This article is based on an official press release from Dyess Air Force Base.

Dyess AFB Breaks Ground on $27.3 Million Fuels Facility to Support B-21 Raider

Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, has officially commenced construction on a critical infrastructure project designed to support the incoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber. On December 15, 2025, base leadership and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Fuels Administration Laboratory and Refueling Truck Yard.

According to the official release from Dyess Air Force Base, this project represents the initial phase of a massive modernization effort. The new facility, valued at approximately $27.3 million, is essential for meeting the specialized operational and security requirements of the Air Force’s next-generation long-range strike bomber. The project is being executed by Emerson Construction Company and is expected to be completed by early-to-mid 2027.

Infrastructure for the Next Generation

The new construction is situated on a 37-acre site and includes two primary components: a Fuels Administration Laboratory and a Refueling Truck Yard. The laboratory will be a single-story structure housing administrative offices, command spaces, and advanced testing equipment featuring specialized ventilation and grounding rails.

The Refueling Truck Yard is being engineered to handle heavy logistical loads. Specifications released regarding the project detail the use of 9-inch reinforced concrete pavement to support refueling vehicles. Additionally, the design incorporates strict environmental protections, such as secondary containment measures, and security protocols that include a contractor-free zone.

Calvin Kroegar of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emphasized the foundational nature of this project in the official announcement:

“It really starts with the fuel. You have to set the conditions for the B-21 before it arrives, so everything is working and in place for the mission to start without issues.”

A Decade of Modernization

This groundbreaking is part of a much larger strategic overhaul at Dyess AFB. The base is designated as the third Main Operating Base for the B-21 Raider, following Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota and Whiteman AFB in Missouri. To accommodate the new airframe, Dyess anticipates approximately $1.6 billion in construction projects over the next 7 to 10 years.

Col. Seth Spanier, Commander of the 7th Bomb Wing, highlighted the long-term scope of this transition during the ceremony:

“This really marks the first step in what’s going to be a decade-long construction process here at Dyess… [The B-21] is the future of long-range strike for the U.S. Air Force.”

Future projects in this modernization pipeline include runway upgrades, expanded maintenance hangars capable of housing the aircraft indoors, a larger security forces campus, and new weapons generation facilities. The B-1B Lancer, currently hosted at Dyess, will remain operational until the transition to the B-21 is fully realized.

AirPro News Analysis

The commencement of the fuels facility construction signals a shift from planning to physical execution in the Air Force’s B-21 deployment strategy. While public attention often focuses on the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and range, the logistical “tail”, specifically fuel testing and secure handling, is the critical path for operational readiness.

The $1.6 billion investment figure suggests that the Air Force is prioritizing a “facility-first” approach to avoid the sustainment bottlenecks that have plagued previous advanced aircraft programs. By upgrading the fuels infrastructure years before the aircraft’s full operational capability at Dyess, the service aims to ensure that the support ecosystem is mature the moment the first Raider touches down in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the B-21 Raider?
The B-21 Raider is a dual-capable (conventional and nuclear) stealth bomber manufactured by Northrop Grumman. It is designed to penetrate advanced air defenses and will replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets.

When will the new fuels facility be finished?
Construction is estimated to take approximately 549 calendar days, placing the completion date in early-to-mid 2027.

Who is building the facility?
The contract, numbered W9126G25C0010, was awarded to Emerson Construction Company.

How much will the total modernization of Dyess AFB cost?
The Air Force expects to spend approximately $1.6 billion on construction at Dyess over the next decade to prepare for the B-21 mission.

Sources

• Dyess Air Force Base

This article is based on an official press release from Vuzix Corporation and Collins Aerospace.

Vuzix and Collins Aerospace Initiate Production on Next-Gen Defense AR System

Vuzix Corporation, a leading supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology, has announced a major advancement in its ongoing partnership with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. According to an official statement released on December 19, 2025, the collaboration has successfully transitioned from the research and development (R&D) phase to a formal production agreement. This milestone authorizes Vuzix to begin manufacturing advanced waveguide-based display engines for Collins Aerospace’s new wearable display system.

The agreement marks a significant shift for the Rochester-based manufacturers, moving the relationship from engineering services to recurring manufacturing revenue. The technology is slated for use in defense applications, specifically targeting dismounted soldier operations and drone control systems. Under the terms of the new agreement, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) is effective immediately.

Production Timeline and Deliverables

The transition to production follows the successful completion of the design and development phase for the waveguide-based display engine. Vuzix confirmed that the technology has met the necessary specifications for deployment in Collins Aerospace’s ruggedized solutions.

According to the production schedule outlined in the announcement:

• Immediate Action: Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) has been enabled.
• Q1 2026: The first hardware deliveries approved for end-customers are expected to ship.
• 2026 and Beyond: The companies project a ramp-up to full-scale production throughout the year.

This timeline suggests that the technology will soon be operational in the field, providing critical situational awareness tools to military personnel. The systems are designed to overlay digital information, such as maps, enemy positions, and drone feeds, onto the real world without obstructing the user’s vision.

Technological Specifications: The Waveguide Advantage

The core of this collaboration relies on Vuzix’s proprietary waveguide optics. Unlike traditional display screens that can block a user’s line of sight or emit visible light that compromises stealth, waveguides utilize complex optics to channel light through a transparent substrate (glass or plastic). This projects an image directly into the user’s eye while maintaining transparency.

In the context of the Collins Aerospace agreement, this technology enables the creation of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) that are lightweight, power-efficient, and rugged enough for combat environments. The system is specifically engineered for “dismounted soldier” applications, infantry on the ground who require hands-free access to tactical data, as well as operators controlling unmanned aerial systems (drones).

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications for the Defense Supply Chain

The progression of this partnership represents a critical inflection point for Vuzix Corporation. Historically, the company has relied heavily on engineering services and prototype revenue. The move to production with a top-tier defense prime like Collins Aerospace validates the maturity of Vuzix’s waveguide technology and opens a pathway to sustainable, recurring manufacturing revenue.

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape places a premium on secure, domestic supply chains. As a U.S.-based manufacturer headquartered in Rochester, New York, Vuzix offers a strategic advantage over Asian competitors for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. This “Made in USA” status is increasingly vital for sensitive military hardware, such as the Integrated Digital Vision System (IDVS) or Enhanced Reality Vision System (ERV-40) that Collins Aerospace is developing to compete with rival systems like Microsoft’s IVAS.

Market reaction to the announcement reflects this optimism. Following the news, Vuzix stock (NASDAQ: VUZI) experienced a positive surge, rising approximately 16% in the subsequent week, indicating investor confidence in the company’s ability to execute on defense contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main technology Vuzix is supplying?
Vuzix is supplying waveguide-based display engines. These are optical components that allow users to see digital overlays on a transparent display, essential for augmented reality (AR) applications.

When will production begin?
Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) has already been authorized and is effective immediately. Full-scale production is projected to commence in 2026.

Who is the end-user for this technology?
The technology is designed for defense applications, specifically for dismounted soldiers (infantry) and operators of drone control systems.

Is this a new partnership?
No, this is the culmination of a multi-year partnership that has now graduated from the design and R&D phase to active manufacturing and production.

Sources

• Vuzix Corporation Press Release

Lockheed Martin Advances Vectis Drone Program with Key Propulsion Milestone

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® has announced a critical development in its autonomous systems portfolio, selecting the Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan engine to power the Vectis prototype. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company’s internally funded “loyal wingman” project, which aims to deliver a high-performance, stealthy uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capable of operating alongside fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

The announcement, described by the company as “powering up” the prototype, clarifies the Propulsion strategy for the aircraft. While Lockheed Martin is a known leader in directed energy systems, the company confirmed that this specific milestone refers to the integration of the jet engine rather than a laser weapon payload. The Vectis program represents a strategic pivot for the defense giant as it targets the upcoming “Increment 2” of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and international defense markets.

Technical Specifications and Propulsion

According to the press release, the selection of the Williams International FJ44-4 engine was driven by a need for reliability and speed in development. The FJ44-4 is a commercially proven turbofan engine, widely used in business jets, which offers approximately 3,600 pounds of thrust. By utilizing a mature commercial engine, Skunk Works aims to reduce technical risk and accelerate the flight testing timeline.

Peter McArdle, Integrated Systems Program Director at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the strategic value of this choice in the company’s statement:

“By leveraging a mature, rugged turbofan, we can accelerate our timeline and demonstrate a game-changing capability quickly.”

Performance Capabilities

The Vectis prototype is designed as a Group 5 UAS, a classification for large, high-altitude Drones. The aircraft features a “lambda wing” tailless design and utilizes advanced composite materials to achieve what Lockheed Martin describes as “best-in-class” low observability (stealth). Key performance metrics released by the company include:

• Speed: High subsonic (estimated Mach 0.8 – 0.85), designed to keep pace with crewed fighters.
• Range: Greater than 1,000 nautical miles, specifically tailored for the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific theater.
• Endurance: Four or more hours of flight time.
• Timeline: First flight is scheduled for 2027.

Strategic Context: The CCA Competition

The development of Vectis occurs against the backdrop of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) competition. In April 2024, the Air Force selected Startups Anduril and General Atomics for the first round of the program, bypassing traditional prime contractors like Lockheed Martin. In response, Skunk Works has chosen to internally fund the Vectis program rather than wait for a government contract.

Lockheed Martin is positioning Vectis as a “high-end” alternative to the more “expendable” drones currently being prioritized. The platform is designed with an open systems architecture, allowing for the integration of third-party software and payloads, a direct response to government demands for modularity and the avoidance of vendor lock-in.

OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, highlighted the broader vision for the platform:

“We’re not simply building a new platform – we’re creating a new paradigm for air power based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework.”

AirPro News Analysis

The “Attritable” vs. “Survivable” Debate

The Vectis program highlights a central debate in modern aerial warfare: the trade-off between cost and survivability. While the initial round of the CCA program favored lower-cost, “attritable” systems that commanders might be willing to lose in combat, Lockheed Martin is betting that peer conflicts, specifically against adversaries with advanced air defense systems, will require more robust, stealthy platforms.

By targeting “Increment 2” of the CCA program, Lockheed appears to be wagering that the Air Force’s requirements will shift back toward higher performance and survivability once the limitations of cheaper drones are fully understood. Furthermore, the focus on F-35 compatibility suggests a strong play for international export markets, where allies operating the Joint Strike Fighter (such as the UK, Australia, and Japan) will require autonomous wingmen that match the stealth profile of their crewed fleets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the “Powering Up” headline mean Vectis has a laser weapon?
No. The phrase refers to the selection of the turbofan engine for propulsion. While the aircraft has an open architecture that could theoretically support various payloads, the current announcement is strictly about the flight engine.

When will the Vectis drone fly?
Lockheed Martin has set an aggressive timeline, with the First-Flight scheduled for 2027.

Is the U.S. Government funding this project?
Currently, the project is internally funded by Lockheed Martin. The company is developing the prototype independently to demonstrate capability for future U.S. and international contracts.

What weapons can Vectis carry?
The aircraft features a modular payload bay designed to carry air-to-air missiles (such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM), small diameter bombs, or sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare.

Sources: Lockheed Martin