Pacific Air Forces has proclaimed itself the energy reduction king of major commands for 2006, saying it has reduced its energy use by 17 percent below a 2003 baseline. In large part, officials say, the command’s success relies on airmen to be energy conscious, since the far-flung command’s weather extremes make one, all encompassing approach impractical. PACAF also is at the forefront of USAF’s drive to shift to alternative fuels, having opened a hydrogen-generating station last fall.
As L3Harris proves its OA-1K Skyraider II special operations aircraft can carry a signals intelligence sensor and electronic attack weapon, a key congressional committee is poised to boost production of the converted Air Tractor prop plane.