Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
The Navy plans to take advantage of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's ability to serve as a carrier-based mid-air refueler when it phases out the S-3 Viking in the 2007 to 2011 timeframe. When reconfigured for tanker service, one Super Hornet can carry five fuel tanks, each one containing 3,000 pounds of fuel, according to Navy Spokesperson Dawn Cutler. In a given air wing, five or six Super Hornets will typically be configured to serve as tankers at any one time, although that number could vary depending on the missions being carried out.
The latest test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile defense system July 9 successfully destroyed a remotely-piloted F-4 aircraft, but missed a Hera tactical ballistic missile (TBM) - a target the PAC-3 has hit successfully three times in the past. The test marked the first time the PAC-3 has gone up against targets employing radar jamming, as well as the first time the PAC-3 has destroyed a remotely piloted aircraft.
The Bush Administration has withdrawn its nominee to be assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology. George Williams, the former president of defense contractor COLSA Corp. of Huntsville, Ala., told The DAILY that White House informed him this week it will not nominate him for the post. His expected nomination had been announced by the White House in late May (DAILY, June 1).
