The goal is to network the combat air forces so that F-35s and F-22s can rapidly share information with fourth-generation jets. But the stovepiped communications architecture of days past complicates this picture.

The U.S. Navy’s MIDS-JTRS terminal and tactical targeting networking technology waveform could equally support the Air Force’s future airborne networking architecture, defense companies believe.

AeroVironment’s Blackwing lets a submarine control unmanned underwater vehicles; Lockheed Martin’s Vector Hawk launches from a UUV; and General Atomics’ Predator flies pod that extends data-link networks—UAS show potential to bridge combat domains.

Facing an increasingly contested battlespace, Air Mobility Command is looking for follow-on tankers—even stealthy ones—and wants a survivable new tanker to escort fighters and bombers into conflicts.­­­­

While everything still hinges on the precooler technology of Reaction Engines’ Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE), the Air Force Research Laboratory sees huge potential for the propulsion concept

Air Combat Command’s EQ-4B and E-11A Battlefield Communications Node fleet have served as high-flying combat comms relays for eight years and counting.

AeroVironment developed its Blackwing small unmanned aircraft system to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for submerged submarines. Now the company has demonstrated how its UAS can act as a digital communications relay, enabling the sub to control a swarm of unmanned underwater vehicles.

As the U.S. Air Force presses forward with its J-Stars Recapitalization competition, a 10-aircraft Compass Call requirement has manufacturers vying for special-mission work.