Members of the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Barksdale AFB, La., have tested the new Defensive Suite Software Upgrade for B-52s and found it significantly better than the bomber’s current software. Capt. Brian Heck, advanced project officer with the 49th TES, which is part of the 53rd Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., compared the improvement to changing from Windows operating system 3.1 to Windows XP. The DSSU advances jamming and self-protection capabilities, enabling B-52 crews to “make better and quicker tactical decisions,” according to Maj. Benjamin Kruggel, 49th TES assistant director of operations. Aiding the 49th TES with the more than 30 DSSU test runs was another 53rd Wing unit, the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron, which Kruggel said designed and analyzed test results. Air Combat Command expects to begin fielding DSSU to operational units next month. (Barksdale report by Stephanie Bemrose)
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.