The 412th Test Wing from Edwards AFB, Calif., has deployed a large detachment to JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., to support the first stage of KC-46 Pegasus developmental testing. “We basically set up a composite wing and a focal point to coordinate all the operations in support of the KC-46” over the next 15 months, 412th TW project manager Tim O’Hearn said in a release. “We have six different airframes,” including F-16s, F-15Es, A-10s, KC-135s, KC-10s, and C-17s that will act as receiver, chase, and test support aircraft, he added. Two F-16s and nine maintainers are already at McChord and ?supported the KC-46’s first flight late last month, and approximately 120 personnel from Edwards and elsewhere will rotate through, directly supporting KC-46 testing. “It’s a pretty big footprint,” said O’Hearn. Aircraft at McChord are supporting the 418th Test Squadron, Det. 1 in Seattle, tasked with KC-46 testing. The detachment will remain at McChord until the first two KC-46s move to Edwards for continued trials toward the end of 2016.
The U.S. thwarted a drone attack on U.S. forces at Al Asad air base in western Iraq on April 22, marking the first time that American troops have been targeted since February, U.S. officials said. “We can confirm it was an attack on Al Asad,” a defense official told Air & Space…