WASHINGTON and FARNBOROUGH A hand-shake agreement between Boeing and the U.S. Air Force on how to structure the lease of 100 Boeing 767-200 tankers was imminent late last week following intense negotiations between representatives from both parties.

WASHINGTON The Pentagon should double its science and technology spending, but also improve processes and consider extreme measures such as streamlining research facilities and closing some of its laboratories, the Defense Science Board urges in a new report.

OSHKOSH, WIS. The Experimental Aircraft Assn.’s AirVenture 2002 sport aircraft exhibition and convention that ended early last week showcased new aircraft and aviation products amidst a growing interest in personal flying as an alternative mode of transportation.

Washington and London While Lockheed Martin ponders three engine options for the FB-22 dedicated long-range strike derivative of the F-22, the emerging issue is whether the U.S. Air Force will propel the study any further. Following a request from the Air Force, F-22 manufacturer Lockheed Martin has spent the past few months refining its concept of the FB-22.

WASHINGTON A 40-count indictment against the owner of a U.S. Navy contractor has thrown into limbo the future of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (Aargm), a cornerstone of the service’s future suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) plans.