
How IFF Interrogation Keeps Friendlies Apart in Combat
Encrypted interrogation-and-response transponders give radar operators a way to tell allied aircraft from targets, though the system is a filter, not a guarantee.
Aviation covers military and dual-use aircraft in detail: airframe design, propulsion, avionics, flight test campaigns and the maintenance burden that follows delivery. Reports track certification steps, sortie rates and known deficiencies. Intended for engineers, aircrew, procurement staff and readers who want an aircraft explained rather than photographed.
Airframes, engines, avionics and flight test campaigns followed from first flight through fleet maintenance, certification and the fixes nobody advertises.

Encrypted interrogation-and-response transponders give radar operators a way to tell allied aircraft from targets, though the system is a filter, not a guarantee.

Depot queues for military jet engines have stretched past standards, and GAO reporting ties the backlog directly to lower aircraft availability rates.

The US Air Force refuels through a flying boom while the Navy and most allies hang a hose and basket, and the split still shapes fleets, budgets and compatibility.

From sled tracks to instrumented mannequins, escaping a fighter jet is engineered, rehearsed and certified long before it is ever needed in anger.