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 RDT&E scope that was part of the previous DMS-M program. FY 2021 and prior years DMS-M efforts were in PE 0605931F. B-2 Advanced Communications included Multiple modernization efforts in the FY24 PB and is now being broken out in two (2) separate lines in the FY25 PB. These efforts support and enhance the aircraft's communications capabilities to keep the B-2 ready, effective, and survivable by complying with growing crypto mandates and mitigating end of life systems. The Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) Increment 4.0 provides secure beyond line-of-sight SATCOM Command and Control connectivity. ACS 4.0 will replace the current radios and ancillaries to transition B-2 SATCOM to Mobile User Objective System due to the sunset of the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On satellite constellation. Along with the aircraft system, the ACS ground systems and infrastructure will be redesigned to support this requirement. Significantly, ACS 4.0 will allow for simultaneous use of SATCOM voice and data. B-2 Battlespace Collaborative Combat Communications (B2C3) integrates an independent Open Mission Systems (OMS) avionics architecture integrated on the B-2. B2C3 objective is to identify, leverage, and integrate existing capabilities to meet B-2 communications requirements. B2C3 is a compilation of multiple efforts (can be thought of as an integration effort) designed to deliver the OMS architecture (domain) within the B-2. B2C3 will implement Airborne Integrated Terminal Group (AITG) which provides Line-of-Sight Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) anti-jam, encrypted, and unencrypted voice communications. 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. Low Observable Signature and Supportable Modifications (LOSSM) is a continuous improvement program delivering quickly fielded solutions that ensures the B-2 stealth platform (LO maintainability and signature performance) stays relevant. The program addresses emerging threats that challenge the viability of the LO aircraft in highly contested environments. LOSSM ensures aircraft survivability through innovation in signature reduction and advanced LO performance; as well as reducing the LO maintenance and maintainability. The efforts reduce costs and maintenance man hours as well as increase aircraft readiness. 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, course ware 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. Additionally, program funds may be used for Airframe Hardware Supportability Modifications (AHSM). The AHSM program increases aircraft availability and ensures mission effectiveness by targeting flight control, defensive management, communication, armament, and other system components that are the greatest contributors to aircraft downtime and/or ineffective system performance through lack of spares, extensive man-hours to troubleshoot and repair, and/or high failure rates. This program addresses current and forecasted obsolescence, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMSMS), and effective and timely repairs at both the field and depot levels. It also targets components whose failure rates, mean time to repair (MTTR) hours, and performance levels fail to meet established baseline targets/specifications. This program includes multiple efforts including, but not limited to, the Radio Frequency Switching Unit, Radar Receiver Exciter, Radar Signal Processor, Flight Control Computer, Band 1 Radio Frequency Front End (RFFE), Air Turbine Starter Control Valve. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY22 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY23 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, 2025
• Source ID: 0101127F_7_3600_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY23 adjustments consist of -$1.260M on FY23-80PA; +$4.0M reprogramming for Fixed Reception Pattern Antenna Retrofit; -$.660M for AFIPPS reprogrammings and -3.280M for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) FY25 increase addresses Baseline Support for Flight Test infrastructure
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space