Northrop Grumman can now begin developing a new satellite communication system for the B-2 bomber that it says will enable the stealth bomber to “send and receive battlefield information up to 100 times faster than today.” A company statement says the Air Force approved the development plan, leading the way to system development and demonstration for the first increment in the modernization program, the Lockheed Martin-developed single, integrated processing unit to replace the bomber’s current flight management computers.
A combined Navy and Air Force program is seeking to build a smaller version of a ubiquitous air-to-air missile that could give advanced aircraft, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, greater magazine depth in a high-end fight.