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 AF 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 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. The Fiscal Year 2021 President's Budget retires 17 B-1 aircraft, bringing the total aircraft inventory to 45. FULLY INTEGRATED TARGETING POD (FITP)- (Air Force terminated program 2QFY20) The Fully Integrated Targeting Pod (FITP) modification permanently integrates the Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) capability into the B-1B's avionics flight software architecture and replaces the B-1B's Temporary T-1 Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) / Laptop Controlled Targeting Pod (LCTP) system with a digital, high-definition video-streaming targeting pod. This will provide increased B-1B aircrew situational awareness, weapons de-confliction, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) within the Combat Air Forces (CAF). FITP will provide robust combat targeting processing power, computing speed and throughput for aircrew mission planning, and a permanent sustainment support structure. It will provide all four crew members access to targeting pod information displayed on digital-quality video using the Integrated Battle Station (IBS), Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), and the cursor controller. FITP will address the aircrew ergonomic issues caused by the current system configuration, allowing more rapid prosecution of targets through improved integration with Avionics Flight Software (AFS) capabilities. In addition, FITP will provide growth capability for implementation and interaction with follow-on systems to augment targeting pod use. Furthermore, the FITP removes the need for an Interim Contractor Support (ICS) sustainment support structure, which will resolve DMS issues. MODE 5/S B-1B Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5/S is the replacement for the B-1B Mark XII IFF Mode 4. Mode 5, which will replace Mode 4, will provide secure target identification and will be a response system for combat identification. Mode Select (Mode S), replacing Mode C, provides timely aircraft position and flight path prediction to receiver units for aircraft, Air Traffic Control, and the Air Defense System . The IFF Mode 5 upgrade uses an automated system that responds to interrogations to avoid the loss of B-1B aircraft through fratricide. Mode S provides accuracy required in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airspace. Mode 5 is a Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) 2020 mandate. Funds are included to accommodate the DoD mandate as outlined in previous AF and DoD budget exhibits. RADIO CRYPTO COMPLIANCE The B-1B Radio Crypto Compliance requirements originated to meet DoD mandates by a classified need date. If the requirements are not met, the B-1B is at risk of losing secure Line of Sight (LOS) and BLOS communication with ground and air forces. The program replaces the existing radios with crypto-compliant radios providing BLOS communications. Funds are included to accommodate the DoD mandate as outlined in previous AF and DoD budget exhibits. MULTIFUNCTIONAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (MIDS) - JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEMS (JTRS) The B-1B Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) - Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) replaces the existing MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) 1 Link 16 terminal to meet National Security Agency (NSA) Crypto Modernization (CM) Device Cease Key and FAA/NTIA Frequency Remap mandates. Current systems become non-compliant in 2025. MIDS-JTRS resolves all LVT 1 deficiencies and adds substantial combat capability enhancements to Link 16 Enhanced Throughput (LET) and Concurrent Multi-Netting (CMN-4) with Concurrent Retention Receive (CRR). MIDS-JTRS also provides multi-datalink capability, improving situational awareness and allowing rapid in-flight re-targeting in a cooperative combat environment. Funds are included to accommodate DoT/DoD-approved Frequency Remap and Crypto Modernization Device Cease mandates as outlined in previous AF and DoD budget exhibits. BOMB RACK UNIT 56 (BRU-56) The Bomb Rack Unit 56 (BRU-56) upgrade will mitigate a safety risk present within the legacy BRU-56 ejector rack. The upgrade will alleviate the deficiency within the current ejector rack as well as add increased carriage capability. Prolonged use has resulted in a deficiency of the rivets within the linkage of the rack. This deficiency led to multiple failures, to include one Class A mishap in 2003, one Class C mishap in 2010, and multiple ground mishaps. The BRU-56 modification guards against future bomb rack mishaps and the possibility of a catastrophic aircraft loss as well as the loss of life. GAP AND INTEGRATION ANALYSIS Program funds cover engineering/planning studies, related engineering efforts, and the auxiliary equipment needed for development projects that have not yet been fielded. Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and DMS issues, accommodate technology insertion, and fulfill FAA (or other) mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Costs includes Program Management Administrative (PMA) costs, total ownership cost, as well as initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements, to include efforts for improving weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, and reliability. All B-1B development projects support planned requirements for unique identification in their production phases. Funding is also required to ensure test asset availability for testing of aircraft RDT&E efforts. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver B-1B weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. 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, 2021
• Source ID: 675344_0101126F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Space