Northrop Grumman and the Air Force’s Electronic Systems Center signed a research and development agreement to develop network-centric operations capabilities, according a Northrop news release. Under the 24-month collaborative agreement, Northrop and the Air Force will use Northrop’s cyber warfare integration network, crew advanced virtual environment, and E-8X laboratories to further work on situation awareness and time-critical targeting. Northrop also will develop a “capstone demonstration plan leading to a live multi-platform network-centric operations demonstration,” according to Northrop.
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.