Flight Testing & Navigation Enhancement
Abstract
The AGM-86B, Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), is a subsonic, air-to-surface strategic nuclear missile, operational since 1982. Armed with a W-80 warhead, it is designed to evade air and ground-based defenses in order to strike targets at any location within any enemy's territory. The ALCM is designed for B-52H internal and external carriage. A Service Life Extension Plan (SLEP) was developed to meet an AF Long Range Plan requirement to extend ALCM Service Life to FY30. The results of Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) studies identified system components that cannot be sustained beyond the initial missile service life. The current system is experiencing obsolescence of parts/components. Missile components and support equipment are becoming non-supportable. Service Life Extension of this critical weapon is essential to meet Air Combat Command (ACC) and United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) commitments (also known as OPLAN 8010). The W-80 LEP replaces warhead components to extend its service life. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is responsible for most of the refurbishment costs associated with the W-80 warhead. The Air Force was responsible for funding ALCM W-80 integration. Integration included evaluation of interface control changes as part of the Initial Concept Design (ICD), missile testing, and logistics requirements necessary to support a First Production Unit (FPU) delivery in 2008. The W-80 LEP program has been archived. Aging and surveillance program for ALCM critical components such as those in the safe arm and fuze subsystem, navigation/guidance system, and electrical/power distribution system. This is needed to identify aging trends prior to failures in fielded components that would result in fleet-wide reliability and supportability problems. Analysis of alternatives (AOA) is in development for the future of long range strategic stand-off vehicles. These programs are in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, due to efforts supporting a fielded, post Milestone III operational weapon system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 674797_0101122F_7_3600_PB_2011
Related Documents
- Root: AIR LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: W80 Joint Test Assembly (JTA-8) Replacement Support, W80 LEP; revise the W80-1 Interface Control Documents (ICDs), provide integration support, and flight test qualification.
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: Develop aging and surveillance program for ALCM critical components
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: Conduct Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) for future long range stand-off vehicle (LRSO).
- Child Cost Item: c080fc45979c901d4afca06fefebce08
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- Child Cost Item: d942f6d2c26d7545b93a2b41c8b458c6
- Child Cost Item: bcdcb2841d1b50bba37f2ea0a8661ae1
- Child Cost Item: b67cef17b50dc82836169e68c8b6712c
- Child Cost Item: 9ab4f67bd37fd0acc30522e1daa4b611