Lockheed Martin recently inducted the second C-5B transport aircraft into its plant in Marietta, Ga., for fitting with new engines and additional upgrades. This aircraft is the fifth C-5 overall to go in for the new gear under the C-5 reliability enhancement and re-engining program, but the second aircraft to enter the RERP production line as opposed to being modified during RERP’s developmental phase. The first C-5B entered the line last August. Lorraine Martin, Lockheed’s C-5 vice president, said the company is “making great strides” with it and expects “to keep up the same productive pace” with the second aircraft. While current Air Force plans call for only 52 of the 111 C-5s in the fleet to receive the RERP gear, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said Wednesday there’s still a chance that the others may get them, too. (Lockheed release)
The Air Force should build its capacity and striking power with collaborative combat aircraft but must put the teaming aspect of the new class of weapons first, getting the concepts and software right at the outset to ensure that autonomous airplanes do what’s needed and expected—and can be trusted—argues a…