Chinese Balloon: Spying or Blown Off Course?
A Chinese balloon’s three-day trip across the US ended Saturday afternoon off the coast of South Carolina after an F-22 fighter jet fired a missile at the balloon, puncturing it. There is much criticism of how the incident was handled as well as many questions about what the balloon was for.
F-35 Office Eyes More Pilot Simulator Training
US Navy CAPT Robert Betts of the F-35 training management office said the program is looking at reducing live training hours for the fighter jets’ pilots and moving to simulators as a way to cut sustainment costs.
At DoD, a History-Making Confirmation
Retired US Army GEN Lloyd Austin made history Friday by becoming America’s first Black secretary of defense. In his Day One Message to the Force he said he was “proud to be back on your team.”
GAO: Aircraft Readiness Not Meeting Goals
A Government Accountability Office report shows aircraft readiness in all branches of the military has gone from bad to worse. Among the report’s findings, some 24 aircraft have never met readiness goals in the nine years from 2011 through 2019.
Arson Suspected in Bonhomme Richard Fire
Arson is suspected as the cause of a July 12 fire that damaged the USS Bonhomme Richard. A US Navy sailor was being questioned. The fire on the amphibious assault ship, docked in San Diego, burned for more than four days.
Self-Flying Cars Available – No Pilot’s License Required
The vehicle is the single-passenger Hexa, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) platform with an open cockpit seat surrounded by a honeycomb of small rotors. Made by LIFT Aircraft, the 18-rotor Hexa is being marketed commercially as a flight experience available to all consumers, no pilot’s license required.
SpaceX Delivers Astronauts to Space Station
Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken arrived at the International Space Station following the historic launch on Saturday. The pair of astronauts docked to the space station’s Harmony module at 10:16 a.m. Sunday as the microgravity laboratory flew 262 miles above the border northern China and Mongolia.
How Will New Space Force Be Organized?
The new US Space Force is putting together a plan to bring personnel from the Army, Navy, and Marines into the new branch. The Air Force secretary has to tell Congress by Feb. 1 how the Space Force will be organized.
Carriers Need Lethal UAV and More to Stay Relevant
Newly released study by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments finds US carriers need new lethal unmanned aircraft and a new fighter to stay relevant.
Navy Unveils Flame-Resistant Uniforms
Navy officials are celebrating what they hope is the latest line of practical, comfortable, and flame-retardant shipboard clothing.
