DARPA passed on General Atomics’ dual-hulled design for Liberty Lifter, and said the company was not meeting its “aggressive” schedule and technical goals.
The Air Force wants to trim procurement funds, but boost research and development. The Navy wants money to cover ongoing operations at the expense of R&D.
The V-22 could see a second chapter, if the services keep the fuselages beyond the 2050s and give them new wings and drive systems to extend their lives.