An Air Force C-17, flying at 32,000 feet, air dropped a 65-foot, 72,000-pound simulated Falcon Small Launch Vehicle, marking the longest and heaviest single object to be dropped from a C-17, breaking the record set in June during the second FSLV test. This was the final test in a three-test series to explore whether it would be feasible—and less expensive—to use the big airlifter to safely deliver a full-weight rocket for the program and could spawn a spacelift role for the new strategic airlifter.
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”