Marines buy new transports

The USMC awarded a contract to Hawker Beechcraft for 6 new transport aircraft. See a story here. These will replace older UC-12 aircraft also made by Hawker Beechcraft that have been in service for a few decades. These will most likely be used for personnel transport in more benign environments. The Army has been working to buy larger tactical transports through the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program but are struggling with the USAF on requirements and quantities.

Boeing gets next V-22 production option

The US Air Force and Navy gave Boeing and its team a contract for another 167 V-22 aircraft. See the story here. The contract is worth over $10 B and will also provide necessary support services. The V-22 is deployed to Iraq and conducting heavy lift cargo and personnel transport missions.