Boeing will end production of the C-17 Globemaster III and close its Long Beach, Calif., final assembly facility in September 2015, three months earlier than originally expected. The schedule was adjusted based on “current market trends and the timing of expected orders,” states the release. Boeing delivered the US Air Force’s last new C-17 in September 2013. The aircraft, P-223, is the 223rd USAF Globemaster III and is assigned to JB Charleston, S.C. (See also Global Workhorse.)
The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract for production of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon last month, the service announced Oct. 26.