Aerotech News and Review

12/17/2025

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, with industry partners and the U.S. Air Force, controlled an uncrewed aerial system from the cockpit of a 5th Gen fighter while in flight.
During the flight out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., an F-22 Raptor pilot successfully used an open interface in the cockpit to send control directions to another airborne UAS.
“This effort represents Skunk Works driving a breakthrough in air combat capability, where single-seat aircraft command and control drones with simple and intuitive interfaces in the cockpit,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
The F-22 pilot used a pilot vehicle interface (PVI) to command the drone to execute a specific mission profile. The PVI represents a flexible system to provide integration-ready capabilities for both current and future platforms.
This event demonstrates human-machine teaming capabilities and the future of air combat, today.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, with industry partners and the U.S. Air Force, controlled an uncrewed aerial system from the cockpit of a 5th Gen fighter while in

12/17/2025

When Sgt. Joshua Schul, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron unit deployment manager, saw an unfamiliar FaceTime call pop up on his phone he almost ignored it. Twice.
“I was helping one of my Airmen get ready to deploy and this random FaceTime came through with no caller ID,” Schul said with a laugh. “I hung up. Then it rang again. I thought maybe it was someone deployed trying to reach me, so I called back and it was General Spain.”
On the other end of the line was Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, with life-changing news: Schul had been selected for the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program - Officer Training School, known as SLECP-O, a competitive program where only two Airman per major command are chosen by the MAJCOM commander to earn a commission.
“I totally blanked out,” Schul said. “My endorphins were through the roof. I’m sure my customs and courtesies were all over the place.

When Sgt. Joshua Schul, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron unit deployment manager, saw an unfamiliar FaceTime call pop up on his phone he almost ignored it. Twice.

12/17/2025

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The Northern Lights dance above Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotankers at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Nov. 12, 2025. As America’s premier Arctic tanker unit, the 168th Wing delivers vital air refueling capability that keeps U.S. and allied aircraft mission-ready across the Arctic and beyond. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

12/16/2025

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Air Force F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets fly over the Gulf of America, Nov. 21, 2025. Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink flew in the back seat of the lead jet as part of a visit to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to learn about aircraft tactics, techniques and procedures being developed by the 53rd Wing.

12/15/2025

Capt. Carol Stephens, an MQ-9 Reaper pilot with the 22nd Attack Squadron here, was recognized on Sept. 15, 2025, by the Rotary Clubs of Southern Nevada with the Safety Officer Award Recognition award.
Founded in 2000 by the Rotary Clubs of Southern Nevada, the SOAR award was created to honor the “ordinary” professionals who consistently perform in an extraordinary way, the quiet heroes who protect and strengthen their communities every day. The program has grown from eight participating agencies to 18, recognizing more than 1,000 honorees over 25 years while championing Rotary’s Four-Way Test and the ideal of Service Above Self.
“Captain Stephens represents the best of who we are and what we do,” said the 22nd ATKS Commander, who presented the award. “She’s an exceptional officer and aviator, lethal when it counts, humble always, and she makes everyone around her better.

Capt. Carol Stephens, an MQ-9 Reaper pilot with the 22nd Attack Squadron here, was recognized on Sept. 15, 2025, by the Rotary Clubs of Southern Nevada with the

12/15/2025

This essential training prepares Airmen to quickly ready aircraft for same-day sorties, directly supporting the combat mission. Luke AFB develops combat-ready Airmen for global integration into any deployed unit.

Luke AFB Phase 2 Aircraft Generation exercise by Aerotech News • December 8, 2025 8:27 am - Updated December 4, 2025 8:40 pm • The Thunderbolt - Luke AFB U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Derek Rushing, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit aircraft armament systems specialist, loads a weapon onto a jammer dur...

12/15/2025

The recent combat readiness exercise at Davis-Monthan AFB showcases the agility and preparedness of U.S. Airmen. Events like the Thanksgiving Dorm Bash foster camaraderie, while training exercises ensure our forces are ready for modern warfare. Stay informed about the latest in military and aerospace developments.

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12/15/2025

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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An Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy trails a KC-135 Stratotanker over Lambeau Field during a flyover at an NFL game in Green Bay, Wis., Nov. 23, 2025.