The Air Force and Northrop Grumman have successfully completed the critical platform design review of the E-10A multi-sensor command and control aircraft program, ensuring all platform design requirements have been identified and tested, says Northrop Grumman officials. The first Boeing 767-400ER airframe currently is being engineered for the program and due for delivery at Northrop’s Melbourne, Fla., facility in December 2007.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.