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). 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 the following systems: 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 the FY13PB, the CONECT program was restructured to only replace the current Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) located at each of the crew stations, make the temporary Evolutionary Data Link (EDL) modification permanent, and demod of the CONECT test aircraft as required. However, the original CONECT development effort, as laid out in FY12, will be completed as planned and the technical design/baseline is being maintained in support of the FY14 POM decision to reinstate the program. For FY14, the FY13 decision to restructure the CONECT program was reversed. The Air Force FY14 PB submission funds the completion of the full CONECT capability development, updates due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materiel Sources (DMSMS) issues, changes to incorporate updates to GFP, recurring changes to B-52 Software baseline, CONECT capability inclusion into the required B-52 training systems, and production/installation/initial support for a total 30 CONECT capable (2 kits were funded in EMD) aircraft. The test aircraft will not be de-modified from its CONECT configuration. TRAINERS AND UPGRADES FOR CONECT In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT program will update existing trainers or use computer-based training to add CONECT functionality to meet user-training requirements and establish a system integration laboratory (SIL) for updates of the Weapon System Trainers (WST). MIL-STD 1760 IWBU The MIL-STD 1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade (IWBU) program modifies hardware and software for seventy-six (76) B-52H aircraft. It also modifies hardware for the Common Strategic Rotary Launchers (CSRL). The 1760 IWBU program is segmented into two increments. Increment 1 consists of two sub-increments: 1.1 and 1.2. Increment 1.1 provides capability for internal carriage of eight Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) smart weapons on a rotary launcher. Excess Nuclear CSRLs will be converted to Conventional Rotary Launchers (CRL). CRL Hardware modification: Consists of Group A equipment racks and electrical wiring, Group B consists of one Integrated Weapons Interface Unit (IWIU) per CRL, this Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) was previously developed under the Advanced Weapons Integration (AWI) program and work previous accomplished for a 2005 demonstration or developed using 2006 and 2007 Congressional Add funding. CRLs will lose their nuclear capability until integration of the Mil-STD 1760 System II nuclear munitions and development and integration of a nuclear hardened IWIU. No new Nuclear CSRLs are required. Aircraft Software modification: Consists of modifying existing aircraft, JDAM Software and ground based Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS). Increment 1.2 provides capability for internal carriage of eight Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) or eight Miniature Air Launched Decoys (MALD). Internal capabilities include authorized munition variants, for example, JDAM, GBU-31 (v)1, (v)3, GBU-38, JASSM, and MALD-Jammer (MALD-J). Common Rotary Launcher(CRL) Hardware modification: Consists of modifying the Increment 1.1 configuration by adding four Group B LRUs, (three power supplies, one junction box) and Group A associated interface wiring. Seventy-six (76) Aircraft Hardware modification: Consists of Group A wiring and circuit breakers to supply additional power to the CRL. Aircraft Software modification: Includes modifying existing JASSM-ER, MALD software. Support Equipment: Thirty-eight (38) Multi-Use System Tester Armament Next Generation (MUSTANG) testers will be modified to support both increments. Increment 2 will provide carriage expansion of the CRL through a software and hardware modification and will increase the number of weapon stations from 8 to 16 to support 500 lb class munitions. This will occur after increment one completes. Mode S/5 IFF Mode S/5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is part of the Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) effort and will develop and integrate modern technolog into the B-52 to enable it to operate in the evolving air traffic environment. This effort is driven by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates to comply with performance standards to allow the B-52 to operate safely in controlled airspace. This program will also yield significant savings by allowing the use of more efficient flight routes and altitudes. CNS/ATM Capabilities identified under CNS/ATM activities will include Frequency Management (FM) immunity, digital communications (voice and data), improved navigation accuracy such as Required Navigation Performance (RNP) or Global Positioning System (GPS) enhancements, Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), enhanced situational awareness such as Mode S/5 IFF, Communications Management Unit, HF Data Link, Auto Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), and any follow-activities to associated components/systems resulting from modifications to CNS/ATM systems. Anti-Skid Replacement Anti-Skid system is used to maintain control of aircraft during landings and taxi operations. The B-52 Anti-Skid system prevents aircraft skidding by sensing the exact amount of brake pressure needed for safe braking under all runway conditions without tire damage. Previous B-52 Anti-Skid supportabilty analysis, completed in 2006 by General Atomics, indicated a supportability end date of 2011, based on parts obsolescence, a lack of test equipment and a lack of repair personnel. Parts obsolescence continues to be a major supportability factor. However, since the previous analysis, test equipment and new depot maintenance procedures to refurbish previously failed Anti-Skid Detectors have been put in place in order to provide spares until 2015 when the replacement will be availabale. The Anti-Skid Replacement program develops and installs a new system. This effort includes an upgrade of the maintenance trainers. 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 was terminated in the FY13 PB. 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. Although sustainable through the current service life of the B-52, the legacy radar system MTBF continues to degrade and sustainment costs are expected to significantly increase after 2017. 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 MFDs will be upgraded to take advantage of the replacement radar's full capability. The B-52 SR2 program was terminated in the FY13 PB. Reconstitution of B-52 Nuclear Capability Study/Electromagnetic Pulse Test (EMP) Renewed emphasis of the Air Force Nuclear Mission and the pivotal role the B-52 capabilities play into that role require a study be completed to ensure the platform maintains an enhanced level of readiness. The study wlll evaluate the nuclear hardening of the platform and ensure the survivability of existing Global Strike Weapons. Tasks include development of a plan required for full-scale EMP test of the B-52's nuclear mission essential systems. 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 (Funding is in the ARMS Control PE, 35145F) 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 0101113F_7_3600_PB_2014
• Change Summary Explanation: FY12 adjustments: -6.809M in two BTR's ($5.0M ICBM Alternative Guidance Technologies (AGT); $1.809M Nuclear Surety), and $2.828M Small Busines Innovative Reasearch (SBIR). FY14 adjustments: -17.166M due to the termination of the CONECT Restructure effort, which required additional development for the replacement monitors, and reinstatement of the Original CONECT effort which completed EMD in May 2012.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Air Traffic
• Aircrafts
• Arms Control
• Computer Networks
• Cost Analysis
• Data Links
• Digital Communications
• Navigation
• Network Protocols
• Program Management
• Radar
• Satellite Guided Weapons
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Equipment
• Warfare

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics
• Space