The commander of Air Mobility Command agreed with other military leaders about the utility and high usage of the C-17 strategic airlifter, saying the nation is using the new cargo jet at an “unprecedented rate.” Gen. Duncan McNabb told legislators last week that he has “concern” for its escalating “wear and tear,” brought on by being used “much more in a tactical role” than originally envisioned by the Air Force. At this rate, said McNabb, the Air Force will have to replace some C-17s sooner than expected.
The first flight of the secretive B-21 bomber has slipped to mid-2022, but the program is moving along well, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director Randall Walden said in an exclusive interview. The second copy of the B-21, which will be used for structural testing, is now on the production…