B-52 Modernization
Abstract
The Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT) Program is an evolutionary acquisition program to develop, integrate, test, and field several capabilities into the B-52 weapon system. CONECT upgrades the B-52 fleet with digital and voice communications capabilities and improved situational awareness to support participation in network centric operations and interoperability with the Global Information Grid (GIG). CONECT capabilities are implemented in a phased approach. Phase A upgrades digital and voice communication capabilities, on-board client/server networked architecture supporting distributed processing and control functions, integration of the Intel Broadcast System/Receiver (IBS/R) and new Multi-Functional Color Displays (MFCDs). This phase also provides the B-52 fleet with a machine-to-machine capability supporting aircraft retasking and retargeting of CALCM and J-series weapons, a limited Internet Protocol (IP)-based UHF Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) capability, and improved situational awareness. Phase B integrates the Family of Advanced BLOS Terminals (FAB-T) system hardware to support Extremely High Frequency (EHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM). CONECT Phase B provides the B-52 fleet with a survivable SATCOM link for emergency action messages (EAMs) to meet STRATCOM requirements as well as a high bandwidth BLOS data link communication capability supporting IP based GIG interoperability. In addition, two remaining legacy crew station displays are replaced with new MFCDs. Trainers & CONECT B-52 aircrew and maintenance training devices are a mix of 1970's and '80's technology. Most have reached their design capacity and must be upgraded to remain useful training tools. Upgrades to some of the training systems must occur prior to incorporating CONECT functionality. This planned approach enables the trainers to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration. The CONECT program upgrades existing trainers, establishes a system integration laboratory for development of aircrew trainers, and adds CONECT Phase A and Phase B functionality to meet user-training requirements. Weapons Improvements B-52 Modernization also includes improvement of conventional warfare capability. This effort provides development and testing to rapidly integrate weapons with a large array of properties, but not limited to: stealth, hard target penetration, standoff, adverse weather, precision strike, loiter, decoy, defense suppression, post-release/launch re-target capability, area denial, mobile targets, and multiple simultaneous attack. These capabilities are provided through the integration of advanced weapons both internally (MIL-STD-1760 in the bomb bay) and externally. Advanced Targeting Pod Functionality The B-52 Modernization program fully integrates the Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) by linking pod control, display and target geo-location with the B-52 offensive avionics system. The B-52 ATP effort continues the ATP (Sniper or LITENING AT) integration effort which began in FY 07 with GWOT funding. The ATP effort develops aircraft software updates to add and incorporate advanced pod functionality into the B-52. In addition, this effort upgrades the software functions of the Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) (Multi Function Display and the Integrated Hand Controller), and enables all wired aircraft to utilize a LITENING pod, LITENING AT or Sniper. This effort provides hardware and software upgrades to the existing aircrew/maintenance trainers and the system integration lab. GATM GATM, or more accurately, Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), will develop and integrate modern technology into the B-52 to enable it to operate in the evolving air traffic environment. This effort is driven by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates to comply with performance standards to allow the B-52 to operate safely in controlled airspaces. This program will also yield significant savings through more efficient flight routes and altitudes. Functions requiring updated technology in the B-52 are communications, navigation, and surveillance. More specifically the capabilities upgraded under CNS/ATM activities will include FM Immunity, Digital Communications (voice to data), improved navigation accuracy such as Required Navigation Performance (RNP) or Global Positioning System (GPS) enhancements, Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), enhanced situational awareness such as Mode S/Mode 5 Identify Friend or Foe (IFF), Communications Management Unit, HF Data Link, 8.33MHz VHF, Auto Dependent Surveillance (both address and broadcast), and any follow-on activities to associated components/systems resulting from modifications to CNS/ATM systems. Test & Evaluation Additionally, B-52 Modernization funds test activities at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), engineering and planning studies for potential future weapon system enhancements (weapons, sensors, and avionics), and weapon system operational/safety, supportability, reliability, and Total Ownership Cost (TOC) improvements. Additional Efforts Examples include upgrades to avionics computers, mission planning interface to the Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS) and upgrades to the Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 675039_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2011
Related Documents
- Root: B-52 SQUADRONS
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: ADVANCED TARGETING POD (ATP)
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: COMBAT NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (CONECT) EMD
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: B-52 EXTREMELY HIGH FREQUENCY (EHF)
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: B-52 ANTI-SKID REPLACEMENT
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: STRATEGIC RADAR REPLACEMENT (SR2)
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: MODE S/5 IDENTIFICATION FRIEND OR FOE (IFF).
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE TEST (EMP). Develop plan required for full scale EMP test of B-52's nuclear mission essential systems in FY 2012/2013.
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: 1760 IN THE BAY.
- Child Cost Item: 2b28ebda240c3c2d7f566e0dc7d8c13b
- Child Cost Item: 3af750632a278900f42ee84dea48bf8c
- Child Cost Item: 1ce803289eb10182cb140f0377561e8f
- Child Cost Item: ef794d3c13fdb258d765220162d8a0e1
- Child Cost Item: 751b8a1a65cd1f748a57e08d0a72d3f5
- Child Cost Item: 6e7bf1e5dea645607c24319a6c982581
- Child Cost Item: 63390b122065d6d4feb4eefe7cd4e5d4
- Child Cost Item: 1782a1b437d01729620a6be36cbceaf2
- Child Cost Item: 4eb0dabab911d7ce2ce547aebd1650f0
- Child Cost Item: 59cac45d4a1cf6af696913e6c2bd250c
- Child Cost Item: 606f8e122043cfa042c18171fd4b1f62
- Child Cost Item: 70acf6789fc97e73c143463dfb09eb34
- Child Cost Item: 88e9a911f5e7d166fddcce3200cba42a
- Child Cost Item: 8c370cd2cafc71bf03a270d4602b61e1
- Child Cost Item: c054d10e49cd81b5df8b00a930f59bf0
- Child Cost Item: cf0f69aaa4d0b292c7ebc5cb82a8a065
- Child Cost Item: ec547dbba4277a3bda01a8798b0f48f5
- Child Cost Item: e83ff456176ff37217a99306571c7888
- Child Cost Item: 7259878bafab649789ebd809b795ebe4
- Child Cost Item: 9b7665d151fe161d9e5f85e01b5aec3c
- Child Cost Item: edcaea5b8d4f69ae13a69e3611fe150b
- Child Cost Item: 8f33ca310c67989487fb8f0b18065ae9
- Child Cost Item: 653743d99d8fcdf40a3bb510559e3efd
- Child Cost Item: 8ed6ca7047e6db394301eb5c7b47ca0b
- Child Cost Item: 633c714f04514626fe708aa755c138c7
- Child Cost Item: db37de3a717763dc15538836999609aa
- Child Cost Item: c4373f06b390807258c58fcbbfb5bee0
- Child Cost Item: e296b7bd7c99f2b1a1f650aab3dfa768
- Child Cost Item: 7e96787c28d259643a93c01251a68067
- Child Cost Item: a185ccc8f951de535c10cfa5989c410e
- Child Cost Item: efd1261fcc00c87c57134f52f0c601bc
- Child Cost Item: 40ef57e7fb88cc10e2164014d7e121eb
- Child Cost Item: c5d1123a8c7a0765067e6821a593fc2c
- Child Cost Item: bdf87f5ff9a1f2cc2f85cd5dd0b13a02
- Child Cost Item: 70637524f944af4a8d9e19801400d7c5
- Child Cost Item: 2dc3082aa88d2f9abbefda1ddbf23c9f
- Child Cost Item: 8fe146b6fc53dc66401e6a8414c4a0cc