USAF A-10 Warthogs supplying non-stop close air support for renewed fighting in Afghanistan this summer still have to undergo their 400-flight hour maintenance routine. A-10 maintainers at Bagram Air Base work 24/7 on two Warthogs at once to maintain the increased operational pace. They are performing more maintenance because of the higher flying hours and loading more weapons. Weapons loaders claim it’s a rare day when a Warthog doesn’t return empty. (Read more here.)
The Air Force Research Lab has awarded quantum computing firm IonQ a $7.5 million follow-on contract to bridge the gap between the lab and the field for the highly advanced technology.