Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins say they have proved that a prototype digital cockpit display for the B-2 bomber “can accurately replicate the functions of the jet’s current analog displays.” In an Aug. 12 Northrop release, Dave Mazur, VP of long range strike, said the new digital display is “the foundation for an all-digital B-2 cockpit in the future” that would “significantly ease the workload of B-2 pilots while increasing their overall mission effectiveness.” Rockwell has begun the next phase of development, a year-long effort to produce a form-fit-function prototype and further refine the design.
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.