B-2 Squadrons

Abstract

The B-2 is currently undergoing modernization of avionics, communications systems, cockpit displays, armament systems, low observable components, core training system components, aircraft supportability improvements, and support equipment development. The Air Force will also study multiple structural, avionics, and engine modifications, as well as advanced weapons integration and advanced communications, that could improve the performance of the aircraft and engines and reduce maintenance man-hours and the logistics footprint of the fleet. Focus of the studies will be on non-mission capable (maintenance) drivers, safety issues, and obsolescence issues through modernization of key components in the airframe, avionics, and engines resulting in improved aircraft availability of a high demand/low density fleet. The B-2 Display Modernization program is a modernization of the B-2 multi-purpose display units (MDUs) and includes removal of the Defensive Management System-Modernization (DMS-M) modification from the B-2 fleet test aircraft and lab environment. This is not a new start, but a continuation of 3600 scope that was part of the previous DMS-M program. FY 2021 and prior years DMS-M efforts were in PE 0605931F. B-2 Communications Upgrade (formerly known only as Adaptable Communications Suite) includes multiple modernization efforts including Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) Increment 4.0, Airborne Integrated Terminal Group (AITG) Replacement and B-2 Collaborative Combat Communication (B2C3). ACS is a non-integrated system that provides SATCOM connectivity for Command and Control en route to the target. A critical capability is the ability to receive Airborne Mission Transfer (AMT) and Beyond Line-of-Sight situational awareness. This effort includes improvements to the suite of B-2 ACS Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communications system in order to become part of the baseline configuration, as well as modernization upgrades to conform to mandates. AITG provides Line-of-Sight UHF and Very High Frequency (VHF) voice communications including anti-jam, encrypted, and unencrypted. AITG Replacement will include the replacement of the AN/ARC-234 radio which will reach end-of-life effective 01 Oct 2026. AITG replacement will also implement the SATURN Waveform for anti-jam voice communications; this is a transition from the HAVE QUICK Waveform which will be retired effective 01 Oct 2024. The Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) program supports the B-2 ability to penetrate anti-access combat environments, performing missions directed by the National Command Authority while ensuring aircrew survivability. The LOSSM program reduces low observable (LO) maintenance drivers, and signature degradation, while maintaining LO reliability / Maintainability / Supportability, and provides high signature confidence to combatant commanders. The B-2 Crash Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU) provides a more capable Flight Data Recorder (FDR) with increased capacity for storing Flight Information Data (FID) for recovery and use in the event of a mishap. The B-2 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5/S modification program replaces the current IFF transponder with a new Mode 5 and Mode S capable transponder ensuring compliance with DoD Combat Identification mandates and global Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements. Mode 5 is the DoD standard for secure combat identification and provides improved discrimination between closely spaced platforms, while reducing interference with civil air traffic control transponders, enabling the B-2 fleet to accomplish its anti-access and global strike mission. Mode 5 replaced the obsolete Mode 4 combat identification. Mode S is a civil air traffic control secondary surveillance radar process that allows selective interrogation of aircraft according to the unique 24-bit address. Mode S provides improved accuracy and altitude resolution and reduced interference from closely spaced aircraft through selective interrogation of assigned transponder addresses. The B-2 Training System upgrades include updates to training device hardware and components, simulation software, courseware and academic materials, instructional system design architectures, engineering drawings, and system documentation that is not driven by a funded aircraft modification. This budget supports B-2 nuclear certification activities to include certification testing, analysis, and support related costs to ensure the weapon system's nuclear mission remains intact. B-2 funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion, and future acquisition programs. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver B-2 capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY 2021 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2023 0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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, 2023
• Source ID: 0101127F_7_3600_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2021 reprogramming of -27.742M on ATR package FY2116 PA along with small reprogramming adjustments. FY 2022 Congressional reduction for -12.4M for B-2 Display Modernization carryover The FY 2022 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2023 through FY 2026 funding. Therefore, an explanation of the change between the two budget positions for FY 2023 cannot be made in a relevant manner
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Cyber
• Engineered Resilient Systems
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Accuracy
• Command And Control
• Flight Recorders
• Global Communications
• Line Of Sight
• Logistics
• Maintenance
• Radio Frequency
• Reliability
• Simulators
• Situational Awareness
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Equipment
• Training Devices
• Very High Frequency
• Voice Communications

Readers

• 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
• Space