The Air Force has settled its evolved expendable launch vehicle contract negotiations with Boeing, awarding the company a $674 million contract covering four Delta IV launches per year over a 16-month period that began June 1, 2006 and ends Sept. 30, 2007. USAF already had finalized its EELV contract with Lockheed Martin, awarding $815 million for a 24-month period that began Oct. 1, 2005 and runs through Sept. 30, 2007. The Boeing action should clear the way for the recently FTC-approved United Launch Alliance to take off.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.