Andersen AFB, Guam, sent two B-52 bombers to Australia this week for a second “Green Lightning” mission. (The first took place in July 2006.) After leaving Guam, the pair of bombers received 60,000 pounds of fuel from KC-135 tankers, after which they flew on to Australia’s Delamere Air Weapons Range in Australia’s Northern Territory, where the BUFFs dropped a total of eight BDU-540 inert bombs and then returned to Guam. Capt. Andy Landwer, aircraft commander of the lead bomber, said: “For most of the aircrew, it was their first time over Australia. We don’t usually get the chance to train over foreign soil. The experience gained was invaluable.” The 11.5 hour flight covered 4,500 nautical miles. The bombers deployed to Guam from Minot AFB, N.D.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.