Boeing's Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) development program has completed the functional qualification testing phase for the protected wideband satellite communications system. FAB-T will be used in the command and control of U.S. nuclear forces.

Boeing's tests verified operational capabilities required for the ground and airborne terminal types specified in the U.S.

Air Force FAB-T development contract. FAB-T command post terminals will be installed in fixed and mobile ground installations as well as aboard E-4B airborne operations center and E-6 airborne command post aircraft. Advanced wideband terminals will be installed on B-2 and B-52 bombers and RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft.

"These successful tests show that Boeing's comprehensive FAB-T terminal suite is an effective, low-risk, real-world solution," said Paul Geery, Boeing vice president and FAB-T program manager.

"Our mature offering puts us in great shape to deliver the total FAB-T configuration."

Flight tests using a Boeing 707 test aircraft based at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., have also validated the FAB-T command post terminal's performance under realistic flight conditions.

The tests involved multiple terminals and orbiting Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Milstar satellites, which will carry FAB-T communications. Flight tests for the advanced wideband terminals are expected to conclude this fall.

Boeing is finishing work under its current FAB-T development contract. Key upcoming milestones include the completion of functional and physical configuration audits, information security certification and an extended battery of tests to verify the system's reliability.

Boeing also is participating in a limited competition to produce FAB-T. The Air Force is expected to award the production contract early next year.