Environmental qualification testing of the modernized radar units for the B-2A bomber has been successfully completed, lead contractor Northrop Grumman announced July 15. The laboratory tests validated the ability of the radar’s antenna, power supply, and receiver/exciter module to withstand the extremes of temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, and vibration that they would face in an operational environment aboard the stealth bomber, the company said. The tests also demonstrated the integrity of the antenna design. Raytheon builds the radar units under contract to Northrop Grumman.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.