Air Force researchers found an environmentally friendly material to prevent corrosion and extend the service life of aluminum landing gear wheels, brakes, and struts, according to an Oct. 28 release. The Air Force Research Laboratory worked with the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah, to test four different sealers before identifying a permanganate-based sealer, called SafeGuard CC-5000, which was found to be as effective—and possibly better in some aspects—?than the typical chromium-based sealers. The sealer was approved for use and incorporated into the coating process in September, states the release. “The transition and full implementation of this material is critical to the Air Force as it moves toward more environmentally and health-conscious maintenance solutions,” said Elizabeth Berman, AFRL senior materials research engineer. Chromium, which is listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of toxic chemicals, was restricted in military vehicles and weapon systems in 2009.
Air Force Conducts Test Launch of Minuteman III ICBM
May 21, 2025
The Air Force tested an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif,. at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time May. 21. The successful test saw the missile equipped with a single reentry vehicle travel more than 4,200 miles to strike a test site near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall…