The Air Force plans to erect a 3-megawatt solar farm on the grounds of the Air Force Academy. The Web site CleanTechnica.com reported Aug. 9 that this new solar energy system will be able to provide power for seven percent of the entire complex. According to the report, the Air Force has contracted with Colorado Springs Utilities to build the $18.3 million solar farm. Funds for the project are coming from the $1.4 billion earmarked for the service in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for installations and infrastructure. The Air Force began operations of a 220 kilowatt solar farm at Hill AFB, Utah, in June, and has the nation’s largest solar photovoltaic system, a 14-megawatt farm, at Nellis AFB, Nev.
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…