As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training

As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training
As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training

“Future combat employment is about kill chains and kill webs, it’s about systems of systems warfare,” and pilot training has to reflect that, Col. Matt Ryan told Breaking Defense.

Turbine ‘fatigue’ issue forced F-22 engine retrofit, Air Force says

Turbine ‘fatigue’ issue forced F-22 engine retrofit, Air Force says
Turbine ‘fatigue’ issue forced F-22 engine retrofit, Air Force says

The Air Force worked with engine-maker Pratt & Whitney to fix the planes in the field and during regular maintenance over three years.

Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040

Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040
Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040

“I was surprised the anticipated initial operational capability for NGAS is 2040. It is likely that this RFI and the subsequent Analysis of Alternatives will find that there are viable options for the Air Force to accelerate the fielding of KC-Z,” the Hudson Institute’s Tim Walton said in an email to Breaking Defense.

Rain today? DIU, Air Force partner on global weather sensing

Rain today? DIU, Air Force partner on global weather sensing
Rain today? DIU, Air Force partner on global weather sensing

“High resolution (spatial and temporal) global weather data is more readily accessible from commercial platforms, and is increasingly important for making well-informed decisions in geographically diverse environments around the world,” the DIU-AFLCMC announcement states.

AFRL’s little NTS-3 test satellite holds 100 possibilities to help secure or backup GPS

AFRL’s little NTS-3 test satellite holds 100 possibilities to help secure or backup GPS
AFRL’s little NTS-3 test satellite holds 100 possibilities to help secure or backup GPS

“We know that the way of warfare has changed, and we’re going to be having difficulties with jamming, and having difficulties getting our position navigation and timing signals to our warfighters,” said AFRL Director Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle.

Budgetary Pressures Could Push Skyborg Beyond 2023

Budgetary Pressures Could Push Skyborg Beyond 2023
Budgetary Pressures Could Push Skyborg Beyond 2023

“I won’t say that it’s not achievable” to transition Skyborg to a program of record, said AFLMC’s Brig. Gen. Dale White. “I will just say that it has to be balanced with all of the other requirements we have across the portfolio to be able to do that.”

DSCA Looking At ‘Creative Financing’ For Future Foreign Military Sales

DSCA Looking At ‘Creative Financing’ For Future Foreign Military Sales
DSCA Looking At ‘Creative Financing’ For Future Foreign Military Sales

DSCA also is looking at ways to better advertise options like third-party transfers to potential foreign buyers, says Air Force FMS specialist Col. Anthony Walker.

Air Force To Fund, Test Unmanned Hypersonic Plane

Air Force To Fund, Test Unmanned Hypersonic Plane
Air Force To Fund, Test Unmanned Hypersonic Plane

“There are so many building block technologies that need to happen first. So, it’s a bit silly, but the appeal of the theoretical end result is undeniable,” says Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia.

ARRW Schedule Still On Track Pending Failure Review

ARRW Schedule Still On Track Pending Failure Review
ARRW Schedule Still On Track Pending Failure Review

If ARRW continues to fail, the service could resuscitate the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon as a fall-back, says Brig. Gen. Heath Collins, who heads AFLCMC’s Armaments Directorate.

Air Force To Set Up 3D Printed Supply Chain At Tinker AFB

Air Force To Set Up 3D Printed Supply Chain At Tinker AFB
Air Force To Set Up 3D Printed Supply Chain At Tinker AFB

“The ability to additively manufacture an aircraft engine part and gain military airworthiness is a significant step forward in growing the adoption of additive manufacturing in the Air Force,” Nathan Parker, deputy program executive officer at RSO, said.

Air Guard Shows Off New ‘Ghost Reaper’ Chops At Northern Edge

Air Guard Shows Off New ‘Ghost Reaper’ Chops At Northern Edge
Air Guard Shows Off New ‘Ghost Reaper’ Chops At Northern Edge

Ghost Reaper upgrades include Northrop Grumman’s Freedom Pod, which houses the company’s gateway radio system that can connect fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.

Air Force Drone Plan May Rile MQ-9 Champions

Air Force Drone Plan May Rile MQ-9 Champions
Air Force Drone Plan May Rile MQ-9 Champions

“This is a new effort, as the expanded mission now goes beyond a strict MQ-9 replacement,” an AFLCMC spokesperson said. “This endeavor serves to explore concepts that address capability gaps of legacy platforms against increasingly sophisticated threats in denied, contested, and highly contested environments.”

Skyborg Could Develop Multiple Drones For Many Missions

Skyborg Could Develop Multiple Drones For Many Missions
Skyborg Could Develop Multiple Drones For Many Missions

The Air Force is “driving toward” 2023 for initial operating capability for Skyborg, says AFRL Director Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle.

AF Taps ‘Flying Car’ Firms For ‘Prime’ Investment; Expands Program

AF Taps ‘Flying Car’ Firms For ‘Prime’ Investment; Expands Program
AF Taps ‘Flying Car’ Firms For ‘Prime’ Investment; Expands Program

The Space Prime effort could support game-changing “space transport and logistics” capabilities, says Col. Eric Felt, head of AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate.