Bomber Electronics Systems: B-1B, B-2, B-52

Most Bomber electronics programs have been smaller and less expensive programs, either for legacy/rarely-upgraded Cold War systems (B-1B), or for lesser-capability systems (B-52), or for classified (but big) programs (B-2). We will discuss the B-2 Defensive Management System (DMS) in this update.

According to the US Air Force, the B-2A Spirit is the world's most advanced long-range strike asset. The unique combination of range, payload, and stealth (anti-access and global strike missions) characteristics allow the B-2 to target and destroy the highest value enemy targets, regardless of location, and return home safely. RDT&E projects are necessary to both preserve this strategic advantage as well as increase the flexibility and lethality of this national asset tasked across a broad spectrum, from tactical to national objectives.

Prior to 2020, the US Air Force B-2 Defensive Management System (DMS) RDT&E program was a broad (and quite expensive) effort to upgrade the electronic warfare (EW) systems aboard the B-2. Funding began with $250 million in FY13, with about $2 billion spent on RDT&E through the past decade.

But according to the USAF in early 2020, delays in the acquisition of the B-2 DMS-M had reduced the return on investment. In response to this shifting timeline, the Air Force realigned funding to instead address reliability and sustainment of the B-2 cockpit display system until end-of-life, while developing new capabilities aligned to the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

Thus, in 2020 the DMS-M EMD effort was being de-scoped and transitioned to the modernization primarily of the B-2 cockpit display sub-system. The current display sub-system lacks the processing power to provide necessary situational awareness to air crews in the projected dense threat environments of the future. Also, the legacy multi-function display units (MDUs) are not supportable due to obsolescence and repair issues. Without the DMS program, display availability will severely impact aircraft availability.

In February 2020, the USAF FY21 budget scheduled funding decreases in FY21 to reflect the restructure of the current DMS-M EMD effort and transition to the Multi-function Display Unit Replacement (MDU-R)/Advanced Graphics Processor (AGP) development effort, with the transfer of remaining funds to PE# 0101127F.

Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the B-2 weapon system, is the integrator and prime contractor for B-2 DMS activities.

Teal Group forecasts the new reduced DMS programs will be worth $1.2 billion over the next decade, adding to about $2 billion already spent by the Air Force.