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7th BW’s first BEAST-modified B-1B has flown

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On Sept. 8, 2023, a historic moment unfolded at Dyess Air Force Base as the first B-1B Lancer, transformed under the B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Team (BEAST) program, soared into the skies. This maiden flight signifies a monumental step forward for the B-1B, showcasing its adaptability and readiness for the future.

A B-1B Lancer aircraft takes off during a Bomber Agile Combat Employment exercise at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, December 12, 2019. Airmen with the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducted minimum regeneration time maintenance on the B-1B Lancer aircraft. During this time, they tested the ability to use Airmen from multiple career fields coming together to launch the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

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F-15C from California ensure continuous fighter presence at Kadena Air Base, Japan

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In a strategic move to maintain continuous fighter capabilities at Kadena Air Base, F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, have arrived in Japan. This deployment marks a critical phase in the return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air Base, California, arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, these National Guard Eagles will work in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft assets that are both augmented to and stationed at Kadena Air Base to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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T901 engine delivery marks milestone amid delays for U.S. Army’s helicopter fleet

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The U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) celebrated a significant milestone with the acceptance of the first General Electric (GE) Aerospace T901 flight test (FT) engine on September 28. However, the achievement came amid notable delays in the program. The second T901 engine is currently undergoing the acceptance process, with both engines slated to be delivered to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023.

The Government has accepted the first GE Aerospace T901 flight test engine designated for Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Competitive Prototypes. (Credit: GE Aerospace)

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