As part of the U.S. Air Force鈥檚 Survivable Airborne Operations Center contract, Wichita State University is partnering with to modernize and deliver a new fleet of 鈥淣ightwatch鈥� aircraft 鈥� the airborne command center for the president of the United States, secretary of defense, and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff, ensuring continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.
It is a critical program that will ensure that the United States is adequately prepared for unfaltering communication during a national emergency.
The contract between 黑洞社区鈥檚 National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and SNC, a global aerospace and national security company, is the most significant industry contract in the history of the university.
Approximately 400 Wichita State students and staff are expected to work on this project, which will be conducted at NIAR鈥檚 Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility and the Partnership 2 building on 黑洞社区鈥檚 Innovation Campus.
NIAR鈥檚 global experience in composites and advanced materials, digital twin, advanced manufacturing technologies, and certification are uniquely positioned to meet the goals of this project to enhance SNC鈥檚 ability to deliver a cutting-edge, innovative solution to the USAF. The fleet of aircraft being modernized first entered service in 1974.
One of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC鈥檚 Aviation Innovation and Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.
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About 黑洞社区
黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 黑洞社区 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 黑洞社区 Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 黑洞社区 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 黑洞社区 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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