Europe: Illusions and Reality

11/16/2017
2017-11-10  Dr. Harald Malmgren Europe is in a period of fundamental transition. French President Macron has put great energy into what sees as the next phase of European development, namely intensified integration of the EU member states into a common framework of governance. He has even called for a common…

KC-30A Inspection During Operation Okra

11/16/2017
11/16/17: The ground crew deployed with the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) conduct a post flight inspection on the hose and drogue system of the aircraft. The inspection is looking for any damage, which may have been caused in flight. It is vital that the hose and drogue are…

3 Carrier Exercise in Western Pacific

11/15/2017
11/15/2017: For the first time in a decade, three U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) coordinated operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Strike Groups staged a complex series of air and sea exercises with Japan. According…

The F-35 Final Assembly Line Ramps Up: Digital Thread Manufacturing and Design-Manufacturing-Sustainment Learning Curve

11/14/2017
2017-11-10 By Robbin Laird The F-35 undergoes final assembly and checkout at three plants around the world – in Italy, in Japan and in Fort Worth, Texas. The Italian and Japanese lines are low rate production lines whereas the Fort Worth line is the high rate production facility. The Fort Worth…

Windy Debut for Norwegian F-35s at Ørland Air Station

11/13/2017
2017-11-11 The first F-35s have arrived in Norway as the Norwegian Air Force stands up its initial training capability. According to an article published November 10, 2017 on the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the ceremony welcoming the new addition to the Norwegian Defence Force was highlighted. Rain, sun, wind and…