US Congress is considering providing almost $300 million in funding to upgrade the Northrop Grumman B-2 bomber, $123 million more than was requested. This includes new satellite communications, improved targeting data and the integration of a new GPS-guided 5,000lb (2,270lb) munition. The company is also continuing to push for the production line to be re-opened with an offer of 40 improvedB-2Cs at a cost of $28 billion.
Source: Flight International
The troubled aerostructures manufacturer has become an important supplier of several key US defence programmes, including the air force’s new stealth bomber and the army’s next-generation tiltrotor.
With Boeing having delivered the first operational example of its latest F-15EX multi-role fighter, US Air Force pilots who previously flew the F-15C are beginning the process of transitioning to the new jet.
Airframer Boeing completed upgrades on two existing US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters, bringing the carrier-capable jets up to the latest Block III standard.
