The Air Force finally is scrapping its remaining 110 T-3A Firefly training aircraft that the service suspended in 1997 following a series of accidents that killed six people over a period of three years. The Air Force bought the aircraft to replace the T-41 and began using them in 1993. USAF formally grounded the British-made aircraft in 1999, following failed attempts to ensure their airworthiness. The pre-pilot screening aircraft remained in storage at the Air Force Academy and at Hondo Airport near in San Antonio.
More than 100 B-21s will be needed if the nation is to avoid creating a high demand/low capacity capability, panelists said on a Hudson Institute webinar. The B-21's flexibility, stealth, range and payload will be in high demand for a wide range of missions, both traditional and new.