B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP)
Abstract
The B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current APQ-166 radar on the B-52H aircraft. The APQ-166 system will be increasingly difficult to sustain due to diminished manufacturing sources and obsolescent technologies; the current failure rate of the APQ-166 places long-duration missions at risk. This modernization program will encompass the radar antenna array, 12 individual LRUs, radar control panel, radome, and Group A allocation that comprise the entire radar system. RMP will take advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire, to the maximum extent possible, previously developed Radar systems and integrate them into the B-52. The use of new technology will increase both the overall reliability of the radar system and the capabilities for new missions. RMP will allow the operational command (AF Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52H aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons and to perform mission-essential navigation and weather avoidance functions. In addition, applicable training devices for the new radar subsystem must also be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. This modification includes the installation of EMD kits on two B-52H test aircraft to support Developmental/Operational Test and Evaluation. This upgrade will affect all three Weapon System Trainers (WST), the WST Training Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL), and both B-52H Offensive Station Maintenance Trainers (OSMTs), and the Bombing-Navigation System Maintenance Trainers (BNSMTs) in addition to an existing desktop trainer. This program also upgrades one B-52 SIL with radar functionality, and builds a new Radar Development Lab and a new Radar SIL. As the RMP upgrade brings additional capability to the B-52, it includes emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear certification, cyber security, program protection, simulator common standards, etc.) in addition to increased radar integration (advanced targeting pod, Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT), Tactical Data Link (TDL), offensive avionics system, GPS Integration Unit (GPS-IU) mission planning, modular open system architecture (MOSA) considerations, crew vehicle interfaces, Electronic Warfare System, and B-52 Software Block (BSB), etc). Funds may be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS) issues. DMSMS efforts to include removal of end-of-life/obsolete software/hardware within the weapons system, simulators systems, and MOSA implementation. Additionally, funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and nuclear/conventional mission effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 675056_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2022
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