The Pentagon’s Defense Acquisition Board on Wednesday approved full-rate production of the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The official endorsement brings to a close a long and rocky development history. The Air Force plans to purchase 50 of the CV-22 version for Air Force Special Operations Command. Currently there are three test aircraft at Edwards AFB, Calif., where the Osprey will begin initial operational test & evaluation next summer.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.