Personnel from the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif., are wrapping up a four-phase test program to certify the C-17 airlifter for a wider variety of dirt surfaces. The final phase, being conducted at Ft. Chafee in Arkansas now, will run through Nov. 3, reports the Times Record. The Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188th Fighter Wing at Ft. Smith is hosting the test group. The Edwards team conducted earlier testing at Ft. Hunter Liggett, Calif., Ft. McCoy, Wis., and Edwards.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…