The Air Force’s ability to link two different frequency bands using its Wideband Global Satellite Communications constellation is making a big difference in Japan’s post-earthquake and –tsunami recovery efforts. The WGS satellites are making X-band communications possible within Japan so that there is no interference in the Ka-band, in which the Japanese emergency services operate. “The ability of WGS to provide X-band communications support within Japan, cross-banded to Ka-band communications support outside of the region, is playing a significant role in coordinating and executing relief efforts,” explained Col. Donald Robbins, WGS chief at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. Currently, the WGS constellation comprises three satellites, but the Air Force may procure up to 12 WGS spacecraft in total. WGS-4 is scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral, AFS, Fla., in December. (Los Angeles release)
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design, the Air Force said.