Orlando, February 18, 2010—Air
Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz suggested that there are going to be more firings ahead on non-performing programs. In Q&A after a speech to AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium, Schwartz was asked if he had a message for industry. His stern and terse reply: “Deliver what you promise.” Pressed to go further in a subsequent press conference, Schwartz said that in discussions with CEOs of all major defense companies, he has made it clear: “This is no longer a time for wishful thinking.” Continue
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.