Avenger's First Flight | Air & Space Forces Magazine

Avenger’s First Flight

April 4, 2009

The Predator C remotely piloted aircraft flies for the first time. The Avenger is the latest in the Predator family, including USAF’s MQ-1 Predator (Predator A) and MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B), offered by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The Avenger is slightly larger than the Reaper and is designed to be more survivable in higher threat environments.

Airman and Guardian Families with Furloughed Spouses Feel Shutdown Strain

Nov. 3, 2025

Active-duty Airmen and Guardians haven’t missed any paychecks yet as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. But with tens of thousands of military spouses working as civilians for the federal government, many families still face financial strain and stress.

No Golden Dome Requirements Yet, but Space Firms Already Betting on Dual-Use Tech

Nov. 3, 2025

Companies planning to compete for Golden Dome contracts say they’re already investing in capabilities that could have a range of defense and commercial applications—regardless of whether they’re selected for the Pentagon’s sweeping program to create an advanced homeland missile defense shield.

‘Here’s the Story’: How an Airman Lied to Cover Up M18 Shooting

Nov. 1, 2025

Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.

Lawmakers: Secret JATM Missile Not Delayed by Shutdown After All

Oct. 31, 2025

The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.

Anduril’s CCA Makes First Flight; YFQ-44A Flies Semi-Autonomously

Oct. 31, 2025

Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took to the sky Oct. 31, the Air Force announced. The service also confirmed that a production decision on the CCA program is still expected in fiscal 2026, despite the ongoing government shutdown.

Northrop Ready to Start Production on New F-16 EW Suite; First Units Going to Middle East

Oct. 31, 2025

Northrop Grumman is gearing up to produce the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, or IVEWS, which will provide the modern electronic warfare protection the fighter has long needed, officials say.

STRATCOM Nominee Wants More B-21s, Deflects Questions on US Resumption of Nuclear Tests

Oct. 30, 2025

The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.

Air Base Defense Is Our Duty. It’s Been Ignored Too Long

Oct. 30, 2025

The need to defend air bases was made painfully clear at Hickam Field in December 1941. Yet even now we continue to park aircraft in the open, often wingtip-to-wingtip, all over the country and have essentially no way of providing terminal defense against air attack.

Wilsbach Confirmed as Air Force Chief

Oct. 30, 2025

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach was confirmed as the 24th Air Force Chief of Staff Oct. 30 by unanimous consent. Shortly before, his predecessor, Gen. David W. Allvin, was "clapped" out of the Pentagon, 10 weeks after he unexpectedly announced his retirement on Aug. 18, two years into his four-year term.

Avenger’s First Flight

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