The new shape of the Air Force’s bomber fleet relies on the outcome of a secretive project to lay the foundation for a new generation of U.S. stealth aircraft.
INMARSAT and AIRSERVICES AUSTRALIA finished safety evaluation of satellite-based oceanic flight-tracking system on commercial flights by Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia. SIERRA NEVADA CORP. launched program to work with spaceports/commercial airports to designate them preferred landing sites for company’s Dream Chaser spacecraft.
Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) is concerned that a new Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARS Case 2013-D034) proposed by the Pentagon could hamper participation by cutting-edge commercial firms. The regulation “sends a signal that DOD has little interest in realistic commercial acquisition practices and will continue to operate under its archaic, defense-unique, cost-based oversight system,” McCain wrote Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Blue Origin have signed a production agreement for the liquid oxygen/liquefied natural gas (LNG) BE-4 rocket engine for the Vulcan launch vehicle.
Researchers backed by NASA and the U.S. military will have access to some data from Italy’s Cosmo-Skymed constellation of four X-band radar satellites, under an agreement that gives the Italian Space Agency (ASI) use of U.S. ground stations in Alaska and NASA post-doctoral scholarships for Earth-science research in the U.S.
Norway has been considered one of the most reliable and consistent international partners in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, but substantial cuts to its planned 56-aircraft buy are among options in the nation’s current defense planning cycle.
Airbus Defense and Space is urging the U.K. defense ministry to consider a competition for its anticipated requirement for a multi-mission or maritime patrol aircraft (MMA/MPA).
Airbus Defense and Space is opting out of the Japanese competition for four aerial refueling tankers because the current request for bids appears to favor its rival, Boeing, Airbus confirms.
Airbus Defense and Space says it is in final negotiations with the U.K. defense ministry for the sale of three of its Zephyr 8 high-altitude pseudo-satellite UAVs.
The U.S. Air Force should buy around 175 Long-Range Strike Bomber (LRSB) aircraft, according to retired Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, dean of the Air Force Association’s Mitchell Institute, rather than the 80-100 units in the published Pentagon plan.
The new shape of the Air Force’s bomber fleet relies on the outcome of a secretive project to lay the foundation for a new generation of U.S. stealth aircraft.
