Afterburner - The Aviation Magazine

22 May 2026

AVIATION HISTORY

22 May 1946 – first flight of DHC-1 Chipmunk

On 22 May 1946, prototype of the DHC-1 Chipmunk training aircraft successfully performed its maiden flight. The DHC-1 Chipmunk was the first post-war aircraft designed by de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. Developed shortly after the Second World War, it [...]
MILITARY AVIATION

Four companies chosen for UK Apache „wingman drone“ programme

Project NYX is the British Army’s concept demonstrator programme, launched in November 2025 by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in cooperatioon with UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) as the delivery agent. The initiative aims to develop Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) [...]
PHOTO OF THE WEEK

MSW Votec 252T

MSW Votec 252T (c/n 05-001, HB-YMU), a prototype Swiss aerobatic aircraft, preparing for take-off for a flying display during Flugtage Fricktal-Schupfart 2018 air show, Schupfart, July 2018. The Votec 252T is a single-engine aerobatic and light sports aircraft, developed from [...]
MILITARY AVIATION

Operation Liberté 250 – Patrouille de France to participate in US anniversary celebrations

From 8 June to 4 July 2026, Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (the French Air and Space Force) will deploy personnel and aircraft to the United States to take part in the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American [...]
AVIATION HISTORY

15 May 1918 – the first US regular airmail service commences

On 15 May 1918, the first scheduled and regular airmail service in the United States officially commenced, connecting New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The first regular domestic airmail service was operated by the US Army. In previous years, [...]

From active duty to history – a short review of military aircraft retirements in 2025

FEATURED

14 January 2026

The year 2025 marked aviation history with several notable farewells to iconic military aircraft. These included both well-known workhorses from the Cold War era and relatively newer designs that proved ineffective in the modern combat [...]

First ever wingsuit foil soaring flight with altitude gain

DREAMERS AND DOERS

26 November 2025

In its press release published on 19 November 2025, the Red Bull company announced that Austrian wingsuit pioneer Peter Salzmann had once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in human flight. This time, [...]

FEATURED