The Boeing Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) wideband communications program has entered a new phase by delivering the first two engineering development models to the U.S. Air Force.

Able to perform nearly all FAB-T production terminal mission functions, the models will be tested through June under realistic operational conditions aboard aircraft and at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.

"These models will allow the Air Force to test how actual terminals will perform in their deployed configurations," said Paul Geery, Boeing vice president and FAB-T program manager. "With tests conducted in 2012, Boeing has demonstrated that FAB-T can perform effectively even in the extreme vibration and harsh temperatures found on airborne platforms."

FAB-T will carry protected communications for the command and control of U.S. nuclear forces via Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Milstar satellites. The terminals will be used aboard B-2 and B-52 bombers, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, and E-4 and E-6 Special Air Mission aircraft, as well as in fixed and transportable configurations on the ground.

"These milestones validate that Boeing has a mature design that meets operating requirements for all mission environments," Geery said. "Our solution offers the quickest and lowest-risk path to putting all the FAB-T functions into warfighters' hands."