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 penetrate and 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 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 keep the B-2 viable in the immediate future. Current system upgrades include Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications, Defensive Management System Modernization, Flexible Strike Phase 1, alternative communication solutions such as Common Very Low Frequency Receiver and B-2 AEHF (Strategic Communications), Extended Range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile weapon integration and Global Positioning System enhancements. The B-2 is also exploring opportunities for architecture updates to reduce future integration costs and improve program affordability. The Defensive Management System effort is documented in the exhibit for PE 0605931F. In addition to the B-2 improvements described above, the Air Force has continuing efforts for Training Systems, Mission Planning System improvements, flight test aircraft upgrades and base of operations support, integration and testing of upgraded cryptographic components, as well as B-2 platform studies and acquisition planning. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development. 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, 2017
• Source ID: 0101127F_7_3600_PB_2017
• Change Summary Explanation: FY17: +$62.586M for B-2 AEHF (Strategic Communication), +$3.961M for Cryptographic Modernization, and +$16.553M was added for Flexible Strike Phase 1,
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Area Denial
• Command And Control
• Communication Systems
• Department Of Defense
• Engineering
• Frequency
• Maintenance
• Radar
• Satellite Communications
• Standoff Missiles
• Strategic Communications
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Equipment
• Training
• Warfare

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Space