The Fate of Old Fighters: The Defense Science Board says it is time to replenish the military’s target drone fleet. In a newly released report, DSB recommends replacing the current drones—modified F-4 Phantoms—with an F-16 drone. The panel projects the dwindling supply of pilot-less Phantoms will run out by 2011. Since there are plenty of F-16s available, DSB considers it a likely candidate. However, the panel cautions that it may not meet the testing requirements that will be needed for the new 5th generation aircraft.
The "Air Force One" replacement will be two to three years late due to pandemic issues, testing, and the loss of a subcontractor on the interior, USAF officials reported at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They were also warned that some HASC members will insist on a competition for…