Boeing and Rockwell Collins recently completed flight-testing components of USAF’s new weapons data link network. The tests proved the ability to transmit messages to and from a weapon using existing Link-16 networks and that the “data link can be sized to fit into a weapons application,” said Rockwell officials. The Boeing-led effort is under contract to the Air Armament Center at Eglin AFB, Fla. Boeing officials said the recent tests were “a critical component” in on-going research to develop network-enabled technology applicable to numerous weapons, including the Small Diameter Bomb Increment II, Joint Direct Attack Munition, and future weapons.
A new Department of the Air Force memo clarifies that civilian employees must either work or use accrued leave on Family Days. The memo also notes Family Days will be evaluated in the coming weeks, sparking concerns regarding changes around the tradition.