Air Force Research Lab personnel at Edwards AFB, Calif., recently provided oversight on the third validation test-firing of Aerojet’s Block B solid rocket booster. The test lasted only 90 seconds, but it was the third success in a row, confirming the modified booster design, said Aerojet President Scott Neish. Lockheed Martin uses the Aerojet Block B on the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle.
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.