A team at Hanscom AFB, Mass., is leading a “major overhaul” of the Air Force’s Wideband Enterprise Terminal system, which uses satellites to transfer classified and unclassified data ensuring airmen remain connected across the globe. The first modernization of enterprise terminals” (MET) kit was recently installed on a system at Ramstein AB, Germany, according to a release. “We are steadily ramping up and expect to have another three installations completed shortly,” said AFWET Program Manager Shawn Patterson. In addition, the Air Force also is conducting “25 targeted sustainment actions” on some of the terminals, including reliability and software modifications and technical refreshes, states the release.
The KC-Z4, a blended wing body tanker concept being developed by startup JetZero, could fuel larger groups of aircraft at longer range to hold more targets at risk, company officials say.