The last flight of the BQM-34P Firebee target drone took place last week at Tyndall AFB, Fla. The base received the BQM-34P in 1958 and flew it for more than 1,500 hours to simulate tactical threats for air-to-air combat training and weapons evaluations. It’s being replaced by the BQM-167A Skeeter. (Tyndall report by A1C Anthony Hyatt)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…