The Air Force recently awarded a $46.7 million fixed-price incentive, cost-plus contract to Boeing for seven full-rate production Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT) kits for USAF’s B-52 fleet. The kits will modernize and update the bomber with networked, beyond line of sight communications technology, machine-to-?machine targeting tools, and allow more flexibility in upgrading the types of weapons it can carry, such as standoff weapons and air launched decoys. The Aug. 28 contract also covers associated support equipment and engineering assistance for the USAF depot maintenance shop, located at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker AFB, Okla. In addition, the contract covers the conversion of 21 CONECT kits from low-rate initial production configuration to the full-rate configuration, which will also be performed at the OC-ALC. Work on the contract is projected to be complete by May 2017. The first CONECT-modified B-52 was delivered to Air Force Global Strike Command in April 2014. USAF plans to eventually modify its entire B-52H fleet with the upgrade.
New Air Force Safety Tool Forecasts Mishap Risk
March 10, 2026
When you check the weather forecast, it can tell you there’s a 40 percent chance of rain for the day based on the barometric pressure, the wind, the humidity, or any number of factors. A new Air Force Safety Center dashboard offers commanders the same kind of outlook, but for mishaps—a forecast that quantifies their units’ risk level based on dozens of…