Although the Lockheed F-117 was officially retired in 2008, some are still flying in various research and development, test and evaluation, and training roles. "To say I was thrilled would be a huge understatement when this beauty came by my preferred hilltop hangout," said photographer James Reeder.
Credit: Sergio Maraschin/Granite Bay, California
The Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori aerobatic demonstration team releases bursts of smoke in the colors of the Italian flag. They performed at the Capital Airshow at Mather Field in Rancho Cordova, California.
Credit: Andrew Zaback/Orlando, Florida
A Boeing B-52 from Edwards AFB, California, was parked as the main showcase airplane on EAA AirVenture's Boeing Plaza in July while Nate Hammond lit up the Oshkosh sky in his 1956 de Havilland Super Chipmunk, dazzling record-breaking crowds at the night fireworks and drone display.
Credit: Tom Spanos/Canyon Country, California
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot Capt. Samuel "RaZZ" Larson releases a volley of flares while seemingly bending the laws of physics at the 2024 Yuma Airshow at MCAS Yuma in Arizona.
Credit: Jason Weller/Rancho Cordova, California
A Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet flies in front of the Moon at the California Capital Airshow on July 14, 2024.
Credit: James Reeder/Palmdale, California
A Cessna 550 chase plane, used to document flights with photos or videos, takes off ahead of the 19th flight of the Scaled Composites Stratolaunch Roc, the world's largest flying aircraft. This was the Roc's first fueled captive carry of the Talon A-2 (TA-2) hypersonic vehicle. The TA-2 is the first fully recoverable testbed that is equipped with landing gear.
Credit: Martin Boschhuizen/Gorinchem, Netherlands
An NHIndustries NH90 makes a tactical turn above the Maas River with a backdrop of residential buildings in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Credit: Avichai Socher/Givat Shmuel, Israel
This Israeli Air Force Sikorsky CH53-2025 Yasur is ready to take off at night after completing an important rescue mission. Everything must be double-checked, and once approved, the flight mechanic will enter, and the helicopter will take off.
Credit: Tom Spanos/Canyon Country, California
A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bomber from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, catches the golden glow of a setting desert sun while on final approach at Nellis AFB, Nevada, following a Red Flag exercise.
Credit: Tom Spanos/Canyon Country, California
A General Dynamics F-16CM Fighting Falcon from the 64th Aggressor Sqdn. passes by the Moon after taking off from Nellis AFB, Nevada, to participate in a Red Flag exercise. The CM variant, also called the F-15V or Viper, can switch between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles at the touch of a button.
Credit: Avgar Idan/Rehovot, Israel
Onlookers snap photographs of this General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon as it participates in NATO exercise Ramstein Flag 2024.
From the fervor of rescue missions to the excitement of air shows, these are the Editors' Picks from the Defense category of Aviation Week's 2024 Photo Contest.
