Boeing defense business narrows losses as company battles MAX crisis

Boeing defense business narrows losses as company battles MAX crisis
Boeing defense business narrows losses as company battles MAX crisis

The aerospace giant chose to forego overall financial guidance for 2024 as it struggles with safety concerns in its commercial business.

Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker

Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker
Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker

Breaking Defense toured Boeing’s Seattle-area facilities where the KC-46A is built, and company officials explained fixes in the works for six critical issues, from new cameras to better seals on fuel lines.

In new JADC2 overhaul, Air Force pushes all-encompassing ‘DAF Battle Network’

In new JADC2 overhaul, Air Force pushes all-encompassing ‘DAF Battle Network’
In new JADC2 overhaul, Air Force pushes all-encompassing ‘DAF Battle Network’

The Department of the Air Force Battle Network represents “the physical architecture, the product architecture, that’s needed” to realize JADC2 capabilities, Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey, the integrating program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, said in an interview with Breaking Defense.

Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y

Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y
Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y

Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter indicated he was leaning toward buying 75 more KC-46A tankers as a bridge to an accelerated next-gen program.

Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040

Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040
Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040

“I was surprised the anticipated initial operational capability for NGAS is 2040. It is likely that this RFI and the subsequent Analysis of Alternatives will find that there are viable options for the Air Force to accelerate the fielding of KC-Z,” the Hudson Institute’s Tim Walton said in an email to Breaking Defense.

After years of KC-46 vision system troubles, Boeing thinks its finally cracked the code

After years of KC-46 vision system troubles, Boeing thinks its finally cracked the code
After years of KC-46 vision system troubles, Boeing thinks its finally cracked the code

RVS 2.0 provides a “quantum leap” in camera technology, said Lt. Col. Joshua Renfro of the Air Force’s KC-46 cross functional team. “We’re very confident in the product. We like where it’s going, and we really like what this is going to deliver to us down the road.”

Rep. Wittman: Air Force should compete KC-Y tanker program

Rep. Wittman: Air Force should compete KC-Y tanker program
Rep. Wittman: Air Force should compete KC-Y tanker program

Rob Wittman, who is currently the top Republican on the HASC’s seapower and projection forces subcommittee, is seeking the chair of HASC’s tactical air and land forces subcommittee next year.

Under shadow of financial losses, Boeing makes sweeping changes to defense biz

Under shadow of financial losses, Boeing makes sweeping changes to defense biz
Under shadow of financial losses, Boeing makes sweeping changes to defense biz

The changes, including halving business divisions, come as Boeing’s defense sector finds itself at a crossroads, with new leadership contending with systemic financial issues tied to its large number of fixed-price contracts with the US government.

Boeing defense racks up $2.8B in costs this quarter, with losses from KC-46 and new Air Force One

Boeing defense racks up $2.8B in costs this quarter, with losses from KC-46 and new Air Force One
Boeing defense racks up $2.8B in costs this quarter, with losses from KC-46 and new Air Force One

“We’re not embarrassed by [the cost overruns]; they are what they are. And we intend to deliver against these contracts and satisfy our customers,” said Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun.

Israel finally inks contract for 4 KC-46 Pegasuses in nearly $1B deal

Israel finally inks contract for 4 KC-46 Pegasuses in nearly $1B deal
Israel finally inks contract for 4 KC-46 Pegasuses in nearly $1B deal

The Israeli air force has been eager to replace its aging fleet of 707 refueling tankers, a move delayed by political instability.

With KC-Y tanker competition in doubt, next-gen KC-Z study to start ahead of schedule in 2024

With KC-Y tanker competition in doubt, next-gen KC-Z study to start ahead of schedule in 2024
With KC-Y tanker competition in doubt, next-gen KC-Z study to start ahead of schedule in 2024

Currently, the Air Force envisions its next-generation KC-Z tanker as a family of systems, which could include a tanker aircraft as well as “other technologies, whether it’s survivability, or connectivity, or maybe efficiencies that we want to pull into that,” said program officer Paul Waugh.

New Boeing Defense CEO signals ‘different approach’ in future fixed-price contracts

New Boeing Defense CEO signals ‘different approach’ in future fixed-price contracts
New Boeing Defense CEO signals ‘different approach’ in future fixed-price contracts

“We have learned a ton of lessons, especially around contracting,” said Boeing Defense CEO Ted Cobert. “We’re working together to make sure that anything we do going forward will heighten the probability of getting things done in a timely manner.”

HASC won’t force the Air Force to hold a bridge tanker competition… this year

HASC won’t force the Air Force to hold a bridge tanker competition… this year
HASC won’t force the Air Force to hold a bridge tanker competition… this year

Although lawmakers repeatedly said their position wasn’t meant to favor a particular company, in some respects the debate was held over parochial lines, as some of the most outspoken had interests in their districts.