The Fate of Old Fighters: The Defense Science Board says it is time to replenish the military’s target drone fleet. In a newly released report, DSB recommends replacing the current drones—modified F-4 Phantoms—with an F-16 drone. The panel projects the dwindling supply of pilot-less Phantoms will run out by 2011. Since there are plenty of F-16s available, DSB considers it a likely candidate. However, the panel cautions that it may not meet the testing requirements that will be needed for the new 5th generation aircraft.
Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said the service must improve its readiness in his first public remarks as Air Force Chief of Staff, made during a ceremony marking his ascension to the service’s top job Nov. 18.
