Don’t expect a quick resolution to the Pentagon’s internal Long Range Strike discussions, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz told the Daily Report. Schwartz said the “debate is still raging” about the specific requirements such an aircraft will have, and he doesn’t expect resolution in the next few weeks. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley reiterated Monday that the aircraft will have roles in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and communications, besides strike. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller, head of strategic plans and programs, said there are budgetary spaceholders for a LRS aircraft “same as last year,” but it remains budgetarily undefined. “We’re working it hard,” Miller said.
The Air Force wants a new, affordable, air-launched standoff cruise missile ready to field in 2033. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center announced April 6 it will hold an industry day event to conduct market research on the Standoff Attack Weapon, or SoAW, on June 17 at Eglin Air…