Airmen assigned to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., along with some contractors, recently completed the installation of a state-of-the-art digital airport surveillance radar system that will allow air controllers in the base’s Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility to control more airspace in Rapid City and other locations in South Dakota and work more effectively with Rapid City Regional Airport. “We have lived with 1960s technology until today and our controller force now has state-of-the-art equipment to provide the safest air traffic control service possible to our military and civilian flying communities,” said CMSgt. Brian Lavoie, chief controller for the 28th Operations Support Squadron. The new radar eliminates ground distractions and is able to display multiple levels of precipitation. (Ellsworth report by A1C Abigail Klein)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has flown a second YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, stepping up the pace of testing for the new uncrewed fighter escort. The company also announced “Gambit 6,” a fresh variant in its CCA family meant for air-to-ground missions.
