Sunday, February 17, 2019
Key Issues GPS III replacing SSTD LHA-6 and F-35s
Sara Sirota is an associate editor for Inside the Air Force. Previously, she reported for The Hill and The Cazenovia Republican. She has a master's degree in security studies from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a bachelor's degree in political science from Colgate University.
The Air Force is hosting a second experiment this fall to determine whether off-the-shelf directed energy technology can be used to counter unmanned aerial systems, and if successful, the service intends to acquire this technology using accelerated acquisition authorities, according to a Feb. 8 announcement.
The Air Force Research Laboratory is calling for industry insight into the bioeffects of directed-energy applications, according to a Feb. 12 request for information published on Federal Business Opportunities.
Despite progress in career advancement for remotely piloted aircraft pilots, the Air Force has not evaluated its process for efficiently managing certain staff positions, according to a congressional watchdog.
The Air Force's acquisition chief acknowledged the new Advanced Battle Management System has had a slow start and pledged to speed up the process once the new architect joins next month.
Although the Air Force has made significant progress reducing a gap in aircraft maintainers, a new report from the Government Accountability Office found the service continues to face a shortage of experienced personnel and lacks a strategy to retain its current workforce.
The Pentagon's effort to modernize the Afghan Air Force with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters may lack trained pilots and maintenance personnel to operate the new aircraft, according to a bi-annual report submitted to Congress.
The Pentagon's top weapons tester is recommending the Combat Rescue Helicopter program office adjust its schedule to allow for flight testing in an "operationally representative configuration."
The Air Force has chosen someone to serve as the 'architect' who will oversee the new acquisition approach to the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), according to a senior Air Force official.
The Air Force is pursuing a Rapid Technology Development and Demonstration Program to develop new sensor systems that assist in command-and-control and battlespace awareness.
Air Force Space Command is in the early stages of creating a space data strategy and has appointed a new mobilization assistant to oversee its development.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has participated in two tests that examine whether its sensor and interceptor delivery capabilities can be integrated with missile defense, Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves revealed Wednesday. He said the F-35 will participate in more tests in the future.