B-2 DMS

Abstract

The B-2A Spirit is the world's most advanced long-range strike asset. The unique combination of range, payload and stealth (anti-access and global strike missions) characteristics allow the B-2 to target and destroy the highest value enemy targets, regardless of location, and return home safely. RDT&E projects are necessary to both preserve this strategic advantage as well as increase the flexibility and lethality of this national asset tasked across a broad spectrum, from tactical to national objectives. This RDT&E program reflects the restructure of the current DMS-M EMD effort and transition to the modernization of the B-2 cockpit display sub-system. The current display sub-system lacks the processing power to provide necessary situational awareness to air crews in the projected dense threat environments of the future. Also, the legacy multi-function display units (MDUs) are not supportable due to obsolescence and repair issues. Without this program, display availability will severely impact aircraft availability. During development, the engineering baseline will be finalized and production representative kits will be purchased to support SW development, platform integration, integrated development/operational test and a pre-Milestone C production assessment, as well as B-2 Nuclear Certification testing. Diminishing manufacturing sources and materiel shortages for affected components, will be addressed to protect the planned production program by mitigating unplanned part redesign and requalification risks. This effort will also require investment in systems engineering and software development to integrate the AGP into the B-2's P6 architecture that includes the legacy Threat Emitter Locator system and associated displays that were not part of the original DMS-M baseline. In FY 2020 and prior, the B-2 DMS-M effort is documented in PE 0605931F B-2 DMS, Project 653844 B-2 DMS; beginning in FY 2021, this effort is documented in PE 0101127F B-2 Squadrons, Project 675345 B-2 Modernization. Restructuring B-2 DMS-M saved $9.8M in FY 2021: PE 0605931F is reduced $164.610M, and PE 0101127F is increased $154.768M. Restructuring B-2 DMS-M Description: Delays in the acquisition of B-2 DMS-M reduced return on investment. In response to this shifting timeline, the Air Force realigns funding to address reliability and sustainment of the B-2 cockpit display system until end-of-life, while developing new capabilities aligned to the National Defense Strategy (NDS). The FY 2021 budget reflects a significant restructure of the B-2 DMS-M program that reduces the program scope to modernize the B-2 display functionality including multi-function display units (MDUs) and Advanced Graphics Processor (AGP) of the baselined DMS-M program. Details associated with the restructured displays program are included in PE 0101127F. The FY 2020 funds will be utilized to continue display system hardware and software development and testing including limited flight tests on the baselined DMS-M program, perform acquisition and contracting activities to efficiently reduce program scope, disposition equipment purchased under the EMD contract, remove hardware no longer required from development labs and flight test aircraft, perform systems engineering to develop a detailed architecture to integrate previously replaced legacy capabilities with modernized displays, procure legacy hardware including Threat Emitter Locator System (TELS) required to restore test aircraft capabilities that DMS-M is no longer modernizing. Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver B-2 DMS-M weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 653844_0605931F_5_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

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