Eric Tegler

Contributor|Aerospace & Defense

During a test flight from Beale Air Force Base in California on Monday, an artificial intelligence agent named"Artuμ" assumed control and direction of the sensors and navigation a U. S. Air Force U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane.

For those who love airplanes, taking a ride in the back seat of an F-14A Tomcat in the late 1980s is an appealing daydream for the short Holiday afternoons to come. Tomcat RIO comfortably closes the canopy around the reader, providing a personal look at life in an F-14 squadron.

Next summer, the Swiss government will choose one of four contenders to replace its ageing fleet of F-5 Tigers and F/A-18 Hornets by 2030. The F-35 represents the only 5th Generation option but given the small Alpine nation’s needs, it’s arguably an odd one.

With optimism rising that life could return to normal in the next six months with the widespread distribution of coronavirus vaccines, the cancellation Monday of next summer’s Paris Air Show comes as a dash of cold water.

Among the qualities that will set Japan’s F-15 JSI apart from other Boeing Advanced F-15 Eagles could be delayed entry into service. Recent reports in the Japanese press suggest the country’s plan to upgrade 20 of its F-15Js to F-15JSIs by 2027 is running into budget headwinds.