If Reuters news service is right, the Air Force could extend its timeline for issuing a final request for proposals for its new aerial refueling aircraft competition. Reuters reports that service officials may hold off until mid-February “to iron out remaining details.” Those details probably include Northrop Grumman’s desire to see some emphasis on the cargo-hauling role for the new KC-X. There is no indication whether this RFP delay might prompt USAF to push its September 2007 award date forward.
The crash of a T-38 trainer jet this May—which caused a weekslong pause in flights across the fleet—was caused by an improperly installed pin for one of the jet’s horizontal stabilizers, according to a new accident report released Oct. 30. When the pin disengaged midflight, it created the slightest amount…