Post Tagged with: "air force"
C-5M undergoes ‘super’ upgrade at Edwards AFB
In 2006, the C-5 Galaxy underwent a “super” upgrade to further strengthen the airframe’s worldwide airlift capabilities. Test teams here and at Dover Air Force Base, Del., are showing why the recent software upgrade to the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory — now known as the C-5M Super Galaxy — is no small [...]
F-35 fighter takes another step forward
The Air Force took another step forward with its newest fighter jet when an advanced F-35 Lightning II landed at the service’s lead training base, home to the largest fleet of F-35s worldwide. The new stealth fighter kicks off a major training effort at the F-35 schoolhouse on an aircraft with unmatched capabilities. The F-35 [...]
X-51A Waverider achieves breakthrough in final flight
The final flight of the X-51A Waverider test program has accomplished a breakthrough in the development of flight reaching Mach 5.1 over the Pacific Ocean May 1. “It was a full mission success,” said Charlie Brink, the X-51A program manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate. The cruiser traveled more than 230 [...]
U.S. Air Force Bomber Sustainment and Modernization
The United States’ existing long-range bomber fleet of B-52s, B-1s, and B-2s are at a critical point in their operational life span. With the average age of each airframe being 50, 28, and 20 years old, respectively, military analysts are beginning to question just how long these aircraft can physically last and continue to be [...]
Edwards Completes Tests to Extend KC-135
Known as “The Mighty War Wagon” of the Air Force, the KC-135 Stratotanker has proven to be the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force for more than 50 years. With the help of the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, along with a multitude of testers, the KC-135 Block 45 test team recently [...]
Affordability Remains Priority for Joint Strike Fighter Program
Affordability remains the priority for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, the Pentagon’s program executive officer for the Defense Department’s most expensive procurement told Congress yesterday. Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told the Senate Armed Services Committee’s airland subcommittee that the program has made progress, but he acknowledged it is enormously complicated [...]
Raytheon contracted for Miniature Air Launched Decoy and Jammer units
The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a firm-fixed-price $81.7 million option for Lot 6 on the Lot 5 contract for the production and delivery of 202 MALD-J jammers and containers. The contract also includes a 10-year warranty. The contract was awarded in Raytheon’s first quarter of 2013. “MALD-J adds a jamming capability to the current [...]
Readiness, Modernization In Flux, Air Force Secretary Says
The Air Force will see few force structure changes this year, but readiness and modernization accounts will be in flux this year and next, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today. The secretary also told the Defense Writers’ Group that now is the time for another base realignment and closure process. Readiness and [...]
Reserve, Guard leaders discuss FY14 budget
The top leaders from Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force Reserve and National Guard were on Capitol Hill here April 17 to provide statements and answer questions regarding their FY14 budget proposals. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., the chairwoman of the full U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Subcommittee [...]


