Orlando, February 18, 2010—In a run-up to the Quadrennial Defense Review, the Air Force and Navy discussed future “air-sea concepts” and will jointly pursue capabilities applicable to both, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said during AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium. One will be a standoff missile that will replace the AGM-86 on the B-52 and have “applicability to … sea-based” operations as well, Donley said. However, “discussions” continue with the Navy as to how fast the missile should be, and some of its other characteristics.
The two prototypes for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program have started ground testing, Air Force Chief Staff Gen. David W. Allvin announced May 1, ahead of a planned first flight this summer.