Almanac: Aircraft Inventory

The Air Force’s CV-22 Osprey fleet started receiving new proprotor gearboxes last month—and officials say they’re planning a comprehensive midlife upgrade for the V-22 to address concerns over its safety and reliability. 

While NASA and the Defense Department have different objectives in space, the two agencies can collaborate more to avoid duplicative spending and take better advantage of mutually beneficial technology development, says NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.

When U.S. Special Operations Command and the Air Force first developed requirements for its Armed Overwatch program, planners envisioned a rugged, lightweight, low-cost combat scout aircraft capable of supporting counterinsurgency missions. Now that they've acquired OA-1K Skyraider II, however, the command and its prime contractor are looking to up-arm their modified Air Tractor cropduster to carry low-cost cruise missiles.

More stealthy U.S. fighter jets moved closer to the Middle East on Feb. 9, with a half dozen F–35A Lightning II fifth-generation planes landing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., after crossing the Atlantic, flight tracking data and air traffic control communications show.