The Bell D-139 Vertiburner, a forgotten VTOL from the Cold War
Designed as a revolutionary VTOL fighter, the Bell D-139 and its Vertiburners mainly served as a risky laboratory for vertical takeoff technology. In summary The […]
fighter jet
The MiG-27 Flogger, ground attack from Moscow to Kabul and beyond
A little-known attack aircraft, the Mikoyan MiG-27 struck Afghanistan, served India in Kargil, and left a lasting confusion surrounding the Gulf War. Summary The Mikoyan […]
The flying iron: how the X-24B revolutionized the aerodynamics of lifting bodies
The X-24B transformed the “teardrop” shape into a “flying iron,” paving the way for space vehicles capable of atmospheric reentry and gliding landing. In summary […]
GCAP gains momentum: Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy overtake SCAF
The Global Combat Air Program reaches a decisive milestone, while the SCAF program stalls. What do these contrasting trajectories reveal about European defense? In summary […]
The F-15E, the workhorse shaping American strikes
Why does the US Air Force still rely on the F-15E Strike Eagle for its precision strikes, despite the F-22 and F-35 stealth aircraft? In […]
Electric flight controls, the key to controlled instability on Mirage and Rafale
From Mirage 2000 and 4000 to Rafale, electric flight controls have enabled the transition from stable aircraft to deliberately unstable fighters that are more agile […]
Kyiv reveals the real impact of the Mirage 2000 for Ukraine
A Ukrainian pilot describes a French Mirage 2000 as highly effective against Russian drones and missiles, despite a reduced fleet and a growing need for […]
Smaller but riskier? The USAF’s bold gamble
Faced with a recruitment crisis and astronomical costs, the USAF is retiring more aircraft than it is purchasing. “Divest to Invest”: a high-risk strategy for […]
Garuda 25 exercise: Indian Su-30MKIs fly alongside French Rafales
During the bilateral Garuda 25 exercise, Indian Su-30MKIs and French Rafales flew in mixed formation, strengthening interoperability between the two air powers. Summary The 2025 […]
Supercruise: how fighter jets gain speed
Understanding fighter jet supercruise: a simple definition, the difference between supercruise and afterburners, concrete examples, and challenges for military aviation. In summary The supercruise of […]