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.
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.