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 is 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 Line Replaceable Units (LRU), 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 Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) kits on two B-52H test aircraft to support Developmental/Operational Test and Evaluation. This upgrade will affect B-52 training devices and will provide the ability to connect / operate in a common environment that provides realistic high-end combat training to meet future standards. Funds may be used to address the Bombing-Navigation System Maintenance Trainers (BNSMTs), a desktop trainer, as well as the Mission Employment Trainer (MET), and a Family of Systems (FoS) concept that includes Handheld/Wearable and Point-of-Use Devices, Medium-Fidelity Deployable Devices and High-Fidelity Devices covering the entire training spectrum. This program also upgrades one B-52 Software Integration Lab (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, funds may be used to address 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), Crypto modernization, 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 requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), safety of flight issues, and associated components in the RMP configuration baseline. DMSMS efforts may include removal of end-of-life/obsolete software/hardware within the weapons system, simulators systems, and MOSA implementation. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. 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 FY22 $6.430M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY23 $6.593M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 675056_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2024
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