Work has begun at New Boston AFS, N.H., to erect a modern remote satellite-tracking system for the 23rd Space Operations Squadron. Honeywell is the contractor leading this effort, which the Air Force calls the New Hampshire Tracking Station B-side Remote Tracking Station Block Change, or NHS-B RBC, project. Air Force officials expect the squadron to take ownership of the new tracking system by January 2014. This RBC is the seventh one that the Air Force is adding to its global satellite control network. Workers will construct a new ring wall and inflatable radome that will enclose a 13-meter antenna. The new system will stand on the site of the former 60-foot antenna that began operations at New Boston in 1961 and was demolished last year. The ground-breaking ceremony for the new system took place on July 21. (New Boston report by Capt. Jessica Schroeder)
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.