Air Force Space Command’s analysis of alternatives for a next-generation land-based strategic deterrent recently concluded that the Minuteman III ICBM should remain in service beyond the previously planned retirement date of 2020, AFSPC’s acting commander said Tuesday. Current upgrades to the existing Minuteman III fleet will leave US Strategic Command with “a lot of residual capability in the platform,” said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, AFSPC vice commander, at a Washington, D.C., event sponsored by the National Defense University Foundation. Klotz noted that the Air Force has a wide range of MMIII improvement programs in progress that previously were designed to extend Minuteman III service lift to 2020.
Skunk Works Uncrewed NGAS Concept Gets New Attention
Nov. 9, 2024
An artist’s rendering of a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept for a potential stealthy and autonomous Next-Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) aircraft is getting new attention after a repeat display at the recent Airlift/Tanker Association meeting.