B-1B To Get Radar Boost: T
he Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is working with Boeing and its subcontractor Northrop Grumman to provide the first significant radar upgrade for the B-1B bomber in more than 20 years, say ASC officials. The center awarded a $180 million contract to Boeing to upgrade the fire control radar. Officials expect the effort, which includes implementation of a more sustainable software language, to lay the foundation for future upgrades, if needed, to accommodate new technologies and new weapons. Testing will begin later this year on a surrogate aircraft and in 2010 on a B-1B.
Matthew Lohmeier, who was fired from a Space Force squadron command just two years ago, took another step in his unlikely journey to the Department of the Air Force's No. 2 job May 1, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee that his background as an Air Force F-15C pilot…