RAF (Royal Air Force)
Early days of the RAF C-130K Hercules
The C-130J, the next generation of Hercules succeeding the C-130K, is due to be retired by the RAF next year. We go back to the ’60s with this article from the April 5, 1967 issue of ‘Aeroplane’ where Mike Hooks takes a deep dive into the RAF’s then new C-130K
When the RAF flew two Chipmunks around the world
It was the ultimate celebration of the DHC Chipmunk: an around-the-world flight by the RAF. A quarter of a century on, we recall Exercise ‘Northern Venture’ — strange fuels, wild horses, Russian extortion and more…
First international air force confirmed for RAF’s Exercise Cobra Warrior
NATO Air Command has officially confirmed the first international air arm set to participate in the upcoming Exercise Cobra Warrior.
Hot weather reportedly closes RAF Brize Norton runway… again
Key.Aero is receiving information that the runway has been closed at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, reportedly due to damage caused by the high temperatures currently impacting much of the UK
Twilight of the RAF Reaper
Since 2007, No 39 Squadron and its complement of MQ-9A Reaper drones have proved to be a vital asset for the RAF’s ISTAR/CAS force in supporting British and coalition combat operations in the Middle East, as Shaun Caffrey explains
The intense aerial attacks that sunk Hitler's battleship Tirpitz
Graham Pitchfork describes the intense efforts to neutralise the threat of the battleship Tirpitz
Coastal Command Bristol Blenheims in World War Two
Blenheims saw considerable service on long-range shipping protection sorties, as Andrew Thomas outlines
UK ‘swats’ Project Mosquito ahead of planned first flight
The UK MOD has revealed that Project Mosquito – a future uncrewed combat aircraft technology demonstration – will “not proceed beyond the design phase”, following a ‘detailed review' of the technical demonstrator by the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO)
Tanking and Transport, the VC10 Way
In a career that stretched almost 50 years, the RAF’s VC10s supported the UK’s military around the world between 1967 and 2013. Paul E Eden reviews the type’s service.
Gulf War VC10s in Operations Granby and Desert Storm
Stephen Skinner details British VC10 involvement, as both a tanker and transport platform, in Operations Granby and Desert Storm