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 (FY) 2021 President's Budget retired 17 B-1B aircraft, bringing the total aircraft inventory to 45. No further divestment planned in FY22. RADIO CRYPTO COMPLIANCE: The B-1B Radio Crypto Compliance requirements, P-3A 92316, originate from JROCM 040-11, VACM Cease Key CED-026-11, UHF SATCOM (Ultra-high frequency Satellite Communication ) Decommission and Cease Key for DAMA (Demand Assigned Multi Access) Orderwire, HALF QUICK II Cease use date, and DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) transition directive. Requirements must be met to ensure B-1B maintains secure line of sight, beyond line of sight, and anti-jam communication with ground and air forces. The initiative will replace the existing ARC-210 RT-1797 and ARC-210 RT-1851 with common ARC-210 next generation radios. The program will ensure the B-1B fleet meets National Security Agency (NSA) mandates and DoD mandates and directives as soon as possible with the minimum amount of hardware installs. Additionally, the program will provide MUOS capability. This modification includes procurements of 41 aircraft kits + 4 EMD kits that will be installed in conjunction with organic/intermediate maintenance. MULTIFUNCTIONAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (MIDS) - JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEMS (JTRS): The B-1B MIDS-JTRS program replaces the existing MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) 1 Link 16 terminal to meet NSA Crypto Modernization (CM) Device Cease Key and Federal Aviation Administration/National Telecommunications and Information Administration (FAA/NTIA) Frequency Remap mandates, as well as DoD Link 16 mandate that also coincides with the 2022 NSA mandate. Current systems become non-compliant in 2022, resulting in B-1B degraded and reduced communication capabilities. 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-data link 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. MIDS-JTRS implementation includes hardware, software, and wiring updates, including, but not limited to, additional J-messages capability and Ethernet. B-1 AFMC TEST ASSETS: This project is a New Start. The B-1 AFMC Test Assets project will provide funding for the test aircraft, manpower, and facilities at the Air Force Test Center located at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California. This project will support the developmental testing and sustainment needs of the B-1 weapon system. Funds support Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) for one test aircraft (A/C 85-0075), which is performed at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Funds support any analysis, documentation, and related activities necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-1 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include PMA and centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership). BOMB RACK UNIT 56 (BRU-56): The BRU-56 upgrade was meant to mitigate a safety risk present within the legacy BRU-56 ejector rack, as well as add increased carriage capability. No mishaps has occurred since the Class A mishap in 2003 and Class C mishap in 2010. In FY 2021, BRU-56 was cancelled 28 Apr 21. 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. B-1 funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion, and future acquisition programs. Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Funds may be used to address emerging and short-notice diminishing manufacturing and material shortage (DMSMS) issues. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY20 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY21 $2.696M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element 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, 2022
• Source ID: 675344_0101126F_7_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Space