F-22 Raptor Clears FOT&E: Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center officials say the F-22A Raptor is now “mission capable” for the air-to-ground role; they have completed follow-on operational test and evaluation for the new fighter. This was not a pro forma announcement, even though Air Combat Command declared initial operational capability for the Raptor late last year. In fact, Maj. Gen. Robin Scott, AFOTEC commander, says that ACC was able to declare IOC based on data arising from FOT&E. According to Col. Matthew Black, head of the AFOTEC detachment at Nellis AFB, Nev., that shepherded the evaluation, AFOTEC and ACC conducted the “most complex operational test ever on a tactical aircraft.”
GAO Warns B-52 Modernization Is Falling Behind
July 31, 2026
The Air Force’s plan to start production on a new engine for the B-52H Stratofortress before conducting critical flight tests runs the risk of cost overruns and more schedule delays, government auditors said in a new report released July 31.