The 2007 budget proposal contains final funding—$2.9 billion—for the C-17 airlifter, providing for delivery of the 180th aircraft in 2008 and production shutdown and tooling storage. USAF plans to upgrade 112 C-5 airlifters. For tactical mobility, the Air Force has requested $867 million to buy nine C-130Js and to cover support and training for various J model aircraft.
Northrop Grumman’s Talon Blue YFQ-48A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took its first flight Oct. 3, heightening the competition for the Air Force’s future combat fleet.