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. Current system upgrades include Defensive Management System Modernization, Extremely High Frequency Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Computers Increments 1, alternative communication solutions such as Common Very Low Frequency Receiver and Adaptable Communications Suite, Massive Ordnance Penetrator integration and modernization of Global Positioning System hardware and signal enhancement, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff missile-Extended Range integration, Flexible Strike Phase 1, Link-16 Center Instrument Display/In-Flight Replanner, Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications, Aircraft Supportability Modifications, Training System Upgrades, Mission Planning System improvements, flight test aircraft upgrades and base of operations support, Advanced Low Detection Data Link studies, other weapons integration and engine improvements, as well as B-2 platform studies and acquisition planning. B-2 modernization of weapons carriage and armament interfaces, communications, navigation, avionics, and supportability efforts will establish an improved foundation for Moving Target Kill and Non-Traditional Surveillance and Reconnaissance combat capabilities necessary to ensure air superiority in 21st century nuclear and conventional combat environments. Flexible Strike Phase 2 efforts will modify Stores Management hardware and software necessary to accommodate integration of updated conventional and nuclear System 2 weapons into the B-2 fleet. It will provide for mixed carriage of an assortment of weapons on the B-2, providing any combination of weapons in both B-2 weapons bays. B-2 will have the capability to carry a fully loaded conventional Rotary Launcher Assembly along with a fully loaded Smart Bomb Rack Assembly or a Monitor and Control Assembly with Massive Ordnance Penetrator weapon on a single B-2 aircraft, providing unprecedented capability to destroy a wider array of target sets. Other efforts include: the development of a Universal Armament Interface, integrating multi-platform advanced data links with high bandwidth satellite communication links, 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. Finally, improvements are 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. After the above modifications are implemented, the B-2 fleet will be poised to deliver a Moving Target Kill combat capability, forming a foundation to exploit the modularity and improved precision algorithms of Universal Armament Interface. The inherent low observable characteristics of the B-2 will enable accomplishment of a Non-Traditional Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission. Necessary modifications include, but are not limited to, enhancement 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. In FY13, Defensive Management System Modernization transfered to PE 65931F, project 653844. 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.

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Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
Source ID: 0101127F_7_3600_PB_2015
Change Summary Explanation: FY2013 reduction of -$1.102M for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and -$5.015M for higher Air Force priorities. FY2014 change: -$12.384M Common VLF Receiver Increment 1 contract delay
Service Agency Name: Air Force

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B-2 SQUADRONS

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