Air Force Space Command is asking industry to provide information on a potential new booster propulsion and launch system for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-class spacelifts. In light of ongoing conflicts with Russia, USAF is seeking a domestic alternative to the RD-180 engine to ensure continued access to space. According to the request for information notice, the new domestic solution may be a near carbon copy with “similar performance characteristics to currently used engines,” or it can consist of different configurations (such as a multiple engine configuration) that provide similar functionality. Use of completely different launch vehicles also is a possibility. “The Air Force is particularly interested in exploiting any available synergies with commercial space launch systems” and making sure the new engine also has both military and non-military utility, the solicitation said. Jessica Rye, a United Launch Alliance spokeswoman, said via email Thursday the company is looking forward to being a part of the new engine solution. “The US government also recently made clear that it supports investment in a domestic engine and we look forward to participating in the development of that public-private partnership,” she said. Responses are due by Sept. 19.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.