December 14, 1984

December 14, 1984

Dec. 14, 1984

At Edwards AFB, Calif., Grumman pilot Chuck Sewell makes the first flight of the X-29A forward-swept wing demonstrator. The X-29s, two of the most unusual aircraft ever built, are designed to prove the aerodynamic benefits of wings that appear to have been put on backwards.

Air Force Issues New Mustache, Sideburn Standards

Nov. 4, 2025

The Air Force recently tightened its standards on mustaches and sideburns to comply with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s strict new guidance on facial hair.

Wilsbach’s 1st Call to Airmen: ‘At Our Core, We Fly and Fix Aircraft’

Nov. 4, 2025

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach swore in as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Air Force on Nov. 3 and kept his focus simple in his first message to Airmen: the service’s first and foremost priority is to “fly and fix so we are ready to fight.”

General Atomics Flies Second CCA, Announces New Ground-Attack Drone

Nov. 4, 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has flown a second YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, stepping up the pace of testing for the new uncrewed fighter escort. The company also announced “Gambit 6,” a fresh variant in its CCA family meant for air-to-ground missions.

Draft Memo Offers First Look at Pentagon Acquisition Reforms

Nov. 4, 2025

The Pentagon is readying a slew of reforms to its acquisition practices designed to speed up the military’s process for buying weapons and systems and structure its program offices to prioritize competition and commercial capabilities, according to a draft memo.

New 3-Star USAFE, NATO Air Boss Takes Over Amid Russian Threats

Nov. 3, 2025

Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds took charge of NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa on Oct. 31, one day after being confirmed for the post by the Senate.

Air Force to Retain ‘Platinum’ F-15C/Ds Four More Years for Homeland Defense

Nov. 3, 2025

The Air Force is planning to retain some F-15C/D Eagles, among its oldest fighters, to perform the homeland defense mission at least four more years, the service revealed in a “Long-Term Fighter Force Structure” report submitted to lawmakers earlier this year.

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.

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