Posted on 04/01/2005 10:16:39 AM PST by Righty_McRight
The Defense Department is paying Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in Wichita more than $224 million for upgrades to the B-52H bomber and the E-4B, a military version of the 747.
Wichita engineers will design and develop tactical datalink systems that will improve the B-52's ability to communicate with other air and ground units.
The improvements will allow the B-52 to change its intended target and reprogram weapons while en route, says Tom LaRock, Boeing IDS spokesman, something that the bomber has not been able to do in the past.
The design and development contract is worth $216.7 million.
Eventually, LaRock says, the upgrades will be installed on the Air Force's entire fleet of 94 B-52Hs, bringing the program's total cost to approximately $500 million.
Boeing IDS Wichita engineers also have a Defense contract to design software upgrades for the E-4B, which is used as an airborne command post.
The $7.6 million contract includes software upgrades and security assurances for the aircraft, LaRock says. The work is scheduled to be completed in May 2006.
© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.
When will the B-52Hs be reengined?
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