The Aeronautical Systems Center is working on a “promising concept” that could make high-altitude airdrops more rapid, safe, and accurate. The Joint Precision Airdrop System incorporates several steerable components—canopy and electro-mechanical actuators—an airborne guidance unit, and mission planning hardware and software. JPADS has been in the works for the past three years, as a means to deliver ground-force supplies into a soccer field size drop zone from 25,000 feet. The altitude would keep aircrews safe from most surface-to-air threats, and the system would further reduce reliance on ground convoys.
The Space Force put Guardians on notice to purchase the service’s new physical training gear uniform by the end of January, but it isn’t ready to set a mandatory wear date for its new service dress uniform.
