“We think we can substantially improve over what Boeing offered us. I would say we will not meet in the middle,” said Air Force acquisition czar Andrew Hunter.
By Valerie InsinnaThe two vendors emerged successful from an original pool of five and are expected to carry their drone designs through a prototyping phase that will build and test aircraft.
By Michael Marrow and Valerie InsinnaAir Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter noted potential troubles ahead for the KC-46A and said T-7A production could start “a little later” than previously anticipated, but he remained confident about the way forward for the two aircraft.
By Michael Marrow“It’s just about the overall budget of the Air Force and what we’re able to afford and what we’re not able to afford,” explained Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter of the decision to cut the birds.
By Michael MarrowDespite disagreements with Boeing on pricing for the E-7A Wedgetail, Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter said officials still see the radar plane “as a capability that makes sense and that we need to field in the near term.”
By Michael MarrowDevelopment of the Air Force’s first two rapid prototype radar planes proved more difficult than expected, according to acquisition chief Andrew Hunter.
By Michael MarrowBut a different acquisition strategy can help lower risks when fixed-price approaches are involved, the acquisition czar said.
By Michael MarrowBoeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and startup Anduril are in play to field the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft, Breaking Defense has learned.
By Michael MarrowKristyn Jones, who is performing the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force, warned that modernization initiatives aimed at countering China would also be at risk if a budget impasse in Congress stretches on.
By Michael MarrowDavid Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, told Breaking Defense several options could power the company’s Gambit drone offering, and that the Air Force has been more forthcoming with cost expectations behind closed doors.
By Michael MarrowThe surprise withdrawal of the aerospace giant could give Boeing a leg up as the Air Force moves toward a contract award for a new fleet of refuelers, analysts told Breaking Defense.
By Michael Marrow“We’re still hopeful of having first flight this year,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said. “If I were to say it will, I would be making a very specific prediction, and I never do that about an acquisition program for something that hasn’t happened yet.”
By Michael Marrow