B-52 Squadrons

Mission — B-52 Squadrons source

The B-52 is a long-range bomber capable of delivering the widest variety of nuclear and conventional standoff and direct attack munitions in the Air Force. The Air Force plans to fly the B-52 to 2050. The B-52 modernization efforts are needed to perform current and future wartime missions and to ensure relevance, lethality and survivability. Additionally, modernization projects alleviate aircraft obsolescence issues due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) while at the same time providing improved capabilities to the B-52 weapon system that require significant hardware and software development and testing. B-52 funding also supports innovation activities including, but not limited to tech demonstrations, studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion, and future acquisition programs. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $23.786M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $26.783M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Mission — Resilient Operation Capability Suite source

In response to urgent warfighter needs, the Command, Control and Communications Battle Management (C3BM) Resilient Operational Capability Suite (ROCS) program connects B-52 to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Battle Management Network (BMN) to bring resilient and reliable Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) capability and an open computing environment. The program will install a rack on the B-52 aircraft with components needed to connect B-52 to the BMN system of systems enabling robust connectivity and data dissemination. The open computing environment will allow faster integration of other capabilities to meet mission requirements such as M-code compliant Global Positioning System (GPS), Digital High Frequency (HF) (ARC-260), Directional Line-Of-Sight waveforms, SATURN enhanced data rate (SEDR) waveforms and Alternate Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Costs include, but are not limited to, any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include Program Management Administration (PMA) and centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership). Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY24 $0.0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 $0.0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — ARC-260 source

The B-52 ARC-260 program replaces a legacy HF radio with a modernized radio to ensure Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications in a satellite denied environment. The ARC-190 legacy radio is reaching obsolescence with an estimated End of Life (EOL) in 2029. The scope of the work includes, but is not limited to, the replacement of the existing ARC-190 system with an ARC-260 Remote Control Unit (RCU) and Receiver/Transmitter (R/T). The current program intent is to reuse the existing HF antenna/coupler and reuse Group A items to the maximum extent. The ARC-260 will be integrated into the B-52 platform to improve HF voice communications and take full advantage of the HF Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capabilities. The ARC-260 radio integration on the B-52 aircraft is essential to maintaining BLOS communications and improving mission capabilities well into the future. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY24 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 Mission Employment Trainer source

The B-52 Mission Employment Trainer (MET) program is for the development of the B-52 Family of Systems (FoS) Trainers. The FoS Trainers includes, but is not limited to, new training devices and Systems Integration Labs (SIL) that will augment and eventually replace the existing B-52 legacy training systems and SIL that are antiquated, not concurrent with the B-52 aircraft, and cost-prohibitive for modernization or sustainment. The current B-52 trainers are non-concurrent and only account for 17% of training on the Training Task Lists specified in various course syllabi. In conjunction with the AFGSC A3/6 signed Future Training Concept, this new FoS approach will train Air Force personnel utilizing low, medium, and high-fidelity training devices. These training devices will leverage a common software architecture, include modularity and open mission systems, be rapidly reprogrammable and network capable, enable accelerated future upgrades, and support affordable sustainment. This FoS concept fulfills the future training needs of the formal training unit (FTU), combat units, and weapons school students spanning the continuum of learning. These new devices/trainers are of paramount importance because of their critical role to future B-52 combat capabilities that must advance through 2050. Funds will be used to develop B-52 training devices that will provide an interactive and immersive environment to provide proficiency-based and initial qualification training for full-crew mission training and coordination, and related programmatic support. The MET FoS will reuse a virtualized version of the aircraft's Operational Flight Programs (OFP) and will execute on commercial-grade, off-the-shelf computational hardware. The virtualized OFP software will be developed to run on multiple training devices of varying physical fidelity. The MET devices will be rapidly reconfigurable to different aircraft configurations, and the non-motion simulator will be capable of worldwide deployment. From initial development, the open architecture lays the groundwork for a roadmap to aircraft concurrency, upgradability, and feature sets that can be added in a cost-effective manner, keeping pace with the speed of technology and future B-52 aircraft upgrades. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Funds may be used to purchase long-lead items following completion of Preliminary Design Review (PDR). As MET Integration provides future communication growth to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear certification, cyber security, program protection, crypto modernization, etc.) as well as other aircraft upgrades may require studies and/or support for potential impact to MET. Funds may be used to conduct development and test activities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 0M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 AFMC Test Assets source

The B-52 AFMC Test Assets project will provide funding for the test aircraft, manpower, and facilities at the Air Force Test Center located at Edwards AFB, California. The project will support the development testing and Bomber Modular Data Acquisition System (BMDAS) integration on B-52 test aircraft. The project can support Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) costs supporting test aircraft modifications occurring at Tinker AFB, OK. Costs include, but are not limited to, any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include Program Management Administration (PMA) and centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership). Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 AEHF Integration source

The B-52 Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Integration satellite communications (SATCOM) system provides a survivable, low probability of intercept/detection, high bandwidth system that ensures secure intra/inter-flight and two-way command and control communications in the modern anti-access/aerial denial battle space. This communications upgrade replaces the Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (MILSTAR) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) SATCOM capability (MILSTAR is nearing system end of life) on the B-52. The AEHF Integration effort will integrate the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Force Element Terminal (FET) onto the B-52 to provide two-way satellite communication for the B-52. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. As AEHF Integration provides future communication growth to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear certification, cyber security, program protection, crypto modernization, etc.) as well as other aircraft upgrades may require studies and/or support for potential impact to AEHF. Funds will be used to conduct development and test activities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $2.147M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $2.983M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 System Improvements source

B-52 System Improvements is a comprehensive project to facilitate future capabilities and ensure the B-52's viability in performing current and future wartime missions. The scope of work may include, but not limited to, the development of an Analysis of Alternative (AoA), studies and analyses, a Capability Development Document (CDD), and/or any other analyses or documentation necessary to establish a Program of Record (POR). Additionally, this project may include airborne integration experiments or demonstrations of emerging technologies. Support of the platform integration efforts are necessary to identify and resolve challenges associated with integrating multiple programs and activities planned for the B-52 fleet. Costs include any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a POR and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include, but are not limited to Program Management Administration (PMA), civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership), emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), safety of flight issues and to fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Systems Improvement is permitted to fund software development, test, and modernization efforts, updates to Operational Flight Programs (OFPs), and software merges to integrate and operationally implement new capabilities on the B-52. These capabilities include hardware and software updates in the areas of communications, avionics, advanced weapons and targeting pods. Updates to System Integration Laboratories (SILs) are required to integrate software into the various hardware, validate user requirements, and review system safety and security prior to release to flight test. The labs require continual upgrades to increase development and test efficiencies and to remain in compliance with all security and cyber requirements. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) source

The B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current APQ-166 radar on the B-52 aircraft with the AN/APQ-188 radar. The APQ-166 system is increasingly difficult to sustain due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources, obsolescent technologies, and the current failure rate places long-duration missions at risk. This modernization program will encompass the radar antenna array, 12 individual Line Replaceable Units (LRU), radar control panel, and Group A allocation that comprise the entire radar system. RMP will take advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire, to the maximum extent possible, previously developed radar systems and integrate them into the B-52. The use of new technology will increase both the overall reliability of the radar system and the capabilities for new missions. RMP will allow the operational command (AF Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52 aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons and perform mission-essential navigation and weather avoidance functions. AF Global Strike Command approved the removal of the radome from the baseline program for considerations of cost control and satisfactory legacy radome performance. In addition, applicable training devices for the new radar subsystem must also be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. This modification includes the installation of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) kits on two B-52 test aircraft to support Developmental/Operational Test and Evaluation (DT/OT). This program upgrades one B-52 Software Integration Lab (SIL) with radar functionality and builds a new Radar Development Lab and a new Radar SIL. Additionally, this program will develop a desktop training tool. As the RMP upgrade brings additional capability to the B-52, funds may be used to address emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear certification, cyber security, program protection, simulator common standards, etc.) in addition to increased radar integration (advanced targeting pod, Communication Technology (CONECT), Tactical Data Link (TDL), offensive avionics system, Crypto modernization, mission planning, Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) considerations, crew vehicle interfaces, B-52 Software Block (BSB), etc.) Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, DT/OT, safety of flight issues, and associated components in the RMP configuration baseline. DMSMS efforts may include removal of end-of-life/obsolete software/hardware within the weapons system, simulators systems, and MOSA implementation. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $5.911M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $4.924M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 CERP source

The B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current TF33-PW-103 engine on the B-52H aircraft. The TF33-PW-103 engine is experiencing significant supportability challenges due to diminished manufacturing sources and obsolescent technologies. This program will replace the current TF33-PW-103 engine with new military derivative commercial Rolls-Royce F130 engines of similar size, weight, and thrust characteristics. Along with the new engines, CERP will replace associated subsystems, such as engine struts and nacelles, the electrical power generation system, and cockpit displays. The development, production and installation of new engines and related subsystems will replace the legacy equipment on all 76 B-52H aircraft. Any B-52H aircraft modified with the new commercial engines and associated subsystems will be designated as B-52J. B-52J CERP is taking advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire engines and integrate them into the B-52. The new technology will increase both the overall reliability and maintainability of the propulsion system and produce additional electrical power generation capabilities for emerging requirements. The B-52J CERP will allow the operational command (Air Force Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52 aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons while increasing fuel efficiency and extending the range/loiter capabilities of the aircraft. In addition, applicable training devices must be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. As B-52J CERP brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear hardening, cyber security, program protection, etc.) are being addressed. Several concurrent aircraft upgrades during the B-52J CERP necessitate temporary facilities or facility upgrades/modifications. In addition, the upgrades may necessitate studies be performed to determine optimal engine installation and deployment options. Additionally, funds will be used to procure long lead material and installation for test aircraft to include engines and all required associated components in the B-52J CERP configuration baseline (i.e. RMP A & B EMD kits). Cost includes any other analysis or documentation and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 Weapon System. Cost includes Program Management Administration (PMA) costs, centralized support, and initiatives for digital engineering and anticipated weapon system enhancements, to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $13.394M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $16.276M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $[4.21] million for civilian personnel to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative.”

Mission — B-52 Crypto Modernization source

B-52 Crypto Modernization upgrades aircraft with Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) capable ARC-210 radio systems that prevent loss of beyond line of sight (BLOS) voice and data communications capability. The program will upgrade the B-52 aircraft with secure voice and data communications via SATURN (Second Generation Anti-Jam Technical UHF Radio for NATO) network, MUOS (Mobile User Objective System) Satellite constellation, and DAMA-IW (Demand Assigned Multiple Access - Integrated Waveform) SATCOM connection. These updates are required by the National Security Agency (NSA), DoD mandates, and directives. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 Quad Crew source

The Quad Crew program reduces B-52 crew size from five to four personnel. The program will transition controls and displays for the electronic warfare system from the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) station to the B-52 Navigator (NAV) Station supporting situational awareness, self-protection, and survivability in a contested environment. AFGSC has defunded the following requirements of the Quad Crew program: To facilitate this, the program upgrades & modifies the ALQ-172 Electronic Warfare Countermeasure System on the B-52 aircraft. A planned expansion of frequency bands within the ALQ-172 system, to restore frequencies previously covered by the deactivated AN/ALQ-155 system, will be included in the program once funding is obtained. In November 2024, Air Force Global Strike Command placed Phase II of the program on hold indefinitely due to operational utility, fiscal constraints, and production device availability. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, system integration, emerging and short notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — B-52 Airspace Compliance source

The B-52 Airspace Compliance Program ensures the B-52 meets regulatory Airspace Compliance, DoD and FAA mandates by integrated required hardware, software and firmware. Integrates a new Global Positioning System that provides advanced encryption to prevent spoofing and increases jamming protection for the fleet. This also includes the new Global Positioning System (GPS) Military Code (M-Code) signal design that provides a robust signal for the B-52 Fleet, enhancing Anti-Jam/Anti-Spoof capabilities and improving security to the GPS data message as military applications, technology, and mission requirements evolve. The scope of work may include, but not limited to studies and analyses, and/or any additional analyses or documentation necessary to establish a Programs of Record (POR) the meet mandated functions. Funds may also be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT), safety of flight issues, and associated components of the B-52 baseline configurations. DMSMS efforts may include removal of end-of-life/obsolete software and hardware due to the future emergence of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) implementation. This Program may also include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver M-Code GPS signal capability, as well as PM Administration (PMA) and support, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (13)