New Tech On Display At Air, Space & Cyber Expo
September 21, 2016The Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber conference opened with a bang on Sept. 19, with the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders announcing the official name of Northrop Grumman’s stealthy B-21 long-range bomber. Dubbed “Raider,” the B-21 is one of the U.S. Air Force’s top modernization priorities alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. Although the B-21 has taken center stage at the annual airpower conference in National Harbor, Maryland, several companies are revealing new aircraft designs and weapons as the Air Force seeks leap-ahead technology to counter the increasingly capable forces of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea while remaining engaged against terrorist groups such as the so-called Islamic State group. The requirements and programs driving industry are reflected on the show floor. They include the T-X next-generation training system and “Red Air” aggressor services, Joint STARS and Compass Call rehost, Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, Gremlins and Loyal Wingman, as well as extended-range weapons and miniature munitions.