Rapid Fire 2010-04-02: Countering DF-21 Missiles

* Boeing, group of US senators, criticize Pentagon’s decision to consider granting 60-day extension on KC-X aerial tanker RFP. * UK Defence Industry association A|D|S publishes a manifesto. * A regional response to China’s DF-21 ship-killing ballistic missiles? * With F-35s delayed, former USAF Secretary Wynne makes the case for buying another 75 F-22As. * HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter makes its first flight in Bangalore, India; it’s modified from HAL’s Dhruv. * 434t bulbous bow sections for UK’s Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier are ready to sail to the final construction year in Rosyth. * US military housing materiel makes 2,300 mile trek from Iraq to Afghanistan by truck. * Versar snags $29.5 million USACE contract to clean up munitions and explosives at National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA. * Porta-Nuke: DARPA looks for industry input on deployable nuclear reactors to generate power for US troops. Thanks in part to Bill Gates, this technology is increasingly discussed for civilian use, as well.