n COVER STORY Wings of change

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber peels away from a four-ship formation during a training mission over the U.S. state of Georgia. The B-1 fleet recently passed the 500,000-flying-hour milestone and has proven to be a workhorse of the U.S. Air Force’s bomber fleet. B-1s are used primar- ily for show-of-force deterrence and for swift precision strikes.

U.S. Air Force photo Support Systems plays role in aiding made by or a heritage company or features Boeing as a major subcontractor. the evolution of USAF bomber fleet With the youngest members of the bomber fleet dating back 20 years, however, and the Air Force’s next-generation bomber likely By Debby Arkell many years away, keeping these aircraft relevant for today’s war- fighters—maintaining aging aircraft and continuing to integrate ince the days of drummers leading armies into battles, the latest in battlefield technology—has become critically impor- warfare has evolved continually. The lightning-speed tech- tant. Thus, the enhancements and modifications performed by Snological advances of recent decades have cast profound Integrated Defense Systems’ Support Systems people are vital to changes on the military, enabling it to transform its arsenal of weap- the ongoing relevance of this crucial element of modern warfare. ons and warfighting techniques to be continuously relevant and “Boeing’s goal is to support the current bomber platforms, combat-ready. meeting the customer’s needs to avoid obsolescence and maintain The bomber fleet is no exception. This combat relevance until the replacement can be fielded—keeping fleet includes about 164 aircraft—a mix of B-1s, B-2s and the the platforms as usable assets to the Air Force,” said Scot Oathout, venerable B-52, which first appeared in the mid-1950s. All three B-52 program director. “Yet we’re not just sustaining these plat- have played and will continue to play significant roles in conflict forms, but changing their missions entirely. And Boeing employ- and peacekeeping missions around the globe, and each was either ees are leading the way.”

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Historical bomber strategies Boeing and its heritage companies have been involved in the Bombers, at a glance evolution of all three bombers, having originally built all or parts of each. Now it’s maintaining and enhancing them to meet current Here’s a closer look at Boeing’s heavy bombers. operator needs. B-1 The B-52 made its debut in 1952 and went into service in 1954 • Built in 1980s by Rockwell International (now part of Boeing). as a high-altitude, long-range nuclear bomber. The B-1B, designed to be a swift nuclear deterrent, first flew in 1984 and was delivered • Converted from nuclear to conventional weapons missions in 1990s. in 1985. The B-2, taking to the skies in 1989, was a stealthy nuclear • Flight speed: Mach 1.25. air-defense penetrator. Early bomber battle strategies focused on the destruction of en- • Gross takeoff weight: 477,000 pounds (216,000 kilograms). emies’ factories, communications and other infrastructure. As air- • Number in U.S. Air Force fleet: 67. craft systems and payload deployment were imprecise, weapons had to be capable of significant damage to ensure the destruction • Primary mission: Considered the workhorse of the U.S. Air Force of the target. The Cold War and nuclear proliferation led to a need bomber fleet, B-1s carry a large, flexible payload and are used for for high-speed displays of force, or deterrent capabilities, in addi- strategic attack and interdiction, close air support, swift precision tion to nuclear capability. strikes and show-of-force deterrence. As politics and technology changed, so did Air Force require- • Enhancements in development by Integrated Defense Systems in ments. Bombers had to fly farther and for longer. As the Cold War Long Beach, Calif., include data links, front and rear cockpit upgrades, nuclear threat waned, precision weapons were introduced. As Central Integrated Test System, Gyro Stabilization System replace- other technological advances boosted troop mobility, the goal no ment. longer was massive destruction of enemy targets using imprecise • Combat operations include Desert Fox (, 1998), Allied Force weapons—but war on swift, mobile target sets, attacking the en- (Kosovo, 1999), Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2001) and Iraqi emy with pinpoint accuracy. Freedom (Iraq, 2003). Mission: Modification B-2 IDS Support Systems employees around the United States have • Built by an industry team including , Boeing and stepped up to the challenge, upgrading these bomber platforms in Vought Aircraft Industries. Boeing was—and remains—responsible a multitude of ways. These enhancements have kept the platforms for one-third of the aircraft’s systems and structural elements. current with technological innovations. They’ve also changed their role from that of a single-mission capability to a flexible, versatile, • Entered U.S. Air Force operational fleet in 1993. networked asset in the Air Force fleet. • Known as the “stealth bomber” because of its ability to elude enemy Enhancements to bomber platforms fall into four categories: . weaponry, modernization, connectivity and sustainment. Support • Number in U.S. Air Force fleet: 21. Systems people play a role on all fronts. Here’s a look at each category. • Primary mission: long-range flight, to attack key targets early in a conflict to minimize the opponent’s capabilities. • Flight speed: high subsonic. The B-52 first entered military service with the • Recent enhancements by IDS Support Systems in Seattle include the U.S. Air Force in 1954 in its primary mission as addition of smart-bomb racks in the B-2’s two bomb bays and Ultra a long-range, . It can carry a wide Satellite Communication. array of weapons, including air-launched cruise . B-52 U.S. Air Force photo • Built by Boeing in Seattle and Wichita, Kan.; most modifications occur during Program Depot Maintenance in Oklahoma. • First entered military service in 1954. • Number in U.S. Air Force fleet: 76. • Primary mission: long-range, heavy bomber that can carry the widest array of weapons in the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet, including air- launched cruise missiles • Flight speed: high subsonic. • Can carry up to 70,000 pounds (31,800 kilograms) of mixed payload. • Combat operations include all major offensives from Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Recent enhancements include B-52 Combat Network Communica- tions Technology program, Avionics Midlife Improvement and Electronic Countermeasure Integration programs.

KEVIN FLYNN photo

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The B-2—called “the stealth bomber” because of its ability to elude enemy radar—was built by an industry team featuring Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Vought Aircraft Industries. Boeing built primary structural components for the B-2 including outboard and aft-center sections of the bomber’s fuselage, and supplied the bomber’s fuel systems, weapons delivery system and landing gear. Boeing remains responsible for one-third of the aircraft’s systems and structural elements. BOEING photo

Weaponry. Weaponry upgrades entail changing the payload Future improvements carried on the aircraft and integrating advanced weapons systems. Boeing is working with the U.S. Air Force customer and, in the case of All three bombers originated with nuclear capability but now have the B-2 program, prime contractor Northrop Grumman, to devise ways expanded their role to include conventional weapons. to keep Boeing bombers relevant well into the future. Here are some Today’s global positioning systems allow weapons to be in- creasingly precise. This means bombers can service many more examples of technologies Integrated Defense Systems Support Systems targets per sortie than before—and can deploy munitions accu- is considering for future application. rately from higher, safer altitudes. B-52 The warfighter must also be able to identify and track these tar- Airborne Electronic Attack is an enhancement based on the capabilities gets. Boeing Support Systems in January demonstrated the ability to of the EA-18G Growler and is one that would fundamentally change the track moving targets using an on the B-1 and mission of the B-52. AEA—also known as Core Component Jammer— is working to deploy this technology to the fleet. The B-52 program would enable the B-52 to stand off at long distances and use jamming also has successfully integrated Pods on the B-52—these technology to protect other U.S. Air Force assets in theater, such as B-2 pods include Low Light TV, Infrared, Laser Designator and Data stealth aircraft. IDS Support Systems expects to be in the predemonstra- Link capabilites—and is currently developing a universal interface tion phase by late 2007. allowing the use of Litening, Sniper or Advanced Targeting Pods. As advanced new weapons emerge, bombers must be upgraded B-1 to accommodate them. That’s a complex endeavor involving The B-1 program is developing a targeting radar to distinguish between updating and integrating software, hardware, and electrical and multiple stationary and moving targets simultaneously in all weather. mechanical enhancements to the aircraft. This would enable pilots to accurately identify targets passed along by Boeing just completed the $2.8 billion Conventional Mission ground forces. Data gathered by the radar also could provide intel- Upgrade Program for the U.S. Air Force, changing the B-1 from a ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information, complementing nuclear alert bomber to conventional weapons carrier. that gathered from airborne warning and command system aircraft or “During Operation Desert Storm the B-1 was standing nuclear unmanned combat vehicles. alert while the B-52 and B-2 were carrying conventional weap- ons,” said Greg Burton, B-1/B-2 program director. “B-1s and B-2 B-52s are delivering the vast majority of Joint Direct Attack A new B-2 upgrade is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound Munitions in the three most recent conflicts. The enhancements (13,600 kilogram) penetrating bomb developed by Boeing in St. Charles, we’ve completed on the B-1 are widely regarded as a tremendous Mo., for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The B-2 could carry two accomplishment.” of the bombs for use on extremely “hard,” or fortified, deeply buried Modernization. As weapons systems are upgraded, replacing targets. The B-52 program is designing the carriage and release equip- decades-old technology onboard the aircraft with state-of-the-art ment for the B-2. Capitalizing on its experience in weapons integration, it systems becomes critical. The B-52’s Avionics Midlife Improve- is using a B-52 as a test platform. The U.S. Congress added funding for ment (AMI) and Electronic Countermeasure Integration (ECMI) this program in its 2007 budget. are prime examples of Support Systems’ modernization efforts.

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The AMI upgrades bolster offensive avionics systems, such as those needed for weapons guidance. ECMI upgrades focus on defen- Employees support bombers around the U.S. sive avionics systems such as radar jammers, which jam radar signals More than 1,000 Boeing employees in the United States work on attempting to identify the aircraft or to launch a against it. U.S. Air Force bomber programs in support of the B-1, the B-2 and the “AMI replaces the heart and soul of the B-52’s offensive system B-52. These platforms are vital to the Air Force’s need for global preci- with a 21st-century system: computers, data storage, memory and navigation systems,” said Oathout. “Navigation systems are a criti- sion strike capabilities in a world of diminished forward basing. The cal part of an offensive system, and Boeing has undergone a six-year modifications and upgrades provided by Integrated Defense Systems effort to make sure these navigation system upgrades are right.” Support Systems give these aircraft new capabilities and increase the Other modernization activities include work done by B-1 em- platforms’ role in network-centric warfare. Whether at a Boeing facility ployees in Long Beach, Calif., who are on contract to replace old or a customer base, Boeing employees provide valuable services to displays and gauges with a “glass cockpit”—upgrading mono- these much-needed aircraft. chrome, analog displays to digital, LCD multifunction displays— Employee locations: and connecting these to existing controls and data sources. Long Beach, Calif. (B-1) “These new displays integrate a variety of applications into a single display, called data fusion,” said Rich Parke, B-1 Advanced Oklahoma City (B-1, B-2) Programs manager. “Similar to how a Boeing employee’s job Seattle (B-2) might require the use of PowerPoint, Excel and Word, these new Palmdale/Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (B-1, B-2, B-52) displays integrate software applications and provide simultaneous support to a variety of mission activities.” Wichita, Kan. (B-52) These might include close air support to troops under fire; stra- U.S. Air Force Bases where B-1s, B-2s and B-52s are stationed tegic attack interdiction; maritime interdiction; and nontraditional and receive maintenance: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, such as taking aer- ial photos of a particular location and transmitting them back to Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas (B-1) Edwards AFB, Calif. (B-1) Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, S.D. (B-1) Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, Mo. (B-2) Minot AFB, Minot, N.D. (B-52) Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, La. (B-52) Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (B-1, B-52)

Jennifer Tsai explains a prototype B-1 Network Centric display to Nick Phan. Tsai and Phan are development engi- neers in the B-1 Advanced Information Engineering organization of Integrated Defense Systems. M ICH A E L G I photo

BOEING FRONTIERS September 2007 15 n COVER STORY the Combined Air Operations Center via data link. Indeed, the B-1 and B-52 did this during the Joint Expeditionary Forces Experi- ment 2006 exercise. Connectivity. New, enhanced software integrates a tremendous volume of data into a single source. As a result, an aircraft’s con- nectivity is important. Connectivity enables bombers to transmit and receive large volumes of data between aircraft and to and from ground forces in real time. It serves as the framework for the role of the B-52, B-1 and B-2 in network-centric operations. The B-2 program is working on Extreme High Frequency Satellite Communication. This will enable the B-2 to communi- cate securely with satellites at high bandwidth data rates that allow users to view streaming video and connect it to the global informa- tion grid. The Air Force has a goal of networking all assets so that information is received by all in real time. IDS Support Systems also is in the development phase of the B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) program. It allows aircraft to receive and transmit data electroni- cally—even directly to a weapon—instead of relying on voice channels. Connectivity enhancements, coupled with weapons and sys- tems upgrades, make the bomber an incredibly versatile and flex- ible aircraft. Because battle plans can change while a bomber is en route to the theater, digital retargeting of munitions in real-time in the cockpit allows aircrews to adapt quickly. By transmitting information electronically, troops can convey more data faster, and directly into the weapon. Also, this data can come from the ground, a central command center in the theater, or via satellite. The first B-52 arrived in Wichita, Kan., in August for a nine- month CONECT modification program to install the datalinks. Following major modification, each bomber then will travel to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for flight testing. The B-1 and B-2 will receive similar enhancements. The Fully Integrated Link integrates the B-1 into the global information grid, providing beyond-line-of-sight and line-of-site secure connectiv- ity. It will allow the weapon system to respond more quickly to

By the numbers Percentage of bomber sorties in Afghanistan by the B-1—which delivered 40 percent of total bomb tonnage In Wichita, Kan., Ken Scherban (left) and Richard Tolman inspect a 5 B-52 External Weapons Pylon in the Weapons Integration Lab prior to installation of the newly developed Integrated Weapons Inter- Percentage of the B-2 aircraft Boeing is responsible for under face Unit. The IWIU replaces several pieces of obsolete weapons- subcontract to Northrop Grumman release equipment and preserves the combat capability of the B-52.

30 BOB F ERG US ON photo

emerging threats identified by offboard sensors and be retasked by Number of hours of the first B-52 mission during Operation command authorities, and to employ weapons against time-critical 35 Desert Storm—the longest nonstop combat sortie in history targets using real-time digital information. Along with upgraded displays, the crews’ situational awareness, survivability and mis- Percentage of all JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) sion effectiveness are dramatically enhanced. delivered to date that have come from a B-1 “Precision strikes anywhere, anytime are the B-1’s forte,” 40 said U.S. Air Force Col. James Hall, Commander 555th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. “As more capa- Number of B-52s built by Boeing bility is added through ongoing upgrades to sensors and data links, 744 the B-1 will be even more effective in projecting global power.” Sustainment. Keeping a platform maintained and operationally effective is another critical area for the U.S. Air Force. IDS Sup- Total number of flight hours flown by port Systems devotes significant resources to keeping bomber air- 500,000 the B-1 fleet craft flying, taking care of aging parts and performing periodic maintenance.

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Boeing B-2/Air-Launched /Conventional Air- Launched Cruise Missile Program Manager John Griffith noted the B-2 requires a greater level of maintenance than other bomber aircraft, as low-observable materials used on the B-2 are not as du- ‘It’s an awesome aircraft’ rable as those of an F-22 or Joint . Meet Giao Vu, who works on modernizing the B-52 “After each mission the B-2 needs surface preparation and restoration,” Griffith said. “This makes it more costly to operate Integrated Defense Systems employee Giao Vu is a systems engineer than a newer, smaller aircraft, and we’re continually working with and a member of the B-52 Product Development Team in Wichita, Kan. [prime contractor] Northrop Grumman to improve maintenance An 18-year Boeing veteran, Vu recently shared with Boeing Frontiers a capabilities and lower costs.” bit about her role in enhancing this U.S. Air Force warfighter. The age of the B-52 also is a factor. The B-52 Life Cycle Man- agement Process takes a critical look at aging issues. It determines B-52 Systems Engineer what makes most sense: to sustain current parts, structures or sys- Giao Vu sits in front tems or to develop a solution that would integrate newer technol- of the B-52 navigator station in the System ogy—leveraging synergies to ensure best value for the customer. Integration Laboratory Likewise, the B-1 Central Integrated Test System program is an in Wichita, Kan., which enhancement that tracks the “health” of the aircraft and provides the is one of several on best path for troubleshooting and maintaining the . Structur- site used to conduct al instrumentation tracks the health of the airframe and allows the integration testing/ Air Force to make informed decisions on use and maintenance. system verification and customer demonstra- tions. Staying power Ted Whiteside photo All four elements of bomber enhancement together make these platforms highly effective in combat and show-of-force situations. Day after day, around the clock, U.S. Air Force bombers can be found flying over various locations around the world. Indeed, the bomber has evolved into an incredibly versatile and flexible air- craft, capable of meeting the needs of the modern warfighter. In March, the B-1 passed the 500,000 flying-hour milestone and has proven to be the workhorse of the Air Force’s bomber fleet. “The B-1 continues to be the bomber of choice for our com- Q: Describe the role of IDS Support Systems when it comes to batant commanders, leveling enemy positions with pinpoint accu- maintaining and modernizing the B-52. racy,” said Col. Jeffrey Smith, 28th Bomb Wing Commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. “We are proud of its successes and A: IDS Support Systems plays an important role in maintaining and equally proud of the men and women who designed, built and fly modernizing the B-52 platform. We have dedicated staff working this national asset, defending our freedoms well into the future.” with the B-52 customers to address aircraft operational issues and to While the B-1 and B-2 are relatively new, the B-52 is nearly enhance and upgrade aircraft capabilities. We’ve been successful in 50 years old. From a structural-life perspective, however, IDS maintaining a good working relationship with our B-52 customers as well. Support Systems leaders believe all three platforms still have a lot Q: What are you currently working on in support of the B-52? of life left in them. Current projections for B-1 and B-52 validate a service life beyond 2040. A: Right now I’m working with the B-52 Air Force Reserve wing to inte- “I believe they’ll continue to be useful,” said Burton. “The chal- grate a software tool kit that they’ve developed to improve the utility of lenge for Boeing is in putting together a positive, affordable solu- targeting pods on the B-52. The B-52 currently supports the targeting tion and approach for the Air Force customer.” pod called Litening. Near term we hope to be able to support the Sniper Indeed, last year’s reorganization of IDS businesses that placed advanced targeting pod, which allows the aircrew to locate and identify all bomber programs into one organization—Support Systems— targets using high-resolution, forward-looking infrared sensors. They’re means the opportunity for sharing ideas and developing affordable also used for precise delivery of laser-guided munitions. solutions is much stronger. Another project involves working with various B-52 Air Force customers “Our enhancements take advantage of the synergy between and Boeing engineers to prepare for the B-52 participation in the 2008 platforms,” said Griffith. “We expect now that we’re all under the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (a large-scale event that occurs same leadership in Support Systems we’ll get even more synergy, every two years). now and into the future.” Ultimately, the needs of the warfighter have evolved and Q: What’s it like from an engineering perspective to work on an Boeing bomber aircraft have evolved with them. And IDS Support aircraft that’s more than 50 years old? Systems continues to work hard to bring this segment of global A: Maintaining and modernizing a 50-year-old aircraft is challenging. warfare into the 21st century. Fortunately, we have a very experienced and dedicated B-52 team “It’s more than enhancing the capabilities and supporting the here in Wichita to support this aircraft. The B-52 remains an effective platform. The enhancements being made to Boeing’s bombers bomber through continued modernization efforts supporting today’s have fundamentally changed the mission the aircraft perform,” mission needs. The B-52 maintains an 80 percent mission-capable said Oathout. “We’ve stepped up to the challenge, and that’s why rate, and it’s an awesome aircraft! we’re still here.” n [email protected]

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