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.
Dick Cheney’s Legacy with the Air Force
Nov. 6, 2025
Dick Cheney, who died Nov. 3 at 84, is best remembered by most Americans as among the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, a consummate Washington insider who had previously served in the Nixon administration, was Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, a Congressman for a decade, and Secretary…
