US Air Force completes B-2 stealth bomber integrated airborne mission transfer test

News, US August 13, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Air Force and defense manufacturer Northrop Grumman successfully completed an integrated airborne mission transfer (IAMT) demonstration with the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The test was conducted as part of the ongoing modernization efforts incorporating digital engineering. “The demonstration included approximately 50 mission transfers during a two-day period in partnership with the Air Force,” Northrop Grumman statement read.

During the demonstration, the U.S. Air Force aircrew received an incoming transmission from the ACS ground station, which loaded the mission directly through MMD interfaces to the B-2 Disk Drive Unit. The test validated that B-2 bomber flight crews can “focus more on mission execution in today’s dynamic battlespace thanks to progressive digital technology,” the company statement added.

Vice president and B-2 program manager at Northrop Grumman, Nikki Kodama said, “We are providing the B-2 with the capabilities to communicate and operate in advanced battle management systems and the joint all-domain command and control environment, keeping B-2 ahead of evolving threats.”

Kodama highlighted that “The integration of this digital software with our weapon system will further enhance the connectivity and survivability in highly contested environments as part of our ongoing modernization effort.”

According to the Northrop Grumman statement, “IAMT delivers an advanced capability that enables the B-2 to complete a digital, machine-to-machine transfer of new missions received in flight directly into the aircraft. IAMT is part of Northrop Grumman’s B-2 Collaborative Combat Communication (B2C3) Spiral 1 program that digitally enhances the B-2’s communications capabilities in today’s battlespace.”

The statement further added that “Aircraft vehicle 1086, the Spirit of Kitty Hawk, was configured with Northrop Grumman’s Multi Mission Domain (MMD) architecture. MMD is an open mission system architecture for the B-2 that allows rapid and affordable fielding of modern mission capabilities. The mission transfers utilized MMD to integrate with the B-2 Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS).”

^{U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit arrives at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale Aircraft Center of Excellence where the aircraft undergoes a complete “wingtip-to-wingtip” overhaul. (Image Credit: Northrop Grumman)}

Last year, U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman successfully tested B-2 bomber’s long-range stealth missile capabilities. During the flight test B-2 stealth bomber successfully test-fired a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER). The U.S. defense firm is continuing modernization of its B-2 bomber using innovation in digital engineering and low observable platforms.

According to the Northrop Grumman, the B-2 stealth bomber is capable of conducting long range operations and can carry large payload and precision weapons delivery. The aircraft can fly 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled and more than 10,000 nautical miles with just one aerial refueling, which enables it to reach any point on the globe within hours.

In December 2022, U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman unveiled the latest B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber, which is a long-range, highly survivable bomber, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.