Thomas Newdick

Thomas Newdick

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Staff Writer, The War Zone; airpower, combat aviation.

MI‑17 Quote Likely Refers to Bell 206, Not HIP Series
SocialMar 19, 2026

MI‑17 Quote Likely Refers to Bell 206, Not HIP Series

Not sure of the meaning of ‘MI-17’ being in quotes here, but this is surely not a HIP-series helicopter? Presumably something in the Bell 206 family.

By Thomas Newdick
Former PLA J‑6 Drones Now Stored as China Advances
SocialMar 17, 2026

Former PLA J‑6 Drones Now Stored as China Advances

In this case, I think it is more likely that these are J-6 drones formerly used by the PLA that have since been withdrawn and are now stored. Chinese drones have moved on…

By Thomas Newdick
Mocking the Notion IDF Will Reveal Pilot Identities
SocialMar 4, 2026

Mocking the Notion IDF Will Reveal Pilot Identities

Right, because the IDF is about to start publicly releasing the identities of its combat pilots at just this precise moment in time…

By Thomas Newdick
Cuban MiG‑17’s Failed R‑13 Pylon Experiment Stymied
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Cuban MiG‑17’s Failed R‑13 Pylon Experiment Stymied

Interesting and rare shot of unique Cuban MiG-17 that was locally adapted with underwing pylons for two R-13 air-to-air missiles. Modification was unsuccessful: the missile was too long, so it interfered with the use of flaps. Also Soviets were unhappy.

By Thomas Newdick