One would think that the C-130J has already “graduated,” considering its made its first combat air drop on June 30 in Southwest Asia. Yet, the newest Hercules has to complete the formal phase 2 of its qualification operational test and evaluation. The C-130Js must complete 24-hour surge operations and interoperability testing with Army equipment and personnel, flying out of Little Rock AFB, Ark., and, in December, cold weather testing from Eielson AFB, Alaska, before it gets a rating of fully operational.
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…