Northrop Grumman and a US government team, stretching from California to Virginia, last month successfully tested use of the Link-16 digital data transmission system on USAF’s B-2 stealth bomber. Northrop announced the result Wednesday. Working with the company via a virtual test network were the 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, Calif., 82nd Communications Squadron, Langley AFB, Va., and the Joint Interoperability Test Command, Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. Northrop and USAF plan to test the system on an operational B-2 late this year.
With a shrinking fleet and growing operational demand, Air Force Special Operations Command sees the new OA-1K combat scout aircraft as key to a “new era,” officials say.