Iraqi Aircrew Flies Solo: The first USAF-trained all Iraqi aircrew has flown solo in their C-130E transport. The nine crew members are part of the 23rd Iraqi Squadron. (We reported on their efforts to learn English earlier.) The US Air Force has been training the crews at Ali Base, Iraq. The 23rd will move in January to its new home at New Al Muthana, currently the only Iraqi air base, which will have three C-130Es.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.