The U.S. Air Force announced that it has integrated a new satellite communications system onto its B-52 Stratofortress bombers…
Known as IRIS, the system enables the transmission of voice, data, imagery, and video to command centers beyond line of sight.
Developed by Outerlink Global Solutions, IRIS consists of a satellite communications terminal along with equipment integrated into the aircraft and ground elements.
The system uses the Iridium Certus service, which operates over the Iridium NEXT low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, and the Certus terminal offers a data transfer rate of 704 Kbps.
IRIS is expected to replace the Global Iridium Bomber Set system currently used across the B-52 fleet.
Under its B-52J modernization programs, which include new engines and a new radar system, the U.S. Air Force plans to keep the bombers in service until 2050…