B-1B Modernization

Abstract

The B-1B Lancer is a swing-wing, supersonic, long-range, conventional bomber. It carries the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the United States Air Force inventory. The multi-mission B-1B is the backbone of America's long-range conventional bomber force and can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. The current service life extends beyond 2040. The B-1B modernization projects alleviate aircraft obsolescence issues due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) while at the same time providing improved capabilities to the B-1B weapon system that require significant hardware and software development and testing. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) MILITARY-CODE (M-CODE) This project will integrate a military GPS receiver delivering improved capabilities to allow for accurate and reliable positioning, navigation, and timing for B-1 primary flight instrumentation, navigation, radar, weapon, and communication systems where current receiver performance might be compromised or unavailable. M-Code has a higher-power signal offering better resistance to jamming and interference; advanced security features to prevent unauthorized access or exploitation by adversaries; and improved message formats and signal modulation techniques for faster and more accurate performance. INTEGRATED BATTLE STATION (IBS) SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT B-1B training systems upgrades (both flight and maintenance simulators/trainers) provide required training assets for the aircraft Central Integrated Test System (CITS), Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL), and Vertical Situational Display Upgrade (VSDU) modernization projects. These upgrades are required to bring the simulators up to the same configuration of the modernized aircraft. The B-1B training system provides the warfighter with a fully integrated, cost effective, high fidelity training capability in flight operations, weapons employment, and maintenance of the B-1B weapon system. FLIGHT TEST AIRCRAFT UPGRADES Upgrades to the B-1B flight test aircraft are included in the modernization projects to keep the test flight systems current. RDT&E funded test jets are currently configured with Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for CITS, FIDL and VSDU. Replacement of the EMD LRUs is required to bring two flight test aircraft to fleet representative configuration. Maintenance and logistic support from the manufacturer is required until the Air Force supply chain is established. Replacement of the LRUs will ensure maximum supportability, maintainability, and reliability for continued and future flight tests. GAP & INTEGRATION ANALYSIS Additionally, program funds cover engineering/planning studies, related engineering efforts, and auxiliary equipment needed for development projects that have not yet fielded. Cost includes Program Management Administrative (PMA) costs and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements, including efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total ownership cost. All B-1B development projects support planned requirements for unique identification in their production phases. The FY2017 funding request was reduced by -$.451 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances This program 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, 2017
• Source ID: 675344_0101126F_7_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Space