The Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, has awarded Northrop Grumman a $49.5 million contract for the first delivery of hardware and support in the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program. Northrop officials say the ceiling for the total five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract is $3.2 billion. Northrop will be working on C-17 and C-130 transports.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.