The Air Force has awarded dual $49 million contracts to begin “major efforts to develop new or enhanced technologies” leading “into propulsion systems for a prompt global strike capability, a land-based strategic deterrent, and an operational responsive space lift system.” The two contracts went to Aerojet General and ATK Thiokol. Technology to be considered includes solid rocket motors, including ballistic and space boost, post boost propulsion, and tactical motors. Due date is 2014.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.