While the Air Force shepherded ABL development, there was talk about potential air-to-air use, but, since moving to MDA, the program has concentrated on missiles, said Daniels. But, he added, “I don’t think that will go away—an airplane is a soft target.” He believes there will be many more uses for directed energy weapons in years ahead. “I’m convinced that directed energy is going to be a way of life for the future for fighting wars,” said Daniels. It may take 10 or 20 years, but “you’re going to see a lot of directed energy weapons.” (Read more at right in “From Science Fiction to Reality.”)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.