Members of the 853rd Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom AFB, Mass., anticipate releasing the solicitation for a deployable instrument landing system in May, awarding the contract in June, and fielding the new capability in 2013. This D-ILS is envisioned to provide the same capability that the existing larger fixed-base systems that guide aircraft on final landing approach in low visibility and low ceiling weather conditions. But it designed to be much more transportable—fitting into a single C-130 transport as opposed to multiple airlifters—and much easier to maintain in theater. Col. Jimmie Schuman, 853rd ELSG commander, said D-ILS will allow airmen to convert a bare base into an operating airfield, augment an existing airfield, or temporarily restore landing capabilities at damaged airfields during humanitarian operations. (Hanscom report by Patty Welsh)
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
