Aviation News – September 2026

Summary

The US Marine Corps bids farewell to the AV-8B Harrier II — "Harrier Sundown" — in the September 2026 issue of Aviation News, alongside coverage of the Farnborough International Airshow, the Chipmunk's 80th anniversary, and the RNLASF Weapons Instructor Course. Editor Joe Campion introduces an issue packed with both operational history and current airshow reportage.

Farnborough 2026 (page 20) covers what was on static display, in the air and making headlines, including the Thunder autonomous attack rotorcraft, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and the Vertical Aviation VA-1X. The A350-1000ULR's longest commercial flight record and the FAA's certification of the 737-7 are among the headline news items.

Heavy-lift icons feature in "Born to lift" (page 34) — Jose Salgueiro photographs the An-225 Mriya and An-124 Ruslan. Chris Melaisi visits Bulgaria's 22nd Attack Air Base to witness SU-25s, and Mael Robin captures the MiG-29 Fulcrums at Bulgaria's 3rd Fighter Base. The Register Review (page 76) covers UK, Ireland, Guernsey and Isle of Man registrations.

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Content Guide

▸ Features / Airshow / Military / Heavy Lift / Regulars

p.20 · Farnborough International Airshow 2026
Aviation News covers this year's Farnborough with static displays, flying displays and industry announcements. The Thunder autonomous attack rotorcraft and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drew the largest crowds, along with the VA-1X from Vertical Aviation. The A350-1000ULR's record flight — 9,540 miles non-stop from London to Perth — was the talking point of the trade days.

p.68 · Harrier Sundown — USMC Bids Farewell to the AV-8B
Tom Kaminski details the Harrier's 40-year USMC service as the final squadron bows out. The piece covers the Harrier's unique operational role, its combat record and the challenges of maintaining the fleet. The article notes that two Harriers — a Sea Harrier and a T Mk8 trainer — are available for civilian purchase, including the world's only FAA-licensed flyable Sea Harrier. The Sea Harrier is listed at $1.85 million, flyable with permits.

p.44 · A Chipmunk Is Born — 80 Years Young
Chris Gilligan details the history, service life and legacy of the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, which first flew in 1946. The article covers its RAF training role, its aerobatic career and the active fleet still flying today. Over 80 Chipmunks remain airworthy worldwide, with 12 based in the UK. The Chipmunk display at Old Warden is the only place you can see three fly in formation.

p.34 · Born to Lift — An-225 Mriya and An-124 Ruslan
Jose Salgueiro's photo essay captures the two heavy-lift icons, the An-225 Mriya (destroyed in 2022) and the An-124 Ruslan, through a collection of striking images. The accompanying text explains the operational history and payload capabilities. The An-124 can carry a 120-tonne payload — the only aircraft larger was the Mriya at 250 tonnes.

p.60 · Forging Leaders — RNLASF Weapons Instructor Course
Stephan De Bruijn flies with the Royal Netherlands Air Force as members take part in this year's Weapons Instructor Course. The piece covers the training syllabus, the aircraft used (F-35A) and the intensity of the course. Only 8 pilots were selected for WIC 2026 from an initial pool of 24 applicants. The course runs for 6 months with a 50% attrition rate.

p.64 · Bezmer Bombers — Bulgaria's SU-25s
Chris Melaisi visits the 22nd Attack Air Base at Bezmer, Bulgaria, to witness the SU-25K Frogfoot in service. The article covers the base's operations, the aircraft's ground-attack capability and Bulgaria's plans for the fleet. Bulgaria operates 14 SU-25s, of which 6 are currently combat-ready. The Bulgarian Air Force plans to retire the type by 2029.

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Editor's Take

A well-balanced issue that gives equal weight to current operations (Farnborough, Harrier sundown, Bulgaria), historical appreciation (Chipmunk, heavy-lift icons) and training (RNLASF WIC). The Harrier sundown feature is the standout — the civilian purchase angle is unexpected and well-sourced. Weak area: the "Over the Fence" Zurich airport photo essay is beautiful but adds little editorial weight. Best for: Military and civil aviation enthusiasts who want a mix of breaking news, history and operational reporting.

Strengths
• Harrier sundown feature with exclusive civilian purchase details
• Farnborough 2026 coverage with specific aircraft and record data
• Chipmunk 80th with airframe numbers and UK formation display info

Weaknesses
• Zurich airport photo essay is light on editorial substance
• Movement section is data-heavy but lacks analysis

Verdict: Recommended — A solid, well-rounded issue with the Harrier piece as the must-read; the photo spreads add aesthetic value but not depth.