The Aviationist

The Aviationist

  1. Japan Intercepts Chinese TB-001 ‘Twin-Tailed Scorpion’ Drone Over East China Sea

    Japan Intercepts Chinese TB-001The TB-001 was intercepted alongside a Y-9Z electronic warfare aircraft as Chinese and Russian aircraft continue to operate in Japan’s Air Defense Identification Zone. Japan has said China’s Tengden TB-001 “Twin-Tailed Scorpion” surveillance-strike drone has been probing its airspace, triggering scrambles by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter jets. The Tengden TB-001 is a large […]

  2. Block II Upgrades for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Clear Critical Design Review

    E-2D Block IIThe Block II’s open architecture for the E-2D’s mission systems, computers and displays enhance cockpit functionality, support future upgrades and improve sensor fusion. The U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft’s Block II upgrades have completed the Critical Design Review (CDR), Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy announced on Aug. […]

  3. JASDF F-15’s Landing Gear Collapses on Landing at Naha Airport

    JASDF F-15 gear collapseThe main landing gear of a JASDF F-15 collapsed during landing, causing the aircraft to slide on the runway and turn 180 degrees as it slowed down. An F-15 of the Japan Air Self Defense Force appears to have suffered a left main landing collapse while landing at Naha Airport on Aug. 18, 2026. The […]

  4. RTX Receives $22 Billion Contract to Accelerate Tomahawk Production

    Accelerate Tomahawk ProductionThe award follows other investments in munitions production capacity aimed at reducing delivery times, strengthening supply chains and supporting U.S. and allied demand. Raytheon, an RTX business, has received a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract from the U.S. Navy to accelerate production of Tomahawk cruise missiles, the company and Department of War announced on Aug. 17, […]

  5. NASA’s New ‘Vomit Comet’ Has a Secretive Air Force Past

    NASA 837The Boeing 737-700, formerly operated as N712JM, spent years as a secretive U.S. Air Force flying testbed, and is now becoming NASA’s new reduced-gravity research aircraft with the registration N837NA. NASA has unveiled on Aug. 13, 2026, its newest reduced-gravity research aircraft, which will support the Artemis program to validate astronaut lunar suits and associated […]