Boeing’s KC-767 tanker recently completed the first test for its fly-by-wire boom telescoping tube, the company announced Thursday. This tanker, which has surpassed 400 flight hours, is destined for Italy. Boeing officials have said that they plan to offer the larger 777 to the US Air Force for its KC-X tanker competition. They believe it more accurately matches USAF’s stated requirements. However, plans to close the 767 line were tabled because sales have picked up.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.

