According to a May 6 report by Reuters news service, Boeing expects to win the combat search and rescue helicopter replacement program for the second time not only because it had the best proposal the first time around, but because it now has an even stronger one. A company executive told Reuters that Boeing had trimmed the price and the time it takes to reassemble its HH-47. All three competitors—Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky—submitted new proposals in January, but the Air Force just this monthissued Amendment 6 to the request for proposals, clarifying certain points, including new legislation about specialty metals. The program award now is delayed until fall. Rick Lemaster, Boeing HH-47 program manager, told Reuters that the new Boeing bid is “stronger.” Meanwhile, Lockheed and Sikorsky, no doubt, have spruced up their offerings, as well.
Two F-15EX Eagle II fighters arrived for training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 12 as the base gears up to receive a permanent fleet of the jets.