The Last Phantom

July 1, 1996
The F-4 was a legend in its own time and defined the term jet fighter.””

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The head of the U.S. Air Force Academy on March 2 defended the school’s disciplinary program for students who violate the honor code, as House lawmakers questioned service academy superintendents on a recent spate of cheating scandals. “We have a very robust honor education system that starts from the day…

New Threats Demand Nuclear Modernization

March 2, 2021
Deterrence isn't what it used to be, and the U.S. will be in trouble against an array of new nuclear weapons not covered by treaty if it doesn't move ahead with nuclear weapon modernization, senior U.S. military leaders warned at AFA's virtual Aerospace Warfare Symposium.

BAE Systems Begins F-15 EPAWSS Low-Rate Production

March 2, 2021
Low-rate initial production of the EPAWSS electronic warfare suite for the F-15 has begun, under a $58 million contract from Boeing, BAE Systems reported. The system is designed to buy the F-15 more survivability in and near contested airspace. It will equip F-15C/D and F-15E aircraft in service, as well…

USAF Proves Strike Eagles Can Carry 15 JDAMs

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The Air Force is testing new ways to use the F-15E Strike Eagle to deliver bombs. The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron recently flew an F-15E with six Joint Direct Attack Munitions on a single side, potentially expanding the number of the bombs the aircraft can carry to 15. Expanding…

Air Force OKs Shorts for Maintainers, New Sock Colors, and More Starting March 15

March 2, 2021
Maintainers will soon be allowed to wear shorts, under new rules based on feedback from Airmen and Guardians. The Department of the Air Force on March 15 will publish a “change to Air Force Instruction 36-2903”—which governs dress and appearance for USAF and Space Force troops. “These options came directly…

Air Force Finalizes New PT Uniform

March 2, 2021
The Air Force Uniform Office has finished redesigning the service’s physical training uniform, and Airmen will be able to buy it beginning next year, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center announced March 2. More than 150 service members helped test the new outfit, which includes a jacket, t-shirt, pants,…

Drones Could Be SOCOM Armed Overwatch Contenders, Slife Says

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Unmanned aerial vehicles are fair game for U.S. Special Operations Command’s armed overwatch platform competition, Air Force Special Operations Command boss Lt. Gen. James C. “Jim” Slife told reporters on Feb. 26. However, the MQ-9 Reaper drone might not be up to the challenge in its current form, he suggested…

USAFE’s ABMS On-Ramp Included Partner Nations, Base Defense Scenario

March 1, 2021
U.S. Air Forces in Europe last week wrapped its Advanced Battle Management System demonstration, bringing together dozens of aircraft from U.S. military services and multiple countries to find new ways to share data and operate together. The USAFE “on ramp” demonstration was the first to have non-U.S. military participants, with…

CAE to Buy L3Harris Technologies’ Military Training Business for $1B

March 1, 2021
Canadian-based CAE announced plans to buy L3Harris Technologies’ Military Training business for $1.05 billion, saying the acquisition broadens its training and simulation portfolio and doubles its U.S. defense presence. The proposed acquisition, which is slated to close in the second half of 2021, “accelerates our growth strategy in defense and…