Posted on 02/02/2013 7:14:50 AM PST by blam
The Backbone Of America's Bomber Force Is Getting A Massive Upgrade (B-1B Lancer)
David Cenciotti, The Aviationist
February 2, 2013, 4:30 AM
The U.S. Air Force is about to further upgrade its fleet of B-1B Lancer bombers.
With what the service announces as “the largest B-1 modification in program history” the supersonic swing-wing bomber will get several improvements as part of the Integrated Battle Station and Sustainment-Block 16 (SB-16) upgrade aimed to provide B-1 aircrews with a higher level of situational awareness and a faster, secure digital communication link.
SB-16, includes a Vertical Situation Display Upgrade in the cockpit that will replace the two monochrome pilot and co-pilot displays with four color MFDs (Multi Function Display); a Fully Integrated Data Link and a Central Integrated Test System (used to detect and troubleshoot anomalies) in the aft station; a new avionics featuring moving maps and more user friendly symbols, navigation and radar upgrades.
The aircraft will be upgraded to such an extent B-1 aircrew will need to treat a modified B-1 like a brand new aircraft.
These modifications fall under the Integrated Battle Station initiative, which will be implemented by 2019.
Developmental testing is scheduled to begin in April at Edwards AFB, California, while the 337th TES (Test and Evaluation Squadron) at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, that will conduct operational testing validating tactics needed to exploit new equipment and software is expecting its first fully modified B-1 later this year.
“The IBS/SB-16 upgrade to the B-1 enhances the ability of this amazing aircraft to integrate and operate with the most advanced air, sea, land and cyber platforms of our military forces,” said Lt. Col. George Holland, 337th TES commander.
“Whether providing air support over ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan or shifting focus to support
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(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Color me IMPRESSED! Us peon consumers can only DREAM of such advanced technology. Maybe we'll get such amazing innovations the same day our flying cars are delivered.
Just updating the production line so can sell it to the Chicoms.
And Jimmy Carter tried to kill the B-1. Thank God for Ronald Reagan.
ping
This is what I wish they had done: turning the B-1 into a plane which can cruise faster than the speed of sound:
http://bagera3005.deviantart.com/art/Boeing-B-1R-Lancer-98328881
Current inventory: 66 B-1B
(20 B-2; 85 B-52 + 9 Reserve)
The B1 pilots have probably been wondering why their personal Toyotas have better navigation systems than their aircraft. :)
No one can say that we taxpayers are not getting our money's worth out of these programs ... but considering that the B-52A went into service in 1954, we could have not just grandkids but g-grandkids of the original pilots flying them soon, WOW!
Served in the USAF and worked next to the flight line, so I’ve seen lot’s of cool stuff, but, nothing quite matches a lazy vacation, floating on Lake Powell a few years back.
B-1 flew directly overhead at about 500 ft. at about 400 mph.
Electronics technology advances very quickly.
I just don't understand why (other than due to bureaucratic rules and the way procurement contracts are done) electronics aren't routinely scheduled for upgrade every five years or so. And engine upgrades every 10 years or so.
Ever worked in defense ?? The sheer amount of paperwork, documentation, etc involved in just PROCURING systems is what takes so long. . . not to mention cross checks to insure that the proper number of woman or minority-owned small businesses are suppliers, that no raw materials come from forbidden suppliers, that all the green alternatives possible have been considered, etc. . .
The sexiest aircraft flying today
Da Bone
Yes, I have worked for a defense contractor. I was on a project for exporting an air defense system to an Arab country. In the spare parts we were sending, EVERYTHING had paperwork attached to it. Even individual RESISTORS had paperwork. And we had Arab officers having to approve all the paperwork before it shipped. We didn't care -- the cost of the paperwork was built into the price.
The tremendous increase in bureaucracy points out why we could design aircraft so much faster in WWII than today.
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