B-2 Modernization
Abstract
The B-2 is currently undergoing modernization of avionics/communications systems, engines, armament systems, low observable components, core training system components, aircraft supportability improvements, support equipment development, as well as studying future Integrated Strike Warfare and Advanced Tactical Data Link integration requirements. B-2 communications upgrades integrate new communications equipment or inprove the performance of already fielded systems. The Common Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver effort develops and integrates a receive-only VLF receiver and antenna subsystem to provide a secure, survivable strategic communication capability for the B-2. The CVR receiver will be adaptable for use by other Department of Defense platforms. In addition to the funded CVR project, B-2 will also peform studies to explore other potential communications improvements which are not currently funded, such as: upgrades to the Adaptable Communications Suite non-integrated communications system; Link-16 Center Instrument Display/In-Flight Replanner; Mode 5/S ADS-B Identification Friend or Foe with Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast; and Integrated Strike Warfare Airborne Network distributed modeling and simulation network. B-2 armament upgrades integrate new and/or advanced weapons on the B-2 to address a wider array of target sets, to include moving targets, and hardened, deeply buried targets. The Flexible Strike Phase 1 program -- formerly known as Stores Management Operational Flight Program re-host -- will recombine and rehost the current B-2 stores management software onto a new integrated processor, providing the processing and bandwidth to handle advanced digital weapons such as B61-12 or Long Range Stand Off (LRSO). B-2 will also perform studies for potential future efforts, including: a Flexible Strike Phase 2 to enable multiple weapons carriage capabilities; and integration of additional weapons such as the extended range variant of the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER), laser JDAM or upgrades or replacements to weapons testing or weapons loading equipment. Additional B-2 modernization efforts will be accomplished in four main areas: (1) Low observable improvements; (2) B-2 training systems; (3) Aircraft supportability modifications; and (4) Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE). Details are provided below: 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 ensuring survivable combat operations. LOSSM projects improve materials, structures, and diagnostic tools necessary to evaluate LO materials and systems in the B-2 fleet. LOSSM structure improvement projects include, but are not limited to, advanced high frequency materials placement, windshield bounce patch and tape improvements, composite plies, advanced signature reduction, and radome improvements. Material improvements include, but are not limited to, tailpipe and inlet coatings, pre-cured gap fillers, and other advanced LO materials development. Diagnostic tool efforts include, but are not limited to, improved radar frequency diagnostics, signature diagnostic system database upgrades, Tier One Material Inspection System improvements, Portable Laser Removal Tool development, Integrated Collections And Reporting System, Mobile Diagnostics Laboratory, Ground Air Radar System development, and other low observable special test equipment and information systems upgrades. The B-2 Training System upgrades include updates to training device hardware and components, simulation software, courseware and academic materials, instructional system design architectures, engineering drawings, and system documentation that is not driven by a funded aircraft modification. Improvements include, but are not limited to, threat systems parametrics and order of battle information, radar display emulation improvements, improved aero fidelity of key pilot procedures, courseware improvements, and upgrades to display systems, subsystems, and simulation and computational processors. Other upgrades include, but are 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 also include the current Defensive Management System (DMS) simulation, improved DMS alternative/ emergency procedures courseware, and upgraded Mission Generation System, Suppressor tool, and simulation and computational processors as necessary. Enhancements are 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. The Aircraft Supportability Modifications (ASM) improve the reliability, maintainability, supportability, and availability of the B-2 fleet through its 2058 service life. Studies and planning will examine B-2 Common Processor, Proximity Sensor Logic Unit, and future improvements to the Generator Control Unit, Rudder Access Panel and Elevon Drain Hole upgrades, Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder, Radomes, Audio Control Display Unit, Center Instrument Display improvements, Aft Deck Doublers, Center Instrument Display connection to the aircraft Digital Video Recorder, Multi-function Information Distribution System Power Transfer, Global Positioning System Splitter Cable, Airborne Integrated Terminal Crypto, and upgraded cryptological functionality of all B-2 communications systems as necessary. Engine improvements to be looked at include F118 engine Service Life Extension Program, Extended Mission Oil Tank, and the Next Generation Engine Core upgrade. Stage 1 and 3 engine fan blade improvements will reduce engine changes while increasing aircraft availability and reducing maintenance costs. Engine upgrades are necessary to maintain commonality with the F110 engine core and reduce maintenance and repair costs of divergent engine configurations. Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE) development activities include design, development, test, and procurement of new peculiar support equipment, to include but not limited to, special test equipment for newly emerging test and support requirements of legacy B-2 capabilities and/or functionality. Development of new peculiar support equipment will support test and sustainment activities at the B-2 Weapon System Support Center Ground Test Facility, Program Depot Maintenance facility, Test Range facilities, and Air Force Global Strike Command operating locations. 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, 2014
- Source ID
- 675345_0101127F_7_3600_PB_2014
Related Documents
- Root: B-2 SQUADRONS
- Child Accomplishment: Common Very Low Frequency Receiver (CVR)
- Child Accomplishment: Flexible Strike
- Child Accomplishment: B-2 Modernization Projects
- Child Accomplishment: B-2 Modernization PMA
- Child Cost Item: 5a940a49b0450302f631eeb0279e1b46
- Child Cost Item: db9ef7f9ef49a976e7e12341ae4aa5c1
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