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 and Material Shortages (DMSMS) while at the same time providing improved capabilities to the B-1B weapon system that require significant hardware and software development and testing. RADIO-CRYPTO MODERNIZATION: The B-1B Radio Crypto program originates from JROCM 040-11, VACM Cease Key CED-026-11, UHF SATCOM (Ultra-High Frequency Satellite Communication) Decommission and Cease Key for Demand Assigned Multi Access (DAMA) Orderwire, HAVE QUICK II Cease use date, and DoD CIO Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) transition directive. If the requirements/directives are not met, B-1B will lose its 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 (Gen 3/4) with ARC-210 (Gen 6) next generation radios. Additionally, the program will provide MUOS Satellite Communication capability that supports the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) directive to move all DoD assets to MUOS constellation (70% by FY26). This effort will lay in Ethernet cable required by MUOS Data (J-REAP C), install MUOS ancillaries (HPA/LNA) and additional software to execute MUOS capability on the aircraft. The B-1B Radio Crypto program received an updated Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) in March 2023 approving an updated acquisition strategy that combined the program increments into one technical baseline and accelerated the schedule. A further updated ADM signed January 2024 accelerated the full production lot buys. Preliminary Design Review (PDR) was completed in Q4 FY23, and Critical Design Review (CDR) approval is on schedule for Q2 FY24. HYPERSONIC INTEGRATION: The FY22 and FY23 Conference Appropriations, detailed in the Congressional Conference Reports of Interest, added $20M ($10M in FY22 and $10M in FY23) RTD&E appropriation for B-1B hypersonic weapon integration. This appropriation develops an external carry-enabled B-1B as a testbed to facilitate rapid integration of priority hypersonic weapons to support national security objectives leading to a potential investment opportunity for weapons programs. This program provides an opportunity to significantly reduce risk for an operational external carry capability on the B-1B if directed. 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 DMSMS issues, accommodate technology insertion, and fulfill FAA (or other) mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Costs include 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, reliability, digital engineering and total cost of ownership). B-1B funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, digital engineering initiatives 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 DMSMS accommodating technology insertion and fulfilling 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 FY23, $1.8M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY24, $2.1M is forecast 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, 2025
• Source ID: 675344_0101126F_7_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Naval Engineering and Maritime Security
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Space