The popular online narrative that the Boeing T-7A Red Hawks’ revolutionary development methodology spells the end of the F-35 is hyped and often rests on bad-faith arguments. It can be argued that the T-7A is one of the first combat aircraft built using new ‘digital first’ technologies.Continue Reading
The fierce competition of the Cold War saw the Soviet Union copy or develop analogues to many Western aircraft (Concorde vs Tu-144, B-29 vs Tu-4). However, the Soviets also came up with their own unique innovations and characteristics.Continue Reading
Engineers have long seen hydrogen as offering a range of attractive benefits over traditional kerosene jet fuel for aircraft. However, hydrogen has very low energy density by volume, meaning that storing enough of it requires significantly more space than conventional aviation fuel. One of the most remarkable aircraft that neverContinue Reading
Many passengers experience take-off as a familiar sequence: the engines roar to life, the aircraft accelerates down the runway, takes off, and climbs steeply. However, it is often just as noticeable when the aircraft suddenly levels off while still at a relatively low altitude. In the United States, a commonContinue Reading
During the mid-Cold War, the F-4 Phantom II formed the backbone of US airpower, not only with the United States Air Force, but also with the Marine Corps and the Navy. This is something that cannot be replicated today, due to a completely different operating environment and design philosophy. TheContinue Reading
The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider strategic stealth bomber is the next-generation replacement for the older Northrop B-2 Spirit. One of the major updates is that it is designed from the ground up for a higher operational tempo and to be comparatively affordable. As discussed below, ‘comparatively affordable’ is relative, andContinue Reading
In northern Kenya, a herder scans the sky for rain that hasn’t come. The grass his animals need is thinning by the day. Continue Reading
As amber heat-health alerts spread across England this summer, a new study has found that the warnings are being received – but not changing behaviour.Continue Reading