2001.

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Mildenhall Air Fete 2000

2000 was the for last Air Fete organized at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom. Although the weather on May 27 was bad, most of the air show went ahead according to plan. The B-2 on the static was a first for Europe. During pouring rains the B-2 started up, flew its demo and landed again to return to the static. The presence of Germany F-4s was a first since the 1988 disaster at Ramstein.

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KLu Open Dagen 1995

The 1995 KLu open days were held at Volkel Air Base 30 June and 1 July. The static featured a nice variety of Eastern and Western air forces. Highlights included the Turkish F-5Bs in desert camo and the Czech MiG-21.

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IAT 1993

The International Air Tattoo 1993 is well known due to the mid-air collision between two Russian Air Force MiG-29s on Saturday. Both pilots ejected safely. We visited the show on Sunday 25 July 1993. Highlights on the static was the first visit of a Tu-95 Bear and Il-78 Midas of the Russian Air Force.

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