B-52 SQUADRONS

Abstract

B-52 MODERNIZATION PROGRAMS Prior to FY13, all B-52 modernization programs were funded in a single BPAC, 675039 B-52 Modernization. B-52 modernization is a comprehensive program to ensure B-52 viability to perform current and future wartime missions to include datalinks, navigation, sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare (EW) and training capabilities. B-52 modernization (initiated in FY 2005) integrates and adds both tactical and global datalink communications for real time command and control, targeting, and intelligence. It upgrades antiquated air traffic management (ATM) systems with those supported by three key functions using satellite technology: Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS). Modernization upgrades training devices to support aircrew and maintenance training with the latest B-52 capability. In addition, modernization improves conventional warfare capability with additional MIL-STD-1760 smart weapons and improved weapons carriage and fully integrates advanced targeting pods with the offensive avionics system. B-52 modernization upgrades or replaces legacy defensive EW systems to include the radar warning receiver, jammers, chaff and flare dispensers and situational awareness displays as well as integration of offensive EW such as the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) and MALD-Jammer (MALD-J). Lastly, B-52 Modernization replaces the current aging strategic radar capability with a state-of-the-art, non-developmental radar. CONECT The B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) acquisition program supports nuclear and conventional operations by upgrading the B-52 fleet with tactical datalink and voice communications capabilities along with improved threat and situational awareness to support participation in network centric operations. The CONECT upgrade includes new multi-functional color displays (MFCDs) and a digital interphone system, which will survive and function through the nuclear environment to enhance crew interaction and situational awareness. To enable net centric operations, the CONECT upgrade integrates: on-board client/server architecture supporting distributed processing with independent control functions; UHF Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) Joint Range Extension (JRE) capability via ARC-210 Warrior radio to exchange J-Series messaging within theater; Intelligence Broadcast Receiver (IBR); limited Internet Protocol (IP)-based UHF BLOS link supporting e-mail and file transfers; and Improved Data Modem (IDM)-based digital Variable Message Format (VMF) datalink to significantly enhance close air support (CAS) missions. This integrated suite will provide the B-52 fleet with a machine-to-machine data transfer capability supporting aircraft re-tasking and re-targeting of Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile/JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM/JASSM-ER), and other J-series weapons across the range of B-52 military operations and missions. In FY13, the CONECT program will be restructured and reduced to only replacing the current Multi-Function Displays (MFD’s) located at each of the crew stations, making the temporary Evolutionary Data Link (EDL) modification permanent, and demoding the CONECT test aircraft as required. However, the current CONECT development effort in FY12 will be completed as planned and the technical design/baseline will be maintained in support of future budget decisions. As the remaining requirement of the CONECT program restructure, the Multi-Function Display (MFD) Replacement will develop wire-harnesses and installation tray configurations for the MFDs in each of the 76 B-52 aircraft. The existing legacy displays at each crew station will be removed and replaced with stock listed MFDs. This effort will replace the current MFDs due to long standing obsolescence issues. This configuration WILL NOT provide additional capability beyond what is currently available, but will retain growth potential for future upgrades. Evolutionary Data Link (EDL) was intended a bridge program to provide a secure voice/datalink capability between ground combat personnel and the B-52 weapon system, providing situational awareness of where friendly forces are in relation to enemy forces during targeting efforts while using precision guided weapons in combat. Originally fielded as a T1 Modification, the EDL 3.1 program will be finalized as a permanent modification, which entails procurement of sufficient Group B kits to modify the remainder of the fleet, along with procurement of spares and a long-term maintenance strategy with sufficient cover through the end of the aircraft's life cycle. Additional full-up kits will also be required to modify aircrew and ground maintenance trainers. Technical orders, operational procedure directives, and drawings will need to be generated from existing temporary documents. No additional certification testing (DT/OT) is anticipated, as at the end of EDL 3.1 fielding the program office will consider this a fielded, operational system. B-52 EHF The B-52 Extremely High Frequency (EHF) program integrates and installs the B-52 fleet with the equipment needed to provide secure, survivable two-way EHF SATCOM link for Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) and report-backs to meet Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) nuclear protected Information Exchange Requirements (IERs). The B-52 EHF will install/integrate the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Terminal (FAB-T) Airborne Wideband Terminal system developed and procured by Space and Missile Center (SMC) through PE 0303601F or other equivalent terminals/solutions, as necessary to meet user requirements. The B-52 EHF will also integrate a high data rate BLOS communication link supporting IP-based Global Information Grid (GIG) interoperability into the B-52 architecture. The B-52 EHF program is planned to be accomplished in two increments. Increment 1 preserves the existing B-52 capability to receive EAMs and report-backs via SATCOM to include an Environmental Control System (ECS) modification required to support the additional communication equipment. Increment 2 provides GIG and net-ready capability as well as full integration with other-B-52 systems. The B-52 EHF program will be terminated in FY13 for higher AF priorities. TRAINERS AND UPGRADES FOR CONECT, EHF & SR2 In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT, EHF & SR2 programs will update existing trainers or use computer-based training to add CONECT, EHF & SR2 functionality to meet user-training requirements and establish a system integration laboratory (SIL) for updates of the Weapon System Trainers (WST). The Trainer and upgrades for CONECT, EHF, and SR2 will be terminated in FY13 for higher AF priorities. SR2 The B-52 Strategic Radar Replacement (SR2) program replaces the current AN/APQ-166 Strategic Radar fielded in the 1960s and then upgraded in the 1970s and 1980s. Although modified several times, it has never been totally replaced and several parts of the system remain from the original design, such as the antenna reflector, feed, and casting. The legacy APQ-166 radar is becoming unsupportable with increasing signs of performance degradation and multiple DMS and materiel shortage issues. The SR2 program is a radar replacement program that may take advantage of the advanced capabilities of modern non-developmental radars, maximizing commonality with other platforms. The B-52 SR2 Program will integrate, test, and field a modern radar system, which supports all weather targeting and navigation to support the requirements of keeping the B-52 combat capable for its extended service life. Additionally, the remaining two legacy MFCDs will be upgraded to take advantage of the replacement radar's full capability. The B-52 SR2 program will be terminated in FY13 for higher AF priorities. ENGINEERING STUDIES & ANALYSIS AND TEST & EVALUATION B-52 modernization funds test activities at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), engineering and planning studies for potential future weapon system enhancements (weapons, sensors, avionics and EW) and emerging requirement on current programs, upgrades to the B-52 SIL, AISF and WSTs, and weapon system operational/safety, supportability, reliability, and Total Ownership Cost (TOC) improvements. ARMS CONTROL ACTIVITIES Arms Control Activities under the New START Treaty drives the need to modify a number of B-52s to a conventional only role by removing the Code Enable Switch and associated equipment. This effort requires a complete design to remove the equipment from the aircraft and install metal plates prohibiting reinstallation of removed equipment to comply with treaty protocols. ADDITIONAL EFFORTS B-52 modernization funds additional efforts that stem from the operation and maintenance of a 50-plus-year-old aircraft, such as parts obsolescence, DMS, and emerging requirements to add to or maintain the existing capabilities. Examples include, but are not limited to upgrades to outdated avionics computers, mission planning interfaces to JMPS, Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS), and other mission planning systems (JMPS), upgrades to the EW suite, and studies and analysis. All B-52 development programs support planned requirements for unique identification in their production phases. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
Source ID: 0101113F_7_3600_PB_2013
Change Summary Explanation: FY11 adjustments include -$8.623 SBIR; Congressional Directed Reductions -$24.700; Congressional adds of +$13.000 for Internal Weapons Bay and +$6.500 for ATP Interation; Congressional General Reductions -$.909; -$1.500 reprogramming for MEECN FY12 adjustments -$11.265 Congressional Directed Reduction for SR2 identified excess, -$5.000 for S/5 IFF late contract award, -$10.000 for 1760 IWBU late contract award and -$13.000 for B-52 EHF late contract award; Congressional General Reductions of -$0.188 FFRDC FY13 adjustments include +$32.709 required to demodify the CONECT test aircraft, -$48.273 termination of SR2 program, +$4.045 MIL-STD-1760 IWBU Increment 2, +$1.202 Mode S/5 adjustment to account for 1-year slip
Service Agency Name: Air Force

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B-52 SQUADRONS

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