Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has taken exception to the addition of unsolicited VIP jet aircraft for USAF in the 2010 defense spending bill passed July 30 by the full House, noting that Americans are “tightening their belts” in these tough economic times. The House Appropriations Committee added money to fund three C-37s (modified Gulfstream Vs) not just the two aircraft USAF requested—that will be used primarily to transport lawmakers and top government officials. According to a FoxNews.com report, a committee staffer argued the add-on would simply speed the replacement of old aircraft and save money in the end. Continue
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
