B-2 SQUADRONS

Abstract

The B-2 Spirit is the world's most advanced long-range strike asset. The unique combination of range, precision, payload, and ability to operate in anti-access area denial environments allow the B-2 to identify, locate, target, and destroy the highest value enemy targets. The B-2 can, with necessary upgrades, accomplish its mission regardless of location, return to base safely, and permit freedom of movement for follow-on forces, including other long range strike platforms. An array of planned RDT&E projects are necessary to preserve a strategic advantage against 21st century threats as well as increase flexibility, lethality, and survivability of this national asset tasked across a broad spectrum of tactical and national strategic objectives. B-2 will achieve these objectives by adapting mature technologies/systems in the fleet to rapidly deliver affordable and relevant combat capability, leveraging other Department of Defense investments and programs utilizing innovative acquisition strategies. The B-2 has a projected service life through 2058. To ensure the fleet can accomplish its nuclear and conventional mission in highly defended and anti-access environments, periodic modernization efforts must be undertaken to upgrade combat capability as well as improve the viability, supportability, and survivability of the weapon system. Recent and ongoing investments in avionics, structures, communications, and weapons upgrades keep the B-2 viable in the immediate future. Specific development efforts are managed in four projects: 675345 B-2 Modernization 676021 Baseline Support 676022 EHF SATCOM and Computer 676023 Defensive Management System Modernization (FY12 only) Current development efforts include: Alternative communication solutions such as Common Very Low Frequency Receiver and Adaptable Communications Suite, Massive Ordnance Penetrator integration, Flexible Strike Phase 1 -- formerly known as Stores Management Operational Flight Program re-host -- which will re-host the stores management processor software, Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications, Aircraft Supportability Modifications, and Training System Upgrades; Flight test aircraft upgrades and base of operations support, Advanced Low Detection Data Link studies, and Mission Planning System improvements as well as B-2 acquisition planning; Extremely High Frequency Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Computers Increments 1 and 2; Defensive Management System Modernization (FY12 only - beginning in FY13, managed under Program Element 0605931F, project 653844). In addition to on-going projects, the B-2 also performs studies for possible or projected projects such as integration of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff missile-Extended Range, and other weapons integration, avionics, communication, aircraft and engine improvements. The long range vision for the aircraft anticipates that future improvements may also include such capabilities as Moving Target Kill or Non-Traditional Surveillance and Reconnaissance combat. Studies may explore: the development of a Universal Armament Interface, integrating multi-platform advanced data links with high bandwidth satellite communication links, Link-16 Center Instrument Display/In-Flight Replanner, integration of the Global Positioning System M-Code hardware and software necessary for modernization of Air Traffic Management communications/navigation/ surveillance systems, and enhancement of the Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe system with Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast capability mandated by US and European military and civil aviation agencies to improve situational awareness of controlled and contested airspaces. Improvements may be required on the B-2 data/voice/video recorders to comply with Air Force Safety Board mandates to provide specific flight and aircraft data, frequency of update, data precision, and recording duration that do not exist in the B-2 recorders today, which may drive studies. Finally, other studies will look at possible enhancements of current radar modes, high resolution improvements to the synthetic aperture radar, and improved information fusion required to gather, analyze, and communicate enemy movements and combat capabilities to friendly follow-on forces, the National Command Authority, and other operation centers via the Global Information Grid. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes developmental 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: 0101127F_7_3600_PB_2014
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2012 realigned -$71.000M to support Hard and Deeply Buried Target, and -$7.631M for SBIR. FY2014 change: -$15.950 reduction rephases the B-2 Common Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver development effort.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Human Systems
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Artificial Satellites
• Bandwidth
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Data Links
• Extremely High Frequency
• Flight Control Systems
• Frequency
• Maintenance
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Equipment
• Test Facilities
• Training Devices
• Very Low Frequency
• Warfare

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

• Space