USAF selects builder for second phase of F-35 reprogramming lab
The ACURL lab at Eglin AFB is being expanded. (Photo: USAF)
The USAF has selected Speegle Construction to build a second phase of the Australia, Canada and UK Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL) facility at Eglin AFB, Florida.
The deal from the US Army Corps of Engineers is worth $22.15 million, with an estimated completion date of 27 June 2023.
ACURL opened in February 2020 (although it is worth noting that Canada is not a partner or customer on the F-35 programme).
The facility develops essential Mission Data Loads (MDLs) for the F-35 to assist the array of optical, electromagnetic and other sensors in identifying threats.
MDL files are loaded onto the F-35 before flight using a portable hard drive.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
-
US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
-
Thales selected for Syracuse satellite communications terminals for French vehicles
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
-
The New Battlefield: Space Defence, Emerging Threats, and Strategic Opportunities (Studio)
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
-
BAE Systems to provide radios for South Korean aircraft
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
-
Lockheed Martin to work with DARPA on AI effort
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.