London Press Can’t Save Alternate JSF Engine: British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s volley to save the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine contract for the GE-Rolls Royce team was returned with no joy by President Bush. According to Reuters news service, Blair broached the subject during two videoconferences with the President and in a letter—all to no avail as the Administration attempts to cut the Pentagon budget.
The Air Force has selected Collins Aerospace and Shield AI to develop the software Collaborative Combat Aircraft will use to fly missions alongside manned fighters, the service revealed Feb. 12—and drone-maker General Atomics was quick to announce it has already flown its YFQ-42A aircraft with Collins’ system.

