The Dubai Ports World controversy might be getting a second wind, thanks to new Congressional scrutiny of a deal involving the sale to Dubai of the US plants of a British aerospace firm that manufactures military aircraft engine parts, reportedly including some for the Joint Strike Fighter. Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.) released a letter this week demanding a tour of the Rincon, Ga., facility belonging to Doncasters Group Limited, which is entertaining a bid by Dubai International Capitol. “It is essential to ensure that all aspects of this proposed acquisition are thoroughly studied—from the potential national security implications of the purchase to the direct effects on the individual employees at Doncasters,” Barrow wrote in the letter.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.