The Aviationist
banner
theaviationist.com
The Aviationist
@theaviationist.com
Unmatched, unconventional, independent coverage of military aviation, defense, tech & everything in the middle.
Edited by David Cenciotti (@cenciotti.theaviationist.com)

https://theaviationist.com
Mojave STOL Drone Conducts First Battlefield Short-Field Operations in South Korea

The demonstration at a live-fire training range showcased the Mojave’s ability to operate from austere, short-field locations in simulated battlefield conditions.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/17/m...
Mojave STOL Drone Conducts First Battlefield Short-Field Operations in South Korea
The demonstration at a live-fire training range showcased the Mojave’s ability to operate from austere, short-field locations in simulated battlefield
theaviationist.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Lockheed Martin Introduces AGM-158 FLEX Modular Airframe for JASSM Family

The new AGM-158 FLEX architecture is designed to accommodate different sensor packages, airframe lengths and launch configurations while leveraging the existing JASSM/LRASM base.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/17/l...
Lockheed Martin Introduces AGM-158 FLEX Modular Airframe for JASSM Family
The new AGM-158 FLEX architecture is designed to accommodate different sensor packages, airframe lengths and launch configurations while leveraging the
theaviationist.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:26 PM
BAE Systems Launches Shadow EW Family of Compact Electronic Warfare Systems

The new low-cost, software-defined Shadow EW systems are designed to bring electronic warfare capabilities to small drones, munitions and other airborne platforms.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/17/b...
BAE Systems Launches Shadow EW Family of Compact Electronic Warfare Systems
The new low-cost, software-defined Shadow EW systems are designed to bring electronic warfare capabilities to small drones, munitions and other airborne
theaviationist.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:56 PM
F135 Engine Core Upgrade Completes Risk Reduction Design Review

The review validates the maturity of the F135 Engine Core Upgrade, designed to support the additional power generation and thermal management needs of the future Block 4 upgrades.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/17/f...
F135 Engine Core Upgrade Completes Risk Reduction Design Review
The review validates the maturity of the F135 Engine Core Upgrade, designed to support the additional power generation and thermal management needs of the
theaviationist.com
September 17, 2026 at 5:16 AM
Mountain Home Strike Eagles Rotate Home from Middle East Sporting New Nose Art

After deploying in March 2026, twelve ‘MO’ F-15Es touched down at RAF Lakenheath on Sep. 16 as they head back to the U.S., notably featuring an inventive collection of nose art.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/17/m...
Mountain Home Strike Eagles Rotate Home from Middle East Sporting New Nose Art
After deploying in March 2026, twelve 'MO' F-15E Strike Eagles touched down at RAF Lakenheath on Sep. 16 as they head back to the U.S., notably featuring
theaviationist.com
September 17, 2026 at 4:16 AM
U.S. Air Force Expanding C-40 VIP Fleet with Boeing 737 MAX

Aviation Week reports on a statement by an AMC spokesperson confirming the USAF’s intent to procure the Boeing 737’s MAX variant for the first time, becoming the type’s first military operator.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/16/u...
U.S. Air Force Expanding C-40 VIP Fleet with Boeing 737 MAX
Aviation Week reports on a statement by an Air Mobility Command (AMC) spokesperson confirming the USAF's intent to procure the Boeing 737's MAX
theaviationist.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Rafael is Integrating SPICE 1000 on the Israeli F-35I Adir

Rafael and Lockheed Martin are integrating the Israeli SPICE 1000 stand-off weapon on the F-35, potentially opening the door for the munition to be offered to other Lightning II operators.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/16/r...
Rafael is Integrating SPICE 1000 on the Israeli F-35I Adir
Rafael and Lockheed Martin are integrating the Israeli SPICE 1000 stand-off weapon on the F-35, potentially opening the door for the munition to be
theaviationist.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Imagine watching this some time ago… Friend and contributor @freddyb-aviation.bsky.social sent us these photos he took yesterday at Edwards AFB showing the X-59 with a chase. It made a few high fast passes and the boom was almost hard to hear. “Whatever NASA and Lockheed did, it was quiet!” he added
September 16, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury Expands Its Weapons Options With Air-to-Ground Munitions

Anduril fit checked its YFQ-44A Fury CCA with various air-to-ground munitions, and conducted the first formation flights of the autonomous fighter drone alongside F-35s.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/16/a...
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury Expands Its Weapons Options With Air-to-Ground Munitions
Anduril fit checked its YFQ-44A Fury CCA with various air-to-ground munitions, and conducted the first formation flights of the autonomous fighter drone
theaviationist.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:19 PM
AGM-190 Havoc Spear Small Cruise Missile Undergoes New Trials

The AFSOC said the latest combat evaluation took place this spring within U.S. Africa Command’s area of responsibility, with the missile employed from an AFSOC platform in a “test configuration’

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/16/a...
AGM-190 Havoc Spear Small Cruise Missile Undergoes New Trials
The AFSOC said the latest combat evaluation took place this spring within U.S. Africa Command’s area of responsibility, with the missile employed from an
theaviationist.com
September 16, 2026 at 12:42 PM
First Sentinel ICBM Fully Assembled for Planned 2027 Test Launch

An LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been vertically stacked at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Ca, as preparations for thefirst test launch next year continue.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/16/f...
First Sentinel ICBM Fully Assembled for Planned 2027 Test Launch
An LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been vertically stacked at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, as preparations
theaviationist.com
September 16, 2026 at 12:32 PM
JASDF RQ-4B Crashes in the Sea of Japan

One of Japan’s three RQ-4B Global Hawks crashed in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Tottori Prefecture.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/15/j...
JASDF RQ-4B Crashes in the Sea of Japan
One of Japan’s three RQ-4B Global Hawks crashed in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Tottori Prefecture. One of the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF)
theaviationist.com
September 15, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Lockheed Martin Expands Vectis Production With Four Additional Aircraft

Skunk Works is moving ahead with 4 additional Vectis vehicles as the company accelerates development of its Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft toward a planned first flight in 2027.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/15/l...
Lockheed Martin Expands Vectis Production With Four Additional Aircraft
Skunk Works is moving ahead with four additional Vectis vehicles as the company accelerates development of its Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft
theaviationist.com
September 15, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Boeing Awarded LRIP Contract for MQ-25 Stingray

The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract for the Lot 1 of the Low-Rate Initial Production of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker, which includes three aircraft.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/15/b...
Boeing Awarded LRIP Contract for MQ-25 Stingray
The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract for the Lot 1 of the Low-Rate Initial Production of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker, which includes three
theaviationist.com
September 15, 2026 at 9:57 AM
New DUDE 44 Rescue Footage Reveals More About Aircraft Used in Iran Operation

Newly declassified footage includes a deliberately blurred Little Bird whose appearance raises questions about what the Pentagon still wants to keep hidden.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/14/n...
New DUDE 44 Rescue Footage Reveals More About Aircraft Used in Iran Operation
Newly declassified footage aired by '60 Minutes' offers a closer look at the complex rescue of the F-15E crew shot down over Iran, including the
theaviationist.com
September 14, 2026 at 9:25 PM
F-117 Nighthawk to Go On Display at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

From October, visitors to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles Airport will be treated to the sight of an F-117.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/14/f...
F-117 Nighthawk to Go On Display at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
From October, visitors to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles Airport will be treated to
theaviationist.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:44 PM
U.S. Air Force Names CCAs as FQ-42 “Vengeance” and FQ-44 “Fury”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced the popular names for the FQ-42 and FQ-44 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which will be known as “Vengeance” and “Fury,” respectively.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/14/f...
U.S. Air Force Names CCAs as FQ-42 “Vengeance” and FQ-44 “Fury”
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced the popular names for the FQ-42 and FQ-44 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which will be known as
theaviationist.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Australia Achieves Initial Operational Capability With LRASM and JASSM-ER Missiles

New official visuals show RAAF F/A-18Fs releasing AGM-158B JASSM-ERs and a P-8A striking a target ship with an AGM-158C LRASM during live-fire tests in 2025 and 2026.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/13/a...
Australia Achieves Initial Operational Capability With LRASM and JASSM-ER Missiles
New official visuals show RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets releasing AGM-158B JASSM-ERs and a P-8A Poseidon striking a target ship with an AGM-158C LRASM during
theaviationist.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:36 PM
New Details About DUDE 44 Shootdown Emerge in First Interview of WSO

For the first time, the Weapon Systems Officer of the F-15E Strike Eagle shot down in Iran appeared in public and shared his story.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/14/d...
New Details About DUDE 44 Shootdown Emerge in First Interview of WSO
For the first time, the Weapon Systems Officer of the F-15E Strike Eagle shot down in Iran appeared in public and shared his story. For the first time
theaviationist.com
September 14, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Security Alert at RAF Fairford After Civilian Jet Mistakenly Lands at U.S. Bomber Base

An odd incident unfolded on Sep. 12, 2026 when Cessna 560XLS+ D-CJMK operated by VistaJet landed at the U.S.-operated RAF Fairford instead of Cotswold Airport (Kemble).

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/13/s...
Security Alert at RAF Fairford After Civilian Jet Mistakenly Lands at U.S. Bomber Base
An odd incident unfolded on Sep. 12, 2026 when Cessna 560XLS+ D-CJMK operated by VistaJet landed at the U.S.-operated RAF Fairford instead of Cotswold
theaviationist.com
September 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Turkey’s Akinci UCAV Fires UAV-300 Air-Launched Ballistic Missile for the First Time

The UAV-300 had also been carried by the Akinci during a recent UAV-122 firing test, foreshadowing its first live launch.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/12/t...
Turkey’s Akinci UCAV Fires UAV-300 Air-Launched Ballistic Missile for the First Time
The UAV-300 had also been carried by the Akinci during a recent UAV-122 firing test, foreshadowing its first live launch. Turkey’s Baykar Akinci Unmanned
theaviationist.com
September 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Lockheed Martin’s Latest Teaser Hints at Vectis Update

A shadowy aircraft in Lockheed Martin’s latest teaser appears consistent with published Vectis designs, hinting at a possible update on the Skunk Works Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/12/l...
Lockheed Martin’s Latest Teaser Hints at Vectis Update
A shadowy aircraft in Lockheed Martin’s latest teaser appears consistent with published Vectis designs, hinting at a possible update on the Skunk Works
theaviationist.com
September 12, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Last AV-8B Harrier Built for USMC Retired as Museum Display

A Harrier from the VMA-223 “Bulldogs,” the last built for the USMC, was demilitarized and transported to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/11/l...
Last AV-8B Harrier Built for USMC Retired as Museum Display
A Harrier from the VMA-223 “Bulldogs,” the last built for the USMC, was demilitarized and transported to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
theaviationist.com
September 11, 2026 at 5:23 PM
“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11

Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack. We spoke with him 25 years later about that day and what followed.

Full story here: theaviationist.com/2026/09/11/9...
“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11
Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack. Hours later, his squadron was loading live
theaviationist.com
September 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Netherlands Chooses Saab GlobalEye for its First National AEW&C Capability

The Swedish and Dutch defense ministers signed a Letter of Intent for the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with a formal contract yet to be signed.

Story: theaviationist.com/2026/09/10/n...
Netherlands Chooses Saab GlobalEye for its First National AEW&C Capability
The Swedish and Dutch defense ministers signed a Letter of Intent for the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with a formal contract yet to be signed. The
theaviationist.com
September 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM