The Air Force has responded to about 300 questions from industry on the design for the next-generation T-X fighter, an unprecedented level of communication between the Air Force and contractors even before a formal request is submitted, Air Education and Training Command boss Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson said. While the request for proposals for the T-X is expected later this year, AETC has been in constant communication with industry, even while some entrants have already been flying their aircraft. “The bottom line now is we are working with industry in a transparent way that allows us to do things and bring costs down, to get the product everyone wants to build and receive,” Roberson said at AWS16, adding he’s not worried about being able to meet the “very well vetted” requirements of the program. While some entrants are basing their entries on existing aircraft, and others are using new “clean sheet” designs, the Air Force does not have a preference between the two, Roberson said. The Air Force expects to reach initial operating capability on the new trainer by 2024.
Hurricane Hunters with the Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are struggling to keep up with a rising number of storms, but a government watchdog says both agencies need to refine their data-tracking efforts and improve interagency communication between its most senior leaders to develop a cohesive…