The Air Force formally accepted the first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite from contractor Boeing on April 22. This spacecraft is set for launch in late May aboard a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. The Block IIF series incorporates a new navigation signal for civil users as well as signal accuracy improvements for military and civil users. Boeing is under contract to build 12 Block IIF satellites, after which the Air Force will transition to Lockheed Martin-built Block III spacecraft. (May 7 Los Angeles photo caption)
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…