The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a $5.4 million contract for the initial effort required for integrating a new satellite communication system on the U.S. Air Force B-52 fleet. The Extremely High Frequency (EHF) system will enable the exchange of information through Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T), enabling communication with the B-52 from ground, air and space platforms.

The first of three contract increments has been authorized to start; it includes planning, risk mitigation and development of system requirements. Increment Two will cover the design and installation of the FAB-T communication hardware. Increment Three will integrate the new system into the Global Information Grid. Total contract value is expected to be more than $100 million. A B-52 upgraded with the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) network-centric upgrade completed its first flight in May and is now in the flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Boeing also is integrating the SNIPER advanced targeting pod on the B-52 and continues to install software upgrades on an 18-mont