A C-17 airlifting patients from Iraq to Germany on Christmas Day faced poor visibility as it approached Ramstein AB, Germany, but the air traffic controllers at Ramstein had, just three days previously, activated a new Category II instrument landing system. The C-17 aeromedevac flight became the first aircraft to use the new ILS capability, successfully landing within the CAT II minimum of a 100-foot ceiling and 370 meters visibility. Since taking over primary airlift hub duties from the former Rhein-Main Air Base, Ramstein also has added DOD’s first CAT III ILS approach system, making it possible for aircraft with CAT III technology, like the C-17, to land when the ceiling is down to ground level and 200 meters visibility.
Details Murky as ARRW Falls Short in Second Test
March 24, 2023
The second all-up flight of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon on March 13 fell short of a fully successful test, but the Air Force isn’t saying what went wrong with the Lockheed Martin-built hypersonic missile. The defense giant's Missiles and Fire Control division recently said the ARRW is "ready…