B-1 Bomber Upgrade Flight Tested

Boeing has finished the first phase of flight tests on the B-1 bomber fully integrated datalink (FIDL). The modification replaces avionics and displays that are 25 years old, according to Eric Vanderslice, B-1 FIDL program manager. With the completion of Phase 1, Boeing will transfer the aircraft to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, for programmed depot maintenance. Phase 2 is scheduled to start at Edwards AFB in April 2010, spanning 10 months. Boeing anticipates a U.S. Air Force contract to install the FIDL kits on the entire B-1 fleet in November 2010.
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