According to a Dec. 3 release from the Air Force Flight Standards Agency, the agency participated in testing of a new joint precision approach and landing system, which can provide landing guidance similar to the current instrument landing system—but JPALS is portable. It can fit into two backpacks and be set up in under 30 minutes. It also beats the ILS by enabling aircraft to actively avoid rough terrain and potential enemies rather than requiring a long, straight-in landing approach. (Report by Maj. Martin Towey.)
The United States Air Force is flying less than historic norms and funding for acquisition and readiness is on a path to further hollow out this too small and old force to that is incapable of sustaining an enduring combat air campaign.
