The 459th Airlift Squadron at Yokota AB, Japan, has traded its C-21s small transport jets for C-12J turboprops in a not quite even swap—four for three. Navy Seaman A.C. Rainey reports that the base has flown the C-21 for 21 years. The C-12s can haul more and land at some fields inaccessible to the sleek C-21.
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.