USAF could release extra squadron of Raptors for frontline service
The USAF could add a sixth squadron of combat-coded F-22A Raptor stealth fighters by ‘re-purposing’ training-coded aircraft, the outgoing commander of Air Combat Command (ACC) has said.
Speaking in a 22 June teleconference from ACC HQ at Langley AFB, Gen James M Holmes identified this as a potential benefit from Project Reforge. This is a programme, executed in coordination with the Air Education and Training Command, to reduce the time and resources required to produce experienced fighter pilots.
The ‘primary problem’ for Holmes with the Raptor is that it has been flying more missions than expected, especially over Syria. In
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
L3 Technologies awarded $587 million contract for next stage of new Growler jammer
The Next Generation Jammer-Low Band (NGJ-LB) is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.
-
BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme
The challenges of getting artificial intelligence into a jet fighter’s cockpit have proved considerable to date. BAE Systems will take a machine-learning approach to the problem.
-
Lockheed Martin wins Indian C-130J Super Hercules support contract
India has a requirement for as many as 80 medium transport aircraft and the country already operates 12 C-130J aircraft.
-
US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios
Technologies to remotely control aeroplanes were demonstrated in logistics missions during the AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise.
-
US approves more AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles for Singapore
The approval of the sale of Raytheon (RTX) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Singapore follows similar approvals of the missile to Israel, Japan, Norway, Poland and Sweden in the past 12 months.
-
Dutch $691 million request for Sidewinder missiles approved
The approval for the purchase follows other orders approved or placed in the past year by Romania, Poland, Italy and South Korea.