The Vickers Vimy heavy bomber makes its first flight at Joyce Green, England. Capable of carrying 2,000 pounds of bombs and with a range of 900 miles, the Vimy is designed to bomb Germany from England, making it the first true strategic bomber. The type did not enter service until October 1918, but the Vimy would be the Royal Air Force’s front-line bomber until the late 1920s. It would serve in training roles until 1931.
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.