The airmen of Air Force Reserve Command’s 6th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., must deliver their weather satellite data to customers within 10 minutes of download—and the 6th SOPS currently is the only unit providing critical sandstorm data to coalition forces in Southwest Asia. “The quicker we can get this data to them, the faster they can batten down the hatches and do whatever they need to do,” says Lt. Col. Byron Hays.
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.