Farnborough, UK Boeing officials said they are talking with European partners about a group-bought/group-shared fleet of V-22 tiltrotors. The idea would follow the lines of the C-17 Heavy Airlift Wing, based at Papa AB, Hungary, where 12 nations share three C-17 transports proportionately to their financial contribution to purchase and maintenance of the aircraft. Boeing officials said Germany might be the “anchor” purchaser, now looking at several heavy-lift helo options, including the CH-53K, but countries with less cash might throw in with Germany to have access to the aircraft.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.