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The article focuses on the U.S. Air Force's plan to replace its air-ground surveillance fleet. Topics discussed include the Air Force's decision to shift to a smaller Joint Stars, information on the Joint Stars replacement aircraft from Northrop Grumman and the service's intent to procure a system with as much existing technology as possible in order to reduce the development cost of a Jstars replacement.

The article reports that the U.S. Air Force is resetting talks for the retirement of A-10 aircraft as it is a single-mission aircraft designed to provide close air support (CAS), and making way for Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft. Topics discussed include U.S. Air Force's fight with the U.S. Congress on the issue of retiring A-10, a summit on CAS being hosted by Air Combat Command chief General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, and lack of trained F-35 maintainers.

The article reports that six out of nine partner nations of F-35 development program for Lockheed Martin F-35 multirole fighter will substantially maintain, repair and overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) work on the single engine and stealthy fighter. It presents the views of U.S Air Force Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan regarding the construction of heavy airframe maintenance in the U.S. It mentions that the much of the MRO&U work in Italy will be managed by Italian aerospace company Alenia.

The article discusses defense contractor and aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. wining a low-bid contract to buy into the U.S. Air Force's replacement program for the KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft. The replacement program, the KC-46, has run into numerous difficulties, including defects that were discovered in the plane's wiring, cost overruns, and schedule slippages.

The article reports on aircraft manufacturer Boeing's proposal for the U.S. Air Force's T-38C replacement program which is the largest tender for fast-jet trainers. It mentions the views of Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, regarding Boeing's partnership with aerospace company Saab for developing a new aircraft for the program. Also mentioned are proposals of other competitors for the tender including Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics.

The article reports that the U.S. Air Force is facing difficulty in linking F-35 and F-22 aircrafts operationally as the two fighter aircrafts cannot share data with the fleet or each other. Topics include the Air Force's plans to equip all aircrafts with the F-35 Multi-function Advanced Data Link system; the Multi- Domain Adaptable Processing System (MAPS) program that aims to connect aircrafts to fourth-generation fighters; and inclusion of infrared search and track sensor in MAPS hardware.

The article offers brief information on the infrared (IR) missile warning satellite system from the U.S. Air Force. It mentions that the U.S. employs the sensors that detect a ballistic missile launch from North Korea, Iran and Russia. It offers information on the Sbirs geosynchronous (GEO) satellites in orbit.

The article reports on the competition between the rocket suppliers United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX for the U.S. Air Force (USAF)'s request for proposals for a satellite system GPS III mission slated to launch in May 2018. Topics discussed include effort of both the companies to bid for USAF's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, and views of Claire Leon, director of the Space and Missile Systems Center's Launch Enterprise Directorate, on the results of the bid.

The article reports that the U.S. Air Force's Air Craft F-15C indicates a bright future as of the lack of an official retirement date. It mentions that the F-15C was to be replaced by a fleet of F-22s who production was ended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in 2009 due to high costs in its production. It presents the views of says Mike Gibbons, Boeing's F-15 vice president, on the same.

The article offers information on the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference held in Washington on September 14, 2015 during which two generals of the U.S. Air Force including Herbert Carlisle and Bradley Heithold emphasized that advances in generating a laser of operationally significant power, cooling, and beam control all point to an operational date by 2020. Topics include AC-130 aircraft based option and a fighter-borne laser for strategic targets during air campaigns.

The article discusses the plan of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the Long-Range Strike Bomber. Topics discussed include application of stealth technologies, a report of the U.S. Government Accountability Office for the U.S. nuclear containment & modification plan and views of the U.S. Strategic Command chief Admiral Cecil Haney at the 2015 Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville, Alabama regarding nuclear-capable version operational around 2030.

The article reports on new stealthy bombers of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and informs that the USAF will keep the B-52 and B-1 bombers by 2040. It presents views of the USAF's chief of staff general Mark Welsh regarding the replacement of the B-52 and B-1 bombers by new one. It also highlights comments of the U.S. Strategic Command chief admiral Cecil Haney for new bomber ready for nuclear operations around 2030.

The article reports that the U.S. rocket engine manufacturer Aerojet has purchased United Launch Alliance as of September 2015. Topics discussed includes certification earned by the Space Exploration Technologies from the U.S. Air Force, the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program and views of Boeing's chief executive officer (CEO) Jim McNerney for the same.

The article offers information on a bomber development project of the U.S. Air Force. Topics discussed include negotiations about the program with former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, briefing of the program which revealed that cost will be controlled and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract which means that the contractor will not earn profits without performing.

The article reports on strategies of aerospace companies Boeing and Saab to launch the fighter airplane T-X, as of October 2015. It states the possible purchases of fighter aircrafts by the U.S. Air Force from aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin, and mentions features and possible development costs of the T-X fighter plane.

The article discusses the decision of the U.S. Air Force to adopt the Automatic Takeoff and Landing System (ATLS) technology for its General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drones. Topics include a Description of the ATLS technology, the benefits offered by ATLS technology to drone pilots, and an overview of the 2015 funding request document prepared by the Air Force for the adoption of ATLS technology.

The article discusses the live virtual constructive training system introduced by the U.S. Air Force for its pilots combining simulator and live flying elements. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Mission and Training Systems manager Lou Olinto takes note of the ability of pilots to virtually engage threats in an anti-access/area-denied (A2/AD) environment as required by the Air Combat Command. The operational cost of the U.S. Marine Corps for F-35 fighter training is also noted.

The article discusses the efforts of the Aerojet Rocketdyne, Dynetics and Schafer aerospace consortium to incorporate the AR1 rocket engine to the Atlas V system of the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. It takes note of the assignment to United Launch Alliance of the Atlas rocket design and the certification of Falcon 9 booster of competitor SpaceX. Air Force procurement chief William LaPlante and spokeswoman Annmarie Annicelli note the degree of control of Alliance.

The article reports on the 1 billion-dollar cost avoidance the U.S. Air Force is boasting of through a redesign of the Space-Based Infrared System (Sbirs) early missile warning satellite built by Lockheed Martin. Topics discussed include the modification that was agreed to the June 2014 contract award for Sbirs geosynchronous (GEO) satellites 5-6, the flexibility the refresh design will allow, and the Air Force's Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload program.

The article reports on the collaboration between several aerospace firms including Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Northrop Grumman in the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (STARS) initiative of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Topics discussed include the sensor system to be contributed by Raytheon to the initiative, remarks from Skunk Works vice president of strategy Jack O'Banion regarding the deal, and the objectives and operations of the Joint STARS project.

The article reports on the testing of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter aircraft during the 2015 Green Flag exercises performed by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) in Nevada. Topics discussed include the notable performance and capabilities demonstrated by the F-35 aircraft, remarks from Nellis AFB spokesman Sanjay Allen regarding the F-35 flight testing results, and the lessons learned by F-35 pilots from the exercises.

The article focuses on the investigation by the U.S. Air Force of a possible Procurement Integrity Act violation that occurred in the lead-up to a request for proposals (RFP) for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. Topics covered include the call by lawmakers to break the United Launch Alliance's (ULA) monopoly over military space launches and the posting by Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves of a paper for coordination among officials and program stakeholders.

The article focuses on the plan of procurement of Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) needed to maintain superiority in space. Topics discussed include public-private partnerships for the development of new rockets and engines by a combination of private and government funding; 500 million dollars given by USAF to the aerospace firms Boeing and Lockheed for development work; and competition from new aerospace firms such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The article focuses on the termination of Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System (Raidrs), the defensive counterspace programs of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), due to cost and performance issues. Topics discussed include susceptibility of military satellite systems to electromagnetic interference (EMI); concerns of the Air Force Space Command spokesman Michael Slater; and concerns of Nicholas Mercurio, spokesman for 14th Air Force.

The article reports that the U.S. Air Force will conduct operational assessment on Lockheed Martin's Space-Based Infrared System (Sbirs) infrared scanner and starer in November 2015. It presents views of Lockheed's vice president Jeff Smith on the use of data from Sbirs starter by the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. Air Force Space Command chief John Hyten offers information on establishment of a distribution hub for satellite infrared data.

The article informs about the plan of United Launch Alliance (ULA) to use a reusable main engine and reignitable upper stage in its Vulcan rocket in order to reduce its cost of launch. Topics discussed include the statement of intent submitted by the firm to U.S. Air Force for the Vulcan certification, views of ULA's chief executive officer (CEO) Tory Bruno on the same, and ULA's partnership with racecar engine company Roush Motors to develop internal combustion engine.

The article offers information on the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) planning for a way to manage long range operation. It mentions of a joint venture between defence contractor Raytheon and defence company General Dynamics for range support contract Launch and Test Range Integrated Support Contract (LISC) that went into effect on April 6, 2015. It presents views of Janet Grondin, chief at the Space and Missile Systems Center, who states that USAF expects to make annual saving on range operations.

A timeline of events for the U.S. Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program launched in 1986 till 2017 is presented.

The article reflects on the competition among the aerospace companies Alenia Aermacchi, Boeing/Saab and Northrop Grumman/BAE to build the U.S. Air Force's T-38 follow-on advanced pilot jet trainer. It mentions the shift of contenders for the T-X program due to the Air Force's schedule delays. It presents the views of Dawn Dunlop, director of requirements, plans and programs for Air Education and Training Command (AETC), on the same.

The article offers information on the close air support (CAS) mission of the U.S. Air Force. Topics discussed include concerns of Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh; plan of defense spending cuts due to fiscal pressure across the government; the Air Force's attempt to retire the A-10 aircraft; and concerns of Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.

The article reports on plans of the U.S. Air Force for makeover of air-combat F-15C Eagle and ground-attack F-15E Strike Eagle to keep them operational until 2040. It mentions the addition of the Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS) for air defenses. It include comments from John McLaughlin of Air Combat Command (ACC) on same.

The article offers information on the U.S. Air Force's funding request for research and development for the T-X trainer that includes 575 million U.S. dollars in fiscal 2016-2020 to develop the T-38C plane replacement. Topics discussed include transformation of the T-X into a suitable aggressor, views of Robin Rand, Air Education and Training Command chief, on the issue, and the Stores Aircraft Interface project.

The article discusses the U.S. Air Force's anticipation of a decline in pilot numbers. Topics covered include the plan of major airlines to entice highly trained pilots into service, the Air Force's continuation of incentive programs for traditional pilots, and efforts to retain aviators flying remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Also mentioned are the requirements for becoming a USAF pilot, and eligibility for the Aviator Career Incentive Pay program and the Aviator Retention Program.

The article reports that U.S. Air Force (USAF) is delaying the Joint Stars ground-surveillance aircraft program. Topics discussed include addition of a three-year extension for U-2 operations; procurement priorities like the F-35, KC-46 aerial refueled and Long-Range Strike Bomber; retirement of retire the A-10 fleet; and views of program director Dave Madden on Global Positioning System (GPS) III.

The article reports that the U.S. Air Force is facing pilot retention challenges and unmanned pilot morale as contributors to pilot retention issue. Topics discussed include the Air Force which is continuing its incentive programs for traditional pilots; boosting efforts to retain piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots; and presents views of Guard or Reserve duty Farley Abdeen on training program.

The article reports that aerospace company Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the U.S Air Force. Topics discussed include the United Launch Alliance which is a joint venture between aerospace company Lockheed Martin and aircraft company Boeing, views of SpaceX's executive Barry Matsumori and the Global Positioning System in Falcon 9 v1.1 medium lift launch system.

The article reports that Pentagon, Virginia will be using its high-altitude reconnaissance mission, the venerable U-2 or the new Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. Topics discussed include direction from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to restart modest funding; views of Pentagon procurement chief Frank Kendall, on the U-2 decision; and fielding of the RQ-180 VEHICLE by the U.S. Air Force.

The article focuses on the slowdown of the certification process at the spacecraft maker Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). Topics discussed include delay in the certification for the Falcon rocket from the U.S. Air Force; views of Samuel Greaves form the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), on the certification in SpaceX; and notions of John Hyten from Air Force Space on the certification delay.

The article reports that the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has ordered the U.S. Air Force to restart funding for the Lockheed Martin U-2 aircraft and to invest in research and development and procurement. It presents the views of Pentagon procurement chief Frank Kendall on providing sustainment costs to the aerospace firm Northrop Grumman for Global Hawk aircraft.

The article offers information on mismanagement faced by aerospace firm Boeing in delivering firm's products in aircraft industry. Topics discussed include a contract of KC-46 aircraft delivery with U.S. department of Air force, views on the same by Frank Kendall, chief at the Pentagon,Virginia,the headquarters for U.S. Department of Defense and challenges related to manufacturing and engineering services, experienced by the firm.

The article focuses on disagreement between the U.S. Air Force and the aerospace company BAE Systems over upgradation of F-16 fighter planes for South Korea. It mentions that South Korea expressed frustration over U.S. insistence on higher price as pricing was important for the choice of BAE over the aerospace firm Lockheed Martin. Also presented are views of Pentagon spokesman Joe Sowers on efforts made to develop security cooperation solutions that support mutual interest of both countries.

The article reports on the requirement of a next-generation aircraft by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), for which the aerospace firms Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing. It presents views of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh and U.S. Air Combat Command Chief General Mike Hostage on the same. It highlights the Combat Avionics Programmed Extension Suite which integrates U.S. Air Force F-16 aircrafts with an active electronically scanned array radar.

The article reports on U.S. Air Force plan to operate its Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites from end of September 2015.

The article reports that aerospace manufacturer Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has earned U.S. Air Force (USAF) certification to launch its products in defense market. Topics include competition for rocket manufacturer United Launch Alliance (ULA), impact on Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) services and SpaceX's aiming for cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to acquire Heavy certification.

The article offers information on the T-X Advanced Pilot Training Family of Systems of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). It mentions that T-X is the replacement for the USAF T-38 Talon to serve as the advance jet trainer for pilots selected to fly fighters or bombers. It notes that T-X will be the lead-in trainer for pilots of the fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 bombers.

The article focuses on the data exchange program among commercial, civil and defense aircrafts by commercial and military satellite operators and the U.S. Air Force. Joint Space Operations Center (Jspoc) Lieutenant General Jay Raymond states that the Commercial Integration Cell (CIC) operation program, intends to improve the computer interface of commercial and military aircrafts. An overview of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) is also mentioned.

The article reports on a billion dollars extra funding which is dedicated for space research & developments projects in U.S. Air force's 2016 fiscal budget plan. The fund will be used to protect U.S. satellites, radio-frequency & other space technologies from vulnerable threats. The article takes up the statements of Air Force Lt. Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski in this regard which confirms that all space programs will gain a boost with this funding.

The article reports United Launch Alliance (ULA), aerospace industry, Centennial (Colo.), unveiled launching of Vulcan Rocket and its per-unit cost will fall with its reusable main engine, re-ignitable upper stage, and distributed operations in orbit. The Vulcan is awaiting to get certified from U.S. Air Force for national security payloads and commercial launch. The ULA's Advanced Cryogenic Upper Stage will be launched in 2019 and launch services of Atlas V and Delta IV will continue.

The article reports that U.S. Air Force officials are confident that they have done the right thing by proposing to replace the T-38 advanced pilot trainer. Dawn Dunlop, director of requirements, plans and programs for Air Education and Training Command (AETC), says that the proposal has sparked enough competition to drive cost for the system down.

The article focuses on the interest of the U.S. Air Force on a possible new close air support (CAS) platform to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II which is about capacity, according to Command chief General Herbert Carlisle. According to the general, there is a capability requirement for the future threat and states that a capacity discussion is needed. The examination of the CAS Integration Group to transfer important CAS lessons to operations that could come in a contested environment is cited.