Interesting USAF developments

Story here.  I wonder how much is already operational that we are not aware of?

Everything old is new again

This reminds me of the plan to use 747s as ACLM launchers.  Given the retirements of the 747s, I would not be surprised to see that idea revived.

What is it?

The shape of a new aircraft, or just a random test?  You decide.

The future of air combat

Is this the future of air combat?  I suspect it will be a larger and larger aspect of it.  Interested to see where we will be in 20 years, if I make it that long.

F-117

Good to see the F-117 getting used in this manner.  I always thought we “retired” them too quickly.

What happened in Hawaii?

Why did F-22s scramble?

Power from space?

The X-37B spaceplane, that up until now has conducted missions so ultra secret, that nothing other than the launching and landing are ever reported, is currently conducting a flight where, for the first time, we know at least part of what it is doing.  Story here. (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

B-52s

No, not the musical group, the airplane.  This article claims that there is now discussion of keeping the 52 in service thru 2097.  That is crazy.  However, a good re-engine followed by a complete software systems upgrade would surely make sense and could keep them flying thru at least the 2040s

I love Aggressor schemes

The folks at Nellis will be getting F-35s for an aggressor unit.  Here are some proposed schemes for the aircraft. (h/t Stephen Lee)

AI in the USAF

Interesting story here about using an AI to fly a U-2.  The mission wasn’t unmanned but the AI controlled the flight.  An interesting step forward, especially with the “Loyal wingman” program advancing.