Concrete Decisions on F-35s, KC-46s

One unintended consequence of an extended continuing resolution on the KC-46 and F-35 programs has nothing to do with technology, but civil engineering, said Air Force Materiel Command chief Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski at ASC15. A CR would “impact our ability to meet key targets” for the building of hangars, pouring of concrete aprons, and other civil engineering projects that are necessary to bed down the new aircraft. “Regardless of how well we deliver the aircraft … we’ll be behind the power curve” with the programs because buildings and infrastructure won’t be there to support training or when we introduce the jets into the force, she said. A CR also would delay many programs, and “any time you slow things down, it’s never cheaper.”