As personnel and readiness costs have risen, USAF has devoted less money to procurement and research and development, Maj. Gen. Frank Faykes told reporters at a briefing on USAF’s 2007 budget request. In 1986, USAF put 55 percent of its budget into procurement and RDT&E. Today, the amount is around 35 percent. Faykes said the Air Force intends to increase the RDT&E budget by nearly $12 billion over the next five years.
As Hurricane Melissa hammers the Caribbean, the U.S. Air Force’s “Hurricane Hunters” are busy flying into the massive Category 4 storm to collect atmospheric data—with one experiencing greater than expected turbulence Oct. 28.
