DefenceTalkThe F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to remain within a 30-minute flying distance from an airfield suitable for landing. F-22 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-22-resumes-normal-flight-operations-47364/

DefenceTalkUsing Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, Airmen here improved the reliability and life expectancy of the C-5M Super Galaxy. AFSO21 is the Air Force’s dedicated effort to maximize value and minimize waste in all of our processes. “We identified the whole process with our Dewars (tank) and fire suppression system of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/improvements-extend-c-5-life-47297/

DefenceTalkA recently released year-long study on cyberspace highlighted that missions are at risk from “malicious insiders, insecure supply chains and increasingly sophisticated adversaries as well as growing systems interdependencies.” The study, led by Air Force Chief Scientist Dr. Mark T. Maybury, combined an Air Force-wide team of experts from major commands, the Air Force Research […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-cyberspace-science-and-technology-vision-2012-2025-47293/

DefenceTalkThe 2nd Bomb Wing made its first live run with a new addition to the aging bomber. With constant upgrades bringing the more than 60 year-old bomber into the 21st century, the addition of the sniper pod gives the B-52H Stratofortress better integration with ground forces and laser-guided bombs for precision strike capability. “This flight […]https://www.defencetalk.com/b-52-gets-new-sniper-pod-47258/

DefenceTalkThe F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is a different program than it was four years ago, the F-35 program executive officer said here March 12. In a speech at the McAleese/Credit Suisse Defense Programs Conference at the Newseum, Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told attendees that he and his predecessor, Navy Vice Adm. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35-production-on-track-program-chief-says-47148/

DefenceTalkIn the wake of sequestration, the Air Force officially suspended military tuition assistance March 11. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced the Air Force has officially suspended military TA for the remainder of fiscal 2013. The program will continue to be evaluated to determine the way ahead in fiscal 2014. The Defense Department’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-suspends-military-tuition-assistance-47138/

DefenceTalkAir Force senior leaders issued updated guidance to leaders of Air Force major commands and addressed the service’s Airmen last week on how the service will operate under sequestration and a continuing resolution for the remainder of the fiscal year. Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin and Air Force Vice Chief […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sequestration-impacts-ripple-across-air-force-47095/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Department lifted its grounding of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter after analysis concluded that a cracked turbine blade in an engine on a single plane resulted from overuse in test operations, according to an official with the F-35 Joint Program Office. In an email statement, the official, Kyra Hawn, said engineers […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-lifts-f-35-grounding-following-inspections-47018/

DefenceTalkThe United States has enjoyed global air dominance for many decades. No U.S. soldier on the ground has been killed by hostile aircraft since the Korean War, and no U.S. pilot in the air has been killed by hostile aircraft since the Vietnam War. U.S. air dominance has been preserved by pouring vast amounts of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-dominance-intelligence-surveillance-and-reconnaissance-46974/

DefenceTalkUnprecedented budget factors have placed the nation’s defense strategy in jeopardy, senior Department of Defense leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee Feb. 12. During his opening remarks, the chief of staff of the Air Force stressed the severity of the current fiscal situation. “Sequestration threatens to carve crucial capability from America’s Air Force, with […]https://www.defencetalk.com/welsh-sequestration-will-undermine-readiness-46789/