In the EADS North America camp, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), quickly released a statement supporting the decision by EADS to bid in the KC-X competition. He said: “The objective should be to acquire the best new tanker for the US Air Force. A sole-sourced contract would have served only Boeing’s interest. The presence of a competitor better serves the interest of our warfighters and American taxpayers.” Shelby acknowledged continuing concern that “this competition is already skewed towards a smaller, less capable airframe,” a belief that ultimately drove Northrop Grumman to opt out as EADS teammate. However, Shelby added, “It is my hope that the Air Force will recognize that EADS brings the most modern, versatile, and cost-effective tanker currently available to this competition.”
Details Murky as ARRW Falls Short in Second Test
March 24, 2023
The second all-up flight of the AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile apparently fell short of expectations, but the AIr Force isn't saying how, reporting only that the test met "several of the objectives" of the test. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control recently said he company is "ready to go" to…