Boeing to Integrate Extremely High Frequency Communication System on US Air Force B-52s

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WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 29, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has received a $5.4 million contract for the initial effort required for integrating a new satellite communication system on the U.S. Air Force B-52 fleet. The Extremely High Frequency (EHF) system will enable the exchange of information through Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T), enabling communication with the B-52 from ground, air and space platforms.

The first of three contract increments has been authorized to begin; it includes planning, risk mitigation and development of system requirements. Increment Two will cover the design and installation of the FAB-T communication hardware. Increment Three will integrate the new system into the Global Information Grid. Total contract value is expected to be more than $100 million.

"The EHF upgrade is one of many upgrades we are installing on the B-52 fleet," said Scot Oathout, B-52 program manager for Boeing. "This capability, along with the rest of the suite, will provide B-52 crews with better situational awareness and extend the long arm of the B-52 even further into the battlefield."

A B-52 upgraded with the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) network-centric upgrade completed its first flight in May and is now in the flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Boeing also is integrating the SNIPER advanced targeting pod on the B-52 and continues to install software upgrades on an 18-month schedule.