The Faded Vision of “Military Man in Space”

Nov. 1, 2015
It was assumed that in the fullness of time, Air Force pilots would fly through space in rocket ships.

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Air Force Announces Not One, But Two Bonus Programs to Retain Aviators in 2024

Dec. 1, 2023
The Air Force is renaming its traditional aviation bonus program in 2024 and continuing a new, experimental second program, ordered by Congress, aimed at getting aviators to extend their commitment sooner and for longer. While the programs can’t be doubled-up, aviators may be able to move from one to the…

C-130s to Bring Holiday Cheer and 84,000 Pounds of Supplies to Pacific Islands

Dec. 1, 2023
Over 200 bundles containing food, toys, and supplies are set to drop from C-130Js flying across the western Pacific Ocean this weekend. The U.S. Air Force and its allies have gathered over 84,000 pounds of these supplies for ‘Operation Christmas Drop,’ scheduled to start Dec. 3 and continue through Dec.…

To Counter Laser Weapons, Air Force Creates Better Eye Protection

Dec. 1, 2023
Whether it be civilians pointing commercial laser pointers in the sky or adversaries using military-grade lasers, USAF aviators face eye damage or potentially fatal distraction. Looking to counter these threats, members of the Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Program are working to roll out “Block 3” of the Air Force’s protective eyewear. 

Air Force’s Most Comprehensive Suicide Study Still Not Complete

Dec. 1, 2023
The Department of the Air Force is still working on a first-of-its-kind suicide analysis that is meant to help the service refine its prevention and response efforts. Originally due in the spring, the Standardized Suicide Fatality Analysis report is taking longer than expected because this is the branch’s first time…

Latest KC-46 Lot Contract Award Leaves Only Three More to Go

Nov. 30, 2023
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.

Air Guardsmen Keep Aging F-15Cs Flying With Spare Parts Made In-House

Nov. 30, 2023
The average age for America’s fleet of F-15C Eagles is about 38 years old, and many of the aircraft’s spare parts are no longer produced or can take days to order from a manufacturer. Luckily, the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing has a metals technology shop at the Portland…

7 Airmen Still Missing, 1 Dead After Japan Osprey Crash

Nov. 30, 2023
The U.S. military is leading the effort to find personnel that were aboard a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey that crashed off the coast of southern Japan, the Pentagon said. Eight Airmen were aboard the aircraft when went down in the ocean on Nov. 29, and the Pentagon says it…

New Schedule for Sentinel Coming Soon, Says ICBM Modernization Boss

Nov. 30, 2023
The head of a new office created to oversee the modernization of the Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missile fleet said he expects to receive a schedule update on the Sentinel program “at the end of the year” from contractor Northrop Grumman. Brig. Gen. Colin J. Connor, head of Air Force Global…

S. Korea Spy Satellite to Lift Off at Vandenberg Days After N. Korea Launches One

Nov. 30, 2023
South Korea is set to launch its inaugural homemade reconnaissance satellite on Dec. 2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. While South Korea looks to build up its space surveillance capabilities, North Korea claimed the successful positioning of its first spy satellite from its launch last week, following two failed…