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, and 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 and reduce maintenance man-hours 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. The Adaptive Communication Suite (ACS) provides baseline improvements to the B-2 ACS UHF SATCOM communication system in order to modernize the system and increase data throughput to support key mission enablers such as AMT, weather, and intelligence updates. 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. Integration of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) weapon will further enhance the B-2's ability to attack and destroy high value target sets. The Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) program supports the B-2 ability to penetrate anti-access combat environments, performing missions directed by the National Command Authority while ensuring aircrew survivability. The LOSSM program reduces low observable (LO) maintenance, and stabilizes and improves the combat-ready LO signature for the B-2 fleet. This program encompasses multiple improvement projects including, but not limited to, improved LO materials (electrically conductive materials, adhesives, electrically resistive materials, radar absorbing material, fastener fills, coatings, welds, material removal tools, and improved processes), LO structures (radar radomes, antennas, hot trailing edges and tiles, intermediate section doors, tailpipes, windows, lib bay panels, leading edge, permanent fasteners, exhaust pockets, gust load alleviation system, inlets, radar absorbing structures, overall signature stability, and Alternate High Frequency Material expansion), and radio frequency (RF) diagnostic tools, evaluation systems, and other tools (Tier One Material Inspection System, Signature Diagnostic System, next generation Tier II and Tier III systems, Test Article 0998 optimization, conductivity probes, tailpipe inspection tools, LO-related special test equipment, data archival, and communications tools). The B-2 Crash Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU) provides a more capable Flight Data Recorder (FDR) with increased capacity for storing Flight Information Data (FID) for recovery and use in the event of a mishap. The initiative includes replacement of the current CSMU with an adapted Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) replacement, modification of the Flight Data Recorder Processor (FDRP) to provide 28 vdc power to the new CSMU, modification of the FDRP Operational Flight Program (OFP), and addition of a Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB). The current CSMU/FDRP does not meet the minimum requirements specified in the Aircraft Information Program (AIP) reference documents (AFI 63-133 and AFH 63-1402). The B-2 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5/S modification replaces the current IFF transponder with a new Mode 5 and Mode S capable transponder ensuring compliance with DoD Combat Identification mandates and global Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements. Mode 5 is the DoD standard for secure combat identification and provides improved discrimination between closely spaced platforms, while reducing interference with civil air traffic control transponders, enabling the B-2 fleet to accomplish its anti-access and global strike mission. Mode 5 replaced the obsolete Mode 4 combat identification. Mode S is a civil air traffic control secondary surveillance radar process that allows selective interrogation of aircraft according to the unique 24-bit address. Mode S provides improved accuracy and altitude resolution and reduced interference from closely spaced aircraft through selective interrogation of assigned transponder addresses. 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. Upgrades may include Diminishing Manufacturing Sources efforts to include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulator systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Additional Training System Upgrades may also include efforts to implement requirements and standards defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. The Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS) is planned to be a software only solution implemented in several B-2 system level Operational Flight Programs (OFPs) to provide radar-aided enhanced targeting capability through weapon hand-off navigational updates for guided nuclear weapons in a non-GPS environment. Funding supports timely software development, test and roll-out of software into a future B-2 OFP, specifically to support the B61-12 integration. In FY 2020 and prior, the B-2 DMS-M effort is documented in PE 0605931F B-2 DMS, Project 653844 B-2 DMS; beginning in FY 2021, this effort is documented in PE 0101127F B-2 Squadrons, Project 675345 B-2 Modernization. The FY 2021 budget reflects a significant restructure of the B-2 DMS-M program that reduces the program scope to modernize the B-2 display functionality including the multi-function display units (MDUs) and Advanced Graphics Processor (AGP) of the baselined DMS-M program. The legacy display sub-system lacks the processing power to provide necessary situation awareness. In addition, the legacy MDUs are not supportable due to obsolescence and repair issues which will severely impact future aircraft availability. During B-2 DMS-M Displays development, the engineering baseline will be finalized and production representative kits will be purchased to support software development, platform integration, integrated development/operational test, pre-Milestone C production assessment, and B-2 nuclear certification testing. Diminishing manufacturing sources and materiel shortages for affected components will be addressed to protect the planned production program by mitigating unplanned part redesign and requalification risks. This effort will also require investment in systems engineering and software development to integrate the AGP into the B-2 current architecture that includes the legacy Threat Emitter Locator system and associated displays. The program will ensure the most efficient restructure minimizing rework from the baseline DMS-M program. Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill 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 B-2 weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605826F, 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605830F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605898F, and 0605833F.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 675345_0101127F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Space