Rapid Fire: 2010-03-03

* Will Northrop Grumman’s new compensation focus on profitability rather than growing market share kill KC-X tanker bid? * US Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn asks for an extension to finalize a 3rd multiyear Super Hornet/ EA-18G deal. * USAF, Northrop Grumman to redesign B-2 stealth bomber’s aft deck to lessen cracking . * G2 Solutions: US Army tactical UAS competitions could total $2.6 billion between 2013 and 2025. * Bill Sweetman on F-35 program: “Remember this distinction: The Donner Party was on track. They were not on schedule.” * Pentagon moves F-35 JSF fighter full-rate production to November 2015, withholds $614 million from Lockheed Martin as promised earlier, restructures contract. * Lockheed Martin-led team fabricates the world’s largest (16.4 foot diameter) heat shield structure, under budget and early. * USA’s Ground Combat Vehicle next-generation armor: BAE (platform) teams with Northrop Grumman (C4ISR). * Australia’s naval helicopter competition is officially on: MH-60R vs. NH90-NFH. * UK Takeover Panel gives Babcock a 1 month deadline to complete GBP 1.25 billion purchase of UK defense firm VT Group. * British medics get blood warming equipment to treat wounded in Afghanistan. * BAE Systems will provide mission computer systems for the Indian […]