Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, say they are preceding handily with the largest modernization program for the F-16 Viper. At the heart of the upgrade is what’s called Common Configuration Implementation Program—a comprehensive $2 billion effort to enhance avionics commonality for 650 Block 40, 42, 50, and 52 F-16s. Officials say the CCIP, expected to be completed by 2010, will improve “lethality and survivability” and reduce the cost of upkeep. Key elements include Link-16 capability, new mission computers, color displays, and enhanced horizontal situation indicators, among other improvements.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.