Late last week, USAF announced it would establish a C-17 integrated program office at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia to oversee the C-17 airlift fleet sustainment efforts, with support from Boeing, the prime contractor. Additionally, the service said that the Oklahoma City ALC in Oklahoma would manage C-17 engine work with support from engine-maker Pratt & Whitney. USAF plans to transition to these long-term sustainment partnerships through 2012 and expects the public-private effort to save up to $12 billion over a 30-year period.
One of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ prototype Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones crashed shortly after takeoff April 6, and the company has paused its test flights while it investigates the incident.