A team headed by Boeing and another headed by Raytheon will develop competing concepts for the Small Diameter Bomb, Increment II program. Boeing, whose team includes former competitor Lockheed Martin, will get $145.7 million and Raytheon $143.9 million for the work. USAF expects to select a preferred design in 2009, and to have the winner equip first units in 2014. The SDB II is to be a 250-pound-class weapon that can hunt down moving targets in all weather from standoff range. The SDB II program was to have gotten started several years ago, but became mired in the Darleen Druyun acquisition scandal. That heartburn led the Air Force to issue three draft requests for proposal and conduct “extensive and open discussion with the potential offerors.” That way, said an Air Force spokesman, the service “could ensure there were no ambiguities … and that the competitors would understand the exact requirements.”
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
