USAF Kluges Efficiency Practices: The Air Force merged pieces of several civilian efficiency programs to develop its own, called “Smart Operations 21.” Officials say the program is based on both Lean and Six Sigma business process improvement tools, which were designed in the private sector to increase value for customers, save time and money, and reduce waste. Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, commander of Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah, says the ALCs have used this process for years, now it has a name.
The KC-Z4, a blended wing body tanker concept being developed by startup JetZero, could fuel larger groups of aircraft at longer range to hold more targets at risk, company officials say.