“There are few opportunities like this available for enlisted members,” says SMSgt. Matthew Fekkers, who serves as superintendent of a one-of-a-kind research engineering flight at Whiteman AFB, Mo., that designs tools, researches new technology, and creates engineering drawings to support B-2 bomber operations. TSgt. Timothy Lockard, 3-D computer aided design specialist, said they currently are working on improving the existing situational awareness and communications upgrade (SACU) to eliminate “cables strung across the cockpit floor.” The Whiteman team engineered and designed the SACU system and the adaptable communications suite slated to replace it sometime next year that will enable the aircrews to send and receive encrypted data en route to a combat theater. Maj. Brian Clough, flight commander, said the unit’s projects “either add capability to the B-2 or assist in the maintenance.” (Whiteman report by SSgt. Jason Barebo)
The Space Force should take bold, decisive steps—and soon—to develop the capabilities and architecture needed to support more flexible, dynamic operations in orbit and counter Chinese aggression and technological progress, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
