The light attack armed reconnaissance program may also fall under the budget axe, senior Air Force officials told members of the House Armed Services tactical air and land forces panel Wednesday. The LAAR acquisition strategy, which has not yet been fully approved, is now on hold, said Maj. Gen. Jay Lindell, director of Global Power Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary (Acquisitions). “As our topline goes down, we are looking at all [programs],” said Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements, during the same panel hearing. “LAAR is no exception.”
A KC-46 touched down at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., on July 1 after a record 45-hour nonstop flight around the world. The mission, called Project Magellan, saw the two crews aboard test their limits as they refueled Air Force jets around the planet.