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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.