DefenceTalkThe Pentagon is fighting an uphill battle against a fractured Congress eager to rein in deficits, though lawmakers thus far appear either unwilling or unable to do so in a sound and practical manner, according to a recent analysis by Forecast International. “The discord on Capitol Hill threatens to undermine the Pentagon’s acquisition plans through […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-bracing-for-major-acquisition-decisions-49888/

DefenceTalkThe Air Force and Boeing successfully conducted the KC-46 critical design review, or CDR, from July 8-10 at the Boeing facility in Mukilteo, Wash. The KC-46 weapon system CDR was the culmination of nine months of component and sub-system design reviews, which blended the best practices of both the commercial and Department of Defense frameworks. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/kc-46-critical-design-review-nearing-completion-48531/

DefenceTalkThe top acquisition priority in the Air Force – acquiring a new aerial refueling capability – is proceeding “on track,” Maj. Gen. John Thompson, the program executive officer for Tankers, said. Two years and several key milestones after the contract was awarded, a great deal of progress has been made. The preliminary design review completed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/kc-46-progress-on-track-47423/

DefenceTalkThe Air Force has increased planned life-cycle flying hours and aircrews assigned to the new KC-46A refueling tanker to make optimal use of the commercially-proven aircraft’s fuel efficiency, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities. Compared to the Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker, the KC-46 is projected to have improved fuel efficiency, a greater fuel capacity, and much more […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-increases-projected-kc-46-flying-hours-crew-ratio-46670/