Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
The AN/ALQ-172 is installed on B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers. (Photo: USAF/Senior Airman Jacob Thompson)
The Electronic Warfare Contracting Branch of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has awarded L3Harris Technologies a ten-year IDIQ contract worth $947.29 million, to provide modernisation and engineering services associated with the AN/ALQ-172 radar warning receiver.
Work includes block cycle, non-block cycle and engineering sustainment, as well as enhancements for Air Force Global Strike Command, the DoD announced on 31 August.
The AN/ALQ-172 is installed on B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers and the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. The system protects these aircraft from radar-guided threats.
Earlier in August, L3Harris was awarded a contract to provide repair services to the USAF for the AN/ALQ-172 radar warning receiver under a $39.73 million sole-source contract.
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.