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. Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) and Aircraft Supportability Modifications (ASM) directly address B-2 aircraft availability, the primary stated B-2 user requirement. Given the extremely small fleet size (20 aircraft), mission accomplishment is particularly sensitive to the availability of this high-demand strategic asset. LOSSM projects increase aircraft availability, decrease low observable (LO) maintenance, 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 Air Force will also study multiple structural, avionics, and engine modifications that could improve the performance of the aircraft and engines as well as reduce maintenance manhours and the logistics footprint of the fleet. Focus of the studies will be on non-mission capable (maintenance) drivers, safety issues, and obsolescence issues through modernization of key components in the airframe, avionics, and engines resulting in improved aircraft availability of a high demand/low density fleet. Potential structural and avionics modifications include, but are not limited to, B-2 Common Processor, Proximity Sensor Logic Unit, 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 include, but are not limited to, the 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. Modern communications are key enablers for the B-2 in the Anti-Access/Area Denial battlespace, and directly enhance lethality and force multiplication. The Common Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver effort develops and integrates a receive-only very low bandwidth VLF receiver and antenna subsystem to provide a secure, survivable strategic nuclear communication capability for the B-2. The receiver will be adaptable for use by other Department of Defense platforms. Secure, survivable two-way communications in an Anti-Access/Area Denial environment remains a requirement for the B-2, and the Air Force will study requirements and potential efforts which might address those requirements. The Adaptable Communications Suite provides a non-integrated communications system that allows B-2 to receive a complete integrated mission, time sensitive targeting information, intelligence updates, and positive command and control procedures while en route to a combat theater. Link-16 Center Instrument Display/In-Flight Replanner upgrade allows B-2 access to theater tactical data links, improving on-board situational awareness while greatly enhancing the ability of theater commanders to coordinate B-2 with other assets. Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe with Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast will provide improved situational awareness of controlled and contested airspaces in the United States and Europe. B-2 Armament upgrades integrate 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, as well as destroy more targets per sortie. Integration of the 30K pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) provides the nation with the ability to hold additional hardened, deeply buried targets at risk that are currently unachievable with 5K pound penetrator munitions. The B-2 is the only anti-access area denial penetrating platform capable of carrying the MOP, a capability which meets Urgent Operational Need requirements. The MOP integration project designs, develops, integrates, and tests hardware, software, and support equipment required for carriage, jettison, and release of two MOP weapons from the B-2. The MOP integration effort also includes modernization of the Global Positioning Signal (GPS) antenna enabling an enhanced GPS signal to be routed into the weapon bays to allow Monitor and Control Equipment (MACE) weapons, Smart Bomb Rack Assembly (SBRA) weapons, and Rotary Launch Assembly (RLA) weapons to acquire and track GPS satellites prior to weapons release, maintaining unjammed delivery accuracy in a jamming environment. The MOP Quick Reaction Capability effort includes dual fuze control and single Smart Bomb Rack Controller per bay weapon control and monitor. The Flexible Strike Phase 1 program will recombine and rehost the current B-2 stores management software onto a new integrated processor; Flexible Strike Phase 2 will update other Operational Flight Plans and hardware to enable simultaneous configuration of multiple weapons carriage capabilities, providing B-2 with maximum strategic nuclear and conventional strike flexibility. Planned weapons integration efforts also include integration of currently fielded weapons and upgraded weapons such as, but not limited to, GBU-28 E/B Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) with impact angle control, GBU-28D/B SAASM with impact angle control, Hard Target Void Sensing Fuse, extended range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, JDAM-5000, GBU 56, Long Range Standoff Missile, and Small Diameter Bomb II. The B-2 Weapons System Tester and its associated Test Program Sets (TPS), to include but 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. Peculiar support equipment 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 AFGSC operating locations. 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 Integrated Strike Warfare Airborne Network effort models and simulates combat effects and performance constraints in an environment that can demonstrate, integrate, generate, and validate four generic waveform models which will be used on the B-2 platform. Additionally, this effort establishes a viable end-to-end distributed modeling and simulation network. 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, 2015
- Source ID
- 675345_0101127F_7_3600_PB_2015
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