Aviation News
Boeing CONECT Contract to Bring NCO Capability to B-52ST.
LOUIS, April 7, 2005 – The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing (NYSE:BA)
a $216.7 million contract to begin the system design and development
(SDD) phase for the B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology
(CONECT) program.
The CONECT program will serve as
the enabler for Network-Centric Operations (NCO) capability on the B-52
and will allow the Air Force to transform the aircraft's mission
through information integration, both on-board and off-board the
aircraft.
"CONECT is the newest chapter in the
B-52's history as an extremely versatile and adaptable weapon system,"
said Pat Finneran, vice president and general manager of Aerospace
Support, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "CONECT will
provide the warfighter an NCO-enabled platform to operate within the
integrated battlespace."
The CONECT program will
improve the B-52's ability to share data with other military systems
and platforms through enhanced communications, added tactical data
links for increased situational awareness, and new technology allowing
aircraft crews to dynamically retask missions and weapons during
flight. Components include an architectural foundation of color
displays, networks and computational assets, a Link-16 tactical data
link, and an advanced wideband terminal which will provide B-52 crews
significant enhancements in situational awareness and communication
capabilities.
The SDD phase is scheduled to run
through 2009. Plans are to eventually modify the entire fleet of B-52s.
Potential total contract value is estimated at $500 million.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a
$30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to
its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a
leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the
world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of
space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S.
missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest
contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch
services.
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Contacts:
Tom LaRock
Aerospace Support
(314) 232-0201
thomas.e.larock@boeing.com
Paul Guse
Aerospace Support
(314) 232-1520
paul.m.guse@boeing.com
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