CONECT
Abstract
The B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) acquisition project 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 voice, 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) and J-series weapons across the range of B-52 military operations and missions. This requirement's Capability Development Document (CDD) was validated by the Air Force Requirement's Oversight Capability Council (AFROCC) on 18 March 2004. Additional funds have been added to the project for the completion of the CONECT capability development and the CONECT capability inclusion into the required B-52 training systems, and production/installation/initial support for a total of 76 CONECT capable aircraft (2 kits were funded in EMD). The LRIP Lot 1 contract awarded in May 2013. The test aircraft will maintain the installed CONECT configuration and will be used to evaluate efforts to maintain and/or update B-52 CONECT capabilities. As the CONECT upgrade brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging communication requirements (upgrades to IBR, JRE messages, etc.) and aircraft upgrades (1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade, Mode S/Mode 5 Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF), etc.) may require study for potential impacts to CONECT. TRAINERS AND UPGRADES FOR CONECT In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT project will update existing trainers or use computer-based training to add CONECT functionality to meet user-training requirements, and update/maintain the system integration laboratory (SIL) for the Weapon System Trainers (WST). 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, 2015
- Source ID
- 675050_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2015
Related Documents
- Root: B-52 SQUADRONS
- Child Accomplishment: CONECT