General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany’s RUAG Aerospace Services to offer the former’s Predator B multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft to the German military. “GA-ASI’s establishment of a working relationship with RUAG represents a strategic commitment by both companies to support the German armed forces with a proven, affordable, and responsive solution to Germany’s [intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance] and defense requirements,” said Neal Blue, GA-ASI chairman and CEO. Under the MOU, RUAG will perform roles like assisting in the adaptation of hardware to German national standards, supporting German airworthiness certification, and providing logistical and maintenance support once the Predator Bs are delivered. The US Air Force already operates the Predator B, which it calls the MQ-9 Reaper. So do the Royal Air Force and Italian air force.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…