B-52 Modernization

Abstract

B-52 modernization is a comprehensive program to ensure B-52 viability to perform current and future wartime missions to include datalinks, navigation, sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare (EW) and training capabilities. B-52 modernization (initiated in FY 2005) integrates and adds both tactical and global datalink communications for real time command and control, targeting, and intelligence. It upgrades antiquated air traffic management (ATM) systems with those supported by three key functions using satellite technology: Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS). Modernization upgrades training devices to support aircrew and maintenance training with the latest B-52 capability. In addition, modernization improves conventional warfare capability with additional MIL-STD-1760 smart weapons and improved weapons carriage and fully integrates advanced targeting pods with the offensive avionics system. B-52 modernization upgrades or replaces legacy defensive EW systems to include the radar warning receiver, jammers, chaff and flare dispensers and situational awareness displays as well as integration of offensive EW such as the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) and MALD-Jammer (MALD-J). Lastly, B-52 Modernization replaces the current aging strategic radar capability with a state-of-the-art, non-developmental radar. CONECT The B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) acquisition program will support nuclear and conventional operations by upgrading the B-52 fleet with tactical datalink and voice communications capabilities along with improved threat and situational awareness to support participation in network centric operations. The CONECT upgrade includes new multi-functional color displays (MFCDs) and a digital interphone system, which will survive and function through the nuclear environment to enhance crew interaction and situational awareness. To enable net centric operations, the CONECT upgrade integrates: on-board client/server architecture supporting distributed processing with independent control functions; UHF Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) Joint Range Extension (JRE) capability via ARC-210 Warrior radio to exchange J-Series messaging within theater; Intelligence Broadcast Receiver (IBR); limited Internet Protocol (IP)-based UHF BLOS link supporting e-mail and file transfers; and Improved Data Modem (IDM)-based digital Variable Message Format (VMF) datalink to significantly enhance close air support (CAS) missions. This integrated suite will provide the B-52 fleet with a machine-to-machine data transfer capability supporting aircraft re-tasking and re-targeting of Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile/JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM/JASSM-ER), and other J-series weapons across the range of B-52 military operations and missions. B-52 EHF The B-52 Extremely High Frequency (EHF) program will integrate and install the B-52 fleet with equipment to provide secure, survivable two-way EHF SATCOM link for Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) and report-backs to meet Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) nuclear protected Information Exchange Requirements (IERs). The B-52 EHF will integrate the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Terminal (FAB-T) Airborne Wideband Terminal system developed and procured by Space and Missile Center (SMC) through PE 0303601F. The FAB-T system consists of the Operator Interface Group, Modem Processor Group, and Antenna Group. The B-52 EHF will also integrate a high data rate BLOS communication link supporting IP-based Global Information Grid (GIG) interoperability into the B-52 architecture. The B-52 EHF program is planned to be accomplished in two increments. Increment 1 preserves the existing B-52 capability to receive EAMs and report-backs via SATCOM. It includes the up-front program planning and risk reduction trade studies on items such as radome mounting, Environmental Control System (ECS) capabilities, antenna boresighting, etc. to get all program requirements through System Requirements Review (SRR). Increment 1 will also include additional risk reduction studies, development of integration and installation kits for the FAB-T equipment for strategic connectivity, as well as implement trade study solutions. In addition, the ECS will need to be upgraded or replaced to meet equipment/crew comfort cooling requirements. Finally, Increment 2 will provide GIG and net-ready capability as well as full integration with other-B-52 systems. Trainers and upgrades for CONECT & EHF In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT and EHF programs will update existing trainers or use computer-based training to add CONECT and EHF functionality to meet user-training requirements and establish a system integration laboratory (SIL) for updates of the Weapon System Trainers (WST). ATP Functionality The B-52 Modernization program fully integrates Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) by linking pod control, display and target geo-location with the B-52 Offensive Avionics System (OAS). The B-52 ATP effort continues the ATP (Sniper or LITENING) integration effort that began in FY07 with GWOT funding. The ATP effort develops aircraft software updates to add and incorporate advanced pod functionality into the B-52, as well as retain currency/certification/connectivity to new/upgraded variants of ATPs. In addition, this effort upgrades the software functions of the new Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) (Multi Function Display and the Integrated Hand Controller), developed and procured under the B-52 Advanced Weapons Integration (AWI) modification, and enables the B-52 to utilize a LITENING or Sniper pod. This effort provides hardware and software upgrades to the existing aircrew/maintenance trainers and the SIL. 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 data bus in the weapons bay) and externally. 1760 IWB Upgrade B-52 Modernization provides for expansion of B-52H conventional munitions carriage capability through modification of weapons carriage equipment and aircraft software IAW MIL-STD-1760 (hereafter, "1760"). The 1760 Internal Weapons Bay (1760 IWB) upgrade (also known as 1760 In the Bay) program modifies aircraft bomb bay 1760 connection locations, aircraft software, and the Common Strategic Rotary Launchers (CSRL) to carry 1760-based munitions in the B-52's internal weapons bay. It follows a 2005 flight demonstration in which a B-52 successfully dropped eight Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) from a modified CSRL using a prototype Integrated Weapons Interface Unit (IWIU). Following the demonstration, the IWIU went into production to sustain external wing pylon 1760 requirements under the Advanced Weapons Integration (AWI) program. Congressional adds in FY 2006 and 2007 provided the software design work and risk reduction activities for an internal 1760 capability. The 1760 IWB program uses the same external pylon IWIU to control the smart weapons on the modified CSRL. Modified CSRLs become "Conventional Rotary Launchers (CRL) and lose their current nuclear capability; therefore, only those launchers not required for nuclear missions will modified. However, nuclear capability can be restored to the CRL upon integration of 1760 Type II nuclear munitions. The program also modifies the aircraft's weapon interface Stores Management Overlay (SMO) software. The SMO for each weapon family will be upgraded to expand its capability from external pylon-only carriage to include carriage on the CRL in the weapons bay. 1760 IWB program includes hardware and software upgrades to aircrew/maintenance training devices, weapons carriage and release systems test equipment, mission planning development including implementation of the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), and the B-52 SIL and Avionics Integration Support Facility (AISF). The program is segregated into increments and subordinated phases. The program's threshold capability, Increment 1, Phase 1 (Increment 1.1) modifies the JDAM SMO for internal carriage of eight JDAMs on each CRL. Applicable JDAM variants include GBU-31 (2000 lb.), GBU-38 (500 lb.), and GBU-54 (500 lb. Laser JDAM). Increment 1, Phase 2 (Increment 1.2) adds 8-carriage capability of Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD), and MALD-Jammer (MALD-J). Future internal capabilities appear in Increment 2 and include (1) all family variants of Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) and Laser Guided Bombs (LGB); (2) Countermine System; (3) expansion of CRL carriage capability (quantity and mixed loads); and (4) additional weapon variants, such as, GBU-56 (2000 lb. Laser JDAM). Program also includes development of the B-52 baseline mission planning software for the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS). CNS/ATM Capabilities identified under Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) activities will include Frequency Management (FM) Immunity, digital communications (voice and 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 Very High Frequency (VHF), Auto Dependent Surveillance (both address and broadcast), and any follow-on activities to associated components/systems resulting from modifications to CNS/ATM systems. Mode S/5 IFF Mode S/5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is part of the CNS/ATM effort and 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. The Mode S/5 portion includes upgrade of the current APX-64 with the APX-119 transponder capable of Mode S/5 and will leverage architecture to include simultaneous integration of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) capability required for operations in European airspace by 2015 and CONUS airspace by 2020. Anti-Skid Replacement The B-52 Anti-Skid system is used to maintain control of aircraft during landings and taxi operations. The B-52 Anti-Skid system prevents aircraft skidding by sensing the exact amount of brake pressure needed for safe braking under all runway conditions without tire damage. Previous B-52 Anti-Skid supportability analysis, completed in 2006 by General Atomics, indicated a supportability end date of 2011, based on parts obsolescence, a lack of test equipment and a lack of repair personnel. Parts obsolescence continues to be a major supportability factor. However, since the previous analysis, test equipment and new depot maintenance procedures to refurbish previously failed Anti-Skid Detectors have been put in place in order to provide spares until 2014/2015 when the replacement will be available. The Anti-Skid Replacement program develops and installs a new system. This effort includes an upgrade of the maintenance trainers. SR2 The B-52 Strategic Radar Replacement (SR2) program replaces the current AN/APQ-166 Strategic Radar fielded in the 1960s and then upgraded in the 1970s and 1980s. Although modified several times, it has never been totally replaced and several parts of the system remain from the original design, such as the antenna reflector, feed, and casting. The legacy APQ-166 radar is becoming unsupportable with increasing signs of performance degradation and multiple DMS and materiel shortage issues. The SR2 program is a radar replacement program that will take advantage of the advanced capabilities of modern non-developmental radars, maximizing commonality with other platforms. The B-52 SR2 Program will integrate, test, and field a modern radar system, which supports all weather targeting and navigation to support the requirements of keeping the B-52 combat capable for its extended service life. Additionally, the remaining two legacy MFCDs will be replaced. Engineering Studies & Analysis and Test & Evaluation 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, avionics and EW), upgrades to the B-52 SIL, AISF and WSTs, and weapon system operational/safety, supportability, reliability, and Total Ownership Cost (TOC) improvements. B-52 TDL The B-52 Tactical Data Link (TDL) will integrate Line-of-Sight (LoS) TDL, Link-16 or new technologies alternative waveforms for inclusion in the CONECT architecture. Current CONECT Capabilities Description Document identifies mission area capability gaps that support rationale for TDL communications. Full integration of TDL on the B-52 involves significant effort to design, test, and certify the system for operational use. This program will develop DoD architecture products with an Information Support Plan (ISP) to provide mission area justification for TDL integration, perform an Analysis-of-Alternatives (AoA) to determine terminal selection and transport/waveform requirements to meet operational needs, develop candidate requirements/architecture definition utilizing the B-52 CONECT architecture as the baseline for integration, perform aircraft installation trade studies to identify potential issues with integration (such as, size, weight, power, cooling, and antenna location/performance), and demonstrate capabilities using chosen AoA option. Reconstitution of B-52 Nuclear Capability Study The pivotal role the B-52 capabilities play in the AF Nuclear Mission require a study to be completed to ensure the platform maintains an enhanced level of readiness. The study will evaluate the nuclear hardening of the Integrated Weapons Interface Unit (IWIU). The study will look at the conceptual development of a MIL-STD-1760 Nuclear Weapons interface. The hardening of the IWIU will ensure the survivability of existing conventional J-series weapons as well as provide for future nuclear 1760 capable weapons both in the bay and on the wing launch platforms. SEER Modification The System Effectiveness and Evolutionary Requirements (SEER) modifications provide technology concurrency through preplanned product improvement initiatives to improve reliability, maintainability, and/or improved system performance issues on the B-52 aircraft and trainers. These funds ensure that the B-52 weapons system capitalizes upon established technological improvements and remains viable through 2040. Efforts may include implementation of new system architectures. B-52 Structures Modification These modifications provide improvements to the integrity of the structures to reduce corrosion repair costs, reduce maintenance workload, and enhance safety. Examples would include minor service life extension efforts, de-modifying the aircraft of obsolete, inactivated systems, and weight reduction initiatives. ADDITIONAL EFFORTS B-52 modernization funds additional efforts that stem from the operation and maintenance of a 48-plus-year-old aircraft, such as parts obsolescence and DMS. Examples include, but are not limited to upgrades to outdated avionics computers, mission planning interfaces to JMPS, Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS), and other mission planning systems (JMPS), upgrades to the EW suite, and studies and analysis. All B-52 development programs support planned requirements for unique identification in their production phases. 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.

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Document Type: Project
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
Source ID: 675039_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2012

B-52 Modernization

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