Armed with results proving high-altitude effects on running performance, Air Force Academy officials pressed the Defense Department to reinstitute altitude-adjusted physical fitness scoring. Evaluating 55 runners from the Colorado Springs area, the Academy’s Human Performance Laboratory demonstrated a marked increase in 1.5 mile run-times, even after runners are acclimatized to altitude—unfairly penalizing airmen at high-altitude bases. “Due to atmospheric pressure, there is a significant difference in oxygen content at sea level (26.5 percent) than there is at 7,200 feet (20.9 percent),” said A.L. Wile, HPL director. Many people see “up to a minute increase in their run times” at the academy, noted its command chief, CMSgt. Todd Salzman. As a result of the study, DOD reinstated altitude-corrected scoring, absent since 2010, on Jan. 1. Starting at 18 seconds, time bonuses increase with altitude at the academy and five stateside bases. (Colorado Springs report by Gino Mattorano)
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.