In addition to divesting the entire fleet of A-10 close air support aircraft and U-2 spyplanes, the Air Force’s Fiscal 2015 budget proposal looks to cut 51 F-15C fighters, leaving a fleet of 172 aircraft. The proposal also includes a reduction of the planned 65 combat air patrols of medium-altitude remotely piloted aircraft (MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers) down to 55. These cuts come on top of steady reductions in force structure over the last few years, including more than 300 fighters. USAF would also start divesting seven of its 31 E-3 AWACS aircraft in Fiscal 2015, but the remaining 24 airplanes would get the Block 40/45 upgrade, which improves computing power and navigation capabilities.
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.