Two U-2 pilots have just achieved a milestone in their careers—2,000 flying hours in the high-flying reconnaissance aircraft. Maj. Brian Peck, a U-2 instructor with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., is No. 20, and Maj. Michael Means, 1st RS operations officer, is No. 21. Only 19 other pilots in the history of the U-2 program have reached 2,000 hours, reports A1C George Cloutier.
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.