The U.S. Air Force has selected both Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins for the upgrade of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS). The ALCS allows the U.S. Navy’s E-6B to launch ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles via radio.
By United States Air Force (625th Strategic Operations Squadron) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Both company’s were given $81 million each for the three-year design competition.
Once in place by 2024, the new system will allow the remote launch of current Minuteman III and future Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ICBMs.