Aeronautical 
Systems Center officials at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, have asked industry what promising technologies could be part of the next-generation tactical airlifter dubbed the joint future theater lift capability, or JFTL. This platform, the notional replacement to legacy C-130s, is eyed for fielding in the mid 2020s. USAF officials intend to use the feedback they receive from last week’s capability request for information posted at the Federal Business Opportunities website to support the Air Force’s Fiscal 2014 program objective memorandum. The CRFI is meant “to investigate the realm of the possible,” states the notice. The Air Force wants JFTL to be able to operate routinely in “complex, austere, unimproved/unprepared landing areas” in environments where “increased capacity, speed, payload, range, agility, access, depth, precision, simultaneity, and survivability will be at a premium,” states the document. Responses are due by Dec. 7. (CRFI document)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.