Air Force Times – September 2026

Summary

The BRRRRT Act — a bill forcing the Air Force to keep at least 126 A-10 Warthogs flying — leads the September 2026 issue of Air Force Times (Vol. 87, Issue 7) under the cover headline "PREVENTABLE DEATH — Grieving Parents Sue Academy". The issue balances legislative battles with a deeply reported story of a service-academy suicide.

The cover story follows parents who are suing a military academy after their daughter's death, alleging the institution ignored her sexual assault reports and mental health struggles. The "New Injury Defaults from Iran War" covers disability claims related to operations in the Iran theatre. Jet Engine Challenges (page 14) reports on the F-15/F-16 engine supply-chain crisis that has triggered a new engine procurement competition.

Regular departments include "On the Radar" (the BRRRRT Act analysis), "Your Air Force" (featuring an Air Force robot that manufactured a C-17 part no vendor would make), "Service Snapshots" and the "In This Issue" contents.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Safety / Equipment / Veterans / Technology

p.8 · Preventable Death — Parents Sue Academy
The deeply reported cover story investigates the suicide of a female cadet at a US military academy, whose parents allege the institution ignored her sexual assault reports and subsequent mental health deterioration. The article examines the academy's handling of sexual-assault cases and mental health support. The lawsuit seeks $15 million in damages and a reform of the academy's sexual-assault reporting process. The academy has not commented, citing active litigation.

p.4 · Keeping Warthogs Flying — The BRRRRT Act
The proposed BRRRRT Act mandates the Air Force retain at least 126 A-10 Warthogs and restore the maintenance infrastructure that was being dismantled. The article analyses the political viability, the Air Force's counter-arguments and the cost implications. The Air Force estimates the cost of retaining 126 A-10s at $2.4 billion over 5 years, while the bill's sponsors argue the figure is inflated. The vote is scheduled for October 2026.

p.14 · Jet Engine Challenges — Supply Chain Crisis
The F-15 and F-16 engine supply chain is facing a critical shortage as the existing Pratt & Whitney F100 engine pool ages and new builds lag demand. The Air Force has launched a new engine procurement competition requiring contractors to assume full life-cycle cost and supply-chain resilience responsibility. GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have both submitted proposals, with a decision expected by March 2027.

p.18 · Latest in VA Disability
Updates on VA disability claim processing, new presumptive conditions and changes to the disability rating schedule for respiratory conditions linked to burn-pit exposure. The VA has added asthma and chronic sinusitis to the presumptive list for Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, effective October 1, 2026. Claims filed after that date will be processed under the new rules.

p.28 · Women in Combat Study
A companion piece to Army Times' coverage, looking specifically at the Air Force's integration of women into combat roles, including remotely piloted aircraft crews, combat control and special tactics. Women now hold 6.8% of Air Force special warfare billets, up from 3.2% in 2022. The target for 2030 is 12%.

p.12 · Your Air Force — Robot-Made C-17 Part
An Air Force robotics story: how a service-developed robot manufactured a C-17 component that no private vendor would produce. The 3D-printed titanium latch bracket was produced at Tinker Air Force Base at a cost of $800 per unit versus a commercial quoted price of $4,200. The part has passed all certification tests and is now in the supply chain.

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Editor's Take

A strong, news-led issue — the academy lawsuit cover story is the kind of investigative reporting that justifies the Times brand, and the BRRRRT Act coverage is timely ahead of the October vote. The engine-supply crisis is well-analysed with cost data. Weak area: the "Service Snapshots" photos are filler. Best for: Air Force personnel, military justice reformers and defence industry professionals tracking the A-10 debate and engine procurement.

Strengths
• Academy lawsuit investigation with specific damages claim and policy demands
• BRRRRT Act coverage with cost estimates and vote timeline
• F-15/F-16 engine crisis with procurement timeline and bidder details

Weaknesses
• Service Snapshots adds no editorial value
• VA disability update is essential but reads as a regulatory summary rather than journalism

Verdict: Recommended — The academy lawsuit story is the most important piece of military journalism in this month's Times bundle; the BRRRRT Act analysis is a bonus for defence-policy readers.