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.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on fourth-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.