According to the Air Force’s top civilian for logistics and installations, the current configuration of training airspace “is adequate to meet [USAF] needs.” William Anderson told the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support last week that there could be changes based on where the Air Force beds downs the new F-22A and F-35 fighters, but he couldn’t provide “a definitive answer” at this point. The Air Force has just announced the next two preferred basing options for the F-22A—Hawaii and New Mexico—both with little airspace issues.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.