Historical Events tagged with "air force"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Nagerkovil School Bombing by Sri Lanka Air Force

September 22nd, 1995 29 years ago

A bombing in Nagerkovil conducted by the Sri Lanka Air Force targeted a school, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 people, predominantly ethnic Tamil schoolchildren. The military operation aimed at counter-terrorism but ended in catastrophic civilian casualties, raising severe concerns about the tactics employed during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The tragedy highlighted the intense conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) amidst a struggle for Tamil autonomy.

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Military & Warfare

Sri Lanka Air Force Bombs Navaly Church

July 9th, 1995 29 years ago

The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted a bombing raid on a church in Navaly, resulting in the deaths of 125 Tamil civilian refugees taking shelter there. The incident occurred during the ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War, a conflict primarily between the Sinhalese-dominated government and the Tamil Tigers. The bombing raised severe criticism from human rights organizations and intensified the discourse on military tactics and the civilian impact of the war.

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Military & Warfare

Eugene Bullard becomes Second Lieutenant posthumously

August 23rd, 1994 30 years ago

Eugene Bullard, recognized as the first African American fighter pilot, was posthumously commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. This honor came during a ceremony held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, marking a significant moment for both Bullard's legacy and the military. His contributions during World War I, though largely unacknowledged for decades, were celebrated and highlighted during this event, emphasizing his pioneering role in aviation as an African American.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Italian Air Force Jet Crash at High School

December 6th, 1990 34 years ago

A military jet from the Italian Air Force crashed into a high school near Bologna following an onboard fire, leading to the tragic deaths of 12 students and injuries to 88 others. The pilot, unable to control the aircraft, ejected from the cockpit prior to the crash. The incident occurred during school hours, dramatically impacting the local community. Emergency services responded quickly, tending to the injured and managing the scene amidst chaos and distress.

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Military & Warfare

YF-22 Prototype Makes Inaugural Flight

September 29th, 1990 34 years ago

The YF-22, a prototype fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed, made its maiden flight in California. Designed to showcase advanced stealth and supercruise capabilities, the YF-22 was a product of the Advanced Tactical Fighter program initiated by the United States Air Force. During this flight, Test Pilot Beryl A. Sumpter took the aircraft to an altitude of 15,000 feet. The successful flight marked a significant milestone in military aviation technology and laid the groundwork for the F-22 Raptor.

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Military & Warfare

First Flight of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

July 17th, 1989 35 years ago

The B-2 Spirit, a revolutionary stealth bomber, made its inaugural flight at the Northrop Grumman facility in Palmdale, California. Designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses, the B-2 features advanced technology and a unique flying wing shape. This flight marked a significant advancement in military aviation capabilities and began a new era of air warfare. The aircraft boasts a range capable of striking targets across the globe, emphasizing the United States' commitment to maintaining a strategic edge. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Maj. D. J. 'Daz' Smith, the B-2's first flight was closely monitored by military and aerospace officials.

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Military & Warfare

Iraqi Mirage F1 Strikes USS Stark

May 17th, 1987 37 years ago

An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jet attacked the USS Stark, a U.S. Navy warship, in the Persian Gulf. The jet fired two Exocet missiles, resulting in the deaths of 37 crew members and injuring 21 others. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions during the Iran-Iraq War and raised serious questions about U.S. military involvement and protections in the region. The USS Stark was on patrol during this time, involved in monitoring Iraq's military movements against Iran.

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Military & Warfare

Iran Air Force Destroys Iraqi Aircraft in H-3 Raid

April 4th, 1981 43 years ago

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force executed a successful airstrike on H-3 Airbase in Iraq, resulting in the destruction of about 50 Iraqi aircraft. This operation was part of the larger military engagements during the Iran–Iraq War, which was characterized by high-stakes aerial combat and strategic bombardments. The action showcased Iran's capability to project air power into Iraqi territory, significantly impacting Iraqi air operations at that time.

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Military & Warfare

Massive B-52 Bombing Raid on Hanoi

December 26th, 1972 52 years ago

In a significant escalation of the Vietnam War, 120 American B-52 Stratofortress bombers launched a coordinated bombing mission against Hanoi. Four B-52 wings participated, with 78 of the bombers taking off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. This operation was part of Operation Linebacker II, aimed at compelling North Vietnam to resume peace negotiations. The raid marked the largest single combat launch in Strategic Air Command history and represented a critical phase in the air campaign over Vietnam.

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