Wynne promised a “holistic evaluation” of the benefits of re-engining large chunks of the Air Force’s 707-derived fleet of aircraft. The E-3 AWACS and the E-8 Joint STARS, in particular, need new engines for performance and power generation. Wynne said the Air Force will examine the “fleet on fleet” implications of re-engining, such as whether it reduces the tanker requirements and reduces the need to acquire more aircraft.
The Air Force is launching an effort to develop a new stand-off missile with a range of 1,000 nautical miles, or 1,150 miles, that would eventually be used for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.