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.
An Air Force C-17 transport jet recently tested a new technology that could help aviators stay on course even if the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) that much of modern-day aviation relies on is compromised.