It isn't just vapor-ware because the company is going to get acquired by the military? Or the military is going to place an order for jets? Why does that help make it not vapor-ware?
When has the U.S. military ever acquired a contractor?
> Why does that help make it not vapor-ware?
The military has money. There is obvious strategic value in a second supercruise turbofan, particularly one optimised for high thrust and efficiency.