Air Combat Command now has enough of the new earplugs developed by Air Force Research Lab and commercial companies for all its pilots, who praise the plugs because they not only block noise but also enable radio communication. Before the custom-molded Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, USAF used foam sound-blocking plugs that unfortunately also hampered voices coming over the pilot’s headset. Working with Westone Labs, which also markets the earpieces to commercial customers, the Air Force now is getting the devices for less than $300 per set. (ACC report by A1C Kate Lozier)
Dozens of fighter jets gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week to kick off one of the service’s biggest air combat exercises despite the government shutdown. More than 50 aircraft and 500 personnel are participating in Checkered Flag 26-1.
