International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC)’s Post

Fifty years ago, the YF-16 took flight at Edwards AFB (on 21 January 1974, to be precise). That first flight was unintended; during a high-speed taxi test, roll-axis oscillations led test pilot Phil Oestricher to take off instead of catastrophically impacting the ground. Its official first flight was on 2 February 1974. The YF-16 used a combination of a cropped delta wing with leading edge strakes for vortex lift and relaxed static stability with fly-by-wire controls to achieve its high agility. It was the first aircraft to have a side stick that didn’t move (it responded to forces only), thus increasing the possibility of over control until pilots got used to it and the flight control system was tuned. The aircraft was General Dynamics’ entry into the USAF’s Lightweight Fighter Program, competing against Northrop’s YF-17. On 13 January 1975, the USAF announced that the YF-16 had won the competition, eventually leading to the F-16 program; the YF-17 evolved into the Navy’s F-18. Originally intended to be lightweight and cheap air superiority fighters, they both eventually became sophisticated and capable fighter-bombers. The USAF has over 860 F-16s in service of the 4,500+ that have been built. #fbw    #prototypes     #lwf     #fcs     #staticstability              #introtoaero    #vortexlift https://lnkd.in/eaWeqUb2 https://lnkd.in/e9bBj9jU https://lnkd.in/e8aWXHnH

✨You're looking at the magic that powers #NAWCAD's #JointSimulationEnvironment, the #DOD's premier digital test and training range where defense tactical pilots train for wartime flight scenarios in fifth generation fighter simulators. 💻Software developers from across the #DOD recently gathered to discuss taking the #JSE to the next level at a planning event where US Navy and United States Air Force partners discussed advancements for the JSE's suite of software that makes it tick. 🕹️The enhancements will be developed, tested, and delivered by NAWCAD in the future. #AroundtheCommand #CiviliansBehindSailors #NavytheNationNeeds

“Interoperability is two different organisations figuring out ways to work together. Interchangeability means the entire Allied F-35 force can pool parts, maintainers, weapons, tactics, and now pilots and aircraft, to accomplish any mission, anywhere, side-by-side with who and what we have on hand." https://lnkd.in/gZhd-NHE

The Republic of Singapore Air Force announced an order for 8 Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional take-off and landing JSFs in addition to the original 12 F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variants. The delivery timeline will see 4 F-35Bs delivered from 2026, with the subsequent 8 in 2028. Deliveries of the F-35As are expected from 2030. The below Ministry of Defence of Singapore infographic highlights the F-35A's role in providing low-observability multirole fighter capabilities, complementing the F-15SG and F-35B fleet strengths - and contributing to regional interoperability. #airpower #airforce #RSAF #singapore

USAF reexamining #NGAD procurement effort to include underlying operational concept (crewed, uncrewed, optionally crewed, etc.).

The roll-on/roll-off capability of the Milli SAT EX represents a significant breakthrough for military operations, equipping C-130 aircraft with access to real-time ISR, intelligence updates, and direct communication with commanders. Tailor-made for C-130 Hercules, Milli SAT EX’s unique design is suited to the C-130 emergency escape hatch without any engineering change order (ECO) and allows easy installation and removal to enhance system mobility between different aircraft. Performances, not promises. Learn more about Milli SAT EX by clicking the link in the first comment. #satcom #roro #C130 #Afsoc #pacaf

One mean machine

#Aviation #Defence weekly digest: The United States Air Force and United States Space Force announced major force structure changes, intended to rapidly optimise for peer adversary and 'Great Power' threats, i.e. China. The 24 specific actions fall into four categories: "develop people, generate readiness, project power, and develop capabilities," with one of the most significant being the standing up of Integrated Capabilities Command to enable more agile force and air power deployment. The War Zone: https://lnkd.in/ggR7HJTu Lockheed Martin and Red 6, an LM Ventures company, unveiled a collaboration that integrates Red 6's augmented reality into the TF-50 advanced light fighter/trainer simulator. The T-50, a joint Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin development, has proven popular as a versatile advanced trainer and multirole platform. Simulator AR integration helps connect the training continuum and increase the effectiveness of the entire training system. Airforce Technology & Global Defence Technology: https://lnkd.in/gwAsSBtp The Royal Thai Air Force retired its 19 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd PC-9 advanced training aircraft after 32 years in service. In 2023 the RTAF introduced 12 Beechcraft T-6 TH aircraft, a PC-9 derivative, with a further 8 AT-6 Texan II attack variants on order. Halldale Group: https://lnkd.in/gu8rjkhf The United States Air Force and US Army National Guard Units will train 12 Ukrainian F-16 pilots this fiscal year, with 8 currently undergoing training through the Arizona Air National Guard. Training is expected to be complete by August 2024, although the operational capability and arrival dates for F-16s into Ukrainian command is not yet known. Air & Space Forces Association: https://lnkd.in/gXcHRWRx Ansett Aviation Training announced two fully funded Beechcraft Super Kingair B200 endorsement scholarships, designed to support recent Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot licence holders progress to a more advanced type rating. Asian Aviation GSA : https://lnkd.in/gqcuRxQn #airforce #airpower #pilottraining #aerospace

Beauty of Aerospace: F-35 The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. It will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations. With nine countries involved in its development (United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Australia), the F-35 represents a new model of international cooperation, ensuring U.S. and Coalition partner security well into the 21st Century. The F-35 also brings together strategic international partnerships, providing affordability by reducing redundant research and development and providing access to technology around the world. Along these lines, the F-35 will employ a variety of US and allied weapons.

Marvelous Footage by F-35 The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. It will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.