The United States Air Force has implemented a new review process by which Pentagon brass hopes to reverse the service’s long-standing shortage of qualified fighter pilots. USAF deputy chief of staff for operations Lieutenant General Jim Slife is reportedly endeavoring to determine whether the service needs hundreds more pilots to fill policy-making and managerial jobs—or if airmen of different backgrounds would fare equally well in such positions.
US-Produced CF6 Engines to Power A330-Based Tanker
Lockheed Martin and Airbus announced the selection of GE Aerospace's CF-6-80E1 propulsion system for the LMXT strategic tanker project. The LMXT is slated to be Lockheed's KC-135 replacement option, built on the base of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) already in service abroad. Stateside production of the CF6 engine is expected to support more than 3,000 direct and indirect American jobs across 25 states, on-shoring critical production capacity for a strategically vital weapon system.
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