The new Raptor 
unit at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, though it recently sent off a couple of F-22s to intercept some Russian bombers, still hasn’t declared initial operational capability. The unit is inching closer, completing a mock bomb drop earlier this month over the Alaskan training range and on target, in early February, to deploy eight F-22s with support equipment and personnel to Tyndall AFB, Fla., for a two-week weapon systems evaluation program exercise. Lt. Col. Mike Shower, 90th Fighter Squadron commander, says the unit has lost time because of “some additional, unforeseen mission requirements,” and notes, too, that Elmendorf’s arctic weather makes it a “more challenging” environment than at other operational bases. The unit expects to declare IOC in August. (Elmendorf report by A1C David Carbajal)
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
