Boeing has integrated the hardware and software for a B-2 bomber prototype system within its Family of Advanced Beyond-line-of-sight Terminals, which the company expects to “provide critical, secure beyond-line-of-sight communications capability,” according to a Boeing news release. The prototype system—a Block 4 software-defined radio—specifically supports the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite integration efforts for the B-2 bomber. The goal of FAB-T is to provide “strategic forces with a multi-mission capable family of software-defined radios that use a common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air , and space platforms.”
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
