Though it has been done under “beta” conditions in the past, the US Air Force is now conducting its first actual training class of UAV pilots who were not previously aviators.
The training is not short. The new Lieutenants have already completed flight screening, must conduct a significant amount of T-6 simulator training, RPA basic training, and then finally to the basic qualfiication course for UAVs. The “pipeline” is programmed as about a year.
The US Army’s latest technological marvel for the average Soldier has reportedly seen combat in Afghanistan. The XM25 is an anti-defillade weapon, using lasers and programmable shells to deny the enemy the opportunity to hide behind protective cover. Dubbed “the Punisher,” the XM25 has seen limited use in Afghanistan in an experimental status, but it has received continuous praise: Read more
FoxNews recently reported on the US Navy’s attempts to develop laser-based weapons that might be used for a variety of purposes, including ship and anti-aircraft defense.
Lasers have come a long way in the military already. The US Air Force flys a 747 with a laser in the nose (the “Airborne Laser,” or ABL) that can shoot down ballistic missiles; it doesn’t take much to imagine what else that laser could be pointed at or used for. A laser-equipped C-130 has engaged ground targets to mixed success, and Boeing reportedly used lasers to down small UAVs.
There is still a long way to go, though. According to the article, the development team is attempting to create a full-size prototype by 2018.
Just one question: Will the Navy create it in time to put these laser weapons on the USS Enterprise?
Most people don’t realize the US Air Force still flies F-4s. The Phantoms were well known for their anti-SAM role in Desert Storm, though they made their mark in history during Vietnam.
The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron is now using the F-4 to tow target banners for aerial gunnery practice. Unmanned QF-4s continue to fly in a variety of other full-scale target applications.
Lacking the sleek and aerodynamic look of many other aircraft, the F-4 used to be cited as proof that with enough thrust, you can get a brick to fly.
The US Marine Corps’ newest attack aircraft, its armed KC-130J tanker/airlift aircraft, is reportedly flying sorties over Afghanistan:
The [KC-130] is the first of three airplanes with San Diego-based Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 to be fitted with the Harvest Hawk kit. The kit, designed as a roll-on/roll-off weapon system, includes a pod attached to the left wing that can carry four Hellfire missiles, Read more
Much to his father’s chagrin, a young Londoner managed to purchase a Harrier on sale from Jet Art Aviation Limited in Britain. It was simple: he just clicked the “buy it now” button on eBay.
Apparently, the seller understood and canceled the transaction when the father called to explain.
Just as well, really. The Harrier wouldn’t have fit in the garage next to his bike.
The Inspector General has reportedly determined that US Navy Ensign Steve Crowston faced reprisal in the form of an “unfavorable fitness report” after lodging complaints against his leadership.
Crowston was an “administration/legal officer” and had recently become an officer after previously serving as a petty officer. The aviators in his unit included him in the fighter pilot tradition of a Naming; Crowston lodged complaints as a result.
Crowston’s then-commander, Cmdr Liam Bruen, Read more
The Air Force has announced it is “overstrength” (exceeding its authorized and funded size) and will reduce its officer corps by approximately 2300 personnel. Some will be encouraged to leave with voluntary separation pay; others will be involuntarily separated. In addition, the Air Force intends to reduce its promotion rates.
To reduce the number of upcoming officers, subsequent US Air Force Academy class sizes will be reduced to bring the USAFA Cadet Wing size down to 4,000 from its current 4,400.
The changes will likely make many career opportunities in the Air Force — including admissions to the Academy — far more “lean,” making them both challenging and competitive.
Some have noted an apparent contradiction, however, in the Air Force’s simultaneous decision to continue the pilot bonus and its NASCAR sponsorship.