February 13, 2016

B-52s hit moving targets with GBU-12s and GBU-38s in Florida

Posted on February 13, 2016 by alert5

Six B-52H bombers from the 69th Bomb Squadron dropped laser-guided GBU-12 and GPS-guided GBU-38 bombs on moving targets at the Eglin Test and Training Complex Range at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida during exercise Combat Hammer.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class J.T. Armstrong

[thumb]http://www.minot.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123468715[/thumb]

Boeing close to decision whether to self-fund Super Hornet production line

Posted on February 13, 2016February 13, 2016 by alert5

Reuters reports that Boeing is close to making a decision on whether it wants to purchase materials for assembling more Super Hornets while waiting for more orders to be finalized.

By Official U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Josh Hammond/Released (U.S. Navy) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Dan Gillian, who runs the Super Hornet program at Boeing, believes the company will “be building F/A-18s into the 2020s” based on the demand signals received.

[thumb]http://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-fighter-exclusive-idUSKCN0VL2JK[/thumb]

First successful refueling from the KC-46’s hose and drogue system

Posted on February 13, 2016 by alert5

A F/A-18 successfully took fuel from the KC-46’s hose and drogue system on Feb. 10.

Photo credit: John Parker, Boeing

[thumb]http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-02-12-Boeing-U-S-Air-Force-Complete-KC-46-Tanker-Refueling-Flight-with-F-A-18[/thumb]

Obama administration clears the sale of 6 F-16Ds and 2 F-16Cs to Pakistan

Posted on February 13, 2016February 13, 2016 by alert5

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of six F-16Ds and two F-16C Block 52 fighters to Pakistan.

By United States Air Force (USAF news article (direct link)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “Obama administration clears the sale of 6 F-16Ds and 2 F-16Cs to Pakistan”

Exercise Cope North 2016

Posted on February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by alert5

Military aircraft from U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines and New Zealand are now at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for Exercise Cope North 2016.

Exercise Cope North 16 participants pose for a group photo, Feb. 10, 2016, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Cope North 16 includes nearly 3,000 personnel from six countries and continues the growth of strong, interoperable, and beneficial relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Fredericks/Released)