The Air Force lost an MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted vehicle when it crashed upon takeoff in eastern Afghanistan at about 1:50 a.m. local time Feb. 9, reported Air Forces Central Command the same day. AFCENT said the crash was not due to hostile fire and there were no reports of personal injury or property damage. An accident investigation board will investigate the incident.
The Air Force expects to start modifying its first B-52H Stratofortress bomber with new engines and other upgrades later this year, following the successful review of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program’s design.