(NSI News Source
Info) December 31, 2008: Northrop Grumman has been awarded a production contract for the B-2 radar modernization program (RMP), a key upgrade required to "ensure sustained operational viability" of the stealth bomber fleet, the U.S. Air Force says.
The upgrade was required after the U.S. Commerce Dept. directed the Air Force to stop using the B-2's current radar frequency. The RMP moves the radar from a band where the B-2 is a secondary user to a frequency where it is a primary user.
The modification incorporates an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna. There are no changes to the radar signal and data processing, and no new capability, but Northrop Grumman says the RMP lays the foundation for future growth.
The B-2 radar, which has two antennas mounted in the leading edges of the flying wing, is used for navigation, targeting, weather avoidance, aircraft deconfliction, station keeping and tanker rendezvous. Raytheon is supplying the new APQ-181 AESA,
Award of the production contract, with a target price of $468 million, follows "successful initial operational test and evaluation flight tests that were recently completed at Edwards AFB, California," the Air Force says.
Development of the RMP was interrupted in 2007 by technical issues with the Ku-band AESA antenna. Initial operational capability with six aircraft retofitted is scheduled for 2010, and full operational capability for 2011.
Info) December 31, 2008: Northrop Grumman has been awarded a production contract for the B-2 radar modernization program (RMP), a key upgrade required to "ensure sustained operational viability" of the stealth bomber fleet, the U.S. Air Force says.
The upgrade was required after the U.S. Commerce Dept. directed the Air Force to stop using the B-2's current radar frequency. The RMP moves the radar from a band where the B-2 is a secondary user to a frequency where it is a primary user.
The modification incorporates an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna. There are no changes to the radar signal and data processing, and no new capability, but Northrop Grumman says the RMP lays the foundation for future growth.
The B-2 radar, which has two antennas mounted in the leading edges of the flying wing, is used for navigation, targeting, weather avoidance, aircraft deconfliction, station keeping and tanker rendezvous. Raytheon is supplying the new APQ-181 AESA,
Award of the production contract, with a target price of $468 million, follows "successful initial operational test and evaluation flight tests that were recently completed at Edwards AFB, California," the Air Force says.
Development of the RMP was interrupted in 2007 by technical issues with the Ku-band AESA antenna. Initial operational capability with six aircraft retofitted is scheduled for 2010, and full operational capability for 2011.
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