The Air Force has awarded Boeing a $44 million contract to supply C-17 integrated training centers to three Globemaster bases, the company announced. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, will receive the first ITC in the first quarter of 2012. JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., will receive the second system in the third quarter of 2012, and an undisclosed third location will receive the third in early 2013. “We are proud to add to the Air Force’s training capability and support warfighter readiness with these new devices,” said Mark McGraw, who oversees Boeing’s training systems. The ITCs consist of a weapon systems trainer, pilot and co-pilot station, loadmaster station, and related courseware and support equipment. The contract could be worth up to $72 million if two options are exercised. Next year, Wright-Patt is set to receive the first of eight C-17s that the Air Force will bed down there.
Control of the skies in Operation Epic Fury is enabling the Pentagon to rely more on satellite- and laser-guided bombs, throttle back on expensive long-range standoff munitions, and move to a new phase of air war, defense officials said on March 4. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.…