The Effect of Failing to Recapitalize the B-52H Defensive Avionics System on Future Operations
Abstract
The relevance of legacy systems such as the B-52 on future operations is a concern because many of our current capabilities are dependent on these systems. Despite the fact that the B-52 is almost 60 years old it still remains the backbone of the strategic bomber fleet because of the number of available airframes and the flexibility to perform a wide range of missions from close air support to nuclear deterrence. The B-52 is an important component of the Air Force arsenal because of its unique ability to carry a tremendous payload of over 40 different types of munitions, and its ability to strike anywhere on the globe with aerial refueling on short notice As surface-to-air missile threats posed by other nations increase with technology improvements over time, the risks faced by the aircraft are inherently greater. New generations of these missiles contain threats the current system was never designed to protect against. The aircraft may have crucial vulnerabilities to electronic warfare threats in the future due to the unsupportability from a logistics perspective and obsolescence of the ALQ-155 jamming system. This paper will analyze the situation in the recent past and current situation using a quantitative study, which includes mission capability rate data and surveys sent to the field to determine the scope of the problem. Following analysis of the gathered data several proposed solutions will be given along with rationalization of the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. The escalating costs of supporting the legacy B-52 ECM system requires a comprehensive structured approach if the airframe is to remain a viable platform until its projected retirement in 2040.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA539661
Entities
People
- James Zick
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College