B-2 Modernization

Abstract

Totals include funding for PRCP Program Number (PNO) 224, B-2 EHF Increment 1; and PRCP Program Number (PNO) 376, B-2 Radar Modernization Program (RMP); The B-2A Spirit is the world's most advanced long-range strike asset. The unique combination of range, precision, payload, and ability to operate in anti-access environments allow the B-2 to identify, locate, target, and destroy the highest value enemy targets. The B-2 can, with necessary upgrades, accomplish its mission regardless of location, return to base safely, and permit freedom of movement for follow-on forces, including other long range strike platforms. The array of planned RDT&E projects are necessary to both preserve this strategic advantage as well as increase the flexibility, lethality, and survivability of this national asset tasked across a broad spectrum, from tactical to national objectives. Avionics upgrades include, but are not limited to, Radar Modernization Program (RMP), Link-16 Center Instrument Display (CID)/In-Flight Replanner (IFR), Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)-Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast, Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS), Extremely High Frequency (EHF) SATCOM and Computers, Defensive Management System Modernization (DMS-M), Electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) Hardening Testing, and advanced, low detection data links upgrades. RMP changes the operating frequency of the radar to enable the B-2 to operate as a primary user worldwide. Link-16 CID/IFR upgrade allows the B-2 access to theater tactical data links, improving on-board situational awareness while greatly enhancing the ability of the theater commanders to coordinate the B-2 with other assets. ACS provides UHF SATCOM data for beyond line of sight situational awareness and airborne mission data transfer. Mode 5 IFF provides enhanced combat identification of friend or foe functions for military Air Traffic Management; Mode S IFF provides enhanced surveillance functions with commercial Air Traffic Management to allow operations in controlled air space; Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast provides aircraft position and navigation information to Air Traffic Control and nearby aircraft. EMP hardening requirements will test individual components and the entire B-2 fleet at higher EMP levels for Nuclear Command and Control Survivability. Integrated Strike Warfare (ISW) Airborne Network project will model and simulate combat effects and performance constraints in an environment that can demonstrate, integrate, generate and validate four generic wave form models which will be used on the B-2 platform. Additionally, this project will establish a viable end-to-end distributed modeling and simulation network. Advanced Tactical Data Link (ATDL) will identify B-2 CONOPS requirements and integration issues which will permit B-2 to communicate with other stealth platforms in an anti-access environment to enhance situational awareness and permit time-critical targeting and engagement. Armament upgrades include, but are not limited to, integration of new and/or advanced weapons on the B-2 to destroy a wider array of target sets, to include moving target sets and Hardened, Deeply Buried Targets (HDBT), as well as destroy more targets per sortie. Integration of the 30K lb class Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) will provide the nation with the ability to hold additional HDBT targets at risk that are currently unachievable with 5K lb class penetrator munitions. The B-2 is the only anti-access penetrating platform capable of carrying the MOP and meets Urgent Operational Need (UON) requirements. The MOP project will design, develop, integrate, and test hardware, software, and support equipment required for carriage, jettison, and release of two MOP weapons from the B-2. The initial MOP Quick Reaction Capability effort will be expanded to include a fully developed Launch Acceptability Region, single Smart Bomb Rack Controller (SBRC) per bay, dual fuze control, and mixed carriage capability with Smart Bomb Rack Assemblies (SBRA). Further expansion will include the addition of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal into the B-2 weapons bays to allow Monitor and Control Equipment (MACE) weapons, SBRA weapons, and RLA weapons to acquire and track GPS satellites prior to weapons release, maintaining unjammed delivery accuracy in a jamming environment. The Moving Target Kill (MTK) effort will leverage a high precision munition such as the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) as the mobile target kill munition forming the foundation to exploit the modularity and improved precision algorithms of Universal Armament Interface (UAI) as well as a display infrastructure that can support the integration of this future weapon. Planned upgrades also include integration of upgrades to currently fielded or inventory weapons and weapons development, such as, but not limited to, B61 Life Extention Program, GBU-28 E/B Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module(SAASM) with impact angle control, GBU-28 D/B SAASM with impact angle control, Hard Target Void Sensing Fuse, extended range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, and JDAM-5000. Basic armament improvements include, but are not limited to, stores management hardware and software modernization and improvements to enable simultaneous carriage of the Rotary Launcher Assembly (RLA) and the SBRA, integration of Universal Armament Interface, integration of System 2 Nuclear Interface, and integration of new and improved weapon capabilities thus affording maximum strike flexibility. The B-2 Weapons System Tester and its associated Test Program Sets (TPS) include, but are not limited to, the Common Organizational Level Tester (COLT), MUSTANG, and B-2 Armament Tester, will be continually upgraded for increased reliability and performance to support current and new B-2 weapon suspension and release systems. Structures improvements include, but are not limited to, Aft Deck upgrade which addresses an interim and long term solution to persistent cracking of aft deck surfaces while preserving the key stealth characteristics that are vital to the survivability of the B-2; windshield redesign provides improved components and windshield manufacturing processes to remedy windshield cracking and electrical conductivity limitations; Proximity Sensor Logic Unit replacement counters obsolescence issues with electronic components, improving safety of maintainers working around various aircraft bay doors as well as improving reliability of on-board indicators. Engine improvements include, but are not limited to, the F118 engine service life extension program and the extended mission oil tank upgrade; Stage 1 and 3 engine fan blade improvements will reduce engine changes, increasing aircraft availability. Engine upgrades are necessary to maintain commonality with the F110 engine core. Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modification (LOSSM) projects decrease low observable (LO) maintenance, increase aircraft availability, and maintain and improve the combat-ready LO signature for the B-2 fleet. LOSSM funds projects that improve LO materials, LO structures, and diagnostic tools necessary to evaluate LO materials and systems in the B-2 fleet. LOSSM projects include, but are not limited to, improvements to door edge treatments, tile protection system, Magnetic Radar Absorbing Material picture framing and other LO materials development, hot structures, tailpipe material improvements, nozzle bay doors, windshield low observable treatments, advanced topcoat system, radar frequency diagnostics and other LO diagnostic tools development such as, but not limited to, improvements of the Signature Diagnostic System database, Tier One Material Inspection System, and other low observable special test equipment and information systems. B-2 Training Systems keep pace with aircraft system updates and counters obsolescence issues. Projects include, but not limited to, upgrades of threat environment, radar display emulation, aero fidelity of key pilot procedures, improvements to courseware, upgrades of display systems and subsystems, and simulation and computational processors. Other upgrades include, but not limited to, conventional and nuclear guided weapons delivery training, expanded crypto keyfill capability in simulators, upgraded capability to train weapons as powered up upon completion of initial conditions, as well as upgrades to the electronic combat environment threat database tools to include threat laydown, threat parametrics, and Integrated Air Defense System. Upgrades will also be provided to the Defensive Management System simulation (DMS), DMS alternative/emergency procedures courseware, and Mission Generation System. Enhancements will be provided to the B-2 family of trainers to include the Weapon System Trainers, Mission Trainer, Cockpit Procedures Trainers, Computerized Maintenance Training System, Weapon System Training Aids, Weapons Load Trainer, Crew Escape System Maintenance Trainer, Flight Control System Trainer, instructor-operator station, and Training System Support Center. 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.

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Document Type: Project
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
Source ID: 675345_0101127F_7_3600_PB_2012

B-2 Modernization

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