Potentially the replacement combat search and rescue aircraft program, if it runs through the full 141 aircraft buy, is valued at up to $15 billion. First, though, CSAR-X competition winner Boeing must work through Block 0—system development and demonstration—and delivery of 10 production aircraft to meet the Air Force’s 2012 timetable for initial operational capability. If the Air Force pursues the full procurement, production likely would extend to 2019.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.