The Pentagon acquisition chief, Ken Krieg, has given the Air Force permission to proceed with the restructured Space-Based Infrared System satellite program, reports Rebecca Christie of Dow Jones Newswires (report via CNNMoney.com). The program had been in technological and financial jeopardy, prompting the Air Force to begin work on an Alternative Infrared Satellite System. Krieg says AIRSS research should continue.
The F-35 Joint Program Office has officially announced plans to issue multiple sole-source contracts to Pratt & Whitney to upgrade the fighter’s F135 engine—a widely expected move after Pentagon officials indicated they would do so earlier this year instead of developing an entirely new engine.