An HH-60G rescue helicopter assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, had to make a precautionary landing near the base after a windshield wiper motor failed and filled the cockpit with smoke, according to base officials. The incident occurred on Nov. 6 during a routine training mission with six persons on board, states a Nov. 7 Lakenheath release. The pilot followed emergency procedures and landed the helicopter at Santon Downham, an area about five miles east of the base, with no injuries. A maintenance crew responded to the incident and fixed the helicopter within six hours, according to the release. The cause of the motor anomaly is under investigation.
The Air Force is slashing all civilian positions at its premier research institute for Chinese military aviation, prompting concern among experts who say it will dilute the service’s focus on the Pentagon’s most significant long-term adversary.
