The Miniature Air Launched Decoy under test at Eglin AFB, Fla., reached speeds up to 0.9 Mach during its first powered flight test on April 30, according to a May 23 release from the Armament Systems Center at Eglin. An F-16 launched the turbojet powered MALD, which then had no electrical power or communications provided by the F-16—a first for a GPS/Inertial Navigation System-guided weapon, reports Capt. C.J. Hale. The test team plans to begin tests with a B-52 next month.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…