Retired Col. Warren “Bob” Lilly, 74, died Oct. 12 in Alabama. Lilly was a rescue helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and was shot down in 1965. He spent seven years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, alongside Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). In a statement, McCain wrote: “Bob was not only a good friend, but a real American hero. Throughout the year we spent together as prisoners in Hanoi, I was inspired by his strength and loyal patriotism.”
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.