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. 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. 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. The Air Force will assess B-2 strategic communications performance requirements for advanced extremely high frequency (AEHF) and other waveforms, conduct technology maturation, assess affordability impacts, and conduct other acquisition planning activities in anticipation of entering a near-term EMD phase. The Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System block upgrade will provide enhanced security for Link 16 tactical networks and improve the reliability and maintainability of the system. B-2 Armament upgrades integrate new and/or advanced weapons on the B-2 to attack a wider array of target sets, to include hardened, deeply buried targets, as well as destroy more targets per sortie. The B-2 is the only anti-access/area denial penetrating platform capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a capability which meets Urgent Operational Need requirements. 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 rehost the current B-2 stores management software onto a new integrated processor; future efforts could update other software and hardware to enable simultaneous multiple weapons carriage capabilities, providing B-2 with maximum strategic nuclear and conventional strike flexibility. 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), and B-2 Replacement Armament Tester, will be continually upgraded for increased reliability and performance to support current and new B-2 weapon suspension and release systems. B-2 will also integrate the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) weapon as well as other Expanded Strike weapons to further enhance the B-2's ability to attack and destroy high value target sets, making this platform the most versatile long range strategic bomber in the Air Force arsenal. Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) 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 radar radome and antennae 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, Next Generation Mapper, SCI-2K Radar, Mobile Diagnostics Laboratory, Ground Air Radar System development, and other low observable special test equipment and information systems upgrades. 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. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development. 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, 2016
- Source ID
- 675345_0101127F_7_3600_PB_2016
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