The fielding of the Small Diameter Bomb was no mean feat, requiring the constant coordination of military members and civilians at seven locations working on four separate capabilities—the SDB itself, an advanced display core processor, a joint mission planning system, and operational flight program software. Lt. Col. Ed Offutt, Strike Eagle team leader at Aeronautical Systems Command, says “a phenomenal amount of communication and coordination” enabled USAF to field the SDB eight weeks ahead of schedule. The program also was nearly $27 million under budget. Aircrews and maintainers at RAF Lakenheath, Britain, have been integrating the SDB on the 48th Fighter Wing F-15Es, moving toward first operational use this fall.
Key Air Force, Space Force Leaders Set to Retire
May 23, 2022
The Department of the Air Force announced the retirements of several key leaders within the Air Force and Space Force on May 23, while also unveiling more than a dozen new assignments for current or future one-star generals.