A Senate move to keep open the Boeing C-17 production line gained strong support. Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) introduced legislation as part of the authorization debate. Under its terms, the Air Force would get authority to purchase up to 42 additional C-17s. The hurry-up measure followed a recent briefing in which Pentagon officials revealed they would cut off buys of the new airlifter after 180. (DR, 11/07/05)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…