Boeing announced on Monday the completion of all flight testing needed for the B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology program to proceed into low-rate initial production. “Completion of the LRIP flight test phase means CONECT is ready to be reviewed by our customer for initial production authorization,” said Scot Oathout, Boeing’s B-52 program director. The company anticipates that LRIP authorization will come in mid 2012. The flight testing took place at Edwards AFB, Calif. CONECT enables B-52 aircrew to change a mission as well as the target of a weapon while the bomber is in flight. It provides the aircrew with real-time situational awareness via several new communication data links and full-color LCD displays. “CONECT increases B-52 operational effectiveness by providing improved mission flexibility, increased situational awareness, and new network-centric capabilities. In addition, CONECT paves the way for easier integration of future upgrades,” said Oathout.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…