The 90th Missile Wing installed a network of remotely controlled machine guns to defend locations vital to the Minuteman III ICBM mission at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Mounted in an armored turret, the Remote Targeting Engagement System’s 7.62 mm M-240 machine guns are controlled from a central command center. “The RTES is a system that keeps our people out of harm’s way, while still being able to engage the enemy,” said TSgt. Michael Firos, RTES non-commissioned officer in charge with the 90th Security Forces Squadron. When potential threats breach a perimeter, security forces identify intruders using barrel-mounted infrared and wide-angle cameras. Using the weapon’s sniper-style optical scope, security forces can engage targets using a touchscreen and controller. Though remotely controlled, “the weapon still recoils,” explained intrusion detection specialist SSgt. Ryan Nelson. He added, “there is no question as to the reality of what you’re shooting at.” (Warren report by SSgt. Torri Savarese)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.