MILAVIA > Aviation News Last updated: 17 December 2013
MILAVIA Military Aviation News - MILAVIA Military Aviation News

FAB Mirage III Retirement

14 Dec 2005

On December 14, 2005, the Brazilian Air Force officially retired its Dassault Mirage III (F-103) from operational service. In a ceremony overflowing with emotions, four F-103s performed a series of flypasts over the Anápolis AB runway and one aircraft broke the sound barrier over the Air Base. It was one of the greatest moments of the event.

Emotions overwhelmed part of the guests, when group of pilots walked in the direction of the shelters, to board their fighters. Among the GDA pilots were three of the very first Brazilian Mirage III pilots, the reserve Colonels Ivan Von Trompowsky Douat Taulois (Jaguar 05), Thomas Anthony Blower (Jaguar 07) and José Isaías Vilaça (Jaguar 08); In 1972, these three pilots were part of a team of eight Brazilian pilots (the Dijon Boys) who went to France receive the new Mirage IIIs acquired by FAB and to graduate as Mirage III instructors.

Each one of the three Dijon Boys took off in the rear seat of the three FAB F-103Ds, followed by a single F-103E and performed many flypasts and manoeuvres over the Air Base. The emotion came out when the pilots left their aircraft and told everyone that they were very luck guys, because they had begun and ended three decades of Mirage III operations in Brazil.

After the historic flight, the F-103E FAB-4910 was covered with a grey cover marked with the special badge of the 33 years of Mirage III operations. The Mirages still continue flying until December 31st, when they will make their last operational flight in Brazil.




2024

9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News

Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans

SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.

A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.

Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News 

2022

12 January 2022 | ACC

Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.

Read Full Article @ ACC 

2021

20 May 2021 | RAF

Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows

Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years. 

Read Full Article @ RAF 

14 March 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces

RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

11 March 2021 | USAF News

Air Force receives first F-15EX

The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.

Read Full Article @ USAF News 

25 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight

The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

17 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year

RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

2020

23 March 2020 | RAF

Training update for the Red Arrows

… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News

Air Show Cancellations

The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News 

13 March 2020 | ACC

U.S. Air Force update for air show support

"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "

Read Full Article @ ACC