Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has taken exception to the addition of unsolicited VIP jet aircraft for USAF in the 2010 defense spending bill passed July 30 by the full House, noting that Americans are “tightening their belts” in these tough economic times. The House Appropriations Committee added money to fund three C-37s (modified Gulfstream Vs) not just the two aircraft USAF requested—that will be used primarily to transport lawmakers and top government officials. According to a FoxNews.com report, a committee staffer argued the add-on would simply speed the replacement of old aircraft and save money in the end. Continue
The Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is behind schedule and may significantly overrun its expected cost, which could partially explain why the service is reviving the hypersonic AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid-Response Weapon.