McConnell AFB, Kan., inactivated its oldest KC-135 refueling squadron to make room for the next generation KC-46 tanker. The 384th Air Refueling Squadron, which formed 43 years ago, closed on Sept. 30. For 20 years, the 384th was the only refueling squadron at the base and now the Air Force will figure out if the “Squarepatchers” will reactivate at another base, according to an 18th Air Force release. Three squadrons will remain at McConnell and fly the KC-46 beginning in 2017.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
