The curious tale of how two airshow Strikemasters ended up in an African civil war
In February 2003, two aircraft best-known for flying at British airshows left the UK for ‘film work’ in South Africa — but neither ever arrived there. How did two BAC Strikemasters repeatedly slip through the fingers of customs officials, and end up taking part in one of Africa’s bloodiest civil wars?
Norwegian Vampire in new Royal Auxiliary Air Force markings
A de Havilland Vampire wearing 502 (Ulster) Squadron markings arrived on September 6, 2024 at Aldergrove Flying Station, Northern Ireland.
Spitfire MK912 makes it 16 for Biggin Hill
Almost exactly nine years after it was damaged in a forced landing, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX MK912 (G-BRRA) returned to the skies on July 31 from London’s Biggin Hill Airport, with Dan Griffith at the controls.
Aeroplane meets Jim Tobul
The American warbird pilot who honours both the Korean War and his late father with a fine F4U Corsair
Wildcat accident report
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has released the report on the accident of a Grumman Wildcat at Heveningham Hall, Suffolk, that left the pilot seriously injured.
Mighty Mirage 2000 hits 40
In July 1984, the Mirage 2000 entered service at Dijon, with Escadron de Chasse 1/2 ‘Cigognes’ becoming the first front-line operator of the delta interceptor. Forty years later, as Henri-Pierre Grolleau reports, EC 1/2 still flies the ‘Deux Mille’, albeit in the Mirage 2000-5F variant and from Luxeuil. With the recent announcement of the transfer of Mirage 20005Fs to Ukraine, its immediate future is unclear.
Uruguay signs for A-29 Super Tucanos
The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) has confirmed the acquisition of up to six Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos as part of a programme to expand its operational capabilities.
Hurlburt Field welcomes AT-802Us
In preparation for the delivery of its first OA-1K Sky Warden armed overwatch aircraft, USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) welcomed the arrival of a pair of AT-802U trainers (pictured) to Hurlburt Field, Florida, on June 28, writes Tom Kaminski.
BelugaST chalks up a number of firsts on mission to China
A BelugaST delivered two new H175 helicopters to China on August 31, 2024.