Top, a Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod mounted below the engine intake of an F-16. Above, a closer view of several Pods. (Photographs courtesy of Lockheed Martin)From Popular Mechanics:
From unmanned aerial vehicles that stay aloft for five years to engines that can slow down a supersonic fighter jet, a handful of important programs explained in detail this week at the 2008 AFA Symposium could engineer the next generation of military aviation—if not decide the fate of a struggling Pentagon agency.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force has had a rough year: A historic shake-up of its leadership (with more reprimands from Defense Secretary Robert Gates reportedly coming soon), revelations of misplaced nuclear material and a headline-grabbing controversy over the contract for a new midair refueling tanker. The long-term fight for the Air Force's future is occurring during this time of crisis, and the embattled agency will have to embrace some fast-developing tech systems in order to stay relevant. This week's annual Air Force Association Symposium served as a showcase for the defense industry's efforts to handle the changing landscape with some new developments that may generate hope.
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