B-1B To Get Radar Boost: T
he Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is working with Boeing and its subcontractor Northrop Grumman to provide the first significant radar upgrade for the B-1B bomber in more than 20 years, say ASC officials. The center awarded a $180 million contract to Boeing to upgrade the fire control radar. Officials expect the effort, which includes implementation of a more sustainable software language, to lay the foundation for future upgrades, if needed, to accommodate new technologies and new weapons. Testing will begin later this year on a surrogate aircraft and in 2010 on a B-1B.
General Atomics, the maker of one of the Air Force’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft, has ambitious plans for its family of semi-autonomous drones beyond the FQ-42, including a flying-wing aircraft capable of carrying out both reconnaissance and strike missions. Meanwhile, the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a new program to…