CONECT

Abstract

The B-52H Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT) acquisition project supports nuclear and conventional operations by upgrading the B-52H fleet with data and voice communications capabilities along with improved threat and situational awareness to support participation in network centric operations. This CONECT modification includes procurement of 74 aircraft kits + 2 EMD kits that will be installed in conjunction with Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM). Ground station mission planning hardware, support equipment, initial spares, and Interim Contractor Support will be procured. Additional initial support/readiness efforts will develop and upgrade B-52H training devices with CONECT functionality. The CONECT training device upgrades provide full CONECT functionality to support aircrew training. The Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs) include three B-52H Weapon System Trainers (WST) and two Offensive Station Mission Trainers (OSMT), and the upgrades will also be installed in the Systems Integration Lab (SIL). The Other Government Cost line includes, but is not limited to, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) costs to maintain the production configuration through the identification, review and monitoring of items with high obsolescence risk potential, classification of identified items according to criticality, identification of alternatives and implementation of resolutions. Resolutions may include non-recurring engineering (NRE) and/or replacement costs for DMS components, bridge buys of DMS components until NRE can be completed or Life of Type buys, whichever is most appropriate. Included in the Support Equipment line is the planning for establishment of an organic Depot capability, stand-up of the depot, procurement of depot equipment and procurement of the CONECT ground station. Funds may be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing and Material Shortage (DMSMS) issues. DMS efforts to include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulators systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Implement requirements and standards defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. As the CONECT upgrade brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging communication and security requirements (upgrades to IBR, JRE messages, crypto modernization, etc.) and aircraft upgrades (1760 IWBU, Mode S/Mode 5 Identification, IFF, etc.) may require study for potential impacts to CONECT. In order to maintain currency with the latest aircraft configuration, the CONECT project will update existing trainers (using stimulate/simulate/computer-based training or a mix) to add CONECT functionality to meet user-training requirements, and update/maintain the SIL for the WSTs. In order to assist PDM during after-install checkout and Barksdale AFB and Minot AFB units with maintenance checkout and operational training, a CONECT ground station is being developed. DMS efforts to include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulators systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Additionally, implementation requirements and standards are defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. Funds support Weapons System Trainers for the CONECT program. Funds may be used to address emerging and short-notice DMSMS issues. Funds may also be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 675050_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Cyber