The Natio
nal Research Council recently released a study concluding that adding “winglets,” those near-vertical wing tip extensions, to most cargo aircraft could save the Air Force millions of dollars in fuel costs, reports Stars and Stripes. The Air Force’s newest airlifter, the C-17 has winglets, but the NRC recommended more research to see if modifying them slightly would enhance fuel savings. It recommended adding winglets to KC-135 and KC-10 tankers and to the C-5 airlifter.
Congress Wants More Insight into Golden Dome Budget
Jan. 21, 2026
Lawmakers told Pentagon leaders they want more details about how the Defense Department plans to spend the $23 billion Congress provide to support Golden Dome in last year’s reconciliation deal.

