The board investigating the non-fatal crash of an F-16 from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, on Sept. 14 found that the pilot experienced a “momentary lapse of attention,” on final turn, reports Stars and Stripes. Calling the crash pilot error, the board noted that a well-known “visual illusion” caused by the airfield’s upgrade on one end contributed to the accident.
The Air Force is launching an effort to develop a new stand-off missile with a range of 1,000 nautical miles, or 1,150 miles, that would eventually be used for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.