Northrop Grumman can now begin developing a new satellite communication system for the B-2 bomber that it says will enable the stealth bomber to “send and receive battlefield information up to 100 times faster than today.” A company statement says the Air Force approved the development plan, leading the way to system development and demonstration for the first increment in the modernization program, the Lockheed Martin-developed single, integrated processing unit to replace the bomber’s current flight management computers.
With a shrinking fleet and growing operational demand, Air Force Special Operations Command sees the new OA-1K combat scout aircraft as key to a “new era,” officials say.