The Air Force recently awarded a $46.7 million fixed-price incentive, cost-plus contract to Boeing for seven full-rate production Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT) kits for USAF’s B-52 fleet. The kits will modernize and update the bomber with networked, beyond line of sight communications technology, machine-to-?machine targeting tools, and allow more flexibility in upgrading the types of weapons it can carry, such as standoff weapons and air launched decoys. The Aug. 28 contract also covers associated support equipment and engineering assistance for the USAF depot maintenance shop, located at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker AFB, Okla. In addition, the contract covers the conversion of 21 CONECT kits from low-rate initial production configuration to the full-rate configuration, which will also be performed at the OC-ALC. Work on the contract is projected to be complete by May 2017. The first CONECT-modified B-52 was delivered to Air Force Global Strike Command in April 2014. USAF plans to eventually modify its entire B-52H fleet with the upgrade.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.