Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)

Abstract

The AGM-86B, Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), is a subsonic, air-to-surface strategic nuclear missile, operational since 1982. Armed with a W80 warhead, it is designed to evade air and ground-based defenses in order to strike targets at any location within any enemy's territory. The ALCM is designed for B-52H internal and external carriage. The purpose of this program element is to ensure ALCM sustainability to 2030 in support of Air Force strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike mission requirements. An ALCM Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) was developed to support ALCM Service Life to 2030. The results of SLEP studies identified system components and support equipment that will become non-supportable prior to 2030. Service life extension of this critical weapon is essential to meet United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) deliberate planning commitments. The Aging and Surveillance program for ALCM continuously assesses critical components such as those in the safe arm and fuze subsystem, navigation/guidance system, and electrical/power distribution system. The program identifies aging trends prior to failures in fielded components that would result in fleet-wide reliability and supportability problems. Development funds are required to update software, test procedures, and test equipment. FY12 funding supported development of new hardware and software to update the contractor's testing complex/capabilities in order to add the Guided Missile Flight Controller (GMFC) to the annual Aging & Surveillance testing program. As part of the build phase of the sustaining engineering approach, the SPO is developing a plan for ALCM sustainment using a computer-aided decision making process. This concept is called ALCM Sustainment Enhancement Toolbox (ASET). The first phase of ASET is the ALCM Report Recommendation Tool (ARRT). Beginning in FY13, development funds are required to develop ARRT to track and archive missile safety and flight test anamoly investigations, OEM failure analyses and feasibility studies. Also, FY13 funds are required to develop test procedures to implement a new CJCS-directed requirement for High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) testing for nuclear systems. BA7- 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 Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
0101122F_7_3600_PB_2014
Change Summary Explanation
No significant Changes
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Launched
  • Altitude
  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Cruise Missiles
  • Electromagnetic Pulses
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Flight Testing
  • Guided Missiles
  • High Altitude
  • Small Business
  • Standoff Missiles
  • Surveillance
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

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