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 Engineering and Manufacturing Development (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 (ICS) 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 and Material Shortages (DMSMS) 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 DMSMS components, bridge buys of DMSMS 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 (CGS). Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, civilian pay expenses, and 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 Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. As the CONECT upgrade brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging communication and security requirements (upgrades to Intelligence Broadcast Receiver, Joint Range Extension messages, crypto modernization, etc.) and aircraft upgrades (1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade, Mode S/Mode 5 Identification, Identification Friend or Foe, 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, and/or computer-based training) to add CONECT functionality to meet user-training requirements, and update and 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. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY21 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY22 0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 675050_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2023
Related Documents
- Root: B-52 Squadrons
- Child Accomplishment: B-52 CONECT
- Child Cost Item: 7dbbcfb61e1f4e785f5cbaca79780406