Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) program has successfully conducted its first series of flight tests. The tests were the first demonstration of FAB-T's network-centric ability to connect satellite, airborne and ground assets in a realistic flight environment.

Boeing is the prime contractor for Increment 1 of FAB-T, which will provide protected beyond line-of-sight communications for the B-2, B-52 and RC-135 aircraft via a system of secure satellites. During the flight tests, a FAB-T Increment 1 terminal on a Boeing 707 test aircraft connected with a Military Strategic, Tactical and Relay (Milstar) satellite. The U.S. Air Force and Lincoln Laboratories flight test crew communicated with testers on the ground via the satellite, validating the integration of the FAB-T hardware and software. Flight testing will continue for the rest of the year as the program collects data from a variety of mission scenarios.

"Flying FAB-T for the first time is a tremendous milestone for this important capability," said Col. Bill Harding, vice commander of the Military Satellite Communications Wing at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. "When operational, FAB-T Increment 1 terminals will connect strategic ground and air forces like never before."