AF: R&D funding faces cuts

The Air Force may have to cut funding for research and development unless Congress reverses across the board spending cuts. That's what Lt. Gen. Charles Davis, No. 2 Air Force acquisition official, said Wednesday at a conference in New York hosted by Credit Suisse. He said Pentagon leaders are determined to protect funding in new technologies, but the Air Force would have to cut funding to ensure the readiness of its forces if sequestration remains. The Pentagon is bracing for additional mandatory cuts in fiscal 2014, but lawmakers are working on a budget deal that could ease the extent of those cuts. (Source: Reuters, 12/04/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where aerial weapons are developed, tested and evaluated, is a major R&D operation. Expenditures for R&D  in FY 2013 was $601.1 million.