B-52 System Improvements
Abstract
B-52 System Improvements is a comprehensive project to ensure B-52 viability to perform current and future wartime missions. To facilitate future capabilities, scope of work may involve development of Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), Studies and Analysis, Capability Development Documents (CDD) or any other analysis or paper work necessary to establish a program of record. Additionally, this project may lead to airborne integration experiments or demonstrations of emerging technologies. B-52 System Improvements will encompass the following major aircraft areas but is not limited to the examples given within each area. Avionics - Offensive and Defensive; Electronic Warfare systems require upgrades to continue to protect the aircraft in the battle space. Radar Modernization is require to ensure the aircraft can perform the mission in today's environment and resolve current mean time between repair issues with legacy radar. Global Positioning Satellite Interface Unit (GPS-IU) requires replacement due to throughput issues. Navigation - Communication, Navigation and Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) upgrades are required to comply with ever increasing FAA requirements. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) upgrade FAA mandate for FY20. GPS guidance unit requires upgrade to new military M-Code standard. Situational Awareness (SA) - upgrades to current SA systems is require to ensure the B-52 maintains battle space awareness of intelligence broadcasts, friendly force locations, enemy forces and any emerging threats within the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Adaptation of new data links as well as addition of existing links is crucial to the B-52 remaining relevant to the integrated airborne battle space. Weapons/Targeting Pod Integration - 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. Integrate emerging targeting pods to include optical and radar targeting capabilities. Communications - current UHF communications systems require upgrades due to legacy radios and satellite systems rearing end of life. Multiple User Objective System (MUOS) satellite deployments will require the B-52 to upgrade legacy UHF radios to remain relevant. New technology Beyond line of Sight (BLOS) and Line of Sight (LOS) radios are emerging and required on the B-52 to ensure communications continue in the AOR. Extreme High Frequency (EHF) program required to meet Nuclear Command Authority two way communications. Flight Systems - current Jet A fuel used freezes at higher temperatures than previous fuel and therefore requires the addition of an internal fuel tank monitoring system to ensure the fuel does not gel and freeze while flying at altitude. In additiona, the B-52 requires a new Environmental Control System (ECS) upgrade to support any new major aircraft modifications. EHF studies have indicated this will be a needed modification for integration depending on the terminal selection. Nuclear Systems - studies, analyzes, and tests aircraft systems' hardness to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons effects, such as Low Level Continuous Wave (LLCW) and High altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) Survivability tests. It upgrades mission critical systems to survive in CBRN environments. Electronic Flight Bags - require a system for displaying aircrew checklists on a permanent display. This supports current AF requirements to reduce carry on paper checklists. BA7- This project 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
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 675039_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2016
Related Documents
- Root: B-52 SQUADRONS
- Child Accomplishment: B-52 System Improvements
- Child Cost Item: 3acdf73ab57b0840cd7eb5d4ac3cd737