The Air Force has awarded dual $49 million contracts to begin “major efforts to develop new or enhanced technologies” leading “into propulsion systems for a prompt global strike capability, a land-based strategic deterrent, and an operational responsive space lift system.” The two contracts went to Aerojet General and ATK Thiokol. Technology to be considered includes solid rocket motors, including ballistic and space boost, post boost propulsion, and tactical motors. Due date is 2014.
An important U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a March 27 Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.