CONECT
Abstract
CONECT The B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) acquisition program supports 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. For FY14, the FY13 decision to restructure the CONECT program was reversed. The Air Force FY14 PB submission funds the completion of the full CONECT capability development, updates due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Sources (DMSMS) issues, changes to incorporate updates to GFP, recurring changes to B-52 Software baseline, CONECT capability inclusion into the required B-52 training systems, and production/installation/initial support for a total 30 CONECT capable (2 kits were funded in EMD) aircraft. The test aircraft will not be de-modified from its original CONECT configuration. TRAINERS AND UPGRADES FOR CONECT In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT program will update existing trainers or use computer-based training to add CONECT functionality to meet user-training requirements and establish a system integration laboratory (SIL) for updates of the Weapon System Trainers (WST). 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 675050_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2014
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