The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., is conducting flight tests with seven C-17s to see how well Globemaster III pilots can fly their aircraft in proximity to other C-17s using the airplane’s newly modified formation flight system. This equipment is meant to enable C-17 pilots to maintain a formation with other C-17s at the same altitude and distance in any weather condition. Tests are scheduled to continue this week, building upon a Sept. 14 drill. The test unit is using three C-17s that flew in from JB Charleston, S.C., three from JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., as well as one C-17 assigned to Edwards. Kenji Thuloweit, Edwards’ spokesman, told the Daily Report Monday that the FSS modifications are part of the C-17’s Block 17 upgrade. (Includes Edwards report by Kenji Thuloweit)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
