March 19, 2024

F-35B Makes First Sloped Landings

F-35B

The F-35B is taking to the skies over Bogue, North Carolina. The short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing fighter is scheduled to continue sloped surface vertical-landing tests through late February 2018.

Carriers, Contractors & Civilians on Report’s Hit List

Despite a successful landing exercise aboard the Ford aircraft , a recent study of the DoD budget versus expanding global threats suggests the production be halted. Other suggestions include a 5 percent cut in the civilian workforce and 8,000 contractors.

Night Hunter, a Russian Helicopter Crashes

Russian Mi-28 Night Hunter

Video shows first the acrobatics then the crash of the gunship at a Russian airshow that killed one crew member and injured a second.

Morning Coffee: Satellites Improve Arctic Communication

The U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites may be able to significantly improve communication in the Arctic.

House Approves Spending Bill

capitol hill winter

The House of Representatives passed the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill and it now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

White House Wants Another $100 Billion in Defense Cuts

White House

Obama would offset sequestration in other areas by cutting the Pentagon.

Continuing Resolution Passes the Senate

capitol hill

The House must now approve Senate amendments and forward the bill to Obama to avoid a shutdown.

DoD to Begin Issuing Furlough Notices this Week

Pentagon aerial

Meanwhile, a fight over the MEADS missile program stalls a continuing budget resolution in Congress.

It’s Official: Furloughs to Begin April 26

Pentagon Capitol

DoD civilian workers will lose one day of pay a week if Congress doesn’t reverse sequestration.

Carrier Drone Ramping Up

Capt. Jaime Engdahl

Second X-47B to arrive this spring, head to carrier in the fall.