Boeing Completes Silo Tests: Boeing has successfully tested the modified underground silo and launch system components for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) interceptor, clearing the way for the system’s upcoming flight test this summer. Company officials say the tests validated several modifications, including operation of the lateral support group and the opening of the silo closure mechanism. A series of six live fire tests that trigger the launch sequence of the support group arms and the opening of the silo “clamshell doors” was first conducted on the test silo in Huntsville, Ala., and verified at the Ronald Reagan Missile Defense Site at Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.