Officials at Nellis AFB, Nev., announced Thursday that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence that a pilot whose F-16 crashed Tuesday in the Nevada desert did not survive the mishap. “Based on evidence recovered from the crash site, and after extensive aerial and ground search efforts, we know that the pilot did not eject from the aircraft prior to impact,” said Brig. Gen. T.J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of Nellis’ 57th Wing. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s immediate family, Air Force family, and friends during this difficult time.” The F-16 was participating in a combat training mission from Nellis when it went down on federal property approximately 20 miles west of Caliente, Nev. Nellis officials are withholding the pilot’s name and unit until 24 hours after notification of the next of kin. O’Shaughnessy said the accident is under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.
Sierra Nevada Corp. has acquired five ex-Korean Air 747-8 jumbo jets on which it will host the Survivable Airborne Operations Center. The jets will be transferred next year and will serve as the platforms for the SAOC, the $13 billion contract for which SNC won last month. The jets were…