The aircraft maintainers at Luke AFB, Ariz., undoubtedly have done a magnificent job keeping F-16D No. 83-178 flying over the past 24 years, since it has accumulated some 7,238 flight hours—the average life expectancy is now 6,000+ hours. Now, the Luke folks have turned the Viper with USAF’s “highest flying time” over to the Air National Guard, which will fly it some more. The Arizona ANG’s 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport gets old #178 to add to its stable of more than 70 Vipers used in training the international cadre of F-16 pilots. (Luke report by Justin Oakes)
A Golden Dome task force established under U.S. Northern Command earlier this year has a broad remit, which includes fielding the capability to defend the U.S. against missile and drone attacks, its leaders said this week. Some of the primary focuses right now are ensuring Golden Dome can defend itself…