Hi everyone,
The new issue of Combat Aircraft went on sale today.
We have a fascinating feature written by OC 31 Sqn about flying the GR4 in Afghanistan - plus so much more.
Full contents are as follows:
CONTENTS
Vol 11, No 5
May 2010
6 World News
KC-X: Boeing bids as Northrop Grumman opts out • Boeing lands QF-16 deal • Nimrod MRA4 accepted • F-35 costs soar • A400m deadlock broken
PLUS! A special report on exercise Red Flag
25 Front Line
Our hard-hitting regular column by Robert F. Dorr
26 The Spirit World
Angus Batey enjoys unprecedented access at Whiteman AFB as he discovers secrets of the B-2 Spirit community. He talks exclusively to RAF exchange pilots and the 509th BW commander
32 WB-57 — NASA’s Eyes on High
A detailed study of the NASA WB-57s discovers that the fleet may be increased and also reports on their recent work in Afghanistan. T. E. Bell gives the latest details on these charismatic high-altitude research aircraft
40 Exercise ‘Clockwork’
Patrick Allen packs his thermals for a snowy spell in Norway with the UK Joint Helicopters Command during winter exercise operations
45 Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron
An intensive program of upgrades and operational goals have made for a busy time for the UK’s Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Unit at Boscombe Down, as Patrick Allen discovers
48 Project Liberty in Action
Neil Dunridge gains exclusive access to the USAF’s MC-12W Project Liberty aircraft deployed to Kandahar airfield, in the first of our reports in this issue on Afghanistan Air Operations
52 Afghan Goldstars
An incredible first-hand account of the RAF’s Tornado GR4 operations in Afghanistan by Officer Commanding No 31 Squadron ‘Goldstars’, Wg Cdr Ian Gale
62 India’s Bisons
They may be old but the MiG-21 Bison still represents a valuable capability for the Indian AF, as Dr Séan Wilson reports from Ambala
66 Tales of the Vigilante
The largest aircraft to be operational with US Navy carrier air groups, the RA-5C Vigilante saw extensive service in Vietnam. Warren Thompson looks at the career of this impressive beast in this month’s Glory Days feature
72 Crewroom
Our regular interactive feature with product reviews and competitions
76 Portuguese Falcons
Luigino Caliaro flies with the F-16s of Esquadra 201 ‘Falcões’ at Monte Real and details the Portuguese AF’s conversion to the MLU ‘Viper’
I hope you like the mag and Happy Easter!
Jamie