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.
A recent injection of $475 million has reversed delayed delivery timelines for the Pentagon’s hypersonic missile interceptor by several years, Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, director of the Missile Defense Agency, told congressional leaders in an April 15 hearing.