A Northrop Grumman statement Tuesday says the company has gotten word from the Air Force that the service has decided “to end” the E-10A Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft Weapon System Integration program. Apparently, USAF did not fund the WSI in its 2008 budget request. Last year, the service acceded to the Quadrennial Defense Review, relegating the program to demonstrator status only and predictions were that the end would come in the 2008 budget. Northrop’s VP for intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance programs, Dave Nagy, said, “Over the next 30 days, we will be exploring options for the future of the [Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program Wide Area Surveillance] sensor and [Battle Management Command and Control] system.” He added, “The taxpayers have made a significant investment in this critical technology.”
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still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.