The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base announced Friday that the fifth GPS Block IIR satellite has been completed and is scheduled to be launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. on Sept. 14. The satellite will join the operational first modernized IIR satellite that was launched last year, and will feature two new signals, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for military use.
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.