L-39 Albatros: The Real Headache of Civilian Ejection Seats
On the civilian L-39 Albatros, ejection seats are a source of controversy. Between expensive pyrotechnic cartridges, deactivated seats, and the risk of human error, the […]
Aviation
The Rafale F5 Takes Center Stage Over the SCAF in France’s Strategy
Faced with setbacks in the SCAF program, France is accelerating development of the Rafale F5 and its combat drone. This industrial decision is redefining European […]
The Mirage IIING, an aircraft that became a laboratory for modern fighter jets
With the Mirage IIING, Dassault grafted the Mirage 2000’s electric flight controls onto a Mirage III airframe. A discreet but decisive prototype. In summary The […]
How the MiG-23 corrected the flaws of the Soviet MiG-21
MiG-23: historical and military analysis of a Soviet variable-geometry fighter, from its design to its operational record and its limitations in combat. The MiG-23 occupies […]
MiG-31 and total look-down: the radar feat that surprised NATO
With its Zaslon radar, the MiG-31 learned to “see” above the ground and isolate cruise missiles. A feat from the 1980s. In summary At the […]
Did you know: The Super Hornet can fly with its wings folded
A rare but possible accident: the Super Hornet can take off with its wings folded. Here’s why it stays in the air, and what aerodynamics […]
11 more F-35As: Brussels takes responsibility, but wants “Made in Europe”
Brussels finalizes 11 more F-35As and wants to “Europeanize” them via Cameri. Military relevance, integration, costs, schedule, and limitations. Summary Belgium is finalizing the purchase […]
Before Sukhoi: how the Draken turned its stall into a Cobra
The Draken could go into a flat “Super Stall.” How this dangerous flaw became the Cobra maneuver, long before the legendary Sukhoi. In summary The […]
The Rafale, a weapon of non-alignment against US ITAR control
Why Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates are betting on the Rafale to limit US ITAR control, secure their upgrades, and diversify their alliances. In […]
F-5 Tiger II: the iconic “aggressor” aircraft, from Top Gun to US bases
Why the F-5 Tiger II is used as an enemy in naval training, its role in Top Gun, and the modernization of ex-Swiss F-5Ns for […]