Is it possible to harness the energy from sunlight and heat to power military aircraft? Scientists from four universities will team up to investigate and answer that question with the help of a $6 million grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. University of Washington researchers will join colleagues from the University of Colorado, University of California at Los Angeles, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute to focus on these two non-fossil energy sources, along with vibration as a third, but less promising, source. AFOSR officials say the five-year effort will seek to advance USAF air vehicle systems, but also explore applications to spacecraft.
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.