Various news reports proclaim that an internal memo from Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England to the military services direct them to deliver proposals to cut weapons acquisition programs. The target is $32 billion across 2007-11. And that may not be the end figure. It is already more than last year’s shocker—program budget decision 753—which directed a cut of $30 billion. PBD 753 was the document that canceled the C-130J and reduced the buy of F/A-22 Raptors.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.