Lockheed Gets Hybrid Launch Vehicle Work: Lockheed Martin officials say the Air Force has given the company a $2.5 million contract to participate in the Hybrid Launch Vehicle studies and analysis program, which is part of the Operationally Responsive Space initiative. The service already has enlisted Northrop Grumman in this effort to produce an HLV that would provide an affordable and reliably responsive means to launch small spacecraft. In a separate procurement, the Air Force will select two teams to design subscale HLV demonstrators, scheduled to begin work in Fiscal 2007.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…