The Air Force is reportedly finalizing the details of a large solar energy project at Luke AFB, Ariz., that would provide electricity for a majority of the base. The Arizona Republic reported Monday that the 17-megawatt solar system under consideration would be among the largest in the nation, with a power capacity equivalent to running appliances in 4,250 homes at once when the arrays are in direct sunlight. Already the service operates a massive 14-megawatt solar system at Nellis AFB, Nev. Luke already uses solar arrays atop its base exchange.
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.