The commander of Air Mobility Command agreed with other military leaders about the utility and high usage of the C-17 strategic airlifter, saying the nation is using the new cargo jet at an “unprecedented rate.” Gen. Duncan McNabb told legislators last week that he has “concern” for its escalating “wear and tear,” brought on by being used “much more in a tactical role” than originally envisioned by the Air Force. At this rate, said McNabb, the Air Force will have to replace some C-17s sooner than expected.
While the Sentinel ICBM program writ large is undergoing a major restructure due to cost and schedule overages, prime contractor Northrop Grumman is touting progress on milestones with the missile itself.