Boeing is hot to unveil its plan for a new tanker replacement aircraft, particularly since Northrop Grumman has announced its offering—an Airbus A330 knockoff. (DR, 09/08/05) Speaking at the AFA conference Tuesday, Boeing’s George Muellner said the Global Tanker Team currently at work on aerial tankers for Italy and Japan has agreed to partner to develop a new tanker. The GTT comprises Boeing, Smiths Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Vought Aircraft, Aeronavali (Italy), Honewell, GE, and Pratt & Whitney. The proposed aircraft? Boeing’s KC-767, which Muellner says completed its initial flight testing with the Italian Air Force.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.