DOD’s new unmanned aircraft system strategy paper (DR, 08/12/05) contains a surprise—the US may be flying unmanned “counterair” missions as early as 2020. The study contains a graph (p. 74) showing UASes starting to do the work of F-15s, F-16s, and F-14s in the 2020-25 period. Unmanned systems would complement F/A-22s and F/A-18E/Fs in the 2025-30 period. Unmanned air combat was thought to be much further out than that.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.