Consistency Achieved: Air Force Research Lab engineers and Aeronautical Systems Center B-2 program officials at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, have agreed on a new process to ensure consistency in production of a new material that will significantly reduce maintenance man-hours on the B-2 bomber fleet. Flight tests validated the use of Alternate High Frequency Material to replace tape covering access panel gaps and fasteners, but AHFM performance proved inconsistent from batch to batch. Within weeks, AFRL “developed and validated a repeatable manufacturing process” for large quantities (500 gallon batches), said Air Force Materiel Command officials.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.