The Air Force has approved full rate production for the new Northrop Grumman-developed radar for the B-2 bomber. Northrop received a low-rate initial production contract under the radar modernization program in December 2008 and this summer completed the last verification compliance review. With full rate production approval, the company can now begin fabrication of the remaining units to upgrade the entire B-2 fleet, according to an Oct. 21 release. Dave Mazur, Northrop VP and B-2 program manager said, “Putting this new radar on America’s flight line helps ensure that the B-2 fleet is ready day or night to protect the nation’s interests worldwide.” He added that the new radar will make future modifications much easier.
Thomas C. Reed, who served as the 11th Secretary of the Air Force and a national security advisor to President Ronald Reagan, died Feb. 11 at age 89.