Cutback in Planes

Called into conference by Assistant Air Force Secretary Roger Lewis, top U.S. aircraft manufacturers last week heard some news that hit them where it hurt. The Air Force, having cut pilot training and manpower, and abandoned air bases to keep inside its reduced budget (TIME, Sept. 7), had also been forced to slash its plane-buying program. Canceled were orders for 965 planes, including 169 6-47 jet bombers and 579 jet fighters. Of the $1 billion thus saved, about $250 million will go into orders for the U.S.A.F.'s new supersonic fighter, the F-100. The remaining $750 million will be held over for use in fiscal 1955, when another budget cut is in prospect.

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