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.)
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.