Aviation Center Australia

Barely any other aircraft has been on duty for such a long period, and probably no other aircraft still has that much life ahead of it. Since 1955, the "Stratofortress", mostly nicknamed BUFF – Big Ugly Fat Fellow - by its crews, has seen continued service. Following current plans, the type will remain the backbone of the strategic bomber fleet through to 2040, due to its high rate of operation readiness. 60-0059 is the aircraft of the commanding officer of the 96th Bomb Squadron, the "Red Devils", based in the state of Louisiana.

During its operational career, numerous SR-71s featured unofficial tail artwork. 17972 for instance temporarily flew with the pregnant Lucy as "Charlie’s Problem".

Dwindling funds led to the retirement of the legendary but expensive SR-71 at the beginning of 1990. From 1995 until 1998, the US Air Force reactivated two aircraft as “Detachment 2” for additional reconnaissance flights.

The Solo Display Team of the Dutch Air Force is currently flying this F-16 at numerous air shows. The airplane features a splendid color scheme with an orange lion.

The VFC-13 trains US Navy pilots in "Top Gun" programs in aerial combat tactics. For the famous 1986 movie with the same title, the unit acted as the opponents in their fictitiously camouflaged "MiG-28s".

To modernize the armed forces, Indonesia received the first SU-27 fighter in 2003. For many years, financial troubles led to a delayed delivery of additional aircraft of this very powerful and maneuverable fighter jet.

The cartoon mascot of the Skunk Works decorates the tail units of this SR-71. The term "Skunk Works" denotes a Lockheed department which - in close cooperation with the US Air Force - researches new weapons systems and technologies, mostly in total secrecy. On its final flight in 1990, SR-71 flew from Los Angeles to Washington DC in a record time of one hour and just under eight minutes.

These ex-Swiss Air Force F-5 Tigers sport special camouflage for their aggressor role, providing air combat training to Navy and Marine units by simulating enemy aircraft.

251 aircraft of this very famous Soviet jet fighter alone were operated by the air arm of the East German National People’s Army. The first improved MiG-21MF variant aircraft reached the 9th Fighter Wing in Penemünde, located close to the Baltic Sea, starting in 1973.